Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Jessica's hands were full, making conversation impossible.

But Herbert could already guess what she wanted to say.

"Wondering why I'm here?" he asked with a half-smile.

Jessica nodded.

"I came to visit my grandfather's grave, and thought I'd stop by your grandmother's too. I can't even count how many meals she made for me when I was a kid."

Of course, the real reason was to keep Jessica company.

He knew today was the Thanksgiving Day, and Jessica would be here to pay respects to her grandmother and mother.

Herbert reached out, taking the offerings and flowers from Jessica's arms. “Let's do this together."

He loaded the items into the trunk, then opened the car door for her.

Once they were inside, Jessica began sharing her morning's speech therapy practice. She admitted it was still tough—even the simplest sounds wouldn't come out right.

started treatment yet. The test results show your nerves have healed much more than before, which is why you're suddenly making some sounds. You'll recover faster than most. All

seen in years. If her body was healing on its

thumb into

have to take his eyes off the road to watch, and she didn't want to

Herbert's car all the way to the

got out and

she was visiting the cemetery with another man,

and Jessica finished paying their respects, Secretary Allen hurried over as they

asked me to drive you back to Riverside City as soon

signed, **Tell him I'm

"Mrs. Lawson, I don't

smoothly. "She says to tell President Lawson

shoulders and steered her toward his car, holding

up, his tone urgent. "Mrs. Lawson, President Lawson was very clear-he wants you

harder for him. She took out her phone