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..."

back and started down the stairs as fast as she

in her arms, she 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?

on the

Jessica downstairs, his steps steady

Henry's face, it was obvious he only wanted his

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

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

pushed open the master bedroom

the table in the sitting area sat a half-eaten birthday cake. An empty

wasn't Timothy's birthday.

it must have been

evening upstairs with Jessica and Henry. He kept checking his watch; just before ten, he finally went downstairs. A short time later,

She clenched her fists.

sheets and blankets were rumpled. A bath towel lay crumpled on the floor.

her knuckles turned white. She turned and left the

Timothy really fallen