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 much,

the Christmas Eve Jessica had

up outside The Gilded Whisper Estates. Hearing the engine, Jessica

with twin braids, big round eyes, and porcelain skin. She looked adorable, clutching a clear, gift-wrapped box containing a

the girl, struck by

asked, "Vince, whose child

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

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

mild surprise.

school handed out Christmas Eve gifts. I

and turned to Vince.

"She's my aunt's granddaughter.

In

died in a plane crash, so Grandpa brought her to live with us. There really isn anyone at home who can look after her,

she was

heart ached

gently smoothing Daisy's hair. "You're such a

so pretty! Would you like a gift from me,

"Thank you, Miss Jessy!"

her hand, smiling. "Come on

followed them

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

books and handed them to Daisy. "We've just met, so didn't have time to get you

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