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

else to fill the role of 'Mom.'

was

this time to let him slowly get used

listened to the endless ringing on the

have lost her

wouldn't even answer her own child's

as deep and cold as

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

small gesture of apology for how distant he'd

just kept pushing him away,

Unbelievable.

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

was a long,

had finally subsided, though a

and carried everything into the

worry etched in her voice. "Timothy,

He just nodded.

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

appreciate it," he said

the least I can do. You should really get some sleep. And if you

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

coddled her any more, she'd just walk all