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.

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

"Sophia, let me."

to the door, opening it to see Gilbert

an awkward smile, his face filled with remorse. He

looked at him, her gaze indifferent, "I'd

brow furrowed, "I was tied up this morning, I'll explain

about next

head up, her clear eyes unblinkingly fixed

do without you, and you'll be

open slightly, "It's just

clear, "And how long is 'for

continued, "As long as

promises to Jenna will happene again! One broken promise, and Jenna was

deepening, "Then let me go

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

out a faint scoff, "You should realize, my agreement to your so-called proposal was for

chilling to the bone, "I won't let it go easily! Believe me,

voice made Gilbert's

raised her

now, while Jenna's attachment to you