Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Choking on her food, Sherilyn quickly grabbed her water bottle and took a few gulps to help swallow it.

Gilbert returned to the lounge with a stormy expression. Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

Trying to lighten the mood, Caroline served him some food. “What about Sherilyn? Couldn’t you find her?”

“Forget her!” Gilbert sipped his soup, visibly irritated at the mention of Sherilyn. “She’s so obsessed with dieting. Let her be!”

“Oh Caroline shook her head with a smile. “Told you so. Here, have some more.”

By two o’clock in the afternoon, the surgery was over. It went smoothly, and Sylvia was moved to her room.

The doctor gave Gilbert a detailed rundown. “The first 24 hours post–operation are critical. If possible, it’d be best to have a family member stay. We have nursing staff, but the elderly often prefer the company of their loved ones.”

“I will!”

“Me too!”

Gilbert and Sherilyn spoke up simultaneously.

Noticing Gilbert’s glance, Sherilyn quickly deferred, “Mr. Johnson should make the call. If Mr. Johnson stays, that’s fine.”

“Here’s what we’ll do.” The doctor suggested, “If possible, both of you should stay. On one hand, Mr. Johnson might not be as attentive as a young lady when it comes to looking after the patient. On the other, should anything happen, Mr. Johnson should make decisions.”

Seeing their hesitation, the doctor added, “Of course. It is just my suggestion. You should do what works best for you both.”

“Gilbert…” Caroline started to speak but frowned.

“Let’s do that.” Gilbert made the decision, looking at Sherilyn. “We’ll stay. Any objections?‘

“None.” Sherilyn shook her head.

She genuinely wanted to stay and look after Sylvia. She felt she owed Sylvia for five years of kindness and wanted to make it up to her, even asking her boss Colin for some time of to do that.

“At least you’re showing some gratitude.” Gilbert then turned to Caroline, “What were you saying?”

10-07

“Nothing important.” Caroline replied with a gentle smile, “I’m afraid I won’t be here when Sylvia wakes up. I have work in the afternoon and an event in the evening.”

“That’s okay.” Gilbert reassured her softly, “Grandma always loves you and understands your work commitments. She’ll understand.”

“It’s getting late.” Glancing at his watch, Gilbert said, “Caroline, I’ll walk you out.”

Inside the room, Sylvia was still unconscious, wearing an oxygen mask and hooked up to a monitor, with nurses checking in regularly.

Sherilyn’s job was to keep Sylvia’s lips moistened and notify the nurses if the IV bag ran empty or if the monitor alarmed. Taking her duty seriously, she pulled a chair and sat vigilantly by the bed.

A nurse came in to change the IV bag and mentioned, “Post–op fever is common, so keep an eye on the patient’s temperature.”

Sherilyn nodded. “I’ll remember that, thank you.”

Sylvia was sweating from the anesthesia, and Sherilyn gently wiped her with a warm towel.

When Gilbert returned, he found Sherilyn tenderly caring for Sylvia. He raised an eyebrow. Despite Sherilyn’s faults, she still showed some decency and respect toward Sylvia, He had to admit there was something redeemable about her. Yet, the thought of the child Caroline lost hardened his heart instantly.

With Sherilyn inside looking after Sylvia, Gilbert spent the afternoon dealing with work outside.

When Allen and Abel, two brothers, brought dinner at six o’clock, Charles peeked inside and asked Gilbert, “Mr. Gilbert, should we ask Sherilyn to join us for dinner?”

Without even looking up, Gilbert dismissed the idea. “No need.”