The two chronicles that begin today are intended for subsequent reflection by each reader. The time and events described are real. Only the names have been changed.
In 1975, Maria do Carmo was 29 years old. At the time, she was a civil servant in Lisbon. I worked as an administrative assistant in a state department. She had gotten married six years earlier to the boyfriend she had met when she was still in high school. In Queluz, they lived happily in a large apartment, as they wanted to have children.
Punctually, at 9 am, Maria do Carmo arrived at work. He began to select the incoming correspondence and type the letters to be signed by Dr. Silva, who was his head of Division. José Silva was a jurist, graduated from the Faculty of Law of Lisbon. Still young, he appeared to be just over 30 years old, he was considered by everyone who worked there to be very polite and attentive, considered a discreet person. Despite the “hot summer” typical of the time, no one knew his political tendencies, but they recognized his dedication to the public interest.
One day, after the daily business was done, just before leaving time, Maria do Carmo knocked on the door of Doctor Silva’s office, entered and in an emotional, yet convincing and courageous tone, asked him:
— Doctor, forgive my boldness, but I wanted to invite you and me to sleep in a hotel room across the street. My husband has already reserved a room and rehearsed this conversation with me.
— Oh Dona Maria do Carmo, are you asking me to sleep with you?
— That’s right, doctor! My husband and I have been trying for six years to have a child, but so far with no results. We consulted many specialist doctors and carried out many tests. Ultimately, they concluded that he was the problem, because he had mumps as a child, which caused damage to his testicles. This works, but it does not produce sperm. It was then that he asked me if there was anyone nice and with a good figure who would work with me. I told him that the only way was my boss. He was the one who planned everything. Do you understand?
— I understand well. I’m the handsome one. So do you want it to be today?
— Yes, it really has to be today. According to what the doctor told us, the increase in body temperature that I assess every day, as soon as I wake up, indicates the day of ovulation in my cycle. In other words, I am in a fertile phase.
— So, let’s do it. It is a pleasure to be of assistance in this way.
— Hey doctor, thank you. I’ll wait for you at the bus stop.
The next day, Maria do Carmo went on vacation until she was transferred to another department.
(Continues)
franciscogeorge@icloud.com
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