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

"there's no harm in telling you. Sherilyn, well, her

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

...

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

and

bro? Did you find

began, his voice laced with sympathy, "Sherilyn's

heart leap to his throat. "What did

indeed passed away when

grandmother passed, Sherilyn sought him out, hoping

he was her only family

a minor, needing to continue her education

father didn't want her. He turned her away from his

moment, Gilbert's lips tightened, a

set

sorry for her and considering her old friendship

usually stoic Francis couldn't help but

had it

added, "Gilbert, let's be

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