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 call

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

she was

this time to let him slowly get used to life

on the speakerphone,

have lost

even answer her

were as deep and cold

gone out of his way to buy her that

small gesture of apology for how distant

just kept pushing him away, higher

Unbelievable.

again. He returned to the hospital room and sat by Henry's side, tending to

a long,

fever had finally subsided, though a mild temperature lingered.

gathered the towels and washbasin, tidied up the room, and carried everything into the bathroom. When

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

He just nodded.

concern obvious. "Go home and get some

appreciate it," he said

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

Timothy's lips pressed

any more, she'd

and he'd never realized just how stubborn she