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

He turned to Sheila and said, "You just

on the road,"

Jessica downstairs, his

stayed behind, not wanting to intrude. From the look on Henry's face, it was obvious he only wanted his mom. Tagging

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

watching as Timothy's car pulled

pushed open the master

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

birthday. It

it must have

had spent the whole evening upstairs with Jessica and Henry. He kept checking his watch;

She clenched her fists.

towel lay crumpled on the floor. Looking closer, she

tightened until her knuckles turned white.

really fallen for