Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Chapter 1159

Rebecca White leaned against Francis's shoulder, her tears quiet and raspy, grief spilling out from somewhere deep in her bones, so bottomless it seemed it would never end.

Her head throbbed, pain crashing over her again. She squeezed her eyes shut, nearly collapsing into Francis's arms.

"Rebecca?" Francis's voice was low, full of worry.

He caught her just in time, scooping her up in his arms, and laid her gently back on the bed.

She pressed a hand to her temple, her face twisted in pain.

Francis stuck his head out the door and called, "Jane!"

"Coming!" The nurse hurried in, apron still on, "Mr. Johnson?"

"Her meds?"

"I'll grab them right away."

Rebecca had to take her medication every evening, but tonight, she'd gone straight to bed and missed her dose.

Jane was back in no time, pills and a glass of water in hand. "Here you go, Mr. Johnson."

Francis eased Rebecca up so she rested against his chest, then took the pills and water from Jane. He soothed her, voice gentle, "Come on, honey. Take your meds, you'll feel better."

Rebecca parted her lips and let him place the small pill on her tongue. He held the glass to her mouth, waited as she swallowed.

"Thanks, Jane," Francis waved the nurse away.

"Yes, sir." Jane left quietly, closing the door behind her.

the covers around her. He wasn't one for words, but he squeezed her hand, trying his best to

dwell on the past. James is safe now. Once you're better, we'll have plenty of

away her

sweetheart. Your eyes are all

she'd make herself sick if she

reining in

your eyes," Francis urged her softly. "Try to

her hand and started to stand, but she suddenly

looked up at him, lost and

a strange ripple moving through his chest. "You don't

just gazed

again, gentler, "How can I leave

and swollen as she nodded. "Okay."

I'm just going

be swollen

Are

thanks. I don't think I could eat

fine." Francis didn't push. He knew that kind of grief left no room

it gently to Rebecca's eyes, then sat

going anywhere.

"Okay."

around his, holding on to his

drifted

watched over

for her,

'n