Ruby Between the Cracks

by P.D. Workman

It was a few nights later; Justin stirred as his door squeaked open. He turned over and saw June creep in and slip into the empty bed. Neither of them said anything. He closed his eyes and went back to sleep again.

  But he didn’t sleep soundly. June was tossing and turning noisily. Justin drifted in and out of dreams. June’s breathing finally settled into a steady rhythm, but she still moved around. Then she started to moan and cry out. Justin slipped out of bed and went over to her. He shook her arm gently.

  “June. Wake up. You’re having a dream.”

  She gasped and sat up abruptly. “No. No, Mom!”

  “Shh,” he quieted her. “I’m here, June. It’s Justin. Shh.”

  “Justy?” June hugged him. “Oh.” She breathed out, relaxing in his hold.

  “You okay? Have a bad dream?”

  “Yeah. I guess.”

  “Come on over with me,” Justin suggested.

  June agreed, climbing out of bed. They both went over to Justin’s bed. Justin lay down with her, and wrapped his arms around her comfortingly. “There. Now go back to sleep.”

  With a sigh, June snuggled and drifted quietly off to sleep.