Rebecca White fell silent for a moment. Francis’s words hit her like a ton of bricks.
If what he said was the truth, then she really was in some kind of danger and needed someone to watch over her. But here in Sunhaven, she didn’t even have a place to call home. Who could she rely on?
Her father? Their relationship was flimsy at best. Her grandfather? He was still laid up in the hospital. The last thing she wanted was to burden him with her messy life and give him more to worry about when he should be focusing on getting better.
Friends? Well, being stuck in a miserable marriage for years hadn’t exactly been conducive to making new ones. Sherilyn was the only real friend she had. But even though she and Sherilyn were close, Rebecca couldn’t bring herself to lean on her. Sherilyn had her own life, and friendship wasn’t meant to be a crutch.
So, where did that leave her?
Rebecca stared at Francis, feeling a bit lost. He seemed to know her situation inside and out, cutting straight to the chase. Rebecca, you need me right now.
Rebecca hesitated for a moment, her brow furrowing in thought, before ultimately shaking her head. No, it’s not that serious. It’s just a one-off thing. No need to get worked up over it.
Rebecca… Francis tried to persuade her, but she wouldn’t have it. It’s late. I don’t want to bother James tonight. I’ll come back tomorrow. I’m heading home now.
Seeing that she couldn’t be swayed, Francis had no choice but to drop it. But that night, Rebecca had another episode.
The next morning, she was jolted awake by the doorbell. Who could it be at this hour?
She threw off the covers and got out of bed, but as soon as she took a step, her knee buckled, sending her sprawling forward. Ah! Rebecca cried out, grabbing the edge of the chair to steady herself. What was going on? Why did her knee hurt so much?
Pulling up her nightgown, she found her knee battered with bruises. What on earth?
A chill ran through her. Could it be… had she been sleepwalking again? She had no memory of what happened when she sleepwalked, but seeing those bruises…
In just a few days, she’d gotten hurt twice for no apparent reason. The evidence was right there. She couldn’t deny it any longer.
The doorbell continued to ring. Rebecca! It was Francis’s voice. Not getting a response, he started pounding on the door, sounding worried.
I’m coming! Rebecca called out, hobbling over to open the door.
Rebecca? Relief washed over
Francis’s face when he saw her. Thank God you’re okay. I was. worried something happened. Why did it take you so long to open the door?
Rebecca sidestepped his question, asking instead, What are you doing here so early?
I was worried about you, he admitted. Did you sleep well last night? Any more episodes?
His question Caught Rebecca off guard, leaving her momentarily speechless. What? Francis noticed her hesitation, his brow knitting together in concern. You had
another episode, didn’t you?el.ne
swnove
When she didn’t respond, he grew anxious. Rebecca, you need to be honest with me! Your health is not something to play around with! Rebecca paused, wrestling with herself, before finally nodding. Yes, I… I had another episode.
Francis’s expression darkened, and he closed his eyes for a moment trying to compose himself. Then he scrutinized her with a worried gaze. Where did you get hurt?
It’s nothing, Rebecca replied, feeling awkward under his concerned scrutiny.
Nothing? Francis’s voice lowered. If you weren’t hurt, how would you know you had an episode? Tell me, where are you hurt? Do I need to check myself?