Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Although Vince had bought Jessica's paper cuttings, giving her enough money to avoid returning to The Gilded Whisper Estates and enduring Timothy's moods, she didn't feel grateful in the way people might expect. Yes, he'd done her a huge favor. But she had no intention of badmouthing Timothy in front of Vince.

After all, she'd chosen this path herself; whatever went wrong, she was willing to shoulder the consequences. Besides, she wasn't the type to gossip, especially about things that were messy and best left unsaid. She and Vince weren't close enough to spill personal grievances anyway.

Vince was Timothy's friend. In time, he'd find out the real reasons for the divorce. When it came to Sheila, Vince probably knew more than Jessica did.

"Every family has its own troubles," she replied with a single line, explaining her decision to leave.

Vince could tell she didn't want to elaborate, so he didn't press.

After breakfast, Jessica waved goodbye to Vince and caught a cab on her own, heading to Herbert's hospital.

Department at Verdant Grove Healing, part of The Wheeler

was wearing a white coat and a stethoscope hung around his neck; a few strands of hair fell across his forehead, giving him

as a streetwise kid always getting into fights would never have

of disposable gloves and sanitizing his laryngoscope, Herbert sat down and said gently, "Alright, Little Mute, open your mouth and let me take a look

honest with her doctor-after all, full disclosure was best for treatment. She signed, Actually, when you called me yesterday, I'd just woken from a nightmare. In the dream, I was making sounds, and when I woke up, I tried it

able to make any sound at all is a huge step. Considering you haven't spoken in

"Your vocal cords have atrophied a bit, but it's nothing serious. If you feel pain, try to speak more softly and gradually build up. I'll prescribe something to help ease the discomfort. For now, let's try some simple vowel sounds. Don't

Jessica