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.

Gilbert teased, flashing a half-smile. "You were drooling

face flushed red as she hurriedly wiped her mouth, then paused. There was no

glared at him.

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

held tight. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Don't

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

go." Sherilyn pointed at the IV bag, "It's almost empty. I'll call a nurse to take care of

bubbles in the IV line were no

Gilbert let go of

with a nurse and a

slow-cooked until the chicken fell

it, and brought

not hot.

opened his mouth, his

shredded chicken, feeding it to him. Gilbert accepted eagerly, his smile broadening. "Sherilyn, I'm so

being mad at him was

surgery would make you not mad, I would

moment but continued feeding him. "Eat

by her, Gilbert was in