Goodbye, Mr. Regret

She had found her voice again, though it was still soft and uncertain.

Jessica remembered what it felt like to speak-she used to talk all the time. But now, her vocal cords felt clumsy, her words shaky and imprecise.

Herbert patiently guided her. At first, he read aloud and had her repeat after him, keeping the pace slow and deliberate. Gradually, he encouraged her to keep up with his natural rhythm, reciting together.

After a few rounds, Jessica could feel a hint of progress her words were just a little clearer, her throat just a little stronger.

She'd never seen Herbert work like this before-so focused, so meticulous. It struck her that he was really, truly exceptional.

After about twenty minutes, Herbert stopped. He handed her a small bottle of

throat spray.

"Here, spray this."

This was a soothing formula he'd made just for her, designed to protect her recovering vocal cords. After each practice session, it eased the discomfort and helped begin the healing process.

Jessica tried it, feeling a cool, refreshing sensation in her throat-relief spreading almost instantly.

She set the bottle down and signed, "What kind of medicine is this?"

"I made it myself," Herbert replied with a smile. "Just use it as needed."

Jessica had so many questions, but their exercises had kept her too busy to ask until now.

developing the treatment for aphasia? But you seem so familiar with

"Well, I was working at Aetherion too, remember? My friend was leading the research, but I helped out with the experiments all the time. I know the treatment inside and out. Otherwise, I

was

don't think I ever paid you

laughed. "This is my hospital. Why would I charge

just take all your help for

"If

keep being so polite, I'll

no choice but

asked how long it would be before she could

recovery goes," Herbert said. "Don't worry. I'll let you know when

for another surgery, and

given her

lost

there to help. Now, he was treating her

never given

hailed a cab to

she headed straight for the

men's clothing and accessories. But