Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"Timothy."

Sheila called his name softly.

Timothy turned around.

Fireworks exploded overhead, casting a bright glow across the park. Timothy glanced back toward the spot where he thought he'd seen Jessica, but she was gone.

In the flicker of light and shadow, Jessica had already slipped into the crowd.

Blinking, Timothy scanned the area, his sharp features tightening with concern as he searched for any sign of her.

Sheila noticed him looking around and glanced about as well, puzzled. "Timothy, did you spot someone you know?"

"No," he replied, his voice flat.

Just then, a street vendor approached with a basket of roses, his pitch practiced and cheerful. "Sir, these roses are fresh this evening. Roses symbolize rare beauty-why not buy one for your wife? It means she's one of a kind, and shows just how deep and sincere your feelings are."

Sheila was about to refuse, but Timothy was already reaching for his wallet. He handed the vendor a few bills and accepted a single rose.

Up above, more fireworks lit the sky. Jessica found them dazzling, almost painfully bright. The display wasn't as lovely or romantic as she'd imagined. Maybe it was romantic, but that feeling belonged to someone else.

She turned and walked away.

Timothy offered the rose to Sheila.

tugging at her lips. "Timothy...

have it tough it's just a way to

returned

fireworks show drew

to end; he wanted to light

the lake, in a designated safe area, a few

evening at the lakeside with Henry and Sheila, helping them set off

old town, pausing outside to close her eyes and take

peek at the comic convention,

No such luck.

where she went, it seemed she couldn't escape stumbling upon

tomorrow,

hotel, Jessica packed her things, checked out, and

The next morning.

early at

to some lengths to disguise herself: sunhat, sunglasses, mask-her

couldn't bear for Ines to see

the first guests inside; the exhibition

a while, an excited voice

"Ines is here!"

ducked behind a