After the charity work had ended, Sophie escorted Kathleen out of the charity home.
All Too Late novel Chapter 24
“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.
“You guys can continue chatting. I have something to deal with, so I’ll take my leave now.” With that said, Sophie turned around and left.
Federick looked at Kathleen and asked, “May I treat you to a meal?”
“I’m sorry, Federick. My family is waiting for me to dine with them at home,” she explained.
“It’s okay.” Federick was worried that she might misunderstand, so he continued, “I’ll send you back home then. We can chat in the car.”
“Okay.” Kathleen nodded.
Federick opened the 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 here.”
Federick planned to move those books to the backseat.
Kathleen was afraid it would be too troublesome, so she suggested, “Federick, you don’t have to move them. I can sit at the back.”
With a faint smile, Federick said, “Okay, that works too. These books are quite heavy.”
Kathleen smiled and got into the backseat.
Soon, Federick got into the car as well and fastened his seat belt. He asked, “Where do you stay?”
She told him the address of the Macari residence.
He was stunned for a moment before regaining his composure and said, “Okay, got it.”
Kathleen noticed some books in the backseat as well, so she took one and asked, “Federick, what are these?”
Federick’s lips curled upward and replied, “These are some picture books published by my company. The one you’re looking at is a story I’ve written for Madeline. An illustrator drew the pictures for me.”
Kathleen found it to be a good read and said, “This is interesting.”
With a smile, Federick replied, “Really?”
“However, why is the story not completed?” Kathleen asked in confusion.
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