Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Timothy's gaze was sharp, almost piercing, as he looked deeply into Jessica's eyes. "It's because I'm afraid of losing her," he admitted, voice low.

He had made too many mistakes.

Now, he was at a loss.

All he could do was fight desperately, even if it meant hurting himself in the process.

In the end, everyone lost.

Timothy looked away, then bowed solemnly to Zachary and Mrs. Zimmerman.

"I never meant to keep this from you forever. I just hoped that by taking a roundabout approach, I could find a way to make things right with her again, bring her home myself, and deliver her safely back to you. But I've made a mess of everything. I'm sorry..."

Everything about Timothy-his posture, his words-radiated sincerity.

He was trying to change, to let go of his stubborn control.

He hoped, just once, to be forgiven.

But Jessica was unmoved.

Her face remained calm, expressionless, unreadable.

Zachary and Mrs. Zimmerman looked at their daughter, searching her face, but said nothing to Timothy.

Mrs. Zimmerman stepped up beside Jessica. "We're on the fourth floor. It won't take long to walk down. Let's take the stairs."

three of them turned and

he

pressed against his

left her behind without a word-just walked away- she had felt exactly like he

people are. Until you taste someone else's pain for yourself, it's hard

finally see why Jessica was

had been the

between them, but it had forced

been right all

son had needed her, she treated

when they didn't need her, they were little more

The knowledge stung.

him, curse him, hit him-anything. He could have

But she didn't.

only ever spoke a few words, and only when pushed to

even mention it at

quietly bore it all

back

reached the car. Jessica said, "Mom, Dad, I want to visit a friend who

Mrs. Zimmerman nodded. “Your

us about

don't you invite him over sometime? We'd love to

out of