Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"Gilbert!"

Sherilyn froze for a moment, her mind briefly short-circuiting. She dropped to one knee, scooping up Jenna first before rushing to check on Gilbert. "Uh-oh..."

Jenna pouted in her arms, on the verge of tears.

"It's okay, sweetie. Mommy's here."

Sherilyn tried to soothe Jenna first.

"What's going on?"

Sophia, hearing the commotion, came out of her room and flipped on the overhead lights.

"Sophia! Perfect timing!"

Sherilyn handed Jenna to her as Sophia also noticed Gilbert lying on the ground.

"Oh my, is Mr. Johnson okay? What happened to him?"

Sherilyn didn't have time to answer; she knelt down, gently tapping Gilbert's cheek and shoulder. "Gilbert, come on, wake up! Can you hear me?"

She checked his breathing and pulse next. Both were faint but present, though his complexion was pale, nearly translucent.

Unsure of his injuries, Sherilyn hesitated to move him.

Taking a deep breath, she tried to keep calm.

911, "Hello, this

situation, she hung up. Immediately, she heard a knock at the door. Who could it

did we hear you calling for help? Is

"Yes!"

nodded, stepping aside. "He

Abel rushed in and together,

hoisted onto Allen's back,

the bright lights, she

Stain See h

red with blood, still

collar down the back of his

"I've already called 911; they should be here any

head down to wait!" Allen, carrying Gilbert, moved

at Sherilyn. "Ms.

brows, paused for a

At the hospital.

Outside the operating room.

sat outside on a bench, staring down at her

way here, Abel had

Community with injuries... because

the floor, both steady

see Francis

"Sherilyn..."

"Sherilyn!"