Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Mabel opened her mouth as if to speak, then hesitated, swallowing her words.

Timothy's handsome features were set in a cold, irritated scowl. "Out with it, Mabel. All at once."

She fidgeted, lowering her gaze. "I just think... Mrs. Lawson hasn't seemed herself lately."

As a housekeeper, Mabel had learned to hold her tongue, even when she was bursting with frustration.

Timothy's patience was wearing thin. "And what exactly am I supposed to do with that? You're not telling me anything new."

Mabel let out a quiet sigh. The real reason was obvious—wasn't all this because of Sheila? Even she, a mere servant, could see it. How could Mr. Lawson be so blind?

"Sir, maybe you should ask your sister," she suggested gently. "She was with Henry at the hospital today, and Mrs. Lawson only came by later in the evening."

"That's enough. Go home, Mabel. I'll stay with Henry."

Once Mabel had left, Timothy pulled out his phone, preparing to call Sallie. Before he could dial, Sheila's voice drifted from inside the hospital room.

"Timothy?"

phone back into his

any dinner. I was about to go find something for him to

it," Timothy

a nearby restaurant and picked up food for three. He and Sheila hadn't had dinner yet either, so this would

sick and irritable. Mabel had done her best to comfort him, but without his parents by his side, the little boy's mood was fragile, and

was their company, or maybe his spirits had lifted, but he ended up polishing off

so young, and he needs his mother. Is something going on

worry was clear on her

into his voice. "She's the one who left. I've done everything I could-talked, pleaded, coaxed her home again and again. I'm

Sheila's voice was firmer now. "Women need companionship. You're always buried in work-it's no wonder she feels neglected. Listen to me: go to her. Find her, talk

a moment, he nodded. "Alright. Thank you, Sheila, for

turned and

breath. She'd been back for days now, and it was clear Timothy had no intention of filing for divorce. She'd have to think