Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Jessica's eyes brimmed with tears.

A message had popped up-it was from her old university animation mentor, Ines.

She could almost see Ines's warm, gentle smile in her mind's eye.

It had been seven years since they'd last met.

Jessica was just sixteen when she'd started posting her paper-cut animation shorts online. That's when Ines stumbled upon her work by chance.

Even though Ines was already a star in the world of visual design, she never put on airs. Instead, she sought Jessica out herself, told her that with her talent, she could recommend her for a scholarship to Riverside Media Institute, and offered to take her on as a student.

So, at sixteen, Jessica found herself at Riverside.

Ines always believed Jessica was destined for greatness in animation. Determined to help, Ines even learned sign language just to better communicate with her, pouring heart and soul into nurturing Jessica's unique gift—blending 3D animation with the traditional art of papercutting.

Jessica's final project won the grand prize at the National Animation Creators' Competition. Suddenly, offers poured in from leading animation studios.

But at the very moment her mentor was counting on her most, Jessica walked away from it all. She chose love, married Timothy, and settled into the role of the devoted wife.

Now, thinking back to their last meeting, Jessica could hardly believe she'd told Ines she was choosing love over career.

been

hollow words

[I'm doing well.]

replied almost at

to hear. I didn't want

After a long pause, several messages arrived in

have a wonderful opportunity for you, and I don't want

animation director, saw your graduation project. He was so moved by your blend

has access to the

you always hope to speak

finished reading before tears

Ines know she only had

months wasn't enough time-not to finish a major animation, not to work miracles with

deleting and rewriting, before she finally hit

[I'm sorry, Ines.]

the chat window. Ines was typing. And typing. But in

Late at night.