All Too Late

Christopher couldn’t stop frowning.

Why did Astrid come back right now? I heard she worked as a war correspondent for a few years.

Christopher typed out a reply: I’ll do my best to be a good friend to her.

Osvald: It’s up to you. I just want you to keep an eye on her. That’s it.

Christopher let out a cold snort.

Is he saying that I’m overthinking?

Christopher went to watch the live stream and happened to see Kathleen bringing Astrid to their rooms.

“This is your room. Nancy and I are living on this floor, so if you need any help, just let us know.” Kathleen was both gentle and thoughtful.

Astrid chuckled. “All right. This is my first time on a variety show, so I’m completely baffled. Please let me know if I do anything wrong!”

“This is my first time, too.” A smile nudged Kathleen’s lips. “We can learn together.”

“Sure,” Astrid replied cheerfully. “I worked as a war correspondent overseas previously. A year ago, a grenade splinter cut across my forehead, and I nearly lost my life. I was traumatized and ended up coming home.”

Kathleen nodded in acknowledgment.

She actually didn’t want to ask personal questions, for she knew how to respect someone else’s privacy.

Now that Astrid chose to reveal everything herself, Kathleen had to play along. “You did great.”

“If I don’t do it, someone else will,” Astrid responded. “It might be dangerous, but I think it’s a meaningful job. Compared to normal jobs, I think mine is far more significant.”

“Every job has its own significance,” Kathleen told her.

Astrid met her gaze thoughtfully. “You’re right.”

“Let’s head down to join everyone downstairs.” Kathleen smiled.

Astrid nodded and reached out to take Kathleen’s hand. “Oh, your hand is soft, unlike mine. I didn’t get to take care of my hands previously, so they are pretty rough.”

Kathleen’s lips curved. “You can start now. Your hands will be like mine soon.”

right. Whatever you say.” Astrid’s lips

both of them headed down

after hearing

She seemed to be mocking Kathleen! But she’s way

reading too much into her words. She was just lamenting how hard her life used to be. I can’t believe

honest. She revealed her identity outright

remarks. She wasn’t

her to insult other jobs! Kathleen’s right. Every job has its own hardship. We all work our asses off to earn money. She isn’t the only one who’s having

when she commented how soft Kathleen’s hand was. She even said her hands are rough because of her job.

began

comments as

went

would be coming for dinner that night and they should pay extra attention

mention how special

nervous at that piece of

asked deliberately, “Kathleen, who do you think the customers would

her head. “I don’t

who they are,” Astrid

voice was calm as she replied, “Why would

gave her

alone tonight?” Nancy asked

hesitated for a

suggest otherwise, but

to be a good wife and mother? Is that something that is worth bragging about? That

will be tiring if you handle everything alone. You and Kathleen should work together,”

Kathleen’s a great cook. I shall take the opportunity to learn from her!” Astrid agreed

dishes for dinner,” Kathleen suggested nonchalantly. “What do

a pause,

her with a grin. “I

Astrid pursed her lips.

What an inconspicuous retort.

at Astrid and sneered

went to the kitchen

Astrid went after her.

just