He did not excuse himself, demand forgiveness, or try to erase the past—he simply showed up, hoping to make some small amends.
It was painful, complicated, and raw. I told him I didn’t want him near her, and he accepted that, though he continued to attend meetings and remain quietly present in the background. Over time, Hannah began to respond.
Her fingers squeezed mine, her eyes fluttered, and slowly, she returned to consciousness. Mike didn’t push or lecture—he just stayed by her side, reading, talking softly, letting her guide the pace of recovery. When she finally learned the truth about him, her response was measured: she didn’t forgive him fully, but she also didn’t want him to disappear from her life.
It was a fragile, honest truce built on presence and accountability, not denial.
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