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.

just by waiting outside her door all night, she'd forgive him and come running

once, she would

But not anymore.

his tone patient. "I've got it all planned out. Next month, on Henry's sixth birthday, we'll

fact that she could make sounds

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

he wanted was

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

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

he reached into his suit pocket and pulled out the Voice Emitting Ring-a device

He took her hand.

tightened his grip just slightly. That's when he noticed the faint

simply slipping the ring onto her finger with

later,

birth-why didn't you ever tell me? If you had, I'd have made sure you got treatment. Since Dr. Smith says there's a specialist abroad who can help, I'll go