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.

her. He wasn't one

now. Once you're better, we'll

away

crying, sweetheart. Your eyes are all puffy

thought, she'd make herself sick if she

reining in her

eyes," Francis urged her softly. "Try to get some

go of her hand and started to stand, but she suddenly gripped

looked up at him, lost

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

gazed at

leave you like this? I'll stay

and swollen as she nodded. "Okay." “Alright." Francis

"I'll stay. I'm just going to grab an ice pack for

swollen shut by

tonight. Are you hungry? Want some soup, or maybe a

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

push. He knew that

with an ice pack. He pressed it gently to Rebecca's eyes, then

anywhere. I'll be right here

"Okay."

his, holding on to his

as she drifted off, finally

over

heart aching for

'n