Whispers Turn

“Who-?” The man spun around, his eyes wide with surprise as they landed on Gilbert. “You….what?” 

“What do you mean, what?” 

Gilbert glared at the man, his expression a mix of disdain and anger, then turned to Sherilyn, “You’re actually considering going out for coffee with this guy? A stutterer!” 

Sherilyn just stared, speechless. 

Has he always been this mean? 

She hadn’t planned on going anyway. With an apologetic smile, she said to the man, “I don’t really do coffee at night, but thanks for the offer.” 

“Oh, okay.” The man glanced at Gilbert, then said, “Sorry, I didn’t realize you had a boyfriend. My bad, didn’t mean to intrude.” 

Huh? Gilbert raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by the ‘boyfriend‘ remark, Take care, man.” 

“Uh, sure!” 

The man, seemingly flattered yet startled, made a hasty retreat. 

As soon as he was gone, Gilbert turned to Sherilyn with a frown, “If I hadn’t shown up, were you actually going to say yes? 

Sherilyn just smirked, a cold laugh escaping her lips. 

“And why do you care?” 

With th 

that, she tumed and started walking down the steps. Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

“Sherilyn!” 

In a panic, Gilbert grabbed her arm, pulling her close, his breath hot against her skin. 

Tell me, can i wait for you? How much longer do you expect me to wait?” 

Impatient already?” 

Sherilyn didn’t resist; it felt pointless, a waste of energy. “I never asked you to wait. You don’t have to… 

“Wait!” 

Desperate not to hear her tell him to get lost, Gilbert quickly cut her off, “Can’t wait?” 

His voice softened, a hint of hurt in his tone, “Im not impatient You’re just imagining things, okay?” 

Sherilyn shrugged him off and continued walking. 

“Get in the car, I’ll drive you home.” Gilbert wasn’t naive enough to think she’d easily agree. 

He was there just to see her 

And so, he drove her to the entrance of Twilight Trail as usual. 

“Sherilyn.” 

As she got out of the car, Gilbert caught her hand, “You coming home this weekend? Grandma’s heard about the Crestwood incident. Told her you’re fine, but she’s worried.” 

Sherilyn nodded. “Alright, III keep that in mind.” 

Gilbert’s face lit up. “Then I wait for you.” 

She didn’t respond and walked away. Her place was near Twilight Tra a five–minute bike ride from there was perfect. 

Entering her apartment, she was immediately greeted by the sound of crying. “Mommy!” 

It was Jenna! 

Sherilyn rushed into Jenna’s room. 

“Mommy!” Jenna sobbed, throwing herself into Sherilyn’s arms, the picture of misery 

Sophia sighed, explaining. “She took her medicine fine at first, but then suddenly started throwing up.” 

Sherilyn held her daughter, her heart breaking. 

They had just switched locations and doctors, hoping a new treatment plan would make a difference. The doctor had warned of potential side effects. And now they were seeing them. 

But for Jenna, this was nothing new. 

As long as her illness went untreated, the pain would persist, flaring up when she least expected it. 

In that moment, Sherilyn recalled William’s words; his colleague, Jenna’s new doctor, had said the same. 

“Where’s Jenna’s dad?” 

“Ever thought about having another child?” 

Sherilyn was totally against the idea. Yet, her love for Jenna was boundless. 

She would gladly bear all of Jenna’s pain if possible, even give her life without a second thought. 

That night, Sherilyn stayed by Jenna’s side. 

Watching her daughter’s tear–streaked face, she couldn’t close her eyes, not even for a moment.