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."

know you're not a child, but you're still

you just disappear and stop answering

even thought you'd flown overseas to

chewed me

her grip and crossed

across

did Vince say to you?" Timothy

me of

he's not wrong. Why are you

couch, indignant. "You're my

you should be on my side—not sarcastic! You

anything

"What did he say?"

said whether you live or die, it's

anymore!"

expression darkened, shadows settling

too far. She sat back

upset—he didn't mean it. You two have

kids. You always looked out for him. He's not the

that easily."

mildest thing he could've

I'd disappear for good."

defending himself

lips. "None of this

we never would've

gaze steady. "Even if she

to be

blaming me

you never did?

was part

no way my attitude

divorce you

custody of Henry. What

was what

your son. That's what

away from

his eyes cast

lip,

didn't mean to upset

worry about you.

and you still

got a little

cared about you

she was

there's still hope for

tried, maybe

back."

you and Henry,

echoed in Timothy's mind. She cared—so she was hurt, and