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."

the Christmas Eve Jessica

Gilded Whisper Estates. Hearing the engine, Jessica

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 shiny

girl, struck by a sense

asked, "Vince, whose child

this is Miss Jessy-the one I told you about. Go on, say

a bright, sweet smile. "Hi, Miss Jessy! My name's Daisy. This is for you-Merry Christmas

blinked in mild surprise. "This is

out Christmas Eve gifts. I wanted to give

a thoughtful girl." Jessica accepted the apple and turned to Vince. "She's one of yours?

"She's my aunt's granddaughter.

In

plane crash, so Grandpa brought her to live with us. There really isn

was

ached

down, gently smoothing Daisy's

so pretty! Would you like a

"Thank you, Miss Jessy!"

smiling. "Come

followed them into

study, where an entire shelf was lined with her own handmade storybook illustrations-some were her originals, others were stories

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

a child. The top one featured Snow