Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Francis unconsciously lightened his steps as he approached the child.

"James."

With his cheeks all puffed up, James shook at the sound of his name, his whole little body jerking as he looked up, totally freaked out by the new guy. "James..." Francis raised his hand, intending to pat his head.

But James quickly hopped off his chair and dashed to the orphanage director, clinging tightly to her and hiding behind her skirts.

Francis' hand hung in mid-air, touching nothing.

"This child..."

The director chuckled awkwardly, patting James on the head. "What's wrong, James? This is Mr. Francis. He's adopting you. You're going to be family." "No!" James looked up, his big eyes brimming with earnest pleading. "Sir, I don't want to be adopted! I'm good, can I stay here, please?" "James," the director sighed helplessly, "listen, with Mr. Francis, you'll live in a big house, eat tasty food, wear new clothes, and go to a good school..." "No, I don't want to!"

No matter what the director said, James only cried and shook his head. "I don't want to!"

The director's eyes moistened with tears.

Looking to Francis, worried he might be upset, she said, "Mr. Francis, the child has had some hard times before. Please, don't mind it and give him some time." "I understand."

With not a hint of displeasure, Francis, leaning on his cane, stepped forward and slowly squatted down, reaching out his hand to James.

he hesitated, then

small shoulders trembled, disbelief in his eyes. He looked to the

patting his head. "Did you hear that? You have a

eyes were watery, clearly

child wouldn't hope for a

held him back, hesitant

sweetie," Francis spoke gently and calmly, "Daddy has been quite busy these last few days, hadn't got the chance to visit you but Daddy is not going to leave

despite his young age,

pouted as he spoke with a cry in his

"Yes."

his hand and his pinky

pinky

pinky promise James, no

for a long while before finally raising his chubby little hand and hooking it with

"No lies!"

lies, Daddy won't

in, "James, why don't you

Daddy," James said, still sounding