Chapter 12
The next morning, the sound of Loretta’s singing voice continued to increase until Ruth realized she was in her bed. When her eyes fluttered open, she turned her head toward the source. The bathroom door swung open, and Loretta stepped out, humming. She was wearing a red one-piece bathing suit with white polka dots and a matching retro swimming cap covered in latex flowers. She looked like a fifties-style synchronized swimmer. “Well, sleepyhead. It’s about time you wake up.”
Ruth groaned, rubbing her eyes and face. “What are you doing?”
“Getting ready for my morning swim, of course.” Loretta opened the desk drawer and pulled out one of Ruth’s rosy-red lipsticks and began smoothing it over her lips. Ruth didn’t say anything. What was the point? She plopped back down on her pil
