Contingency in Lingotto

part 2

Several journalists use their mobile devices to take notes. Even a layperson can predict that they will propose a variety of vitamin-related stories during tomorrow's news conference.

I call the pal.

Max Serafino is speaking. Are you Bianca?

A female voice says, "Yes," but then pauses. Are you working for the police?

"No. I support the I mention the newspaper's name. The name has a 137-year history and frequently opens doors.

"I had assumed that the police would be contacted first. What do you desire?

In Italy, the police wouldn't waste their time investigating anything as unimportant as a social media statement. Unless there was a politician or famous person involved.

"I'd want to explain what you mentioned in the popular ItaliaApp video." I bring up the biggest social media app in Italy.

Bianca complains, "That video is wrecking my life."

I regret to inform you of that.

Everyone misconstrued what I said, I guess. Paulina's death had nothing to do with me. Six months prior, she stopped going out and appeared slimmer. She gathers her breath and says, "Perhaps I pushed her in this path. Only twice after she stopped seeing me did I call her. I should have given it more effort and visited her house.

"Yes?"

She says, "Thanks for calling, but I don't know who you are. It's all too much."

The mobile device's display abruptly goes crimson. She ends the WhatsApp conversation and logs off.

"Good job on the interview with Paulina." One of my old pencils gets picked up by Giuseppe, who then gently rubs it between his fingers.

"No issue, boss," I was able to create a piece on a buddy who was heartbroken and a big essay about eating disorders using the scant information I was provided.

Good pencil. Quixotically, he looks at the Castelli wooden pencil. "Max, this newsroom is not appropriate for someone your age. You, however, always manage to land on your feet.