The morning Ruby left for Switzerland, the house was unusually quiet.
Suitcases sat by the front door like silent witnesses to the journey ahead. James moved with a kind of controlled calm, his military past showing in the precision of his packing, the checklist he’d double-checked twice. Michelle, softer in her movements, hovered near Ruby, adjusting her scarf and making sure she had her favourite herbal tea tucked into the side of her handbag.
Ruby sat in her usual sunroom chair, blanket over her knees, hands folded over a leather-bound journal. She looked composed, but Grace could see the storm behind her eyes.
“Ready?” Grace asked gently, crouching beside her.
Ruby nodded. “As I’ll ever be. I’ve packed every lotion and vitamin under the sun, and Michelle’s insisted on six books and
