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?"

need to buy some materials-could you drop me at the fabric market on the south

For paper cuttings?" Herbert was genuinely

and signed

designs. Your house has a classic look-if

wrists poised, making her sign language almost look

himself looking forward to seeing

the craft from her grandmother as a child, often

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

she'd even

fabric market, but instead of leaving, he got out

wave him off,

communicate with the sellers. Let me help

letting him tag

when Jessica

Lawson was carefully inspecting bolts

a confrontation, Jessica ducked down another

twins,

single-a hard-charging career woman. After college, she'd used her