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.

was someone

smiled softly. "Real beauty comes

slight smile too. Then, he quietly opened

massaging the woman on

break now. We'll call you if we

quick look, probably because of how much

take care of her when you're not here?"

"Yeah, I have to work, so I can't be here all the

the woman lying there. Her skin was so pale that it was almost see-through, and her hair was spread out over the pillow. Her eyes were

the fairytale. The tear-shaped mole on her

skipped grades and got into Beckham University without taking any exams. By

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

"What happened? Was

a long pause, he said, "It was my

that this was really weighing down