Chapter 696

When they arrived at the toddler classroom entrance, Emma stopped. "Here we are! It's playtime right now, so all the kids are having fun inside." Bethany peeked in. About 20 children were playing, with two other teachers alongside Emma joining in. Elysia, too short to see, stretched her arms up to Bethany. "Mommy, pick me up! I want to see it too!" She'd been braver than Bethany all morning but now seemed a little nervous. Bethany bent down, picked Elysia up, and asked Emma a few more questions. Elysia scanned the room, her eyes wide with curiosity. Soon, she noticed a little boy sitting alone in the corner, turned away from everyone. "Mommy, why isn't that little boy playing with the others?" she asked. Emma followed Elysia's gaze and lowered her voice. "That little boy has autism. He doesn't like to play with others. When you go in, just try not to disturb him, okay?" "What's autism?" Elysia asked, curious about the new word. "Is it more serious than my condition?" Bethany