Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change? novel Chapter 1224

Sherilyn…

It was true.

Clutching the pill bottle, Gilbert felt an ache twist deep in his chest.

…

When Sherilyn woke, Gilbert was already back, sitting quietly at her bedside.

“You’re awake?”

He stood from his chair as soon as her eyes opened, but kept a safe distance, asking gently, “How are you feeling?”

“I’m okay.” Sherilyn nodded, propping herself up against the pillows.

“Would you like some water?”

“Yes, please.”

Gilbert got up, poured a glass, and set it on the nightstand, leaning in just enough to place it within her reach. “It’s hot—almost too hot.”

He remembered her quirks: she never cared for lukewarm water. It had to be either piping hot or ice-cold.

“Thank you.”

Sherilyn reached out and took the glass, her eyes lowered as she sipped, slow and careful.

The room was thick with quiet.

Seeing him so tentative, so careful to keep his distance…

She figured he must already know.

Gilbert returned to his chair and watched her, a thousand tangled feelings tightening inside him.

How was he supposed to start?

Finally, he parted his lips and spoke, his voice low. “I had the medication tested.”

“…I see.” Sherilyn didn’t look surprised, only stunned for a moment.

“What’s wrong with you?”

Gilbert’s gaze searched hers, heavy with worry. “And… how long has it been going on?”

She didn’t answer.

Instead, she finished her water one small sip at a time, then placed the empty glass back on the nightstand.

Sooner?

“No…”

Gilbert’s voice was thick with regret and pain. “I was too late.”

They’d spent every day together, and yet he didn’t realize until her illness finally broke the surface and she lashed out at him.

“But you know,”

Sherilyn said, still smiling through her tears, “you’re not as observant as you think.”

Gilbert blinked, confused. “What do you mean?”

A soft laugh escaped her. “My illness can’t be cured, Gilbert. As long as we’re together, it’s only going to get worse.”

“Why?” The confusion in his eyes deepened. “That’s not true! I told you, I’ll find the best doctors—”

“Look,”

Sherilyn dropped her gaze, then lifted her chin, gesturing for him to open the bottle. “Take a look inside. Not the sleeping pills—the other bottle.”

“Check carefully, Gilbert. Don’t just glance at it.”