Chapter 8: Echoes of the Past
That night, Mia couldn't sleep. She wandered down the hall and saw a soft light coming from Hank’s small den. She peeked inside. Hank was sitting in a recliner, holding a faded photograph in his hands.
""Can't sleep?"" Hank asked softly without looking up.
Mia shook her head and walked in, sitting on the small footstool beside his chair. ""What's that photo?""
Hank looked at the image for a long moment before turning it toward her. It showed a younger Hank, smiling proudly while holding a tiny baby wrapped in a pink blanket.
""Is that your daughter?"" Mia asked quietly.
""Her name was Lily,"" Hank said, his voice thick with old sorrow. ""Twenty years ago, a drunk driver ran a red light. I lost her and my wife in the same night."" He touched the corner of the frame gently. ""For a long time, I thought my life was over. I built walls around myself. I rode my bike fast, worked long hours, and didn't let anyone get close.""
Mia looked at the photo, then up at Hank’s weathered face. ""Is that why you saved me?""
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""I think..."" Hank paused, swallowing hard as he looked down at her. ""I think you saved me, Mia. You reminded me that there's still good things worth fighting for in this world.""
Mia reached out her left hand and laid it over Hank’s large, rough knuckles. ""I'm glad I found your motorcycle.""
