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.

to worry about her. Telling them would only

out of pity knowing her days were

later, Jessica was wheeled out of the emergency room. Mabel, her

"Ma'am, are you alright?"

for her, Jessica managed a smile and

a nurse

the bed, her eyes full of concern. "I'll go grab

Jessica nodded.

Mabel left quietly.

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, but then

she pressed the call button. A nurse came in, changed the bag, and

It was Herbert.

promise she'd 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

of Jessica's grandmother, only

was why Herbert had

grandmother had always hoped she would carry on the craft, and Jessica was personally acquainted with

IV, and estimated when she'd be