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.

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

Once you're better, we'll have plenty of days together-just us, as

away

crying, sweetheart. Your

she'd make herself sick if

nodded, reining in her tears with an

her softly.

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

at him, lost and anxious. “Are you

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

gazed at him,

again, gentler, "How can I leave you like this? I'll stay with you

Rebecca responded—her eyes red and swollen as she nodded. "Okay." “Alright." Francis felt

just going to grab an ice

be swollen shut by

tonight. Are you

shook her head. "No, thanks. I don't think

Francis didn't push. He knew that kind of grief

gently to Rebecca's

to sleep. I'm not going anywhere. I'll

"Okay."

his, holding on to his warmth.

drifted

watched over

aching for her,

'n