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 drooling in

wiped her

glared at

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

pull her hand away, but Gilbert held tight.

Gilbert, in his madness, might

go." Sherilyn pointed at the IV bag, "It's almost empty. I'll call

the IV

Gilbert let go of

with a nurse

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

hot. Go

obediently opened his mouth, his eyes crinkling with a smile.

chicken." Sherilyn picked up some shredded chicken, feeding it to him. Gilbert accepted eagerly, his smile broadening. "Sherilyn,

longer being mad

knew getting surgery would make you not mad, I

but continued feeding him. "Eat up before

pampered by her, Gilbert