Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Timothy's condition left a hollow ache in Sallie's chest. She needed comfort just

as much as anyone—someone to look her in the eye and assure her that yes, the surgery would help, that yes, Timothy could wake up if they just went through with

it.

Caring too much about someone or something-made you vulnerable to every twist of fate. The more you cared, the more you oscillated between hope and dread, and the weaker your heart seemed to grow. You needed someone else to lend you strength when your own ran out.

Sallie looked at Jessica with desperate hope, silently pleading for reassurance.

Jessica met Sallie's worried, vacant gaze and understood exactly what she was thinking. She felt the same way-could feel the weight of it pressing down on her. She'd been through her own cycles of hope and disappointment and knew just how much a few words of comfort could mean.

But Jessica didn't dare make any promises either, so she asked, "Is it time for visiting hours yet? I'd like to see him before we talk about anything else."

Sallie checked her watch. "Almost. Ten more minutes. Let's go in together when it's time."noveldrama

Five minutes later, a nurse came by to let Timothy's family know it was time to change into sterile gowns. Only two visitors were allowed at a time.

Jessica and Sallie headed to the changing room, while Vince found a seat in the waiting area.

Yates sat down next to him. "What do you think about Timothy's surgery?" he asked quietly.

Vince pressed his lips together, thinking. "We should do it. At least it gives us a better chance than just waiting and hoping for a miracle. If we just sit around and nothing changes, I don't think we could live with that."

"I agree. Life's full of surprises—risk and opportunity always come hand in hand."

Kane kept quiet, not daring to speak. The atmosphere was too heavy for small talk; everyone's nerves were stretched thin.

Jessica and Sallie changed into sterile gowns and entered the ICU. The sight of Timothy almost made Sallie's knees buckle.

Wires and monitors were everywhere, and an IV dripped steadily into his arm. His handsome face was swollen, bloodless, lips chalk-white.

Sallie's tears streamed down her face.

Jessica was barely holding it together herself. Timothy had saved her once, back when they first met. From that moment, he'd seemed like a force of nature-steadfast and unshakable as a mountain.

But now, seeing him like this, so fragile and close to death, shattered her heart.

She would rather have watched him from afar, standing tall and untouchable, than see him lying here, so still and powerless.

"Timothy..." Sallie rushed to his

bedside, clutching his hand. Her voice shook as she pleaded, "Timothy, you can't leave us. Look Jessy's here. She came to see you. Open your eyes, Timothy. Please, just look at her."

"If you don't wake up, you might never see her again. Do you really want that?"

"Timothy, I'm begging you. Please, you have to wake up. Henry's still in the hospital too—he needs you. We all need you. Please don't leave us."

But Timothy didn't move. Desperate, Sallie grabbed Jessica's hand and begged, Jessy, talk to him. He cares about you so much right

now-maybe if he hears your voice, he'll wake up. Please, Jessy..."