Chapter Thirty Two:

The next morning Leia went off to school with her younger brother without saying a word. Anakin gave her a sad look, but smiled softly at her. He had told Padmé that he would be going to the Jedi Temple today for a few hours, to get in a workout.

From her own speeder, Padmé waved as her family took off in their speeder, her heart both heavy and determined. Padmé had rearranged her schedule a little so she could go see Luke, and perhaps get to the bottom of things.

There had to be a reason Luke apparently didn't like his family. Anakin had opened up to her more this morning before their children had awakened. He'd related to her what had occurred between the three Skywalkers in Luke's hospital room. Padmé grimaced to think that Luke was angry with his family. But she had to wonder why he was upset if he hadn't met them yet? At least... they hadn't met as far as the Skywalkers were aware of.

Padmé tossed possibilities about in her mind, trying to come up with a plausible explanation.

At length, Padmé wondered if Hazael had toyed with Luke in a manner that had ended up with Luke hating the Skywalkers. Padmé hurt to think that notion could be the answer. But if Luke was living with false information, then it would be wrong of her to not correct that.

Luke had likely been fed lies his whole life, and since he'd had no way to tell otherwise— being stuck on Tatooine, and probably kept from any information sources by his owner— Luke had been defenseless.

That was Padmé's theory at least. She needed to put it to the test, though, and so she had taken the morning off, letting her secretary know she would be in late today.

Now Padmé was driving to the hospital, her mind working as she did so.

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Han knocked softly on the door to Luke's room, not having been there yet, but having determined to make at least an appearance at some point. He had not even seen the kid yet; had only heard things from Leia as she'd seen Han at the schoolyard from time to time.

Han had continued to drop by the school to see Leia and hear any news she had for him. Today, however, Han had finally talked himself into actually going to the boy's room. Leia had said Anakin had pretty much taken up residence in his son's room, so Han did the courteous thing and knocked.

However, when no one answered, Han pursed his lips. Maybe the man was asleep... or indisposed.

Han considered, but finally his more curious streak won out, and he cracked the door open, peeking in head-first. "Hello?"

No one answered, but Han heard movement beyond the privacy curtain, and so he stepped fully into the room. Shutting the door behind him, Han moved the curtain with an arm and stepped deeper into the room. He was surprised to see it was rather large, though Han supposed that was because of how long Luke was supposed to be in the hospital.

When Han saw no indication of visitors, he paused, indecisive. But then his attention was drawn by another rustling sound, and Han's hazel eyes met ones of a very familiar blue.

Han started, realizing that Luke was awake and watching him. The boy seemed to have woken only recently, and Han hesitated yet again.

"Ah, sorry if I woke you up. I was just... I wanted to stop by and see how things were going."

The boy in the bed eyed Han, his expression unreadable, but Han thought he saw curiosity in Luke's gaze. Han scratched at the back of his neck, feeling like he was standing in the spotlight.

"Ah, I suppose you don't know me. I'm Han Solo." Han offered a small smile. "I'm a friend of your sister."

At the mention of Leia, Luke's eye hardened, and he turned suspicious, but nor did he say anything. Feeling awkward, Han fiddled with his thumbs, at a loss as to what else he should say or do.

"So... ah, how are you feelin'?" Han asked, hoping to break the tension in the room.

Luke continued to eye him, and Han could swear the other was determining if he should respond or not. Luke had just opened his mouth to speak when there was another knock on the door, and it opened shortly afterward.

Han glanced back and saw the curtain part to admit Padmé. Han dipped his head respectfully. "Ma'am."

Padmé blinked in surprise to see him, but smiled warmly. "Han, it's nice to see you. How have you been?"

"I'm well, Senator, thank you," Han replied, stepping aside and letting her pass. "I just thought I would drop by and visit."

"Thank you for that," Padmé responded. Her gaze went to Luke, who was gazing at her with distrust. Han sensed the tension and coughed discreetly. "I'll just wait outside."

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Padmé hardly noticed Han depart, so focused was she on her elder son. It hurt her deeply to see him directing his resentment at her, but Padmé was determined to hold fast. It wasn't Luke's fault he had been brought up by a cruel man.

