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.

flashing a half-smile. "You were drooling in

red as she hurriedly wiped her mouth,

she glared at him. "Funny,

think you'd fall for it," Gilbert laughed, unable to

her hand away, but Gilbert held tight. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry!

but comply? Gilbert, in his

the IV bag, "It's almost empty. I'll call a nurse to

IV line

Reluctantly, Gilbert let

quickly returned with a nurse and

the nurse 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 you could eat

some soup, cooled it, and brought it

hot. Go

mouth, his eyes crinkling with a

it to him. Gilbert accepted eagerly, his smile

no longer being mad

surgery would make you

a moment but continued feeding him. "Eat up before it gets

by her, Gilbert was in