Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Zachary and Mrs. Zimmerman climbed into the car while Jessica stood on the curb, watching them drive away.

As soon as the door closed, Zachary turned to Mrs. Zimmerman. "I think we should get Jessica her own car-something comfortable, with a driver. She'll need

it to get around, especially with everything going on."

Mrs. Zimmerman nodded in agreement, and instructed their chauffeur to take them straight to the dealership.

Meanwhile, Timothy had just stepped outside. From a distance, he caught sight of the family together, but he didn't approach. He lingered on the sidewalk, letting them leave before heading toward his own car.

Jessica walked out through the hospital's front entrance, and only then did Timothy start his engine and follow her at a distance.

When Jessica hailed a cab, Timothy kept his car close behind, trailing her through the city streets.

Inside the taxi, Jessica pulled out her phone and dialed Herbert Wheeler.

Herbert answered almost immediately, his voice brightening the moment he heard

it was her. He was clearly thrilled that she was back and wanted to meet up.

day out. What do you say we spend some time at the Zimmerman Estate? Maybe take

last time she'd thought about it was during a children's art contest, when the host had mentioned that the paper- cutting piece she'd made for her grandfather had been donated to the estate. She'd always wanted to see it

you? I'll come pick

out of your way.

later, Jessica's taxi pulled up

car a little ways off and watched as Jessica stepped out of

Zimmerman, it struck him that he'd never brought her to this place-not once. Yet, this was her ancestral home. As kids, they'd both come here with the adults, laughing

been the perfect wife dutiful, quiet, always putting his needs first. He'd completely overlooked the fact that

waited by the gate, scanning the

Herbert lived

he parked and climbed out, Jessica's face lit up-she wayed to him beaming. Herbert

smiles were radiant, dazzling beneath

chest tighten. He felt a sharp, physical pain behind his

smile like that, he thought. She just never smiles like that at

headed to the ticket booth

for members of the Zimmerman family, but Jessica's current ID didn't reflect her family name. She didn't let it bother her;