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 arms around

instantly. "Watch your wounds.

held her tighter, insisting, "I just want to hold you." He sounded

be, guessing this might happen when she decided to lie next

and he boldly pressed his

"If you keep

grip, his voice filled with a plaintive tone.

gave him a meaningful

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

Gilbert was left speechless.

He felt rejected!

wounds will heal soon. I won't make you

he decided

his youth and

After a calm four or five days, his wounds were healing nicely, though they might leave scars due

clothes, Sherilyn muttered something about

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

paused, then shook

suddenly remembered the mottled scars on his back. To him, scars really

they come from? Could they be related

Francis was driving to the

tonight, as Sylvia wasn't feeling well and

his car approached an intersection, suddenly, a figure