Chapter 201

Lila's POV

The gentle rays of the rising sun cast through the windows of the studio as I walked in to meet the chaotic mess of art supplies all over the floor and unfinished work. The hum of creativity felt welcome this morning when Jake and I did something we had done the previous night: talk. Share our fears and hopes—the most honest conversation I ever had with any person.

I was cleaning up my workspace as I settled in to work when footsteps behind me echoed, and I turned to face Sarah breaching the doorway. Her gait, normally so resolute, was just a trifle uneager.

"Morning, Sarah," I replied to her, forcing my tone to stay light.

"Hey, Lila," came her answer. The smile seemed superimposed on her expression, looking rather forced. "Can we talk?"

"Of course," I said, nodding toward the stools at my station. "What's on your mind?"

She sat and began to play with the hem of her shirt. Her fingers were agitated. "I've been thinking