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 were numbered, nodded. "Alright. I

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

"Ma'am, are you alright?"

her, Jessica managed a smile and typed out a line on her phone: "I'm fine,

wasn't finished yet, so a nurse pushed

full

Jessica nodded.

Mabel left quietly.

the corner of his eye, he saw Mabel leaving the building. His

A nurse came in, changed the bag, and left. Just then,

It was Herbert.

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

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

why Herbert

craft, and Jessica was personally acquainted with Mrs. Wheeler, so

glanced at her IV, and estimated when