Page 88 of Freeing Ruby

I nod.

The guards at the front desk smile and nod to us as we pass by. As we make our way to the revolving doors, other residents come into the building laden with shopping bags. They’re all smiling, their faces flushed. A few of them smile politely as they pass us, having no idea that I'm this close to having a meltdown and escaping back upstairs to our apartment.

But I don’t want to make a scene, and I don’t want to embarrass Miguel.

A moment later, I realize we’re standing still in the center of the lobby, while a small crowd passes us. A woman with a baby in a stroller walks past us. A young couple with a small dog on a leash are next.

Miguel’s hand slowly runs up and down my back, a warm, comforting reminder that he’s here with me.

The two things I’ve wanted for so long are right in front of me—security and a normal life. I just have to have the courage to reach for them. Miguel gives me the security I need, but the normalcy part is up to me.

I take another step forward, toward the doors. Miguel keeps pace with me. A boisterous group of teenage boys races into the building, talking loudly, jostling each other. One of them is holding a basketball, which he tosses to a friend. The friend has to scramble to catch it, bringing him right into our path. Their friends howl with laughter.

“Hey, guys,” Miguel says to them as he steers me out harm’s way. “Take it down a notch, okay?”

“Yeah, man, sorry,” says the boy holding the basketball.

They continue on their way, laughing and elbowing each other.

Another few more steps brings us to the revolving doors. Miguel holds me right in front of himself and we step through together. We’re deposited outside the building near the valet parking podium. Cars are lined up in front of the building, along with taxis.

Miguel steers me to the side, and we head for the sidewalk. When we reach the walk, he turns me to face him and peers down at me. “Doing okay?”

I nod, but I must look far from okay because Miguel frowns.

“Are you sure?” he asks.

“I’m sure.”

It’s two blocks to Lake Shore Drive.

Just two blocks.

I can do this.

As we pass townhouse after townhouse, I squeeze Miguel’s hand. The sidewalk is relatively empty at the moment, but I can hear the boisterous crowd on the beach—children’s laughter, squeals of delight, dogs barking.

As we approach Lake Shore Drive, the sound of traffic is nearly deafening. So many lanes of traffic streaming by. Every time I hear a car horn, I flinch. While we wait at the crosswalk for the light to change, a small crowd gathers around us—families, couples, people on bikes, people on skates, joggers. Miguel pulls me close, his arm around me. I’m pressed against his body, which is a reminder that I’m not alone. He’s with me. He’ll keep me safe.

This is real life. This is the real world, and I’m standing in the middle of it. I’m part of it, just like everyone around me. I glance up at Miguel and find him watching me intently. He smiles, and I smile back.

I can do this.

Chapter 33

Miguel

When we cross Lake Shore Drive and head down the walk to the beach, I’m elated for Ruby’s sake. I honestly wasn’t sure we’d make it this far. There were a few times along the way that her anxiety seemed to take hold of her, and she’d stop in her tracks. But each time, she’d resume walking, and now here we are. We’re standing on the beach.

Ruby kicks off her sandals and grabs them by their straps and holds them in her free hand. I have a death grip on her other hand, just as a precaution. I’m prepared for absolutely anything.

I look down as she buries her toes in the sand. She’s smiling, and when she glances up at me, I see tears glittering in her eyes.

“I’m here,” she says in awe. “I’m really here. I did it.”

“Yes, you did.” I kiss her.

We hear the bell from the cart of Mexican popsicles.

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