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,

taken as well. The

with Sylvia Johnson, leading the authorities to suspect that the motive wasn't money

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

time, Gilbert was being carried

and gaunt, having carried him for

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

carry Francis; he was too big. But with Gilbert safe, she insisted on going back

her lead, the police were able to rescue Francis as well. However,

it was likely they

chapter was buried deep e within each member of the Johnson family, seldom spoken of, because merely thinking about it tore open

voice

parted slightly, her eyes clouding with

understood now. "Caroline, she was

Francis nodded,

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