Goodbye, Mr. Regret

No matter whom the professor chose as a mentee, as long as it was someone he had set his sights on, Jessica was always happy for him.

After all, the professor never made such decisions lightly. Anyone he picked was sure to make real contributions to the future of animation.

Timothy and Sheila were both in Capital City. Jessica hadn't really wanted to go, but with nowhere else to be and an unshakable longing to see her mentor, she found herself considering it anyway.

On the day the professor visited The Gilded Whisper Estates, Jessica couldn't muster the courage to go out and greet him.

People always want to be close to those they care about.

After a moment's hesitation, Jessica booked herself a flight to Capital City.

After lunch, Timothy returned to his room to pack his suitcase.

"Timothy, are you heading home already?" Sheila asked.

"Yeah," he replied, "I promised Jessica I'd make it up to her for missing her birthday."

Sheila felt her heart sink.

difference, right?" she ventured. "I just saw that Ines is hosting an exhibition in Capital City the day after tomorrow. Could you

It was one he'd sponsored, so he knew about it—he just hadn't

He paused, considering.

"Alright," he agreed.

middle of creating her piece, The Grand

at The Gilded Whisper Estates, Ines had said she'd consider mentoring her-she just needed a final push, something to tip the balance.

had been studying animation since she was a

intuition and creativity—but that student had given up her career for love and marriage. Someone who lacked ambition like

so much: after the fire, losing her voice for years, constant hospital stays, surgery after surgery on her vocal cords. Even when she faced the

for the sake of her art made her truly deserving of

thanks. By the way, did you promise Jessica you'd be home today? If you did, maybe you should call her or text her let her know

"I just told her

was only the second

exhibition, he'd only be delayed by about half

hardly seemed worth

Henry's still in the hospital, and Jessica's looking after him alone. As her husband, you ought to show her a little

right. He had