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 the doctor like

not

let out a

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

no use, she does not even react much

raised her

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 little dress for your barbie doll,

lowered her head

looking at Madeline going back to her usual state and being shut off from the outside world, he

how children

Madeline finally

Federick was dumbfounded.

was overjoyed. “Pinky

her pinky finger

also held her hand

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

with a light

filled

in a quavering voice, “Kathleen, she rarely reacts to things or people from the

That’s wonderful.

shows that the treatment

not think that

see him cry. “You are right. I’m content with her getting better little

a tissue to

“I’m sorry to show you this

asked Kathleen. She then said in

going to have her own

my Madeline to be healthy,” Federick

in

the

turn, the doctor

She remained silent.

you,” the doctor said

could see that the

scene last time during the examination which left an

doctor knew it was normal

very still this time that even the

you are very good

a

she even responded to Kathleen when she spoke to her just

and

am here on behalf of

she had a friendly smile.

Kathleen was stunned.

mean for the charity work,” the doctor

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255