Chapter 3 - CHILD LOGIC
Julian gently pushed Victoria aside, his brow furrowed with deep concern.
He didn't address the trembling woman in the silk robe.
Instead, he dropped to his knees on the cold tile floor.
His dark blue trousers pressed into the hard marble.
He reached out, his large hands carefully encircling Clara’s tiny shoulders.
Maria stood right behind the little girl, her grey apron shaking as she kept her hands folded tightly in front of her.
"Are you two alright?" Julian asked gently, his voice low and steady.
Clara’s tiny chest hitched in a ragged sob.
She didn't look at Julian’s face.
She didn't point at Victoria.
Her swollen blue eyes drifted down to the white marble beneath her bare feet.
Her small toes, pale against the stone, curled inward right next to the fallen white plastic lighter.
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"The fire was going to eat my words, Uncle Julian," Clara whispered softly, her child logic breaking through her hiccups.
"So I couldn't tell you about Mommy's ring."
