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.

two of them

the journey back, they

took out his

had multiple missed calls from

her gaze. Pursing her lips, she said, “You should go if you

seatbelt and prepared to get out of the

grabbed ahold of her pale

shock. She stammered, “W-What did you just

voice was hoarse. “It doesn’t matter if the child’s a

as the child is

he had

seeing Madeline, Samuel suddenly wanted

still frozen stiff, and her face was

mind?”

Samuel frowned. “What?”

being in this household, and you expect my child to grow up

“What

of his mistress, the child’s father would always return home late, that is, if

expected her to care

Year’s and on Father’s Day. You would constantly be with your other child, playing with them, and taking them to amusement parks. What would happen to my child then?” Tears started to fall

She felt incredibly heartbroken.

thought of it made

Kathleen wasn’t stupid.

her own child

that their father was dead than let them know that their father did

lips. “You’re

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

that, Kathleen got out of the car and

a sigh as he stared after Kathleen’s

had no plans to

Kathleen believe

Kathleen entered the apartment.

was ladened with dishes prepared by Maria. The food was still

to a plate of

energy that day. Thus, she was going to eat more

moment, a sound came from the door, and Samuel walked into the

Kathleen was momentarily stunned.

to Nicolette? She left him so many

off his coat. He proceeded

he also grabbed a plate of food and

of

as if the argument had

their meal, Kathleen prepared