All Too Late

Chapter 23 I Did Not Behave Again

Kathleen turned and looked at the guy walking toward her and asked, “You are Federick Evans?”

Federick smiled and said, “Yes, it’s me. It’s been a long time, Kathleen.”

Federick was Kathleen’s neighbor.

After her parents passed away and she moved into the Macari residence, she seldom met Federick.

Kathleen was surprised. “Federick, what are you doing here?”

Federick’s face looked sorrowful. He said, “My daughter is here.”

His daughter?

Kathleen was taken aback. “Federick, is your daughter…”

“Mid-level autism,” Federick said calmly, “I bring her here every week. What about you?”

Kathleen replied, “I’m here as a favor for Gemma, to do charity work.”

Federick got it and said, “Oh, so you are a friend of Gem.”

Kathleen reminded him that they should get going as she said, “Let’s go in.”

Federick made a sound of approval and nodded.

They went into the classroom which had a few autistic children in it.

They were all brought there by either their father or mother.

Kathleen learned that the biggest concern for most families with autistic children was that one of the parents could not stand the stress and chose to divorce or leave the family behind.

For instance, Federick’s wife was one of them.

When Madeline Evans was diagnosed with autism, her mother chose to divorce after she persisted for six months.

Madeline was five years old, and she was a cute little girl.

Nonetheless, because of autism, she did not react to the world around her and did not interact with people.

She sat in a corner quietly, holding a barbie doll in her hands.

Actually, most autistic children were quiet, as long as they were not provoked.

As they were quiet, they did not take the initiative to tell others what they wanted or when they were not feeling comfortable.

The parents brought their children there because the doctors were professional and would be able to help them.

“Madeline, do you want some water?” Federick got down next to Madeline and asked.

not give any reaction to

Let’s not yell at the doctor like last time, all right?”

did not show any

out

walked over and got down next to Madeline, she waved her

no use, she does

expectation, Madeline raised her hand

Federick was amazed.

we will let the doctor examine you. After

lowered her

but looking at Madeline going back to her usual state and being shut off from the outside world, he

how children with

Madeline finally

Federick was dumbfounded.

overjoyed.

held her

also held her

promise to her and said, “It’s a promise, you will let

with

were filled with tears right

to things or people from the outside world.

That’s wonderful.

that the treatment here is working,” Kathleen

did not think that she was the

I’m content with her getting better little by little. I’ll be very happy if she can show a little bit of response

a tissue

it and wiped off his tears. “I’m sorry to show you this side

it?” asked Kathleen. She then said in a gentle tone, “As long as the kid stays safe and

her own

my Madeline to

came in at

the

turn, the doctor asked,

She remained silent.

you,” the doctor said

could see that the doctor was

might be that Madeline had caused a scene last time during the examination which left

doctor knew it was normal for autistic patients,

was very still this time that even

are very good

a

even responded to Kathleen

Kathleen and

I am here on behalf of Gemma,” Kathleen

a friendly smile. “We

Kathleen was stunned.

charity work,” the