Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change? novel Chapter 653

The last sound jolted Gilbert awake as if from a nightmare, his eyes snapping open. A fine sheen of cold sweat coated his forehead and temples.

"Gilbert?"

Caroline's lips parted slightly, disbelief etched across her face.

At this moment, she was the only one in the hospital room.

The nurse had just finished her rounds and gone, while the caregiver and Sherilyn were grabbing a bite in the cafeteria.

"Gilbert! You're awake?"

Stumbling over, Caroline rushed to his bedside, witnessing with her own eyes Gilbert's awakening.

Tears welled up, choking her words, "Thank goodness!"

"What happened to me?"

Gilbert frowned, massaging his temples, his head still throbbing.

His last memory was of the New Year's Eve celebration at Sunset Ridge Community, holding Jenna, watching the fireworks with Sherilyn, and then...

Nothing.

Looking around, he realized he was in a hospital.

How did he end up here? Did Sherilyn bring him? She must have been terrified.

"Sherilyn?" Gilbert asked, attempting to rise.

"Take it easy..." Caroline ignored his question, helping him sit up and stuffing a pillow behind him for support.

"You, always so stubborn about going to the hospital... Look where that got you."

Suddenly, she threw herself into Gilbert's arms, "Do you have any idea how scared I was? You've been in a coma for a week! The doctors said you might never wake up... I've been here night and day, afraid to sleep..."

Sobbing, she let the tears flow.

"I was terrified you'd end up like Francis, lost to us for years! Thank heavens, you're awake! You're okay!"

"Caroline."

Gilbert looked down at her, his hand reaching out to her shoulder, trying to pull her back, but his arms felt weak from just waking up.

"Don't cry... I'm alright, aren't I?"

"Yeah..."