Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Padding across the hospital room in her fuzzy socks, Sherilyn took small, cautious steps to the side of the bed. She placed her pillow beside Gilbert's and then, carefully, climbed onto the bed to lie down next

to him.

She glanced up at him. "I didn't bump into you, did I?"

"...No!" Gilbert snapped back to reality, his response firm and clear.

"Good."

Reaching for the remote on the nightstand, Sherilyn turned on the TV mounted across from the bed. There wasn't much else to do, and staring into each other's eyes would just be awkward.

"What do you feel like watching?" she asked, wanting to pick something they could both enjoy.

"Anything's fine."

Gilbert was always easygoing with Sherilyn, especially now when he was over the moon just to be near her.

"Pick whatever you like. I'm here with you."

"Alright."

Flipping through channels, Sherilyn settled on a lively variety show. Serious programs or news just couldn't hold her attention with her mind in such a mess.

"Let's watch this."

shifted closer until he could wrap his

tensed up instantly. "Watch your wounds. They

just want to hold you." He sounded almost pitiful. "It's

guessing this might happen

Gilbert's affection deepened, and he boldly pressed

Sherilyn snapped, slightly annoyed, "If you keep it

grip, his voice filled with a plaintive tone.

gave him a

you end up uncomfortable later, that's on you. Why should I

Gilbert was left speechless.

He felt rejected!

My wounds will heal soon. I won't make you uncomfortable

Sherilyn's sake, he decided

to his

a calm four or five days, his wounds were healing nicely, though they

clothes, Sherilyn muttered something

didn't mind at all, "It's just scars. Would you

paused, then shook

back. To him, scars really

scars... where did they come from? Could they be related to a kidnapping from his

was driving to the hospital

tonight, as Sylvia wasn't feeling well

car approached an intersection, suddenly, a figure