Padmé steeled herself and moved forward. "Good morning Luke. Did you sleep well?"

He didn't answer, but or did he look away. The intensity of his gaze was a little unsettling, and Padmé was reminded of other children who'd been brought up without being taught etiquette. Luke clearly did not understand social cues and such right now.

Or he doesn't care. Padmé mused, sensing that Luke was staring because he could. But she wondered why he remained silent. Could he talk, or was he simply choosing not to?

Or... was he so used to being quiet that talking was alien to him?

Deciding that it might be best to stick to simple questions, Padmé took a seat beside Luke's bed and offered a friendly smile. "It's good to see you awake. We were all very worried for you. We weren't sure if you were going to make it."

Luke's brows lifted somewhat in curiosity. Padmé guessed he wasn't fully aware of his circumstances. "When we found you, you were... pretty far gone. It was a miracle you lived. And I am so glad you did!"

Luke's eyes narrowed, and he turned his head away. Padmé swallowed, putting her political experience to use. She would not be easily swayed.

"Your father and sister think you hate us," Padmé stated softly, watching her elder son closely. "Is that true?"

Luke didn't answer, but Padmé did not need to be a Jedi to feel the room grow a little colder. Padmé could now see for herself that Luke really did hold anger towards his family, as Anakin and Leia had claimed.

Padmé considered her next words. "Can you tell me why?"

Luke didn't move, didn't even try to look at her. However, he was shivering as if cold, and Padmé hated to see him so. She rose and approached the bed, bringing Luke's gaze instantly to her again. He watched her intently, and when her hand lifted his eyes narrowed, and he shifted away the best he could.

"It's alright, Luke," Padmé said gently, making a placating gesture that she hoped he recognized. "I just want to help with your blanket, if you'll let me?"

Luke's narrowed eyes remained on her and for a long time they locked gazes. But eventually Luke looked away, and Padmé took that as her cue. She tugged on his second blanket, bringing it up and over Luke's body.

She could see that he was making strides in regaining some body mass, but as Kness had said, Luke would not truly re-grow muscle until he resumed physical activity. Once his blanket was in place, Padmé sat back down, and Luke's gaze followed her, though it was a tiny bit less angry now.

Padmé supposed that was his way of showing gratitude, and she smiled softly at him again. "I don't like to be cold either, but your father is far worse. He grew up on Tatooine, and so the only thing he hates more than the bitter cold is sand."

Luke blinked, but Padmé could see him trying to resist drinking in anything that had to do with his family. This only strengthened her theory that Luke had been fed lies about his family.

But whatever may have occurred next Padmé would not know. The door opened and a nurse walked in, taking a look at Luke and then walking right up to him.

"Hello," she said in a timid voice, "I'm Adie. I need to check your vitals if I may?"

Luke didn't fight her, and soon Adie was working on Luke. Watching the other woman, Padmé had the distinct sense that Adie was new to the medical field. Her movements were not assured like the seasoned nurses that had been working with Luke thus far.

Adie eventually stepped away from Luke. "Doctor Kness wanted you to try drinking some broth. I'll bring it to you."

Adie left, forgetting to close the door behind her, so Padmé did it for her. She had some misgivings about a new nurse working Luke's case, and Padmé made a mental note to request Adie be shifted off of Luke's room.

Not that Padmé had anything against Adie personally, but due to the sensitive nature of her son's needs, Luke required people who really knew their jobs. A brand new nurse was not a good fit for Luke at this point in time.

Padmé turned back to Luke to find that he was still trying to ignore her. He refused to look in her direction, and in fact turned to inspecting his bed. He was still weak, but he shifted his hands about to feel around, touching his body here or there and seemingly rediscovering himself.

Padmé watched as he touched his face, his arms, his torso... and his expression shifted, causing Padmé to frown. She wondered why his expression was confused. At length Padmé realized he might just be trying to work out where all his scars had gone.

Stepping close again, Padmé spoke once more. "Bacta can heal a lot, including wounds like the ones you bore. You've been healed of all your lashing scars and injuries."

Luke blinked, clearly taken aback. Padmé could see his wonder and his inexperience, so she took her seat once more and explained how bacta worked. She noted that this time he didn't shun her offer of information. Padmé took heart in that, and marked it down as progress... and she was grateful.

