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.

cozy in her room, not venturing

day, when the sky cleared, Rebecca resumed her routine of basking in the

caregiver dressed her warmly, helped her out to the yard, and

put, I'll bring

Rebecca smiled, nodding. "I'm not a child. I won't

"I'll be right back."

the caregiver turned to leave, Rebecca sat alone, soaking up the sun's warmth, feeling

hearing had sharpened. She could clearly hear the whisper of leaves and the gentle flow of the artificial lake nearby... Suddenly, Rebecca's eyes

a

her hands, rising

the crying grew

a tray of

"Where did she go?"

caregiver paled, calling out, "Ms. White, where are you? Ms. White, Ms.

caregiver soon found

the caregiver yelled, "Ms.

by the call, Rebecca came to her senses. Where was she, and why

of rain, the ground

lake

was wet and slippery.

Rost her balance a

the pond.

"Aah!"

now white as a sheet,