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.

did not give any

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

not

out a

got down next to Madeline, she waved her

no use, she does not even react much

Madeline raised her hand and looked at

Federick was amazed.

gentle, warm smile and said, “When the doctor is here, we will let the doctor examine you. After that, I will make a pretty little dress for

then lowered

back to her usual state and being shut off from the outside world, he

this was how

finally

Federick was dumbfounded.

overjoyed.

held her

also held her

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

with a

were filled with

reacts to things or people from the outside world. Besides me, this is the first time she

That’s wonderful.

that the treatment here

not think that she was

him cry. “You are right. I’m content with her getting better little by little. I’ll be very happy if she can show a

handed a

wiped off his tears. “I’m sorry

Kathleen. She then said in a gentle tone, “As long as the kid stays

to have her own baby, that moment

Madeline to be healthy,”

came in

one, the

was Madeline’s turn, the doctor asked, “Madeline, do you

She remained silent.

examine you,” the

that

that Madeline had caused a scene last time during the examination

it was normal for autistic patients, he was still

still this time that even the doctor was

are very good

was a huge

responded to Kathleen when she spoke

glanced at Kathleen and said, “You are

here on behalf of Gemma,” Kathleen

saw that she had a friendly smile.

Kathleen was stunned.

for the charity work,” the doctor further