The Truth of How I Feel

by shallowdweller

An experiment. I have thought endlessly about how Patrick Jane's feelings must have changed over the course of the series. I'd love to explore it in depth, but who has the time? Would I be able to capture those moments where something changed, though? One by one, like jewels in a necklace? We shall see. If you like drabbles, tell me what you think.

37. He Was There for You

This concludes episode six: Red Handed.

I do not own The Mentalist. I make no money from this.

chapter 37: "So in the end, he was there for you."

Everyone has father issues. Some have more reasons than others.

Jessica's father missed most of her childhood, left her and her mother emotionally adrift. But he cared enough to face down a monster, to the death, when he realized what was at stake. I envy his fatal opportunity.

Had I been there to stand between Red John and Charlotte, I would have stopped him. Had it cost me my life, maybe she would have taken comfort from knowing she was loved.

What ifs are useless.

In tribute for Meier's courage, I offer his daughter what mine should have.

If this seems different than the first time you read it, that may be because I made some adjustments after posting. My apologies.

Thank you for being patient with this very long series, from one of my favorite episodes ever. If my varying approaches to the multifaceted hero seemed disjointed in places, my apologies. It's hard to capture such a complex character in such short bits. I am hoping it has the effect of what Jane looks for in people's homes. Photos, design, possessions, little things that together create a composite of what matters to and about an individual.

Anyway, thanks, as always, for reading, commenting, favoriting, or following. It means more than you know.