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

smiled softly. "Real beauty comes from within, not just from

gave a slight smile too. Then, he quietly

caregiver in a blue uniform, gently massaging the woman on the

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

look, probably because of how much I looked like the woman

caregivers who take care of her when you're not here?" I asked, trying

downcast. "Yeah, I have to work, so I can't be here all the time," he said, setting the fruit on the table and then sitting

almost see-through, and her hair was spread out over the pillow. Her eyes were gently closed, and her lips were slightly open. She didn't look

tear-shaped mole on

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

sad. "If it hadn't been for that

"What happened? Was it

a long pause, he

was obvious. It was clear that