Martina has never forgotten the story. The publishing controversy, the accusations in professional circles, the ensuing silence that spread like fog.
“But you weren’t the one responsible,” Cora says firmly.
Martina looks away.
“No.”
“Then you could have explained it to her.”
“It’s just that I didn’t support her the way I should have,” Martina sighs. “When the scandal broke, I was… at a loss,” she continues. “I didn’t know how to react, or how to help her. Andright then, the opportunity for the story in Milan came up—a project I’d been trying to land for months. So I left. Just like that.”
Cora rests her elbows on the table.
“And then you broke up with Julia.”
Martina nods.
“And then I broke up with Julia, yes.”
Cora watches her for a few seconds before asking the question that seems to have been on her mind.
“And how are you two doing?”
Martina lets out a small sigh.
“Well… same as always.”
“That sounds pretty vague.”
“Because it is.”
Cora leans in a little closer to her.
“Explain yourself.”
Martina slowly swirls the coffee cup between her hands. The dark liquid forms small swirls inside, in which she sees her own distorted reflection. Perhaps it’s a metaphor for where her life stands at that moment.
“Julia and I work well together on paper,” she says after taking another small sip. “We have our routines, our conversations, our dinners with friends. We make love, share a bed, plan our trips. But lately…” Martina searches for the right word, “we’re tired.”
“Tired?”
“Yes. As if we both knew that something has been wearing away over time, but neither of us really wants to see it. We’re just going through the motions. And the sex…” she shrugs. “What can I tell you? You’ve been through the same thing.”
Cora frowns slightly.
“I don’t know how much longer you’ll be able to keep pretending nothing’s wrong.”
“At least I have my articles, right?” Martina adds with a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes.
Cora watches her in silence for a few seconds.
“You know that doesn’t address what’s going on.”
“Maybe, but right now I don’t think I should focus on that. I have more important battles to fight.”
The newsroom continues with its usual activity around them, but the conversation has created a small bubble of intimacy over the desk.
Finally, Cora leans back in her chair and shrugs.
