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...?"

specialists

holding his phone, hesitated for

entered the doctor's

...

a

a soft backdrop to the eerie silence of

"Uh-huh..."

but

it just

shrugged off the caretaker's hand. "Where is everyone? Where's Francis? Where's Gilbert? After everything that's happened, neither

mix of sorrow

bitterly through her tears.

cautiously, "Ms. Bennett,

How can I

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

where..." The caretaker was visibly distressed, unsure

position didn't afford her the authority or means to summon the Johnsons on a whim. "So, you

cold, devoid of humor. "Fine!

the covers, determined to get out

to hold her back. "Please,

"Caroline!"

Seeing the scene unfold, he quickened his

her as the caretaker stepped

disbelief coloring her voice as she stared into his

nodded firmly.