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.

had been only 20 years old! Alone in Crestwood, how did she endure those long ten months... And afterwards, those long

frail young girl,

had eroded Sherilyn's love,

grabbed a glass from the table, and hurled it

shattered

his eyes

forgive

in Sunset Ridge

was fast asleep, but Sherilyn lay

were clasped tightly across her

about today's events, she no longer had

Gilbert's actions, he wouldn't

that

Could such bonds

she remembered the year she was kicked out of the hospital, holding

had no money, not enough food, no breast milk,

deserve

...

The following afternoon, Sherilyn

her apartment

after a stroll in the park

the same time she received a message from

"I'm downstairs, waiting

her phone, slipped on her coat, and headed

"Sherilyn, over here."

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

"What'll you have?"