Chapter 186

Ruby

Sunday morning service is a tradition in my family, has been since I was a little kid. I'm not particularly religious, but even if you aren't, you're still expected to make an appearance.

"I promise, Mom, I'm fine!" I assure my mom for probably the nineteenth time since I showed up this morning. "The cop who helped me was nice, and there's nothing to worry about. He took me home, took care of everything, and made sure I didn't have to be scared. You don't have to worry."

"I'm just not used to you living on your own," she worries, pushing my hair back, out of my face. "It's an adjustment period for us, I'm not trying to crowd you, but please remember, you're still our little girl."

I want to tell her I've been on my own a while. When I was in college no one was there to make sure I came home at a decent hour, to make sure I went to class, or that I ate at a certain time. Funny how that worked out. I even had to make sure I did my own laundry. There was no one there to do th