Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Herbert turned his head, his expression weary.

"Thank you," Sallie said softly.

Herbert looked away, not saying a word. He just didn't have the strength anymore.

Jessica gently pushed his wheelchair out of the room.

Henry watched as Jessica disappeared down the hallway, tears shimmering in his eyes. He wanted to run after her, but he was afraid she'd push him away.

Just then, Timothy was wheeled out.

All eyes immediately shifted to him.

He was still unconscious, drifting in a medicated sleep. But since the doctors had confirmed he was out of danger, they didn't send him back to the ICU—just a regular hospital room this time.

A nurse came over, her tone firm but kind. There were too many people crowding around, she explained, and it would disturb the patient's rest. Timothy was still under anesthesia and wouldn't be waking up soon, so they couldn't all stay in the room.

Yates, Kane, and

Naylor, and

good news. If he hears Timothy's going to wake up, he'll be out of

go right now," Thurston replied,

aching. "Aunt Sallie, why did Dad get hurt

on him. It could have been so

an IV. Naylor took Henry by the hand

The tension that had gripped her heart all day slowly eased. She reached for Timothy's

she remembered before the surgery, Jessica had pressed

open his fist, but his grip

him. "Oh, Timothy why are you so stubborn? If you care about her, why didn't

had been so different. It was only this morning that Jessica had learned Herbert had spent seven years researching aphasia-all for her sake,

What if Jessica chose Herbert? What

given Herbert a private room to rest. After settling him in, Jessica helped

lips were and quietly went to pour him a glass of

cup, but Herbert didn't take it right away. Instead, he studied her face, his voice