Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"Jenna, sweetie, I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere, okay?" "Okay, Mr. Gil."

Gilbert, ever the comforting presence, gently soothed Jenna, helping her through the scary moment of getting her shot. The exhaustion from crying, compounded by the discomfort of being unwell, soon had her eyelids drooping, her little form succumbing to sleep. From the side, Sherilyn watched silently, her anxiety ebbing away as Jenna's breathing evened out, the frustration that had been simmering within her cooling down.

Finally turning his attention from Jenna, Gilbert looked up, his concern evident. "What's the situation?"

"Viral infection," Sherilyn explained, her arms crossed, her gaze distant.

"Jenna's immune system isn't as strong as other kids. If we don't manage this properly, it's hard to predict and control what could happen next."

Hearing this, Gilbert's expression darkened, worry etching deeper lines into his face. After a moment, he murmured, "She'll get through this. She has to."

Whether he was reassuring Sherilyn or himself was unclear.

His pocket vibrated then, the sound barely noticeable. But Sherilyn, standing close, saw it and her brow furrowed, an instinctive annoyance flaring within her. She knew it had to be Caroline. Gilbert glanced at Sherilyn, then carefully reached for his phone while still cradling Jenna.

number, from

his face as he hesitantly answered,

here! Ms. Bennett...

What?!

a mix of shock and urgency. "Understood,

"Sherilyn... I need to

him off, her gaze icy. "You promised Jenna you'd be here

I really have to..." Gilbert was torn, visibly stressed. "It's Caroline,

"What about her?"

explain, Sherilyn interjected sharply, "I'm coming with you. I want to

"Sophia, take care of Jenna for

into her arms, her nerves on

at Gilbert, urging him, "Are you coming or not?"

insistent on joining him,