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 all start asking for her work, she'll be run ragged if she

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

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

art, by its nature, deserved to be

hurried to sign

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

Skills like Jessica's were rare enough—and work

sighed. "Does your husband never help at home?

of her husband brought a fleeting sadness to Jessica's

for his family. You can't speak-everyday errands and social visits must 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

head, waving her hands

made a few simple

insisted, forcing the card back into Jessica's hand. "I think

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

too, hoped the money would make