Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Jessica never knew that falling in love with someone could be inherited.

"What? You said Dad went with you? Oh no, why didn't you take me? Why did you leave me at home alone? I want to go too..."

Jessica had just picked up the scissors. The moment she squeezed the handles, she accidentally snipped her own finger.

A bright bead of blood welled up instantly, vivid and red.

She stared at her bleeding fingertip, eyes empty, her mind blank.

She sat there in a daze for several minutes before Henry came over again.

"Mom, Dad wants to talk to you."

Henry switched his smartwatch to speaker mode.

Timothy's low, slightly hoarse voice crackled from the tiny speaker.

"Jessica, Henry wants to come to Aetherion. Book a flight to Marisbright and bring him over. We're getting married, and you still haven't met my grandfather. Take this chance to visit him."

Jessica couldn't respond; the smartwatch didn't allow for it.

If Timothy called her, he'd sometimes tell her to check her messages, then hang up. At other times, he'd say what he needed right then and there-no need for a message, just a command, a notice of what she must do.

as soon

at the screen: the caller ID

Sheila's phone for the

his wrist and sidled up close to Jessica, practically bouncing with excitement. "Mom, can you

close that Jessica caught the faint, elegant scent of perfume on his clothes-the same Chanel

which meant Henry

face and suddenly felt he was a stranger. Six years of motherhood, and she'd been replaced in less than ten

supposed to

in plain sight, but

"Mom?"

he frowned in confusion. "Can't you

course she

she held out

had stained

your left hand. You can still use your right

heart go cold-utterly, completely

left Henry