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.

that there was someone out there who

comes from within, not

gave a slight smile too. Then, he quietly opened

massaging the woman on the bed. When she noticed us, she stood up

can take a break now. We'll call you if we need anything," Charles said

and left, but not before giving me a quick look, probably because of how much I looked like the woman lying on the

not here?" I asked, trying

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

hair was spread out over the pillow.

fairytale. The tear-shaped

bed and spoke quietly, "She's amazing. She skipped grades and got into

hadn't been for that accident, she'd probably be the

asked, "What happened? Was

didn't answer right away. After a long pause, he said,

was obvious. It was clear that this was