Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

She didn't call David. After leaving the neighborhood, she took a bus and then transferred to the subway. There was no rush; she wasn't in a hurry.

At the hospital early in the morning, Francis and Caroline came to visit Gilbert, just in time for the doctor's rounds.

"Mr. Francis, Mr. Gilbert is doing well, no serious issues. A few more days in the hospital for regular treatment should do it."

"Thanks for your hard work."

"It's nothing at all."

As soon as the doctor left, Caroline looked around, making sure Sherilyn wasn't there, and frowned in annoyance.

"Where's Sherilyn? Where could she be so early in the morning? Skipping out on the doctor's rounds? The doctor mentioned so many care instructions, and she missed all of them. How is she supposed to take care of you?"

Gilbert frowned slightly, "She didn't get much rest the day before yesterday, so I told her to go home and sleep last night."

"What?" Caroline was shocked, disbelieving. "You let her go home? And she just left?"

"Yeah," Gilbert responded faintly.

Caroline scoffed, "Really? Her boyfriend's in the hospital, and she's perfectly content. Unbelievable!"

"Caroline," Francis interjected with a frown, trying to smooth things over, "Sherilyn was indeed exhausted."

"Why are you covering for her?" Caroline turned to Francis, sneering, "Gilbert's being foolish, but what's your excuse? He's lost in love! I can't believe you can't see, Sherilyn's heart isn't with Gilbert at all! Gilbert's affection is unrequited. You're his brother; you should be advising him to stop before it's too late, not to waste his feelings..."

As they were talking, the door lock clicked without a knock, and the door was pushed open. Sherilyn entered.

Caroline abruptly stopped talking, and the room fell silent, everyone's gaze turning to her.

Sherilyn smiled gently, "Good morning... hey, big bro, morning."

"Morning," Francis nodded slightly, acknowledging her with a quiet voice. He glanced at Caroline, then, leaning on his cane, stood up.

"Now that Sherilyn's here, we'll head out." He extended his hand to Caroline.

Caroline gave him a look, linking her arm with his. "You... alright, have it your way."

Francis patted her hand, then,

looking at Sherilyn, teased, "Since you're here for Gilbert, we'll give you two some space. He was up all night worrying about you, nearly talked my ear off."

"Take care, big bro."

Sherilyn didn't bite on the jest, seeing Francis out of the room.

Turning back to Gilbert, she looked at his handsome but somewhat pale and frail face, biting her lip.

"Sorry, I was just going to rest a bit.

but I was so tired, I didn't

on time. How was your

night? Were you okay?"

Gilbert looked at her quietly. Her words were fine, explaining herself and even apologizing, not forgetting to show her concern...

Yet, he felt something was missing.

Sherilyn stood right in front of him, yet he felt a distance between them...

Gilbert frowned, "I've been better."Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

What kind of response was that? Sherilyn couldn't help but laugh. Was he upset again?

Knock, knock.

The door was knocked, a nurse entering.

"Ms. Gomez," the nurse was there to check in, "Has Mr. Johnson had breakfast yet? He shouldn't have his IV on an empty stomach."

"Um..."

"No!" Sherilyn was about to nod but Gilbert spoke first.

"No?" Sherilyn looked at him, surprised, "What time is it, and you haven't eaten yet?"

Gilbert let out a self-deprecating

chuckle And

"My girlfriend just got here.

came empty-handed. What

was I supposed to eat? Air?

WE