Whispers Turn

At nearly six–foot–three, his frame was lean, still youthfully handsome with a boy–next–door charm. 

Sherilyn pointed to herself, uncertain ‘Me? Are you talking to me?” 

“Yes.” The tall young man stepped closer, raising his hand to reveal a set of keys he held and offering them to her, “These yours?” 

Sherilyn glanced down. “Oh, they are.” 

She patted her backpack, wondering. “How’d they fall out?” 

“Here” He smiled, handing them over, “Keep them safe. Don’t let them slip away again. 

“Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.‘ Sherilyn grinned, her gratitude genuine. Losing those keys would’ve locked her out for the night. Locksmiths cost a pretty penny 

“Don’t mention it.” The young man stared at her face, a sense of familiarity washing over him, but before he could think deeply, he blurted out, “Have we met before? You look so familiar.” 

Sherilyn paused, then chuckled, “That line’s a bit cliché. Don’t you think?” 

“1. I didn’t mean that. He flushed red, shaking his head and waving his hands, “You’ve got it all wrong. I honestly think I’ve seen you before…” 

Sherlyn needed none of his explanation, just lifting the keychain, “Thanks again. Bye.” 

With a smile, she turned and walked away. 

“Ah…” He watched her leave, smacking his forehead. “Should’ve kept it simple! She’d never believe a word! And here I was, calling Gilbert out of date.” 

What a shame. 

He thought, “She is beautiful. Is she a guest here, or does she work around here? Can I run into her again?” 

The next day, before dawn, Sherilyn was awake. Her period had started, and the pain was enough to pull her from sleep. It hadn’t been a problem before. 

After having her child, she struggled not just with postpartum care but with providing the basics. And so, her body suffered. 

Since then, every month brought this pain, something she’d grown accustomed to. During these days, she’d avoid dancing, steer clear of icy water, and endure. Sherilyn got up, attaching a heat patch to her undergarment for relief. 

Though she had no dance class today, she had an important task. It was her grandmother’s memorial day. Having returned to Sunhaven only recently, Sherilyn had been too busy to visit her grave. 

It felt like the right time. The moming was the best time for such visits, and Sherilyn left before eight. As she got into her car, her phone 

rang. 

= 2 * 

Seeing 

Gilbert‘ flash 

on the screen made her frown, but she answered, “Hello? 

? What’s up? Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

On the other end, Gilbert sounded annoyed, almost as if their roles had switched, Previously, it had always been Sherilyn who clung to 

him 

Gilbert’s voice was impatient. “Can’t I call without a reason?” 

“That’s not what I meant Enduring his attitude, Sherilyn wondered how she had fallen for such a temperamental guy “So, what is it?” “Be at the town hall by three this afternoon,” he said, clearly about their divorce papers. 

Today? 

She hesitated, “Can we possibly do another day?” 

“What?” Gilbert’s tone sharpened, not in anger but sarcasm, “Another day? Which day?” 

Hearing his misunderstanding, Sherilyn quickly suggested, “Tomorrow? Can we make it tomorrow? Just one day later.” 

“Hal” Gilbert saw right through her. “Push it to tomorrow, then the next day? You don’t plan to show up at the town hall with me, do you?”