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

nodded. "I want

reached for the doorknob and gently turned it...

Gilbert looked inside.

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

the carpet, a little boy, about three years old, was sitting cross-legged, completely absorbed

Gilbert was stunned,

could speak, Francis carefully closed the door, not wanting

bro?" Gilbert was holding his breath,

questions, yet unsure where

child? Where did

in Sawyer's place? Seeing his brother's grave and cautious demeanor, could it be, was this child

at his

you're

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

He remembered.

someone. It seemed now, it was

a woman's intuition. It's eerily

been suspecting Francis of having an affair, even though she

his brother and asked, "What are you planning to

it over, he

how

"Big bro, don't forget your promise to Caroline! Without

his distinguished face devoid