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 were kids,

as well. The incident had been a sensation in

day and night but couldn't find them. The kidnappers never made contact with Sylvia Johnson, leading the authorities

months until Francis and Gilbert

being carried

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

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

big. But with Gilbert

rescue Francis as well. However,

was likely

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

story, Francis' voice seemed to drift,

slightly, her eyes clouding with

now. "Caroline, she was that

Francis nodded,

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