Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Soon, the rumble of a car engine drifted in from outside.

Jessica emerged from the bathroom, having just brushed her teeth.

Henry was standing in her room, his small face scrunched up in a look of reproach.

She glanced at Henry with indifference, then walked over to the sitting area, poured herself a glass of milk, and opened her laptop to read the script Mr. Smith had sent her.

She acted as though Henry wasn't even there.

Henry couldn't believe it.

He'd come all the way to his mom's room-and she was treating him like thin air!

Fuming, he marched over and slammed the laptop shut.

"Mom, why are you ignoring me?"

Only then did Jessica look up, meeting Henry's furious eyes.

had already made it clear he

I'm your son! Did you really want

like this before— what's gotten into you lately? Why are you so

another thing-after all these years married to

it embarrassing to

his pent-up frustration

Timothy; after all, she and Timothy were

But Henry was different.

the child she'd carried for

between her and Timothy. Even if they severed ties,

her hand in disappointment. "If you hadn't tried to deceive people, how would you have lost face? A person of integrity, who truly understands gratitude, is admired and respected by

left speechless

a mute! If

Smack-

but you're ashamed because I can't speak? What right do you have to win any prize, or care about your reputation? You'd rather have a fake mom