Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

On the third night, after attending a dinner with suppliers, Gilbert felt off as he left the dining hall. Shadows danced before his eyes, and his body swayed as if about to collapse.

"Mr. Gilbert!" Charles rushed to his side, his voice filled with concern. "We can't delay any longer! There's nothing pressing now; let's get you to a hospital, shall we?"

"Okay."

Gilbert didn't argue. With the supplier issue resolved and his responsibilities at home squared away, he allowed Charles to support him to the car, feeling increasingly unsteady and his throat burning like he'd swallowed hot coals.

...Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

At the hospital.

"Mr. Gilbert, just wait here a moment; I'll go check in."

"Alright."

Gilbert waited for Charles in the lobby's seating area. Luckily, he was usually pretty healthy and started feeling a bit better after resting for a while. To the left of the lobby was a playroom.

Its walls were made of clear glass, allowing Gilbert to see inside from where he sat.

Since it was evening, the room was sparsely populated, with just a few kids inside.

Gilbert's gaze was drawn to one child in particular, a girl with a bob cut and bangs, her large, grape-like eyes sparkling with innocence.

Unaware of being watched, Jenna stood in front of a whiteboard, cap in hand, about to write.

"Hey! Give it here!"

But before she could start, a blond girl with piercing blue eyes rushed over and snatched the marker from her hand.

Jenna, trembling slightly, looked up at her, trying to reason with her.

"That was my marker. I got it first."

"Did you?" The girl shrugged nonchalantly, raising an eyebrow. "Well, it's in my hands now."

She asked Jenna, "You wanted to draw?"

Jenna nodded, hopeful the girl would return the marker. "Can I have it back, please?" "This?"

The girl winked at two boys nearby, then, with a flick of her wrist, tossed the marker.

"Catch!"

"Got it!"

The trio laughed and played, tossing the marker around like a ball.

Jenna puffed out her cheeks, visibly upset. "That's not fair..."

But the three children paid her no mind.

"Look, Casey, she's crying!"

"Really? Oh, dear, she is."

"Girls are so fragile!"

Their laughter filled the room.

Jenna stood still, her large eyes brimming with tears.

"Hey!"

Suddenly, the

open oor to the p

Jenna turned to

tall, striking man enter.

Gilbert walked straight to the

a

holding the marker, het

hand. "Please give me the

He smiled gently. "If you'd rather not, to the nurse's station

we cann

together. It's late; shouldn't you

bed?"

be in

The children, all in hospital gowns, feared being reported to the nurses.

"Here!"

The boy tossed the marker, which Gilbert caught smoothly.

"Off you go!"

The kids exchanged looks and scattered, leaving the playroom. Gilbert, now holding the marker, turned to Jenna. "Here you go..."