Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Gilbert sat on the edge of his bed, cheeks puffed out, feeling a sourness around his eyes that he couldn't shake.

It was supposed to be a sweet moment, yet why did everything taste so bitter in his mouth?

Sherilyn, I'm sorry...

Jenna, I'm sorry...

...

Late at night.

At Golden Oak Manor.

Gilbert stepped out of the shower, his skin still damp and shining. He switched on the TV and stumbled upon a documentary, hitting the play button.

"From the moment of conception, a woman's body undergoes a myriad of changes..."

He was watching a documentary on pregnancy and childbirth.

The room was dark, lit only by the faint glow of the TV screen that flickered across Gilbert's face.

He watched intently, murmuring, "So, pregnancy is this painful..."

Even with the support of husbands and families, the pregnant women in the documentary seemed to be walking a tightrope between life and death.

And then there was Sherilyn.

Gilbert covered his eyes with a hand.

long ten months... And afterwards, those long three years, raising Jenna

young girl,

eroded Sherilyn's love, but...

table, and hurled

shattered

closed his eyes

would never forgive

Sunset

but Sherilyn lay awake,

were clasped tightly

events, she no longer had to pretend in

by Gilbert's actions, he wouldn't stand idly by regarding

with that came

was Gilbert's daughter. Could such bonds ever

remembered the year she was kicked out of

money, not enough food, no breast milk,

don't deserve forgiveness...

...

The following afternoon, Sherilyn

her

stroll in the

the same time she received

read simply, "I'm downstairs,

on her coat, and headed

"Sherilyn, over here."

gesturing for her to come over. Without a particular destination in mind, they found themselves at the same dessert

"What'll you have?"