Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"Nothing to worry about."

Frank looked into her eyes, his tone soft and reassuring, "A few years back, I got pretty banged up, and I'm still on the mend. The Southern District Sanatorium is a great place for recovery; I come here from time to time to recharge." "I see..."

Rebecca thought to herself, this man, already battling his own health issues, didn't hesitate to jump into the lake to save her... It spoke volumes of his kindness.

She fished a piece of candy from the bowl and offered it to Frank, "Here... a little sweetness for the Christmas. May things get better and better."

"Thanks." Frank took the candy, a smile spreading across his face.

As the event wrapped up, Frank followed Rebecca back.

Standing at her door, he called out, "Wait."

Rebecca turned, "What's up?"

Frank pulled out a small box from his pocket, the very pencil case.

He handed it over, "For you, a Christmas' gift."

"Ah?" Rebecca was taken aback. Given their acquaintance, how could she accept a Christmas' gift from him?

Rebecca quickly waved her hands, refusing, "I can't accept this..."

"Keep it," Frank insisted. "Got it at the company's Christmas' party, and I have no use for it. If you don't take it, it'll just end up in the trash."

This...

Hesitantly, Rebecca conceded, "Well... thank you, then."

"You're welcome."

As Rebecca held it, curiosity piqued, "This is...?"

Being a designer, she immediately recognized it, eyes widening, "Is this a set of drawing pens?"

"Yeah." Frank nodded. "Hope you can make use of them?"

"Absolutely!" Rebecca beamed, "I'm studying design."

"Really?" Frank raised an eyebrow. "Looks like it's a perfect match, then. A happy coincidence." "Ha!" Rebecca laughed heartily. To her, it was indeed a pleasant surprise. "Then I'll gladly keep it!" "Good."

As Rebecca turned to head inside, something struck her, and she looked back, "You know, we never really introduced ourselves, did we? I'm Rebecca, as in the color white, Rebecca for the rising dawno

"I'm... Frank, the color green, Frank for... well, just Frank." "Frank."

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Rebecca repeated, smiling as she waved the pencil case, "Thanks the pers. Once my eyes are all

better, I'll put them to goodall foet

"Sure thing."

use."

ஜums

Frank stood still, watching the nurse help her inside and close the door before he turned to leave.

Lifting his gaze, his eyes narrowed slightly.

At the end of the corridor, by the stairs, near the flower garden, Caroline stood there, shock and disbelief filling her eyes. Frank frowned and quickly descended the stairs, heading straight for her.

Without a word, he grabbed her wrist, "Let's talk outside."

Caroline, still dazed and with a pounding headache, was too stunned to react, allowing him to lead her out.

Suddenly, she snapped to her senses.

"Frank! Let go of me!"

Frank turned sharply, his voice deep, "Calm down. Anything you want to know, anything you want to ask, I'll tell you." "Really?"

Tears began to well up in Caroline's eyes as she laughed bitterly.

"So, you're ready to talk now? Weren't you the one who swore up and down that you never betrayed

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me, that there was nobody else?"

Frank's brow furrowed, remaining silent.

"Speak up!"

Caroline's voice broke, her grip tightening on his shirt, shrill and piercing, "Frank, have you gone mute??"