Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Francis rose from his seat in the lounge, checking his watch as he did. It was about time for him to wait by the operating room.

Sherilyn followed silently behind him, a shadow of concern in her steps.

"Francis," Caroline called out, rising from the bench and linking her arm through his. "Come sit down. You shouldn't be on your feet too much." "Alright."

A few steps away, Sherilyn watched them, a sense of surreal disbelief washing over her. Caroline, ever so self-serving and calculative, had once thrown herself into danger to save the Johnson brothers... Francis had mentioned that Gilbert's feelings for Caroline were out of gratitude.

It made Sherilyn wonder, what about Francis? Was his love for Caroline more about affection, or was it gratitude as well?

Or, could it be that love had blossomed from gratitude?

As dawn broke, Gilbert frowned and slowly opened his eyes.

His arm felt heavy, and glancing down, he saw Sherilyn asleep, her head resting on the edge of his bed, her arm around his.

Her hair, soft and shiny, draped over her shoulder.

Gilbert swallowed hard, a sudden sink in his heart.

Sensing his movement, Sherilyn stirred, propping herself up on her elbow.

half-smile. "You were

hurriedly wiped her mouth, then paused. There was no

she glared at

fall for it,"

attempted to pull her hand away, but Gilbert held tight. "I'm sorry,

Sherilyn do but comply? Gilbert, in his madness, might just end up back

pointed at the IV bag, "It's almost

IV line were no

Reluctantly, Gilbert let

left the room and quickly returned with a

finished up, Sherilyn came over with a bowl, stirring ite "It's chicken soup, slow-cooked until the chicken fell apart. I shredded it so

scooped up some soup, cooled it,

not hot. Go

opened his mouth, his eyes crinkling

to

up to Sherilyn no longer being

getting surgery would make you not mad, I would have done

feeding him. "Eat

by her, Gilbert was