Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Gilbert’s phone buzzed again in the hospital, and Sylvia was on the line.

“Grandma” He knew exactly why she was calling and wanted to avoid any argument. “We’re on our way back home. We’ll be there

“Really?” Sylvia let out a cold laugh. “Then put Sherilyn on the

phone!”

Gibert stammered, “Well..”

“I knew it!” Sylvia didn’t hold back in calling him out. “You can’t, can you? Because you’re not with Sherilyn at all!”

Sylvia sighed deeply. “I tried calling Sherilyn, too, but she’s not picking up. You let her walk home alone, didn’t you?”

“Grandma…

“Gilbert, I’ve been ignoring Sherilyn for you for four years! Can’t you do this one thing for me?” Sylvia’s voice was with urgency. “I’m about to undergo surgery. Do you want me to worry about this now?”

“Grandma, what are you talking about?” Left with no choice, Gilbert had to agree to her demands. “She left just a while ago. I’ll go after her, okay?”

“That’s more

e like it!” Sylvia quickly replied. “Call me when you both get home!”

“Yes, Grandma” Gilbert reluctantly agreed.

After hanging up, he turned to Caroline with a helpless shrug. “I get going.”

“Yeah” Caroline, sitting beside him, heard everything and nodded. “Sylvia’s a kind soul. Go on. I be fine.”

She glanced outside. “Besides, this part of town is pretty secluded. It’s not safe for a girl to be wandering alone.”

“You’re a kind soul, too” Gilbert stood up. “Alright, I’m off. Take care of my brother, and don’t overdo it.”

Caroline smiled. “Will do. Now, get going.”

“Okay.” As Gilbert turned to leave, Caroline’s expression suddenly darkened, her eyes shadowed with unspoken feelings.

Leaving the hospital room, Gilbert immediately called Sherilyn. But Sherlyn wouldn’t pick up, no matter how many times he tried!

now?” Driving out of the hospital, Gilbert scoured the streets for Sherilyn, hoping she hadn’t gotten far

It was hard to catch a ride in this area. But there was no sign of Sherilyn. Could she have managed to find a ride back to the Golden Oak Manor? It was a possibility. So, Gilbert stepped on the gas, heading straight for the Golden Oak Manor

“Sherilyn!” After he entered the foyer, he found the living room was as dark as the night before. Learning from the day before, Gilbert headed straight to the back.

But tonight, the bathroom light was off. Had Sherilyn gone to bed already? Still, he needed to wake her up. If Grandma hadn’t insisted they call her together, he wouldn’t bother.

“Which room is hers?” Gilbert had no idea. He decided to check each room, but nothing. Every room was empty, and there was no sign of anyone. He even noticed that the guest rooms stayed uncleaned, and the beds were bare, clearly unoccupied

What was going on? Where had Sherilyn been sleeping these past few nights?

At the police station, the police officer questioned her.

“Name”

“Sherilyn.”

“Age.”

“24”

“Home address:

Sherilyn hesitated, shaking her head. “I don’t have one”

The officer looked up, frowning. “So, what, you live under a bridge? Or on the streets?”

“Yeah, either is true.” Sherilyn nodded

“Stop talking nonsense!” the officer barked. “Answer the question properly!” Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Judging by her appearance, she didn’t look homeless.

Sighing in resignation, Sherilyn replied, “Officer, I’m telling the truth. I don’t have a place to live. That’s the reality?