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.

in Crestwood, how did she endure those long ten months... And afterwards, those long three years, raising Jenna alone! She was just a little girl when she

frail young girl,

had eroded Sherilyn's love, but...

suddenly stood up, grabbed a glass from the table, and hurled

shattered

his eyes in

would never forgive

in Sunset

was fast asleep, but Sherilyn lay awake,

hands were clasped

no longer had to pretend in front

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

with that

was Gilbert's daughter. Could such bonds ever truly be

remembered the year she was kicked out of the hospital,

not enough food, no breast milk, and had to resort

deserve

...

The following afternoon, Sherilyn

her apartment

a stroll in the park

same time she

read simply, "I'm downstairs, waiting for

pocketed her phone, slipped on her coat, and

"Sherilyn, over here."

a particular destination in mind, they found themselves at

"What'll you have?"