Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

In the heart of Sunset Ridge Community, nestled by the meandering Riverbend, the local amenities might have been nothing to write home about, but the vast expanse of Elfwood Park next door was a different story altogether.

Every afternoon, as regular as clockwork, Sophia would take Jenna by the hand and lead her to play in the park.

They were never alone.

A few neighborhood kids, each shadowed by either storytelling grandparents or babysitters like Sophia, would come along.

The cacophony of children's laughter filled the air as the kids banded together, lost in their games while the adults found solace on nearby benches, keeping an eye out while exchanging tales and laughter of their own.

Among the children, Jenna stood out — one of the only two girls in the group, her charm and beauty made her a favorite.

At that moment, a little boy was trying his best to impress her.

"Jenna, try this," he said, opening his palm to reveal a candy, its wrapper shining in the sun. Jenna had never seen such a candy before. "Is it good?"

"Delicious," the boy replied with a nod, peeling off the wrapper with a flourish that could only be described as gentlemanly. "Jenna, open wide..." She complied, and as the candy's flavors exploded in her mouth, her eyes lit up. "Yummy! It's sweet and a bit tangy. I've never had this candy before." "Do you like it?" The boy beamed, thrilled by her approval. "Then I'll bring you more tomorrow. My dad got them for me on a business trip. I've got loads at home. I'll bring you five... no, six!"

As he counted on his fingers, clumsily but earnestly, Jenna's curiosity was piqued not by the promise of more candy but by something else entirely. "Your... dad? What's a dad?"

The boy paused, confusion etched on his face. "My dad? He's, well, my dad."

Seeing Jenna's puzzled look continue, he tried to explain, "Just like having a mom, everyone has a dad too."

"Dawn!"

The boy's attention snapped away at the sound. "Mom's here to pick me up. I gotta go, Jenna. I'll see you tomorrow and bring the candies, okay? Bye, Jenna!" Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

With that, he ran off, leaving Jenna standing there, still confused.

"Jenna."

A familiar figure crouched down in front

For; it was Gilbert, who had

vel?

her from his car and.

returned. "Hey there," he greeted.

"Hi," Jenna replied, recognizing him immediately. "You're the one who helps me with my homework and buys me strawberry milkshakes. Hi, sin

"Got a good memory, I see."

Gilbert ruffled her hair gently, noticing her bear hat with its cute little ears but also her troubled expression.

"What's the matter, Jenna?"

"I'm okay," she insisted, her expression serious yet confused. "Sir, does everyone have a mom and a... dad?"

Gilbert was taken aback by the question but nodded, "Of course."

"So," Jenna continued, "a mom and a dad, they go together, right?"

"Yeah," Gilbert couldn't help but smile at her innocence. "You need a mom and a dad to have a Jenna."

But her question lingered in the air; why was she asking?