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.

perhaps out of pity knowing her days

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

"Ma'am, are you alright?"

her, Jessica managed a smile and typed out a line on

IV drip wasn't finished yet, so a nurse pushed her back into

sat down by the bed, her eyes full of concern. "I'll go grab

Jessica nodded.

Mabel left quietly.

transfusion for Sheila. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Mabel leaving the building. His gaze darkened for a moment, but then his expression returned to normal

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

It was Herbert.

promise she'd made to Herbert the day before. His father was expanding their business into the country, so the whole family had moved back. Their new house was styled after an old English manor, but Mrs. Wheeler always felt something was missing. Eventually

several people to make them, but none of the designs looked quite right. That's when they thought of

was why Herbert had sought

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

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