Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

He effortlessly scooped her up, his voice booming with playful authority, "Come on, let's go grab some dinner!"

Once they reached downstairs, he gently set Sherilyn down on a chair at the diner-style table.

Dinner and soup were already served, "Dig in."

Sherilyn picked up her fork, pushing around a couple of bites of mashed potatoes, her enthusiasm as flat as day-old soda. She looked up, her eyes shooting daggers at Gilbert. "What's up?" Gilbert couldn't help but chuckle, ruffling her hair. "You're glaring at me like I've done you wrong."

"

Seeing her evident lack of appetite, he didn't push further.

He took her plate of half-eaten mashed potatoes, nudging the bowl of soup her way. "I'll finish this off. Just make sure you finish the soup... no more bargaining."

Sherilyn bit her lip, relenting.

She began spooning the soup, making slow but steady progress.

Yet, she still left some behind. The soup was gone, the carrots devoured, but the chunks of beef remained untouched.

Gilbert narrowed his eyes, saying, "Thought you loved beef stew?"

He pushed the soy sauce towards her, knowing Sherilyn liked a dab of it with her beef.

"Not feeling it today," Sherilyn shook her head, replying, "Just not hungry."

wasn't an act; she genuinely felt full, without a trace of

"Alright then."

soup bowl and finishing off the remaining

he always eat

leftovers, you know, that could lead to all sorts

kisses with

watched him, thinking, in moments like this,

all just

The next day.

with Jenna and lulling the little one to sleep, Sherilyn finally made her way

Suddenly, her gaze froze.

believe her eyes. Across the street at the opposite bus

alone; she was all smiles, her arm looped through a

him. Not exactly an acquaintance... but

had been part

with Yuna!

his

Yuna had called him

demeanor, it was clear

she was

something between d now, it appeared

were indeed a couple.

thought, Yuna, giggling, tip-toed up to