Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

As soon as Gilbert stepped through the foyer of Golden Oak Manor, a wave of cooking smells hit him.

He immediately frowned. "What's that smell?"

The lights were on in the living room, and there seemed to be activity coming from the kitchen. Someone was home? How could that be? Could it be a burglar?

No, that didn't make sense. Not only would a burglar need the guts to break in, but they'd also start cooking.

He chuckled at the thought. Golden Oak Manor's security was top-notch. Even a mouse from next door would think twice before sneaking in.

"Who's there?" Gilbert's handsome face darkened as he shouted, "Show yourself!"

"Coming!" At his call, Sherilyn responded and hurried out to meet him, her hands clasped in front of her.

She spoke softly, "You're back."

At that moment, Gilbert was stunned.

The girl before him was tall and slender, perhaps too slim, but undeniably beautiful, especially her bright, big eyes that seemed to take up half her face.

didn't recognize her. Yet, there was a strange sense of

of someone invading his space, whatever

paused, a brief chuckle escaping her. So, he didn't remember

bit her lip, replying softly, "I'm

then suddenly

grandmother had

about it earlier that day. He had agreed but then forgot amidst

She had shed her youthful innocence, and upon closer inspection, the shadow of her former self lingered

No matter how stunning she was on the outside, it couldn't hide her rotten

return was timely. The issues, delayed for almost four years, needed to

back."

his retreating figure. She stayed put, as he

the couch, gesturing for her to sit

Sherilyn nodded. "Okay."

each other, and Gilbert opened a folder, placing it in front

What was this?

black and

been resolved four years ago." Gilbert spoke evenly, "But Grandma disagreed, and I