👩👧 “Stay Away From Her, Sweetheart”
Elaine Carter listened quietly as Clara recounted the story, pale and gripping the armrest.
Mark Carter slammed his hand on the table. “You are not to go near that woman again. Do you hear me?”
“But Dad—”
“She’s dangerous,” Elaine interrupted, forcing a gentle smile. “Sometimes people lose touch with reality. She probably saw your school photo and made up a story in her head.”
“But she knew my name,” Clara whispered.
Elaine hesitated. “That’s impossible. Don’t think about it anymore, okay?”
Clara nodded, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that the woman’s voice had trembled with truth.
