Chapter 52

Ruby hesitated, glancing between Eric, who was in her arms, her mother, and Lillian, unsure of what to do. “What’s going on with you today, my child? Why are you so sluggish?” Ruby’s mother asked, noticing her daughter’s distracted state. “Oh, I know! Come on, let’s get Eric to the guest room so he can rest.” She nudged her husband. Ruby’s father stepped forward without a word, gently taking Eric from Ruby’s arms and guiding him upstairs. Ruby stood there for a moment, feeling conflicted, before her gaze shifted to Lillian. Lillian smiled, her lips curling in a soft, almost comforting way. “Well then, I’ll leave Eric in Ruby’s care.” “What do you mean, ‘leave him’? You’re making it sound so formal,” Ruby’s mother teased, her tone light. “Ruby, go take care of your brother Eric.” Ruby managed a forced smile, hesitated for a long moment, and finally turned, following them upstairs. Ruby’s father laid Eric down on the bed. Turning to Ruby, who had followed him into the room,