Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"Grandma." Francis frowned, his voice heavy with concern, "Gilbert's not as bad off as it seems. Aside from his head, he's pretty much fine all over."

Other than a few scrapes and bruises across his skin, there were no broken bones to worry about.

"Indeed."

Sylvia gently touched her grandson's cheek, "Look at his complexion, just like he's merely sleeping."

Her gaze suddenly shifted to Sherilyn, grasping her hand, "Sherilyn, you've been such a trooper, staying by his side, talking to him. The doctor said Gilbert's doing well in all other aspects." Feeling the intensity of the old lady's stare, Sherilyn felt the weight of expectation heavy on her shoulders.

With a slight furrow in her brow, she replied, "Grandma, I'll try my best, but I can't make any promises."

"That's okay, dear!"

Sylvia patted her hand, her eyes brimming with tears, "I'm not trying to pressure you, but given his condition, we must do all we can, right? After all, you've called him 'big brother' before, haven't you?" "Mhm." Sherilyn nodded, her gaze lowered.

"Francis."

Sylvia turned, instructing Francis, "Please have someone tidy up around here, and make sure Sherilyn has everything she needs."

have seen to it even

"Indeed."

since you were little, having been through life and death together... Just a grandmother's needless worries." Given Gilbert's current state, it wasn't suitable for too many visitors at once. Soon after,

held Sherilyn's hand, earnestly saying, "Bless you, child, for

...

a chair and sat beside

was quiet, save for Sherilyn; the nurse had stepped out to fetch medicine, and the caretaker was busy elsewhere. Following the doctor's advice, Sherilyn

But what to say?

him to wake up, she couldn't very well speak of reconciliations or growing

a chilly

her lips, "Look at you, head all banged up, yet you had the nerve to dash off to Sunset Ridge Community like a daredevil. With

better listen

"You don't have the right to just sleep away. For Jenna's sake, you can't afford to let anything happen to you!" The only response was the steady hush of

her phone, opened the music player, and

me tell you

was something he'd want to hear, and she wouldn't have to force any false