Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Timothy and the rest of the Lawsons looked up just as Sheila approached, leading a small group behind her. Each person carried various offerings for the memorial.

"Miss Sheila!"

Henry's face lit up, and he rushed toward her.

Sallie was quick to grab him by the arm. "Hold on, you little rascal. Where do you think you're going?"

Sheila only smiled, not the least bit offended, and walked up to the group. She greeted Phelps with a gentle, "Uncle Lawson."

Phelps' expression darkened considerably.

Sheila then turned to Naylor. "Brother-in-law."

Naylor offered a strained smile, clearly uncomfortable. "It's been a long time."

Sheila directed her companions to set the offerings in front of the grave. "Yes, it's been years since I last visited. My father asked me to bring extra offerings this year for my sister."

in front of the headstone was soon crowded with the

big brother doesn't have to run out and

thought privately that it was true-Jessica had forgotten to prepare anything, and Sheila's timely arrival had spared them an awkward situation. He turned to Phelps and said, "Dad, since Sheila brought the offerings, why don't we get ready to

cane, causing Naylor to drop to his knees

Phelps scolded, "You fool! Who uses someone else's offerings to honor their own

remembered the old taboo-offerings for ancestors should never come from outsiders, and Sheila wasn't a

kept his head down, silent

things simply couldn't be

it upon

both ignored Sheila. Sheila quietly paid her respects to Timothy's mother, burned the ceremonial paper, and, knowing that the Lawsons weren't exactly thrilled to see her, didn't

did

frowned, disgruntled. "Auntie, what's your problem? Why wouldn't you let me talk to Miss

you see her, you call her 'Great

Henry called her 'Great Aunt,' maybe Sheila would feel too old to keep