Divorce Anxiety

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.

Madeline did not give any reaction to her father.

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

not show

let out

next to Madeline, she waved her hand

use, she does

Madeline raised her

Federick was amazed.

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

lowered

to her

was how children with autism

Madeline finally

Federick was dumbfounded.

was overjoyed. “Pinky

her

held her

you will let the doctor examine

nodded with

filled with

said in a quavering voice, “Kathleen, she rarely reacts to things or people from the outside world. Besides me, this is the first time

That’s wonderful.

the treatment here

did not think that

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

handed a

took it and wiped off his tears. “I’m sorry to show you

said in a gentle tone, “As long as the kid stays

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

my Madeline to be healthy,” Federick said with his puffy

doctor came in

one, the doctor

it was Madeline’s turn, the doctor

She remained silent.

to examine you,” the

could see that the doctor was

that Madeline had caused a scene last time during the examination which left an

it was normal for autistic patients,

this time that even the

are very good

was a

even responded to Kathleen

doctor glanced at Kathleen and

here on behalf of Gemma,”

she had a friendly smile. “We need someone

Kathleen was stunned.

mean for the charity work,” the doctor further