Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?



"Alright."

That's all Gilbert managed to say.

Sherilyn slung her bag over her shoulder and gave him a slight smile. "I'm leaving now."

She began her steps without a 'goodbye.'

One step, two steps.

Before she reached the door, a firm body pressed against her back. Sherilyn stiffened, her entire body tensing.

It was Gilbert, embracing her from behind.

Sherilyn stood frozen, unable to move.

"Sherilyn!" Gilbert's arms encircled her, his cheek resting against her shoulder, his voice a raspy whisper.

"I forgot to say, I'm sorry! It's been ten years, and I've only just begun to have feelings for you. It's too late, and I'm sorry for that." Sherilyn's expression remained unchanged as she spoke slowly, "There's nothing to apologize for. Feelings can't be forced. I understand." "Sherilyn."

Some questions were too shameless to ask face-to-face, and Gilbert could only voice them while turned away, seeking answers without pride. "You used to like me very much. If, and I'm just saying if, I hadn't sent you to Crestwood back then, you'd still like me now, wouldn't you?"

"If?"

Sherilyn raised an eyebrow, her tone carrying a hint of teasing amusement.

"Things that have passed, hypotheticals don't really hold any meaning..."

Gilbert fell silent, thinking she wouldn't respond.

But then, she said, "Well, I suppose, probably yes."

She paused, then continued, "If we had stayed together all this time, I guess... I might still have feelings for you."

With hypothetical questions come hypothetical answers.

With that, she gently pulled away from Gilbert's arms. "I'm off!"

As she exited through the door, Gilbert felt like a puppet with its strings cut, losing his balance and collapsing into a chair.

She still had feelings!

Sherilyn's answer was that she still had feelings for him!

But, there are no ifs in life!

Outside.

Sherilyn walked with her bag to the gate before her pace slowed, her thoughts a chaotic swirl within her mind and chest. It was almost unbearable!

Suddenly, Sherilyn raised her hand, covering her eyes.

Softly murmuring, "If we had stayed together all this time... stayed together until now...?"

Moisture gathered in her palm, dampening her hand.

Tears seeped through her fingers.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

"But, there are no ifs..."

...

Two days later, Rebecca White's surgery took place.

Sherilyn had organized things at home and arrived at the hospital before dawn to assist Rebecca

preparations.

White with her pree of

By the time she got there, Francis was already present.

Sitting on the couch, maintaining his usual silence, he gave Sherilyn a slight nod as she entered.

"Big brother."

Sherilyn didn't say much more, focusing on being with Rebecca White.

Rebecca White whispered, "Sherilyn, it's good you're here. I have a favor to ask."

"What is it?"

Rebecca glanced in Francis's

direction, Mr. Francis has helped me a lot. My eyesight will soon be restored, and I want to give him a gift to express my thanks. Do you know what he likes?"

"A gift for big brother?"

Sherilyn thought to herself, even if you gave him a straw, he'd appreciate it.

With a smile, she suggested, "No

need for anything expensive. Bi

brother isn't short on money. It's the thought that counts. The more heartfelt, the better."

"A thoughtful gift? Let me think..." Rebecca frowned, clearly troubled.

"Don't worry about it now. Let's focus on getting you ready for the surgery."

"Okay, sure."

Meanwhile.

At the Platinum Pearl Club, in a suite.

Gilbert was roused by the buzzing of his phone, his head pounding from a hangover. He groggily swiped his phone to answer the call.