Ruby's Morning

The first rays of sunlight filtered through the sheer white curtains of Ruby’s bedroom, casting soft golden streaks across the room. Her sanctuary was cozy, exuding a warmth that made it hard to leave the comfort of her bed. A thick, knit throw was draped over the foot of the bed, complementing the soft gray duvet and scattered, mismatched pillows in muted pastel tones. On the nightstand, a ceramic mug sat next to a stack of well-worn books, while the gentle hum of a white noise machine faded as the day began.

The air smelled faintly of lavender, the remnants of a candle she’d burned the night before, and the hardwood floors beneath a plush area rug glowed faintly in the morning light. Across the room, a small desk held a collection of notebooks and an open laptop, surrounded by potted plants that thrived in the sunlight streaming through the windows.

Ruby stirred, the warmth of her blanket cocoon tempting her to linger. Eventually, with a sigh, she swung her legs over the edge of the bed, her toes meeting the soft rug beneath her. She stretched, her arms arching above her head as she welcomed the new day.

She made her way to the bathroom, brushing her teeth while glancing at her reflection in the mirror. Her chestnut hair was tousled from sleep, and the faintest dark circles lingered under her eyes—a reminder of the long, tense night before. As the cool water splashed against her face, she felt the fog of sleep begin to lift.

Just as she finished pulling on a comfortable sweater and a pair of jeans, her phone buzzed on the nightstand. She picked it up, glancing at the caller ID before answering. “Tiffany?”

“Hey,” Tiffany’s voice came through the line, hesitant and a little strained. “I, um… I think I lost my wedding ring last night at the club.”

Ruby frowned, sitting back on the edge of her bed. “Your wedding ring? Are you sure?”

“Yeah,” Tiffany replied quickly. “I thought I had it when we left, but this morning I realized it’s gone. I think it might’ve slipped off when I was… when we were in that stall.”

The weight of the night before settled heavily on Ruby again as Tiffany’s words sank in. Her mind replayed the events, the chaotic jumble of emotions, and the sense of relief when it was all over. Now, the thought of returning to the club—the restroom, specifically—made her stomach tighten.

“I can’t go back,” Tiffany added, her voice breaking slightly. “I can’t. I just… I can’t handle it. But I need that ring, Ruby. It’s my wedding ring.”

Ruby sighed softly, rubbing her temple. Tiffany’s plea was clear, and Ruby knew she couldn’t refuse. “Alright,” she said finally, her voice gentle. “I’ll go tonight and check for you.”

“Thank you,” Tiffany breathed, her gratitude evident. “I’m sorry to ask you to do this.”

“It’s okay,” Ruby reassured her. “We’ll get it back.”

After hanging up, Ruby sat for a moment in silence, her phone resting on her lap. Her thoughts swirled with everything that had happened the night before and the prospect of returning to the club. Jimmy’s audacity, Tiffany’s vulnerability, and her own conflicted feelings all weighed on her.

But first, there was the day ahead. Ruby stood and stretched again, shaking off the lingering unease. She had a routine to follow—her daily rituals that brought a sense of normalcy and order. Her to-do list included tidying up her apartment, watering her plants, tackling a bit of work, and going to the martial arts dojo for training. Each task gave her a small sense of control, a welcome contrast to the uncertainty of the night before and what awaited her later.

By the time evening approached, Ruby would be ready to face the club again, even if the thought still made her skin crawl. For now, though, she focused on the small comforts of her home and the steady rhythm of her day.