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.

can continue chatting. I have something to deal with, so I’ll take my

Kathleen and asked, “May I

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

was worried that she might misunderstand, so he continued, “I’ll send you back

“Okay.” Kathleen nodded.

picture books on the seat. Embarrassed, he said, “I’m sorry. I forgot that I

move those books to

too troublesome, so she suggested, “Federick, you

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

smiled and got into

car as well and fastened his seat belt. He asked,

address

regaining his composure and said, “Okay, got

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

“These are some picture books published by my company. The one you’re looking at is a story I’ve written for Madeline. An

a good read and said, “This is

a smile, Federick

the story not completed?” Kathleen asked in

was going to publish the sequel this summer, but the illustrator got into an accident and couldn’t draw anymore. I couldn’t find another illustrator to replace him, so

nodded at his

is there a reason why you’re looking for me?”

be volunteering here next time,” Federick asked

as long as I have

immersed in their own worlds. If there’s a

continued to listen to

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

have to be so polite when speaking to me. It’s my

so he offered, “That’s good to

can

have it if you like it.” Federick happily gifted her the

in her arms and said, “Okay, I’ll take

the

at the magnificent mansion,

worried that Federick might misunderstand.