Sins of the Mothers

8/14/2019 Sins of the Mothers

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CHARACTERS

MOTHER: Vera Vasilevna, owner of the apartment.

ANN: MOTHERS daughter.

NADIA: ANNS friend.

RONALD: MOTHERS older son.

MICHAEL: MOTHERS younger son.

GRANNY: MOTHERS mother.

Sins of the Mothers by Natalya Churlyaeva


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Act One

As the curtain rises, ANN is talking on thephone.

ANNNo, I cant When? Are you crazy! If she comes home and doesnt findme? Do you know what will happen then? No, no, dont askTomorrow? I dont know, maybe Well, anything can happen Even aterrorist attack Alright, enough to make you mad at me Youre notmad? Not offended? Thats good I know Im rightYou just dontknow my mother. As soon as you meet her, youll stop beingoffended

(The doorbell rings.)Oh, someones at the door! Okay, Ill call you later Later, later If, ofcourse, nothing happens Im telling you, someones coming I told

you, later! Okay, okay, dont be mad Bye I say bye! Listen, Ill callyou later Well, thats it, thats it Thats it, I said

(Puts down the phone, exits, and reenters with NADIA.)

NADIAWhy didnt you open the door? I rang and rang and no one answered. Iwas about to leave, thinking youre not home.

ANNI didnt hear you.

NADIASleeping?

ANNNo, not sleeping.

NADIAThen why not?

ANNI was on the phone.

NADIAWith Mother?

ANNNo, not with Mother.


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ANNNadia, what are you saying! What kind of bum lives in a fancy condo?

NADIA

A fancy condo? Thats good Well, go on.

ANNGo on what?

NADIAGo on! What does he look like? Where does he work? How much doeshe make? Well? Why are you silent?

ANNNadia, leave me alone. I wont tell you anything.

NADIAWhy?

ANNI dont even tell my own mother, and I tell you? Then youll blurt it outto the whole world. I know what a blabbermouth you are.

NADIAAnd youre not a blabbermouth, Annie?

ANNNo, Im not. I dont gossip.

NADIAOh, you really dont?

ANNNo, I dont. If its someone elses secret, its always safe with me.

NADIAReally? I find it hard to believe.

ANNPlease, believe what you want. Only that Ive never betrayed you, bythe way.

NADIAAll the same, I dont believe you. What good is knowing someonessecret and not telling anyone about it? Whats the point of knowing the


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secret then? I dont understand If its your own secret, then its adifferent matter altogether. Then nobody is supposed to know. Butsomeone elses? Keeping it to yourself for the sake of what?

ANN

Nadia, what nonsense! A person trust me, you understand? Confideshis secret in me and I should broadcast it all over the world, is thatwhat you think?

NADIANo.

ANNThen what?

NADIA

In my opinion, one should never confide ones secret to anybody.Should keep all your own secrets to yourself. Thats what.

ANNWell, you know, friend, youre arguing as if you

NADIAAnd how do I argue? Tell me, am I wrong? Im right!

ANNOh, stop it, you! In any case, thats why. Better tell me: do you want

tea?

NADIATea? No, I dont want tea.

ANNCoffee?

NADIAI dont want coffee either.

ANNThen what do you want?

NADIAWhat do I want? Leave home, get away from my mother, thats what Ireally want.

ANN


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Leave home? Nadia, are you serious?

NADIAMore than serious.

ANNYoure not kidding me?

NADIAIm telling you in plain English: Im leaving Mother. Forever.

ANNBut why? Do you have a bad life with her?

NADIAI dont have a life with her. She lives her own life and I mine. Has

always been like that.

ANNIs that bad?

NADIAWhats so good about it?

ANNAt least she doesnt bother you Doesnt meddle in your affairs. Youcan do whatever you want.

NADIAMaybe its not a bad thing. Maybe even good. But her boyfriendwouldnt leave me alone And constantly.

ANNGood Lord, Nadia!

NADIASo much for that.

ANNListen, I just cant believe it.

NADIAWhat, do you think I would slander myself? Is that so?

ANNNo, well Perhaps it only seems so to you?


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NADIAWhat are you saying? Seems indeed! Must think Im crazy An idiot,in fact. He gets under my shirt, but it only seems to me! He paws me,but I only invent it from boredom!

ANNBut when was this?

NADIAWhy was? If it were once or twice, maybe it could be tolerated. No,my dear, it happens every time when Mothers out the door.

ANNWhy havent I heard of it before? Why didnt you tell me?

NADIAAnnie, you dont talk about these things. Have to sweep them underthe rug.

ANNWhy? Why sweep it under the rug if hes such scum!

NADIABut how do you prove that hes scum? Not just scum, but scum of theearth Tell me, how?

ANN(Confused)

Well I dont know.

NADIAI dont know either. I tried to have a heart-to-heart chat with Mother,but she only stared at me like a public enemy. Can you imagine whathappened? I told her that her Paul groped me and she accused me ofbeing a snake in the grass, wanting to steal her man! That I dontbehave like their kid, that I have my eyes on her guy. Can you imaginesuch claims? The old lady has gone absolutely nuts. What does she see

in this Paul? Youd be scared just to look at him, not to mentionanything else, but she goes, Pauly, my dear, Pauly, love, Pauly this,Pauly that... Ugh! You can say she picked him up at some dump,decked him up to the nines with her last penny, hustles and bustles allday for himand he A homeless beggar, not a thing to his name

ANN(Uncertainly)


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Perhaps shes fallen in love with him?

NADIAWhat? At her age? Dont make me laugh! She didnt love my father,and all of a sudden fell in love with this?

ANNOh, I dont know It happens sometimes.

NADIAUh-huh, it does. In the movies.

ANNWhy only in the movies? In real life too, you know. Why couldnt ithappen to her?

NADIAWell, if it did, then let her live with her Pauly without me. And Ill gowith Gary.

ANNYou? With Gary?

NADIAWhy are you so surprised?

ANN

But hes married!

NADIASo?

ANNWhere will you live? Together with his wife?

NADIAWhy with his wife? Whats his wife to me? I need this like Well rentan apartment on Main Street.

ANNAnd the wife?

NADIAWhat wife? Whose wife? His wife? None of my business. Shes hisproblem.


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ANNTell me, does she at least know about the two of you?

NADIAOf course she does.

(Reflects.)Or, maybe not Well, whether she does or not, does it really changeanything?

ANNNadia, how can that be? Think for yourself! If Gary doesnt evenmention you to his wife, that means hes not very serious about itLater, when it doesnt work out

NADIAWhy wont it work out?

ANNWoos you and drops you, thats allyour love is to him.

NADIAAnd you think thats some tragedy! Dont you worry about me, Illnever be alone. If he drops me, Ill find another, even better Perhaps,even richer.

ANNNadia, but what about love? Do you simply go out with him for that?

Without love?

NADIAWhy without love? You think Im some streetwalker? Of course for love.Only consider this, love is not eternal. Come today, gone tomorrowThats how it is, my friend.

ANN(Uncertainly)

Well, I dont know Somehow I dont like it.

NADIABut I like it a lot.

ANNSeriously?


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NADIAWhy? Easier to live this way. As they say, out of sight, out of mind.

ANN

But how will it all turn out then?

NADIAEvery which way. For some, the bagel, for some, the bagel hole. Inshort, to each his own, like the slogan on Buchenwalds main gate.

ANNAnd whats yours?

NADIAMine? Personally, I urgently need a place to stay, at least for a while.

You yourself understand everyone should have a place of his own.

ANN(Sighs)

I do. Very much so.

NADIASo. God help those who help themselves In short, Ill have to solvethe housing problem somehow Need an apartment.

ANN

I understand you. Only itll cost you.

NADIAIt goes without saying But dont you worry too much about me,Annie. Half of Mothers flat belongs to me by law. Here let her sell it andgive me half of the money.

ANNAnd your mother? Where will she go then?

NADIA

Hows that my business? Somehow it hardly bothers me Yes, let hereven go back to the farm with her Pauly.

ANNThe countryside?

NADIAWhat? By the way, better for them there. He has his folks there, so let


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them all live together and grow their own favorite potatoes. You cantimagine how fed up Im with her potatoes! And the evergreentomatoes too. From March till June all the windowsills are crammed withseedlings!

ANNNadia, your mother will neveragree to live in the farm.

NADIAAnnie, it makes absolutely no difference to me. Just let her give mewhats owed me and I dont want to know her any more.

ANNNadia, how can you say so? Shes your mother, after all!

NADIA

Did you say mother? Can you explain to me what this means amother? You think that mother is the one who gives birth? But I didntask her to! She herself told me that if she hadnt given birth to me, sheand my father would never be able to crawl out of that hell hole! Theywould still be there feeding the cockroaches

ANNWhat cockroaches? What are you talking about?

NADIAThat she didnt really give a hoot about me. She wanted to get out of that hell hole to an

apartment, so she gave birth to me. She wanted to hook up with anotherguy, so she kicked my father out. When that one left her shortly after,she acquired another. Now its number three, this Pauly Do youthink that Ive forgotten how she didnt even come nearme when I wassick as a child? Only hissed at me all the time, she did. Shes alwayshissing at me, all my life.

ANN(Confused)

Well, I dont know You say such strange things Its not good.

NADIANot good? But whats good? Where is it good? Who has it good, tellme? Perhaps you?

ANNMe? Everything is okay with me.

NADIA


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Yes, of course, okay. Still Better tell me, Annie, wheres your fathernow?

ANNWhere? As if you dont know where. Hes on training, in Germany, the

company sent him.

