Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Chapter 1230

It wasn't until this time—until Sherilyn relapsed—that Gilbert finally understood.

He'd always thought he knew the truth. He'd been wrong.

For a moment, Gilbert closed his eyes, fighting back the ache in his chest. Sherilyn had been getting better. She had almost recovered.

And then he he had pushed her too far, set off her illness all over again.

"If...," he began, his voice unsteady, "if she doesn't get treatment, what will happen to her?"

"No treatment? Why would you even consider that?" Joyce frowned, confused by the question, but answered anyway. "Let me put it this way. With mental illness, if you just ignore it, eventually... it's no different from cancer. It leads to the same ending-death."

The words hit Gilbert like a blow to the chest. His breath caught, and for a moment it felt as though his heart had been struck with something heavy.

Sherilyn had told him-she would wither away and fade right before his eyes.

She hadn't been trying to scare him. She'd been telling the truth.

"I understand. Thank you," he managed, steadying himself.

“That's all I have to say." Joyce gathered her purse, preparing to leave.

"Wait."

Gilbert's voice stopped her.

back, puzzled. "Mr. Harrison? Is there

breath, and pulled out his chair. He stood up

was he

like shame. “This is long overdue... but thank you. Thank you for reaching out and

Joyce, how would Sherilyn have

he finished speaking, Gilbert suddenly

Mr. Harrison, please—don't— I only did what I could, because I had the ability to help!" Joyce exclaimed in alarm, moving as if to pull him up. But

was watch as Gilbert

gesture of absolute

a full, formal bow-every bit of pride

knelt to two people. The

to е Joyce-for saving his wife and

you've done. I'll remember it for the rest

...

room, Gilbert had his

hospital. Instead, he went straight to the office. For the first

the backseat, he leaned against the headrest, eyes closed,

remembered Sherilyn's arrival at the Johnson family home. She'd been just