Goodbye, Mr. Regret

He looked utterly defeated-lonely, hollowed out by pain.

Sallie's heart ached for him. Shivering from the cold and her own frustration, she snapped, "Vince! Have you no heart at all? Timothy dragged himself here, battered and bruised, crossing half the country just to see her. Can't you see how much this means to him? Do you have any idea how many wounds he's hiding under those clothes? He and Jessy are husband and wife - they have a child together! Even if there are problems, even if he made mistakes, can't you give him a chance to explain?"

"Don't you talk to him like that."

Timothy cut her off, his voice low but firm.

Truth was, even before Timothy knew Jessica was Salome, he'd always shown Vince respect - never once raising his voice at him.

Sallie bit her lip in helpless anger.

But Vince felt nothing but contempt, unmoved by Sallie's outburst. "Physical wounds heal, but the ones inside? They don't. When Timothy hurt Salome, did he ever once wonder what she was feeling? However many marks he's carrying, do they really compare to what Salome's been through? Don't pretend you're the only victims here. For seven years, Salome lived with the Lawson family - silent. She wasn't mute; she had aphasia. That's treatable. Did any of you ever get her help? Did you ever care? Funny how, the second she leaves your family, she starts speaking again. Why is that, Sallie? I'd really like to know."

He turned to her, voice rising. "You're not usually quiet, are you, Sallie? So tell me - why? Was it money? Did the Lawsons not have enough to pay for a specialist? Or did you just not care enough to try?"

By the end, Vince was shouting, each word echoing in the chilly air.

And then, as if on cue, snow began to fall - soft, endless, filling the world with sorrow.

Everything Vince said was true. Sallie had no words left.

At last, Vince spat a single word through clenched teeth. "Out."

Sallie was stunned. She'd never been spoken to like this - no one had ever dared insult Timothy, either. Humiliated beyond bearing, she grabbed Timothy's arm, her voice tight with anger and defeat. "Timothy, let's go. The Zimmermans aren't going to let you see Jessy again. You two are already divorced - there's no going back. Let's not stand here and take this. Just leave it. It's over."

She was cold, wounded, and simply couldn't take any more.

But Timothy shook her off. "If you want to leave, go. But I'm not leaving until I see Jessy."

He couldn't let Jessica go.

He just couldn't.

she'd be

knees buckled - he was sinking down,

she lunged to grab his arm. "Are

dropped to his knees without a

tears stinging her eyes. She

this really her

man - admired and envied by all - who once stood

Yates stubbed out his cigarette and

snow swirling in

knew she couldn't change Timothy's

was already

was to fetch

grandparents - maybe they'd

convincing him to

a show, go join a theater troupe.

Timothy

his back straight

snow piled on his shoulders and hair,

taunts, lips pressed tight, his features hardening in the

you won't go, I'll

out," Vince barked.

you want? To

years

never cherished her - now

There's no

can't you accept that?"

before

stepped out onto the