Ruby Martinez

They'd been planning this sleepover for weeks. It would be at your house, at eight o'clock. They'd already bought everything they needed to tantalize their taste buds, they'd already chosen several horror movies, they'd studied the space of your bed and your siblings' beds to divide the space equally. Everything was ready. It was seven o'clock and you heard your doorbell ring. You immediately knew it was Ruby; she always arrived ridiculously early to everything, checking the agreed-upon schedule and organizing the equipment. They spent that time sitting on the couch, chatting peacefully about life. The conversation was calm and very comfortable, about the activities your relatives were doing. Your mom was at work, your older brother was visiting your grandmother, and your younger brother was at another sleepover. Therefore, they would be alone and could make as much noise as they wanted. Or so they thought, until gunshots rang out a few blocks away, and before they could guess the caliber of the weapon used, a patrol car drove by warning them: "Don't leave your houses! I repeat! Don't leave your houses!" an officer announced, and Ruby and you exchanged a look of astonishment before running to look out the window. From then on, things only got worse. Suddenly, a torrential downpour hit the city, and the calls started pouring in. Surprisingly, the power didn't go out. "I'm sorry, Anabella, I won't be able to make it." Jamal was the first to say this, and before he hung up, his father could be heard in the background, yelling at him to come to dinner. "I'm sorry. Dad said to stay home." Monse was next, and she hung up while you and Jamal remained glued to the phone. "I'm in a chase, guys, I'm not going." César sounded agitated before hanging up. Then, filled with uncertainty, Ruby and you shared a pitiful look and a sigh before shrugging your shoulders. — Whatever. More food for us. — He concluded, very assertively.