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?"
Jaden smiled slightly. "When I consulted with the bank, they said my application should be fine and asked me to wait a few days. Just now, the bank informed me that there are too many loan applicants, and they can't arrange for me in the short term. They suggested I try other banks instead. When I asked how long I'd have to wait, they said it's hard to say, and it's better not to wait." The implication was clear. There was no hope.
