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

brow furrowed. "Why not? If it's about money, I'll pay

about money. It's about

"I thought you Westerners were supposed to be straightforward. Since

anymore. I have my

offer some comfort, Mr. Smith's words only made Timothy

the doctor's name. Just

"You're sure?"

"Yes."

"Herbert."

almost slipped

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 aphasia. You probably know

the call ended, Mr. Smith's words echoed in Timothy's mind: Seven years in the lab,

come back for

was already

husband, he hadn't

a sound yesterday, would

even when she finally spoke

emotion welled up in

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

when they were five or six-their parents' faces, that they

else had she been through that

speak. Before

up his phone

everything you can on my wife. Everything. I

call,

times in business and

get his call. "Well, this is unexpected.

you give me your brother's