Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Chapter 88

When you're sick, it's only natural to feel fragile especially for a child. Of course Henry wanted his mom; that was the most instinctive thing in the world.

"Don't say that. Your mom would never stop loving you," Timothy said gently. Hearing his voice, Jessica felt a hint of comfort settle in her chest.

Sheila chimed in, "Don't be scared, Henry. I'm right here too."

"Miss Sheila, you're so nice," Henry murmured.

Timothy carried Henry out, with Sheila following close behind.

They all saw Jessica waiting for them.

Her eyes were soft, filled with warmth as she stepped forward and reached out, wanting to take Henry from Timothy's arms.

"Mommy..." Henry's voice was faint.

Last time it was just a fever-he'd been groggy, uncomfortable, but he'd managed. This time, the pain in his stomach was sharp and relentless. For a little boy, pain was always harder to bear.

Whenever he'd had a stomachache before, his mom would hold him close and gently rub his tummy, soothing the pain and making it a little more bearable.

Tonight, something in Jessica's heart shifted. When she heard her son's voice, so full of longing and trust, she felt even more tender than the last time he'd been sick. Her eyes grew misty, and she didn't wait for Timothy to hand Henry over. Instead, she scooped him up in her own arms.

his voice thick with discomfort. "Mommy, rub

hurriedly patted Henry's back and started down the stairs

to Sheila and said, "You just got

Be careful on the road,"

his steps

behind, not wanting to intrude. From the look on Henry's face, it was obvious he only wanted his mom. Tagging along would only

Jessica. And Timothy's attitude toward her, the

stood by the window, watching as Timothy's car pulled

open the master

sitting area sat a half-eaten birthday cake. An empty disposable plate—a leftover from the

birthday. It

have

evening upstairs with Jessica and Henry. He kept checking his watch; just before ten, he finally went downstairs. A short time later, Sheila

She clenched her fists.

lay crumpled on the floor. Looking closer, she

fists tightened until her knuckles turned white. She

fallen for that

She hadn't seen it with her own eyes, so it hadn't bothered her until