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.

her bedroom, Jessica sat with the sketchbook in her lap, but in the end, she couldn't bring herself to open it again. She slid it into her drawer and closed

her children

father was already by Larkin's side, and today Vince was coming to take over so Zachary could go

room, his face lit

down, and

feeling

Jessy. I saw your movie. You're truly the pride of the Zimmerman family," Larkin said, his voice frail but filled

everything Jessica had achieved-especially after losing her voice -moved her grandfather more than he could

"There were so many people

him out. Since he was still so weak,

to keep Larkin company, while Zachary and

doors slid open, they found Timothy standing

Timothy's shirt was wrinkled, his stubble unshaven,

than step inside, they

later, but before they could fully shut, Timothy pressed the button

was enough to make them wait for another

parted,