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."

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 asking for her work, she'll be run

child and don't have much spare time, you could make

the paper-cut portrait, Latonia thought Jessica's work

art, by its nature, deserved to be seen and

hurried to

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

Skills like Jessica's were rare enough—and work at

husband never help at home? Is that why you're

a fleeting sadness to Jessica's lovely eyes.

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

immediately shook her head, waving her

few simple decorations-how could she accept so

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

least this much. Honestly, I'm worried

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