Goodbye, Mr. Regret

[There's been a bit of an incident. I won't be able to come over for a while- probably a month or so.]

Herbert stared at Jessica's message, instantly suspecting Timothy was behind this, using some trick or another.

[Did he force you?]

[No. It was a peaceful divorce. We've already signed the papers at city hall, but there's a mandatory waiting period-one month.]

Jessica didn't elaborate beyond that.

Even with the waiting period, if Jessica wanted to leave the country, she could. The fact that she hadn't meant only one thing: Timothy must be holding something over her, something she couldn't risk.

But now that the divorce was filed, Herbert didn't feel like he had any right to pry further. She hadn't received the final papers yet, and if he kept asking, it would only look like he was overstepping.

[If leaving isn't convenient, then at least take care of yourself while you're still here. Remember to do your rehab exercises every day. If you run into any problems, contact me anytime.]

[Okay.]

Meanwhile, Timothy was on the phone with Mr. Smith.

He started by telling Mr. Smith not to pressure Jessica about leaving the country-

she wouldn't be going abroad for at least a month. Then he got to the point: "Didn't you mention a specialist overseas, someone who could treat aphasia? Give me his contact information."

Yesterday afternoon, Jessica had managed to make a sound, but it was a struggle. Today, she was still relying on sign language. Clearly, she still couldn't speak normally. Timothy knew he needed to find a doctor for her.

"Well..."

Mr. Smith hesitated.

"I'm just asking you to recommend a doctor. Why are you being so cagey?"

this isn't

furrowed. "Why not? If it's

about money. It's

tone grew annoyed. "I thought you Westerners were supposed to be straightforward. Since when did you become

anymore. I have my reasons.

Mr. Smith's

want to know the doctor's name. Just tell me, and I'll

"You're sure?"

"Yes."

"Herbert."

almost slipped from

aphasia for some time. Back when he

words echoed in Timothy's mind: Seven

come back

was already

husband, he hadn't known

Jessica hadn't accidentally made a sound yesterday,

in the dark even when

strange, indefinable emotion welled up in

that she lost her voice? And what

recall at least a few things from when they were five

been through

spent so many years unable to speak. Before marrying

his phone again

everything you can on my

call, Timothy phoned

met a few times in business and exchanged numbers,