Ruby: A Journey into Adulthood

I clung desperately to the windowsill, wanting to get a better view. However, my grip slipped, sending me tumbling down. I twisted my ankle as I fell.I urged Lily to hurry back, but despite her assurances that she would, it took her a full hour to finally come out.When she finally appeared, I was leaning against the wall, massaging my aching ankle."Laura, come help me," Lily said in between gasps. She was out of breath. It was as though she had just emerged from the depths of the water, and her body leaned heavily against mine.As I helped her climb over the wall, my eyes inadvertently wandered up. I was startled to realize she was not wearing any undergarments.I asked Lily what happened in the ancestral hall. Lily's cheeks flushed red, and she stammered for a moment before saying, "Look at that smile on your face. You'll find out soon enough."Hmph! If she would not tell me, I would find out for myself.Feigning a stomach ache to avoid returning with her, I stealthily made

It was Mom's voice."You're being foolish! I told you about this long ago. Are you really having second thoughts now?" Grandma's voice carried an intimidating authority that made Mom hesitate to say another word.What did they plan to do to Lily?As they approached the mourning hall, panic surged through me, and I quickly crawled under the coffin.Grandma scanned the room and asked Mom, "Did you hear anything just now?"Mom, trembling as she clutched Grandma's arm, replied, "Could Lily have come back? Rumor has it that those who die unjustly…"Before she could finish, Grandma slapped her across the face. "Stop babbling! It's her blessing if she could contribute to our village!""But… she's still my daughter." Mom cried as she held her red and swollen face.Grandma paused for a moment, a shadow of pain crossing her features. "Do you think I'm not heartbroken over Lily's death? Enough. While we still have a chance, let's get this done."With that, Grandma took out a golden urn a

It felt more like a palace rather than a cave, with ruby-like steps that emitted a crisp, melodious sound with every step I took. The rock walls were adorned with large luminous pearls.I tore a piece of my clothing to wrap around my feet, carefully placing each step to avoid making any noise.At the end of the ruby staircase, there was an open area with a large pool in the center, filled with a vivid red liquid that emanated a nauseating odor. The smell of blood was overwhelming. Was this pool filled with human blood?In the center of the blood pool floated a corpse. If it were not for the lighter color, I would not have been able to recognize its shape at all.I hid behind a ruby pillar and watched as my grandmother pulled the body from the blood pool and tossed it onto the ground.It was Lily! Her vacant eyes seemed to stare directly at me.I covered my mouth to stifle a scream. My mind screamed at me to turn away, but it felt like I was possessed and was unable to move my nec