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.

she couldn't bring herself to open it again. She

Zimmerman took her children

was already by Larkin's side, and today Vince was coming to

the hospital room, his face lit up, though he was so weak that even saying her name

his bedside, sat down, and took his

feeling

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

losing her voice -moved her grandfather more than he

me," Jessica replied. "There were so many people working hard

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

and Mrs. Zimmerman led Jessica

the elevator doors slid open,

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

than step inside, they waited for the

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

realized that his presence was enough to make them wait for