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 got into

back,

out his phone and

multiple missed calls

her lips, she said, “You should go if you have matters to

that, she unbuckled her seatbelt and prepared to get out of

Samuel grabbed ahold of her pale wrist and said, “Let’s

shock. She stammered,

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

the child

had not

seeing Madeline, Samuel suddenly wanted a daughter

stiff,

out of your mind?” Kathleen could not

Samuel frowned. “What?”

you want a child now?” Kathleen’s expression was sorrowful. “Even I can’t stand being in this household,

Samuel asked, “What do

child’s father would always return home late, that is, if he even comes home. He would also

her

on Father’s Day. You would constantly be with your other child, playing

She felt incredibly heartbroken.

mere thought of it made her heart clench in

Kathleen wasn’t stupid.

refused to let her own child

their father was dead than let them know that

lips.

me think this way? You made me think that you would sleep with

Kathleen got out of the car and entered the entrance

sigh as he

plans to have children with

won’t Kathleen

Kathleen entered the apartment.

dishes prepared by Maria. The food

helped herself to a plate of

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

from the door, and Samuel walked into

Kathleen was momentarily stunned.

didn’t go to Nicolette? She left him so

room and took off his coat. He proceeded to wash his

grabbed a plate of food

two of them

if the argument had

their meal, Kathleen prepared to wash the