"Mr. John?"

A man suddenly appeared beside him and was eyeing John with concern.

"Yes?" John replied.

"Sir I'm Kevin Davis. I'm with the local police department. Can we talk for a moment?"

John stood up from his seat, not taking his eyes off the cop. Why was the cop asking to talk to him? John wondered.

Seeing the bewildered expression on John's face, Kevin added, "It's just a standard procedure sir. Since this was a case of a car accident, it's routine for us to investigate."

"Oh alright," John replied, feeling a little relieved.

"The umm- patient is-" asked Kevin.

"My daughter. Her name is Ruby. Ruby Rose John." said John.

"How did you know of the accident?"

"I got a call from the hospital today morning. Someone had found her car by the road and had brought her to the hospital. Her bag and ID were with her. That's how they found me."

"Is Ruby working or is she in college?"

"She is in college."

"Which one?"

"MFU. May Flower University."

"May Flower University? Isn't that up north?"

"Yes," replied John.

Getting into May Flower University was something to be extremely proud of, especially since Ruby was from a small town like theirs. May Flower had its own set of medical institute, art institute, law college, aviation institute and a set of hospital franchises. A vast set of the population trusted and were dependent on them. They were involved in philanthropic activities of almost every kind one could think of. Needless to say, they play a major role in the development of the country's economy. It was really hard getting into May Flower University.

Ruby was sent to training classes from the age of thirteen. She has had tuitions, attended seminars and had weekend classes. She had taken part in the local community events and a few events held by May Flower. She has been a volunteer in many of the programs held by the state. She had taken multiple internships and even tutored kids. She had been the school topper for the past four years, a feat unmatched in the history of the school. Ruby had worked really hard to secure a place in this reputed institution. John was extremely proud.

John's mind wandered back to those days. They were really worried for a few weeks when the college hadn't called back after her interview. They had wondered what might have gone wrong. Her scores? Her presentation at the interview? Maybe she might have said something wrong? One after the other, questions and doubts were being born in his brain. He had wondered if he could have handled ruby's life better, had her mother been around.

He still remembers the day her call letter had finally arrived.

Ruby was out, it was John who received the mail. Without waiting for her, John had opened the envelope and read its content. And when Ruby had arrived later, he handed it to her, waiting to see the expression on her face.

While Ruby stood rooted to the spot rereading that piece of paper, John couldn't contain his excitement. He hugged her tightly and told her how proud he was. The very same day they were off to shopping for her new things. New clothes, notebooks, a new laptop, bags, shoes; basically everything required for the new phase of her life. His only resentment was her mother, Rose. His only disappointment.

Kevin hummed in response and this broke John's trail of thoughts. He realised he was smiling slightly.

"Was Ruby supposed to be paying a visit last night?" Asked Kevin.

Eyebrows furrowed, John replied, "No. She wasn't. Why?"

"Does she have any relatives or friends in our town?" Kevin asked again, ignoring John's question.

"Not in the past few years," John answered and asked again, "But why?"

"Mr. John, her car was found on the road by the forest reserve," said Kevin.

"What?!"

Kevin nodded. He said, "We think it's probably an animal crossing gone wrong. Deer, or sometimes foxes, usually jump in front of vehicles on that road. Such accidents have occurred before."

John couldn't believe his ears. An animal. That's what caused the accident. An animal is the reason his daughter was in this condition.

"She must have swerved to avoid hitting the animal," said John.

"We think so," said Kevin as he watched John get lost in thoughts again. He said, "Maybe you should rest. All this must have been a shock to you. If we find anything else, we'll call you. Please let us know when Ruby wakes up. Alright?"

Kevin patted John's back and walked away.

**

He walked into the dark room and looked around. It felt emptier even.though it already was empty.

After pouring and chugging two full glasses of water, he walked to the living area and fell back onto the sofa. The light from the kitchen illuminated the living room walls quite dimly but he could still see shadows cast on them.

He raised his arm and started making shadow animals. Peacock, deer, bird and fish. He smiled. Then his smile fell. This was something Ruby and he used to do.

