”Well, there were indeed some more positive facts I would have added, if it would still be possible to gain influence on the editorial process,” said Jensen with a thin voice.
“There is such a possibility,” answered Ms. Nielsen. “That is why I am here. How would you prefer that the world should keep you in memory?”
“Sophie, why does our guest still stand with a wet coat in the middle of the room?” Jensen criticised sharp. This guest was then in a kind and polite way asked: “Can I offer you something to drink, coffee or tea, perhaps a brandy against the bad times?”
“A cup of tea, please, if it does not bother too much.”
“Sophie is paid for being bothered” said her employer.
The maid offered a big amount of various tea-sorts, but the guest “just wanted a normal tea,” and that wasn’t listed. The maid disappeared with the coat and returned somewhat later with a hot, orange-coloured fluid that she judged best served the order.
Until the tea was brought and Sophie again disappeared, Mr. Jensen talked about trivial matters, such as the weather, but then he changed the subject to the future journalist’s career.
Yes, of course it is difficult to get a safe job these days. My husband is unemployed and takes care of the children at home while we try to manage with my modest beginner’s salary.
‘Perhaps it can be somewhat improved,’ the contemporary quite vivid Mr. Svendsen thought, but right now he kept it for himself. Patiently let he Mrs. Nielsen empty her first cup of tea while he himself extinguished the brandy, which he in vain had offered his guest. “How do we proceed?”
”I brought my notebook along so that we immediately can try to modify the article according to your memory.” The obituary had suddenly turned into something more positive, an ‘article.’ They worked on it for hours, and this is what came out of it: