Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Rebecca was never one for the hustle and bustle, but seeing as they were going to share a yard, a bit of neighborly interaction wouldn't hurt.

Moreover, the Sunhaven Sanatorium was just too quiet. A chat with someone every now and then could be a nice change.

With that thought, Rebecca asked her caregiver, "Who's moving in next door? How old are they? An old lady, a little miss... or someone around my age?"

The caregiver couldn't help but chuckle. "Ms. White, did it ever cross your mind it could be a gentleman? Maybe an old man or a little boy?"

Why had she assumed it would definitely be a woman?

Rebecca paused, realizing she hadn't considered that option. "So, it's a gentleman?"

"I don't know."

The caregiver shook her head. "I only saw the movers and the staff from Sunhaven Sanatorium. Maybe they'll move in after everything is set up."

Rebecca nodded in agreement.

Eventually, the yard returned to its peaceful state.

Rebecca guessed that the moving was done and everything was in order.

But, there was no sign of her new neighbor.

As the sun began to set, the caregiver helped Rebecca back inside, and she pushed the matter to the back of her mind.

The next day, rain poured down in Sunhaven.

not venturing out for

sky cleared, Rebecca resumed her routine of basking in the

out to the yard, and laid a blanket

stay put, I'll bring out some tea and

smiled, nodding. "I'm not a child.

"I'll be right back."

leave, Rebecca sat

clearly hear the whisper of leaves and the gentle flow of the artificial lake nearby...

that a baby

her hands, rising to her

she approached, the crying grew

at the house, the caregiver, carrying a tray of

"Where did she go?"

out, "Ms. White,

found Rebecca standing by the

throat, the caregiver yelled, "Ms.

call, Rebecca came to her senses. Where was she, and why was she here? Suddenly,

days of

lake

was wet and slippery.

Rost her balance a

into the

"Aah!"

white as