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

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

right now," Thurston

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

fell on him. It could have been so much worse, but

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

breathe. The tension

surgery, Jessica

might hurt him, Sallie tried to gently pry open his fist, but his grip remained iron-strong; she couldn't move

with trembling fingers, her heart aching for him. "Oh, Timothy why are you so stubborn? If you care about her, why didn't you

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

Jessica chose Herbert? What

After settling him in, Jessica helped him sit

cracked his lips were and quietly went to pour him a glass of

Herbert didn't take it right away. Instead, he studied her face, his voice tentative. "Is it because