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.

the end, she let the

was already looking to someone else to fill the role of 'Mom.' What was the point in answering? It

was dying

let him slowly get used to life without

to the endless ringing on the speakerphone,

have lost

even answer her own

were as deep and cold as

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

of apology for how distant he'd

the olive branch, she just kept pushing him away, higher and higher up her own ladder

Unbelievable.

room

a long,

finally subsided, though a mild temperature

up the room, and carried everything into the bathroom.

Timothy's drawn face and spoke up, worry etched in

He just nodded.

obvious. "Go home and

it," he said

I can do. You should really get some sleep. And if you run into Jessica, be gentle with her, okay? Kids

Jessica, Timothy's lips

her any more, she'd

years of marriage, and he'd never