Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Charles stopped and looked at me with surprise.

I realized I might have overstepped, so I quickly added, "I didn't mean anything bad. I just..."

"It's fine," Charles interrupted. "Before she got sick, she was full of energy and loved making friends. She'd be happy to see you," he said, still not looking at me, seeming almost like he was talking to himself. Seeing him like this made me feel sad.

"Madeline, come with me," he said, then started walking again.

As I followed him, I suddenly felt how heavy his burden had to be, like he was carrying too much.

Charles took me to a rehabilitation ward that looked almost as fancy as the VIP ward. The place was really nice, which meant that it was expensive. It was clear that the woman lying here came from a wealthy family.

Charles hesitated at the door, seeming like he wanted to say something.

Thinking that he might be having second thoughts, I quickly said, "If it's not a good time, we can skip this."

"Madeline, she really does look a lot like you... just thinner now," he finally said.

someone out there who looked just like

comes from within, not

smile too. Then, he quietly opened

the woman on

break now. We'll call you if we need anything,"

probably because of how much I looked like the woman

when you're not here?" I asked, trying to break

all the time," he said, setting the fruit on the

was so pale that it was almost see-through, and her hair was spread out over the pillow.

fairytale. The tear-shaped mole on her

woman in the bed and spoke quietly, "She's amazing. She skipped grades and got into Beckham University without taking any exams. By

that

asked, "What happened? Was it

away. After a long pause, he said, "It was

obvious. It was clear that this was really weighing