Claudia
He ran away from home. He ran away from home, for sure.
Paula
Why would he do that?
Claudia
He confessed something to me that made him suffer. It affected me, and I couldn't hide my anger. The poor kid is burdened with guilt that isn't his.
Paula
Maybe that's why he and Gabi became such good friends. My brother feels guilty that my parents hate each other, and the other day my father confirmed it...
[pause, has a revelation]
Paula
That's it! That's what went wrong!
Claudia
What?
Paula
You! It's you, the parents.
Claudia
What are you thinking, Paula, my dear?
Paula
He should have come for me, and he didn't.
Claudia
Who?
Paula
The Bogeyman.
Claudia
Oh, Paula, please, you too?
Paula
I did one of the worst things I could have done. I felt incredibly guilty. But still, nothing. What's the difference between that and Gabi and Lucas? Well, my parents didn't condemn me. They didn't give a shit what I was doing. What if it's parental judgment that makes children vulnerable, as if you're somehow taking away our protection from the Bogeyman?
Claudia
Paula, please...
Paula
That thing takes away children who feel bad. If a tantrum from you makes us vulnerable, maybe your forgiveness can protect us.