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.

to him? He had already made it clear

did you embarrass me at the craft competition? I'm your son! Did

to me like Miss Sheila? You weren't like this before— what's gotten into you lately? Why are

years married to Dad, with me being as

to

his pent-up frustration in a

anything related to Timothy; after all, she and Timothy were now

But Henry was different.

child she'd carried for nine months, her own flesh

matter what happened between her and Timothy. Even if they severed ties, that

you have lost face? A person of integrity, who truly understands gratitude, is admired

was left speechless by

it in anymore and shouted, "It's all because you're a mute! If you weren't mute,

Smack-

but you're ashamed because I can't speak? What right do you have to win any prize, or