Ruby

The Break-In

Ruby and Jett took longer than expected to prepare for the break-in. They spent hours mapping out each step and whispering over plans, though it was hard to tell if the extra time was due to the complicated details—or just to keep pushing off the inevitable. The truth was, they were both on edge, both nervous about actually stepping foot inside Mr. Wilson's apartment. Just the thought of getting caught was enough to send chills down their spines. But they pushed through, and after two long days of planning, they felt ready—or as close as they'd get.

They realized they'd need Jasper's help with the lock, so bringing him in became a must. That also meant Pearl would likely find out, so they decided to bring her into the plan as well. When they finally explained everything, both Jasper and Pearl were skeptical—who wouldn't be? Pearl's eyebrows knit together, and Jasper gave them a wide-eyed look that was half disbelief, half intrigue. But after some convincing and a few nervous laughs, Jasper warmed up to the idea, curiosity getting the better of him. Pearl hesitated, though eventually, she gave a reluctant nod.

It was clear that each of them had their doubts, but the tension in the room only made them more determined.

As the clock struck midnight, the four of them slipped silently through the dim hallways, meeting outside Mr. Wilson's door on the second floor. The building was quiet, the kind of stillness that seemed to amplify every tiny sound—a creak in the floorboards, a nervous breath, a faint rustle of clothing. They all moved carefully, barely breathing, exchanging glances to make sure everyone was on the same page: absolute silence.

Jasper, holding the lockpick he'd borrowed, gave Ruby a quick nod, signaling he was ready to get started. Pearl glanced over her shoulder down the hallway, her expression tense, as if every shadow was hiding a pair of watching eyes. Jett stood by Ruby's side, his face set but his posture giving away the nervous energy running through him. No one dared say a word. Even the quietest whisper felt like it would echo down the halls and bring a flood of curious neighbors or, worse, someone who might call the police.

Jasper knelt by the lock, hands steady as he got to work. Seconds ticked by in silence, every click of the pick sounding impossibly loud. They held their breath as he worked, hoping desperately that tonight would go as planned.

With a final, satisfying click, the lock gave way, and Jasper's face broke into a triumphant grin, a mix of pride and mischief lighting up his expression. He stood up, dusting off his hands like it was no big deal, then gave the others a small nod. The door creaked open just a fraction, and he stepped aside, gesturing toward the darkened apartment beyond.

Ruby swallowed hard, his heart pounding louder now that the door was open. This was it—there was no turning back. He glanced at Jett, who nodded stiffly, eyes wide, but he wasn't backing down either. Pearl was right behind them, looking nervous but resolute, her jaw set as if she'd steeled herself for anything they might find. Ruby reached out, fingers lightly brushing the edge of the door, and slowly pushed it open just enough for them to slip inside.

They moved carefully, one by one, into the shadowy space, every nerve alert as they crossed the threshold. The apartment was quiet, the air heavy with a stale, closed-in smell, and they could barely make out shapes in the darkness. They stood close together just inside the doorway, listening, waiting, and Ruby could feel his pulse thudding in his throat as he took in the silence.

Ruby eased the door shut behind him, barely daring to breathe as the latch clicked softly. He stepped further into the darkened apartment, eyes sweeping over the room as an unsettling chill crept down his spine. Nothing seemed outwardly eerie about the place—it was silent and still—but the knowledge that they were standing in the home of someone who had taken his own life added a layer of tension that weighed heavy in the air. Ruby couldn't shake the feeling that they were intruding on something deeply personal, stepping into the remains of a life that had been abruptly cut short.