Goodbye, Mr. Regret

After practicing for a while, she paused to sip some water, repeating the cycle for over half an hour.

When she saw the time, she gathered her things, ready to head to the hospital and meet Herbert to ask about the minimally invasive surgery. If it worked out, she could have the procedure done abroad.

Deep down, Jessica knew her condition was connected to her nervous system. If the damage couldn't be fully healed, it might be a long time before she could speak again.

She tidied up and stepped out the door-only to find someone standing there.

Her pupils narrowed in surprise.

Timothy was leaning against the wall, right by the elevator where the public trash bin stood, its cigarette stub tray overflowing with discarded butts. Even the air carried a faint, lingering scent of smoke.

Timothy, usually so put-together, had stubble shading his jaw.

He straightened, crossing the hallway with his long strides, his dark eyes gentle, his voice softer than she remembered. "Come home with me. I promise, what happened yesterday won't happen again."

Jessica turned away, refusing to meet his gaze-or listen to his words.

waiting outside her door

she

But not anymore.

to coax her, his tone patient. "I've got it all planned out. Next month, on Henry's sixth

so determined to hide the fact that she could make sounds again, she might've laughed right in

a secret marriage, so there was a secret marriage; now he wanted a wedding, so there'd be a wedding? When had

was to

wanted to work in animation. She wanted a divorce. He knew all this, but agreed

her lips. "We're about to get divorced, and you think a wedding is necessary? Isn't that

she needed to vent her frustration, so he didn't get angry. Instead, he reached into his suit pocket and pulled

He took her hand.

he tightened his grip just slightly. That's when he

darkened, but he said nothing, simply slipping the ring onto her finger with

moment later,

treatment. Since Dr. Smith says there's a specialist abroad who can help, I'll