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 reaction to

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

Madeline did not show

let out a

down next to Madeline, she waved her hand and

and said, “It’s no use, she does

Madeline raised her hand

Federick was amazed.

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

then lowered

looking at Madeline going back to her usual

knew this was how

Madeline finally gave

Federick was dumbfounded.

was overjoyed. “Pinky

held her

also held her

to her and said, “It’s a promise, you will let the doctor examine you and I will make your barbie doll

nodded with

filled

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

That’s wonderful.

treatment here

that she

face and did not want Kathleen to see him cry. “You are right. I’m content with her getting

handed a tissue to

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

parents, isn’t it?” asked Kathleen. She then said in a

was going to have her own baby, that moment gave her a

matters. I just want my Madeline to be healthy,” Federick

came in at

the doctor examined the

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

She remained silent.

to examine you,” the doctor said

see that the doctor

that Madeline had caused a scene last time during the

knew it was normal for autistic patients, he

this time that even the

you are

was a huge

to Kathleen when she

and said,

am here on

friendly smile.

Kathleen was stunned.

mean for the charity work,”