Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Chapter 6

Jessica's eyes brimmed with tears.

A message had popped up-it was from her old university animation mentor, Ines.

She could almost see Ines's warm, gentle smile in her mind's eye.

It had been seven years since they'd last met.

Jessica was just sixteen when she'd started posting her paper-cut animation shorts online. That's when Ines stumbled upon her work by chance.

Even though Ines was already a star in the world of visual design, she never put on airs. Instead, she sought Jessica out herself, told her that with her talent, she could recommend her for a scholarship to Riverside Media Institute, and offered to take her on as a student.

So, at sixteen, Jessica found herself at Riverside.

Ines always believed Jessica was destined for greatness in animation. Determined to help, Ines even learned sign language just to better communicate with her, pouring heart and soul into nurturing Jessica's unique gift—blending 3D animation with the traditional art of papercutting.

Jessica's final project won the grand prize at the National Animation Creators' Competition. Suddenly, offers poured in from leading animation studios.

But at the very moment her mentor was counting on her most, Jessica walked away from it all. She chose love, married Timothy, and settled into the role of the devoted wife.

Now, thinking back to their last meeting, Jessica could hardly believe she'd told Ines she was choosing love over career.

seven years, she'd been too

typed a few hollow words onto the

[I'm doing well.]

almost

good to hear. I didn't want to intrude,

long pause, several messages arrived in

is enough time for a home to find its balance. I have a wonderful opportunity for you,

project. He was so moved by your blend of 3D and traditional papercutting that he wants to invite you

Aetherion studio has access to the most advanced neuroscience team, and he'd be happy to

always hope to

hadn't even finished reading before tears

had

finish a major animation, not to

deleting and rewriting, before she finally hit

[I'm sorry, Ines.]

Ines was typing. And typing. But in the

Late at night.

car up to the