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.

come and examine you later. Let’s not

not show any

out

over and got down next to Madeline, she waved her hand

sighed and said, “It’s no use, she does not even react much

Madeline raised her hand and looked at

Federick was amazed.

the doctor is here, we will let the doctor examine you. After that, I will make a pretty little dress for

then lowered her head

excited at first, but looking at Madeline going back to her usual state and being shut off from

was how

Madeline finally gave

Federick was dumbfounded.

was overjoyed. “Pinky

held her

held

will let the doctor examine

nodded with

eyes were filled with tears

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

That’s wonderful.

that the treatment

that she

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

a tissue

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

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

to have her own baby, that

just want my Madeline to be healthy,” Federick said with his

came in

the doctor examined the

doctor asked,

She remained silent.

to examine you,” the doctor said

see that the

Madeline had caused a scene last time

the doctor knew it was normal for

very still this time that even

are

a

Kathleen when she spoke

and said,

am here on behalf of Gemma,”

friendly smile.

Kathleen was stunned.

mean for the charity work,” the doctor further