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.

I’ll take my leave now.” With that said, Sophie turned around

at Kathleen and asked, “May

My family is waiting for me to dine with them at home,”

worried that she might misunderstand, so he continued, “I’ll

“Okay.” Kathleen nodded.

saw some children’s picture books on the

those

she suggested, “Federick, you don’t

“Okay, that works too. These books

smiled and got

car as well and fastened his seat

the address of

was stunned for a moment before regaining his composure and

so she took one and asked, “Federick, what are

by my company. The one you’re looking at is a story I’ve written for Madeline. An illustrator drew the pictures

to be a good read and said,

a smile,

not

illustrator got into an accident and couldn’t draw anymore. I couldn’t

nodded at

a reason why you’re looking for me?” she asked

be volunteering here next

replied, “Yes, as long as I

was relieved upon hearing that. “That’s great! Autistic children don’t really interact with anyone since they’re too immersed in their own worlds. If there’s a way to pique their interest in interacting with others, there might be a chance to cure this

continued to listen

to your words today. Will it trouble you if I ask you to communicate with her

gently replied, “Of course not. Federick, you don’t have to be so polite when speaking

out with nothing in return, so he offered, “That’s good to hear! Feel

asked, “Federick, can I have this

if you like

the book in her arms and said, “Okay,

they arrived at the entrance of the

the magnificent mansion, Federick was reminded of

worried that Federick