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.

at her

nothing," he said. "These vendors have it tough it's just a

quickly returned as she accepted the rose, her mood visibly

drew to

wasn't ready for the night to end; he wanted

by the lake, in a designated safe area,

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

to close her eyes

her head-and to sneak a peek at the comic convention, hoping to catch a glimpse

No such luck.

she went, it seemed she couldn't escape stumbling upon Timothy, Sheila, and their

Ines from afar tomorrow,

at her hotel, Jessica packed her things, checked out, and

The next morning.

at the Oakwood

leaving her new hotel, she'd gone to some lengths to disguise herself: sunhat, sunglasses,

couldn't bear for Ines to

of the first guests inside;

excited

"Ines is here!"

ducked behind a