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 pocket and

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

do it," Timothy

was late now—almost nine o'clock. He didn't go far, just chose a nearby restaurant and picked up food for three.

hospital had left Henry both sick and irritable. Mabel had done her best to comfort him, but without his parents by his side,

company, or maybe his spirits had lifted, but he ended up polishing off a bowlful, eating more heartily than he had all day. After dinner, sleepiness overtook him, and he was soon

this can't go on. Henry's still so young, and he needs his mother. Is something going on

worry was clear on

grumbled, frustration creeping 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

always buried in work-it's no wonder she feels neglected. Listen to me: go to her. Find her, talk to her properly. Henry will be

pressing his lips into a thin line. After a moment, he nodded.

and

go, letting out a long breath. She'd been back for days now, and it was clear Timothy had no intention of filing for divorce. She'd have