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, she let the

else to fill the role of 'Mom.' What

she was

this time to let him

the endless ringing on the

must have lost

even answer her own

dark eyes were as deep and cold

buy her that voice-activated

a small gesture of apology for how distant he'd

branch, she just kept pushing

Unbelievable.

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

a long,

had finally subsided, though a mild temperature

up the room, and carried everything into

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

He just nodded.

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

it," he

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

Timothy's lips pressed into a

any more, she'd just walk