All Too Late

After the charity work had ended, Sophie escorted Kathleen out of the charity home.

“Does your hand still hurt?” Sophie asked.

Kathleen shook her head and replied, “It doesn’t hurt anymore.”

Sophie noticed Kathleen’s dejected mood and consoled, “Everyone was like you when they first volunteer here. Even though they might not have encountered situations where the children were having episodes, they felt the same way as you when they heard about the parents.”

Kathleen bit her lips and asked, “What are the chances of recovery for these children?”

“The chances are slim. Even if they’ve recovered, there are still possibilities for them to be triggered again.” Sophie sighed and continued, “As of now, there’s still no definite explanation as to why this happens. There’s no cure for it as well.”

Gloomily, Kathleen said, “Ms. Campbell, I don’t know how to explain my feelings. After seeing those children and their parents, I’m worried that my own child will be like this too. Am I being very selfish? The first thing I thought about is myself after witnessing what happened.”

Sophie patted her shoulder and said, “You silly child. It’s normal to feel this way. When you get pregnant in the future, you just have to make sure that you’re feeling happy at all times. Everything is fine if you give birth safely. Stop overthinking.”

Feeling happy at all times? I want to but I’m suffering.

That was the reason why Kathleen was feeling upset. She was worried that her suffering would affect her child.

With a gentle tone, Sophie said, “You’re a kind-hearted person. God will not mistreat you.”

“Ms. Campbell, I really like this place. Can I continue to volunteer here?” Kathleen asked.

Sophie nodded and replied, “Of course! We will always welcome you.”

“Thank you!” Kathleen was delighted upon hearing that.

Just then, a black Mercedes-Benz stopped in front of her.

Federick got off the car and said, “Kathleen, I’m here to apologize to you.”

Puzzled, Kathleen asked, “Federick, how’s Madeline?”

“My mum’s looking after her. Don’t worry, my mum has experience taking care of Madeline,” he explained.

Feeling relieved, she nodded.

something to deal with, so I’ll take my leave now.”

at Kathleen and asked, “May I treat you to

waiting for me to dine with them at

he continued, “I’ll send you back home then. We can chat in the

“Okay.” Kathleen nodded.

some children’s picture books on the seat. Embarrassed, he said, “I’m sorry. I forgot that I put some

move those

so she suggested, “Federick, you don’t have to move them. I can sit

faint smile, Federick said, “Okay, that works too. These books

got

as well and fastened

told him the address of

regaining his composure and said, “Okay,

the backseat as well, so she took one and asked,

one you’re looking

a good

smile, Federick

is the story not completed?” Kathleen asked

going to publish the sequel this summer, but the illustrator got into an accident and couldn’t draw anymore. I couldn’t find another illustrator to replace him, so the sequel has to be delayed,”

nodded at

reason why you’re looking for

you’ll be volunteering here next time,” Federick asked

replied, “Yes, as long

relieved upon hearing that. “That’s great! Autistic children don’t really interact with anyone since they’re too immersed in their own worlds. If there’s a way to pique their interest in interacting with others,

to listen to

trouble you if I ask you to

course not. Federick, you don’t have to be so polite when speaking to me. It’s

out with nothing in return, so he offered, “That’s good to hear! Feel

can I

have it if you like

in her arms and said, “Okay, I’ll take it

they arrived at the entrance

the magnificent mansion, Federick was reminded

worried that Federick might misunderstand.