"I headed out as soon as you called me." Ruby readjusted herself and stepped into the room with the thermal lunch box. "Dad, I've come to see you."

Gary hummed in response. He looked awkward. He wondered if she had heard anything he had said.

"Didn't you say that you are coming with Elliot? Why isn't he here?" Gary was slightly upset when he saw that she had come alone.

"He had a bit too much to drink last night, and he came down with a fever. He wanted to visit you, but I didn't want you to catch his fever, so I told him to stay at home and rest," Ruby explained as she opened the lunchbox. "I prepared your favorite mushroom soup today. Let me pour it into a bowl for you."

"I ate too much for breakfast, so I can't really stomach the soup right now," Gary said.

Disappointment filled Ruby's face as she closed the lid. Seeing that she was disappointed, he immediately said, "Let me drink just a bit, then!"

Ruby's heart began to race, and color filled her cheeks. Her fingers on the l