When she was a child, he would set up a tent in the middle of the living room. This was because she wanted to go camping and he was too scared to let her go. So instead, dad and daughter would play in the torch light pretending its fire. Then John would tell her a long story about animals in the jungle, or fairies in the garden, or princesses that could fight or tribals that lost their farm produce. And Ruby would do a funny dance, the tribals in the forest would do when they get back all their produce from the forest fairy. Of course, Ruby had invented the dance herself.

Smiling to himself, John wished to see the baby Ruby again. But that Ruby was long gone. She was all grown up now, a college girl who apparently still needed to learn how to drive properly. John decided that when she wakes up, he is going to make her get those driving lessons again.

John was too tired, both physically and mentally, to switch on the lights. Resting his head back, he closed his eyes as images of Ruby in bandages and wires started flashing before his eyes....

Blue sky, mild warm breeze and scorching heat. The parking lot was filled with blaring cars, the rush of students and parents, well packed cardboard boxes and huge luggage. Ruby wiped off a drop of sweat on the tip of her nose, her high ponytail dangling behind her. She watched her dad unload a large purple suitcase from the car with difficulty.

"Pa, move aside. I'll do it," she said.

John smirked and asked, "You think you are stronger than me?"

"It's not a competition. I just think you might hurt your back," she replied.

"Hey! I'm very strong. And I'm not very old unlike you," he said, finally unloading the suitcase. Ruby raised an eyebrow, "Did you just call me old?"

Eighteen year old Ruby walked, dragging a suitcase behind her, a large backpack on her back and her phone in her hand. John followed her with another large suitcase and a smaller bag. Pausing in front of the lift, she said, "Alright. I'll go up, keep my stuff and come down. Then we'll go together and get the rest of the luggage." John nodded with a smile.

After keeping all her stuff in her hostel room, she and John decided to go to a nearby cafe they had seen while they were driving up.

Two cups of latte that emanated steam and two plates holding one donut each rested on the table between them. The chocolate glazing of the donut seemed to invite them, begging to be eaten.

Ruby looked around, too excited to be sitting down. They sat on the opposite sides of a small table by the large glass window. Watching her excited form, John said with a smile, "I'm glad to see that you are taking this really well."

Ruby looked at him. The corner of her lips turned up and she said, "I am excited about college. But why this question Pa? Didn't you want me to be excited? Besides, I think you are more excited than I am, although you don't show it."

This could easily be true, thought John. It was after all, his dream for her to get into May Flower.

"I just miss mum so much. She would have been proud to see me today. I know you both really wanted this for me," said Ruby.

John slouched a bit in his chair, watching Ruby. He smiled knowingly and said, "I miss her too. She really would have been happy today."

Ruby resembled Rose a lot. From her brown wavy hair and brown eyes, to her pointed nose. Ruby was really growing into a version of the Rose he knew. But to John, Ruby was always a small little girl, who seemed to act all mature and grown up.

"Alright," said John, deciding to change the mood and the topic, "Did you find who your roommates are?"

"Oh. Yes. I met one of them while I was up in the room keeping my luggage. I think Hannah was her name. The other one-" Ruby checked her phone and opened a list, "-is a Maya. They'll both be staying in the hostel tonight, so I can meet them then. Let's see."

John nodded.

"Be good to them. Be nice. You are going to have to live with them for a whole year. And maybe they'll help you in your studies as well," said John.

"We necessarily won't be in the same department Pa. Chances are higher of them being in a different department. You know, to promote mingling and interaction within the departments," said Ruby.

Ruby followed John as they walked towards his car. It was the first time John was staying apart from his daughter. Though she was with him at the moment, he felt like she had already left him.

"So, I guess this is goodbye," said John looking around.

"Don't make it difficult Pa," said Ruby watching her dad avoid eye contact.

"Call me everyday."

"I will if you throw away that stupid old phone of yours. I never get you when I call."

"Pa?" She called. John hummed in response.

"You are happy, aren't you?" She asked him.

John looked at her immediately. She looked hopeful with her big eyes, waiting for an answer.

"Of course!" John replied with such sudden energy, he felt he overdid it a bit. Nonetheless, Ruby merely chuckled.

"Good bye Ruby," said John as they hugged one last time.