“I know.”
“Then stop trying to solve this without asking the person responsible.”
I almost laughed.
“Lauren?”
“Yes.”
“She told me not to come.”
“Then ask her why she believes keeping you away is necessary.”
“I already did.”
“Did she answer honestly?”
I thought.
“She answered enough.”
Ruth shook her head.
“That’s what worries me.”
That evening, Lauren called.