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.

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

to imagine, a frail young girl, taking care of an even smaller, sickly

eroded Sherilyn's love,

grabbed a glass from the table, and

shattered into

closed his

never forgive him...

Sunset

but Sherilyn

clasped

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

actions, he wouldn't stand idly by regarding

that came deeper

daughter. Could such bonds ever truly be

eyes, she remembered the year she was

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

you don't deserve forgiveness... Never...

...

The following afternoon, Sherilyn

her apartment

stroll in the park

time she

simply, "I'm downstairs, waiting

phone, slipped on her coat, and

"Sherilyn, over here."

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

"What'll you have?"