Goodbye, Mr. Regret

She'd poured her heart and soul into them-every thought, every ounce of care.

And yet, somehow, almost without realizing it, she and those two-father and son -had drifted farther and farther apart.

It was just a little over two months, but suddenly everything felt unbearably different.

"If she's ignoring you, have you ever stopped to wonder if you might be the problem?"

"Dad, what problem could I possibly have? I honestly don't get it. Why did she make things so hard for me at the craft competition? I don't even know what I did to upset her. She's changed. She's not the same person she used to be."

Timothy's stomach twisted in anger. He hung up abruptly, determined to head to school and drag his son home for a real conversation-especially about that nonsense he'd heard in the hospital, about his own mother being "just the housekeeper."

Not long after Timothy stormed out, Jessica's phone buzzed. It was Vince calling.

"Jess, it's Christmas Eve tonight. Your film's about to hit its big promo. I've brought Carlisle and the others over-I'm treating everyone to a holiday dinner. Join us?”

"Where?"

Jessica's voice sparkled with anticipation.

"The Silverthread Eatery. I booked the big private lounge-huge screen and all. Carlisle says if you want to watch the full cut, you can, or just the trailers if you'd rather."

“Are they there already? I'll head over now! It's been ages since I saw everyone— I've missed them."

"They're on their way. I'll swing by and pick you up."

so

this this was the Christmas

later, Vince's car pulled up outside The Gilded Whisper Estates. Hearing the

twin braids, big round eyes, and porcelain skin.

girl, struck by

asked, "Vince, whose

voice gentle. "Daisy, this is Miss Jessy-the one

flashed a bright, sweet smile. "Hi, Miss Jessy!

blinked in mild surprise. "This

handed out Christmas Eve gifts. I wanted to give

thoughtful girl." Jessica accepted the apple and turned to Vince. "She's one of yours? The Zimmerman

"She's my aunt's granddaughter.

In

Two years ago, her parents died in a plane crash, so Grandpa brought her to live with us. There really isn anyone at home who can look after her, so she's been boarding at school ever since first grade. It's an international school-they really go all out for Christmas, so she's on

was

heart ached for

knelt down, gently smoothing Daisy's hair.

pretty! Would you like a gift

"Thank you, Miss Jessy!"

took her hand, smiling. "Come on in, let's go inside

followed them

lined with her own handmade storybook illustrations-some were her originals, others were stories she'd posted on

just met, so didn't have time to get you anything

for a child. The top one featured Snow White. Daisy's eyes