Goodbye, Mr. Regret

She always tried her best to help others within her own abilities.

"Don't worry. Everything will get better-trust me," Vince said, his voice gentle and reassuring.

Jessica nodded quietly.

Vince glanced at the sketchbook in her hands. "If flipping through that book makes you feel uneasy right now, you don't have to look at it."

"I know," she replied softly.

He gave her shoulder a comforting pat. "Try to get some rest, okay?"

When Vince left, he pulled the door closed behind him with care.

As her older brother, he'd been there through her divorce from Timothy. He knew all too well how hard it would be for her to truly forget him. Childhood affection that lingers into adulthood can root itself deep in your bones. The deeper the roots, the more it hurts to pull them out.

For Jessica, moving on and saying goodbye to the past must feel almost impossible. Even as an outsider, Vince felt a sharp ache just watching her struggle.

He wondered how much kindness and care it would take to heal the wounds she carried.

in her lap, but in the end, she couldn't bring herself to open it again.

took her children to the hospital

was coming to take over so Zachary

his face lit

sat down, and took his hand

you feeling any better

Jessy. I saw your movie. You're truly the pride of the Zimmerman family,"

of everything Jessica had achieved-especially after losing her voice -moved her grandfather more than

just me," Jessica replied. "There were

chatted with Larkin for a while, careful not to tire him out. Since he

while Zachary and Mrs. Zimmerman led Jessica

slid open,

to go home to cook for Henry and bring back some clean clothes. Timothy's shirt was wrinkled, his stubble

hesitated. Rather than

later, but before they could fully shut, Timothy pressed the button and

realized that his presence was enough to make them wait for