Goodbye, Mr. Regret

The doctor had explained that there was still a glimmer of hope in her condition, but the chances were slim—and chemotherapy came with the very real risk that she might not survive the treatment itself.

That was why Jessica refused chemo.

With this conservative approach, at the very least, she could expect another six months.

She reached for her phone and typed out a message.

"Thank you, Doctor. I don't want to take that risk."

The doctor sighed and said, "I'll prescribe you some more medication, then."

Jessica quickly typed another line.

"Thank you. Could you also help keep my diagnosis between us? I don't want my family to worry."

She handed the phone over to the doctor so he could read her words.

It was a lie—and she knew it. Her husband and son were never the type to worry about her. Telling them would only be a wasted effort, so she'd rather not bother.

out of pity knowing her days

while later, Jessica was wheeled out of the emergency room. Mabel,

"Ma'am, are you alright?"

it was Mabel waiting for her, Jessica managed a smile and

a nurse pushed her

sat down by the bed, her eyes full of concern.

Jessica nodded.

Mabel left quietly.

balcony making a call, arranging a blood transfusion for Sheila. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Mabel leaving the building. His gaze darkened for a moment, but

nearly finished, she pressed the call button. A nurse came in, changed the bag, and left.

It was Herbert.

moved back. Their new house was styled after an old English manor, but Mrs. Wheeler always felt something was missing. Eventually she realized it was the window decorations-delicate paper cuttings that reminded

quite right. That's when they thought of Jessica's grandmother, only to learn she had passed away. Others recommended Jessica

Herbert

hoped she would carry on the craft, and Jessica was personally acquainted with Mrs. Wheeler, so she

hung up the phone, checked the time, glanced at her IV, and estimated when she'd be