Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"Timothy, are you there?"

It was Sheila's voice.

Timothy rolled off Jessica, pulling the covers over her naked body.

He hadn't even bothered to close the bedroom door when he brought Jessica in, still flush from their passion.

Now footsteps echoed down the hallway, getting closer.

"Timothy?" Sheila called again, her voice right outside.

"I'm in the bedroom," he replied, trying to sound casual. "Wait for me in the living room."

"Oh, all right," Sheila answered, her footsteps retreating.

Timothy had only slipped off his jacket. Now, with deliberate composure, he tidied his clothes, shrugged his jacket back on, and left the room.

Jessica felt a wave of humiliation wash over her.

She was completely exposed, nothing but the tangled bedsheets to hide her shame, while Timothy walked away looking as dignified as ever.

and Sheila still shared the same apartment-otherwise, why else

to Jessica, the thought

believe that Timothy and Sheila, living together under one roof, were

could brazenly bring Sheila home right in front of her, what else

Jessica?" Sheila's voice drifted in from the other room. Jessica could hear them talking, and realized Sheila wouldn't

bear the mess Timothy had left her in. She needed to wash every trace

the steady rush of water drowned out every sound from

in the bedroom,"

drifted to the coffee table and landed on the silver swan

not

Sheila could play dumb—after all, she'd received her own gift first. Even if

her?" Sheila kept up her usual act, all

worry about me. There's nothing going on between us," Timothy replied quietly. He had no intention of leaving Jessica, not for Sheila or anyone

bright smile. "Since I got back, I haven't properly seen Jessica. It's

it. Maybe she was still upset about the whole thing-after all, she cared

lunch was a chance