Goodbye, Mr. Regret

[There's been a bit of an incident. I won't be able to come over for a while- probably a month or so.]

Herbert stared at Jessica's message, instantly suspecting Timothy was behind this, using some trick or another.

[Did he force you?]

[No. It was a peaceful divorce. We've already signed the papers at city hall, but there's a mandatory waiting period-one month.]

Jessica didn't elaborate beyond that.

Even with the waiting period, if Jessica wanted to leave the country, she could. The fact that she hadn't meant only one thing: Timothy must be holding something over her, something she couldn't risk.

But now that the divorce was filed, Herbert didn't feel like he had any right to pry further. She hadn't received the final papers yet, and if he kept asking, it would only look like he was overstepping.

[If leaving isn't convenient, then at least take care of yourself while you're still here. Remember to do your rehab exercises every day. If you run into any problems, contact me anytime.]

[Okay.]

Meanwhile, Timothy was on the phone with Mr. Smith.

He started by telling Mr. Smith not to pressure Jessica about leaving the country-

she wouldn't be going abroad for at least a month. Then he got to the point: "Didn't you mention a specialist overseas, someone who could treat aphasia? Give me his contact information."

Yesterday afternoon, Jessica had managed to make a sound, but it was a struggle. Today, she was still relying on sign language. Clearly, she still couldn't speak normally. Timothy knew he needed to find a doctor for her.

"Well..."

Mr. Smith hesitated.

"I'm just asking you to recommend a doctor. Why are you being so cagey?"

I'm afraid this isn't someone you can just

"Why not? If it's about money, I'll

not about money. It's about the

were supposed to be straightforward. Since when did you

Mr. Smith shot back, half-joking. "Seriously, Timothy, don't ask me about this anymore. I have my reasons. Try another way, all right? In any case, don't worry too much.

offer some comfort, Mr. Smith's words only

nonsense. I want to know the doctor's

"You're sure?"

"Yes."

"Herbert."

phone almost slipped from his

"I'll be straight with you-he's been treating Jessica's aphasia for some time. Back when he was at Aetherion, he spent seven years in the lab, specializing in acquired

in Timothy's mind: Seven years in the

Herbert had come

was already

husband, he hadn't known

made a sound yesterday, would he

the dark even when

emotion welled up

as a child, that she lost her voice? And what else had she

a few things from when they were five or six-their parents' faces, that

nothing. What else had she been through that he

many years unable to speak. Before

up his phone again

up everything you can on my wife. Everything. I

the call, Timothy phoned

met a few times in business and exchanged

sounded surprised to get his call. "Well, this is unexpected. To what do I owe the pleasure,

me your brother's