Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Across the street, Gilbert sat frozen in his car, his eyes wide with shock.

A young, beautiful woman was holding an adorable baby doll, both adorned with identical Minnie Mouse hair clips.

One for each of them!

Gilbert's breath hitched, his grip on the steering wheel so tight his knuckles turned white, as if they would snap off at any moment!

As the mother-daughter duo walked further away, Gilbert, without making a sound, got out of his car and started following them quietly.

Getting closer, he could hear their conversation.

"Let's head back home."

"Mommy, the strawberry milkshake was so yummy! Sweet as candy."

"Yes, darling, just like you, Jenna."

Their voices were soft, filled with the intimate chatter of a mother and her daughter.

But to Gilbert, each word felt like a meteor crashing into his heart, leaving craters of pain and disbelief.

Unaware of the silent follower, the woman and her child entered an apartment complex and disappeared into the building.

Gilbert stopped in his tracks, hesitating at the entrance. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions, his heart felt like it was about to burst. Mommy... Jenna...

Reaching into his pocket, Gilbert pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and took a deep drag. His lips pressed tightly together as he exhaled a thick cloud of smoke through his nostrils. The burning nicotine blurred the complex emotions etched on his handsome face.

wasn't on the list of people who bought the Minnie Mouse hair

She was Jenna's mother!

in the

end, it was he who secured it

she had that very same Minnie Mouse toy

when Sherilyn had to come back early from a dance

returned to Crestwood around the

told him she

Huh.

lips curled into a bitter

the signs had been there all

picked up his phone and

"Mr. Gilbert."

the hospital, check something for

"Alright, Mr. Gilbert."

one in the ashtray atop the trash bin it was now full of

turmoil; he needed the

he dialed Sherilyn's

Thankfully, Sherilyn hadn't blocked

"Hello?"

ringtone ended, Sherilyn picked

"It's me."

brow furrowed slightly as she held

didn't reply to