Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

And then, just like that, the darkness was pierced by a sudden burst of light, forcing both of them to shut their eyes tight.

“The power’s back on!” Sherilyn exclaimed, her voice tinged with relief as she was the first to open her eyes. But then, she froze.

His handsome face was right in front of her, uncomfortably close. Just inches away, his lips almost touched hers.

This position…Could it be, was he about to kiss her?

Sherilyn felt a chill run down her spine. No, that couldn’t be right! Given Gilbert’s aversion towards her, it was utterly impossible!

It must have been because it was too dark earlier, and he couldn’t see clearly.

“Um…” Sherilyn’s voice was barely a whisper as she alerted him, “The power’s back.”

“Okay.”

Gilbert’s expression remained unreadable, but his heart was in turmoil!

Had he almost kissed Sherilyn? How could that be? Since when did she start to have this kind of allure for him? Where did things go wrong?

Trying to maintain his composure, Gilbert let go of Sherilyn and stood up, his tone casual and detached, “Well, everything seems fine now, I’ll be heading off.”

“Yeah, sure.”

Sherilyn rose to her feet as well, escorting him to the door with a polite, “Take care on your way out.”

“Will do.”

Gilbert turned and left without looking back.

Once he stepped outside, he glanced back sharply, squinting towards the lit window of Sherilyn’s apartment. His long lashes veiling his thoughts, no one could guess what was running through his mind.

The next day.

Gilbert went to visit Francis.

He had rushed over after receiving a call from the doctor, alone since Caroline was out of town on a shoot and couldn’t make it.

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“Mr. Gilbert.”

Francis‘ attending doctor had something to discuss, a reason for calling him over.

“What’s going on? Just tell me straight.”

Gilbert frowned, worried about his older brother’s condition.

“Mr. Gilbert,” the doctor began with a smile, easing the tension, “Don’t worry, it’s not bad news. Actually, there’s this new drug available in Quinland that’s designed for cases like your brother’s.”

“Oh?” Gilbert’s interest was piqued. “Go on.”

The drug was developed by a hospital in Quinland and had already been put into clinical

use.

Moreover, there were success stories of patients in a vegetative state for years waking up because of it.

The doctor explained, “Although Mr. Francis has been in a coma for many years, his physical functions are well–maintained. I believe this drug could be worth trying, and there’s a good chance of success.”

However, this drug wasn’t available for global sales yet, nor was it mass–produced.

Securing it would be expensive and challenging, but what was the Johnson family if not resourceful? What a small–town doctor couldn’t manage might be within the reach of the Johnsons.

“Mr. Gilbert, could you see if there’s a way to get this drug?”

“Sure.”

Gilbert nodded. “I’ll find a way.”

No matter how difficult it was to obtain, he was determined to do whatever it took to get the drug for his brother, to help him wake up and get off that bed where he had lain for

years.

After a moment of contemplation, he instructed the doctor. NôvelDrama.Org © content.

“Keep this between us. Don’t tell Grandma or Caroline.”

“Understood.”

The doctor got his meaning.

Though the drug had successful cases, it wasn’t guaranteed. They had faced enough disappointments over the years.

Before Francis woke up, Gilbert wanted to bear the pressure alone.

08-19

If Francis woke up, it would be a joy for everyone. If not, the disappointment and sadness. would be his to bear alone.

Sylvia’s recovery from surgery was going well.

She was preparing to be discharged from the hospital.

Naturally, the Johnson family’s facilities would be more comfortable than the Southern District Sanatorium for her ongoing recovery.

On the day of her discharge, Sherilyn arrived early to see her.

“Sherilyn,” Sylvia greeted her warmly, gripping her hand, “I’m so glad you’re here. You always show up first.”

Just then, Gilbert pushed the door open and saw Sherilyn, a spark of unguarded pleasure lighting up his eyes as he spoke with a hint of happiness he didn’t even realize was there.