The conversation at the tables inevitably drifts to familiar, tedious topics. Business alliances, subtle boasts of wealth, and predictably, politics. The guests dive into discussions of policy and economic plans, each eager to show off their influence. Marilena listens to them with a passive expression, but her mind drifts to how disconnected it all feels.
As one of the older businessmen at the table drones on about tax incentives, Marilena catches Carla's eye across the table. Carla, sensing the absurdity of the discussion, seizes the opportunity to shift gears.
"I don't know about all of you," Carla says, raising her voice slightly, "but it's hard to focus on tax incentives when you think about the dire conditions in hospitals across Mozambique. Hospitals are lacking basic resources. People are dying because they can't get access to proper treatment, and yet here we are, discussing economic policy as if that's the only thing that matters."
