When both reached home, everyone had already gathered in the living room, waiting like children eager for stories.
"So, how was it?" Julian asked as he set down a tray of warm tea.
Adrian, usually quiet, sat down and replied simply, "It was good. I made a friend."
"A friend?" Milo blinked. "That’s so nice, brother Adi! When I get better, I’ll find a job too! Maybe we can go together!" he said cheerfully, and his eyes sparkled with dreams.
Julian smiled, proud of how well everyone was growing. Even Adrian, who used to keep everything to himself, was slowly opening up.
But Karl sat silently.
His chin rested on his knees, arms wrapped around them, and his blue eyes were glued to the floor. He didn’t even look up when Ruby came out of her room, hair wet from the shower and fresh robe hugging her frame.
He looked up only once and their eyes met.
But Ruby’s face didn’t soften.
She walked past him without a word, her bare feet soft against the wooden floor. Her heart throbbed, but she hardened herself. She needed space.
Inside her room, Ruby sat at her desk and turned on her ectoplasmic tablet. Her fingers moved rapidly as she finalized the poster design.. Karl’s smiling face with two kids, one tying a raincoat string, the other mid-jump with joy.
She sent it to the poster company she’d spoken to earlier. Her conversation with them had gone well — they promised to print and distribute the first batch by the end of the week. A small step forward, finally.
The knock was soft, almost shy. But she already knew who it was.
Her fingers paused above the screen. A long breath escaped her lips before she stood and walked to the door.
The moment she opened it, her expression turned icy.
His blue eyes looked big and watery, his fingers nervously gripping the edge of his sleeve.
"Wife..." he whispered.
But her cold silence hit him like a wall.
She didn’t say anything, just stared. And when her hand reached for the door again—
"W-Wait!! Please—" he said quickly, stepping closer. "Don’t close it... please..."
"What?" Ruby asked sharply, her voice low. "Do you have something else to ruin?"
"I... I know you’re angry. And you should be," Karl said, looking down. "You worked so hard... and I ruined it. I didn’t mean to—honestly! I just..."
He sniffled but forced himself not to cry.
"...I - I thought it was something fun. I didn’t know it was important. But now I know. And I feel like I hurt you more than I ever meant to."
Ruby’s fingers clenched around the edge of the door, her breath shaking slightly.
Seeing her pause, Karl quickly continued, "I’m sorry, wife... please forgive me! I’ll do everything you say, anything, okay?" His voice cracked as tears fell freely down his face.
Ruby tried hard not to break down. She had always been soft-hearted when it came to him... but this time, she forced herself to hold back the hug he clearly wanted.
"Everything?" she asked, her jaw tight, eyes sharp.
"Yes! Yes, everything!" Karl nodded eagerly, wiping his face with his sleeve like a desperate child.
Ruby looked at him carefully. "...Then you’ll never ask for Soulstream again, alright?" she said in a firm voice, her expression serious as she tested him.
Karl didn’t say anything as he stood there. His eyes were still red from crying, but he wasn’t whining anymore. He just looked at her with a lost expression, then slowly turned around and walked back to his room.
Ruby stood still by the door, her heart sinking all over again. She clenched her fists, closed her eyes, and let out a shaky breath.
Maybe she was too harsh...
But just as she was about to move, she heard soft footsteps again.
Karl was standing in front of her—this time, holding his notebook against his chest.
Ruby blinked in surprise as he handed it to her.
"What is this?" she asked, her voice softer now.
He didn’t speak. Just scratched the back of his head and looked away.
Ruby opened the notebook and saw a page torn messily from the middle. His handwriting was big, clumsy, and very Karl-like. It looked like he’d written it in a hurry, but every word was heavy with feeling.
I feel so guilty I want to turn into a stone and roll down a hill...
I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just really liked Soulstream. But I promise, your words are more important than anything. Even Soulstream. Even Fat Fish Frenzy.
I will not play them anymore. I will only play "Please Make My Wife Smile Again" game.
I love you. I don’t want to make you angry. You’re my most favorite person.
Ruby stared at the page.
A small breath left her lips.
And before she could stop herself, her lips curled into the tiniest smile. Her eyes stung again but this time, not with anger.
She looked at Karl, who was now sitting awkwardly on the floor, hugging his knees and waiting like a scolded puppy.
She walked over quietly, bent down, and flicked his forehead gently.
"Idiot," she whispered.
But then she sat beside him.
As soon as Ruby sat beside him, Karl couldn’t hold it in anymore.
He turned toward her, eyes glassy again, and suddenly threw his arms around her tightly.
"I’m sorry," he choked out, voice breaking. "I’m really sorry, wife..."
His head buried against her shoulder as he hugged her like he was scared she’d disappear if he let go. His arms trembled around her waist, and his breath hitched with every word.
"I’m such an idiot... I know I made you angry again... I don’t want you to hate me..."
Ruby felt his tears wetting her sleeve.
Her heart softened even more. She slowly raised her hand and gently patted his back.
To be continued... 🪄