Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?



As Caroline approached, the pungent smell of alcohol hit her. She frowned, "How much did you drink?"

Yates, surprised to see her there, chuckled awkwardly. "Oh, Caroline, you're here."

Caroline nodded, "I came over, and your cleaner was just leaving... Yates, could you help him onto the couch?"

Yates hesitated, "Should I take him upstairs instead?"

Caroline gestured to her leg and then at Gilbert, "He's too drunk; if he needs anything during the night, I won't be able to help him upstairs. Just leave him on the couch."

"You're going to take care of him?" Yates asked, surprised.

"Yes," she nodded. "If he gets sick or needs water, someone should be here."

"Well..." Yates hesitated but then agreed, "Alright then."

It was a bit of a struggle to get Gilbert onto the couch, but thankfully, it was large enough for him to spend the night comfortably.

After ensuring Gilbert was settled, Yates looked at Caroline, "I guess I'll head out then."

"Thanks for making the trip over. I appreciate it."

"No problem."

As Yates left, he felt a bit uneasy about leaving them alone together. But with Gilbert so drunk and Caroline's leg injured... what could possibly happen?

Inside, Caroline went to fetch a blanket to cover Gilbert, when suddenly, he bolted upright.

"Gilbert?"

Ignoring her, Gilbert rushed to the bathroom. Caroline frowned as she heard the sounds of him retching, followed by the toilet flushing.

When Gilbert returned, he staggered back to the couch and collapsed, oblivious to her presence. Caroline sighed, pushing her wheelchair closer to drape the blanket over him. She then wheeled herself to the bathroom to get a warm washcloth and gently wiped his face and hands.

Holding his arm, she whispered, "I know it's tough, but I'm here for you..."

Suddenly, Gilbert's grip tightened on her hand. "Gilbert?" Caroline flushed, "Are you awake?"

Clearly, he wasn't. In his half-sleep, Gilbert murmured, "Sherilyn, Sherilyn..."

Caroline, feeling a jolt, withdrew her

hand, her expression cooling. "Sherilyn, Sherilyn... Is that all you

care about? Can't letov

sw novel.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

The next morning, Gilbert awoke with his head still a bit foggy, the aroma of food lingering in the air. Sitting up, he saw Caroline approaching in her wheelchair,

"Awake?"

"Caroline?" Gilbert rubbed his temples, "What are you doing here?"

"I didn't just come here; I also made you breakfast."

Caroline smiled and urged him, "You reek of booze. Go freshen up and come eat."

"Alright."

Feeling rough after last night's indulgence, Gilbert agreed and went to wash up. When he came down, the dining table was already set. "Come over."

Caroline handed him a bowl of soup, "You just woke up, and after last night, start with some soup to settle your stomach." "Thanks," Gilbert nodded, taking a seat.

Caroline explained, "I came over last

night to check on you. Your cleaner

let me in. Seeing you'd had too much men.

to drink, I stayed... I madh

I this

early this morning."

Gilbert accepted the soup bowl, his memory of the night slowly returning.

"Oh, and..."

Caroline continued, "I forgot to tell you, I've moved into the apartment next door. We're neighbors now."