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.

was still his mother. No matter how much pain he'd caused, she could never stand by if something happened

pain was something Mrs.

too worried about causing more distress. So instead, she would

getting late, Jessy. Why don't I walk you to your room so you

they made their way upstairs, settling onto the

over, his voice gentle. "Jessy, don't be upset. Just because you still care about your child, even after everything, doesn't make you weak. You're a mother-worrying about your child is only natural.

small smile. "You always know what to say,

just telling the truth. I want you to

the wounds on

wish I could be more carefree, like some people-able to walk away and never look

that's one of your

replied. "You're

overcome everything that's holding

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

I get so lucky to have you as