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.

had just finished bathing Jenna, getting ready to read

"Sophia, let me."

her tracks and headed to the door, opening it to see Gilbert

Gilbert gave an awkward smile, his face filled with remorse. He glanced inside, "Is Jenna asleep yet?" Stepping forward, Sherilyn blocked

at him, her gaze indifferent, "I'd advise you

furrowed, "I was tied up this

about

her clear eyes unblinkingly fixed

she can't do without

open slightly, "It's

her head, her logic clear, "And how long is 'for now'? Recovery from paralysis isn't

continued, "As long as she's

will happene again! One broken

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

her eyebrows knitted in concern. "Can you guarantee it will never happen again?" Gilbert

to your so-called proposal was for Jenna's sake. My daughter's happiness

won't let it go easily! Believe me, I'm

voice made

her eyebrows,

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