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.

give any

come and examine you later. Let’s not yell

Madeline did not show any

out a

walked over and got down next to Madeline, she

sighed and said, “It’s no use, she does

Madeline raised her hand

Federick was amazed.

here, we will let the doctor examine

lowered her

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

was how children with

finally gave a

Federick was dumbfounded.

overjoyed.

her

also held her

promise, you will let

nodded with

were filled with tears right

“Kathleen, she rarely reacts to things or people from the outside world.

That’s wonderful.

shows that the treatment

not think that

to see him cry. “You are right. I’m content with her getting better

handed a tissue to

off his tears. “I’m sorry to show you

said in a

have her own baby, that moment

just want my Madeline to be healthy,” Federick

in at

by one, the

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

She remained silent.

you,”

that the doctor

had caused a scene last time during the examination

doctor knew it was normal for autistic patients, he was still

this time

are

was a huge step

Kathleen when she

at Kathleen and said,

am here on behalf of

she had a friendly smile.

Kathleen was stunned.

for the charity work,” the doctor