All Too Late

Chapter 23

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.

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

did not

let out

got down next to Madeline, she

she does

of expectation, Madeline raised her hand

Federick was amazed.

a gentle, warm smile and said, “When the doctor is here, we will let the doctor examine you. After that, I will make a pretty

then lowered her head

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

knew this was how

finally gave

Federick was dumbfounded.

was overjoyed.

held her pinky finger

also held her hand

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

nodded with a light

were filled with tears

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

That’s wonderful.

that the treatment here

think that she was

her getting better little by little. I’ll be very happy if she

a

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

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

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

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

doctor came in at

one, the

was Madeline’s turn, the doctor

She remained silent.

examine you,” the doctor said

see that

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

doctor knew it was normal for

was very still this time that even

you are very good

a huge step

explained, “Yes, she even responded to Kathleen when she spoke to her

and

on behalf of

had a friendly smile. “We need

Kathleen was stunned.

charity work,”

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