Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

In an instant, Gilbert felt as if someone had pressed his pause button, rendering him immobile.

In the dynamic duo of him and Sherilyn, it seemed like he was the dominant force, but in reality, Sherilyn had always been the puppet master.

He couldn't live without her.

Yet, she treated him with a hot-and-cold demeanor, as if she could leave him at any moment.

And now, she was in his arms.

As if, he was her entire world!

It took him less than a second to react, bending down unceremoniously to hug her back. His senses were filled with her scent.

So sweet, so intoxicating.

"Gilbert." She whispered his name.

"Yes?"

"I'm not feeling well. Can you take me down the mountain?"

"Of course."

Gilbert looked down at her, caressing her cheek. Cold, isn't it? Her hands were cold too.

He couldn't delay, picking her up and quickly descending the mountain.

Opening the car door, he placed her inside. He then opened a bottle of water for her, bringing it to her lips, "Take a sip."

"Okay." Sherilyn managed to have some water before shaking her head, refusing more.

Gilbert wanted to ask if something had happened on the mountain or if she had encountered something.

But seeing her pale face, he didn't dare to ask, instead, he stroked her hair, "Close your eyes, rest for a bit."

"Okay." Sherilyn nodded, leaning back with her eyes closed.

As the car drove off, Gilbert, worried she might be cold, turned up the heating. He also drove more cautiously, fearing it might exacerbate her discomfort.

Sherilyn, with her head tilted and eyes shut, seemed to drift into a dream.

Gilbert couldn't see her face, only hearing her low sobbing. Concerned, he pulled the car over.

Holding her hand, "Sherilyn? Are you awake?"

"Sob, sob..." Sherilyn didn't wake up, continuing to sob, murmuring, "Mom..."

Gilbert leaned in closer, understanding now. Sherilyn was missing her mother.

"Mom, I'm sorry, I'm wrong, I'm sorry, sob, sob..."

What did this mean? Why was a daughter apologizing to her mother? And in a dream, no less?

"Sob, sob, I was wrong, so wrong..."

This vulnerable Sherilyn was heartbreakingly endearing.

Gilbert

soothingly in her

ly embraced her, , your mom won't t

at you."

to

Even though he wasn't sure of the specifics, what mother in the world could stay mad at their child?

In exceptional cases of the truly heartless, of course!

In the silence, Sherilyn gently opened her eyes and gazed at him with a puzzled expression.

"Awake?"

Gilbert touched her face, feeling some warmth returning.

Somewhat relieved, he wiped the tears from

"You had

the corner of her eyes et

a nightmare, so I had to

stop and hold you, comfort you. Feeling a bit better?"

In truth, Sherilyn hadn't been fully asleep, her consciousness in a limbo.

Whatever Gilbert did, she vaguely sensed it. She knew he spoke the truth and nodded.

"Much better. Let's drive."

It was getting dark, and with the possibility of rain or snow, the roads could become treacherous.

"Alright."Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

Starting the car again, they continued on their way.

Approaching the city, Gilbert glanced at Sherilyn, "How about we head to Golden Oak Manor tonight?"

He was genuinely concerned for her.

"No." Sherilyn frowned, shaking her head, "Take me back to Sunset Ridge Community."

Right now, she longed for Jenna, craving the comfort of being with Jenna.

"Sherilyn..."

"Are you going to take me or not?" Sherilyn, frustrated and agitated, suddenly raised her head, glaring at Gilbert, "If you won't, stop the car, stop it right now!"

With that, her hand was already on the door.

"I will!"

Faced with her vehement reaction, what choice did he have?

Gilbert could only comply, steering the wheel towards Sunset Ridge Community.