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.

but in the end, she let

fill the role of 'Mom.'

she was

use this time to let him slowly

ringing on the speakerphone, until the call

have

answer her

were as deep and

way to buy her that voice-activated ring, even

of apology

she just kept pushing him away,

Unbelievable.

He returned to the hospital room and sat by Henry's side, tending to him through the

was a long, exhausting

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

gathered the towels and washbasin, tidied up the room, and carried everything

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

He just nodded.

her concern obvious. "Go home and get some rest. I'll stay

appreciate it,"

it. Henry's always been so sweet to me-taking care of him is the least I can do. You should really get some sleep. And if you run into Jessica, be gentle with her, okay? Kids recover faster

Timothy's lips pressed into

coddled her any more, she'd

and he'd never realized just