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.

and

If he hears Timothy's

I'll go right now,"

battered form, his heart aching. "Aunt Sallie, why did Dad get hurt

"A beam fell on him. It could have been so

still needed an IV. Naylor

left in the room. She pulled 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 remembered before the surgery, Jessica had pressed a

his fist, but his grip remained iron-strong; she couldn't

are you so stubborn? If you care about her, why didn't you say something sooner? Why did you let Sheila

Jessica had learned Herbert had spent seven years researching aphasia-all for her sake, hoping one day she'd speak again. He'd never said a

if Jessica chose Herbert? What would become of

hospital had given Herbert a private room to rest. After settling

his lips were and quietly went

handed him the cup, but Herbert didn't take it right away. Instead, he studied her face, his voice tentative.