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.

to open it again. She slid it into her drawer and closed it,

Mrs. Zimmerman took her children to the hospital

today Vince was coming to take over so Zachary could

Jessica entered the hospital room, his face lit up, though he was so

hurried to his bedside, sat down, and took his

feeling any

Jessy. I saw your movie. You're truly the pride of the Zimmerman family," Larkin said, his voice frail

her voice -moved her grandfather

replied. "There were so many people working hard

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

keep Larkin company, while Zachary and Mrs. Zimmerman led

the elevator doors slid

clothes. Timothy's shirt was wrinkled, his stubble unshaven, and his bloodshot eyes betrayed his exhaustion; his

Rather than step

before they could fully shut, Timothy pressed the button and opened them again,

his presence was enough to make them