Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change? novel Chapter 379

Gilbert looked down, nodding, "Sure, what do you want to talk about?"

"Aren't you going to ask how I got hurt?"

That question...

Gilbert paused for a moment, closing his first aid kit. "Although I'm not sure what happened, I believe my brother didn't mean it."

"Hmm?" Caroline hesitated, then forced a smile. "Yeah, he didn't mean it. But sometimes, it's the unintentional hurts that cut the deepest."

Gilbert found himself at a loss for words.

Relationships are between two people. Outsiders can only make things worse by interfering, not to mention they can't really help.

"Gilbert."

Caroline suddenly asked, "If, and I'm only saying if... if Francis truly betrayed me, would you stand by me?"

"Why would you think that?" Gilbert's heart sank; he didn't want to answer.

"I'm asking, what if!"

Caroline demanded an answer, her eyes reddening. "Gilbert, you promised me, you'd always be there for me. You'll help me, won't you?"

Gilbert frowned, silent for a long while before finally speaking. "If it ever comes to that, I won't just stand by and do nothing. I won't abandon you."

That was all he could say.

Then, picking up his first aid kit, he stood up. "You'll sleep in the guest room downstairs tonight. I'll go grab some clothes for you."

...

Gilbert went up to the master bedroom, which was pitch dark. Sherilyn was already asleep.

He didn't turn on the main light but opted for the bedside lamp instead.

Then, he entered the walk-in closet and came out with a set of clothes, sitting down by the bed.

Not wanting to startle Sherilyn, he kept his voice low.

"Sherilyn."

Sherilyn didn't respond, but Gilbert saw her eyelashes flutter. He knew she wasn't asleep.

"Also, about the clothes, I noticed you never even removed the tag, so I thought maybe you didn't like this set much. I'll lend it to Caroline just this once and get you a new one..."

Still going on about it?

Sherilyn, weary, waved him off. "Go on, then. She's waiting, isn't she? Don't keep her waiting too long."

Seeing her indifferent expression, Gilbert didn't feel relieved but rather more troubled.

"Hmm?" When he didn't move, Sherilyn found it strange. "Aren't you going?"

Gilbert stood up. "Then, I'll head out. You go to sleep."

"Alright." Sherilyn nodded, turning over to lie down, her back to Gilbert. "Don't forget to turn off the light..."

"Sure."

"And if you're not coming back, could you lock the door? I've always slept with the door locked. It makes me feel secure."

It was a habit she developed over the years living in Crestwood, a woman living alone with her daughter Jenna, always extra cautious about safety.