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.

and I, when we were kids, were

parents were taken as well. The incident had

searched day and night but couldn't find them. The kidnappers never made contact with Sylvia Johnson, leading the authorities to suspect that the motive wasn't money - which

remained unresolved for six months until Francis and

time, Gilbert was being carried on the back of a

be about his age, ragged and gaunt, having carried him

wanted to rush them to the hospital. But the girl refused because she

But with

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

the police, it was likely they had

deep e within each member of the Johnson family,

story, Francis' voice seemed to

her eyes clouding

now. "Caroline, she was that

nodded, his voice

her well, but they don't know... it's what she