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 have something to deal with, so I’ll take my leave now.” With that said, Sophie

and asked, “May I treat you to a

My family is waiting for me

misunderstand, so he continued, “I’ll send you back home then. We can chat

“Okay.” Kathleen nodded.

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

those books to the

troublesome, so she suggested, “Federick, you don’t have to move them. I

Federick said, “Okay, that works

and got into the

car as well and fastened his

address of the Macari

was stunned for a moment before regaining his composure and

noticed some books in the backseat as well, so

replied, “These are some picture books published by my company. The one you’re

to be a good read

smile, Federick replied,

the story not completed?” Kathleen

an accident and couldn’t draw anymore. I couldn’t find another illustrator to replace him, so the sequel has to be delayed,”

nodded at his

looking for me?” she asked out

be volunteering

“Yes, as long as I have the time

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

continued to listen

reacted to your words today. Will it trouble you if I ask you

you don’t have to be so polite when speaking to

would not let Kathleen help out with nothing in return, so he offered, “That’s good

asked, “Federick, can

it if you like it.” Federick happily gifted

arms and said,

the

magnificent mansion, Federick

worried that Federick might