Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Rebecca had lost her sight years ago, making the simple joys of life, like flying a kite, seem like distant memories. But today, Francis was determined to change that.

He jogged over to where Rebecca was standing, quietly signaling the nurse to step aside. "Jane?" Rebecca's voice trembled as she felt the nurse's hand leave hers. She reached out into the void, her voice laced with concern, "Where have you gone? Are you alright?" Instead of the familiar touch of her nurse, her hand was met with another - one that was unmistakably masculine, with long fingers and pronounced knuckles. Startled, Rebecca attempted to retract her hand, but the stranger held on, "Don't be scared, it's me." Recognizing the voice as her neighbor, Rebecca's anxiety eased, though confusion took its place, "What are you doing?"

"Here," Francis said, placing the handle of the kite's reel in her hand, "Have you ever done this before?"

"Yes," Rebecca nodded, hesitance in her voice, "But I can't see now."

"That doesn't matter," Francis reassured her with a gentle tone, "We're alone here, and there's plenty of space. You can run, and I'll be right beside you. You won't get hurt."

The proposition sparked a sense of adventure in Rebecca, "Then, I'll give it a try."

"Wonderful," Francis encouraged with a smile, "Let's run."

With the kite's reel in hand, Rebecca took cautious steps forward, Francis by her side guiding her, "This way, with the wind!"

on her

scene unfold with a growing chill in his gaze. He remained silent, but soon,

had to attend

"Jane, who is

nurse offered a sheepish smile, "I'm not sure, just

...

lounged on the sofa with an air

furrowed, "Mind

up

on Fran

y

intention with Rebecca?"

neighborly concern; it was the scrutiny of a

James' mother." "Obviously," Gilbert's irritation was quick to show, but realization dawned