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.

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

you're better, we'll have plenty of days

away her

crying, sweetheart. Your eyes

make herself

in her tears with

her softly. "Try to

stand, but she suddenly gripped his wrist,

up at him, lost and anxious.

a strange ripple moving through his chest. "You

gazed at him,

I leave you like this? I'll

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

stay. I'm just going

be swollen shut by

tonight. Are you hungry? Want some soup, or

"No, thanks. I don't

He knew that kind of grief

out, returning soon with an ice pack. He pressed it gently to Rebecca's eyes, then sat down on the edge of

sleep. I'm not going anywhere. I'll be right here

"Okay."

fingers curled around his, holding

as she drifted

watched over her

aching for her, but

'n