Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"I just wanted to check on him. As for anything I needed to say, I already said it when he came out of surgery."

Sallie stared at Jessica, barely able to fathom how the woman who used to have eyes only for Timothy could now seem so indifferent.

"Are you really giving up on him?"

"I'm giving up on the marriage, not his life. Of course I don't want anything to happen to him. But at this point, only the doctors can bring him back-not me."

Sallie's voice trembled with desperation. "Jessy, he doesn't want a divorce. Please don't say things like this. If he hears you, it'll break his heart. Can't you give him a bit of hope, just for now?"

Jessica went quiet for a long moment before finally replying, "If he dies, then I suppose I'll truly be free."

"You-!"

The ICU was eerily silent.

Sallie fumed, but didn't dare raise her voice.

How could Jessica say such a thing-almost wishing for Timothy's death?

Her heart aching, Sallie glanced over at Timothy, only to suddenly notice the fingers of his right hand twitch.

Her eyes widened. She gasped, "He moved! He moved! Doctor, he moved—!"

Without another thought, Sallie rushed out to find help.

to Timothy, just as his ring finger

saying that the ring finger is connected

really his

own chest tightened

harsh words on purpose, hoping to

tears glistening at the corner of

He'd heard her.

He was aware.

why couldn't he

physician came

predicted. There's a real chance he

the operation-please, do it. I agree,

hours ended, and a nurse came to tell Sallie

Sallie walked out, Thurston

both want to go ahead with

nodded. "Yes, surgery.

consent form, handing it

after, Timothy was wheeled from the ICU toward the operating

two nurses.

whole group followed close

to ask Herbert if she could go into the operating room too, to be by

Family members in the OR could easily disrupt the

to be taken in, Sallie stopped the nurse, wanting one last look at