NADIAOn training, you say? We know these trainings

(The doorbell rings.)What a long training session

(The doorbell rings again impatiently.)Probably the same training your stepbrothers fathers went to

ANNWait, I have to open the door.

(Exits.)

NADIAGo, go Probably Michael Of course hes nothing compared to myGary Besides, hes gotten togetherwith some old bitch.

(In a low voice)A fool

(Even lower)Like the whole family.

(ANN and MOTHER enter.)

MOTHERWhat were you doing? Have you gone to the store yet?

(Sees NADIA.)Ah, everythings clear! So, gossiping and didnt even hear the doorbell?Certainly, whats her own mother compared to a girlfriend! Sure, shellgo to the store, just wait, and so much for that.

ANNMom, dont be angry, I was just about to go, only havent managedyet. You simply came home early.

NADIAHello, Vera Vasilevna.

MOTHERHello, hello, havent seen you for a while. Are you again leading myAnnie astray?


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NADIAWhy? Im not leading anybody anywhere. Besides, Im just about toleave.

(Gets ready to exit.)Bye, Annie, Ill call you later.

ANNJust remember to call.

MOTHERGoodbye, goodbye, we have no time for you now.

NADIAWhats the matter? Has something happened, Vera Vasilevna?

MOTHER

Oh, Annie! Hear what Mama has to say. I only just met the mailmanoutside. He said that hes been around since morning but couldnt getin because the entrance door is closed. Your uncle has died! My ownbrother

ANNOh! Uncle Victor has died?

MOTHERDead, girl, dead. I have to go to bury my own brother.

NADIAIs there anything I can do to help, Vera Vasilevna?

MOTHERBest you dont hang around. Just go.

NADIAYes, Im leaving But, maybe there are things you need to buy? I cando it, no trouble at all.

MOTHER

Thanks, but we dont need anything. Everything is our own at the farm,and now vodka is available everywhere any time.

NADIAWell, Ill go then.

MOTHERPlease wait! Heres something you can tell me. Have you seen our


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Michael, by any chance? Do you know where he might be?

NADIAYes, I do.

MOTHERThen go to him and tell him that his uncle has died, that hes to come homequickly.

NADIAOkay, Vera Vasilevna, on the double Its not far from here See ya.

(Exits.)

MOTHER(Gets ready for the trip.)

What are you gossiping about again with this fool of a girl? Cant you

just give her up? I tell you and tell you, and its all useless Howmany times do I have to repeat, dont hang around this Nadia, keepaway from her? Why dont you want to listen to me? Has Mother everwished you anything bad?

ANNMom, why cant she be a friend of mine? Why is she worse thanothers?

MOTHERAnd how is she better than others? Why exactly do you choose her as a

friend? For what? Cant you see what she is?

ANNWhat?

MOTHERDoesnt study Hangs out with whomever she meets Smokes

ANNShe doesnt smoke.

MOTHERDoes too. Ive seen with my own eyes how her stands at the streetcorner and smokes.

ANNNot true! Why are you making this up? I tell you, Nadia doesnt smoke!

MOTHER


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Is that how you talk to Mother? As if Mother would trick her! Tell you inplain English: she smokes, so she smokes! Mother says, dont hang outwith her, that means dont hang out with her.

ANN

But why?

MOTHERBecause this friendship isnt going to do you any good.

ANNListening to you, I should be here all alone, locked up within these fourwalls. According to you, I cant have friends. To you everyone is bad.

MOTHERWhy is everyone bad? I didnt say that everyone is bad Bring me that

big bag from the kitchen.

(ANN exits.)

MOTHER (contd)Who said that everyone is bad. Not everyone. Here, take Helen from47. A very good girl. Indeed a doll! Hairs always nicely combed, and theway she walks, its a pleasure to look at And, the most importantthing, her parents are very decent people.

ANN

(Reenters.)You think only parents are decent. So why dont you make friends withthese decent people? Here, make friends with them if you like them somuch. Can take it upon yourself to become friends. But I cant standthis Helen.

MOTHERWhat dont you like about Helen?

ANNShes awful. So uppity And loves showing off all the time And her

parents are disgusting too. Most likely they wouldnt even let you inthe door. So why are you forcing me to suck up to them?

MOTHERAnnie, my dear, remember: people like us always have to kowtow topeople like them. You have to understand, I dont want it for myself, Iworry about you, about your future. I dont want you to have to cry toyourself later.


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ANNWell, here it goes again! Again the old song about the hardship of afemales lot in life, only on a new motif.

MOTHERWhy do you repeat your brothers words? You think about yourself!Whats it to him, hes a man, married, left. He lives there now, high onthe hog. And why shouldnt he live like that! Landed such a wife fromsuch a family. The home has everything! There he lives like a king,hobnobs with ministers. There he lives, couldnt care less, and stilllaughs at Mother. But you, daughter, it doesnt befit you to laugh atMother. Mother is Mother, dont you dare laugh at her

ANN(Surprised)

But I dont! What do you take me for?(Pause)

Mom, am I going with you to the funeral?

MOTHERNo, Im going with Michael.

ANNWhat about me?

MOTHER

Youre staying home. Doesnt someone have to stay home? God forbid,what if something happens? Anything can happen.

ANNPerhaps we can get Ronald here for a bit? He could stay here

MOTHERJust what I need! Besides, he has his own place And he can go to thefuneral. After all, Victor was his uncle too. You should call him and tellhim that Uncle Victor has died.

ANN(Picks up the phone and dials.)

Hello Is Ronald there? No? When will he be home? Whats this hewont be?(Surprised, puts the phone back, turns to MOTHER.)

Mom, they say he doesnt live there any more.

MOTHER


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Huh? Where does he live then?Really bought a new place, the ingrate?And didnt tell Mother? The sons all grown up! Well, fine, let God be hisjudge. Call again and tell them to let him know about the funeral.

ANN

(Dials.)Hello Pardon me, but could you please tell Ronald that his uncle hasdied? Yes, his uncle who liveseh, livedout of town Its his sistercalling Stepsister Pardon me? No, I havent seen him for a longtime Well, two, three months What am I to tell him when I see him?Hello, hello? I dont understand

(Surprised, again puts the phone back, turns to MOTHER.)Mom, they say they dont want Ronny to phone them anymore. Andwere not to call and disturb them either.

MOTHER

How can this be? Did you dial the right number?

ANNSeems so.

MOTHERPerhaps the phones not working Anyway, no time to look into thisnow, when we get back after the funeral Look out the window andsee if Michaels here yet. No time to spare. If we miss the eveningtrain, well be late for the funeral. God forbid, theyll be offended!

ANN(Looks out the window.)

Looks like hes here.

MOTHER(Gets ready.)

Good, then I dont have to worry Do you know wheres my blackshawl? Take a look in the closet, will you?

(ANN exits.)

MOTHER (contd)So sad Victors still so young Younger than me Ay-yay-yay, whatdo men do to themselves? Dying like flies! Just dont want to live, Ibet And this is really too bad, I just cant understand it.

(Loudly)Have you found it yet? Annie, do you hear me? If Father calls fromHamburg, tell him not to waste money. Last time only sent a hundredmarks, and he calls that money? Teardrops, not money Enough to


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make a cat laugh

(ANN reenters with a black shawl. The doorbell rings.)

MOTHER

Well, at last! Go, open the door for Michael Heres a good boyComes quickly As Mother ordered

ANN(Exits and reenters with RONALD.)

Ron, dont you know yet?

RONALDKnow what?

ANN

Uncle Victor has died.

RONALDReally? Well, we all have to go some time Some sooner, some laterWhat are you looking at? Dead, so dead. Not a big loss for society.

MOTHERWhat you are saying? Pull yourself together! This is your own uncle!One of your own blood relative!

RONALD

So? What, now I should put on sackcloth and ashes because of him? Doyou think that I dont have problems? That Ill cry over the coffin of theold wino who was on the sauce for months

MOTHERArent you ashamed! For the grace of God! How can your tongue notfall off for saying that! Only whom do you take after

RONALDI dont know, dont know. You must know this better. At least, not thatsubmarine officer whom you told fairytales about in my childhood.

About his eternal trip

ANNRon, thats enough! Why do you upset Mama?

RONALDAnd why do you butt in when grown-ups talk? What are you?


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MOTHERWhat do you mean what? Shes your sister!

RONALDAha, sister. We know this sister. Say again, my sister.

MOTHEROf course, shes your sister! You and she have the same mother, thatmeans youre brother and sister

(The doorbell rings.)

RONALDWhos there? Dont open the door to strangers.

MOTHER

Look at that, how quick. Making recommendations in someone elseshome.

(Leaving.)At your own home, you can give orders as much as you like

RONALD(Follows hysterically.)

I said, dont open the door to strangers! Do you hear me? Youll regretit later!

MOTHER

(Reenters with MICHAEL.)Mike, where have you disappeared to? Listen to what Mother is goingto tell you. Oh-oh-oh, woe

MICHAELWhats the matter?

MOTHERYour uncle has died! Oh-oh-oh, your Uncle Victor! We have to go buryhim. Get ready, son, quick, and well go Are you hungry?

MICHAELNo, Mama, I just ate.

MOTHERGood, Mike, thats a good boy. Go change, son, quickly and well go,else well be late for the train.

MICHAEL


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(Leaving the room.)Will anybody meet us there?

MOTHERDont know, Mike, dont know Probably not Well have to get a ride

somehow.

MICHAEL(From the other room.)

Its not so simple now. We might not be on time for the funeral.

MOTHERDoesnt matter, somehow If we hurry, well manage.

RONALDMother, Mother! Listen, Im talking to you. Do you hear me?

MOTHERWell?

