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.

hesitated, torn, but in the end,

role of 'Mom.' What was the point in answering? It hardly

was dying

let him

ringing on the speakerphone, until the call dropped by

have lost her

even answer her

dark eyes were as deep

his way to buy her that voice-activated ring,

gesture of

olive branch, she just kept pushing

Unbelievable.

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

a

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

and carried everything into the bathroom. When he came

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

He just nodded.

obvious. "Go home and get

appreciate it,"

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

mention of Jessica, Timothy's lips pressed into a

her? If he coddled her any more, she'd