Goodbye, Mr. Regret

When you're sick, it's only natural to feel fragile especially for a child. Of course Henry wanted his mom; that was the most instinctive thing in the world.

"Don't say that. Your mom would never stop loving you," Timothy said gently. Hearing his voice, Jessica felt a hint of comfort settle in her chest.

Sheila chimed in, "Don't be scared, Henry. I'm right here too."

"Miss Sheila, you're so nice," Henry murmured.

Timothy carried Henry out, with Sheila following close behind.

They all saw Jessica waiting for them.

Her eyes were soft, filled with warmth as she stepped forward and reached out, wanting to take Henry from Timothy's arms.

"Mommy..." Henry's voice was faint.

Last time it was just a fever-he'd been groggy, uncomfortable, but he'd managed. This time, the pain in his stomach was sharp and relentless. For a little boy, pain was always harder to bear.

Whenever he'd had a stomachache before, his mom would hold him close and gently rub his tummy, soothing the pain and making it a little more bearable.

Tonight, something in Jessica's heart shifted. When she heard her son's voice, so full of longing and trust, she felt even more tender than the last time he'd been sick. Her eyes grew misty, and she didn't wait for Timothy to hand Henry over. Instead, she scooped him up in her own arms.

Henry clung to her neck, his voice thick with discomfort. "Mommy, rub my tummy, it really hurts..."

down the stairs as

couldn't sign, but Timothy understood without words. He turned to Sheila and said, "You just got off a long flight. Why don't you rest here? Jessica and I

careful on the road,"

his steps steady

intrude. From the look on Henry's face, it was obvious he only wanted

become so attached to Jessica. And Timothy's attitude toward her, the

window, watching as Timothy's car pulled away from the house and disappeared into the night. Then she

the

table in the sitting area sat a half-eaten birthday cake. An empty disposable plate—a leftover from the

birthday. It wasn't

it must have been

his watch; just before ten, he finally went downstairs. A short time later, Sheila

She clenched her fists.

bath towel lay crumpled on the floor. Looking closer, she

fists tightened until her knuckles turned

fallen for that mute