All Too Late
Chapter 24
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
and asked, “May I treat you
me to
that she might misunderstand, so he continued, “I’ll send you back home then. We can chat in
“Okay.” Kathleen nodded.
children’s picture books on the seat. Embarrassed, he said, “I’m sorry. I forgot that I put
those
be too troublesome, so she suggested, “Federick, you don’t have to move them. I can sit at the
said, “Okay, that works
and got
got into the car as well and fastened his seat belt. He asked, “Where
told him the address of
was stunned for a moment before regaining his composure and said, “Okay,
noticed some books in the backseat as well, so she took one and asked, “Federick, what are
published by my company. The one you’re looking at is a story I’ve written for Madeline.
found it to be a good read and
smile, Federick
not completed?” Kathleen asked
draw anymore. I couldn’t find another illustrator to
nodded at
there a reason why you’re looking for me?”
ask if you’ll be volunteering here next
and replied, “Yes, as long as I
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
to listen
you if I ask you to communicate with her more
course not. Federick, you don’t have to be so polite
so he offered, “That’s good to hear! Feel free to let
can I have this
can have it if you like it.” Federick happily gifted her the
wrapped the book in her arms and said,
arrived at the entrance
mansion, Federick was reminded
was worried that Federick might