Ruby leaned slightly back in her chair, giving the ghost space as she explained the second part of the design in a clear, patient voice.
The young ghost nodded, staring a little too long at her face rather than at the page.
Ruby didn't notice at first, her mind was still halfway on the work, her pen tapping gently on the table as she spoke.
Then, just as she finished explaining—
The ghost shifted his foot, pretending to trip.
"Ah—!" he gasped softly.
Before Ruby could react, he stumbled forward, dropping the papers he was holding and leaned dangerously close toward her lap, as if about to fall right into her.
For a sharp second, everything slowed.
Outside, Julian walked carefully down the hallway, holding a small tiffin box in both hands.
Inside was Ruby's favorite meal, neatly packed...something he had prepared just for her. He'd wanted to surprise her today, to bring her a little warmth after all the stress she'd been carrying.
