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."

child, but you're still recovering. After everything

disappear and stop

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

he chewed

grip and crossed to

sitting across from

did Vince say to you?"

me of selective

wrong.

shot up from the couch, indignant.

should be on my side—not sarcastic! You think

anything about

"What did he say?"

or die, it's got nothing to do with

anymore!"

darkened, shadows settling over his

words had gone too far.

didn't mean it. You two

for him. He's not the

that easily."

he could've said," Timothy

I'd disappear for good."

defending himself or

of this would've happened if we'd known

we had, we never would've

gaze steady.

to be treated

blaming me for

miserable? Like you never did?

I was part of

no way my attitude

her to divorce you

custody of Henry.

what she suffered

and your son.

away from

said nothing, his eyes

lip, then sighed.

I didn't mean to

about you.

and you still

got

cared about

was so

hope for you

tried, maybe

back."

Henry,

words echoed in Timothy's mind. She cared—so