Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?



After hanging up the phone, Francis carried a glass of water and some pills upstairs to see Grandma Sylvia. "Grandma, it's me, Francis."

"Come in, dear."

Sylvia was propped up against her bed's headboard, reading glasses perched on her nose, holding a novel.

"Grandma, it's time for your medicine."All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

He handed her the pills and the water. Ever since Gilbert had left the Johnson family, Grandma's health had somewhat improved, but her spirits remained low.

"Mmm," Sylvia murmured, taking the medicine from him.

Francis, mindful of his brother's request, gently suggested, "Grandma, you shouldn't stay cooped up here all day. Why not call some of your friends for coffee or a walk in the park?"

Sylvia waved dismissively. "Do you think it's that easy to find true companionship in this world?"

"That's true," Francis agreed, nodding. "You and Sherilyn's grandmother did hit it off quite well, though. It's just unfortunate she passed away so soon."

"Yes," Sylvia sighed deeply, "it's been ten years since Marilyn left us."

"Grandma," Francis ventured cautiously, "when you took Sherilyn in, were there really no other relatives she could turn to?"

At this, Sylvia paused, a chill entering her gaze. "Hmph, there were people, but they might as well have been nonexistent!" Francis, surprised, pressed, "I was just curious. Does Sherilyn actually have other family? Who?"

"Such relatives are not worth mentioning!" Sylvia said with a look of disdain.

"But now that we're on the topic, Grandma, you might as well tell me," Francis said gently. "I won't spread it around."

"Well," Sylvia glanced at her grandson and sighed, "there's no harm in telling you. Sherilyn, well, her mother passed away... but her father is still alive..."

"But that man, he's truly no good, so all these years, I've never mentioned him, treating him as if he were dead."

...

In the Sunset Ridge Community, Gilbert had been sitting in his car, waiting patiently.

His phone rang, and he answered immediately.

"Big bro? Did you find out?"

"Yes," Francis began, his voice laced with sympathy, "Sherilyn's situation is truly heartbreaking."

Why would he say that?

Gilbert felt his heart leap to his throat. "What did Grandma tell you?"

"Grandma said that Sherilyn's mother indeed passed away when she was very young..."

"And her father is still alive. After her grandmother passed, Sherilyn sought him out, hoping to live with her father."

After all, he was her only family left!

She was just fifteen, a minor, needing to continue her education and someone to look after her.

"But... her father didn't want her. He turned her away from his home."

In that moment, Gilbert's lips tightened, a surge of anger flowing through him.

"Scoundrel!"

"Everything after that, we already know. Grandma, feeling sorry for her and considering her old friendship

with Sherilyn's grandmother V

decided to take her in."

Having relayed the story, even the usually stoic Francis couldn't help but sigh repeatedly.

"Sherilyn, she's had it so tough."

He added, Gilbert, let's be kinder to

She calls us 'big bro'

bro.' We really haven't done

'second

for our little sister," Content

enough

belongs to

"I understand."

Gilbert's voice was heavy with emotion.

After ending the call, Francis sent a text.

[Sherilyn's biological father, Farley Martin

a professor and the deat

of the Physics department at el? belongs to en.kikish

Sunhaven University.]

"Farley Martin?"

Gilbert repeated the name slowly, a frown creasing his brow. Why did that name sound familiar?

As if he'd heard it before?

He quickly exited the chat with Francis and opened his conversation with Charles.

There it was!