Chapter 10
The Weight of the Past
Jonas shares a piece of his past, a government decision he regrets. His experience offers Lina a new perspective on navigating bureaucratic obstacles and potential betrayals.
The fluorescent lights of the Jurbarko Laikraštis office hummed a familiar, comforting tune, a stark contrast to the knot of unease that had taken root in Lina’s stomach. The clatter of keyboards and the rustle of paper were the usual symphony of their small newspaper, but today, the melody felt discordant. Jonas sat across from her, his brow furrowed, a half-empty mug of tea growing cold between them. The crumpled Sodra notice, the one with its cryptic symbols and the promise of a brighter future for pensioners, lay on his desk, a silent accusation.
“It’s not just about the numbers, Lina,” Jonas began, his voice softer than usual, laced with a weariness that seemed to seep from the very walls of the office. He tapped a finger on the notice, his gaze distant. “Bureaucracies are like ancient trees. Their roots run deep, tangled with history, with decisions made long before we were even born.”
Lina leaned forward, her journalist's instinct prickling. This was more than Jonas’s usual paternal caution. “What kind of decisions, Jonas?”
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