Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Once upon a time, she had wanted so much.

For love, she had chosen to step back from the fast lane.

Now, with her days quietly ticking away, Jessica found herself afraid to hope for

more.

She gave a helpless smile, then used sign language to express her thoughts.

"Jessica says she doesn't have the energy to show her work to more people right now, but if someone is interested, she can still design something for them."

Latonia beamed. "That's wonderful. I've had a few friends over recently-they all asked about my window decorations and wall art, wanted to know where I got them. One of these days, I'll introduce you. You could make a little extra money."

"Mom." Herbert cut her off.

Jessica was married to Timothy, after all.

"Jessica's work is beautiful. It's her passion-she's not doing it for the money."

done so much for me; of course I should pay her. And if my friends

and child and don't have much spare time, you could make a few pieces in advance. I'll cover your expenses if you ever want to

the paper-cut portrait, Latonia thought Jessica's work was more than mere craft. It

deserved to

to sign

she's really pressed for time and doesn't have the energy for an exhibit. She can only make a few pieces here

Skills like Jessica's were rare enough—and work at this level, rarer

at home? Is that why you're always so

fleeting sadness to Jessica's lovely eyes.

take you longer, and you have to work harder. As your husband, he should be more considerate." She pulled a card from her purse and pressed it into Jessica's hand. "There's ten thousand dollars on this. Take

her head, waving her

simple decorations-how could she

the card back into Jessica's

much. Honestly, I'm

her, too, hoped the money would make Jessica's life