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."

he

instantly. "Watch your wounds. They

to hold you." He sounded almost

be, guessing this might happen

and he boldly pressed

Sherilyn snapped, slightly annoyed, "If you keep it

filled with a plaintive tone. "I'm

gave him a

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

Gilbert was left speechless.

He felt rejected!

He quickly reassured her, "Just wait for me. My wounds will heal soon. I won't make you

Sherilyn's sake, he

his youth and

days, his wounds were healing nicely, though they might

clothes, Sherilyn muttered something about

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

then

mottled scars on his back.

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

deepened, Francis was driving to the hospital to visit

as Sylvia wasn't feeling well and Caroline stayed home with the

his car approached an intersection, suddenly, a figure dashed across the