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

Christmas Eve Jessica had been

outside The Gilded Whisper Estates.

out, holding the hand of a little girl-six years old or so, with twin braids, big round eyes, and porcelain skin. She looked

struck by a sense of déjà

"Vince, whose child

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

Jessy! My

in mild surprise. "This is

school handed out Christmas Eve gifts. I wanted to

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

"She's my aunt's granddaughter.

In

There really isn anyone at home who can look after her, so she's been

was an

ached for

down, gently smoothing Daisy's hair. "You're

like a gift from

"Thank you, Miss Jessy!"

smiling. "Come on

them into

where an entire shelf was lined with her own handmade storybook illustrations-some were

just met, so didn't have time to get you anything special. But how about these picture books I made?

designs-bright, whimsical, perfect for a child.