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.

ten months... And afterwards,

girl, taking care of an even smaller,

the prolonged four years that had eroded Sherilyn's love, but... his

a glass from the table, and hurled it to the

glass shattered into

closed his

never forgive him... Never...

in Sunset

asleep, but Sherilyn lay awake,

were clasped tightly across her

she no longer had to

he wouldn't stand idly by regarding

with that came

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

year she was kicked out

money, not enough food, no

you don't deserve

...

The following afternoon, Sherilyn

to her apartment

after a stroll in the park

time she received a

"I'm downstairs, waiting for

phone, slipped on her coat,

"Sherilyn, over here."

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

"What'll you have?"