I made sure that Hannah was in her room before I pulled her mother to the side. I was very concerned about her reaction to my hug earlier and flinching when I brought my hand up. In my experience, only people with a traumatic past act like that. I had a feeling that if I asked her she wouldn't tell me. So I decided to ask her mother.
"Anna, I was wondering if you can tell me what happened to Hannah? I gave her a hug earlier and she just stood there shocked and worried about my ruined suit." I asked her and her face softened once I finished but I did not miss the way her eyes flashed of concern. "Then she flinched when I brought my hand up. Why?"
Anna gave me a small smile and placed a hand on my shoulder as she said, "Before I tell you why, you need to know that she has come a long way since then. At times she has her moments like with you in the garage but she has gotten better over all. She is a strong woman and I am proud of who she has become. She does not let what happened to her affect what she does. Do you understand? She is not her past." I nodded at her question to which she told me why Hannah reacted the way that she did and why.
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After we entered the house, I went up stairs to change and take a shower. As I was coming down the stairs, I stopped as I heard Leo talk to my mother by the stairs.
"After what Hannah's father did to her, she has rejected any physical affection from everyone. I am guilty in that department too as I wasn't around much either." my mother said which made me hold my breath and tighten my grip on the water bottle in my hand. "Once I found out, a year ago, I took Hannah and left. She has amazed me by how far she has come since then. If you want to know more about it, you need to ask her."