Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?



As they strolled through the dimly lit park, Sherilyn squinted at a peculiar sight. Something was shimmering up in the trees.

"Hey, Gilbert," she said, nudging him. "I can't reach it. Can you give me a hand?"noveldrama

"Sure thing," Gilbert replied with a grin. Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around her waist and hoisted her up into the air. "Whoa!" Sherilyn yelped, half-laughing, half-startled. "I meant for you to reach it yourself!"

"I am helping you, aren't I?" Gilbert chuckled, raising an eyebrow in mock innocence.

Sherilyn blinked, a bit taken aback. Was that what she had meant?

"Come on!" Gilbert jostled her slightly, urging her on. "You wanted to see what it is, right?"

"Right," Sherilyn murmured, finally reaching up to grab the glimmering object. With a gentle tug, it came free.

"What is it?" Gilbert asked, steadying her back on the ground and holding her close.

"Here," Sherilyn said, holding it up for him to see. "It's a rose. But....."

She looked puzzled. "It's got a little light tied to it and was hanging from the tree. Why?"

"Beats me," Gilbert shrugged, looking as baffled as she felt.

"Strange..." Sherilyn mused, examining the rose. Just as they were about to leave, she noticed another glint in the distance.

"Hey, there's another one!" she exclaimed.

This time, Gilbert didn't need Sherilyn to point it out. He grabbed her hand. "Let's check it out."

They were in a small grove of trees, the kind that kids might dare each other to explore on a summer night. Just like before, something was dangling from the branches.

Sherilyn gave Gilbert a look, and he quickly wrapped his arms around her waist again. She swatted him playfully.

"Are you serious?" she teased, rolling her eyes. "Just grab it already!"

"Alright, alright..." Gilbert grinned, stretching up easily to retrieve the object. He handed it to her with a flourish. "A flower for a lovely lady."

Sherilyn took the second rose, blinking in confusion. "What's going on here?"

"I've got no clue," Gilbert replied, shrugging. Just then, he pointed ahead. "Look, another one!"

Sherilyn turned and saw it too. She frowned. "Is this some kind of event or something?"

"Want to go see?" Gilbert asked, nodding toward the next twinkle of light.

"Well..." Sherilyn hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Yeah, let's see if they keep going."

Gilbert's lips curled into a barely-there smile. "Alright, I've got your back."

He took her hand, and they walked towards the next glowing spot. This time, it was a bit further away.

"You know..." Sherilyn mused as they

walked, "it's like these lights are

leading us somewheel.ney

Don't

think?"

"Like a treasure hunt," Gilbert agreed with a laugh. "Let's see what kind of treasure we find!"

They quickened their pace, eager to uncover the mystery. This time, the object was within easy reach,

nestled against the tree trunkels

Sherilyn plucked it down with ease, holding it aloft. "The third one..."

She chuckled softly, "Guess these roses are the treasure. Ow..."

"What's wrong?" Gilbert's expression turned concerned.

"It's nothing," Sherilyn said, rubbing her elbow. "Just a mosquito bite..."

"Oh," Gilbert relaxed, but then pointed ahead once more. "Look, there's another one!"

He was ready to lead her forward again, but Sherilyn hesitated.

"Maybe we should head back," she suggested, tugging slightly on his arm.

"Why?" Gilbert asked, surprised. "You seemed to be enjoying this."

"It's not that exciting... plus..."

Sherilyn winced and sighed. "I've et

been bitten again. There are too many mosquitoes. Let's call it a night."

S

"Come on..." Gilbert said, a hint of urgency in his voice. "Aren't you curious about where this is leading us?"