Карлсон, который живет на крыше
Chapter 4
"ThisiswhatChristophersaidtome:‘Icangiveyouabeating,’hesaid.AndthenIsaid:‘Oh,youcan,canyou?’Howcouldwehavedecidedthatbyasensiblediscussion?Youtellme."
Mommycouldnotthinkwhattosayandbrokeoffherpeacetalkabruptly.Herbelligerentsonlookedrathergloomyandshehastenedtoputsomehotchocolateandfreshlybakedbunsinfrontofhim,whichEriclikedverymuch.Hehadnoticedthedelicioussmellofbakingwhenhecameupthestairs,andhismother’stastycinnamonbunsdidatleastmakelifemorebearable.
Pensive,Erictookabite,andwhilehewaseatingMommystuckaBand-Aidonthelumponhisforehead.Thenshekissedhimlightlyandasked,"Andwhatdidyoutwodisagreeabouttoday?"
"BridgetandChristophersaythatKarlsson-on-the-Roofisonlymake-believe.TheysayI’vejustinventedhim,"saidEric.
"Andisn’the?"askedMommycautiously.
Ericglaredatherwithanindignanteyeoverhiscupofhotchocolate.
"Won’tyou,atleast,believewhatIsay?IaskedKarlssonhimselfifhewasreal…"hesaid.
"AndwhatdidKarlssonsay?"askedMommy.
"Hesaidthatifhe’snotreal,thenhe’stheWorld’sBestMake-Believe.Butitsohappensthatheisreal,"saidEric,takinganotherbun.
"KarlssonthinksBridgetandChristopheraremake-believes.‘Speciallysillymake-believes,’hesays,andIthinkso,too."
Mommydidnotanswer.