"Rule one," she said firmly, "No stepping outside the house. I don't care what excuse you have. Stay inside."
Milo blinked. "Even if the weather is good?"
"Yes," Ruby said. "Good weather lures fools out. You're not fools, right?"
They all stayed quiet.
"Rule two," she continued, "Don't open the door for anyone. I mean no one. I don't care if they look innocent, lost, or friendly."
Karl scratched his head. "What if they say they're in danger?"
"Then they should find help somewhere else," Ruby replied coldly. "No kindness to strangers when you're alone."
She took a breath and locked eyes with each of them. "Rule three: No emotional drama. No blackmail tears. No begging. And no switching beds at night."
Karl pouted. "That's aimed at me…"
Milo giggled. "You do cry a lot."
Karl looked betrayed.