Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Sallie walked over to Henry's side and saw he was on the verge of tears. Furious, she shouted, "Jessica!"

Jessica had turned away just as Henry called out for her. Now, hearing her name, she glanced back and looked up, her eyes meeting both Sallie's and Henry's.

The moment mother and son locked eyes, Henry called out again, "Mom!"

But the carousel kept spinning, and soon Jessica's seat was moving away from them.

Daisy tugged at Jessica's sleeve. "Auntie, I saw Henry calling you."

"He's with his aunt. She'll look after him." Jessica's reply was calm.

When it came to big decisions, Jessica could think about Henry's future, but when it came to the daily effort, she was done giving. If a child isn't even wanted by his own mother, what hope does he have?

Henry stared at Jessica, his gaze unwavering, but she only had eyes for Daisy. He could feel the anger boiling up inside him—this was his mother.

Seeing Jessica ignore them, Sallie turned to Herbert, who was busy filming with his phone, capturing videos with laser focus.

With a biting tone, Sallie remarked, "Jessica's got the Zimmerman family's child with her, and you're still following her around like a puppy. What's going on in that head of yours?"

Herbert barely glanced at her, his voice cold. "Mind your own business."

He turned his attention right back to Jessica and Daisy, not giving Sallie another thought.

"Mom... Mom..." Henry's soft, broken whispers slipped out. This time, the tears finally fell.

Once, his mother belonged to him alone. All her love, all her tenderness, every gentle smile he hadn't seen those in so long.

He never stopped loving her. He just worried she'd embarrass herself in public, that people would laugh at her. He'd explained it, again and again: she would always be his mother. Outside, he only pretended Miss Sheila was his mom, that's all. Why couldn't his loving, gentle mother understand?

Seeing Henry cry broke Sallie's heart. She knelt down and gathered him into her arms, wiping away his tears. "Come on, you're a big boy now. No tears. Did you know your dad never cried when he was your age?"

"What's going on?" Timothy approached, his voice gentle but concerned.

His leg was getting better-he still leaned on a cane, but he moved far quicker than before.

Sallie pulled Henry around to face Timothy, who immediately noticed the boy's tears. Pointing to the carousel, Sallie said, “See for yourself."

Timothy looked up and saw Jessica and Daisy spinning past, Jessica doting on Daisy with obvious care.

His lips pressed into a hard line.

Sallie continued, "Henry's called for her over and over, and she just ignores him. She's fawning over someone else's child and has completely forgotten she has a son of her own."noveldrama

Timothy shot back, annoyed, "What do you mean, someone else's child? Daisy isn't an outsider."

"Even if Daisy's a Zimmerman, does

she come before her own son? Jessica's neglect is what's caused this. I saw her with Henry once, when you and Sheila took him out, and Leven warned her, but she barely responded. She really is an irresponsible mother."

"That's not fair," Timothy said quietly, his voice heavy. "It's not all on her."

He knew the fault lay with him and Henry too; it wasn't right to blame Jessica alone.

Sallie jabbed a finger back toward Herbert. You're still defending her? Look who she came with, Timothy! You might not care about your reputation, but the Lawson family still has some pride."

Only now did Timothy notice Herbert standing nearby.

Just then, the carousel slowed to a stop. Herbert began waving at Jessica and Daisy.

"In front of the kids, keep your voice down," Timothy said, his tone cold.

Jessica led Daisy out from the ride.

Daisy spotted Henry and called, "Henry!"

She followed with a cheerful, "Mr. Lawson, Aunt Sallie, you're all here! Want to ride together?"

She was only being polite, as she'd been taught, unaware of the tension among the adults.

Jessica knew the Lawsons and Zimmermans were close, so it was only natural that Daisy would greet them. She couldn't let her own feelings get in the way of Daisy's manners.

Henry, hearing Daisy call his name, ran over-but he didn't say anything to her. Instead, he looked up at Jessica, reaching for her hand as he softly called, "Mom." Jessica, meanwhile, scooped Daisy into her arms, deftly avoiding Henry's hand. She turned to Daisy, her voice gentle. "Daisy, didn't you say you wanted to ride the roller coaster next? Let's go."

“But I think Henry wants to come too. Can we bring him?” Daisy asked.

Jessica smiled warmly. "He has his dad and his aunt. But Daisy, you only have me today. I promised I'd focus on you, remember?"

Daisy thought it over. Mr. Lawson and Aunt Sallie were there-Henry would be fine.

"Okay, let's go!" Daisy waved at Henry. "See you soon, Henry!"

Jessica didn't spare Henry another glance. As she started to walk away, holding Daisy close, Henry suddenly grabbed the edge of her coat.

Jessica paused, turning back. Tears shimmered in Henry's eyes.