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 her

come and examine you later. Let’s not yell at the

not show any

let out

over and got down next to Madeline, she waved

said, “It’s no use, she does not

of expectation, Madeline raised her

Federick was amazed.

a gentle, warm smile and said, “When the doctor is here, we will let the doctor examine

then lowered her head

Madeline going back to her usual state and being shut off

how

finally

Federick was dumbfounded.

overjoyed.

her pinky

held

Kathleen made a pinky promise to her and said, “It’s a promise, you will let the doctor

with a light

eyes were filled

rarely reacts to things or people from the

That’s wonderful.

the treatment here is working,” Kathleen

think that she

with her getting better

handed a tissue to

“I’m sorry to show you this side of me. This is

Kathleen. She then said in a gentle

to have her own

I just want my Madeline to be healthy,” Federick said

in

the doctor examined the

turn, the doctor asked, “Madeline, do you

She remained silent.

you,” the

that the doctor

be that Madeline had caused a scene last time

the doctor knew it was normal for autistic patients,

this time that even the doctor

are very good

was a huge step

to Kathleen when she spoke

Kathleen and

I am here on behalf of Gemma,”

had a friendly smile. “We need someone like you

Kathleen was stunned.

the charity