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.

Kane, and Vince waited

Thurston, Naylor, and Henry were allowed

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

right now," Thurston

Timothy's battered form, his heart aching. "Aunt Sallie, why did

voice was gentle. "A beam fell on him. It could have

the nurse called-Henry still needed an IV. Naylor took Henry

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 his fingers clenched tightly into a

surgery, Jessica had pressed a ring into Timothy's

gently pry open his fist, but his grip remained iron-strong;

heart aching for him. "Oh, Timothy why are you so stubborn? If you care

this morning that Jessica had learned Herbert had spent seven years researching aphasia-all

Timothy grew. What if Jessica

hospital had given Herbert a private room to rest. After

noticed how dry and cracked his lips were and quietly went to pour

the cup, but Herbert didn't take it right away. Instead, he studied her face, his voice tentative. "Is it because I saved Timothy today? Is that why you're