RONALDI need money.

MOTHERIndeed! He needs money Who doesnt need money now? Everybodyneeds money, not only you.

RONALDMother, Im serious. I really, really need money.

MOTHERLook whom hes found to ask for money. His own mother! You should have beengiving Mother money long ago to help her. Just think, wheres Mothergoing to get extra money?

RONALDCome on, dont sing the blues! You think I dont know your man getspaid in cash in a joint venture?

MOTHERSo he does, so what? You can go and do it yourself if your firm isntpaying you enough. Nobodys stopping you. Why are you eying otherpeoples money? Look at that, how clever

RONALDListen, are you my mother or not? Cant I ask you as kin? Give me


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money, I need it!

MOTHERIf you say you have no money, with what then are you buying a newapartment?

RONALDWhat new apartment? What do you mean?

ANNRon, we just phoned you and they said that youre now livingsomewhere else. So Mama decided that you bought a new apartmentand have already moved.

MICHAEL(Looks outfrom the other room.)

Ron, is that true? Gee whiz! Whens the house-warming?

MOTHERMike, dont get distracted, change quickly. Once we start chatting,well be late.

MICHAEL(Exits.)

Okay, Mama

RONALD

Who asked you to phone there? What for?

ANNRon, the funeral!

RONALDSo? What have they got to do with this? Do they have any businesswith someone elses uncle from out of town? Are they going to hisfuneral too?

ANN

I phoned for you, not them.

RONALDI dont live there anymore.

ANNTrue, they told us that.


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MOTHERI dont understand Have you fought with Irene?

RONALDNot fought but split. Its all over between us.

MOTHER(Surprised)

Ah-h But where are you going to live then?

RONALDThis worries me the least. As long as I can l ive here, in my own home.And then, when everything is settled, with some work, then well see.

MOTHERIs that what you think? Wheres here? What own home? Besides,

weve shipped your sofa bed to the cottage long ago.

RONALDThats no problem. Can ship it back Or buy a new one.

MOTHEROh, youre muddling it, Ron! Have to talk this over in detail but theresno time now How can one split with such a wife? I dont understandShes so lovely and her familys very decent.

RONALD

But I dont seem decent enough for them.

ANNHows not decent enough? Then why did she marry you?

RONALDAnnie, dont meddle! Youll know when you grow up.

MOTHERReally, Ann, dont interfere with serious conversation. Better go tellMike to hurry up

(ANN exits.)

MOTHER (contd)Ron, tell Mother frankly, is it serious with you and Irene? Or is it onlylovers quarrel?

RONALD


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I told you, its not the most important problem for me now. My headaches not because of this.

MOTHERWhat then?

RONALDHow many times do I have to repeat: I badly need money!

MOTHERWhy do you need money?

RONALDIm stuck Very seriously stuck.

MOTHER

How much are you stuck for?

RONALDNot much.

MOTHERAnd how did you manage to get stuck?

RONALDWhat difference does it make? Got stuck, and thats all. How peopleget caught, so did I. As if you dont know how. Whats there to talk

about now?

MOTHERBut where is your new family? How could they let it happen? And callthemselves kin! Why havent they helped you with money?

RONALDMother, Ive told you, its all over with them And they dont want tosee me anymore.

MOTHER

But why? Really all because of this? Really money is the mostimportant thing in the world for them?

RONALDNot only money. Im telling you, I got stuck In short, I got into a fix.

MOTHERWhat do you mean got into a fix? What is it then? What else besides


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money?

RONALD(Makes a helpless gesture.)

Ah-h Too long to explain All the same, you wont understand.

MOTHER(Becomes angry.)

This must be how it is with a grown literate son! It turns out his ownmother wont understand! Of course, how could she understand? Shellnever understand what happened to him, not in a million years. But togive him the last bit of money, this she must understand right away. Take thelast penny from me, from his brother and sister! No, my dear, you getyourself out of your own mess. How you got into it, you get yourselfout, I dont have any time for you

(MICHAEL and ANN enter.)

MICHAELMama, Im ready.

MOTHEROh, how long you took, Mike! Well be late.

(Takes a bag.)Take the other and lets go.

MICHAEL

Mama, give it to me. I can easily carry both, itll be heavy for you.

MOTHERNo, Mike, then youll get tired Dont worry, Ill manage. Well, shall wego? And you stay here and watch over things. Annie, dont spend themoney all at once or youll be hungry. Only for food, understand? Dontforget what to say to Father when he calls. Behave yourself and donthang out with Nadia. And you, Ron, stop fooling around and reconcilewith Irene, shes still your wife.

RONALD

I told you, dont butt in.

MOTHEROkay, okay, bye

(Exit with MICHAEL.)

RONALDAnn, wheres the money?


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ANNWhy should I tell you?

RONALD

Come on, Ill just take a little bit.

ANNDidnt you hear what Mother said? Its only for food. And probably notenough.

RONALDDont you have your own stash?

ANNA little. But whats that to you?

RONALDA little? How much?

ANNFather sent me a hundred marks for my birthday.

RONALDGive it to me.

ANN

Uh-uh, no way! Why should I?

RONALDI say, give it to me! Or itll be bad.

ANNItll be bad if I give it to you. Dont even ask.

RONALDListen, Annie, be a good girl! I really need money.

ANNAnd you think I dont need it? Ill have to pay tuition soon. No, no, andno. Dont even think about it. I still wont give it to you.

RONALDAnnie, are you my sister or not?

ANN


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You already said what kind of sister I am.

RONALDWhat?

ANNStepsister, thats what! Ron, you have your own life and I have mine.All the same, I wont give you my money. Dont count on it.

RONALDAll right, so dont! You think this is money? Dont make me laugh.Teardrops, not money.

ANNGood, so we agreed. Better lets have tea. Do you want some?

RONALDNo. Drink it yourself, but Ill find money.

ANNWhen are you coming back?

(Pause)Wait for you or not?

RONALDNo need to wait for me. I have the key. Bye.

(Exits.)

ANNFinally, everybody left I can call Vern.

(Goes to the phone.)Pity Ron has come home Perhaps not for long? Makes snide remarksfor a day or two, gets bored, and skips out

(Picks up the phone and dials.)Bah!

(Gets angry.)Some new station Calls itself digital

(Sits down in an armchair and continues dialing.)


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Act Two

As the curtain rises, GRANNY lies on a sofa andgroans.

GRANNYHack, hack, hack Oh! Old age is no joy. Looks like Ive caught a cold,with the funeral and the traveling Settled in the chest Not longbefore I die Vera!

(Loudly)Ver-ra!

MOTHER(Enters.)

Whats the matter, Mama?

GRANNYWhats the matter? The sun has been up for a long time and youre stillin bed. Lying there like a lord, you understand. Time to get up, thatswhat.

MOTHERStill early, Mama.

GRANNYEarly? The place hasnt even been tidied up yet! Everythings still as itwas yesterday when we got in. Most likely, also dirty dishes in the sink?

MOTHER(Yawns.)

Mama, it doesnt takes long to do dishes.

GRANNY(Grumbles)

Doesnt take long, doesnt take long And the things?(Points to the bags.)

Are they going to stand here till the cows come home?

MOTHERAnd things are not hard to unpack. Lets doze for another hour, andthen Ill unpack everything. How to go to work today? I dont know

GRANNYYoull go as people do, you walk. Wont break your legs.


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MOTHERAs you always are, Mama. You never put yourself in others shoes.

GRANNYWhat about it?

MOTHERYou have no sympathy for others.

GRANNYNow thats interesting! I have no sympathy for you? You live here, youknow, in this home, like some swell, with all your trappings, and allkinds of comfort. Do you at least know how other people live? And youhave no worries, no cares.

MOTHER

And you say I have no worries! Who doesnt have them these days?

GRANNYDont provoke God! What worries do you have? Whom do you have tocare for?

MOTHERWhat do you mean whom? I have three children!

GRANNYYour children are already grown, safe and sound, with arms and legs

and heads on their shoulders. They can take care of themselvesalready. Your current man, as you described, gallivants abroad all thetime, brings bags of goodies and tons of money from there, and youonly have to worry about how to squander it.

MOTHERHe doesnt gallivant. What kind of expression is that?

GRANNYSo whats he doing there?

MOTHERHes in Germany, on training.

GRANNYWhats that? Whats such thingamajig?

MOTHERIts likewell, hes studying there. In a word, continue learning.


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GRANNYWhat for? Hasnt he learned anything his whole life? Really he has togo to the Krauts to finish his education?

MOTHERNot finish, but continue.

GRANNYMore isnt better. Its not what a man learns in school. Besides, didntyou say that he graduated from two institutes?

MOTHERIt was a long time ago.

GRANNY

Oh, my God! Poor man, studied, studied for twenty years, and all downthe drain? Must continue still? And whats he studying to be this time inthis Germany?

MOTHERA business administrator.

GRANNYA business administrator? Okay, thats great. Then explain to me, anold woman, what it is. I dont understand why everybody around is somad about these administrators. Cant make head or tails over it. You

listen to them, it turns out that well be in big trouble withoutadministrators.

MOTHERIts true what people say, Mama. You know, a business administrator,its Well, how to tell you

GRANNYJust tell me what it is.

MOTHER

Well, in general, its someone who oversees everything.

GRANNYReally? Hows this everything? Here, take for example our farm.Theres everything there: tractors, cattle, and all sorts of differentpeople. In general, a lot

MOTHER


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Exactly, a lot, and the administrator manages them all.

GRANNYAh, clear. So, it turns out an administrator is something like our formercollective farm director?

MOTHERMama, what are you saying! Comparing apples and oranges!

