Scolded by 8 Years Old Girl

An 8-year-old girl stood under the night sky, her slightly messy white hair glowing softly in the moonlight. She wore her school uniform, her sleepy eyes heavy as she rubbed them gently. Fatigue crossed her innocent face.

It was Ruby. But why was she outside her house, still in her school clothes?

"Big Bro? Is that you? Why are you here?" Ruby's eyes widened in surprise. She rushed to Ryuki and touched his arm. "Is this real?"

"Hey, Ruby," Ryuki said with an awkward chuckle. He'd thought the drunk man had changed everything, but maybe it was Ruby. How? Why? It hurt his head to think about, so he pushed it aside.

"Big Bro, why are you here?" Ruby asked again, startled. Then she spotted Rena. "Big Sis is here too!"

Ryuki figured it'd take too long to explain. He decided to lie. "Rena and I are playing a courage game, sneaking out at night."

Ruby frowned and scolded them. "That's bad, Big Bro and Big Sis! It's not safe for kids to be out at night. Someone could kidnap us!"

Ryuki hadn't expected an 8-year-old to lecture him. Rena spoke up. "We're sorry, Ruby. We won't do it again. But why are you outside in your uniform?"

"Um… well…" Ruby glanced at the sky, searching for an excuse. Ryuki could guess the truth, but he doubted she'd admit it.

"My father hasn't come home from work," she said weakly. "I'm waiting for him."

Work? Her father? Ryuki knew better. The man was a gambler and an alcoholic, drowning in debt. He'd probably sell Ruby one day to pay it off. Ryuki wanted to hurt him—badly—but he couldn't. He wished for some invincible power, one that'd let him kill without consequences.

"He's not back yet, right?" Ryuki asked.

Ruby glanced at the door behind her, then nodded.

"How about coming to my house?" Ryuki offered with a smile.

Ruby looked down, silent. Then she shook her head. "Thanks, Big Bro, but I'll wait for my father."

"Okay," Rena said, grabbing Ruby's hand. "Then we'll stay with you so you're not alone." She looked at Ryuki. "Right, Ryuki?"

"Yeah," he agreed. "We won't leave you by yourself."

"Big Bro, Big Sis…" Ruby stared at them, then bowed her head. Tears slipped from her eyes.

Ryuki silently promised: I won't let you cry again, Ruby.

After a moment, Ruby changed her mind. "I'll go to your house. I don't want you staying outside with me."

Ryuki figured she feared her father might see them and lash out. Taking her home made sense—but it'd be tricky. Explaining this to his mother and sister in the morning would be a challenge. He could sneak Ruby out before they woke up. His mom got up at 6 AM, so he'd need to leave by 5 AM. What time was it now? Maybe 2 or 2:30 AM. The walk home took half an hour, leaving Ruby with only two and a half hours to sleep.

"Rena, did you bring your phone?" Ryuki asked.

"Yeah," she nodded.

"Let's stay here instead," he said. "The air's nice, and the grass in her yard is soft. We can lie down, play games, or watch something."

Rena checked the time on her phone and agreed. "Yeah, that's better."

"Huh?" Ruby looked confused.

"Did you sleep after school?" Ryuki asked her.

"Um… yeah," Ruby said. "I fell asleep, woke up once, then slept again."

"So you've had enough rest," Ryuki said. "You don't mind staying up with us, right?"

Ruby shook her head. Then she tilted it. "Why not take me to your house? I don't want you here."

Ryuki explained simply. "It's hard to explain at home. You've already slept over seven hours. Two and a half more won't help much. So, let's stay here and head back in the morning."

"But don't you two get sleepy?" Ruby asked.

"Nope," Ryuki said. "I napped this evening, so I'm up for a courage test tonight."

"Nope," Rena said at the same time. "I slept too, so I'm good for a night challenge."

They spoke together, glanced at each other, and Ruby giggled. She found it funny they'd synced up like that.