Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Chapter 48

Jessica returned to the hotel earlier than planned.

She'd thought about switching to a different hotel, but realized it didn't matter—if Timothy could track her down here, he'd find her anywhere.

So, she decided not to bother.

Maybe it was the weight of her emotions, but as soon as she got back, a dull ache started in her abdomen and wouldn't let up.

She took her medication, but it didn't help much.

Now, she lay on the bed, unable to sleep-pain gnawing at her, keeping her wide awake.

Meanwhile, Timothy's call was cut off the moment he dialed.

That's when it struck him: Jessica had blocked his number.

A strange, hollow ache settled in his chest.

He turned back to the hospital room, checked Henry's forehead with a hand towel -only to find it was already warm.

He quickly wrung out a fresh towel, folded it, and placed it gently on Henry's brow. Then, slipping Henry's smartwatch from his wrist, Timothy stepped into the hallway and tried Jessica's number once more.

Jessica's phone buzzed.

The caller ID said Henry.

She froze, gripping the phone tightly.

torn, but in the end, she let the call ring

to someone else to fill the role of 'Mom.'

was dying

time to let him slowly get

listened to the endless ringing on the

have

wouldn't even answer her own

dark eyes were as deep and cold

his way to buy her that voice-activated ring, even brought

small gesture of apology for how distant he'd

the olive branch, she just kept pushing him away, higher

Unbelievable.

again. He returned to the hospital room

was a long,

dawn, Henry's fever had finally subsided, though a mild temperature lingered. At least it

the room, and carried everything into the bathroom. When he

spoke up, worry etched in

He just nodded.

to his side, her concern obvious. "Go home and get

it," he said

You should really get some sleep. And if you run into Jessica, be

Timothy's lips

her any more, she'd just

never realized just how