Gilbert choked, his words cut short by the sudden silence.
Come afternoon, Sherilyn had packed her things, glanced at the man resting on the hospital bed, and said in a calm tone, “I’m leaving now.” “Alright.” Gilbert managed a smile, nodding, “Charles has arranged for a car; it’ll be waiting for you downstairs.”
“Got it.”
As soon as Sherilyn left, he immediately got out of bed.
Downstairs, following the license plate number Charles had sent over, Sherilyn approached the car waiting for her. “Excuse me, did Charles send you?” “Yes, please get in.”
The driver wore a black hoodie, underneath was a baseball cap, and his face was hidden behind a matching mask, his voice muffled.
With the affirmative answer, Sherilyn didn’t think twice and got in the car.
As they drove off, Sherilyn caught a glimpse of the driver’s eyes in the rearview mirror, a sudden realization hitting her.
Unsure, she ventured, “Gilbert?”
The eyes in the mirror widened suddenly.
“Recognized me, huh?”
It really was him?
Gilbert lifted his hand, pulling off the hoodie and baseball cap, along with the mask, revealing a wide grin in the mirror.
“My charm is irresistible, isn’t it?”
Sherilyn smirked, her expression darkening, “Do you see me laughing?”
Seeing her displeasure, Gilbert quickly apologized, “Don’t be mad. I’m really okay now. The doctor said I’m just a bit weak, but that’s only compared to my old self. I’m still stronger than most.” Sherilyn turned away, refusing to look at him or respond.
Why bother? No matter how much she said, he never listened, it was like talking to a wall.
They first stopped at a clinic for Sherilyn to get an acupuncture session and pick up some medicine, then headed back to Sunset Ridge Community.
Throughout, Sherilyn ignored Gilbert entirely.
Gilbert was getting worried. As they neared Sunset Ridge Community, he parked the car on the curb.
“Sherilyn, hold on a sec.”
Puzzled, she watched him exit the car. His tall figure dashed to the roadside. What was he up to?
In a moment, he returned, holding two sticks of candied apples.
At the corner, there were a few snack shops.
Back in the car, Gilbert turned and offered the candied apples to
Sherilyn, “I wanted to get cand net
apples, but they were out. I thought you’d like these too.”
What was this?
Sherilyn couldn’t help but laugh. Did he think she was a child? “Come on, eat. I got two sticks, one for you and one for Jenna.” Sherilyn refused to budge.
Gilbert had no choice but to add, “If
you
Want eat it, Jenna will
, and she’s toet
so much
for
sugar.”
Sherilyn gave him a look. He really thought this through, didn’t he?
But he had a point.
Sherilyn took one, bit into it fiercely, as if she was biting into Gilbert himself.
Gilbert chuckled, starting the car again and driving back to Sunset Ridge Community.
As they parked, Sherilyn opened the door to get out, and Gilbert followed, “Let me walk you to the door.”
“No need,” Sherilyn refused, “Just go back…”
“Gilbert.”
He suddenly cut her off, his gaze falling on her lips, “You’ve got some sugar there.”
“Where?” Sherilyn raised her hand, feeling around.
“Not there…”
Gilbert reached out towards her cheek.
His
fingertips almost
touching her, he hesitated, theel
d his mind. Contes
Cupping her chin, he pulled her slightly closer and quickly leaned in.
His lips met her cheek, kissing away the sugary residue.
“Sweet,” Gilbert murmured, “Both the sugar, and you.”
From the side, a young, surprised voice broke the silence. “Mommy? Uncle? Are you kissing?”