Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Jessica raised her hand, her tone calm and distant. "I have things to do."

"Go ahead, then," Timothy replied, making no attempt to stop her.

They hardly exchanged a handful of words, yet there was no anger between them for once, a rare and fragile sort of peace.

Perhaps that was why Timothy didn't dwell on it. He simply assumed she'd come for a follow-up on her throat.

Afterward, he headed to the DNA testing center and handed over the paperwork.

He'd provided a hair sample, but even with rush processing, it would take two or three business days.

The staff told him they'd text when the results were ready, so he could come pick up the paternity report in person.

With that done, Timothy had the driver take him to Jessica's apartment complex.

When they arrived, he didn't get out. Instead, he sat in the car, staring up at her floor from the parking lot.

He stayed there for a full hour before finally telling the driver to take him back to the Howard family home.

returned. As soon as he walked in, Sandra approached him. "You're well enough to use a wheelchair now. Why don't

upset. It's not that easy," Timothy said. He wanted to bring Jessica back, but she

at him sternly. “If she's upset, then apologize. Married

weren't as simple as

he

to meet her, but you should at least let your grandma see her let me help your mother, in a way, by meeting

his mother brought a

pregnant, she'd written many letters, all meant for him and his sister. Her

been not living to rain

them grow up, get married,

eyes grew distant

In

for seven years, never once bringing Jessica to meet his grandparents. Now, though, be seemed hesitant, conflicted. It was clear he didn't want to keep Jessica

time to apologize to her," Timothy

longer you leave it, the worse it gets. Go on, don't put