GRANNYAh, clear. So, this administrator cant run a collective farm?

MOTHERWhy not? Who told you that he cant? An administrator can runanything.

GRANNYAnything? Even a steamship?

MOTHERReally! Why a steamship? An administrator doesnt run a steamship,thats run by a captain.

GRANNYAh, clear And what will yours be running when hes done? When hereturns from Germany? Perhaps you dont know?

MOTHERWhy not? Of course, I know. Hell be the PR administrator. A verypromising post these days.

GRANNYOh, daughter, thats hard for me. I dont understand what hes going tobe doing.

MOTHERMama, hell be working with people To convince them of all sorts ofthings. To make them understand that everything their firm does is for

their benefit To contact the mass media. In general, many things. Its awhole science, Mama, especially for our people to study abroad. Itll bedifficult for you to understand.

GRANNY(Offended)

Oh, and its hard! Her mother wont understand Know what Ill tellyou, daughter? Hell be working as the Party organizer. Only its called


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differently now, not like what we used to

MOTHEROh, Mama, be quiet! Don't continue or Ill be sick listening to youHave to come up with this Party organizer.

GRANNYDont listen if youre going to be sick. Better go wake up the children.No reason for them to lie in bed doing nothing. They arent bosses, youknow. Time to get up long ago and go to work.

MOTHER(Recalls suddenly.)

And Ill really be late for worktalking to you(Looks at her watch.)

Oh, its stopped! What time is it?

(Rushes to the table and looks.)Oh! No time for breakfast!

(Rushes out.)

GRANNYAs usual. Makes a mess and then blames Mother.

MOTHER(Calls from another room.)

Mike! Michael! Get up, son, get up or youll be late for work! My watchhas stopped! If not for Grandma, we would be sleeping the day away.

MICHAEL(Enters)

Good morning, Granny.

GRANNYGood morning, grandson. Go and wash, or youll look awful. Oh-ho-ho!And where do young people get their strength? Hang out somewhereall night and only come home at daybreak.

MICHAEL

How do you know?

GRANNYYour granny sleeps with one eye open and notices everything. Didnthave time to pop in but straight off to friends, huh?

(Slyly)Or perhaps, not friends?


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MICHAELGranny, youre my overly curious grandma.

GRANNYGo, go, grandson. I dont judge you. Theres nothing to be ashamed of

for being young. Only watch it you dont accidentally get yourself a balland chain too soon.

MICHAELThank you for the good advice.

(Exits.)

GRANNYAlways glad to help. And why not? Advice is not money, doesnt comeout of the pocket. Why be stingy with it?

MOTHER(Rushes in, more or less ready.)

Seems that I managed Okay, Mama, you stay here, but Ive got torun.

GRANNYWait, wait! When are we going to order church service for Victor?

MOTHERCant you see Im late for work?

GRANNYToday?

MOTHERLater, later

GRANNYIll go myself then Tomorrow.

MOTHERPlease, go yourself, tomorrow, today, I dont care.

GRANNYNo, not today, Im too tired. Legs cant move, must rest.

MOTHERWell, see you, got to run

(Exits.)


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II-7

GRANNYOh, Vera, Vera Grown up to be a bad egg! Doesnt have any faitheven though we named her Vera. Swore and swore at the wake in thepresence of all honest people that as soon as she comes home, shellgo to the church for a service for her brother, as it should be according

to Christian tradition. Well, here we are and she doesnt even want totalk about church! In a word, just a yapper. Always was, sincechildhood. And no wonder, takes after the windbag

MICHAEL(Enters, already dressed.)

Granny, are you grumbling again? Dont grumble.

GRANNYMike, do you have time to eat?

MICHAELNo time, Granny, Im in a hurry

(Exits.)

GRANNYWell, how can one not grumble about them? Go to work withoutbreakfast. What can they accomplish on an empty stomach? Oh-ho-ho Not like the good old days. They first seat a worker at the tableand only then

ANN

(Enters.)Granny, are you up already?

GRANNYWhat do you think? Should I really lie down till dinner and wait forbedsores? And you, granddaughter, should have been up a long timeago already. Go wash your face and get dressed while I make tea.Well have breakfast And dont forget to wake Ronald.

ANNIm not going to wake him up.

GRANNYWhy not?

ANNHes like a mad dog. Better let him sleep and not bother us.

(Exits.)


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II-8

GRANNYWhats this let him sleep? Let him get up, have breakfast, and thengo about his own business, wherever he wants Ron! Ron, get up! Tellyou to get up!

(Loudly sings an old revolutionary song.)Get up, rise up, working people, pick up a bat, fight the masters

RONALD(Enters.)

Why are you yelling? What do you want from me?

GRANNYRon, dont sleep so much. Its bad for your health. Later your head willache.

RONALDMy head will soon ache because of you, if you keep yelling like that.

GRANNYWhy do you try to upset your granny? Shes your one and only. Whatwrong has she done you?

RONALDBut nobody upsets you here! You came, okay, sit and keep quiet. HaveI asked you why you came?

GRANNYSuch are the times! Hows this, why? I came to go to church, to get achurch service for my late son, your uncle.

RONALDYou see, what a pious old woman we turn out to have. Came for churchservice for the homeless drunk

GRANNYYou shut your mouth, junior! Not for you to judge your elders! If myson drank, he didnt ask you for money. Always his own, not like

some

RONALDWhat? What are you hinting at? Whom are you talking about?

GRANNYYou, grandson, talking about you, who else? Mother already told meeverything, how you held a knife to her throat, demanded money from


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her.

RONALDWho did?

GRANNYYou did. Who else? Mike or Annie, perhaps?

RONALDTo hell with you all!

(Angrily kicks a bag.)

GRANNYHush you, birdbrain! Dont break thejars!

(Takes the bags and exits.)

RONALDSome kin I have! Nothing good from them Cant get any money fromthem, parasites! Youll die and they wont give you a penny. But, assoon as you die, they run right to the church for a service, to leteverybody know how bighearted they are. So everybody around wouldknow how they take care of the lost soul of Gods servant Ronald! Eventhen, its better not to live Can one call this life? Not living but onlywasting life away Not working but cheating at every turn Not lovingbut using one another Not enjoying life but snagging kicks Andgetting nowhere with this buzz

ANN(Enters, already dressed.)

Ron, youre already up? Wheres Granny? In the kitchen?

RONALDDont know I dont keep an eye on her.

(Exits.)

ANN(Loudly)

Granny! Where are you?

GRANNY(Enters holding a tray.)


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II-10

Here I am, my sweet. Sit down and well have breakfast.(Loudly.)

Ron, stop being angry with your old granny! Better come and havebreakfast with us.

ANNDont call him, Granny. Hell only spoil the mood.

GRANNYHow can we not call him? He must be hungry. If he doesnt want to, lethim go out, but have to call him all the same.

RONALD(Enters with a big bag.)

No need to call me. I dont want to eat.

ANNWhere are you going with that?

RONALDDo I have to report to you? Who are you to me?

GRANNYRon, when will you come home? Wait for you or not?

RONALDNo need to wait for me. I come and go on my own.

(Exits.)

GRANNYWhats with him? I cant understand it.

ANNDont pay him any attention, dont give him so much credit.

GRANNYHe was such an easygoing young man earlier, even from childhood

ANNHe was always this way. Better lets have breakfast. Did you bring myfavorite jam, gooseberry?

GRANNYOf course I did, my sweet! How could I forget about my darlinggranddaughter? Here it is Help yourself.


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ANN(Eats jam.)

Hmm Yummy, Granny! Better than lollipops

GRANNY

Eat, eat Only watch you dont swallow your tongue. Then how canyou talk toyour boyfriend?

ANNWhat boyfriend?

GRANNYThen who were you chatting with on the phone last night? You think Ididnt notice? Oh, girl, Granny may be old, but shes not deaf.

ANN

Ah Thats what youre talking about I was

GRANNYWhat?

ANNI was talking with one of my girlfriends.

GRANNYWith a girlfriend? Sighing and mumbling like that? Dont feed mefairytales. Dont talk this way with girlfriends.

ANNGran-ny-y

GRANNYRight, Granny. Who else? Not Grandpa, you know.

ANNGranny, nice Granny, please! Only dont tell Mother!

GRANNY

What, love? Dont tell her what?

ANNWhat you guessed. Well, you know, the one I was talking to on thephone.

GRANNYAnd you think she doesnt know whom her daughter oohs and aahs


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II-12

with over the phone?

ANNShe doesnt know!

GRANNYHow can she not know?

ANNShe doesnt have time for me, so she hasnt noticed.

GRANNYWell, okay, okay. If thats the case, so be it, I wont tell If only hes anice young man.

ANN

He is, he is. Hes very nice, Granny.

GRANNYNice, you say?

ANNVery nice. Best of all.

GRANNYWhy indeed, exactly, best of all, of course. Its always like this witheverybody, my dear.

ANNWith everybody?

GRANNYWhat do you think?

ANNWas it like that with you too? With Grandpa?

GRANNY

It was Only not with him, not with my late Basil, God rest his soul.

ANNNot with Grandpa? With whom then?

GRANNY(Laughs.)

Look at that, how curious. You have to know everything Youll grow


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II-13

old too fast if you know too much. Youre still too young to be talkingabout such things.

ANNIm not too young, Granny! All grown up already.

GRANNYNot too young, you say?

(Laughs.)And when did you have time to grow up?

ANNYou just havent noticed, Granny. While you were getting older little bylittle, I was growing up at the same time.

GRANNY

So what if your granny is old? She may be old, but she still rememberseverything like it was yesterday.

ANNWhat do you remember?

