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.

looked back, puzzled. "Mr.

deep breath, and pulled out his chair. He stood up and walked around the table to face

was he planning

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

been for Joyce, how would Sherilyn have survived those years,

speaking, Gilbert suddenly dropped to his knees

please—don't— I only did what I could, because I had the ability to help!" Joyce exclaimed in

as Gilbert knelt before her,

a gesture of absolute gratitude

of pride cast

two people. The first

now, to е Joyce-for saving his wife and child. He owed her a debt

it for the rest of my life. If you

...

room, Gilbert

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

he leaned against the headrest, eyes

the Johnson family