Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Jessica's hand shook uncontrollably as she gripped the paring knife.

The man beside her slept deeply, completely unaware.

She couldn't bring herself to lower the blade.

At sixteen, she'd been accepted by recommendation into Riverside Media Institute, arriving in a city where everything felt unfamiliar.

Though Ines supported her and helped her secure a scholarship, Jessica refused to be a burden. At night, she'd set up a small stall in the park, selling paper-cut art for a bit of money.

One night, business was slow and she stayed out later than usual, only to be cornered by a group of thugs who nearly assaulted her.

She couldn't speak, not even to cry out for help, but Timothy-passing by— noticed something was wrong and intervened.

He chased off the gang and called the police, who soon dragged the troublemakers away.

All these years, she'd never forgotten the way he appeared beneath the streetlight, almost otherworldly, bringing with him a kind of awe she'd never known.

At the peak of her despair, when she'd nearly given up on life, Timothy had given her a reason to hope again.

He'd wrapped her trembling, filthy body in his suit jacket and personally walked her back to campus.

From that night on, he'd lived in her heart.

seen him on TV. At just eighteen, he'd already graduated college and become a rising star in the

was someone she could

she'd fallen helplessly in love with him, quietly following every

and his striking good looks drew her in

dared dream she and Timothy would ever cross paths again, but life has a

distant. Still, she believed he

success-yet he'd noticed a terrified girl being bullied

he had

last night, he'd done what those thugs, twelve years

to go on

to give his wife's place

small wish-yet he

had it come to

want to drive that knife

she couldn't

even bring herself to kill

she choked back a sob and withdrew the knife