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

hesitated for a moment before nodding.

entered the

...

been a light rain that

Caroline woke up, the sound of rain was a soft backdrop to the eerie silence of the hospital room,

"Uh-huh..."

attempting to sit up, but

is it

off 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?

a mix of sorrow and despair flooded her,

through her tears.

unnerved, spoke cautiously, "Ms.

can I be

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

caretaker was

authority or means to summon the Johnsons on a whim. "So, you won't

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

threw back the covers, determined to

caretaker was panicking, trying to hold her back. "Please,

"Caroline!"

swung open, and Gilbert rushed in Seeing the scene unfold, he quickened his pace and

supporting her as the caretaker

disbelief coloring her voice as she

Gilbert nodded