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.

spent seven years developing the treatment for aphasia?

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.

that was the

signing, "Oh, right. I don't think

my hospital. Why would I charge

take all

"If

keep being so polite, I'll get

but to let

it would be before she could have the

Herbert said. "Don't worry. I'll let you know

another surgery, and Jessica left

given her

she lost her

had always been there to help. Now, he was

realized she'd never given him anything

to show her gratitude, Jessica hailed a cab to the

she headed straight for

she'd gotten pretty familiar with brands for men's clothing and accessories. But ties, cufflinks, belts-those were so common, and didn't