When Clara was young, Max left her. He never said why. Max was insecure and didn't feel like he could be a good father, hence why he left. He became depressed and started drinking. He'd stay inside his apartment all day, just drinking. When he finally was able to get a good job opportunity, he jumped at it. Sadly, the job was out of state. So, if he was ever going to visit his daughter, it would be now than ever. He felt insecure and anxious, but he'd just keep it inside, like he usually did.