Time passed without Padmé noticing, until the door to Luke's room reopened, and Adie returned. Padmé watched the woman apprehensively as she approached the bed again, this time bearing a small tray with a steaming bowl of dark liquid.

Adie looked a bit nervous, and she fumbled with the curtain as she struggled not to drop the tray in her hands.

"I have that broth Doctor Kness ordered for you."

She drew farther into the room, unable to see Padmé's purse as she backed away from the curtain she'd just shut. Adie started to turn and take a step as she approached. Padmé saw the issue and made to speak. "Look out for..."

But it was too late. Adie's foot hit Padmé's bag and she tripped. Consternation lit her face, and she screeched as the tray in her hands flipped over... spilling hot broth all over Luke. Luke reacted in a way that sent chills down Padmé's spine.

Adrenaline fueled the weak boy, allowing him to jump a foot in the air while simultaneously clamping both hands firmly over his mouth. The fact that he didn't scream at the hot liquid on him didn't sit well with Padmé either, as if he was used to pain. It was either that, or he was just so focused on keeping anything out of his mouth that he wasn't registering the pain of the searing liquid.

Padmé helped the nurse stand upright; withholding her reprimand when she saw that the other woman was almost in tears.

"I am so sorry!" Adie exclaimed, leaping for a towel and snatching it up. She raced forward to try cleaning Luke up, but once more the boy shied away, and Padmé grasped Adie's arm firmly.

"Thank you for trying to clean up, but Luke does not like to be touched." Padmé explained, trying to remain patient with Adie. Out of the corner of her eye, Padmé saw Han just inside the door, observing what was happening.

"I'm really sorry!" Adie lamented. "I'm new here: just started this week. All I was supposed to do was check his vitals and bring him food..." she wiped at her face, "and I couldn't even do that!"

Padmé thinned her lips, but was reminded of her first week in the Senate. It hadn't gone as well as she had planned either. "Why don't you take a few minutes to yourself? I'm sure you will be fine."

Adie sighed. "I hope so..." she looked gingerly at Padmé, "are you mad at me?"

Padmé shook her head, deciding to withhold the full truth. "No. Please go take care of yourself, though."

Adie nodded and left, taking the tray with her. "I'll call for someone else to bring the food then."

And then she was gone, and Padmé turned back to Luke, who was trembling in place. His eyes were glazed over, and it was clear to Padmé that Luke was reliving an event only he knew of.

"Luke?"

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Luke didn't respond at first, so caught up in his memories of being force-fed was he. His throat burned as if the scalding soup had been forced into him again, and Luke grasped at his throat with one hand.

He closed his eyes, trying to calm down.

That was in the past... Hazael is gone... I'm okay... Luke tried to soothe himself. He couldn't help the tears that sprang up, but eventually his wet eyes found Padmé's again.

He at long last relaxed when he realized he was in no further danger, though his subconscious remained habitually on high alert.

Feeling tired of being in the same position for so long, Luke shifted his legs— the first time he had done so since he'd begun regaining consciousness— so he could sit more upright. However, when Luke's legs shifted to give him a boost backwards, he froze.

Luke's eyes travelled to where his legs were, and his pulse began racing as he noticed for the first time the uneven contours in the blanket that covered his body. And that was when he realized that his left leg was numb beyond the knee. Or rather, it felt numb... but in reality his leg wasn't there below the knee. It was just... gone.

Shaking heavily, and swiftly losing steam, Luke managed to throw his covers off and see for himself the truth. When he saw not two, but only one full leg, Luke gasped deeply.

Where is my leg?! Luke thought in a panic. He began to breathe erratically, his mind going blank with utter shock. In all his time with Hazael, and all the things the man had done to his slave, dismemberment had never been on that list.

Had this been a parting 'gift' from Hazael? Had he severed Luke's leg somehow?

Alarms went off in Luke's room, and he could dimly hear someone talking to him, but Luke was lost to his despair.

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Padmé's heart squeezed painfully to observe Luke reacting in such a way to his leg, and she desperately tried to get his attention, calling his name several times.

"Luke!" Padmé risked touching her son to get him to react in some way to her voice. That finally did the trick, and his eyes snapped to her face. At that moment, Luke began sobbing so heavily he couldn't breathe properly.

