Heirloom Pin

May gives Ruth an heirloom pin to wear when she gets into the spelling bee. Ruth believes this pin gives her good luck and helps her survive till near the end of the competition. However, when a fire alarm goes off, Ruth loses the pin. May yells at her, claiming she would never trust her with another priceless object again. Ruth gets the pin back after May's murder when a schoolmate who took the pin reads about her story in the paper.

Blind Books

In high school, Ruth works for a woman who has gone blind. Ruth sets up and plays books on tape for this woman and often stays to listen to the stories. Charles Dickens becomes Ruth's favorite author. Esther from Bleak House becomes Ruth's favorite character.

Tulip Bulbs

Ruth mistakes tulip bulbs for onions one night when it is her turn to cook...