Monday, January 24, 2022

Page 82

something to go towards other things. Hurry to get to tomorrow. There she is ... it's not her. Not even this one... 

"Marta. What a tired look, poor wife. She looks older. I never realized she was so tired and old.

"'Ernesto. Ernesto... ' and her voice sounded like a sob.

"'Marta, dear Marta.' 

"'There were a lot of people on the train. I traveled on my feet...'

"'Come on, let's go. Now you will rest.'

"'... I traveled on my feet... I had the briefcase between my feet, to have my hands free to wipe away the sweat... it was hot, very hot...'

"'I'm sorry. You will tell later, now let's go' said Ernesto taking Marta's small money order and turning towards the exit.

"But Marta didn't move: 'They took my satchel away from me. I don't have the satchel anymore, I don't have it anymore,' she said.

"'You don't have the satchel anymore?' Ernesto said. 

"'Your novel was in the satchel...' said Marta.

"'Did they take the book away?' 

"'They took your book away...'

"Ernesto put my suitcase on the ground. What a tired look, poor woman. My book... 'Don't despair, dear,' he said. 'I have a second copy at home.' 

"'I took the other copy as well. One for you, one for the publisher. I thought it would be easier to discuss it with the publisher, each with a copy in hand. I thought...'

"They took away the satchel. The satchel and the two copies, 'said Ernesto.

"'They took everything away ', Marta sobbed and her cry, now, was an open cry, without shame. 'All.'

"A few bumps passed by and Ernesto turned and...

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