Jessica returned to the hotel earlier than planned.

She'd thought about switching to a different hotel, but realized it didn't matter—if Timothy could track her down here, he'd find her anywhere.

So, she decided not to bother.

Maybe it was the weight of her emotions, but as soon as she got back, a dull ache started in her abdomen and wouldn't let up.

She took her medication, but it didn't help much.

Now, she lay on the bed, unable to sleep-pain gnawing at her, keeping her wide awake.

Meanwhile, Timothy's call was cut off the moment he dialed.

That's when it struck him: Jessica had blocked his number.

A strange, hollow ache settled in his chest.

He turned back to the hospital room, checked Henry's forehead with a hand towel -only to find it was already warm.

He quickly wrung out a fresh towel, folded it, and placed it gently on Henry's brow. Then, slipping Henry's smartwatch from his wrist, Timothy stepped into the hallway and tried Jessica's number once more.

Jessica's phone buzzed.

The caller ID said Henry.

She froze, gripping the phone tightly.

hesitated, torn, but in the end, she let

to fill the role of 'Mom.' What was the point

was

time to let him

the speakerphone, until the call dropped

must have lost

answer her

eyes were as deep and cold

gone out of his way to buy her that voice-activated ring, even brought it

person a small gesture of

accepting the olive branch, she just kept pushing him away, higher and

Unbelievable.

the hospital room and sat by Henry's side, tending to him

was a

subsided, though a

towels and washbasin, tidied up the room, and carried everything into the bathroom. When he came out, Sheila

spoke up, worry etched in her voice. "Timothy, you haven't slept at

He just nodded.

side, her concern obvious. "Go home and get some rest. I'll stay with

it," he

sweet to me-taking care of him is the least I can do. You should really get some sleep.

the mention of Jessica, Timothy's lips pressed into

he coddled her any more, she'd just walk all over

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