Worried for him, Padmé slapped the call button, and soon after Doctor Kness appeared, racing to Luke's side.

"He discovered his leg just now!" Padmé explained. "I can't calm him down!"

Kness nodded, turning to Luke. "Luke, please, you need to try calming down. You're alright."

Behind them a throat cleared, and the two adults looked back to see Han, who was looking a little annoyed.

"What?" Kness demanded.

"You two are acting like he isn't allowed to grieve," Han said, a little miffed. "Well why shouldn't he grieve the loss of part of him? He's been through hell, right? Well, you can't expect him to just be okay with everything. Let him cry."

Kness glanced to Padmé. "Do you know this boy?"

Padmé nodded, looking a little embarrassed. "Yes, he's a friend. And I think Han is right."

"I understand," Kness argued, "but Luke isn't breathing properly."

"He will be fine," Han assured them both, stepping up and placing himself between the pair and Luke. "It's not like he's going to return to the way you found him because he has an emotional meltdown."

Padmé glared mildly. "I don't expect Luke to be a droid."

Han softened. "I know, but you need to let him go through the grief process like any other human being would need to."

Padmé turned away. "You're right." A vein of sorrow coursed through her when she saw the way Luke was looking at Han. Luke was actually calming down somewhat at how Han was standing up for the younger boy. And Luke seemed to be warming up to Han in a way he wouldn't respond to his own mother.

Jealousy threatened to rear its ugly head, and Padmé had to wrestle it back down. She eventually won that battle, and by that time, Luke had calmed enough to breathe right.

The doctor monitored Luke for a few moments to be certain the boy would be alright, and then Kness himself retrieved some broth.

When he returned, he set it on Luke's tray. "Whenever you're ready, try drinking the broth please. We need to restart your digestive system. Drink it slowly once it's cooled down a bit, alright?"

Luke didn't respond, and Kness thinned his lips, but Padmé placed a hand on his arm. "He'll come around."

Kness nodded. "I know, I just want to see him make strides toward recovery."

"And he will, but it must come from him." Padmé replied, feeling like she was talking to herself as much as to Kness.

Seeing the time and knowing she had worn out her current welcome with Luke, Padmé turned to Luke. "I've got to go, but I'll be back later, alright?"

Luke didn't respond, and Padmé tried to remain strong as she left, but she couldn't help the heaviness of her heart as she went to work. She tried to pep-talk herself, telling herself things would be alright.

But part of her was having trouble believing it. Things hadn't gone as well as she had thought they would, and that hurt her more than she wanted to admit. When she got to her office, Padmé pushed aside her personal troubles and focused on her job, grateful for the distraction.

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Han watched as Padmé left, biting his lip. He could tell that the woman was upset, but Han supposed there was nothing he could do about it. Han sighed and returned his attention to the boy in the bed, who was looking weary.

Han approached gingerly, bringing Luke's eyes to him. Luke watched him, and Han could see the caution in the other's gaze. Clearly this younger boy had been badly treated: why else would he be so hesitant around everyone he came into contact with?

"Don't be too hard on the nurse," Han said gently. "She was new here, so she hadn't gotten her feet under her yet. She didn't mean to harm or scare you."

Luke considered that, and eventually nodded once, a gesture that surprised Han. As far as Han understood it, Luke had yet to actually respond to anyone who'd talked to him, outside of the doctor checking the boy's vitals.

Feeling honored, Han inclined his head in return. "Anyway, I can hang around if you want, or leave, it don't matter to me which you prefer."

Luke eyed Han again, and his mouth worked, but nothing came out.

Han tilted his head curiously. "Do you know how to talk?"

Luke hesitated— habitually, Han guessed— but then nodded again. Han nodded almost to himself in return.

"So... are you choosing not to speak?"

Luke shrugged, though Han could see that Luke was struggling to find a way to get Han to understand. To Han's surprise, Luke eventually sighed and opened his mouth again.

And this time words came out... barely.

"I... don't talk... much..." Luke's voice was whisper-soft and rough; clearly not something he'd used much in his life.

