Son

(My discussion with L continued.)

"Your landlady really doesn't treat that boy well. Is he really her son ?" I asked, rather lightheartedly.

"Now you come to this," L said grimly, "I tell you: I am not sure."

"Eh ?" I raised my eyebrow.

"You know, all I could tell is the boy lived in that house and loved it very much - after all, however old and poorly maintained, it is a decent place and brought him much good memory. Well, I'm not sure the woman is old enough to have such a grown up child. He does give money to her every month - he calls it the rent but she seems to think otherwise."

"Maybe that's the point." I said.

"No. The point is actually the woman insists that anyone who lives in the house and loves it must call her mother !"