When she went down the stairs, she was not like Lauren, who had many small movements. Lauren was always jumping around, and when she went down the stairs, she was also restless. Every time Franklin saw her, he would scold her, but Lauren remained the same.
Ruby was different.
When she walked, she held the handrail of the stairs with her right hand. She was very steady, taking a step at a time.
Franklin recalled what Lauren had said to him before: Ruby had the maturity and steadiness of a grown-up.
Downstairs, everyone was sitting and eating fruit in a neat row.
"Where is Lauren? I had washed her favorite strawberry," Mr. Hayes asked.
"Lauren was already asleep, so I didn't wake her up."
"Ruby, come sit down and eat your fruit," said Franklin, pointing to the empty seat.
Ruby nodded and sat down obediently on the sofa.
She did not feel shy at all. She picked up the fruit and began to eat.
