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 let the

the role of 'Mom.' What was the point in answering? It hardly mattered

was

this time to let him slowly get used

the endless ringing on the speakerphone,

must have lost

wouldn't even answer

eyes were as

to buy her that voice-activated

of apology for how distant

accepting the olive branch, she just kept pushing

Unbelievable.

room and sat by Henry's side, tending to him through

was a long, exhausting

finally subsided, though a mild temperature lingered. At least

and washbasin, tidied up the room, and carried

one look at Timothy's drawn face and spoke up, worry

He just nodded.

side, her concern obvious. "Go home and get some

it," he

of him is the least I can do. You should really get some sleep. And if you run into Jessica,

Timothy's lips

If he coddled her any more, she'd just walk

and he'd never