GRANNYEverything! I remember everything. Havent forgotten a single thing.Many years have passed but it was as if yesterday.

ANN

Remember your first love too?

GRANNYWhy not? Goes without saying. You know, girl, if one forgets ones firstlove, then, it seems, one already doesnt remember oneself.

ANNAnd who was he, if not Grandpa?

GRANNYA young man.

ANNOf course a young man. Wouldnt be a girl, would it?

GRANNY(Angrily)

You understand nothing! I mean he was a nice young man, not somehick. He was young and single, not even attached to anybody.


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ANNWas he handsome?

GRANNY

You bet! The most handsome of all.

ANNReally!

GRANNYSo much for you. I tell you, he was handsome, and tall, and stately.And he carries himself well Like a true boss. Not these present-dayfakes, a one-trick pony. And still call themselves boss. Fuss and fuss, towhat end? Why bother? All the same cant cheat fate. Whats handedout to you at birth, so it will be. Not for nothing they used to say: you

cant make a silk purse out of a sows ear. Well, make a fool rich, allthe same its for nothing, ruins everything. Wealth will drip through hisfingers and nothing will remain

ANNGranny, dont digress, better talk about your first love.

GRANNYThen dont interrupt me Youre such a fidget, where did I stop?

ANN

That he carries himself well.

GRANNYYe-es He carries himself with such pride. When he turned his head soand looked at me, it took my breath away! When I looked at himstealthily and it happened that our eyes met, the ground would moveunder my feet. I simply couldnt tear myself away from looking into his bright eyes.

ANNHe had blue eyes perhaps?

GRANNYYes, clear blue, bright And merry to boot. Can even say impish. Andhis smile was impish too.

ANNGranny, why do you say that?

GRANNY


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II-15

What did I say?

ANNYou said he carries himself with pride but has impish eyes. Think foryourself, how can that be? Whoever heard of such a thing?

GRANNYWho? In life, my dear, in life. Its not so much hear or see, butexperiencelive through And not like in your foreign TV shows Andnot on the streets where people walk around with lifeless eyes. Nothingreflects in those eyes as if they arent people but the dead risen from thegrave. And fear, besides

ANNGranny, you digress again. So whats next with you two? Did he atleast guess that you loved him?

GRANNYHe did.

ANNHow did it happen? Did you tell him?

GRANNYYou can say that Only not on purpose, but as if by chance by itself.

ANN

How?

GRANNYWhat? It just did.

ANNGranny, tell me, how?

GRANNYWhats there to tell? Once, we were standing at a dance outside thefence. Girls in one group and boys in another, separate. We were

standing, exchanging words and munching on sunflower seeds, waitingfor the accordion player

ANN(Impatiently)

Well?

GRANNY


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II-16

Well what? Dont rush me, dont make it harder for Granny. I told you,were waiting for the accordion player and Andrew was him.

ANNThe one?

GRANNYYes The one But he never came alone to the dances.

ANNWith whom? He already had a girl?

GRANNYNo, he didnt have a girl! I told you, he was young and unattached. Heusually came with his brother, thats whom. With Alex Oh, also ayoung man, as good as they come! Handsome That time we waited,

and waited, butthey didnt come, didnt come

ANNWhy? Whathappened?

GRANNY(Gets irritated.)

Granddaughter, can you not interrupt me? Cant you at least keepquiet for a bit? Im telling you this, but its as if Im experiencing it allover again. As if all this happened only yesterday. As if the yearshavent gone by and carried everything away with them What was,

what wasnt, and what could be. Im sitting here with you anddreaming that everything could turn out differently. But you broughtme down from my sweet dream!

ANNGranny, please dont get mad! Ill be quiet, honest to God! I promiseyou, only you dont get distracted and tell me the whole story.

GRANNYWell, alright, okay. Then listen. So, Im standing there, arm in arm witha girlfriend, and saw Basil coming

ANNGrandpa?

GRANNYThere you go again? Ill stop if you keep on butting in.

ANN


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II-17

Granny, please! I wont anymore!

GRANNYAs if she wont Okay, listen. Then Basil had just gotten some leadrole in the local Komsomol unit and started to make himself out to be

very important. Going around with his nose up in the air. So, Basilcame, made his way straight to me, and said, Please let me standwith you. And we answered, Please, stand where you want. Didnt payfor the spot, enough room for all. Well, hestood beside us, stood andstood, took off his jacket and offered it to me. Its cold, he said, youcan catch cold. Just at that point, Andrew turned up with his brother.As soon as Andrew saw the tight short jacket, he stopped, startedplaying the accordion and sang in full voice, The steamer moves, thewater form rings, we will feed the Komsomols to the fish

ANN

Wow! And hes not afraid? And you?

GRANNYWhy should I? I threw the jacket back to Basil, jumped forward, andanswered him, Oh, oh, God forbid, to have anything to do with aKomsomol! He understands nothing, only wants a kiss. As soon asAndrew heard, he laughed, took the accordion off his shoulder andgave it to his brother. He came to me and never left my side all night.You know, Annie, that night was the happiest of my life

ANN

And then? What happened afterwards?

GRANNYAfterwards? Nothing.

ANNWhy? Did he betray you?

GRANNYHe betrayed nobody, dont make things up.

ANNThen why?

GRANNYI betrayed him.

ANNYou? It cant be!


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GRANNYIt can, granddaughter, it can. In this world, anything can happen. Itsometimes happens that that you even have to betray a love one.

ANNBut why? I just cant imagine it! How is it possible to betray the manyou love? Who is so dear to you? I dont know.

GRANNYYou still know nothing about life, Annie. And I hope to God you neverfind out about it. Not experience such animal fear. Such insanejealousy, yours and someone elses And most of all, my sweet, fearthe emptiness inside you. When you become indifferent to what awaitsyou and what happens to others.

ANNGranny, so what happened to him? Your Andrew?

GRANNYThen the ousting of kulaks came to our parts of the woods too. AndAndrews family, oh, how well they lived. How could they not. All themen were healthy, hard working, and teetotalers. All had strong hands,with a head on the shoulders, and, unlike others, worked like someGerman machine. So their family got on the list to be ousted. Only theydidnt wait for the arrival of the committee. One night they rolled theirhouse onto logs and floated downstream to town. That night Andrew

came to me and asked me to join them. But I, the fool, took frightthen. I thought, What are these kulaks to me? Id perish with them.Theyd liquidate me with them as a class. Better be close by Basil thekomsomol In those days, it seemed to me safer and better off. Yes,just so, my dear. I just wanted to make sure my life would be better.

ANNAnd Andrew? What became of him? Dont you know?

GRANNYWhy not? I know. Later Andrew and his brother were working in

construction Then both left for the front as volunteers. My Andrewreturned from the war decorated with medals. But his brother Alexremained under Stalingrad. A heros death After the war, Andrewmoved to Moscow and became a very important person. Very high theeagle had flown, oh, how high. We cant see him from here.

ANNAnd he never married?


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II-19

GRANNYWhy didnt he marry? Where do you get that idea? Do you think hesretarded? He brought a wife back with him from the front Oh, what alucky woman! The whole life he tended to her every need, cherished

and cared for her. Who do you think would be in her place if I didntlose my head then. Even now Im upset, feel anguish Well, nevermind. Why shed tears now, in vain? Cant live my life over again. Whydo we talk about such sad things, Annie? You should at least cheer upthe old woman, put on some cheerful music, wont you?

ANNRight away, Granny.

(Exits and returns after a short while, confused.)Granny, have you seen my tape recorder, by any chance?

GRANNYWhy no, Annie. I havent even been to your room.

ANNThen where is it?

GRANNYWhat?

ANNMy tape recorder. I tell you, its not there.

GRANNYLook again. It couldnt have grown legs. Where you put it, there itshould be.

ANNIve already searched everywhere! Theres no trace of it!

(GRANNY and ANN start looking for the tape recorder. They exitand enter in turns.)

RONALD(Enters cheerfully, already without the bag.)

Oh-ho! Whom do I see! My dear Granny! Hello, hello. How glad I am tosee you

GRANNYAlready greeted me today.


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II-20

RONALDDoes it really matter? Not a sin to greet a good man twice. Or threetimes! Arent you my good man? Eh, Granny? You alone have alwaysunderstood me

ANNRonald, have you seen my tape recorder?

RONALDWhy do you have a tape recorder, Annie?

ANNWhats this why?

RONALDThats what I ask you, my sister, why do you need a tape recorder?

ANNWhy such a foolish question? Listen to music, thats why!

RONALDSo you want to listen to music? And my dear Granny too? I respect youfor that. Now for you, my dear relatives, a concert on demand! Now,my darlings, Ill sing and dance for you, live! Listen, and no charge toyou

(Starts to sing, off key, and dance, wriggling.)

ANNRon, you skunk, wheres my tape recorder?

(RONALD ignores her and continues to sing and wriggle.)

GRANNYRon! Grandson! Dont you hear? Answer your sister! Stop that dancing!

(RONALD continues to wriggle, making more and moreinarticulate sounds.)

ANNRon, stop it! Are you deaf? Told you to stop!

(RONALD doesnt react in any way.)

GRANNYAnnie, whats with him? Decided to mock us?


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ANNGranny, you know I wanted to tell you earlier, only I didnt.

GRANNYDidnt tell me what?

ANNAs soon as he moved here, he started to be somewhat strange.

GRANNYWhat do you mean strange?

ANNWell In general, its become quite impossible to deal with him.

GRANNY

I remember he has done strange things before, but this? I cant imaginewhat can our Ron be up to And where did he learn such indecency? Oh!Oh! Whats wrong with him?

