Chapter 387:
After that, he remained silent, refusing to answer any further questions. The ride to the hospital was quiet; Ray remained motionless, except for his fingers, which twitched uncontrollably, as if moving independently. Alicia, recalling similar cases from her disaster relief work, recognized the signs. Ray was autistic. Contacting the police seemed the only recourse.
As Alicia reached for her phone, Ray sensed her intent, grabbing her hand to stop her. She spoke calmly, "The police can help find your parents. There's no need to be scared." But Ray reacted violently, snatching the phone and hurling it to the ground, shattering it. Alicia was momentarily speechless, realizing she had little choice but to involve the police.
As she bent to retrieve her phone, Ray fled. Alicia's heart pounded. Why was he so terrified of the police? Had he been in trouble? Yet, he was just a young autistic boy. Concern for his safety propelled her into pursuit.
During the chase, Alicia encountered Ciara and Jasmine. Jasmine, recognizing Alicia, shouted, "Stop that boy!" Alicia, without hesitation, echoed the command. Jasmine apprehended Ray, but he resisted fiercely, flailing and biting her hand. Known for her quick temper, Jasmine instinctively slapped him lightly. To everyone's astonishment, Ray collapsed, unconscious.
Jasmine, shocked, murmured, "I barely touched him... How could he be so delicate?" Catching her breath, Alicia replied weakly, "At least he's not running now."
Ciara, at the hospital for a routine check-up, was equally surprised to see Alicia, then recognized Ray. "He's a relative's child," she said. "What's he doing here?"
Alicia was astonished. "Could you please contact his parents, Mrs. Ward?"
Ciara paused, thoughtful. "I seem to recall something unfortunate happened to his parents…" She hesitated, unwilling to distress the boy further. However, it was clear Ray wasn't from the area. His poor clothing and evident hunger suggested something terrible had happened.
What were their options? Ciara then had an idea…