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 Henry were allowed

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

right now,"

aching. "Aunt Sallie, why did Dad get hurt

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

then, the nurse called-Henry still needed an IV. Naylor took Henry by the hand and led

tension that had gripped her heart all

she remembered before the surgery, Jessica

pry open his fist, but his grip remained iron-strong;

for him. "Oh, Timothy why are you so stubborn? If you care about her, why didn't you say something sooner? Why did

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 had spent seven years researching aphasia-all for her sake, hoping one day

Timothy grew. What if Jessica chose Herbert? What would become of

hospital had given Herbert a private room to rest. After settling him in, Jessica helped him sit up

and quietly went to

him the cup, but Herbert didn't take it right away. Instead, he studied her face, his voice tentative. "Is it because I saved Timothy today?