Goodbye, Mr. Regret

After saying his piece, Father Benedict gently gestured toward the porcelain

teacup. "The tea's getting cold, my friend. Please, have some."

Timothy finished the last of his tea, warmth lingering only in memory.

Father Benedict rose from his seat. "There's much to be done in the abbey today.

I can't keep you company for long, but please, make yourself at home. Stay as

long as you wish, and leave whenever you're ready."

"Thank you."

"Peace be with you."

With that, Father Benedict left the quiet sanctuary.

Timothy sat there for a long while, lost in thought. Before stepping outside, he

slipped all the cash he had into the donation box by the door.

Driving home, Timothy replayed Father Benedict's words in his mind. He wished

he could do as the priest advised—let go of his pain, his obsessions. But he

couldn't. He wouldn't. He'd rather drown in the ache than live without Jessica. The

pain was still something he could bear. What did it matter if life was a little harder?

He couldn't imagine a world without her.

Little did he know, worse pain was waiting for him in the days to come.

Timothy returned to The Gilded Whisper Estates.

Sallie had no way of knowing where to look for him, so she'd simply waited

anxiously at the estate. When she saw him walk through the door, she hurried

over and grabbed his arm, her voice trembling on the verge of tears. "Why didn't

you let me know you were discharged from the hospital? I tried calling you, but

you wouldn't pick up. You have any idea how worried I was? I searched for you all

morning—I was about to call the police!"

"I'm not a toddler, Sallie. You didn't need to panic."

but you're

stop answering

I even thought you'd flown overseas to find Jessica.

chewed me

grip and crossed

sitting across from

did Vince say to you?"

me of selective

he's not wrong. Why are you

from the couch,

time, you should be on my side—not sarcastic! You

say anything

"What did he say?"

it's got nothing to do

anymore!"

expression darkened, shadows

finally realized her words had gone too far. She sat back

just upset—he didn't mean it. You

always looked out for him. He's not the type to forget

that easily."

could've said," Timothy muttered.

I'd disappear for good."

bother defending himself or

"None of this would've happened if we'd

we had, we never would've let her

her, his gaze steady. "Even if she

be

blaming me

you never did?

I was part of

way

to divorce

of

what she suffered

son. That's what

walk away from this

nothing, his

lip, then

mean to

you.

still don't

got a little

about you and

she was so hurt.

hope for

you really tried, maybe she'd

back."

Henry, that's why

Timothy's mind. She cared—so