Goodbye, Mr. Regret

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.

but in the end, she let the

the role of 'Mom.'

was dying

time to let him

to the endless ringing on the speakerphone, until the call dropped by

must have lost her

even answer

dark eyes were as deep and

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

a small gesture of apology

branch, she just kept pushing him away, higher and higher up

Unbelievable.

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

was a

Henry's fever had finally subsided, though a mild temperature lingered. At least it was

room, and carried everything

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

He just nodded.

obvious. "Go home and

appreciate it,"

Henry's always been so sweet to me-taking care of him is the least I can do. You should really get some sleep. And if you run into

mention of Jessica, Timothy's lips pressed into a thin,

her any more, she'd just walk all over