Chapter 27“I almost didn’t come,” Clara stated, the smallest hint of rebellion in her voice.
Me neither, the voice in Jayden’s head intoned. “Why did you?” she asked instead, the hammering of her heart making her ill-equipped for the session.
Clara pouted. “Our last talk helped. I did the homework, but I can only think of five things the man didn’t take. Not ten, just five.”
“Five’s good,” Jayden said, trying to sound more positive than she felt.
“Did you have ten things?” Clara asked. “Did you struggle to find more than five?”
Jayden’s lips parted. “No one ever asked me,” she whispered. “I didn’t try.” She swallowed.
Clara’s brown eyes contained expectation and a challenge. “Try?” she said, leaning forward in her chair.
Jayden shook her head. “I can’t just manufacture ten things ju
