Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"Really?"

Caroline paused, tears hanging at the corners of her eyes, "You're not kidding me?"

"No joke, it's the truth."

Gilbert nodded solemnly.

Though the doctors couldn't be completely sure, even a sliver of a chance was worth trying.

"Caroline, I won't give up, and you shouldn't either, okay?"

Caroline looked up at him, silent for a long moment before finally nodding. She squeezed his hand.

"Gilbert, don't leave me alone. You're all I've got!"

"Never." Gilbert promised earnestly, "I'll never leave you..."

He felt responsible for her plight; how could he ever abandon her?

"The doctor will be making rounds soon. Maybe freshen up a bit?"

"Okay." Caroline nodded immediately, her spirits lifted somewhat, "I'll listen to you."

That evening.

rang, Sherilyn had just finished bathing Jenna, getting ready to read her a bedtime story.

"Sophia, let me."

her tracks and headed to the door, opening

gave an awkward smile, his face filled with remorse. He

looked at him, her gaze indifferent, "I'd advise you not

tied up

what about

tilted her head up, her clear eyes unblinkingly fixed on him, her

can't do without

slightly, "It's

her head, her logic clear, "And how

long as she's

happene again! One broken promise, and

his guilt deepening, "Then let me go in and soothe

Sherilyn didn't budge, her eyebrows knitted in concern. "Can you guarantee it will never happen again?" Gilbert

realize, my agreement to your so-called proposal was for Jenna's sake. My daughter's happiness means more than your lady's life!

the bone, "I won't let it go

resolve in her voice

her eyebrows,

resolute and undeniable, "Either leave now, while Jenna's attachment to you