Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Timothy's eyes were glued to the screen, unmoving.

Even as the credits rolled and disappeared, Jessica's name lingered before his mind's eye, floating there as if the darkness itself couldn't swallow it.

She'd married him just a few months after graduating college.

He'd never shortchanged her when it came to money, not once.

Still, she lived frugally, turning the Gilded Whisper Estates into a well-ordered, peaceful home. The household account always matched her meticulous budget down to the last cent.

He'd only discovered her ledgers by accident one day. He told her there was no need to keep such detailed records-it was all just for the house, after all.

She insisted, saying that even if money came easily to him, it shouldn't be wasted. Luck, she said, was fragile and easily squandered-the hardest thing in the world to regain.

Timothy never understood her thinking.

And he never wanted to argue about it.

So he let it go.

A few days ago, he'd opened the safe.

Everything was still there. Not a single thing missing.

So where had she gotten the money to invest in this film?

Timothy couldn't figure it out, no matter how many times he turned it over in his head.

And this animated film-he wasn't an expert, but even he could see it had all the makings of a hit.

Unlike the usual movies set in either contemporary or historical times, this one unfolded in the future—a unique blend of science fiction and tradition, with a style all its own.

He'd never known his wife had this kind of talent-not just animating, but writing scripts too.

Even he, a man not prone to sentimental displays, had immediately thought of his own mother. There were several scenes that stung his eyes, made him blink back a sudden rush of tears.

Her stories of family, of love-they hit home, sharp and true.

The film's production was first-rate, too.

Soon, the theater seats around him emptied.

remained, still

until the next group came in

He missed her.

her so much it felt like his heart might split

been missing her

from that business trip to attend Henry's father-son event, they hadn't

simple wish to hold

at Gilded Whisper Estates, Timothy made his way to

for their marriage registration

dug it out of

wore crisp white shirts, the background a bright, cheerful

known how to savor

certificate, she'd brought along a simple white veil, asking him to help pin it in her hair with a clip. Her long black hair was braided and draped

was the same as the one he'd seen in Vince's social media posts a smile

corners of his mouth

him like that, once-eyes soft, happiness shining through every

and took out a pack of wipes. He cleaned the glass until it gleamed, then hung

stood before it, surveying

the bedroom looked just as it always

something

slow circle around the master suite, searching for

onto

knew what

Love.

Jessica's love.

this

the haven he could retreat to

He'd lost his wife.

flying over the screen as

credits had

to watch Carliste and the others' promotional

the movie on his phone, jotting down notes. He still

called him to leave. Yates put

before, Vince

to the passenger seat

keep me company," Vince called