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

back,

arrived home, Samuel took out his

had multiple missed

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

unbuckled her seatbelt and prepared

pale wrist

She stammered, “W-What did you just

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

long as the

had not liked

after seeing Madeline, Samuel suddenly wanted a daughter

stiff, and

of your mind?” Kathleen could not

Samuel frowned. “What?”

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

Samuel asked, “What

late, that is, if he even comes home. He would also

her to care

with your other child, playing with them, and taking them to

She felt incredibly heartbroken.

it made her heart clench

Kathleen wasn’t stupid.

refused to let her own child go

than let them know that their father

pursed his lips.

too much? Aren’t you the one who made me think this way? You made me think that you would sleep with Nicolette,” Kathleen said

out of the car and entered the entrance to

as he

had no plans to

Kathleen believe

Kathleen entered the apartment.

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

helped herself to a plate of food and sat

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

sound came from the door, and Samuel walked into

Kathleen was momentarily stunned.

She left him so many

into the room and took off his coat. He proceeded

a plate of food

two of

the argument

meal, Kathleen prepared to wash