Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"Sherilyn approached, looking at him, \"Still sleepy?\"\n\n\"No.\" Gilbert shook his head, propping himself up to sit. \"I'm just going to the bathroom.\"\n\n\"Perfect timing.\" Sherilyn said, \"Freshen up; I brought breakfast. Let's eat together.\"\n\nGilbert smiled warmly, \"Sounds good.\"\n\nWhen he finished freshening up and came out, Sherilyn had already set up breakfast. Hearing his footsteps, she waved him over, \"Come sit.\"\n\nGilbert walked over, and they sat facing each other.\n\n\"Add some vinegar.\"\n\n\"Okay.\" Gilbert enjoyed her care, feeling a warm, comforting sensation in his chest.\n\n\"How's Jenna been these past few days?\"\n\n\"Pretty good...\"\n\n\"Once I'm discharged, I'll take her to...\"\n\nMentioning his daughter softened Gilbert's features, and he seemed to have endless things to say. Sherilyn listened quietly, occasionally responding.\n\nAs they were finishing up, Gilbert handed her a napkin, \"Here, need any help?\"\n\n\"Thanks.\"\n\nSherilyn ignored his playful tone, took the napkin, and wiped her mouth, then looked him straight in the eye.\n\nWith a serious expression, she said, \"Gilbert, this is my last visit. I won't be coming again.\"\n\nShe had wanted to say this yesterday, but his condition wasn't stable then.\n\nAfter she spoke, Gilbert's smile froze, his face a mix of shock and disbelief.\n\nHis cheeks twitched awkwardly, as if trying to smile but failing.\n\n\"What... what did you say? I... I don't understand?\"\n\nHis panic was evident, but Sherilyn remained calm, continuing.\n\n\"Honestly, I didn't have to come today, but I wanted to make things clear. We shouldn't be entangled with each other anymore.\"\n\nBy this point, Gilbert's face had lost all signs of a smile, his eyes dark and confused.\n\n\"You still don't believe in my feelings for you?\"\n\nHe suddenly stood up, moved in front of Sherilyn, knelt down, and hugged her knees.\n\nLooking up at her, \"Sherilyn, I truly like you.\"\n\n\"I know.\"\n\nSherilyn didn't pull away, nodding, \"I believe you do.\"\n\nOtherwise, he wouldn't be so persistent.\n\nNor would he have sought her out during his most vulnerable moments when he didn't want to see anyone else.\n\n\"If that's the case,\" Gilbert was puzzled, \"Why?\"\n\nSherilyn's expression remained calm as she countered, \"Back then, I liked you so much, always around you. Why didn't you like me?\"\n\n\"...\" Gilbert was speechless, at a loss for words.\n\nWas Sherilyn bringing up old issues?\n\n\"I'm not trying to bring up old issues.\"\n\nSherilyn shook her head, \"I'm just saying, just because you like me, doesn't mean I have to like you back or accept you...\"\n\n\"I don't believe it! I can't believe you

don't have any feelings for me!\"\n\nGilbert held her hands, trembling, a hint of red in his eyes.\n\n\"You clearly care about me, you're concerned about me!\"\n\n\"That's because...\"\n\nSherilyn remained calm and composed, \"Your current state reminds me of my past self. It's not easy relying on others. You must've had a hard time over the years.\"\n\nShe paused and sighed, \"This is sympathy, pity, empathy from shared experiences, not love.\"\n\nNot love! Sherilyn doesn't love him!\n\nGilbert's heart twisted in agony, a sharp, pulsing pain!\n\nTears welled up, moistening his lashes.\n\nHis lips struggled to move, \"What about Jenna? Have you forgotten her? Don't you care about her anymore?\"Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.