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.

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

to imagine, a frail young girl, taking

four years that had eroded Sherilyn's love,

the table, and hurled it

glass shattered into

his eyes in

would never forgive him...

Sunset

asleep, but Sherilyn lay

hands were clasped

today's events, she no longer had to pretend in front

he wouldn't

with that came

such bonds ever truly

remembered the year she

money, not enough food, no breast milk,

you don't deserve forgiveness...

...

The following afternoon, Sherilyn

to her apartment

after a stroll in the park

same time she received a message

"I'm

on her coat, and headed

"Sherilyn, over here."

her to come over. Without a particular destination in

"What'll you have?"