Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Gilbert looked down, nodding, "Sure, what do you want to talk about?"

"Aren't you going to ask how I got hurt?"

That question...NôvelDrama.Org owns this.

Gilbert paused for a moment, closing his first aid kit. "Although I'm not sure what happened, I believe my brother didn't mean it."

"Hmm?" Caroline hesitated, then forced a smile. "Yeah, he didn't mean it. But sometimes, it's the unintentional hurts that cut the deepest."

Gilbert found himself at a loss for words.

Relationships are between two people. Outsiders can only make things worse by interfering, not to mention they can't really help.

"Gilbert."

Caroline suddenly asked, "If, and I'm only saying if... if Francis truly betrayed me, would you stand by me?"

"Why would you think that?" Gilbert's heart sank; he didn't want to answer.

"I'm asking, what if!"

Caroline demanded an answer, her eyes reddening. "Gilbert, you promised me, you'd always be there for me. You'll help me, won't you?"

Gilbert frowned, silent for a long while before finally speaking. "If it ever comes to that, I won't just stand by and do nothing. I won't abandon you." That was all he could say.

Then, picking up his first aid kit, he stood up. "You'll sleep in the guest room downstairs tonight. I'll go grab some clothes for you."

...

Gilbert went up to the master bedroom, which was pitch dark. Sherilyn was already asleep.

He didn't turn on the main light but opted for the bedside lamp instead.

Then, he entered the walk-in closet and came out with a set of clothes, sitting down by the bed.

Not wanting to startle Sherilyn, he kept his voice low.

"Sherilyn."

Sherilyn didn't respond, but Gilbert saw her eyelashes flutter. He knew she wasn't asleep.

He spoke as if to himself, "Caroline is staying in the guest room downstairs tonight. I've taken one of your outfits for her. Is this one okay?"

Hearing this, Sherilyn opened her eyes. She didn't even look at the clothes but said with a slight chuckle.

"I was just about to fall asleep, and you had to wake me. Why even ask me about this?"

Gilbert held her hand, sensing she was upset.

"It's your clothes. Of course, I should ask you."

Sherilyn lazily laughed. "Don't say that. Everything here is yours. You decide. You didn't even ask me about letting Caroline stay, did you?" "That's because..."

Gilbert's eyes narrowed, his

expression darkening. "It was late, and Caroline was upset. She refused

to

home, and it's not safe for her

to be out alone at night."

Look at him, being all thoughtful.

Sherilyn smirked, not bothering to argue further.

Gilbert explained, "It was an emergency, and I forgot to ask you... I'll be more mindful in the future."

Seeing her expression, Gilbert understood why she might be upset after everything that happened tonight.

"Also, about the clothes, I noticed

you never even removed

thought maybe you didn't like

set much. I'll lend it to Caroline just

this once and get you a new?

one..."

Still going on about it?

Sherilyn, weary, waved him off. "Go on, then. She's waiting, isn't she? Don't keep her waiting too long."

Seeing her indifferent expression, Gilbert didn't feel relieved but rather more troubled.

"Hmm?" When he didn't move, Sherilyn found it strange. "Aren't you going?"

Gilbert stood up. "Then, I'll head out. You go to sleep."

"Alright." Sherilyn nodded, turning over to lie down, her back to Gilbert. "Don't forget to turn off the light..."

"Sure."

"And if you're not coming back, could you lock the door? I've always slept with the door locked. It makes me feel secure."

It was

habit she developed over

the years living in Crestwood, a woman living alone with her

daughter Jenna, always extravel

cautious about safety.