The Conference Interpreter – Part 2: Off the Record
Workplace·EN·1 min read·Published 2026-11-07, updated 2026-11-07·Part 2 of 2
The treaty was signed at six on Friday, in nine languages, to a standing ovation. Nadia and Pavel sat in the dark booth afterwards, headphones off, sharing the last of his water.
"We did well," said Nadia.
"We did excellently," said Pavel. "Though I will say it in the privacy of the booth only."
They walked out together into the cool evening. The lake was a plate of dark silver, the fountain lit white against the sky. Delegates were drifting off to dinner in clusters, speaking a dozen tongues.
"I have been thinking," said Pavel.
"Dangerous."
"For six days I said other people's words. I should like to say mine." He stopped on the lakeside path. "Nadia. Can I ask you something?"
"Yes."
"May I kiss you?"
It came out so formally she nearly laughed. Then she saw his hands, which were not steady, and her heart softened.
"Yes," she said. "And if I say stop, you must interpret my next tax return."
"That is very harsh."
"I know."
He stepped closer and kissed her, gently, one hand lifting to her cheek with the care of a man handling something precious. She tasted mint and lake air. The water slapped at the stone steps, a ferry hooted, and for once nothing needed translating.
When they parted, both of them were smiling.
"Green?" he asked.
"Green," said Nadia. "Very green."
"I do not know the word in Czech," said Pavel.
"Neither do I," said Nadia. "We will invent one."
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