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."

it. Good things have value. Jessica's done so much for me; of course I should pay her. And

speaking, Latonia reached for Jessica's hand, her tone gentle. "If you need to take care of your husband 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 put on

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

by its nature, deserved

hurried to sign

translated, "Mom, don't push Jessica. She says she's really pressed for time and doesn't have the energy for an exhibit.

a pang of regret. Skills like Jessica's were rare enough—and work at this level, rarer

"Does your husband never help at home?

fleeting sadness to Jessica's

you longer, and you have to work harder. As your husband, he should be more considerate." She pulled

shook her head, waving her

made a few simple decorations-how could she accept

the card back into

worth at least this much. Honestly, I'm worried it's not

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