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... isn't this a

vendors have it tough it's just a way

quickly returned as she accepted the rose, her mood visibly

fireworks show drew

night to end; he wanted to light some

the lake, in a designated safe area, a few

at the lakeside with Henry and Sheila, helping them

the old town, pausing outside to close her

to Oakwood to clear her head-and to sneak a peek

No such luck.

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

from afar tomorrow, then leave town as soon as she

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

The next morning.

at the Oakwood

she'd gone to some lengths to disguise

for

was one of the first guests inside; the

a while, an excited voice rang out

"Ines is here!"

quickly ducked behind a