Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

She didn't call David. After leaving the neighborhood, she took a bus and then transferred to the subway. There was no rush; she wasn't in a hurry.

At the hospital early in the morning, Francis and Caroline came to visit Gilbert, just in time for the doctor's rounds.

"Mr. Francis, Mr. Gilbert is doing well, no serious issues. A few more days in the hospital for regular treatment should do it."

"Thanks for your hard work."

"It's nothing at all."

As soon as the doctor left, Caroline looked around, making sure Sherilyn wasn't there, and frowned in annoyance.

"Where's Sherilyn? Where could she be so early in the morning? Skipping out on the doctor's rounds? The doctor mentioned so many care instructions, and she missed all of them. How is she supposed to take care of you?"

Gilbert frowned slightly, "She didn't get much rest the day before yesterday, so I told her to go home and sleep last night."

"What?" Caroline was shocked, disbelieving. "You let her go home? And she just left?"

"Yeah," Gilbert responded faintly.

Caroline scoffed, "Really? Her boyfriend's in the hospital, and she's perfectly content. Unbelievable!"

"Caroline," Francis interjected with a frown, trying to smooth things over, "Sherilyn was indeed exhausted."

"Why are you covering for her?" Caroline turned to Francis, sneering, "Gilbert's being foolish, but what's your excuse? He's lost in love! I can't believe you can't see, Sherilyn's heart isn't with Gilbert at all! Gilbert's affection is unrequited. You're his brother; you should be advising him to stop before it's too late, not to waste his feelings..."

door lock clicked without a

and the room fell

smiled gently, "Good morning... hey,

slightly, acknowledging her with a quiet voice. He

we'll head out." He extended his hand to

a look, linking her arm with his. "You... alright,

patted her

at Sherilyn, teased, "Since you're here for Gilbert, we'll give you two some space. He was up

"Take care, big bro."

bite on the jest, seeing Francis out of the

looked at his handsome but somewhat pale and frail face,

"Sorry, I

was so

bit

? Were you okay?"

words were fine, explaining herself and

felt something

of him, yet he

frowned, "I've

couldn't help but laugh. Was he upset

Knock, knock.

knocked, a