Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"Hey, handsome!"

When she saw it was a guy, the girl clasped her hands together in a pleading gesture, "I've been dying to try this maple-glazed roasted chestnuts. Could you possibly let me have it?"

"Well..." Normally, Edgar would have epitomized chivalry without a second thought, but this time was different.

He shook his head, apologetically saying, "Sorry, I can't do that."

"What?"

The girl didn't expect to be turned down. "Come on, it's just a small favor for a lady. Are you really being that stingy?"

Edgar just smiled, offering no defense. "Sorry."

"Okay, then!" The girl bit her lip in frustration. "How about I offer you an extra 5 bucks for it, deal?"

"Sorry." Edgar remained firm. "It's not about the money."

He glanced over at Sherilyn standing a few steps away. "Really sorry, but maybe next time."

"Sir, here you go."

The vendor handed over a paper bag, and Edgar quickly took it, nodding at the visibly upset girl.

"Apologies again."

Then, he made his way towards Sherilyn.

"Here!" Edgar presented it like a treasure. "Maple-glazed roasted chestnuts, the vendor said this batch is the best. It's the last one, try it!"

Saying this, he took out a piece, which was still hot.

"Ouch!" Burned by the heat, Edgar quickly withdrew his hand, touching his earlobe in embarrassment. "It's quite hot, but delicious."

He gingerly picked up the roasted chestnuts again, peeling it open and offering it to Sherilyn.

"Open up."

"Okay."

Sherilyn lowered her head, taking it into her mouth.

"How is it?" Edgar looked eager.

"Mmm!" Sherilyn puffed her cheeks, giving a thumbs up. "It's really good."

"Great, I'll peel another."

Sherilyn was silent; she had seen everything. The girl had begged Edgar, but he hadn't given in.

Biting her lip, she asked, "Why didn't you give it to that girl? Aren't you worried about what people would say?"

Edgar paused, then chuckled. "I am sorry for her, but I bought it for you. Why should I prioritize someone else over my own?"

My own? Sherilyn felt a sudden rush of warmth, her eyes brimming with tears.

Finally, someone had put her first.

"What's wrong?" Edgar saw her tearing up while eating roasted chestnuts. "Did it get stuck?"

He remembered, roasted chestnuts could be quite choking.

"Do you need water?"

Edgar was flustered. "There’s water in the car, let me grab it for you!"

Taking a step, he paused, thinking better of it. "Sherilyn, come with me! It'll be quicker!"

"Ha ha."

Sherilyn laughed through her tears. "Don't worry, I'm not choking."

"You're not?" Edgar scrutinized her teary eyes. "Then what's...?"

Sherilyn took another bite of the roasted chestnuts. "Because it's delicious."

"Huh?" Edgar blinked in confusion but was met with Sherilyn's radiant smile, and he understood.

He could guess why.

"Sherilyn, there are always people who will treat you well. I don't know if I'm the first, but I'm sure I won't be the last."

In that moment, Sherilyn felt a lump in her throat, almost unable to hold back her tears. Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

She took a deep breath, smiling broadly, and nodded vigorously. "Yes, I believe."

No matter what the future held, she would never forget this moment, right here, right now.

...

Two days later, trouble struck.