Naomi embraced Ruby back firmly, offering a sense of comfort and support that Ruby eagerly needed at that moment. The weight of her heartbreak, mixed with the understanding that she would be raising her child alone, was almost too much to endure. But in Naomi’s arms, Ruby found comfort.

“You’re right,” Ruby finally said in a very low tone, her voice shaking slightly. “We are in this together. I don’t know what I would do in your absence.”

Naomi pulled away mildly to look into Ruby’s eyes. “And I don’t know what I would’ve done without you either,” she replied softly. “We’re a team, Ruby. No matter what happens, we’ll...