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.

we

parents were taken as well. The incident had

but couldn't find them. The kidnappers never made contact with Sylvia Johnson, leading the authorities to suspect that the

remained unresolved for six months until Francis and

being carried on the back of

appeared to be about his age, ragged and gaunt, having carried him for

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

carry Francis; he was too big. But with Gilbert

were able to rescue Francis

to the police, it was likely they had not

Johnson family, seldom spoken of, because merely

story, Francis' voice seemed

her eyes

now. "Caroline, she was that

nodded, his

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