In her toddler years Hannah was a slight nuisance. She was adventurous and managing to fathom every lock her father set out for her.
He was very proud.
House had been at work a lot, but home enough to raise her properly.
Her first words had been "Dada," and even though this cheesy new experience sickened House, in a way he warmed to her.
Constant visits from Wilson ensured she got toys and lollies; he grew to be "Uncy Jimmy"
It was a sunny day when she sat on the chair, her eyes level with the table. She wore some bright red overalls with a sky blue top underneath. Her hair was a dark brown, her bright frosty blue eyes absent as she sucked on her green ice lolly.
The sun had streamed through the large window, providing light for House, who was scanning over some files. She sat quietly now at the age of four, polite and gentle, but with her fathers cheeky wit.
"Dad" Her soft voice mumbled.
"Mmmm hmmm" He said through his nose.
"How come I don't have a mum?" She said to him with her innocent eyes.
He looked up from his paper and peered down at her with the same eyes, only his were sharper.
They shared a moment where she saw into his soul, saw sadness she hadn't really seen in him.
"You're Mother" House said as he laid down the papers and bent to her level. "You're Mother..." He muttered softly as his voice trailed off.
"What was her name?" She asked curiously.
"Allison" he murmured covering up his despair "Allison Cameron"
Hannah nodded and stared down.
"Where is she?" She muttered.
House paused trying to find the right words. He did not believe in heaven nor hell, only life and the eternal darkness of death. He felt no point in trying to soften this; she had to be ready for the big bad world.
"She's dead" House said absently as he returned to his paper work.
Hannah looked up at him slightly annoyed. He knew she wanted info.
"How?" Hannah nagged.
"She died…" House began slowly. "She died when you were born"
Hannah furrowed her eyebrows in concentration. "So…She died because of me"
House sighed and grasped her gently be the shoulder.
"She loved you, and don't you ever forget that"