All Too Late

After the charity work had ended, Sophie escorted Kathleen out of the charity home.

“Does your hand still hurt?” Sophie asked.

Kathleen shook her head and replied, “It doesn’t hurt anymore.”

Sophie noticed Kathleen’s dejected mood and consoled, “Everyone was like you when they first volunteer here. Even though they might not have encountered situations where the children were having episodes, they felt the same way as you when they heard about the parents.”

Kathleen bit her lips and asked, “What are the chances of recovery for these children?”

“The chances are slim. Even if they’ve recovered, there are still possibilities for them to be triggered again.” Sophie sighed and continued, “As of now, there’s still no definite explanation as to why this happens. There’s no cure for it as well.”

Gloomily, Kathleen said, “Ms. Campbell, I don’t know how to explain my feelings. After seeing those children and their parents, I’m worried that my own child will be like this too. Am I being very selfish? The first thing I thought about is myself after witnessing what happened.”

Sophie patted her shoulder and said, “You silly child. It’s normal to feel this way. When you get pregnant in the future, you just have to make sure that you’re feeling happy at all times. Everything is fine if you give birth safely. Stop overthinking.”

Feeling happy at all times? I want to but I’m suffering.

That was the reason why Kathleen was feeling upset. She was worried that her suffering would affect her child.

With a gentle tone, Sophie said, “You’re a kind-hearted person. God will not mistreat you.”

“Ms. Campbell, I really like this place. Can I continue to volunteer here?” Kathleen asked.

Sophie nodded and replied, “Of course! We will always welcome you.”

“Thank you!” Kathleen was delighted upon hearing that.

Just then, a black Mercedes-Benz stopped in front of her.

Federick got off the car and said, “Kathleen, I’m here to apologize to you.”

Puzzled, Kathleen asked, “Federick, how’s Madeline?”

“My mum’s looking after her. Don’t worry, my mum has experience taking care of Madeline,” he explained.

Feeling relieved, she nodded.

to deal with, so I’ll take my leave

looked at Kathleen and asked, “May I treat you

me to dine with them at home,” she

so he continued, “I’ll send you back home then.

“Okay.” Kathleen nodded.

passenger seat’s door and saw some children’s picture books on the seat. Embarrassed, he said, “I’m sorry. I forgot that I put some

move those books

“Federick, you don’t have to move them. I can sit at the

smile, Federick said, “Okay, that works too. These books are quite

and got into the

fastened his seat belt. He asked, “Where do

told him the address of the

moment before regaining his composure and said, “Okay,

as well, so she took one and asked, “Federick, what

upward and replied, “These are some picture books published by my company. The one you’re looking at is a

to be a good read and said, “This is

smile,

story not

accident and couldn’t draw anymore. I couldn’t find another illustrator

nodded at his

a reason why you’re looking for

just wanted to ask if you’ll be volunteering

long as

they’re too immersed in their own worlds. If there’s a way to pique their interest in interacting

continued to

Will it trouble you if I ask you to

don’t have to be so polite when speaking to me. It’s my

not let Kathleen help out with nothing in return, so he offered, “That’s good to hear! Feel free to let

asked, “Federick, can I have

like it.” Federick happily gifted

wrapped the book in her arms and said, “Okay, I’ll

the entrance of

mansion, Federick was reminded of

that Federick