(Fiction; New Directions, 2001)
Victor and Marta, recent acquaintances, have just finished dinner at Marta’s apartment. Her husband is away on business; after her two-year-old finally falls asleep, the would-be lovers move to the bedroom. There Marta suddenly complains of feeling ill. Moments later, their affair unconsummated, Marta dies in Victor’s arms. What would you do in Victor’s place, reader?
