Ruby Gregory's mood gradually calmed down under Steve Burton's gentle coaxing, and then, little by little, her crying stopped.
Only then did Steve pull Ruby out of his embrace, wiped the tear-stains from beneath her eyes, and then picked up the porridge from the side, feeding it to her.
The big cry just now had allowed Ruby to vent the pent-up fear and panic she had accumulated over the night. She regained her composure and felt hunger, so she obediently opened her mouth. Under Steve's attentive care, she drank more than half a bowl of porridge and felt full, then gently shook her head at him.
Steve put the bowl back on the table beside them, then climbed onto the bed, holding Ruby in his arms, gently patting her back, coaxing her to sleep.
-
When Steve went downstairs to get the porridge for Ruby, he saw his father's briefcase on the living room couch. He reached out his hand, pointed to the briefcase, and asked Mrs. Taylor, "My dad's back?"
"Yes, Mr. Steve."