(RONALD twitches more and more ridiculously and finally fallsdown onto the floor.)

GRANNY (continued)Ronald, whats the matter with you? Are you making fun of us? Well,enough, stop joking and get up.

ANNHes not joking but taunting us!

RONALD(On the floor.)

Help! I dont feel too good! Help me!

ANNNobody will help you! You fall, you get up!

RONALD

Ma-ma-a-a!

GRANNYOh, Annie, Hes really not joking.

(Approaches and touches RONALD.)Are you hurt somewhere, Ron? Where does it hurt?

ANN


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II-22

He isnt hurting anywhere! And never hurts. Hes always hurting othersinstead!

GRANNYNo, Annie, look, hes really not well Help me, girl

(Bends down.)Help me get him onto the couch.

ANN(Helps to drag RONALD.)

Only remember, later all the same hell spoil our mood I know him.

GRANNYRon, grandson, wake up Open your eyes Whats wrong? Annie, goto the kitchen and get some water.

(ANN exits.)

GRANNY (continue)(Undresses RONALD.)

Wait a bit, Ron, youll feel better now Maybe its the heat?(Removes the shirt and notices needle marks.)

Ay-yay-yay! You poor dear, sick after all? So sick and not even a wordabout it So not to worry us Ay-yay-yay

ANN(Enters with a glass of water, approaches RONALD, also notices

the needle marks, horrified.)Gran-ny-y!!!

GRANNYWhat, my dear? Dont you see how things have turned out? You know,hes not faking it. Our Ron is sick, very sick. Only we dont know whatit is

ANNGranny, hes not sick! Its overdose!

GRANNYMy Lord! Whats overdose?

ANNWhat? Cant you see? Our Ron is a drug addict!

GRANNY(Scared.)


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II-23

What are you talking about? Why do you say that?

ANNOpen your eyes, Granny! Dont you see?

GRANNYI see nothing, and dont want to see! How could a sister think that? Thebrother is sick and you call him a drug addict? My grandson cant bean addict! Anything but this! It just can't be! You see, hes a sick man

ANNHow can it not be if it already is! He isnt sick. Its not sickness butoverdose! Have to call 911 immediately or hell die

GRANNYNonsense! Not sick, die Were not calling 911! This is going too far!

Hes still young, nothing will happen to him. Lie down for a bit, rest,and will soon be himself. And just be on the safe side Ill put an aspirinin his mouth and hell soon feel better

ANNYoure crazy, Granny! Hell die!

(Rushes to the phone and dials 911.)Hello! Please, my brother is dying! Overdose Yes, yes, very bad! Yes,yes

(Gives the address.)Yes, Ill wait

(Hangs up.)Ill go downstairs to meet them, and you, Granny, watch him Watchhe doesnt suffocate

(Exits.)GRANNY

(Confused)This cant be My grandson? No, it cant be


52/75

III-1

Act Three

As the curtain rises, MOTHER and GRANNYenter.

GRANNYOh, Im so tired The legs dont keep me upright And the back, itseems, just about broke in half.

MOTHERNo wonder, youre not used to it. Nothing to be surprised about, Mama,doesnt happen often. Almost had to stand through the whole service,and thats tiring.

GRANNYVera, you didnt by any chance forget to light a candle for Ronalds

health?

MOTHERHow could I forget? I did it the first thing while you ordered the serviceforVictor.

GRANNYThats good. Perhaps God will somehow help Ronald recover from thiscursed illness. Attached itself to the guy and wouldnt let go

MOTHERMama, how many times have I told you that this isnt a simple disease.

GRANNYThen what is it?

MOTHERThe doctors say the soul is very much involved here.

GRANNYThats why we went to church, for the peace of Victors soul and topray for Ronalds health. Whom else do we need besides God? Whoelse can help us?

MOTHERWell, I dont know

GRANNYWhat dont you know?


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III-2

MOTHERI know nothing.

GRANNY

Vera, it seems, you dont believe in God? Why then did you go tochurch? Would be better then you didnt go at all.

MOTHERWell, I did. One might think that you really believe in God. Somehow Idont remember that youve told mein childhood anything about God.

GRANNYIt wasnt allowed then, so I didnt. And you, Vera, babble all sorts ofnonsense and dont know anything.

MOTHERWhat dont I know?

GRANNYThat our Victor appears to me every night and asks me to light acandle for him at least in church. And last night he was very pale andlooked at me so mournfully. Then he started to cry and said, Its beennine days, you know, and soon itll be forty, and you havent yet beento church. Im in pain, Mama And so is Ronald He said anddisappeared.

MOTHERDont make it up, Mama. You probably dreamt it all.

GRANNYEven if I did, all the same his soul suffers.

MOTHERYour soul suffers, not his. It already doesnt matter to him now.

GRANNY Yes, my soul suffers too And hurts How can it not? What will

become of Ronald now even if herecovers?

MOTHERDont, Mama. Why torment my soul? Why think about it ahead of time?


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III-3

GRANNYVera, Veralisten Is it true what people say, that the treatment ofthis mostcursed addiction Does it really cost a lot of money?

MOTHERIts free while hes in intensive care I dont have the money for histreatment and Im not going to pay for it either. The skunk seems tohave made off with many valuables while we were away. Even whatAlex stored in the garage he has managed to sell I dont know whatwill happen when Alex returns from Germany. Scary just to imagine.

GRANNYVera, they still dont get along?

MOTHER

How they get along! Deep down they cant stand each other Andthat, unfortunately, is that. Really drives you crazy.

GRANNYNeedless to say, thats not good But dont be too upset, Vera. Itspossible that Ronald wont survive. The doctor indeed didntguarantee, right?

MOTHER(Indignantly.)

Mama, what are you talking about! How can you click your tongue and

say this to me?

GRANNYDont you shame me! I tell the truth as is. What if Alex comes backbefore they release Ronald from the hospital? And even demand atruckload of money for his treatment, what then? Did you think withyour head or do I have to do it for you again? You yourself whined to meyour Alexs eyes wander, and heres such a disgrace Be careful youdont become alone again after this.

MOTHER

Going after the same old things again, Mama? Moralizing again?

GRANNYNot again but anew! You dont want to listen to me now, Vera, like youdidnt listen then. Why did you hook up with Ronalds father? Why didyou have a kid with that cheat?


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MOTHERWhy talk about this now? You yourself know very well how everythinghappened.

GRANNYI do, therefore Im talking. What, you didnt want to work where youreassigned? So you hooked up with the cheat? Well, you received a giftfrom him. And your whole life you suffer for this gift.

MOTHERMama, I regret nothing! What was I supposed to do then? Go to themiddle of nowhere as assigned? Its even worse there than our farm!Why, did I sufferso much all in vain? Spent so much time in the institute,crammed so hard, and all down the drain? People go to theatres anddances, but I, like the condemned, didnt get my head out of the books!

All the time studied, studied, studied! Its not learning but real torture!Didnt manage to pass a single exam the first time.

GRANNYVera, who can you be mad at if God didnt endow you with smarts?

MOTHER(Indignantly)

What do my smarts have to do with it? And how does God come intothis? I didnt go to special city schools, only to our rural schools. Thatswhy everything came to me with such difficulty Not so for these city

flirts And what should I do after all the tortures? Back to thefarm tomuck dirt? And leave them here on high heels swaying their hips? Noway! Im no worse than them!

GRANNYWho are they? And whats with them here? Not them but youwho had Ron with that bastard Solomonov! And he already had a wifeand two kids And even has twenty years on you.

MOTHERSo hes older, so what? He has position.

GRANNYA lot of help his position was to you.

MOTHERWell, a lot, not a lot, but I was able to get a job in the city. And didnt haveto move to the boonies.


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GRANNY(Thoughtfully)

Perhaps it would have been better if you did.

MOTHER

(Indignantly)What nonsense! To the boonies Maybe wish this on an enemy, but I,after all, am your daughter. Or have you forgotten?

GRANNYOh, you shameless you, Vera! Forget how I gave birth to you andbrought you up? Oh, you Its you who dont remember how your Rongrew up motherless. How you pushed him, the little one, on me, howhe didnt live with you till he started school

MOTHER

Dont exaggerate, Mama! Motherless indeed Where could I take himbefore I got my own place? Where?

GRANNYOh, come on! Your own place Daniel left you this apartment Oh,hes a good man, this Daniel! You were lucky with him, so lucky. Leftyou the apartment and helps Michael. Pity only he couldnt take Ronaldto heart. And had to dislike the young man so much that he even lefthis own son so as not to live with Ron.

MOTHER

Whats this with Ron? If you dont know, dont talk! Yes, I confess, I wasto blame for everything. Daniel is indeed a very good man, and I lovedhim so And probably still love him now But why is it surprising thathe couldnt accept Ronald like his own? After all, hes someone elses,Ron is

GRANNYSomeone elses or your own, whats the difference? Hes but a child.You raise him with your own and hell become yours.

MOTHER

Know what, Mama? I see youre very surprised that Daniel couldnt loveRon like his own. Heres my own father, hated me, his own flesh andblood, all his life, and went after me on all occasions for no reason atall. But youre not surprised. Is it normal to treat his daughter thatway?

GRANNYIll tell you Vera, its perfectly normal for Basil not to love you.


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MOTHERNormal? Its normal?

GRANNY

Yes, perfectly normal.

MOTHERAm I really such a freak that he couldnt look at me? Or perhaps sowacky that my own father was ashamed of me?

GRANNYOh, Vera, Vera

MOTHERWhat Vera, what?

GRANNYWhat happened, happened, its history, dont hold a grudge against thedead.

