Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"Herbert, my parents wanted me to thank you for helping me recover my speech. They'd love to have you over for dinner. Do you have any free time coming up?”

Today was the premiere of Jessica's film, and with how well it was bound to do, she and her creative team would probably be busy with events for the next day or two.

Not wanting to interfere with her schedule, Herbert replied, "I'm actually on a break right now-completely free. Just let me know whenever your family's available, and I'll be there."

"Okay. My grandpa's in the hospital right now, so things are a bit hectic at home. Once he's discharged, I'll reach out."noveldrama

"Oh, by the way-—are you going to the premiere today? I saw on the news that it's at three this afternoon, at the outdoor plaza near the amusement park."

Jessica's eyes sparkled with warmth as she smiled. "Would you like to come? If you want, I'll ask Carlisle to save us a couple of seats up front."

"Absolutely!"

If she said "a couple of seats," that meant she'd be there too. No way he'd miss it.

Jessica messaged Carlisle to reserve two seats for them.

When they arrived at the Zimmerman Mansion Memorial Hall, Jessica asked Herbert to pull over.

They got out and walked in together.

It was New Year's break, and the place was bustling with visitors. Tour guides led groups from one exhibit to the next.

When they stopped at Jessica's papercut artwork, everyone marveled at the intricate design, struggling to believe it was made by hand.

A few people recognized her name.

"Isn't that Jessica, the screenwriter from that new hit movie?"

"Could be. Some of the movie's scenes have a similar style."

"She's incredible-how can one person be so talented at both writing and papercutting?"

Herbert, knowing that piece was Jessica's, leaned in and whispered, "You're quite the celebrity now."

Timothy, hanging back in the crowd, didn't dare get too close. He heard the tourists praising Jessica.

They'd been married seven years, and somehow, he'd been the last to realize just how remarkable she was. He'd missed out on so much. Even as a child, she'd already been extraordinary.

Everything happening before his eyes made him feel unworthy to approach her. Watching Herbert lean in to speak to her, Timothy's hands curled into tight fists, his knuckles turning white as his fingernails dug into his skin.

After their tour of the memorial, Jessica and Herbert hopped back on their bikes and continued riding. Only then did Timothy follow their lead, pedaling quietly behind.

They spent about an hour exploring, eventually riding into a newly opened area of the park. The place was still under construction, and the path ahead was blocked.

Jessica and Herbert pointed at the road and chatted, trying to figure out the best way to get back.

They turned their bikes around.

Timothy followed at a distance.

Herbert had seen the film and was discussing a scene with Jessica as they rode. "Jessy!"

Suddenly, Jessica heard a familiar, urgent shout.

She turned just in time to see Timothy barreling toward them at full speed.

There was a crash-their bikes went down, and Jessica and Herbert tumbled to the ground. Herbert instinctively pulled Jessica into his arms, trying to shield her.

Jessica poked her head up, ready to scold Timothy, but before she could say a word, Timothy's bike-blocked by theirs toppled over. As he jumped off, a metal pole cameloose overhead, crashing down and landing right where Timothy's bike had been.