Goodbye, Mr. Regret

He finally reached out to her.

Sheila answered the call and greeted him, "Timothy."

He'd promised he'd explain what happened that night, but hadn't yet. She found herself hoping they could talk about something else too-maybe even get a little closer.

For seven years, every meeting had been nothing more than cordial, polite, the kind of careful exchanges you'd expect from distant relatives. They'd never once spoken about anything deeper, anything that actually mattered to her heart.

"Ines called, said she couldn't reach you. Are you... still coming to Riverside City?" Timothy's voice held a note of concern.

"I..." Sheila hesitated, her voice betraying her uncertainty. "I do want to come. I need Ines's guidance, and you went out of your way to get me in touch with her. It's just... Sallie doesn't like me. She really lost her temper that night."

"I'm sorry. I should have handled that better. I've been caught up with a few things and haven't had the chance to talk to her yet. If you want to come back, just come back. Don't worry about anything else."

Ines had already shown a preference for Jessica. If Sheila stayed away too long, Ines might just change her mind.

And Timothy still hadn't sorted things out with Mr. Smith. He'd have to find another way to fix that mess.

"Timothy, am I causing you trouble?" Sheila's guilt seeped into every word. "I don't know what to do anymore. Everything that's happened lately-it feels like it's all affecting you. And you know I hate the thought of being a burden."

made Timothy's chest tighten with

this was Sheila's

mistakes that had dragged her into this. He hadn't even managed to stop her from getting

Don't blame yourself. Just focus on your own goals, okay? About that night..." He paused. "I'd had too much to

I got back, I wasn't feeling well-I've just been resting at home. I'll call Ines so she doesn't worry. If I do head to Riverside, I'll let you know. By the

Not good.

Not good at all.

But what happened that night was something he couldn't bring

Don't

let

"Okay."

phone and immediately called Ines, apologizing and explaining that she'd had some family matters to handle and needed to stayhome for a few days, but would return

knew that Sheila was Timothy's aunt-she wasn't aware of the rest. And with Jessy being Timothy's wife, Ines was careful not to say too much, simply telling Sheila

with Sheila, Timothy

he asked, catching Yates off guard-Timothy