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...?"

urging him now, "The specialists are

holding his phone, hesitated

entered

...

a

soft backdrop to the eerie silence

"Uh-huh..."

up, but the caretaker hurried to

is it just

everyone? Where's Francis? Where's

eyes as a mix of

laughed bitterly through her tears.

spoke cautiously, "Ms. Bennett,

can I be

fierce, her anger palpable. "Go, find Francis

was visibly distressed,

to

of humor. "Fine! If

determined to get out of

caretaker was panicking, trying to hold her

"Caroline!"

rushed in Seeing the

side, supporting her as the caretaker

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

Gilbert nodded firmly. "It's