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

someone else to fill the role

she was

time to let him slowly get used to

the endless ringing on the speakerphone, until the call dropped

have lost

even answer her

dark eyes were as deep and

to buy her

a small gesture of apology

she just kept pushing him away,

Unbelievable.

calling Jessica again. He returned to the hospital room and sat

was a long, exhausting

Henry's fever had finally subsided, though a mild temperature

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

at Timothy's drawn face and spoke up, worry etched in her voice. "Timothy, you

He just nodded.

obvious. "Go home and get some

it,"

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 Jessica, be gentle with her, okay? Kids recover faster when their

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

coddled her any