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.

guys can continue chatting. I have something to deal with, so I’ll take my leave now.” With that

“May

me to dine with them at home,”

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

“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 books

those books

suggested, “Federick, you don’t have

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

got into the

and fastened his seat belt.

told him the address of

was stunned for a moment before regaining his composure and said, “Okay, got

the backseat as well, so she took

The one you’re looking at is

found it to be a good read and said,

a smile,

the story not completed?” Kathleen

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

at

why you’re looking

to ask if you’ll be volunteering here next time,” Federick asked

as long as I have the time

great! Autistic children don’t really interact with anyone since they’re too immersed in their own worlds. If there’s a way

continued to listen

actually reacted to your words today. Will it trouble you if

course not. Federick, you don’t have to be so polite

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

asked, “Federick, can I

can have it if you like it.” Federick

wrapped the book in her arms and said,

they arrived at the entrance of the Macari

looking at the magnificent mansion, Federick

worried that