Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Gilbert tapped open the message on his phone and read through it. A wry, self-deprecating chuckle escaped him. "Thanks?" he muttered to himself. The mother of his daughter was thanking him, of all things! How had his life become such a mess? A complete disaster. It couldn't get any worse.

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast of pancakes and bacon, Sherilyn bundled up Jenna until she was cozy and round, then carried her out the door.

Sophia, with a bag packed with Jenna's essentials, followed closely behind.

Thanks to Gilbert's arrangements, they didn't have to wait at the hospital. They were seen promptly by Dr. Dalton, a leading authority in hematology.

After the examination, while Sophia and Jenna played in the hospital's garden, Dr. Dalton met with Sherilyn and Gilbert, who had remained out of sight until then.

Dr. Dalton reviewed all the test results and reassured them, "Don't be too worried. Jenna's condition, as it stands, isn't severe, and it's fairly well-managed. Moving forward..."

He went into detail about the treatment plan, emphasizing adjustments based on regular check-ups.

"Thank you, Dr. Dalton," Sherilyn said, sitting upright, her hands unconsciously clasped together.

"You're welcome," Dr. Dalton responded with a smile, turning to Gilbert. "I see from the records that she's registered for potential surgery. Are you on the waiting list?" Gilbert glanced at Sherilyn. "Sherilyn?"

"Yes," she nodded. "But we've been waiting for a while."

"It's tough, but there's another option..."

Dalton eyed them both. "You're both so young. Have you

her hopes dimming even in the presence

a cloud of worry over his brow. "But we haven't been

time. Plan for all contingencies: continue with the current treatment, wait for the surgery slot, and hope

tweaking Jenna's medication slightly. "Pay attention to how

said, taking the prescription. "I'll pick up the medicine and bring it to

offer without

room, Sherilyn looked at him.

get the medicine and then bring it over." "Okay,

...

a

"Jenna!"

found Jenna in

"Mommy!"

her hand. "Look at the pretty flowers

with Jenna,

"Alright."

car parked nearby, Gilbert watched Sherilyn and Jenna, hand in