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.

the doorbell rang, Sherilyn had just finished bathing Jenna, getting ready to read her a bedtime story. "I'll

"Sophia, let me."

headed to the door,

filled with remorse. He glanced inside, "Is Jenna asleep yet?" Stepping

at him, her gaze indifferent,

brow furrowed, "I was tied up this

what about

up, her clear eyes unblinkingly fixed on him, her

illness is serious; she can't do without you, and you'll be needed at any

mouth fell open slightly,

her head, her logic clear, "And how long

long as she's

of you breaking promises to Jenna will happene again! One broken

deepening, "Then let me go in and soothe

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

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

dropped, chilling to the bone, "I won't let

resolve in her voice made

her eyebrows,

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