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 Henry were

he hears Timothy's going to wake up, he'll be out of bed

now,"

his heart aching. "Aunt Sallie, why

fell on him. It could have been so

IV. Naylor took Henry by

bed, finally allowing herself to 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

him. "Oh, Timothy why are you so stubborn? If you care about

Jessica's attitude toward Herbert today had been so different. It was only this morning that Jessica had learned Herbert had spent

grew. What if Jessica chose Herbert?

a private room to rest. After settling him in, Jessica helped him sit up against the

his lips were and quietly went to pour him

face, his voice