Avery couldn't hear what was said on the other end of the bank call, but she noticed Jaden's smile fade. He took a deep breath, trying to suppress his disappointment, and asked, "Could you tell me why I don't meet the loan criteria?" After a moment, he forced a bitter smile and said, "Okay, I understand. Thank you for your assistance." He put his phone away, twisted open a bottle of water, and stared at the distant mountains as he drank silently. Avery waited until he finished the entire bottle before asking, "Jaden, why was your loan application denied?"