MOTHERBut why?

GRANNYBecause youre not his.

MOTHERWhat? What did you say?

GRANNYYoure not his.

MOTHERWhat does that mean?

GRANNYIt means whatever you want, but youre not his daughter.

MOTHERMaybe youre going to tell me that Im not yours either?

GRANNYYoure mine, thats for sure, dont have to worry about it. But not his.

MOTHER


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How can that be?

GRANNYJudge for yourself. Basil left for the front in 42, and didnt come hometill the war ended. Only after the war that he returned at the end of

45.

MOTHERBut you always told me the story of how you visited him in thehospital!

GRANNYI did it as a decoy so that you wouldnt think otherwise.

MOTHER(Perplexed)

But Whats this? How? Why?

GRANNYWhat why?

MOTHERWhy did you?

GRANNYWhy, why It just did, thats why. It was war after all, and all the menwere at the front. My Basil was already a soldier for a few years and

then the letters stopped coming. I thought that he had completelydisappeared. You know that both our young ones had died before thewar

MOTHERWhat are you talking about, Mama?

GRANNYAbout everything. About what youre asking.

MOTHER

What are you talking about?

GRANNYAbout why you were born, thats what.

MOTHERMama! It hurts me


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GRANNYAnd you think it didnt hurt me that when your father found out I wascarrying you, he skipped? The scum commissioner, may God damn hissoul to hell

MOTHERWhat commissioner?

GRANNYThe one who stayed at my place All the time promised to take me tothe city with him Only he drove off to the city alone, without me And I wasleft with the tummy for all to laugh at. Then I wanted to get rid of you, Imust confess, wanted very much. Especially when I finally got a letterfrom Basil, from the hospital.

MOTHER

(Confused)Is this true? You really didnt want me?

GRANNYWho in my place would want to have this heels child, when the herohusband was healing from battle wounds in the hospital?

MOTHERWhy

GRANNY

Why what?

MOTHERWhy then did you have me?

GRANNYSeems its Gods will. Seems youre destined to appear in this world.No matter how I tried, nothing turned out. Nothing helped, no herbs, nobaths You know how its done. Only nothing worked for me, andthere was no one to turn to. Its terrible! It was strictly forbidden thento do it, not like nowadays

MOTHERMama, dont Please dont continue or Ill cry.

GRANNYCry, Vera, cry, if you still have tears. My tears had dried long ago sinceBasil returned from the hospital and found me pregnant. I thought hewould be delayed. Only had a couple of months left to wait. Then I


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could meet him already without you And never return to the farm.But I miscalculated. He appeared, took one look at me and turned noteven white but black from anger! I only had time to say, Forgive me!before he kicked me in the stomach with his boot! I woke up already inthe hospital. Thought I had died, but no, and still alive even now And

you, Vera, though premature, keeps on living.

MOTHER(Sobs.)

Mama Youre my dear Mama

GRANNYThat, daughter, was how you came to this world. Heres why the lateBasil didnt love you.

MOTHER

And you? Why didnt you divorce him? Why didnt you leave him?

GRANNYAh-h, now its easy to say, hook up, break up, but then A lot of menwere lost in the war. And this one, for better or worse, is still mine. Itsimpossible to survive on the farm without a man.

MOTHERAnd he? Why didnt he leave you? Forgave you, it turned out?

GRANNY

(With a grin.)He wasnt the kind to forgive. Wasnt made of that. He was to get even withme by Victor.

MOTHERYouve completely lost me, Mama. What does the late Victor have todo with it?

GRANNYHeres what. Dont you how Victors brain worked?

MOTHERHow?

GRANNYNot exactly normally. And why that was, you dont know.

MOTHERSo what? Thats surprising? It happens quite often, that the brain doesnt


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work normally.

GRANNYIt does, especially if the cure for that unhealthy sickness isntcomplete.

MOTHERWhat sickness?

GRANNYWhat sickness The usual. The same one that Basil was infected withat the end of the war in Hungary when he became an orderly for somebrass. He had already forgotten about me then, only when he was inthe hospital that he quickly remembered Wrote a letter

MOTHER

He what?

GRANNYYes, exactly! The same thing Only when Victor was born that headmitted it. Even not to me but to the doctor, when that one practicallyheld a knife to his throat. And the doctor told me later Well, okay, itsold history. Let God be his judge, were even. Now theyre together, fatherand son, and may they rest in peace. But you and I, Vera, must keepon living and not disturb old wounds.

MOTHER

(Confused)Mama, Mama Im bowled over How am I to live after this? To youits old history, but what am I to do?

GRANNYAs youve always done And dont get too upset over what I told you.Why do you think I poured out my soul to you? So that you dont hold agrudge against the late Basil for nothing. After all, though youre nothis, he did bring you up like his own daughter. Gave you his name, andalways helped you as much as he could Called your children hisgrandkids.

MOTHERAnd what am I? Never mind I dont hold a grudge against him. Fatheris father, what else to add?

GRANNYThats right, heres a good girl. Go, better warm up lunch


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(MOTHER exits.)

GRANNY (continued)Oh-oh-oh Oh Lord, how everything turned out Dont judge a sinnerfor her loose tongue. Wanted to take the secret to the grave with me

but let the cat out of the bag And didnt do it deliberately out ofmalice, you know, Lord! I felt sorry for my no-good Basil when Verastarted pouring out her resentment for the dead. Well, I thought thatwhen I die, she wont teach her children and grandchildren to love theirgrandfather. Theyll grow up disrespectful to their ancestors, or worse,ignorant of them. Thats why I told her how it was. Let her at least knownow that though shes not of his flesh and blood, Basil brought her uplike his own I told her but Im having doubts. Maybe I was wrong todo it? As for why I told her about Basils unhealthy sickness Lord,youre our only hope! I pray that you have mercy, dont turn my wordsto harm.

(Crosses herself.)Save and protect me, a sinner

(A noise is heard outside.)

MICHAEL(Enters.)

Hi, Granny! Are you alone?

GRANNYNo, Michael, Mothers in the kitchen, warming up lunch. Come, wash

your hands quickly and well have lunch now.

MICHAELThanks for the invitation, but no, thank you.

GRANNYHow so? You havent eaten since morning!

MICHAELIm full, Granny. Just ate, and very heartily.

GRANNYAlready managed? Heres a fine fellow My brave young eagle Lookslike the eagle is thinking of leaving the nest, right?

MICHAELHow did you guess? Im thinking, really thinking.

GRANNY


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God be with you. Go, young man, fly away. Mustnt be tied to Mamasapron stringsall your life.

MICHAELNever, Granny, never.

GRANNYOnly dont rush with this business. While the eagle wings arent strongenough yet, flap them properly in the nest.

MICHAELAnd when firmly established? What should be done then?

GRANNYThen comes the time to build your own nest.

MICHAELOh, we have a smart one in you, Granny! I absolutely agree with youon this issue. I just think that the time has come.

GRANNYMichael, youre really quite grown up! Come, confess Are you indeedgoing to get married?

MICHAELNot yet, Granny. For a while, well just live together. I was just going totell you this but you guessed it yourself.

GRANNY(Clasps her hands together.)

Oh! Vera! Vera, did you hear? Come quick! Listen to what your sonplans on doing!

MOTHER(Rushes in.)

What? Whats the matter? What happened?

GRANNY

Just listen! Our Michael, it turns out, is going to leave home forsomeone! Right, grandson?

MICHAELAbsolutely correct, Granny.

MOTHERWhat does it mean: leave home? What nonsense!


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MICHAELNo, Mama, this isnt nonsense. Ive really come to tell you this.

MOTHER

Michael, can you not try to fool me? I swear, now is not the time forjokes.

MICHAELMama, Im not joking.

MOTHERIsnt Ronald enough for me? Isnt everything else enough for me? Nowyoure trying to drive Mother crazy? Where are you thinking of going?

MICHAEL

Calm down, Mama, and listen to me carefully. Im not going away. Illbe living nearby. I may even come home every day for lunch

MOTHERWhere will you be living? Whom will you be living with?

MICHAELWith Helen.

MOTHERWith Helen?

MICHAELYes, with Helen. More precisely, Helen Karlovna.

MOTHERWhich Helen Karlovna?

MICHAELYou know which. You saw her once.

MOTHER

What? Do you mean that one? The one who bought the place in thecorner house across from here? Above the pharmacy where theyrecently finished the renovations?

MICHAELYes But what? What dont you like about her?

MOTHER


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Have you grown up to be an idiot?

MICHAELMama, I dont understand you

MOTHER(Yells.)Mama, listen! He doesnt understand me!

GRANNYAnd how am I to understand you? Say clearly and perhaps, even I, theold woman, will somehow understand you.

MOTHERMama, listen! After the renovations, an old hussy in a new jeep movedintothat condo! Nobody knows where she got that kind of money; only

knows that shes almost my age!

GRANNYWell, Michael, what do you say to that? Is Mother right or not?

MICHAELGranny, age doesnt matter at all these days. In contrast to financialstatus. I dont know why it bothers Mama. But one thing I can say forsure, theyre certainly not the same age.

MOTHER

Whats this old woman to you? What do you see in her? Arent thereenough girls parading around you?

MICHAELIts not what I see in her but what she sees in me. And Im very gratefulto her.

MOTHERFor what? What are you grateful to her for?

MICHAEL

Dont you understand? Youve seen what this woman is rich,educated, sexy. She has dozens of admirers but she has chosen me.She opened the door for me to a totally different world! If you onlyknew


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MOTHERShut up! Shut up now! I dont want to hear this nonsense!

GRANNY

Dont interrupt, let him talk. Maybe, after this the folly will leave him.

