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.

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

"Sophia, let me."

and headed to the door,

face filled with remorse. He glanced

looked at him, her gaze indifferent, "I'd advise you not to go

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

about next

head up, her clear eyes unblinkingly fixed on him,

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

mouth fell open slightly, "It's

logic clear, "And how long is 'for now'? Recovery from

long as she's

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

"Then let me go in and

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

"You should realize, my agreement to your so-called proposal was

tone dropped, chilling to the bone, "I won't let it go easily! Believe me, I'm capable of

in her voice made Gilbert's heart

raised her

undeniable, "Either leave now, while Jenna's