350 Rising Tensions

(Winona)

I mean who has a Picasso in their living room?

I’m pacing, trying to keep my voice calm, but frustration is making it hard.

“I just don’t get why you thought kids would be okay here,” I say, gesturing at the fragile antiques and museum-level furniture. “You should have made other arrangements.”

Jayden crosses his arms, looking as frustrated as I feel. “I wanted to share this with you first. I didn’t even know that cottage existed. And now you want us to refurbish a place that’s been abandoned for thirty years?”

“Yes, because it’s the only option that makes sense!” I snap back. “We can’t raise the kids here, tiptoeing around a bunch of things that are priceless. They’re already on edge, Jayden.”

“I get that, but my schedule is packed. I’ve got work piling up.”

Just as he finishes, his phone buzzes. He glances at the screen, and I see the tension in his shoulders tighten. “It’s Sofia,” he swipes to answer the video call.

Sofia’s voice comes through, clipped but with that annoyi