Chapter 17

Ruby knelt before the glass coffin, her teardrops falling onto its surface. In a quiet voice, she recounted the things that happened over the years, as if Patty was still around to listen to her stories. "Grandma Patty, do you know how much I miss you? I miss you so, so much…" Her voice slowly faded into sobs. After a while, she slowly rose to her feet and wiped the tears from her face. "I should get going, Grandma Patty," she whispered. "Don't worry, I'll take good care of myself. I won't let anyone hurt me ever again." With that, she turned around to leave. Her footsteps were firm and resolute. However, the moment she stepped out from the funeral parlor, she heard a familiar voice behind her. "Ruby!" Ruby stopped in her tracks, her body instantly freezing. Turning around slowly, she spotted Ian and Henry standing not too far away. They were staring at her, their eyes shimmering with complex emotions. "Ruby, it's really you…" Ian murmured, his voice trembling slightly. He co