Rebecca White frowned, contemplating whether to decline.
But then, she remembered his words from last night… He had urged her not to step back…
Biting her lip, Rebecca placed her phone down without replying, quietly waiting.
After a while, another message came in.
Rebecca, I’m here. Come on down.
A flutter of nerves, Rebecca grabbed her backpack and headed out.
Rebecca. Francis stood by the car, opening the passenger door for her with a gentle touch on the roof.
Get in.
Okay. Rebecca nodded, ducking into the car.
A wave of joy washed over Francis. Rebecca was still reserved, but at least, she wasn’t retreating anymore.
They drove to the hospital.
As Rebecca had expected, in the middle of the day, the White family was absent, with only a nurse in charge of care.
The hospital room was quiet.
Although Galloway’s condition had stabilized, due to a stroke, he wasn’t very lucid and seemed confused.
Wearing an oxygen mask, he looked frail.
Rebecca pulled up a chair and sat by the bed.
Galloway was asleep, his mouth slightly open, his complexion unnaturally pale.
Grandpa…
Rebecca’s voice broke as she started.
Francis stood by her side, offering her a tissue.
Thanks. Rebecca took it, holding it in her hands, her eyes fixed on Galloway. My grandpa… he’s aged so much…
Francis raised an eyebrow, Were you and Mr. White close?
Yes.
Rebecca nodded. When I was little, my parents were busy with their careers and didn’t have time for me, so I grew up with my grandpa.
Her parents were both career-driven, and by the time she had grown into a young girl, their marriage had fallen apart.
Rebecca wasn’t saddened by this; her closest bond had always been with Galloway.
But after moving abroad with her mother, she grew distant from her grandfather. Upon returning to Sunhaven, she lived with Galloway again. Until she got married.
Due to that ‘scandal,’ she distanced herself from all her relatives, including Galloway.
Rebecca murmured, I’m not sure if grandpa wants to see me… Maybe he thinks I’ve disgraced him…
No.
Francis felt a tightness in his chest, shaking his head.
What? Rebecca looked up at him, puzzled.
I mean… Francis said gravely, Your
a raised you himself. You’re
13 no matter what anyone.
he won’t reject you.
Really?
Rebecca was uncertain, half-believing.
Mmm…
From the bed, Galloway made a faint sound.
Grandpa? Rebecca stood up in surprise.
Who…? Galloway struggled to open his eyes, his voice hoarse and unclear.
Grandpa!
Rebecca’s palms were sweaty with nerves, It’s me, Rebecca… Reb… Rebecca?
Galloway repeated the name, taking
a
hile to recognize it, then his
S drooped. Content beel.ne swelongs to
It’s… Rebecca.
Lying there, he turned towards her, struggling to lift his hand.
Grandpa, it’s…
Rebecca quickly grasped Galloway’s hand, tears instantly filling her eyes, It’s
me, Rebecca… Rebecca came to see you!
Good… good…
Galloway’s eyes were cloudy as he spoke indistinctly.
Good for what?
Rebecca guessed he meant her visit.
Are you okay?
But hearing Galloway struggle to finish, Rebecca paused, tears spilling over.
She understood!
Grandpa was asking how she was, wanting to know if she had been okay these years… Grandpa…
Rebecca’s voice was choked, nodding vigorously, I’m fine! Rebecca is fine!
Closing her eyes, tears streamed down her face.
Good, that’s good…
Galloway’s expression softened, a content smile on his lips.
Then, his gaze slowly shifted to Francis, uncertainly asking, Grandson-in-law?