Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?



After several days of relentless rain and snow, the sun finally decided to show up early this morning.

Rebecca, having finished her breakfast, lounged by the window, soaking in the view outside.

With the festive season just around the corner, the usually tranquil Southern District Sanatorium seemed even more deserted these past few days. However, today, the yard buzzed with unusual liveliness, faint laughter reaching her ears.

"Ms. White," the nurse approached, handing her a glass of water, "Drink some water."

"Thank you." Rebecca took the glass and asked, "What's going on in the yard? Sounds lively."

"People are flying kites. The weather's nice today."

Glancing at the bright sunshine outside, the nurse suggested, "Ms. White, how about we go out for some fresh air?"

Ever since her accident in the water, she had confined herself indoors, and it was indeed time to breathe some fresh air.

"Is that okay?"

The thought excited Rebecca, but the fear of another accident lingered, "I wouldn't want to cause you any trouble."

"It's fine."

The nurse seemed more confident than she was, "We'll just stay in the yard, won't go far. This time, I'll have you arm-in-arm, won't let go, haha!"

Rebecca chuckled, "Alright."

"Let's go!"

Stepping outside, the laughter sounded even more lively.

Rebecca smiled, "Sounds like a lot of people?"

"Yes," the nurse replied, "Our yard is big, so folks from other yards have come over too, along with the caregivers and staff."

"Sounds fun."

Grinning, the nurse asked, "Ms. White, would you like to fly a kite?"Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

"Could we?" Rebecca seemed intrigued, "We don't have a kite, though."

"There's someone handing them out over there." The nurse looped her arm, "Let's go get one."

"Sure."

They hurried over and got a kite.

With the kite in hand, the nurse grew excited, "How do we fly this?"

"Ah?" Rebecca laughed, "You don't know how?"

"..." The nurse shook her head, laughing at herself, "Got caught up in the moment, I guess."

Rebecca did know how to fly a kite her boyfriend, Eddy Jones, had taught her. But now, being visually impaired and with limited mobility, it was a challenge.

"I'll try."

Suddenly, an arm reached out in front of the nurse.

Mr. Francis...

The nurse swallowed, silently passing the kite to him.

"You..."

Rebecca slightly tilted her head, recognizing the voice. Since losing her sight, she had become incredibly sensitive to sounds, and sheo remembered this voice.

Her eyebrows furrowed slightly, "Are you the gentleman who saved me last time...?"

"Yes." Francis nodded, a hint of amusement in his voice at being recognized so easily. He was a man of few words.

Rebecca immediately stood straight, expressing her gratitude formally, "Thank you for what you did last time."

"You've already thanked me for that."

Francis brushed it off casually, taking the kite, "Aren't we here to fly a kite?It's crowded here, and it won't be easy for you. Let's go overthere; it's less crowded."

With a knowing look at the nurse, she took the hint, leading Rebecca, "Ms. White, let's move that way."

"Oh, okay."

Even though Rebecca couldn't see, she could tell from the diminishing voices that they had moved to a quieter spot.

Once settled, Francis spoke, "I'll get the kite up. You stay here, don't move."

"Okay." Rebecca 'watched' him, nodding.

Turning to the nurse, she inquired, "How's it going?"

The nurse narrated, "He's running with the kite... not up yet... Oh, it's getting there... Look!"

With excitement, the nurse patted Rebecca's hand, "The kite's flying!"

"Really?" Rebecca's face lit up with excitement and a touch of regret, "Wish I could see it."