They reached their yard. Simon's father was outside, sitting on the steps, smoking his pipe. Simon turned to his friend and winked at him, as of to say: don't tell anyone what we've just discussed.
"Hello children," Father said and he rose.
"Hello father," Simon said politely, his voice more hushed than when he was alone with his friend.
Father made his way down the steps. He ruffled Simon's hair and then put a hand on Claude's shoulder.
"How are you, Claude?"