Tempest
Chapter 7
Mike had cleaned out his desk and just sit the box in the garage. He grabbed it and carried it upstairs to his room, knowing he needed to give Hannah a few of the photos. As usual, the photos bothered him but she needed them. He kept a few and carried some into her bedroom, where she was studying. He knocked on the door, waiting to be invited in.
"I thought you might like some photos of your mom, brother and sister. I still have some but I thought you might like these." Mike said. Hannah had nodded at him, so he sat the photos on her bed and picked Hunter up from his crib.
"Thanks." Hannah said as she fiddled with her pencil.
"Would you like for me to take him downstairs so you can study?" Mike asked.
"He's…Antonia calls it 'fighting his sleep.' He didn't sleep a lot last night. Wanted to play." Hannah remarked. She did look tired.
"How about I watch him for a while? Antonia went to that Italian grocery store she likes. You can nap." Mike suggested.
"Are you sure?" Hannah asked.
"I'm sure. You get some rest." Mike said. He grabbed a couple diapers, the package of wipes, Hunter's blanket and a few toys to keep him occupied with.
Hunter was happy to lay on the floor on his blanket and watch the fan. It was one of his favorite activities and Mike played with a couple of his toys too to keep Hunter interested. Finally, Antonia came in and handed Mike another new toy for Hunter.
"I saw it and just had to." She remarked.
"He likes it." Mike replied as he showed Hunter the little stuffed frog. He immediately pulled it to his mouth to chew on.
"He seems so little but I think he'll be teething soon." Antonia said.
"All my kids teethed early. It was stand to reason that he would too." Mike said.
"Does it ever bother you? Talking about them?" Antonia asked.
"It does but I do think Hannah needs to talk some about them." Mike admitted.
"She really does care about you, you know? I know it bothers you that you can't touch her and perhaps through her grief is your window. But…you, she looks for. She feels safe with you." Antonia remarked.
"I would hate to take advantage of her grief." Mike replied.
"Well, I happen to remember that Katie's birthday is coming up and Hannah speaks of her sister very affectionately. She misses her a lot. As horrible as it might be, it might give you a chance with her." Antonia said.
"Yeah. Katie would have been twenty-one." Mike remarked.
"In college." Antonia said.
"She would have definitely been in college. She loved studying. Math was her favorite subject. I, of course, was biased but I thought she was a genius." Mike commented.
"I never mind you talking about them, but maybe it's a good time to talk about her with Hannah?" Antonia suggested. Mike picked Hunter up and got an immediate coo.
"I would just hate if Hannah thought she needed to take my grief on." Mike replied.
"That is part of loving people. Sharing grief. Remembering things. I can't remember any memories of Katie because I never knew her but Hannah might be able to share a story that will help you and likewise. You might have something that could help her?" Antonia remarked.
"I just hate the idea that it could hurt her too." Mike said as he cuddled his grandson close. Hunter had put his head on Mike's shoulder like he was going to fall asleep.
"Mike, talk to her. Not talking about your losses together will hurt her far more. And honestly, you need to grieve in a healthy manner. You've not had much chance over the past few years." Antonia said.
"I miss her. I keep thinking of all the things I'm missing. I do with Lucas too, of course, but Katie would have graduated high school and gone to college. There would have been proms and teaching her to drive. Lucas would still be in school, so not so many benchmarks." Mike remarked.
"And that is why I believe you need to talk to Hannah about Katie." Antonia said as she tickled Hunter's belly. Hunter cackled in response, his new sound.
"Oh, that giggle of his." Mike said. He would have preferred Hannah have a baby later in her life, but Hunter was adored and Mike was glad to have him.
"He's fake coughing too. He does it to get Hannah's attention. Its quite funny." Antonia said.
"If I took Hannah out on Katie's birthday, would you be okay to watch him?" Mike asked. He knew Antonia would say yes, but he didn't want her to ever feel like he was taking advantage of her.
"Yes, of course." Antonia answered.
"I'll present the idea to her. She might not go it." Mike admitted.
"Mike, be patient with her. Eventually, she will have to learn to trust you again." Antonia replied. She kissed his temple before standing back up and going into the kitchen area. Mike concentrated on the grandson who was falling asleep on his shoulder. As Hunter fell asleep, Mike shifted him to where he was cradled in his arms and settled into his recliner.