Lost Me Gained Regret



Christine wasn't one to beat around the bush. She believed in being forthright.

"If you can't handle the game, best not play," she thought, not wanting any future misunderstandings.

Yet she didn't speak her mind. Instead, she suggested, "There's this indie cinema nearby. Let's check it out."

Merritt trailed behind Christine as they crossed the street, his eyes downturned, "Sorry, Chris. I just wanted to bring you some snacks, didn't mean to intrude."

"If I've taken up your time, I'll make it up to you," he offered.

Christine laughed, feeling the evening's chill. She had thrown on a casual jacket and pulled it closer, asking, "And how would you do that?" "I..."

Merritt moved closer, "Whatever you want, I'm here for it."

Christine looped her arm through his, "Next time, just call before doing these surprise visits."

Merritt suppressed his joy, looking a bit hurt, "I thought you'd find it bothersome, that's why I didn't call. If you don't like it, I won't do it again. Just don't hate me, please."

Christine knew his words were more about tactics than feelings.

But she loved hearing them all the same.

Sweet nothings were intoxicating, indeed.

Far better than the blunt, harsh words of some jerk that made her skin crawl.

Whether he was genuine or not didn't matter. She had no interest in cold, hard truths.

"Don't worry, just give me a call next time. I won't say no."

Merritt finally smiled, "Your wish is my command."

"As long as you're happy, that's all that matters to me."

"I'll do anything to keep you smiling, to ensure you never shed a tear..."

Dailey detested hospital stays.

Feeling a bit better after some IV fluids, he insisted on going home.

Clarence couldn't stop him, so he called Nelly for help.

"Dai, how did you get so sick?" she asked, her voice quivering, tears welling up but not falling, "It's my fault. should've seen something was wrong and accompanied you here, not let you go alone."

As she spoke, she dabbed at a tear that threatened to fall, gently blowing on the cotton ball still on his arm from the IV.

"It's bleeding, Dai. I'll get a nurse to look at it."

Dailey pulled his arm away, his voice soft and slightly hoarse from illness, "It's nothing."

He turned to Clarence, "Make sure she gets home safe."

"Dai, you can't leave the hospital yet. You still have a fever. If you insist on leaving then I have to come with you. I won't be able to sleep otherwise, worrying about you."

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Dailey just wanted some peace and quiet, "I'll be fine. I have medication

at home. And you, stopering

swnow

around at night. It's not safe

"I can take care of myself. You don't need to worry about me."

Nelly didn't argue, just nodded softly, "Dai, you always look out for me, but you need to take care of yourself too."

Her voice was gentle yet firm, "If you keep neglecting your health, I'll have no choice but to tell your mother."

Dailey definitely didn't want his mom involved; he preferred quiet over nagging.

"Fine, have Clarence take you home."

Nelly offered to help him up, "If you're set on going home, let me at least help you there."

"No need."

Dailey sidestepped her attempt, "Regarding the shop, just coordinate with Clarence. Everything's arranged. Just follow the process."

Nelly kept her emotions in check, maintaining a gentle smile, "Thanks, Dai. Sorry for the trouble."