Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?



"Hang on!" Sherilyn's face tightened with concern, "I'm going to find a doctor!"

She quickly got up and hurried out, returning soon with a doctor in tow.

"Doctor, can we give him something for the pain?"

"Just a moment..."

After a thorough inquiry into Gilbert's condition, the doctor asked, "Mr. Harrison, can you bear the pain?"

"Why would you ask that?" Sherilyn was getting impatient, "Just because he can bear it, does it mean he should suffer?"

"Ms. Gomez."

The doctor explained, "Mr. Harrison has had a finger reattached. Pain medication, while easing the pain, can also numb other sensations... This could interfere with monitoring his condition and his recovery. As a rule, we avoid pain medication when possible."

Sherilyn was taken aback, her gaze shifting uncertainly to Gilbert.

"It's okay." Gilbert offered her a weak smile. "Let's listen to the doctor. I can handle it."

Sherilyn was at a loss for words, eventually nodding in agreement.

What else could she say? It had to be this way.

After the doctor left, Sherilyn sat beside Gilbert, wondering what else she could do for him.

"Shall I get a damp cloth for you?"

Wiping his brow seemed like a small comfort.

"No need."

As she stood, Gilbert caught her hand.

Sherilyn looked down at their hands, her brow furrowing, tempted to pull away.

"Sherilyn."

Gilbert's voice was low, almost pleading, "Can you stay with me, please? Just being with you makes the pain bearable."

"Ha."

Sherilyn scoffed, "What do you think I am, Jenna? You think I'd fall for that line?"

"So, will you stay?" Gilbert quirked a small smile, stubbornly holding onto her hand.

"Stay with me, please?"

Sherilyn sighed silently, "Let go of my hand, and I won't leave."

"...Oh." Gilbert seemed momentarily lost, disappointment flashing in his eyes before he reluctantly let go.

True to her word, Sherilyn pulled up a chair and sat beside him.

"Do you want to do something to distract yourself?"novelbin

She suggested, "How about we watch some TV? Sound good?"

"Yeah, sure." Gilbert agreed, not really caring either way.

Sherilyn stood up, turned on the TV, "What do you want to watch? Maybe some stock market news?"

"No, it's just a bunch of old men."

Sherilyn: ...

"How about a movie then?"

"Sure."

"What kind of movies do you like?"

"Anything you like, I like."

Sherilyn: ...

Couldn't he give a straight answer for once?

"I'll just pick something... this one's free, the rest are pay-per-view."

"Heh." Gilbert couldn't help but laugh, "Sure."

"What's so funny?" Sherilyn shot him a playful glare.

He confessed, "I'm just amused that you, a little heiress, are still worried about spending a few bucks."

"It's a habit."

Sherilyn replied nonchalantly, pressing the play button.

A habit? Gilbert was taken aback. Why?

Psenice Sherilyn joined the s at fifteen, she hadn'el

faced hardship...

Sw

Why did she say 'it's a habit'? Habituated to what?

But he couldn't ponder further.

Because the pain was unbearable!

The searing pain weakened him, clouded his thoughts, and he

slumped against the bed, eyes-

swnovel

barety open, involuntarily groaning.

"Gilbert?"

Sherilyn heard him, her attention fully on Gilbert.

"Is the pain getting worse?"

"No..." Gilbert shook his head weakly, "It's always been this bad."

"This bad..."

Sherilyn's emotions were in turmoil,

"How could you have gone t

with it? Was there really no way?"