Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?



"Mom!"

Jenna was practically bouncing with excitement. "Can I try it now?"

"Not yet," Sherilyn quickly intervened, halting her with a smile. "It's still dirty. We need to clean it first."

She stood up, gesturing for Jenna to follow. "Let's go wash it up!"noveldrama

"Yay!" Jenna urged, tugging at Gilbert's arm. "Mr. Gilbert, hurry up!"

"Alright, alright."

Back inside, Sherilyn meticulously cleaned the peach pit, showing Jenna how to blow it like a whistle. "Look, like this..."

She blew, and a clear, sharp whistle sounded. Jenna's eyes widened with amazement. "Wow! You're amazing, Mom! Let me try!" "Here you go." Sherilyn handed it over, cautioning her, "But remember, no whistling at night, okay? It might disturb the neighbors." "I know!" Jenna nodded obediently.

Sophia appeared in the doorway, reminding them, "Jenna, time for a bath and then bed."

Gilbert leaned down to kiss his daughter's forehead. "Off you go."

Reluctantly, he let Jenna go with Sophia. Then Sherilyn turned to him with a playful smile. "Hand out, palm up."

Gilbert obliged, albeit a bit puzzled.

She placed a peach pit in his hand. "Here, this one's yours."

"I get one too?" He raised an eyebrow, amused.

"Of course," Sherilyn chuckled, nodding towards the pit in his hand. "You said you never played with one as a kid. But just like Jenna, no whistling at night, okay? We wouldn't want to wake the neighbors."

She walked ahead with a teasing glance over her shoulder.

Gilbert looked down at the pit in his hand, fingers curling around it, holding it tightly.

"Wait up!" He called, quickly catching up with her.

Two days later.

Gilbert had a follow-up appointment.

Sherilyn managed to rush over just as he finished his examination, and they both went in to see the doctor together.

The doctor reviewed the report and then looked up. "The shadow hasn't grown."

Sherilyn frowned slightly. "What does that mean?"

"It's hard to say," the doctor

admitted, shaking his head. "It might

mean it's stabilized, or it could just be the natural progression of the

His words were vague, offering little clarity.

Sherilyn felt a sinking feeling in her chest, but beside her, Gilbert quietly squeezed her hand.

"Don't worry too much," the doctor

advised. It's a process. You need to keep up with the daily precautions and follow through on the treatment. We'll just adjust the medication a bit

"Thank you," Gilbert said, nodding.

As they left the doctor's office, Sherilyn seemed a bit dazed.

Gilbert held her hand more firmly, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

Sherilyn blinked back to focus, looping her arm through his. Despite the whirlwind of thoughts, she could only manage, "Let's not overthink it. We'll just follow the doctor's advice and keep up with the treatment."

"I know," Gilbert replied with a gentle smile. "I have you and Jenna... no time to dwell on it."

Sherilyn's eyes stung briefly, but she smiled softly back. "Let's go home."

On the drive back, Gilbert broached a delicate topic. "About Jenna's story... when do you think we should tell her?"

Jenna was already legally recognized as his. Eventually, she would need to know the truth.

"Well..." Sherilyn hesitated, biting her lip with uncertainty. "I haven't figured out how to start."

Jenna had never known her father since birth.

"How do I explain that her dad and mom were apart for so long... and that he never came to see her? She's so young; will she even understand?" These were indeed challenging questions.

Gilbert was silent for a moment, pondering. "Actually, I have an idea that might help Jenna accept me naturally. But I need your agreement." Sherilyn looked at him curiously. "What idea?"