Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Herbert turned his head, his expression weary.

"Thank you," Sallie said softly.

Herbert looked away, not saying a word. He just didn't have the strength anymore.

Jessica gently pushed his wheelchair out of the room.

Henry watched as Jessica disappeared down the hallway, tears shimmering in his eyes. He wanted to run after her, but he was afraid she'd push him away.

Just then, Timothy was wheeled out.

All eyes immediately shifted to him.

He was still unconscious, drifting in a medicated sleep. But since the doctors had confirmed he was out of danger, they didn't send him back to the ICU—just a regular hospital room this time.

A nurse came over, her tone firm but kind. There were too many people crowding around, she explained, and it would disturb the patient's rest. Timothy was still under anesthesia and wouldn't be waking up soon, so they couldn't all stay in the room.

So Yates, Kane, and Vince waited outside.

Thurston, Naylor, and Henry

whispered, "Go tell Grandpa the good news. If he hears Timothy's going to wake up, he'll

go right now,"

gaze lingered on Timothy's battered form, his heart aching. "Aunt Sallie, why did Dad get hurt so

voice was gentle. "A beam fell on him. It could have been so much worse, but he's

still needed an IV. Naylor took Henry by the hand and led

over a chair and sat by the bed, finally allowing herself to breathe. The tension that had gripped her heart all day slowly eased. She reached for Timothy's

she remembered before the surgery, Jessica

Sallie tried to gently pry open his fist, but his grip remained iron-strong; she couldn't move his

him. "Oh, Timothy why are you so stubborn? If you care about her,

voice trailed off, worry clouding her features. Jessica's attitude toward Herbert today had been so different. It was only this morning that Jessica had learned Herbert

anxiety for Timothy grew. What if Jessica chose Herbert?

to rest. After settling him in, Jessica helped

dry and cracked his lips were and quietly

right away. Instead, he studied her face, his voice tentative. "Is it because