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.

going on and

there, Timothy decided to use the opportunity to introduce Jessica

close and respectful their marriage was, he'd have no reason to object in

to meeting Jessica and had even prepared a home-cooked dinner

Sheila called him.

you find

"No."

worried. "She can't speak-do you think

Timothy's voice was sharper than he meant, betraying his frustration. This was the last thing he

off

added, "Sorry, I just... I'm a bit worried about Jessica. I shouldn't

Timothy realize

blaming you. She can't speak,

notepad and pen. If she didn't

with Mabel again, or have your

"Alright."

let you

up with Sheila, Timothy immediately called

my wife

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

an hour later, Allen's message came

Lawson, I've checked-all recent flights show no bookings for Mrs. Lawson." Timothy's