MICHAELIts not nonsense. This is my final decision and Im not going to changeit.

GRANNYAnd when did you have time to make this decision? Why are you insuch a hurry?

MICHAEL

Granny, youre a reasonable person, youll understand. Judge foryourself: how can I not hurry? As soon as they find out my brother is anaddict and, besides, is in the hospital for an overdose, will I still beneeded? Theyll immediately ask about me. Therere a dozen waitingto get my job, and unlikely Ill ever find another one like it. Helenknows, but shes not bothered. Its very noble on her part to offer meassistance at such a difficult time

MOTHERWhat help? To whom? What are you talking about? Change your mindbefore its too late!

MICHAELShell help me, bring me into her circle

MOTHERWhat circle?

MICHAELThe moneyed circle! Where people dont live hand to mouth! Wherethey enjoy cruises to exotic places, winter in the Swiss Alps, and dine infancy restaurants! Where they buy elite condos, luxury foreign cars,

and antique furniture! Where they can buy anything the soul desires

GRANNYEven you.

MICHAELWhat even me? I dont understand.


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GRANNYYou just said that your Karlovna could buy whatever she wants.

MICHAELWell?

GRANNYSo, now she wants to buy you, but later shell want to sell.

MICHAELWhats this to sell?

GRANNYWhatever. Sell to somebody, at a profit

MICHAEL

What nonsense. We love each other!

MOTHERNot true! Thats not love! She tricks you!

MICHAELWhy do you think that?

MOTHERI know! Ive lived long enough!

MICHAELSo?

MOTHERI know what love is! You can even ask your father. He also knows this,he knows how much I loved him

MICHAELI dont believe you. If you loved him, why did you cheat?

MOTHER

Ive never cheated on your father! Not once in my life!

MICHAELYea, you didnt. I know how you lied to him. And now youre lying tome.

GRANNYMichael, shut your mouth this minute! Whats with you Still young,


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GRANNYYour brother is like you! Hes no worse than you!

MICHAELAh, no worse. Say, even better An addict.

GRANNYIm not talking to you anymore, not until you apologize to yourmother And to me.

MICHAELThis we still have to see,who must apologize to whom. Youre alllivingin my fathers place. All of you! Ron, Annie, and Alex Besides, Fatherleft this to me, not to her.

(Points to MOTHER.)And he still cant talk calmly about her even now By the way, he

sends money so that she can spend it on me, not on any trash.

GRANNYOh Lord, forgive him, the unreasonable. Doesnt realize what hessaying.

MOTHER(Confused)

Mike, did Father really tell you all this?

MICHAEL

No. Father never says a word about this to anyone.

GRANNYObviously, his dear mommy tries! Complicates matters. That old witch,doesnt want to settle down Isnt she ashamed to egg on her owngrandson? And you, Mikey, dont listen to her, put out of your head allthis nonsense she told you.

MICHAELIts not nonsense. Its the truth.

GRANNYEveryone has his own truth. Your mother has her own, and her truth isno worse than this one Your other grandmother Whats her name?Well, doesnt matter.

MICHAELTruth is always one and only. Two truths dont exist.


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GRANNYThey do, my dear, they do. Two, three, and sometimes even more.Each has his own. If theres only one truth for everybody, then whywould we be at loggerheads with each other? Wed all be sittingcalmly side by side on a lawn, talking in harmony, and only smiling

sweetly at each other. But no, it never happens that way. Everyonefollows his own truth and only tries to hit others over the head with thistruth.

MICHAELHere Mother also hit Father

MOTHER(Sobs.)

Mike Mikey Son Why are you like this?

GRANNYNo, Mike, she didnt hit him with her truth, but he did it to himself.Indeed, he made such cutting remarks straight to her face that shesstill reeling from them now. Dont you see how the poor woman suffersbecause ofhim? Indeed, some good son youve grown up to be Ah,you In a word, a nitwit And you, Vera, dont cry. As for this matter,let him go to his Karlovna. Hell come back to Mother once he tastesgrief.

MICHAELI wont be back. Im not going to taste any grief.

GRANNYOh, Mike, Mike It isnt that people want to taste grief, but that theyreunable to swim out of trouble even when they try.

MOTHERMike Son Dont leave

MICHAELMama, dont be upset, but for me, the matter has already beendecided.

GRANNYWont you, such a blockhead, at least apologize before you leave? Ifnot to me, then at least to your mother!

MICHAELI want to, I want to! Dont you see that I want to apologize Mama,dont you worry so! Im not going abroad, only nearby, can come here


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almost every day And Ill also phone Okay, so long, dont forgetme

(Exits.)

MOTHER

(Follows him with her eyes.)Mike Mikey Come back!(Goes to the window.)

GRANNY(Also approaches the window.)

God is with him, let him go At least, wherever he wants. Hes alreadygrown A man, indeed hes a man. Doesnt matter, he wont goanywhere. All the same, hell return.

MOTHER

What if he wont return? What then? What should I tell Alex about allthis?

GRANNYHad to find something to worry about. Hell only be glad that Mike hasmoved out. At least wont be asking for money.

MOTHERHere money is no big deal. Daniel still gives him money. Its somethingelse Im afraid of.

GRANNYWhats that?

MOTHERIm more afraid that he would put claims on this place. Did you hearwhat he said? God forbid if he does Poor Alex! He has put so mucheffort and money into it. Hell never agree


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GRANNYWhat are you babbling ahead of time for? Nobody is taking this placeaway from you for now Better look at this

(Points outside the window.)

Over there See what a nice gentleman our Annie has found forherself

MOTHERWhat? Where?

(Looks out.)Where? I dont see it.

GRANNYThere, by the entrance, chatting Looks like hes seeing her homeSee, how nicely dressed! In suit and tie A fine young man

MOTHER(Peers out.)

Let me have a better look.

GRANNYLook, look Look carefully. You should watch it, have to know whosees your daughter home

MOTHER(Horrified)

What? What? It cant be No! No-o-o! Only not this! Lord, what adisaster

(Rushes out.)

GRANNY(Follows.)

Vera! Vera! What is it? Whats with you?(Goes to the exit.)

Wheres she running off to like mad? Oh, all the same cant catch up(Returns to the window, looks out.)

Whats this? Mother of God! Blessed Virgin! Vera has completely lost

her mind! Why is she beating Annies boyfriend? Whats she forcingAnnie home for? Well, Ill be

(Goes to the exit, stops halfway.)Must take medicine or wont live till tomorrow with such going-onFirst with one, then the other Where is it? When you need it, youcant find it

(MOTHER rushes in, dragging ANN behind her.)


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ANNMama, let go! Let go! Whats with you?

MOTHER

Nothing!

ANNWhat did you do that for? What should I tell Vern?

MOTHERYou tell him nothing! Understand? Not now, not later! Youll neverspeak to him anymore! Not one more word, understand? Understandwhat youre told?

ANN

Granny, what has happened with you? Whys she like this? Hassomething happened?

GRANNYIt did, love, it did. Michael left home, thats why shes feeling so bad.Pity your mother, things arent going well, shes not made of steel, youknow. First Ronald, now Michael

ANNWhats that got to do with me? Why shame me in front of Vern?

MOTHERShut up! Dont you dare utter this name in my home!

ANN, GRANNYWhy?

MOTHERBecause! Because I dont allow it!

ANNBut why? Why? I cant live without him!

GRANNYVera, open your eyes! Dont you see that Annie has fallen in love withthe young man?

MOTHERAnd you please keep quiet, Mama! Please keep quiet if you dontunderstand! And please dont meddle in others affairs.


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ANNMama, then Ill leave too! Leave forever, like Mike!

MOTHER

Where will you go, silly girl? Who needs you?

ANNIll go to Vern! He needs me! All the same well get married in thewinter

MOTHERWhat? Get married? Youre out of your mind! What kind of marriage!Think with your stupid head! Hes your natural brother!

GRANNY

Vera, what nonsense are you talking about? Youre like, completelycrazy!

ANNWhat brother? Are you nuts? Arent you feeling well?

MOTHERYes, bad! Very bad! Nearly as badly as when Daniel left me! Then I reallynearly lost my mind. Wanted to kill myself Got better little by little,came to myself, and decided to prove to him that I could live withouthim. Met Vince Zhereb, your Verns father

ANN(Dumbfounded)

You? And his father?

MOTHERThen he had just left his wife Lydia, that dreadful whale. All the time heread verses to me, worthless intellectual, retold in his own words thickjournals and books. But he never lifted a finger around the house, thebum! Then he got a fright, the bastard, that they wont let him defendhis dissertation for his immoral behavior, so he rushed back to his

Lydia. Heres already a bun in the oven, forgive me, Lord! He left me,the lowlife, and it was already too late to get an abortion. Luckily, Alexturned up

ANN


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(Confused)But But how could it be?

MOTHERHe indeed didnt guess a thing And good too he didnt. Nowwe live

like people, everythings settled. For a long time Ive forgotten aboutthis damn Zhereb And you, Annie, my darling daughter, forget allthese Zherebs.

ANN(Confused)

Granny, but why? Is it true?

MOTHERTrue, Annie, its true.

ANNBut this just cant be! Why? What am I guilty of?

MOTHER(Sobs.)

Darling, forgive me(Approaches and embraces ANN.)

Forgive me if you can.

GRANNYOh, my dears My poor unhappy dears Forgive me too

(Approaches and embraces both MOTHER and ANN.)

ANN(Cries.)

Why? Why? Why? Why such punishment for me?

GRANNYFor sins, love, our sins

ANNWhat sins?

Documents

Sins of the Mothers