Divorce Anxiety (Kathleen and Samuel)

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.

“Madeline, the doctor is going to come and examine you later. Let’s not yell at the doctor like last time, all right?” Federick asked.

not show

out

to Madeline, she waved her hand and said,

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

of expectation, Madeline raised her hand

Federick was amazed.

gave 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

lowered her

Madeline going back to her usual state and

was how children

finally

Federick was dumbfounded.

overjoyed.

her

held her

a pinky promise to her and said, “It’s a promise, you will let

nodded with

were filled with

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

That’s wonderful.

the treatment here is working,” Kathleen

did not think that she

are right. I’m content with her getting better little

handed a tissue to

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

She then said in a gentle tone, “As long as the kid stays safe and healthy, nothing

her own baby, that moment

matters. I just want my Madeline to be healthy,” Federick said with his puffy

doctor came in at that

by one, the doctor

Madeline’s turn, the doctor asked, “Madeline, do you still remember

She remained silent.

going to examine you,” the doctor

see that the doctor was

Madeline had caused a scene last time during the examination

it was normal

still this time that even

you are

a huge

“Yes, she even responded to Kathleen when she spoke

Kathleen and said,

I am here on behalf of Gemma,” Kathleen

a friendly

Kathleen was stunned.

the charity work,” the doctor

smiled and said, “Okay, I’ll give

The doctor nodded.

sitting not far