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,

his phone, hesitated for

he entered the

...

been a light rain

to the eerie silence of the hospital room, her caretaker sitting quietly

"Uh-huh..."

attempting to sit up, but the caretaker hurried to assist

it just

is everyone? Where's Francis? Where's Gilbert? After everything that's happened, neither of

Caroline's eyes as a mix of

through her tears. "Ha,

unnerved, spoke cautiously, "Ms. Bennett,

How can

was fierce, her anger palpable. "Go, find

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

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

back the covers, determined to get out of

caretaker was panicking, trying to hold her back. "Please, don't..." "Get off

"Caroline!"

door swung open, and Gilbert rushed in Seeing the scene

supporting her as the

Caroline froze, disbelief coloring her voice as she stared into his face. "Is it

Gilbert nodded firmly.