Idan’s face changed.
“No.”
He grabbed her around the neck.
“No, no, no.”
Clara held him tightly.
Behind them, Margaret appeared.
“Idan, come here.”
He held Clara harder.
“She didn’t take it!”
Margaret’s expression sharpened.
“You know nothing about this.”
“Yes, I do!”
Clara pulled back slightly.
“Idan, it’s okay.”
“No, it isn’t!”
Margaret crossed the hall and took him by the shoulder.
“That is enough.”
Clara stood.
She wanted to tell the child she would return.
She refused to lie to him.
Instead, she kissed his forehead.
“Be brave for me.”
Idan began crying.
Clara left the house with the sound following her all the way to the gate.
The police arrived at her apartment before midnight.
