Goodbye, Mr. Regret

She always tried her best to help others within her own abilities.

"Don't worry. Everything will get better-trust me," Vince said, his voice gentle and reassuring.

Jessica nodded quietly.

Vince glanced at the sketchbook in her hands. "If flipping through that book makes you feel uneasy right now, you don't have to look at it."

"I know," she replied softly.

He gave her shoulder a comforting pat. "Try to get some rest, okay?"

When Vince left, he pulled the door closed behind him with care.

As her older brother, he'd been there through her divorce from Timothy. He knew all too well how hard it would be for her to truly forget him. Childhood affection that lingers into adulthood can root itself deep in your bones. The deeper the roots, the more it hurts to pull them out.

For Jessica, moving on and saying goodbye to the past must feel almost impossible. Even as an outsider, Vince felt a sharp ache just watching her struggle.

He wondered how much kindness and care it would take to heal the wounds she carried.

couldn't bring herself to open it again. She slid it into her drawer and closed it,

her children to the hospital to visit

by Larkin's side, and today Vince was coming

entered the hospital room, his face lit up, though he was

hurried to his bedside, sat down, and

are you feeling any

the pride of the Zimmerman family," Larkin said, his

thought of everything Jessica had achieved-especially after losing her voice -moved her

replied. "There were so many people working hard behind the

chatted with Larkin for a while, careful not to tire him out. Since

and Mrs. Zimmerman led Jessica toward the

elevator doors slid open, they found Timothy standing

home to cook for Henry and bring back some clean clothes. Timothy's shirt was wrinkled, his stubble unshaven, and his

him, Jessica and her family hesitated. Rather than step

shut, Timothy pressed the button and opened them again, expecting them

presence was enough

the doors parted,