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

on the past. James is safe now. Once you're better, we'll have plenty of days together-just

away her

more crying, sweetheart. Your eyes are all puffy

make herself sick if she kept

nodded, reining in her tears

Francis urged her softly. "Try to

and started to stand, but she suddenly gripped his wrist, her

at him, lost and anxious. “Are you

froze, a strange ripple moving through his

gazed at him,

again, gentler, "How can I leave you like this?

red and swollen as she nodded. "Okay." “Alright." Francis felt something in him ease. She wanted

hand. "I'll stay. I'm just going to

be swollen shut by

"Sherilyn said you didn't eat much tonight. Are you hungry? Want

head. "No, thanks. I don't think I could

He knew that kind of grief left no

gently to Rebecca's eyes, then sat down on the edge of

going anywhere. I'll be right here with

"Okay."

his, holding on to his warmth. Her

she drifted off, finally at

over her in

for

'n