You Can't Ask

Ed was about to dive into the pool, but then he saw Ruby moving her hands and feet. She didn't appear to be drowning; she was swimming normally. It wasn't an accidental fall or an accident. Ruby intended to swim.

Still, it was an odd decision given that it was nearly three in the morning.

Ed stood waiting, unmoving and silent, by the pool's edge. Because there weren't any bright lights around, Ruby was unaware of his presence.

Ruby kept swimming back and forth until she finally stopped and stood still in the middle of the pool. She hung her head, her wet hair covering her face. Ed saw her body shaking, naturally thinking it was because of the cold. But then he realized that her hunched shoulders and back were caused by crying. There was no sobbing, but Ruby then covered her face with her hands.

"Why are you crying?" Ed moved closer and sat by the pool's edge, knees bent.

Of course, Ruby was startled. She had been very sure she was alone.

"You're... why... here?" Ruby inquired, wiping