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

the journey back,

they arrived home, Samuel took out his phone and

multiple missed

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

her seatbelt and prepared to get out

of her pale wrist

froze in shock. She stammered, “W-What

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

as the

had

seeing Madeline, Samuel suddenly wanted

was still frozen stiff, and her face was

mind?” Kathleen could not believe

Samuel frowned. “What?”

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

Samuel asked, “What do

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

expected her to care about

spending time with them on New Year’s and on Father’s Day. You would constantly be with your other child, playing with them, and taking them to

She felt incredibly heartbroken.

made her

Kathleen wasn’t stupid.

own child

let

pursed his lips. “You’re overthinking

this way? You made me think that you would sleep

out of the car

as he stared

plans to have children

Kathleen believe

Kathleen entered the apartment.

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

plate of food and sat down to

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

moment, a sound came from the door, and Samuel

Kathleen was momentarily stunned.

didn’t go to Nicolette? She left him so many missed

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

grabbed a plate of food and sat down to

two of them were

if the argument had never

their meal, Kathleen prepared to wash