All Too Late

Kathleen was moved because Federick truly cared about Madeline.

“Federick, it’s great that you found Madeline,” Kathleen reassured the former as she took a step forward. “Let’s take her to the hospital for a quick checkup.”

“Okay.” Federick nodded his head in agreement.

He knew he should keep a lid on his emotions.

With Madeline in his arms, Federick turned to leave.

Resting her chin on her father’s shoulder, Madeline turned around to look at Kathleen.

She stared at Kathleen and Samuel with a pair of discerning eyes.

Then, she smiled at Kathleen.

Kathleen was surprised. She returned the smile after a moment.

The way Madeline quietly stared at her made her seem like a pretty little angel.

Consequently, Kathleen felt pained when she thought of the situation Madeline was in.

Soon, they arrived at the parking lot.

Federick helped Madeline into the car before turning to Kathleen and returning the coat.

“Kathleen, Mr. Macari, thank you so much.” There were two tear streaks on Federick’s handsome face.

“It was no trouble at all, Federick,” Kathleen replied. “As long as I was of help to Madeline, I would do all of it again.”

“Thank you.” Federick was truly grateful. “I’ll take Madeline to the hospital. Both of you must be tired. You should go home and get some rest.”

“Federick, can I visit Madeline tomorrow?” Kathleen asked. “She only ventured out alone because of the promise she made with me.”

“You’re more than welcome to,” Federick replied. “Kathleen, it wasn’t your fault. It’s the nature of Madeline’s illness. This is all on me. Due to my negligence, I seldom spent time with her.”

“Federick, I’ve heard many stories about autistic children. You’re doing your best with Madeline.” Kathleen comforted. “I’m sure she will get better.”

“All right.” Federick nodded slightly. “I’ll take my leave then.”

“Goodbye,” Kathleen said.

“Goodbye.”

Federick got into his car and drove off.

Kathleen turned around and passed Samuel the coat. “Put it on. Don’t catch a cold.”

Accepting the proffered coat, Samuel replied, “Let’s head back as well.”

Kathleen nodded in agreement.

of them

back,

they arrived home, Samuel took out his phone

missed calls from

lips, she said, “You should go if

and prepared to get

ahold of her pale wrist and

froze in shock. She stammered, “W-What did

have a child.” Samuel’s voice was hoarse. “It doesn’t matter

as the child is

had

after seeing Madeline, Samuel suddenly wanted

frozen stiff, and her face

Are you out of your mind?”

Samuel frowned. “What?”

I can’t stand being in this household, and you expect my child to grow up in this sort

“What do

is, if he even comes home. He would also drop everything and run to the mistress the moment she calls. Can this be considered

expected her to care

your other child, playing with them, and taking them to amusement parks. What would happen to my child then?” Tears started to fall from Kathleen’s eyes as she said

She felt incredibly heartbroken.

mere thought of it made her heart clench

Kathleen wasn’t stupid.

let her own child go through such

dead than let them know that their father did not love them

lips. “You’re

much? Aren’t you the one who made me think this way? You made me think that

Kathleen got out of the car

sigh as he stared after Kathleen’s

to have children with

won’t Kathleen

Kathleen entered the apartment.

dining table was ladened with dishes prepared

a plate of food and

had expended too much energy that day. Thus, she was going to

the door, and

Kathleen was momentarily stunned.

go to Nicolette? She left him so

took off his

also grabbed a plate of food

two of

the argument had never

Kathleen prepared to wash