Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"Alright, I'll be right over."

Hanging up the phone, Gilbert immediately rushed to Pinecrest Villa.

This wasn't his first visit because this was where Sawyer lived.

Pressing the doorbell, it was Sawyer who answered.

"Mr. Gilbert," Sawyer stepped aside, saying, "please, come in."

"Thanks." Gilbert nodded, stepping inside.

"You're here."

Inside, Francis was sitting on the couch, waiting for him.

"Big bro," Gilbert flashed a smile, looking around, "What's up? You're being all mysterious."

Francis' expression was serious as he stretched his arms and stood up from the couch. Gilbert quickly picked up a cane lying nearby and handed it to him. "Big bro, here." "Thanks." Francis took it, casting a glance at his brother, "Follow me upstairs."

"Oh, okay."

Gilbert felt a chill, sensing something wasn't quite right.

He followed his brother upstairs.

Francis led the way, silent, stopping in front of a door.

bro?" Gilbert

want you to meet

for the

Gilbert looked inside.

moderately sized room, a bit messy, but it looked like someone had tried to tidy up by arranging items neatly around the edges. There was

three years old, was

was stunned, looking up

he could speak, Francis carefully closed the door, not wanting to

was holding his breath,

questions, yet unsure where to

this child? Where did

Seeing his brother's grave and cautious demeanor, could it be,

his

you're

widened, disbelief shattering his composure. How could this be? How was this even

He remembered.

having Sawyer look for someone. It seemed now, it was this child? Perhaps,

deny a woman's intuition.

of having an affair, even though she hadn't found any concrete

looked at his brother and asked, "What

it over, he rephrased his

maybe, I should ask, how do

Francis could answer, Gilbert lowered his voice, yet spoke firmly, "Big bro, don't forget your promise to Caroline! Without

his distinguished face devoid of