Goodbye, Mr. Regret

She had spent years suppressing her true self-first for her adoptive parents, then for Timothy. For as long as she could remember, she'd kept her real feelings

locked away.

None of it had made her happy.

In the past, at least Timothy's kindness and care had soothed the ache inside her, making all the sacrifices feel worthwhile. He'd mattered to her, and she'd worked so hard to become the woman everyone else wanted her to be. But now, Timothy didn't want her anymore.

So what was the point of all that effort? Why keep forcing herself to fit into a mold for people who didn't love her? If he no longer loved her, then she had every right to reclaim herself. She was done making herself miserable for the sake of others. If she had to suffer, then she wasn't about to make things easy for anyone else, either.

Henry's illness was just the beginning.

When Jessica and Vince returned home, she picked up the sketchbook lying on the coffee table. Mrs. Zimmerman was still waiting for her in the living room, worry etched across her face.

"Jessy, is Henry all right?"

"It's aplastic anemia. There's no immediate danger-if we can find a matching donor for a bone marrow transplant, he'll recover after surgery."

Mrs. Zimmerman let out a relieved sigh.

she was still his mother. No matter how much pain he'd caused, she

something Mrs.

Jessica wouldn't confide everything in her mother-she was too worried about causing more distress. So instead, she would talk to him, and he

Jessy. Why don't I walk you

their way upstairs, settling onto

after everything,

a small smile. "You always know what to say,

just telling the truth. I want you to

was the wounds on the inside that hurt

could be more carefree, like some

one

replied.

you'll overcome everything that's holding you back, andŷou'll find real

older brother-he was her source of strength. Whenever she felt lost or helpless,

get so lucky to have you as my