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

leaned over to Thurston and whispered, "Go tell Grandpa the good news. If he

right now," Thurston replied, hurrying

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

fell on him. It could have been so

called-Henry still needed an IV. Naylor took Henry

room. She pulled over a chair and sat by the bed, finally allowing herself to breathe. The tension that had

she remembered before the surgery, Jessica

him, Sallie tried to gently pry open his fist, but his grip

cheek with trembling fingers, her heart aching for him. "Oh, Timothy why are you so stubborn? If you

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, hoping one

Timothy grew. What if Jessica chose Herbert? What would

to rest. After settling him in, Jessica

were and quietly went to pour

studied her face, his voice