Roman Kitt arrived late to the Gazette for the first time, prompting Iris Winnow to investigate his absence and mischievously rearrange his desk. Sarah Prindle delivered an engagement announcement from Roman's father to run in the paper, revealing Roman's impending marriage to Elinor A. Little. Iris, stung but denying any personal stake, observed Roman arrive pale and distracted, unable to write.

Iris approached Roman to offer a curt congratulations, which clearly pained him. Surprised by his reaction, she impulsively invited him to share lunch in the park and offered help with his missing-soldier story, disclosing that her own brother Forest was missing.

At a park bench, they ate sandwiches and navigated an awkward truce. Roman, more candid than usual, apologized for having judged Iris for not graduating and for trying to run her off when she first arrived. He admitted he had only met his fiancée once and did not love her, describing the marriage as for the good of their families.

Turning to work, Iris reviewed Roman's notes and criticized their lack of emotional depth. She advised him to capture how families feel and what they need, not just facts. Roman took notes diligently, asking permission to quote her anonymously.

Iris then described the ongoing strain of Forest's silence: the constant discomfort, sleeplessness, and longing to trade places just to know his fate. Roman apologized for her situation and recorded her words, which provided him with sharper, more human material for his article.

As they packed up in a cold breeze, Iris recognized she might have strengthened Roman's bid for the promotion, even as their rivalry briefly softened into mutual respect.