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.

and Vince

Thurston, Naylor, and Henry were

to Thurston and whispered, "Go tell Grandpa the good news. If he hears Timothy's going to wake up, he'll be out of bed in

right now," Thurston

heart aching. "Aunt Sallie, why

voice was gentle. "A beam fell on him. It could have been so much worse, but he's safe now. Don't

the nurse called-Henry still needed an IV. Naylor took Henry by the hand and led him

only Sallie was left in the room. She pulled over a chair and sat by the bed, finally allowing herself to breathe. The tension that had gripped her heart all day slowly eased. She reached for Timothy's hand, only to find

before the surgery, Jessica had pressed a ring

open his fist, but his grip remained iron-strong; she couldn't move his fingers

Timothy why are you so stubborn? If you care about her,

that Jessica had learned Herbert had spent seven years researching aphasia-all for her sake, hoping one day she'd

anxiety for Timothy grew. What if Jessica chose

After settling

cracked his lips were and quietly went to pour him

right away. Instead, he studied her face, his voice tentative. "Is it