As Melvin stopped in front of Ruby's room and knocked softly on the door, Kimberly, Stefan, and Nathan watched him with hopeful eyes, hoping desperately that Ruby would open the door and let him in.
Melvin stood before Ruby's door, his heart hammering a nervous rhythm against his ribs. He hated that he was about to tell Ruby a nonexistent story, but the desperation in Stefan's eyes and the way Mrs. Winters spoke about Ruby's deteriorating state left him with no choice. Taking a deep breath, he rapped his knuckles on the wood.
Silence.
He rapped again, a little louder this time. Still, no answer. Disappointment threatened to engulf him but giving up wasn't an option. He had a job to do and he wasn't going to leave until he had done it.
He knew this wouldn't be easy. Shame was a heavy cloak, and Ruby seemed determined to remain buried beneath it. It was his duty to toss the cloak of shame out.
