Sophie gave a start, realizing it was the girl with the ball. She had forgotten all about her.

”Hi,” she replied, more out of habit than from any real interest.

The girl had long, unkempt hair, and looked at her with open curiosity.

“You don’t sound like a tax inspection officer,” she stated.

”That would be because I’m not,” Sophie said. “It just happened that... “

The girl laughed scornfully: “Yes, of course, you just…” here her tone ...