Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"Come on, eat before it gets cold." "Sure."

Gilbert pulled out a chair and sat down, picking up a fork and knife. He had barely taken a couple of bites when his phone rang-it was Sherilyn. "Hello?"

Sherilyn swiped to answer and stood up, heading towards the door.

"You're here? Yes, room V19... I'll come out to meet you, okay..."

Gilbert looked up just in time to see Sherilyn pulling open the hospital room door.

"Edgar," Sherilyn called from the doorway, waving outside, "Over here."

Today, Edgar had wanted to come over, but Sherilyn had declined. This was her responsibility, and with Galen and Gilbert there, she felt covered. Edgar understood; he was just a friend to her now and knew she had enough support, so he didn't push it. He opted to visit after work instead.

"Sherilyn."

Edgar arrived slightly out of breath, having jogged over, "How's everything going? Was today smooth?"

Sherilyn offered a soft smile, "Yes, everything's been arranged smoothly."

Checking the time, she asked, "You're here now, but have you eaten dinner?" "No."

"Well then..."

"Sherilyn."

Edgar interrupted her with a smile, pulling a handmade cloth bag from his pocket.

"What's this?"

Edgar seemed a bit shy, "I stopped by the Serene Faith Chapel today."

"Serene Faith Chapel?"

The Serene Faith Chapel, nestled in the western suburbs of Sunhaven, was a century-old temple that still attracted a faithful following even today. Sherilyn was surprised, "You believe?"

"When the occasion calls for it."

Edgar chuckled, handing the small cloth bag to her with a slight cough, "I got a blessing charm for Jenna there."

Sherilyn was taken aback, realizing it was for her...

"Isn't it a bit silly?"

Edgar's cheeks warmed, "I know, it's superstitious, but let's just say it's for good luck..."

Sherilyn remained silent, which made him anxious.

"If you don't believe in this, I can take it back..."

"Don't you dare!"

Sherilyn snapped back to the moment, holding the charm tightly, feigning annoyance, "You can't take back a gift once it's given." "So, you'll keep it?"

"Of course." Sherilyn opened the cloth bag, taking out the blessing charm with its attached cord. Her fingertips brushed over it, her gaze softening.

"My grandma used to visit Serene Faith Chapel often. If she were still here, she'd probably have gotten one for Jenna too."

She smiled at Edgar, "Thank you, I really appreciate it."

"No need to thank me. I wish I could do more for Jenna."

Edgar hesitated before pulling out another box from his pocket, "This is for you."

"What's this now?"

"A cinnabar bracelet."

Edgar opened the box, "You've been. having trouble sleeping, right? Cinnabar is said to calm the mind and promote restful sleep. Wearing this might help."

Sherilyn chuckled. Her sleepless nights were mostly due to her worries over Jenna's surgery, but Edgar's gesture was out of genuine concern for her. "Thank you." Sherilyn's eyes warmed, touched by Edgar's kindness.

"Shall I put it on for you?"

"Please."

Edgar slipped the bracelet onto Sherilyn's wrist, and inside, Gilbert quickly looked away. He scooped up a spoonful of mashed potatoes and stuffed it into his mouth.

What kind of meal was this? So bitter?

He tried adding some vegetables, but it didn't help. He kept eating until his mouth was too full, but the bitterness remained, unbearable.

That night, Gilbert stayed in Jenna's

room white Sophia went back to Sunset Ridge Community, planning to return early the next day. Sherilyn decided to sleep in the adjacent family room.

Late into the night, Jenna slept soundly.

Gilbert, half-asleep on the couch, thought he heard voices outside. It sounded like a nurse.

"Ms. Gomez, is Mr. Martin with you?"