RUBY

Unexpectedly, it took Carlos some time to find a new place for my mother and me. Luther continued to persuade me to live with him and Rose, but I insisted on staying separate. I thought that if I stayed around Luther, it would only create endless problems. I still questioned myself, even my feelings. It wasn't easy to shape myself this way.

"Are there any more things left?" my mother asked.

My mother's face lit up. She glanced toward the kitchen before returning to me. Moving to a new ...