Ruby had rarely seen her mother downtown.
Claire worked at a small medical-supply warehouse on the east side and spent most of her days in jeans, comfortable shoes, and a blue company shirt.
Today she still wore that shirt.
One sleeve had a small streak of packing dust across it.
Her brown hair had been pulled into a hurried ponytail.
The moment she saw Ruby, relief flooded her face.
“Ruby.”
Ruby jumped up.
Her mother crossed the lobby and hugged her.
“I called the school.”
“I know.”
“You left after dismissal?”
“Yes.”
“Without telling me?”
Ruby lowered her head.
“I found his wallet.”
Claire closed her eyes.
“Ruby.”
“It had nine hundred dollars in it.”
That made Claire open her eyes.
“And you brought it all the way here?”
“I remembered what you said.”
For a moment, Claire seemed torn between being upset and being proud.
Eventually she kissed the top of Ruby’s head.
