Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Chapter 31

The doctor had explained that there was still a glimmer of hope in her condition, but the chances were slim—and chemotherapy came with the very real risk that she might not survive the treatment itself.

That was why Jessica refused chemo.

With this conservative approach, at the very least, she could expect another six months.

She reached for her phone and typed out a message.

"Thank you, Doctor. I don't want to take that risk."

The doctor sighed and said, "I'll prescribe you some more medication, then."

Jessica quickly typed another line.

"Thank you. Could you also help keep my diagnosis between us? I don't want my family to worry."

She handed the phone over to the doctor so he could read her words.

Her husband and son were never the type to worry about her. Telling them would only be a wasted effort, so she'd rather not

pity knowing her

wheeled out of the emergency room. Mabel, her housekeeper, rushed up,

"Ma'am, are you alright?"

a smile and typed out a line on her phone: "I'm fine, Mabel. Don't

IV drip wasn't finished yet, so a nurse pushed her back into a hospital

bed, her eyes full of concern.

Jessica nodded.

Mabel left quietly.

where the ER was located, Timothy stood out on the balcony making a call, arranging a blood transfusion for Sheila. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Mabel leaving the building. His gaze darkened for a moment,

call button. A nurse came in, changed the bag, and left. Just then, her

It was Herbert.

made to Herbert the day before. His father was expanding their business into the country, so the whole family had moved back. Their new house was styled after an old English manor, but Mrs. Wheeler always felt something was missing. Eventually she realized it was the

right. That's when they thought of Jessica's grandmother, only to learn she had passed away. Others recommended Jessica

Herbert had sought her

carry on the craft, and Jessica was personally acquainted with Mrs. Wheeler, so she agreed to take on

hung up the phone, checked the time, glanced at her IV, and estimated when she'd be done before