Past Mistakes
Chapter 12
Mike had gotten worried because Hannah didn't appear the next morning, but Christine assured him she was alright and had actually slept really soundly. Christine went on to work, Emma was at school, and Katie was also at a class or something. Mike did a bit of work, fixed himself lunch and waited. Finally, about one; Hannah walked downstairs, looking sleepy. Mike gave her a moment to collect herself because she seemed extremely disoriented. Her bandage looked a little iffy and Christine had warned him it might need changed.
"Your bandage looks a bit rough and your mom left the stuff for me to change it down here. Can you let me?" Mike asked.
"Sure." Hannah said as she held her arm out for Mike. He washed his hands and went to work. The burn looked terrible and he could tell it hurt Hannah, especially when he had to gently peel the existing bandage off due to drainage.
"I'm really sorry, Hannah. I know that hurt." Mike said as he medicated the burn. Hannah shrugged in response, still not saying much. She was a lot like him. "Do you want me to fix some of that soup and a sandwich? You have to be hungry." Mike asked.
"A little." Hannah answered.
"Or…you could go put regular clothes on and we can go for Chinese food, maybe?" Mike suggested; knowing it might instigate a reaction.
"I didn't think you wanted Chinese." Hannah remarked.
"Hannah…about what I said that day…" Mike started.
"Dad; I get it. I made you mad. I shouldn't have just shown up like that. I shouldn't have assumed that you wanted that for lunch. I just thought that you might need a pick-me-up. But, I am obviously incapable of giving you that. It made me wonder what I am capable of doing. Katie helps Mom at work and Emma is…Emma. I'm just kind of here with no purpose." Hannah admitted. She had never been overly confident, but it shocked Mike just how defeated she was and he certainly didn't help that.
"Oh, Hannah. Your visits were the bright spot to my days. Yes; I didn't react that well that day and I'm not going to try and make an excuse for that behavior. All I can do is offer an apology. Its not adequate but it's the best I can do. When I showed up here, you opened me with open arms. With your mom and Katie, it was like they didn't need me anymore. Your mom had built this very successful business, and Katie does her own thing. I still felt like you needed me, or maybe it was more that I needed you to feel wanted around here. I know its hard to believe but you are the heart and soul of this family and I will prove it to you, come hell or high water." Mike told her before giving her a long hug.
"Can we go for that Chinese food now?" Hannah finally asked a few minutes later.
"You bet." Mike answered. He had a lot to figure out. His marriage, his career, Emma; but he could only take one step at a time.