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.

torn, but in the end, she let the call

already looking to someone else to fill the role of

was dying

use this time to let him slowly get used to life

endless ringing on the speakerphone,

must have

wouldn't even answer her

eyes were as deep and cold

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

a small gesture of apology for how distant

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

Unbelievable.

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

a long,

had finally subsided, though a mild temperature lingered. At least it was under

room, and carried everything into the

worry etched in her voice. "Timothy, you haven't slept at all, have

He just nodded.

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

it,"

do. You should really get some

Timothy's lips

her? If he coddled her any more,