After the charity work had ended, Sophie escorted Kathleen out of the charity home.
“Does your hand still hurt?” Sophie asked.
Kathleen shook her head and replied, “It doesn’t hurt anymore.”
Sophie noticed Kathleen’s dejected mood and consoled, “Everyone was like you when they first volunteer here. Even though they might not have encountered situations where the children were having episodes, they felt the same way as you when they heard about the parents.”
Kathleen bit her lips and asked, “What are the chances of recovery for these children?”
“The chances are slim. Even if they’ve recovered, there are still possibilities for them to be triggered again.” Sophie sighed and continued, “As of now, there’s still no definite explanation as to why this happens. There’s no cure for it as well.”
Gloomily, Kathleen said, “Ms. Campbell, I don’t know how to explain my feelings. After seeing those children and their parents, I’m worried that my own child will be like this too. Am I being very selfish? The first thing I thought about is myself after witnessing what happened.”
Sophie patted her shoulder and said, “You silly child. It’s normal to feel this way. When you get pregnant in the future, you just have to make sure that you’re feeling happy at all times. Everything is fine if you give birth safely. Stop overthinking.”
Feeling happy at all times? I want to but I’m suffering.
That was the reason why Kathleen was feeling upset. She was worried that her suffering would affect her child.
With a gentle tone, Sophie said, “You’re a kind-hearted person. God will not mistreat you.”
“Ms. Campbell, I really like this place. Can I continue to volunteer here?” Kathleen asked.
Sophie nodded and replied, “Of course! We will always welcome you.”
“Thank you!” Kathleen was delighted upon hearing that.
Just then, a black Mercedes-Benz stopped in front of her.
Federick got off the car and said, “Kathleen, I’m here to apologize to you.”
Puzzled, Kathleen asked, “Federick, how’s Madeline?”
“My mum’s looking after her. Don’t worry, my mum has experience taking care of Madeline,” he explained.
Feeling relieved, she nodded.
“You guys can continue chatting. I have something to deal with, so I’ll take my leave now.” With that said, Sophie turned around and left.
Federick looked at Kathleen and asked, “May I treat you to a meal?”
“I’m sorry, Federick. My family is waiting for me to dine with them at home,” she explained.
“It’s okay.” Federick was worried that she might misunderstand, so he continued, “I’ll send you back home then. We can chat in the car.”
“Okay.” Kathleen nodded.
Federick opened the passenger seat’s door and saw some children’s picture books on the seat. Embarrassed, he said, “I’m sorry. I forgot that I put some books here.”
Federick planned to move those books to the backseat.
Kathleen was afraid it would be too troublesome, so she suggested, “Federick, you don’t have to move them. I can sit at the back.”
With a faint smile, Federick said, “Okay, that works too. These books are quite heavy.”
Kathleen smiled and got into the backseat.
Soon, Federick got into the car as well and fastened his seat belt. He asked, “Where do you stay?”
She told him the address of the Macari residence.
He was stunned for a moment before regaining his composure and said, “Okay, got it.”
Kathleen noticed some books in the backseat as well, so she took one and asked, “Federick, what are these?”
Federick’s lips curled upward and replied, “These are some picture books published by my company. The one you’re looking at is a story I’ve written for Madeline. An illustrator drew the pictures for me.”
Kathleen found it to be a good read and said, “This is interesting.”
With a smile, Federick replied, “Really?”
“However, why is the story not completed?” Kathleen asked in confusion.
“I was going to publish the sequel this summer, but the illustrator got into an accident and couldn’t draw anymore. I couldn’t find another illustrator to replace him, so the sequel has to be delayed,” he explained.
Kathleen nodded at his words.
“Federick, is there a reason why you’re looking for me?” she asked out of curiosity.
“I just wanted to ask if you’ll be volunteering here next time,” Federick asked calmly.
Kathleen nodded and replied, “Yes, as long as I have the time for it.”
Federick was relieved upon hearing that. “That’s great! Autistic children don’t really interact with anyone since they’re too immersed in their own worlds. If there’s a way to pique their interest in interacting with others, there might be a chance to cure this disorder.”
Kathleen continued to listen to him.
“Madeline actually reacted to your words today. Will it trouble you if I ask you to communicate with her more often?”
Kathleen gently replied, “Of course not. Federick, you don’t have to be so polite when speaking to me. It’s my pleasure to help out.”
Federick would not let Kathleen help out with nothing in return, so he offered, “That’s good to hear! Feel free to let me know if you need anything.”
Kathleen asked, “Federick, can I have this book?”
“You can have it if you like it.” Federick happily gifted her the book.
Kathleen wrapped the book in her arms and said, “Okay, I’ll take it then.”
Soon, they arrived at the entrance of the Macari residence.
While looking at the magnificent mansion, Federick was reminded of that family.
Kathleen was worried that Federick might misunderstand. “Federick…”
With a gentle smile, he said, “I know that the Macari family took you in after what happened to your parents. Don’t worry, I did not misunderstand anything. I won’t go around talking about this either.”
Kathleen breathed a sigh of relief and said, “Thank you.”
“I’ll take my leave now.” Federick drove away with a wave of his hand.
Kathleen watched as he drove away.
She took a deep breath.
At that moment, a cold voice sounded from behind. “No wonder the driver did not manage to pick you up. It’s because someone has already sent you back.”
Kathleen turned around in shock and looked at Samuel with a pale face.
At this hour, shouldn’t he be accompanying Nicolette after getting off work? Why would he be home?
“It was on the way, so Federick sent me home.” She headed into the mansion while holding tightly to the book.
Samuel blocked her path. He was emanating a cold and dangerous aura.
With a cold voice, he said, “Did you meet that man at the charity home? He sent you back after only meeting you for the first time. Seems like you’re still doing well in the dating scene.”
Dating scene?
She bit her lips and said, “Samuel, you don’t have to be cynical about this. That man is Federick Evans. He used to be my neighbor. We’ve only met each other again at the charity home today. His daughter has autism.”
Samuel’s darkened gaze landed on the back of Kathleen’s hand. “What happened to your hand?”
“It’s none of your business.” With that said, Kathleen strode away.
“Stop there!” Samuel grabbed her wrist and yelled, “Tell me! How did you get hurt?”
She was a fragile person, and so was her skin.
“I already told you that it’s none of your business.” Kathleen did not want to explain it to him. There was no need to do so.
She got more distressed every time she saw him.
Samuel refused to get a divorce, so she did not want to interact with him.
She was afraid that getting angry all the time would have an effect on her child.
Samuel threatened, “You know that I can order someone to end the charity home right this instance, don’t you?”
