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 had

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

or so, with twin braids, big

girl, struck by a

"Vince, whose child

Miss Jessy-the one

smile. "Hi, Miss Jessy! My name's Daisy. This

surprise.

Eve gifts. I wanted to give mine to you

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

"She's my aunt's granddaughter.

In

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

she was an

heart ached for

gently smoothing Daisy's hair. "You're

like a gift from me,

"Thank you, Miss Jessy!"

hand, smiling. "Come on

followed them

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

so didn't have time to get you anything special. But how about these picture books I made? Do you want

covers were all Jessica's designs-bright, whimsical, perfect for a child. The top one