Goodbye, Mr. Regret

She'd poured her heart and soul into them-every thought, every ounce of care.

And yet, somehow, almost without realizing it, she and those two-father and son -had drifted farther and farther apart.

It was just a little over two months, but suddenly everything felt unbearably different.

"If she's ignoring you, have you ever stopped to wonder if you might be the problem?"

"Dad, what problem could I possibly have? I honestly don't get it. Why did she make things so hard for me at the craft competition? I don't even know what I did to upset her. She's changed. She's not the same person she used to be."

Timothy's stomach twisted in anger. He hung up abruptly, determined to head to school and drag his son home for a real conversation-especially about that nonsense he'd heard in the hospital, about his own mother being "just the housekeeper."

Not long after Timothy stormed out, Jessica's phone buzzed. It was Vince calling.

"Jess, it's Christmas Eve tonight. Your film's about to hit its big promo. I've brought Carlisle and the others over-I'm treating everyone to a holiday dinner. Join us?”

"Where?"

Jessica's voice sparkled with anticipation.

"The Silverthread Eatery. I booked the big private lounge-huge screen and all. Carlisle says if you want to watch the full cut, you can, or just the trailers if you'd rather."

“Are they there already? I'll head over now! It's been ages since I saw everyone— I've missed them."

"They're on their way. I'll swing by and pick you up."

"Thank you so much, Vince."

this was the Christmas Eve Jessica had

pulled up outside The Gilded Whisper Estates. Hearing the engine, Jessica stepped out of

of a little girl-six years old or so, with twin braids, big round eyes, and porcelain skin. She looked adorable, clutching a clear, gift-wrapped box containing a

stared at the girl, struck by a sense of

"Vince, whose

is Miss Jessy-the one I told you about. Go

Miss Jessy! My name's Daisy. This is

surprise. "This is

handed out Christmas Eve gifts. I

the apple and turned to Vince. "She's one of yours? The

"She's my aunt's granddaughter.

In

us. There really isn anyone at home

she was an

ached for

Daisy's hair.

you like a gift

"Thank you, Miss Jessy!"

took her hand, smiling. "Come on in, let's go inside

them into the

was lined with her own handmade storybook illustrations-some were her originals, others were stories she'd posted

to Daisy. "We've just met, so didn't have time to get you anything special. But how about these picture books I made? Do you

a child. The top one featured Snow White. Daisy's eyes lit