Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Once upon a time, she had wanted so much.

For love, she had chosen to step back from the fast lane.

Now, with her days quietly ticking away, Jessica found herself afraid to hope for

more.

She gave a helpless smile, then used sign language to express her thoughts.

"Jessica says she doesn't have the energy to show her work to more people right now, but if someone is interested, she can still design something for them."

Latonia beamed. "That's wonderful. I've had a few friends over recently-they all asked about my window decorations and wall art, wanted to know where I got them. One of these days, I'll introduce you. You could make a little extra money."

"Mom." Herbert cut her off.

Jessica was married to Timothy, after all.

"Jessica's work is beautiful. It's her passion-she's not doing it for the money."

"Herbert, that's not the right way to look at it. Good things have value. Jessica's done so much for me; of course I should pay her. And if my friends all start asking for her work, she'll be run ragged if she isn't paid for her time."

After speaking, Latonia reached for Jessica's hand, her tone gentle. "If you need to take care of your husband and child and don't have much spare time, you could make a few pieces in advance. I'll cover your expenses if you ever want to put on an exhibit."

Looking at the paper-cut portrait, Latonia thought Jessica's work was more than mere craft. It was art.

And art, by its nature, deserved to be seen and appreciated.

Jessica hurried to sign again.

Herbert translated, "Mom, don't push Jessica. She says she's really pressed for time and doesn't have the energy for an exhibit. She can only make a few pieces here and there."

Latonia felt a pang of regret. Skills like Jessica's were rare enough—and work at this level, rarer still.

Latonia sighed. "Does your husband never help at home? Is that why you're always so busy?"noveldrama

Mention of her husband brought a fleeting sadness to Jessica's lovely eyes. She signed quickly, "He's very busy."

Latonia let out a long sigh. "Still, no matter how busy, he should make time for his family. You can't speak-everyday errands and social visits must take you longer, and you have to work harder. As your husband, he should be more considerate." She pulled a card from her purse and pressed it into Jessica's hand. "There's ten thousand dollars on this. Take it."

Jessica immediately shook her head, waving her hands in protest.

She'd only made a few simple decorations-how could she accept so much?

But Latonia insisted, forcing the card back into Jessica's hand. "I think your work

is worth at least this much. Honestly, I'm worried it's not enough."

Part of her, too, hoped the money would make Jessica's life a little easier.

Jessica had grown up in an ordinary family, and unable to speak, she likely hadn't married into much wealth. Life couldn't be easy for her.

Still, Jessica hesitated to take the money. Latonia was an old neighbor-making a few pieces was hardly any trouble at all.

Herbert encouraged her, "Jessica, I agree with Mom. Your work is worth it. It's not too much-take it."

Unable to refuse any longer, Jessica accepted the card. Latonia later texted her the PIN.

Jessica stayed a while longer, chatting with Latonia until it was time to go. Latonia reluctantly waved her off, asking Herbert to drive Jessica home.

This time, Jessica gave him her address directly.

Herbert drove her to The Gilded Whisper Estates.

As she was getting out, Herbert called after her.

"Jessica, don't take what my mom said today to heart."