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.

any

is going to come and examine you later. Let’s not yell at the doctor like last time, all

did not show any

out

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

use, she does not even react much to

expectation, Madeline raised her hand and

Federick was amazed.

here, we will let the doctor examine you. After that, I will make

then lowered

was excited at first, but looking at Madeline going back to her usual state and being shut off from the outside

this was how children

finally

Federick was dumbfounded.

was overjoyed.

her

also held her hand

“It’s a promise, you will let the doctor examine you and I

nodded with a light

eyes were filled with tears

a quavering voice, “Kathleen, she rarely reacts to things or people from the

That’s wonderful.

the treatment

that

did not want Kathleen to see him cry. “You are right. I’m content with her getting better little by little. I’ll be very happy

a tissue to

his tears. “I’m sorry to show you this side

is what it’s like being parents, isn’t it?” asked Kathleen. She then said in a

her own baby, that moment gave her

nothing else matters. I just want my Madeline to be healthy,” Federick said with his

in

by one, the doctor examined

turn, the doctor asked, “Madeline, do

She remained silent.

going to examine you,” the

could see that the

a scene last time during the examination which left an impression

the doctor knew it was normal for autistic

still this time that even the doctor

you are very good

was a huge

explained, “Yes, she even responded to Kathleen when she spoke to her

Kathleen and said, “You are new

here on

had a friendly

Kathleen was stunned.

charity work,” the