Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Held in her mother's arms, Jenna quieted down again.

With no choice but to hold on, Sherilyn cradled Jenna until the wee hours, sitting propped against the headboard of the bed.

As dawn approached, Sherilyn gently touched Jenna's forehead. It wasn't hot anymore, and she seemed to be sleeping deeply.

Placing her down, Jenna didn't cry anymore.

Sherilyn sighed in relief and seized the moment to catch a wink of sleep.

Just as she closed her eyes, her phone rang.

It was another message from Gilbert.

[I've talked to Dr. Dalton. Let's take Jenna over today. Tell him in detail about what happened last night so he can have another look. It'll put our minds at ease.]

Sherilyn immediately replied.

[Okay.]

After sending the message, Gilbert quickly responded.

[How about you? Did you get any rest last night?]

Sherilyn's gaze flickered, and after a brief silence, she put down the phone without replying.

On the other end, Gilbert held his phone, waiting for a response that never came.

A bitter smile crossed his lips. Now, Sherilyn didn't need to pretend in front of him anymore... even his concern was too much for her to bother with...

***

As the sun came up, just like the day before, Sherilyn took Jenna back to the hospital.

After the checkup, as before, Sophia took Jenna out to play.

Only when Jenna was gone did Gilbert dare to show up.

Dr. Dalton gestured for them to relax. "It's normal to feel a bit uncomfortable a few days after changing medication. But you were right to be cautious."

Sherilyn breathed a sigh of relief. "So, does she need any special treatment?"

"No need," Dalton shook his head. "If her condition worsens, like if she develops a high fever, or a low fever that doesn't subside after a week, or if she shows gastrointestinal symptoms, come back then." "Alright," Sherilyn replied, nodding her thanks to Dr. Dalton. "Thank you, Dr. Dalton."

"You're welcome."

Leaving the clinic, Sherilyn looked up at Gilbert. "I'll go get Jenna. You can get back to your work." Gilbert didn't reply, his gaze lingering on her pale lower eyelids, knowing she had a sleepless night.

His Adam's apple bobbed. "Sherilyn, you've worked hard."

Silence fell for a moment, her

understanding clear in her Set

"It's

thing. Taking care of my own

child is what I should do."

She offered a faint smile. "Jenna is waiting for me. I should go."

"Okay." Gilbert stood motionless, watching her walk away, his eyes growing darker. He murmured to himself, "Taking care of my own child is what I should be doing...

Yes, that's right.

But he, as a father, hadn't taken care of her even for a day!

What now? He yearned to see his daughter every day, to take care of her, and... her mother...

But how could he earn that right?

...

In the garden, Sherilyn picked up Jenna.

Despite running a low fever all night, the little one seemed perfectly fine no cheeks flushed from el?

running around on the grass. en.ss.net

"Mommy! Let's make cheesy baked sweet potatoes today! And bring some for Dawn to eat!"

"Alright, got it."

On the drive back to Sunset Ridge Community, Jenna chattered away, her little mouth never stopping. Sophia, holding a water bottle, offered her a drink. "Little tornado, are you thirsty? Have some water." "Water water!"

The little one dove into Sophia's arms. Just then, Sherilyn's phone rang. It was Blake.

Sherilyn jumped, hurrying to answer. "Hello, Blake."

"Sherilyn, did you change your mind? Is it all over for me?"

"No, it's not..."

Sherilyn couldn't help but laugh and apologize, "Sorry, Blake, something came up at home. My apologies for the delay."

"So, are you coming over?"

"Can I come now?"

"That'd be perfect!"