The bus pulled into the familiar dusty stop at dusk, the streetlights flickering on as the sky bruised purple. Ruby stepped down, her bag slung over one shoulder, heart thumping with a mix of relief and dread—she'd missed her family, but the thought of seeing her mom after everything twisted her stomach.
She pushed open the front door, the scent of simmering soup and old wood hitting her instantly. The living room was dim, a single lamp casting a warm glow over the couch. There, curled up under a faded blanket, sat her mom—her skin pale, eyes sunken, hands trembling slightly around a mug.
For a heartbeat, Ruby froze. The sight of her mother, frailer than she remembered, hit her like a cold wave.
*Mom* (voice thin, cracking): "Ruby…?"
Ruby dropped her bag with a thud, the sound echoing in the quiet house. In an instant she was on the floor, knees meeting the rug, arms flinging open. Her mom rose—slow, unsteady—but as soon as their bodies met, she pulled Ruby into a fierce, tight hug.
Both of them trembled. Tears streamed down Ruby's cheeks, hot and fast, soaking her mom's shoulder. The dam broke.
*Ruby (sobbing):* "Mama, I'm so sorry… I thought I could fix everything by staying away. I didn't want to hurt you or—"
*Mom (voice shaking, holding Ruby's face):* "Shh… my baby, I'm the one who's sorry. I let my fears push you. I won't interfere in your love with Dhruv. I see how happy he makes you, how he cares. I was wrong to bring all that pressure. Please forgive me."
They clung to each other, the years of misunderstanding melting in that embrace. The room seemed to breathe with them, the weight lifting, the silence filled with sniffles and whispered apologies.
After a long moment, Ruby pulled back just enough to look into her mom's eyes, still wet but softer now.
*Ruby:* "I love you, Mom. I missed you. I'm not leaving again because of fear. We'll figure it out—together."
*Mom (nodding, a faint smile breaking through tears):* "Together."
She helped her mom back onto the couch, tucked the blanket around her, and fetched water, their hands intertwined the whole time.
Ruby was still wiping tears from her eyes when the front door burst open with a rush of footsteps. The hallway lights flickered on, and her dad, Gabriel, appeared first, his tall frame moving faster than she'd ever seen. Behind him, Cassandra, Rose, and Samantha tumbled down the stairs, their faces a mix of shock, relief, and love.
*Gabriel (voice trembling, eyes red):*
"Ruby! Oh my girl…"
He didn't pause. In a heartbeat he was at the couch, kneeling, pulling Ruby into his arms. His hug was solid, warm, the kind that tells you everything will be okay.
*Mrs. Gabriel (still holding Ruby's hand):*
"Forgive us, baby. I'm sorry for all the pressure, for doubting you."
*Cassandra (pushing through, tears streaming):*
"Ruby, I'm so sorry. I never wanted you to feel alone."
*Rose (squeezing in, voice cracking):*
"We missed you so much. You're our heart. Next time, stay, talk—don't run."
*Samantha (the youngest, hugging from the side):*
"Please don't disappear again. We love you, sis."
The four of them wrapped around Ruby, a knot of arms, shoulders, and heads, the room echoing with sniffles and soft sobs. The weight of the hug lifted the lingering dread, replacing it with a fierce, reassuring presence.
*Gabriel, voice hoarse with emotion:*
"Ruby, I'm sorry. I let fear make me push you away. Your mother and I— we're learning. You deserve to love who you love without us tearing you apart. I hope you can forgive us."
*Ruby (clinging, tears soaking her dad's shirt):*
"Dad… Mom… I love you all. I thought I had to choose. I'm scared, but I don't want to run anymore. I want us to fix things together."
*Cassandra (wiping her eyes, smiling through tears):*
"Then stay. Talk to us. Let us be part of it. No more running."
*Rose (nodding):*
"Whatever it is, we'll figure it out. Family sticks together."
*Samantha (grooming Ruby's hair):*
"And we'll always have each other's backs."
The room settled into a gentle hum of shared breaths, the tension melting into warmth. After a few moments, Gabriel stood, pulling everyone into a group hug that included Ruby's mom, forming a circle of forgiveness and hope.