Was Francis really that unfazed as the one in the eye of the storm?
Francis picked up the glass from the table, taking a sip of water.
“I’ve never really explained it, mainly because it’s indefensible. Once I start talking, I’m up against a million other voices spreading rumors. All that matters is that I know the truth,” he said with a calm that belied the gravity of his words.
Sherilyn remained silent, her breathing almost imperceptible.
So, there was more to the story? Were the rumors not just baseless fabrications?
Francis set down his glass. “Gilbert and I have always been good to Caroline, that’s undeniable…absolutely true. Sherilyn, do you want to know why?”
Sherilyn paused, her heart racing.
She nodded slightly, “Yeah.”
“Ah.” Francis sighed, as if the words he was about to say were a heavy burden. “We hardly ever talk about it in our family because… well, it’s especially painful for Gilbert and me.”
He began to recount the past, each word seeming to cost him.
“Gilbert and I, when we were kids, were kidnapped…”
Their parents were taken as well. The incident had been a sensation in Sunhaven.
The police searched day and night but couldn’t find them. The kidnappers never made contact with Sylvia Johnson, leading the authorities to suspect that the motive wasn’t money – which only complicated matters.
The case remained unresolved for six months until Francis and Gilbert were found in a criminal hideout, malnourished and bruised.
At the time, Gilbert was being carried on the back of a girl.
She appeared to be about his age, ragged and gaunt, having carried him for miles through the mountains…
Once rescued, the police wanted to rush them to the hospital. But the girl refused because she had to lead them back to Francis…
She couldn’t carry Francis; he was too big. But with Gilbert safe, she insisted on going back for him!
Following her lead, the police were able to rescue Francis as well. However, their parents remained missing.
According to the police, it was likely they had not survived…
This dark chapter was buried deep e within each member of the Johnson family, seldom spoken of, because merely thinking about it tore open old wounds.
Having finished his story, Francis’ voice seemed to drift, “That’s what happened.”
Sherilyn’s lips parted slightly, her eyes clouding with tears.
She understood now. “Caroline, she was that girl.”
“Mhm.” Francis nodded, his voice soft.
“Everyone knows we treat her well, but they don’t know… it’s what she deserves.”
Indeed. Even Sherilyn couldn’t deny it.
Imagine, without Caroline, the Johnsons might have vanished from Sunhaven long ago…
How could Sylvia, a lonely old lady, have coped?
No wonder Caroline acted with such confidence.
Behind her was a story like this!
“Sherilyn.” Francis spoke again, his voice slightly hoarse, “Gilbert’s my brothers so I get him. I can see it he likes you, probably more than he even knows himself.”
He glanced at his watch and stood up.
“He’s a straightforward guy. He’s good to Caroline because of gratitude, but his kindness towards you? It’s simply because… he wants to be. If that’s not liking someone, then what is?”
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