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

smiled softly. "Real beauty comes from

too. Then,

a caregiver in a blue uniform, gently massaging the woman on the bed. When she noticed us, she stood up

a break now. We'll call you if we

probably because of how

take care of her when you're not here?" I asked, trying to break the heavy silence in

can't be here all the time," he said, setting the fruit on 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 gently closed, and her lips were slightly

like Sleeping Beauty from the fairytale. The tear-shaped mole on her cheek made her look even more

She skipped grades and got into Beckham University

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

"What happened? Was it

After a long pause, he

It was clear that this was really weighing down on