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.

end, she

role of 'Mom.'

was

to use this time to let him slowly get used to

the speakerphone, until the

must have lost

even answer her own

dark eyes were as deep and

his way to buy her that voice-activated ring,

of

of accepting the olive branch, she just kept pushing him away,

Unbelievable.

hospital room and sat

was a long, exhausting

fever had finally subsided, though a mild

and washbasin, tidied up the room, and carried everything into the bathroom. When he came out, Sheila

at Timothy's drawn face and spoke up, worry etched in her voice. "Timothy, you haven't slept at all, have

He just nodded.

side, her concern obvious. "Go home and get

it,"

really get some sleep.

lips pressed into a

her any more, she'd

never realized