When the woman came in and heard what she was being accused of, she suddenly burst out laughing.

— I’m sorry, — she said, wiping away her tears, — but my daughter is at that age when everything fascinates her. We live not far from you and often walk down your street. Every time we pass your house, she says, “I want to say hello to that lady!” She runs to your door, rings the bell, and then comes back. I always wait for her by the gate.

I was speechless.

— But why my house specifically? — I asked.

The woman smiled again: