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

tell Grandpa the good news. If he hears Timothy's going to

right now," Thurston

aching. "Aunt Sallie, why

him. It could have

needed an IV. Naylor took Henry by the

The tension that had gripped her heart all day slowly eased. She reached for Timothy's hand, only

the surgery, Jessica had pressed a ring into Timothy's

his fist, but

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

been so different. It was only this morning that Jessica had learned Herbert had spent seven years researching aphasia-all for her sake,

for Timothy grew. What if Jessica

to rest. After settling him

dry and cracked his lips were and quietly

studied her face, his voice