All Too Late

For some unknown reason, Samuel’s gaze made her anxious. The feeling of being totally exposed,

trapped, and helpless made her uneasy. Samuel’s too terrifying. He’s always watching me so intently. I’d

always know he’s there, even if he does nothing. He’s like a deep pit I’d fall into once I make a wrong

move. Ugh… He’s too scary! “Mommy!” A boy’s childish voice traveled into the room. Kathleen turned

sideways and spotted a little boy who looked like a spitting image of Samuel. Her red lips curled into a

smile. “You seemed to hate me when we last met.” Eil already knew Kathleen was Gizem. His ears

flushed red, and he said embarrassedly, “I didn’t know that was you.” “Of course, it’s not your fault.”

Kathleen extended her hand. “Come here.” Eil walked over and slipped his soft and tiny hand into hers.

Mommy’s hands are so warm. And they’re so slender and soft. “Mommy, Desi says we can stay here

with you. Is that true?”

Eil asked expectantly. Kathleen nodded. “Of course, it’s true.” Being the more observant child, Eil asked,

“Mommy, are you not planning to remarry Daddy?” Kathleen fell silent for a while. Finally, she gathered

her courage and admitted, “Eil, I don’t want to lie to you. I’ve lost my memory. For now, I might find it

awkward to live with a stranger.” “What about the last time?” Eil was a curious child. “That’s because of

work. He was my employer, while I was his employee,” Kathleen explained, though she was not sure if

Eil actually understood her words. True enough, Eil did not get her words completely. Just then, Desi

came to the room. “Hey, Eil. You’re here, too!” She seemed quite excited. “I’ve checked out the rooms.

Do you want to see them?” “Nah.” Eil shook his head. Desi pouted. “You’re going to let Mommy’s efforts

go to waste. She got someone to decorate the room nicely for you.” “Really?” Eil looked at Kathleen in

surprise. “Not really,” Kathleen said honestly. “I just asked the staff to redecorate the room with some of

the things you like.” “I like it as long as it’s made by you,” Eil stated without hesitation. When Eil was with

Samuel, he acted maturely. However, when he was in Kathleen’s presence, he completely transformed

into a child. It was not Samuel’s strict methods that pressured Eil to act that way. Rather, it was Eil who

matured faster compared to other children. He knew the responsibilities he had, which made him work

hard to become more dependable. Now that he had a mother, he felt as if there was someone he could

depend on.

Thus, he allowed himself to behave more like a child. “Mommy, I’ll go take a look,” Eil said excitedly.

Kathleen nodded. “Sure. Go on.” “I’ll take you there, Eil!” Desi grabbed Eil’s hand and pulled him out of

the room. A warm smile appeared on Kathleen’s delicate face as she watched the children leave.

Standing by the doorway, Charles remarked, “You three seem to get along well.” “They’re my children,

after all,” Kathleen responded plainly. “What’s up?” Charles paused for a while. He then stepped into the

room and said in a grim tone, “Granny wants to see you.” Kathleen was slightly taken aback. “Please

give me a few more days. I still need time to digest some things here.” “Okay.” Charles did not expect

Kathleen to show reluctance. Though they had found Kathleen, the one they were currently seeing was

drastically different from the Kathleen they were used to. The old Kathleen was too soft-hearted. This

new Kathleen, however, seemed tougher and more composed. Kathleen asked in an unhurried manner,

“Is there anything else?” “No. That’s all. Get some rest.” Charles quickly left the room, feeling awkward.

When he arrived in the living room, he bumped into Samuel. “Kate has changed a lot,” Charles

commented with a frown, feeling worried.

“No matter how much she changes, she’s still Kathleen.” Samuel’s voice was deep and calm. Charles let

out a slight snort. “I never said she isn’t. It’s a good thing that she shuns you along with me.” “It’s only

right for her to dislike me,” said Samuel monotonously. “After all, I did many things that hurt her in the

past.” Charles scoffed, “Glad you know that.” Samuel shot him a glare and went into the kitchen. Charles

was feeling rather bored, but he did not want to go home. So, he followed Samuel into the kitchen.

Seeing Samuel taking out ingredients from the refrigerator, Charles asked, “What are you doing?” “It’s

already four o’clock. I’m going to make them dinner before leaving,” Samuel answered. Charles was

dumbstruck by his response. Once Eil and Desi were done viewing the rooms, they returned to

Kathleen’s room. All three of them lay on the bed, and Kathleen told them stories until night arrived.

Desi’s stomach growled. “Mommy, I’m hungry.” “I’ll go check out the kitchen.” Kathleen sat up right away.

Just then, the door opened, and Samuel appeared with a solemn gaze. “Are you all hungry? Dinner’s

ready.” Kathleen was puzzled. “You’re still here?” “I’m going to leave soon.” Samuel entered the room.

“Anyway, I made some dinner.” “Daddy, aren’t you eating with us?” asked Desi sadly. Samuel patted her

head. “I’m not. You two shall eat with Mommy.” Desi quickly fixed her big eyes on Kathleen. “Mommy?”

Kathleen flushed awkwardly. She turned to Samuel and asked, “Why don’t you stay for dinner?”