Han couldn't help the lopsided grin that split his face. Luke had spoken to him! Going off of what Leia had told Han, this was a first for the kid. Han then considered the boy's wording, recalling how some of the people he'd met had been slaves... and weren't allowed to speak unless directly spoken to.

"You don't talk because you don't know how, or you were not allowed to by Hazael?" Han asked carefully, aware he was likely hitting a nerve.

Luke looked away, confirming Han's suspicions with that one act. Han pondered that due to his own upbringing, he probably could relate to Luke more than his family. Han didn't know Luke's parents' past, but he did know that unless one of his family members had once been a slave, they'd not be able to relate to Luke in that respect.

"You weren't allowed to talk," Han murmured. It wasn't a question.

Luke shook his head. "...No."

Han looked down. "I'm sorry to hear that. But you are free to talk now; you don't have to worry about being punished anymore."

Luke looked to Han, and Han could see a new emotion in Luke's gaze. "I... am so... used to... not talking... it's hard to... break that."

Han offered a sad smile. "I get it. And you'll find a way through it."

Luke gazed at Han for a time, and eventually he returned the smile with a tiny attempt at one in return.

Han eyed the broth, and offered Luke his spoon, something Kness had included on the tray.

Luke shied away from the broth, an almost animal fear in his gaze. "... 'm not... hungry..."

Han bit his lip. "Sure you are. You're just afraid for some reason. What if I helped you eat?" Realizing— when Luke's gaze shifted in a tell-tale manner— that might be part of the problem, Han shifted tactics. "Or, you can feed yourself. That way you know exactly where the food's goin'."

Luke deliberated, and Han watched as the boy's emotions shifted until he sighed. "Okay."

Luke gingerly took the spoon and dipped it into the broth... and shakily tasted the food. He hesitated after swallowing, his eyes closed, and then he took another bite.

Han smiled proudly. "That's the way. Good job. Just eat until you feel full, even if you don't finish it all."

But Luke's eyes lit with a new fire after a few bites, an appearance Han knew: it was the look of a person who hadn't eaten in forever. Han observed as Luke now raced to drink as much as possible in the shortest amount of time, ditching the spoon and gulping down the broth.

Seeing this, Han lifted a hand of caution. "Hey, take it easy Kid." Han knew what an empty stomach could do after too long without food, and then being suddenly filled with it. "Too much too soon and you'll..."

As Han had expected, Luke's face blanched, his hand opening to drop the container he held. Han hastened to grab a vomit-bag, getting it to Luke just in time. Luke vomited up everything he'd eaten, and then he collapsed forward helplessly, completely drained.

Han slapped the call button and the doctor appeared soon afterwards. Han explained the situation and Kness nodded.

"Rest," he said to Luke, setting the boy back against his pillows and then covering his patient with the blankets. "When you wake I will have a smaller portion for you. We will need to reintroduce food to your stomach at a much slower rate."

Luke barely managed a nod before he was out cold.

Kness looked to Han, and the older boy stared back without ire.

"Shouldn't you be in school?" Kness asked after a time.

"I don't go to school," Han answered, looking down. He hesitated, and Han saw through his peripheral vision when Kness tilt his head.

"Why not?" Kness inquired.

Han sighed, looking to Luke. "I'm homeless, that's why. I have no family."

Kness blinked in surprise. "Oh. Well, as doctor, it's my duty to help you..."

Han lifted a hand. "I don't want to go to an orphanage. So just forget this conversation happened, alright?"

Kness shook his head. "Sorry, I can't do that. But, I can delay it if you would be willing to sit with Luke. I would rather he not be alone for long periods of time. And you would have a bed and meals for the time you are here. You may use the shower."

Han bit his lip. "I've done just fine on my own." Han again eyed Luke, and for some reason found he didn't want to leave the younger boy. "But okay. And I get to help choose where I go."

Han really hated the thought of an orphanage... but he knew the doctor was just doing what he thought was right. And Han had to admit the sound of not living on the streets for a bit sounded appealing.

"Agreed," Kness said, offering a hand. Han shook it and Kness left.

Han watched him go; part of him wondering what he was doing... but Han silenced that portion of him and took a seat by Luke.

"Well, looks like you're stuck with me Kid." Han shrugged. "For a little while anyway."