Goodbye, Mr. Regret

It was as if he were trapped in that pain, unable to escape.

On the way, Timothy spotted a flower shop and asked the driver to pull over. He picked out a bouquet, thinking maybe the scent of fresh flowers would help lift the mood at the hospital, even if just a little.

"Dad, is Mom ever coming home again?"

Henry's question left Timothy at a loss for words.

Once back in the car, Timothy squeezed his son's hand. "Let's do our best to bring Mom home together, all right?"

"Okay."

When they arrived at the hospital, Timothy led Henry down the corridor to Daisy's room. He knocked gently, then pushed open the door.

Inside, Jessica was feeding Daisy some warm soup, carefully holding the bowl and spoon as she turned and saw the two of them. She barely glanced their way before looking away, treating them as if they were invisible. She went on feeding Daisy, quietly attentive.

Timothy stepped in and placed the bouquet between the two hospital beds, setting it on the shared nightstand. There was also a basket of fruit, which he left on the cabinet.

Jessica didn't even look up. She continued, pausing only to dab the corners of Daisy's mouth with a tissue now and then.

feeling completely helpless. His mother used to fuss over him just like that, always so gentle and careful. The sight made his eyes

Jessica finished feeding Daisy that Henry finally broke down, crying out,

moment, then

Henry's calling you," Daisy

"I heard him."

heard, but

"Mr. Lawson is

replied, her voice cool and distant,

"Mom..."

"Mom, I'm sorry, I know I was wrong. I saw the old cartoons

face. Her eyelids fluttered, and tears spilled

whispered, his

"Mom..."

shook her

his small hand and gently pried it off. "I'm not your mother," she said softly, her

far more

heart. Henry's

mom.