Divorce Anxiety
Chapter 23

Chapter 23 I Did Not Behave AgainKathleen turned and looked at the guy walking toward her andasked, “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 theMacari residence, she seldom met Federick.Kathleen was surprised. “Federick, what are you doinghere?"Federick’s face looked sorrowful. He said, “My daughter is here."His daughter?Kathleen wastaken aback. “Federick, is your daughter...”"Mid-level autism,” Federick said calmly, “I bring her hereevery week. What about you?“Kathleen replied, “I'm here as a favor for Gemma, to do charitywork."Federick got it and said, “Oh, so you are a friend of Gem.”Kathleen reminded him that theyshould get going as she said, “Let's go in."Federick made a sound of approval and nodded.Theywent into the classroom which had a few autistic children in it.They were all brought there by eithertheir father or mother.Kathleen learned that the biggest concern for most families with autisticchildren was that one of the parents could not stand the stress and chose to divorce or leave thefamily behind.For instance, Federick's wife was one of them.When Madeline Evans was diagnosedwith autism, her mother chose to divorce after she persisted for six months.Madeline was five yearsold, and she was a cute little girl. Nonetheless, because of autism, she did not react to the worldaround her and did not interact with people.She sat in a corner quietly, holding a barbie doll in herhands.Actually, most autistic children were quiet, as long as they were not provoked.As they werequiet, they did not take the initiative to tell others what they wanted or when they were not feelingcomfortable.The parents brought their children there because the doctors were professional andwould be able to help them.”Madeline, do you want some water?” Federick got down next toMadeline and asked.Madeline did not give any reaction to her father.”Madeline, the doctor is goingto come and examine you later. Let's not yell at the doctor like last time, all right?” Federickasked.Again, Madeline did not show any response.Federick let out a sigh.Kathleen walked over andgot down next to Madeline, she waved her hand and said, “Madeline?"Federick sighed and said, “It'sno use, she does not even react much to me."Out of expectation, Madeline raised her hand andlooked at Kathleen.Federick was amazed.Kathleen gave a gentle, warm smile and said, “When thedoctor is here, we will let the doctor examine you. After that, I will make a pretty little dress for yourbarbie doll, okay?"Madeline then lowered her head again.Federick was excited at first, but looking atMadeline going back to her usual state and being shut off from the outside world, he feltheartbroken.Kathleen knew this was how children with autism behaved.”Okay.” Madeline finallygave a response.Federick was dumbfounded Kathleen was overjoyed. “Pinky promise?”She held herpinky finger forward.Madeline also held her hand out.With that, Kathleen made a pinky promise toher and said, “It's a promise, you will let the doctor examine you and I will make your barbie doll alittle dress."Madeline nodded with a light hum.Federick's eyes were filled with tears right away.Hesaid in a quavering voice, “Kathleen, she rarely reacts to things or people from the outside world.Besides me, this is the first time she responded to someone speaking to her."That's wonderful." Thisshows that the treatment here is working,” Kathleen explained.She did not think that she was thespecial reason.Federick covered up his face and did not want 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 little bit ofresponse to the outside world."Kathleen handed a tissue to Federick.He took it and wiped off histears. “I'm sorry to show you this side of me. This is embarrassing.”“Federick, this is what it's likebeing parents, isn't it?” asked Kathleen. She then said in a gentle tone, “As long as the kid stays safeand healthy, nothing else matters.”As she was going to have her own baby, that moment gave her aprofound feeling.”Right, nothing else matters. I just want my Madeline to be healthy,” Federick saidwith his puffy eyes.The doctor came in at that moment.One by one, the doctor examined thechildren.When it was Madeline's turn, the doctor asked, “Madeline, do you still remember me?”Sheremained silent.”I'm going to examine you,” the doctor said softly.Kathleen could see that thedoctor was nervous.It might be that Madeline had caused a scene last time during the examinationwhich left an impression on the doctor.Although the doctor knew it was normal for autistic patients,he was still anxious.Unexpectedly, Madeline was very still this time that even the doctor wasamazed.”Madeline, you are very good today. That was a huge step forward.Federick explained, “Yes,she even responded to Kathleen when she spoke to her just now."The doctor glanced at Kathleenand said, “You are new here?"“Yes, I am here on behalf of Gemma,” Kathleen answered.The doctorlooked at Kathleen and saw that she had a friendly smile. “We need someone like you here, wouldyou consider staying?“Kathleen was stunned.”l mean for the charity work,” the doctor furtherexplained Kathleen smiled and said, “Okay, I'll give it a try."The doctor nodded.Suddenly, a kidsitting not far from Madeline started screaming.He fell from the chair and was kickingaround.”Doctor!” the little boy's mother panicked.The doctor hurried over.Madeline covered herears and she started to scream too.”Madeline!” Federick was shocked and he reached out, wantingto hold Madeline.However, Madeline kicked his hands away and refused to let him touch her.Then,she went to the corner. With her ears covered, she continued to scream.Kathleen approached herand said, “Hey Madeline, it's me, Kathleen. You are going to be okay.”Madeline was kicking aroundjust like the little boy did.She could easily hurt herself that way.Kathleen embraced her and said toFederick, “The medicine.”Madeline was struggling in an aggressive way.She knew that she could notescape, so she bit strongly on Kathleen's palm.Kathleen was in pain but she did not loosen hergrip.Federick brought the medicine and helped Madeline take it."Madeline, it's okay, no one’s goingto harm you. It's me, Kathleen.” Kathleen tried to comfort Madeline while holding her in herarms.After Madeline took the medicine, and with Kathleen soothing her, she started to settledown.The little boy was still screaming but it was in a much lower tone.The other children were allsomewhat affected by this.The little boy's mother was crying in grief.Kathleen knew she must havehad a hard time taking care of the boy all by herself. Her eyes turned red instantly.It's hard enoughfor a woman to take care of a kid, let alone a kid with autism.”Kathleen, thank you,” Federick saidapologetically. “Let me have Madeline. You should hurry and get your wound treated.” Okay.”Kathleen proceeded to hand Madeline over to Federick. However, Madeline held on to Kathleen'shand, and said in her hoarse and soft voice, “I did not behave again, Kathleen. Will you still make mybarbie doll a dress?”Kathleen could not take it and tears poured down her cheeks.