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.

knew it. Her husband and son were never the type to worry about her. Telling them would only be a wasted

her days were

wheeled out of

"Ma'am, are you alright?"

smile and typed out a line on her phone: "I'm fine, Mabel.

a nurse pushed her back

down by the bed, her eyes full of concern.

Jessica nodded.

Mabel left quietly.

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

A nurse came in, changed the bag, and

It was Herbert.

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 window decorations-delicate paper cuttings that reminded her

That's when they thought of Jessica's grandmother,

why Herbert had sought her

hoped she would carry on the craft, and Jessica was

the phone, checked the time, glanced at her IV, and