Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Suddenly, his gaze halted, and there she was, a familiar face - Sophia, Jenna's babysitter!

"Sophia!"

Gilbert immediately dashed towards her.

"Mr. Johnson?" Sophia, who was sitting on a park bench knitting a sweater, stood up in surprise upon seeing him.

"What are you doing here?"

"Where's Jenna?"

He paused, then added, "And Jenna's mom?"

"Huh?" Sophia wasn't sure why he was asking but pointed in a direction anyway.

"Jenna's mom took her to the ice cream parlor over there for some milkshakes."

"Got it! Thanks!"

After thanking her, Gilbert turned and hurried towards the ice cream parlor.

As he reached the street across, he stopped.

The door of the ice cream parlor swung open, and out came a little boy, followed by a young woman carrying a cuddly doll.

It was Jenna! Jenna snuggled into the young woman's neck, planting a shy kiss on her cheek before whispering something in her ear.

laughter, gently patting Jenna's back. Leaning over to

them, wrapped in each

on the woman's face, a face

face

mom. And Jenna's mom wasn't

he thinking? That

away from the young woman, Gilbert walked back to his car parked by the

as he settled into the car, his

It was Charles.

about the

aside

are two other buyers. their information

11

"Alright."

hanging up, Gilbert checked the message

about the other buyers... completely unfamiliar names, no mention

Sherilyn got that hair

he was about to start the car, his gaze froze

the ice cream parlor opened once

time, it was the

loosely tied in a low bun, still wearing

in a low

holding Jenna, "Thanks so much, Auntie Dawn." "No problem

The Jenna,