The car window rolled down, revealing Howard Coleman's trademark sunny smile: "Hey Ruby!"
Ruby Gregory thought to herself, the world really is small. She was squatting by the roadside waiting for Olivia Foster and unexpectedly ran into an old acquaintance.
For Ruby, Howard and Madeleine were both long-time friends of many years, unlike her relationship with Steve Burton, where she always felt somehow beneath him, cautious and careful to please him.
Thus, running into Howard was a genuinely happy event for Ruby. Even though her ankle was throbbing with pain and tears welled up in her eyes, she still wore a beaming smile as she greeted Howard casually and naturally: "Howard, it's been a while."
"Hey Ruby, it's been a long time. What are you doing squatting here by yourself?" Howard asked, his gaze dropping to Ruby's clutched ankle.
Howard pushed open the car door, got out immediately, walked over to Ruby, reached out his hand, and helped her up: "Can you walk?"
