All Too Late

Kathleen entered a restaurant and ordered herself a plate of vegan pasta.

After her meal, she soon left to visit Benjamin who was admitted to the nearby hospital.

Kathleen couldn’t help her rising concern as she observed the unconscious form of Benjamin through the window of his hospital room.

“My brother’s condition has been stable since early this morning,” Gemma uttered from behind Kathleen.

Kathleen turned to face Gemma, who was dressed in her nurse’s uniform and balancing a tray between her hands.

“When will your brother be regaining consciousness?” queried Kathleen cautiously.

Gemma’s expression darkened as she replied, “The doctor says that it’s still too early to tell.”

“Why not try consulting the opinions of other specialists?”

“It’s all right, Kathleen. There’s still time,” Gemma comforted. “By the way, how was your experience volunteering?”

“It was such an eye-opener! I learned so much from it,” Kathleen enthused.

Gemma smirked. “I watched your speech just now during my break. You were pretty amazing out there.”

“By the way, why the sudden interest in individuals with autism?”

“Well, my foster brother is autistic,” said Gemma grimly.

Now that is new.

“My foster parents come from pretty wealthy backgrounds. They adopted me as I had seemed pliant and obedient. Their hopes were that I would comply with their wishes to look after their son once they were gone. Their plan was for both of us to marry by offering me their inheritance as an incentive. They then threatened to disown me if I were to refuse,” said Gemma drily.

Kathleen was stunned speechless.

“I overheard all this when I was in high school. If I were to go against them, they swore never to pay for my tuition fees and daily expenses. Gaining admission into a university would have been a lost cause.”

“That’s preposterous!”

“Consider yourself lucky, Kathleen. Truly. I’ve gone through the worst of it all, and things barely faze me these days,” advised Kathleen with a wry smile.

Kathleen gripped Gemma’s hands anxiously. “What happened after? How did you make it out?”

“Thankfully, my brother was already a policeman back then. He located me and sponsored me all the way till graduation.” Gemma smiled fondly.

within Kathleen, her eyes prickling

Kathleen. My brother will be fine,” Gemma

Kathleen pursed her lips.

Gemma was right.

was indeed

treated her with respect

herself after noticing the time. “Duty calls. I will catch

you around!” Kathleen added with a

Benjamin’s room, Kathleen departed from

visitation, Kathleen met up with Federick to finalize the terms of

so sorry, Frederick! A-About

fret about it. I completely understand.” Frederick offered a gracious smile while handing over

“You’re willing

their work.

already far exceeded my expectations.” Kathleen beamed with

be able to complete your

while signing the contract. “I

one-third of the sum will be first transferred to you. It should be reflected

to treat you to lunch as a celebration of my achievement.” Kathleen

check. I still need to

free. I will be taking

“Sure. Take care.”

Goodbye!” Kathleen departed with a faint smile plastered

noted that Kathleen’s smile was indeed as warm and therapeutic as basking in the

consumed by

paid for the first time in her

it was a significant milestone

barely suppress her glee

Mrs. Macari! But Old Mrs. Macari has everything she needs. Even so, a present won’t hurt. It’s merely a means

less than fifty thousand

that, she

with joy as she entered the department

items, Kathleen decided

innocence of Kathleen’s voice instantly dispelled any

let slip a “Darling!” before righting

Macari,” she answered