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.

voice thick with discomfort. "Mommy, rub my tummy,

started down the stairs as fast as she

"You just got off a long flight. Why don't you rest here?

Be careful on

downstairs, his steps steady and

look on Henry's face, it was

was strange-Henry had suddenly become so attached to Jessica. And Timothy's attitude toward her, the mute woman, seemed unexpectedly

her room and stood by the window, watching as Timothy's car pulled away

the

a half-eaten birthday cake. An empty disposable plate—a leftover

birthday. It wasn't

have been Jessica's

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

She clenched her fists.

bath towel lay crumpled on the floor. Looking closer, she noticed a damp patch

until her knuckles turned

fallen for that mute

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