Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Jessica sat beside her on the antique wooden settee.

The two of them faced each other across a small coffee table, which was scattered with all sorts of delicate paper cuttings.

"Jessica, I'm just not satisfied with any of these decorations," Latonia sighed. "It's

a pity your grandmother passed away years ago. The neighbors told me you're quite talented too. Could I trouble you to make some for me?"

Jessica nodded silently.

She didn't speak a word.

Latonia had heard from Herbert that Jessica still hadn't regained her voice.

Latonia led Jessica around the villa, asking her to help spot the best places for the decorations. Jessica took her time, studying the rooms, and snapped photos on her phone of the spots that needed some color.

Communicating in gestures and notes on her phone, Jessica let Latonia know she could finish everything in about two days.

Latonia, who hadn't seen Jessica in so long, insisted she stay for dinner.

Afterwards, Latonia had Herbert drive Jessica home.

Once Jessica climbed into the car, Herbert glanced over. "Where do you live?"

with practiced grace. "I'm not heading home. I need to buy some materials-could

For paper cuttings?" Herbert was

and

house has a classic look-if I use ordinary

elegance, her fingers nimble and wrists poised, making her sign

looking forward to seeing her

craft from her grandmother as

with intricate projects. Now, it seemed, she had blended old traditions with

she'd even

market, but instead of leaving, he got out to follow

to wave him off, insisting she

communicate with the sellers. Let me

letting

when Jessica

carefully inspecting

wanting a confrontation, Jessica ducked down another

and Timothy were twins,

After college, she'd used her degree