Goodbye, Mr. Regret

As soon as Vince saw Jessica off, he jumped into his car and sped to the hospital.

By the time he arrived, Timothy was already in surgery. Standing outside the operating room was a man Vince didn't recognize.

"Were you the one I just spoke to on the phone?"

The truck driver nodded, his face drawn with guilt. "I was making a turn, but he was driving really fast-he came out of nowhere. I hit the brakes, but it was too late. He swerved, crashed into the guardrail, and then my truck hit the back of his car. I called the police right away. They've sent people to investigate the accident..."

Vince's brow furrowed with worry. The driver looked like an ordinary working man, his hands trembling uncontrollably.

Just looking at Timothy's car, Vince could tell the repairs would be far beyond what the driver could afford. And now, someone was injured. No matter whose fault the speed was, the driver was turning-he was supposed to yield. He'd have to bear responsibility for that.

Vince understood how hard life was for people at the bottom. He offered some reassurance, “Don't worry too much. You didn't run you helped get him to the hospital. The authorities will figure out what's fair."

He could only hope Timothy would pull through.

When Vince called the Lawsons, the entire family rushed to the hospital.

When the truck driver saw the crowd of Lawsons pouring in, he turned pale.

Vince told him quietly, "Go find the police. I'll handle things here."

The driver hurried away, grateful to escape the intensity of the moment.

moment she saw him. "Vince, how did this happen? How did Timothy

didn't see what was ahead. I happened to be talking to him when it happened I heard

to say anything that might make the

on her way to the airport,

barely eaten

out her phone and began to

Zimmerman, thank you. I've arrived and am heading to the

the screen, tempted to write more.

type another sentence, but deleted it as soon as she

several false starts, all she sent was that one simple

the hospital, Timothy was

faces growing darker with worry as time dragged

of them could bear the thought

noticed Jessica's message and

to thank me. Safe travels-go chase your dreams. Be happy. If I ever make it to Aetherion, I'll

Jessica's phone chimed. She

dimmed and her han lowered to her lap, the phone