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.” With that said, Sophie turned

asked, “May I treat you to

Federick. My family is waiting for me to dine

was worried that she might misunderstand, so he continued, “I’ll send you back home

“Okay.” Kathleen nodded.

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

those books to the

too troublesome, so she suggested, “Federick, you don’t have to move them.

a faint smile, Federick said, “Okay, that works

smiled and got into the

fastened his seat belt.

told him the address of the Macari

for a moment before regaining his composure and said, “Okay,

the backseat as well, so

and replied, “These are some picture books published by my company. The one you’re looking at is a story I’ve written for Madeline. An

to be a good read

smile,

story not completed?”

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

nodded at

you’re looking for

if you’ll be volunteering

“Yes, as long as

was 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

continued to listen

trouble you

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

Kathleen help out with nothing in return, so he offered, “That’s good to hear! Feel free to let me

asked, “Federick, can

you like

wrapped the book in her arms

they arrived at the

looking at the magnificent mansion, Federick was reminded of that

that Federick might