I've already finished one article for the next issue. The one about…" Theodora let out a sigh and rolled her eyes before continuing, "The one about what fruit you should eat during pregnancy in order to have a boy."
"Great. I'm sure it's as good as the last one. And come on, stop sighing so dramatically. You are doing so well," her boss said.
Theodora shrugged her shoulders, looking up at her boss. "I'm tired of writing about housekeeping, Mr. Kraus. I want more," she told him.
"We've already discussed this a thousand times, Theodora," he said
"Please, at least let me try," she pleaded
Try what? We are not The Times! We don't write about uprisings, revolutions, and politics!" Mr. Kraus said. "Our readers just want to know how to charm their beloved or what to cook for Thanksgiving.
But you can't know for sure," Theodora argued. "Women are not only wives, mothers, and daughters-in-law. We also have hobbies and interests besides cooking, cleaning, and gardening.
Mr. Kraus pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "Theodora, listen… I do understand that Housewife's Secrets is not exactly the magazine that would suit you as a journalist. I hired you because I saw a spark in you, the enthusiasm of a real journalist and I thought your talent shouldn't go to waste. And if I remember correctly, newspapers like The Times didn't hire you due to the lack of a diploma, and the fact that you are…
A woman," Theodora finished for him.
Exactly," he nodded in agreement.
And no one cares how many open lectures I have attended or how many textbooks I have read," Theodora muttered
I'm sorry that our magazine can't give you the opportunity to fulfill your potential," Mr. Kraus said. "But at least for now, I'll think about launching a political column. Of course, I can't promise anything, but…" He winked. "Who knows? Maybe something will come out of it."
Thank you, Mr. Kraus. It means a lot to me," Theodora said with a smile.
Now, get back to work," he said.
Yes, sir," she giggled.
He nodded and went back to his office.
Theodora looked at The California Times headline again and murmured, "The war is almost certainly inevitable.