Goodbye, Mr. Regret

After a while, Henry picked up the phone.

"Henry, have you had dinner yet?"

Sheila's voice was as gentle and caring as ever.

Maybe it was because Henry wasn't in a great mood-he didn't sound nearly as cheerful as he usually did when she called.

His aunt had told him he should really call Sheila "Great Aunt" according to the family tree.

His mother had been furious about his behavior and was now completely ignoring him.

He should probably do as his aunt suggested.

"Good evening, Great Aunt," he said.

Sheila almost dropped her phone.

"Henry, what did you just call me?"

"Great Aunt. You're Dad's aunt, after all. I should address you properly."

Sheila had so many things she wanted to say to Henry, but his sudden formality left her speechless.

Wasn't he always closest to her? What had changed?

"Henry, it's true I'm your dad's aunt, but we were born the exact same day, month, and year. Technically, yes, I am your great aunt, but you've always just called me Miss Sheila, haven't you?"

"That was my mistake. I should have used your proper title. Is there something you needed, Great Aunt?"

the country and had planned to get some information out of Henry. But

a while. I missed you, so

actually. He'd

he didn't want to tell Sheila any of

between him and Sheila, and if she found

out to Sheila because he worried about his mother-since she couldn't speak, he struggled with the embarrassment

about

else, I'll say goodbye. It's almost time for

"Alright. Take care."

Henry hung up.

something was stuck in her

couldn't

been that long, and he'd already forgotten her-after all she'd done

Sheila tossed her phone

wanted Henry, anyway. What she really wanted

Henry didn't want to be close to her, he was nothing more

at

then, night had

lights were on inside Zimmerman Manor, and he

swered, and

it was,

you really shouldn't

us in a difficult

held up a portfolio. "I'm only here to drop something off. Could you please

The butler remembering how