Chapter 26: Hardwork lost
The light from the window was dim as the sun had begun to set. Ruelle stood by her drawers, her brows knitting in frustration. Hailey, standing behind her, suggested,
"Maybe you put it somewhere else?"
"No," Ruelle responded, shaking her head, her voice laced with quiet certainty.
She had tucked the scarf inside this very drawer before leaving for class. She was sure of it. Her eyes scanned the room once more. The scarf was gone. And with it, the sense of accomplishment and personal victory that had come from knitting it. It wasn’t just the scarf—it was her time, her effort, and her hope.
Her mind raced back to the only possibility that made sense. Her roommate. She was the one who had access to this room. Not to mention the trouble she had caused before, which was enough to make Ruelle suspect her.
"I should check with June," Ruelle whispered to herself, almost reluctantly. She didn’t want to accuse anyone without proof. Especially not someone she had to live with.
Hailey crossed her arms, her frown deepening as she replied, "It wouldn’t surprise me if she took it."
With only the two of them there, they began to search, pulling open drawers and rifling through cupboards. Ruelle’s movements became more frantic as the seconds passed, lifting the mattress, checking every hidden corner as though the scarf might be hiding, waiting to be found.
The door creaked open behind them, and both Ruelle and Hailey paused. June stood in the doorway, her arms crossed. "What do you think you are doing, touching my things?" she demanded, her eyes narrowing with suspicion
Ruelle straightened, and explained, "My scarf is missing. Have you seen it?"
"You thought I took it? Why on earth would I want your silly little scarf?" June rolled her eyes as she stepped into the room, and said, "So, naturally, I’m the thief because I’m your roommate? Please. If I wanted something from you, trust me, it wouldn’t be that cheap piece of fabric."