Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

The last note of his voice sharpened, cutting through the tension in the room.

"It's my fault."

Gilbert could hear it; Sherilyn was upset.

Rubbing his forehead, he tried to explain, "I didn't mean for it to happen. I had arranged a consultation with specialists from various hospitals last night. I didn't expect them to arrive so early..."

He had thought he could make it to Sunset Ridge Community to spend some time with Jenna before heading back.

"So? What's your point?"

Sherilyn's voice was thick with sarcasm. "A doctors' consultation? What were you going to do there? Take notes?"

"Sherilyn..." Gilbert's voice deepened, a touch of frustration bleeding through. "I needed to be there, to hear what the next steps would be..."

"Why are you even explaining all this?"

Sherilyn cut him off, her impatience clear. "If your woman is more important than your daughter, then please, spare Jenna the hope!"

With that, she hung up.

"Sherilyn?!"

Gilbert stared at his phone, his brow furrowed in dismay.

"Mr. Johnson...?"

nurse was urging him now, "The specialists are waiting, sir. Shall

still holding his phone, hesitated for a

he entered the doctor's

...

been a light rain that

sound of rain was a soft backdrop to the eerie silence of the hospital room, her caretaker sitting quietly beside her. "Ms. Bennett,

"Uh-huh..."

to sit up, but

is it

Where's Francis? Where's Gilbert? After everything that's happened, neither of them is here?" Were

Caroline's eyes as a mix of sorrow and despair flooded her, spreading

laughed bitterly through her tears.

caretaker, unnerved, spoke cautiously, "Ms. Bennett, are

can I

her anger palpable. "Go, find Francis and Gilbert!

was visibly

means to summon the Johnsons on a whim. "So,

was cold, devoid of humor. "Fine! If you won't, I'll

threw back the covers, determined to get out

Bennett!" The caretaker was panicking, trying to hold

"Caroline!"

door swung open, and Gilbert rushed in Seeing

side, supporting her as

disbelief coloring her voice as she stared into his face.

Gilbert nodded firmly. "It's