Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Was Francis really that unfazed as the one in the eye of the storm?

Francis picked up the glass from the table, taking a sip of water.

"I've never really explained it, mainly because it's indefensible. Once I start talking, I'm up against a million other voices spreading rumors. All that matters is that I know the truth," he said with a calm that belied the gravity of his words.

Sherilyn remained silent, her breathing almost imperceptible.

So, there was more to the story? Were the rumors not just baseless fabrications?

Francis set down his glass. "Gilbert and I have always been good to Caroline, that's undeniable...absolutely true. Sherilyn, do you want to know why?"

Sherilyn paused, her heart racing.

She nodded slightly, "Yeah."

"Ah." Francis sighed, as if the words he was about to say were a heavy burden. "We hardly ever talk about it in our family because... well, it's especially painful for Gilbert and me."

He began to recount the past, each word seeming to cost him.

I, when we

The incident had been a sensation in

them. The kidnappers never made contact with Sylvia

months until Francis and Gilbert were found in a criminal hideout,

was being carried on the

and gaunt, having carried him

rescued, the police wanted to rush them to the hospital. But the girl

with

the police were able to rescue Francis as well. However, their parents remained

it was likely

e within each member of the Johnson family, seldom spoken of, because merely thinking about it tore open old

story, Francis' voice seemed to drift, "That's what

slightly, her

now. "Caroline, she was that

Francis nodded,

but they don't know... it's what she