Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Jessica exited the page without reading a single word of the message.

Still, the image of Sheila's long, straight black hair lingered stubbornly in her mind.

She had the same kind of hair-glossy, dark, and perfectly straight.

Back when things were good, Timothy used to love playing with her hair, always saying how beautiful it was, how much he liked it...

But some things just can't bear close scrutiny.

Seven years-seven whole years. If she'd only paid a little more attention, maybe she would have seen everything sooner.

Her throat tightened, a choking sensation making it hard to breathe.

Love really does blind you, makes you rush headlong into disaster.

Timothy couldn't get in touch with Jessica.

Instead, he asked Mabel when Jessica had left and checked which flights she might have taken, then headed to the airport ahead of time.

There were only two possible flights she could be on.

He waited until the second flight landed, but Jessica never appeared.

Standing by the arrivals gate, Timothy's brow was drawn tight with worry.

He and Sheila had rushed home after hearing his grandfather was unwell, only to find it was nothing serious.

on

to use the opportunity to introduce Jessica to his

respectful their marriage was,

meeting Jessica

Sheila called him.

did you find

"No."

sounded worried. "She can't speak-do you think she might have run

he meant, betraying his frustration. This was the last

caught off guard

a bit worried about Jessica. I shouldn't

then did Timothy realize he'd spoken too

not blaming you. She can't speak, but she

she always brought a notepad and pen. If

maybe check with Mabel again, or have your assistant

"Alright."

you

up with Sheila, Timothy

my wife booked any

back into his pocket but kept his eyes glued to the airport exit,

half an hour later,

show no bookings for Mrs. Lawson."