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."

Gilbert shifted closer until he could wrap his

"Watch your wounds.

want to hold you." He sounded almost pitiful. "It's been days since

guessing this might happen when she decided to

her give in, Gilbert's affection deepened, and he boldly pressed his cheek against

"If you keep it

voice filled with a plaintive tone.

him a meaningful

it for now. If you end up uncomfortable later, that's on you. Why should I

Gilbert was left speechless.

He felt rejected!

for me. My wounds will heal soon.

sake, he decided

his youth

recovery was swift. After a calm four or five days, his

changing his clothes, Sherilyn muttered something

worry about?" Gilbert didn't mind at all, "It's just scars. Would you hold

paused, then

mottled scars on his back. To

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

Francis was driving to the

was alone tonight, as Sylvia wasn't feeling well

approached an intersection, suddenly, a figure dashed across