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.

getting ready to read her a bedtime story.

"Sophia, let me."

and headed to the door, opening it to

awkward smile, his face filled with remorse. He glanced inside, "Is Jenna asleep yet?"

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

furrowed, "I was tied up this

about

clear eyes

can't do without you,

slightly,

head, her logic clear, "And how long

"As long as

chances of you breaking promises to Jenna will happene

flinched, his guilt deepening, "Then let

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

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

bone, "I won't let it

her voice made Gilbert's

her eyebrows,

and undeniable, "Either leave now,