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

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

go right now," Thurston replied,

form, his heart aching. "Aunt Sallie, why

have been so much worse, but he's safe now. Don't

IV. Naylor took Henry by the hand and

to breathe. The tension that had gripped her heart all day slowly eased. She reached for Timothy's hand, only to find his fingers clenched tightly into

the surgery, Jessica had pressed a

his fist, but his grip remained iron-strong;

Sallie brushed Timothy's cheek with trembling fingers, her heart aching for him. "Oh, Timothy why are you so stubborn? If you care about her, why didn't you say something sooner? Why did you let

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

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

to rest. After settling

and cracked his lips were and

he studied her face, his voice tentative. "Is it because I saved Timothy today? Is that why you're