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.

her days were numbered,

Jessica was wheeled out of the

"Ma'am, are you alright?"

waiting for her, Jessica managed a smile and typed out a line on her phone:

yet, so a nurse pushed her back into

bed, her eyes full of concern.

Jessica nodded.

Mabel left quietly.

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

call button. A

It was Herbert.

the 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

of the designs looked quite right. That's when they thought of Jessica's grandmother, only to learn she had

why Herbert had sought her

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

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