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!"

faster, the crisp wind on her face

the field, Gilbert watched the scene unfold with a growing chill in his gaze. He remained silent, but soon, Francis noticed him and gestured for the nurse to

attend to something," the nurse

"Jane,

sheepish smile, "I'm not sure, just that

...

sofa with an

furrowed, "Mind your

up

on

y Getting

intention with Rebecca?"

on more than neighborly concern; it was the scrutiny of a man

"Obviously," Gilbert's irritation was quick to