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.

you later. Let’s not yell at the doctor like last

not show

let out

got down next to Madeline, she

“It’s no use, she does not even react

expectation, Madeline raised her hand

Federick was amazed.

let the doctor examine you. After that,

lowered her

back to her usual state and

knew this was how children with autism

Madeline finally

Federick was dumbfounded.

was overjoyed. “Pinky

her

also held

that, Kathleen made a pinky promise to her and said, “It’s a promise, you will let the doctor examine you and I will make

with

were filled with tears right

rarely reacts to things or people from the outside world. Besides

That’s wonderful.

the treatment here

that she was

Kathleen to see him cry. “You are right. I’m content with her getting better little by little. I’ll be very happy if she can show a

a

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

is what it’s like being parents, isn’t it?” asked Kathleen. She then said in a gentle tone, “As

own baby, that moment gave her a profound

Madeline to be healthy,” Federick said

in

the doctor

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

She remained silent.

you,” the doctor

could see that the doctor

caused a scene last time during the examination

knew it was normal for autistic patients, he

still this time

you are

was a

to Kathleen when she spoke

doctor glanced at Kathleen and said, “You

am here on behalf

and saw that she had a friendly smile. “We need someone like you here, would you consider

Kathleen was stunned.

mean for the charity work,” the

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