The week following, Jullian and Grace’s engagement, was a gentle one.
Ruby was home, resting in the sunroom most afternoons, and the whole household seemed to fall into a comforting rhythm. Morning teas brewed like clockwork, flowers arrived from neighbours and friends daily, and laughter found its way back into the corners of the house.
The quiet wasn’t peace, it was resolve. A different kind of strength was taking root.
Tamara and Frederick had extended their stay indefinitely, working remotely when they could, but mostly focusing on being close to Ruby. She had slipped seamlessly into the caregiving routine, helping with preparing light meals, fluffing pillows, and sitting through chemo sessions with silent grace.
“You never fuss,” Ruby observed one morning as Tamara adjusted the cu
