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

comes from

a slight smile too. Then, he quietly

gently massaging the woman on the bed. When she noticed

take a break now. We'll call you if

left, but not before giving me a quick look, probably

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

have to work, so I can't be here all the time," he said, setting the

see-through, and her hair was spread out over the pillow. Her eyes were

Beauty from the fairytale. The tear-shaped mole on her

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

really sad. "If it hadn't been for that accident, she'd probably

"What happened? Was it

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

guilt was obvious. It was clear that this was really