Jess stood at the Gilmore mailbox. Could Lorelai ever forgive him? He didn't know. He sank to the ground, replaying the tragedy in his mind. He had asked her if she wanted to go straight back into the town square, or if she wanted him to turn and drive in circles. He turned right, at her request, and swerved to avoid hitting a small furry thing in the road. Then a sickening crunch, a shattering of glass, and she was gone. Dead at the scene, they said. And it was all his fault. He was seventeen, and guilty involuntary manslaughter; vehicular homicide. Against the wishes of his lawyer, he had pleaded guilty. He wanted them to end his life, to make the pain go away. Or, if they couldn't do that, at least lock him away for the rest of his life.

As it was, he had been sentenced to one year in a juvenile detention center, and five in the adult prison. After that, he would be on probation for two years, and he would not be allowed to drive again for a very long time. He didn't want to, anyway.

He had been allowed by the court to visit Lorelai before he left for the juvenile center. Lorelai had agreed, but now he wasn't sure if she would let him in. He approached the front door and knocked, feeling pain in his heart as he noticed that she was in Rory's room, to the right of the door.

"Hi." he said quietly when she opened the door. She didn't say anything. "I'm so sorry." he said. Tears began streaming down his cheeks, but he didn't care. "Sorry really doesn't cut it, I know, but I can't think of anything else to say. I just want to die."

Lorelai nodded miserably. "I know." she whispered. "Me, too."

"I have to go." he said, motioning to the police car, waiting.

"Look." Lorelai said. "Rory's gone. I know now it wasn't intentional, and I know that they think they have to lock you up to teach you a lesson, but don't let this kill you, Jess. Regret can kill; believe me, I know that. Don't let this kill you."

Tears pierced Jess's eyes, and he whispered as he turned away, "It already has."