Peaceful
Chapter 8
"Girls, I know it's hard but we have to find a way to help Dad. I didn't realize how hard this would be for him. I don't know how, but we need to find a way." Christine said.
"He seems so sad." Hannah remarked.
"He is afraid to let us in." Katie said.
"So, how do we fix it?" Hannah asked.
"He specifically mentioned not being able to touch us. When he was a cop, he was trained not to touch rape victims. I don't imagine he ever thought it would be his own wife and daughters that he couldn't touch." Christine said.
"He just needs a hug?" Katie asked with narrowed eyes. She was too much like her father for her own good.
"He needs to know we love him too." Hannah said.
"He knows we do. He just needs to feel it. Now; he went to get my prescription. Are you girls going to take a nap?" Christine asked.
"Yeah, we're both tired. But, Mom; shouldn't you rest?" Katie asked.
"I will. I am just going to wait for your dad to get home. But you girls go on up." Christine said. Both girls got off the couch and Hannah gave her a hug. Both girls climbed the stairs and Christine began tidying up the living room. She had to find a way to do something nice for Mike. She just had no money and no way to do anything special for him. An hour later; he walked in carrying her prescription but also carrying a puppy. Christine had gone upstairs to clean up Mike's bathroom, when she heard him call for her.
"I found a puppy at the park while I was getting your meds. And, you know? Thought she'd be good for the girls. But she needs some TLC." Mike said.
"She's cute, but she does need…a bath. Wow!" Christine said as she took the puppy out of Mike's arms. It was the most they had touched.
"Yeah. Pretty nasty. I am going to the pet store." Mike said.
"Alright. I have supper in the crock pot." Christine told him.
"Okay." Mike said. He surprised her by leaning down and kissing her forehead. It was sweet and made Christine smile; but all too soon, he was gone again and Christine carried the wiggly puppy up the stairs and began trying to bathe her. Katie came in and helped her and she was finally carried into the girl's room, where Christine heard Hannah squealing over her.
Christine had to wonder if Monster, the puppy was more for Mike to have something. Sure, the girls loved her already and Christine had never minded having a dog, even if she did complain. But, Mike needed a friend too and had already found it with Monster.
