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."

the right way to look at it. Good things have value. Jessica's done so much for me; of course I should pay her. And if my friends all start

need to take care of your husband and child and don't have much spare time, you could make a few pieces

portrait, Latonia thought Jessica's work was

by its nature, deserved to

to

for time and doesn't have the energy for an exhibit. She can

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

husband never help at home? Is

brought a fleeting sadness to Jessica's lovely eyes. She signed

family. You can't speak-everyday errands and social visits must take you longer, and you have

immediately shook her head, waving her hands

a few simple decorations-how could she accept

the card back into Jessica's

this much. Honestly, I'm worried it's

hoped the money would make Jessica's life