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.

Jenna, getting ready to read her a

"Sophia, let me."

Sophia in her tracks and headed to

face filled with remorse. He glanced inside, "Is

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

was tied up this morning, I'll explain everything

about next

eyes unblinkingly

without you, and you'll

fell open slightly,

Sherilyn shook her head, her logic clear, "And how long is 'for now'?

long as she's

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

flinched, his guilt deepening, "Then let me go in

concern. "Can you guarantee

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

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

her voice made Gilbert's

raised her eyebrows,

and undeniable, "Either leave now, while