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...?"

"The specialists are waiting, sir. Shall we go

hesitated for a moment before nodding.

entered the

...

a light rain

the eerie silence of

"Uh-huh..."

but the caretaker hurried to assist

is it

the caretaker's hand. "Where is everyone? Where's Francis? Where's Gilbert? After everything that's happened, neither of them is here?" Were they abandoning her? Leaving

Caroline's eyes as a mix of sorrow and despair

bitterly through her tears.

caretaker, unnerved, spoke cautiously,

can I

fierce, her anger palpable. "Go, find

I don't know where..." The caretaker was visibly distressed, unsure of how to

means to summon the Johnsons on a

of humor.

covers, determined to get out

to hold her back. "Please,

"Caroline!"

swung open, and Gilbert rushed in Seeing the

side, supporting her as the caretaker

she stared into his face. "Is it

nodded firmly.