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, she let the call ring

someone else to fill the role

was

let him slowly

ringing on the speakerphone, until

must have lost

answer her own child's

were as deep

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

person a small gesture of apology for

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

Unbelievable.

calling Jessica again. He returned to the hospital room and sat by Henry's side, tending to

was a long,

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

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

up, worry etched in her voice. "Timothy, you haven't

He just nodded.

her concern obvious. "Go home and get some rest. I'll stay

appreciate it," he

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

any more,

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