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.

Sherilyn had just finished bathing Jenna, getting ready

"Sophia, let me."

tracks and headed to the

He glanced inside, "Is

her gaze indifferent, "I'd advise

was tied up this morning, I'll explain

about next

head up, her clear eyes unblinkingly fixed on him,

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

mouth fell open slightly, "It's just

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

continued, "As long as she's

breaking promises to Jenna will happene again! One

his guilt deepening, "Then let

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

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

her voice

her eyebrows,

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