Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Chapter 787

After hanging up the phone, Francis carried a glass of water and some pills upstairs to see Grandma Sylvia. "Grandma, it's me, Francis."

"Come in, dear."

Sylvia was propped up against her bed's headboard, reading glasses perched on her nose, holding a novel.

"Grandma, it's time for your medicine."

He handed her the pills and the water. Ever since Gilbert had left the Johnson family, Grandma's health had somewhat improved, but her spirits remained low. "Mmm," Sylvia murmured, taking the medicine from him.

Francis, mindful of his brother's request, gently suggested, "Grandma, you shouldn't stay cooped up here all day. Why not call some of your friends for coffee or a walk in the park?" Sylvia waved dismissively. "Do you think it's that easy to find true companionship in this world?"

"That's true," Francis agreed, nodding. "You and Sherilyn's grandmother did hit it off quite well, though. It's just unfortunate she passed away so soon."

"Yes," Sylvia sighed deeply, "it's been ten years since Marilyn left us."

"Grandma," Francis ventured cautiously, "when you took Sherilyn in, were there really no other relatives she could turn to?"

At this, Sylvia paused, a chill entering her gaze. "Hmph, there were people, but they might as well have been nonexistent!" Francis, surprised, pressed, "I was just curious. Does Sherilyn actually have other family? Who?"

"Such relatives are not worth mentioning!" Sylvia said with a look of disdain.

you might as well tell me," Francis said gently. "I won't spread

at her grandson and sighed, "there's no harm in telling you. Sherilyn, well, her mother

these years, I've never mentioned him, treating him as

...

Sunset Ridge Community, Gilbert had been sitting in his car,

phone rang, and he

Did

laced with sympathy, "Sherilyn's situation is truly

heart leap to his

mother indeed passed

her father is still alive. After her grandmother passed, Sherilyn sought

was her only family

needing to continue her education and someone to

He turned

lips tightened, a surge of anger

set

that, we already know. Grandma, feeling sorry for her and considering her old

even the usually stoic Francis couldn't help but sigh

had it so

"Gilbert, let's be kinder

bro' and 'second bro.' We really haven't