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

good news. If he

now," Thurston replied,

on Timothy's battered form, his heart aching. "Aunt Sallie, why did Dad get hurt so

him. It could have been so much worse, but he's

called-Henry still needed an IV. Naylor took Henry

breathe. The tension that had gripped her heart all

remembered before the surgery, Jessica had pressed

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

Timothy why are you so stubborn? If you care about

only this morning that Jessica had learned Herbert had spent seven years researching aphasia-all for her sake, hoping one day she'd speak again. He'd

for Timothy grew. What if Jessica chose Herbert? What would become of Timothy

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

how dry and cracked his lips were and quietly went

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