Евгения Гришковец – Aina and the Maelstrom (страница 3)
She wrote she wouldn't make it in time. Traffic, if you please! Well, if she'd written earlier, I'd understand, but to flake out like that… it's just weird! And how am I supposed to talk to her at work now?
INT. BANK. PAUSE BETWEEN CLIENTS. GALYA AND AINA SIT AT NEIGHBORING WINDOWS.
Aina's face has a thick layer of foundation.
Galya diligently pretends to be busy with papers. Aina stares unseeingly at her monitor screen.
Galya can't stand the silence.
GALYA (whispering)
Too bad we didn't hang out yesterday, didn't go to the movies…
AINA (also whispering)
I'm sorry too. But I got so busy with housework yesterday, by the time I finished washing the windows, I realized I wouldn't make it. Sorry.
GALYA
No big deal. We'll go next time.
A client approaches Aina's window. Galya glances at Aina. Aina turns sideways to her and pulls a strand of hair from behind her ear to cover her cheek.
INT. AINA'S PARENTS' HOUSE (SIMA AND RUSTEM). EVENING.
In the room are Sima and Aina. Aina wears a stretched black t‑shirt and old jeans. Sima is dressed in a long, dark blue flannel robe with large pockets. Cotton fabric for sewing bed linen is spread out on the chairs and sofa. Aina holds a large piece of fabric in her outstretched arms. Sima, with sharp, large scissors, approaches Aina, cutting the taut fabric in half.
AINA (with a short laugh)
As a child, I was always afraid I wouldn't have time to pull my hand away and you'd cut my fingers off…
[PAGE 5]
SIMA
We're always afraid of the wrong things. You'd be better off fearing something else.
It's dark outside the window. Aina and Sima are reflected in the glass. Rustem enters and draws the curtains.
RUSTEM (irritated)
How many times do I have to tell you, you can be seen from the street. Everything you do is visible!
SIMA
I forgot, Rustem, sorry.
AINA
Dad, there's no one outside. No one to watch us!
Rustem brushes the fabric scraps off the sofa, making space for himself, and sits down.
AINA (with disapproval in her voice)
Dad, why on the floor! This is for new bed sheets!
RUSTEM
What, are the floors unwashed? Slobs!
Sima and Aina exchange glances but remain silent.
Later. Same evening.
AINA
Mom, how do you put up with a husband like that?
SIMA (sincerely surprised)
I have a good husband, daughter. Domestic, doesn't drink, works, brings money home. And he's a good father to my children!
AINA
Sure, sure… I didn't expect anything else from you.
SIMA
You get married first yourself, then we'll talk!
INT. GALYA'S APARTMENT. EARLY MORNING.
Sergei and Galya sit in the kitchen, drinking coffee and watching the news. The boys are already dressed and waiting in the hallway.
BOYS
Dad, come on, let's go!
GALYA
Sergei, really, they're already dying in their coats waiting for you. Take them!
SERGEI
No respect for the father of the family. Let me finish my coffee! So, you think she had bruises on her face?
GALYA
God, stop gossiping already! Just go!
INT. AKHMAD'S HOUSE. EARLY MORNING.
Akhmed's wife, RUZANNA. Ruzanna is twenty‑two years old. Ruzanna is about to give birth.
Akhmed waits for Ruzanna to pour tea into his thermos.
AKHMAD (cheerfully)
Such a caring wife! You can find decent tea at a gas station, I guess…
RUZANNA (with a smile)
For now. But when my belly gets tight, who'll take care of you? I'll have sleepless nights soon, when your son arrives. I won't have time for you then.
AKHMAD
I'm sure my mother will babysit him. You'll be able to rest. And for her, this will be the first and so far only grandson!
[PAGE 6]
RUZANNA
Yeah… Your sister Aina isn't in a hurry to get married. And even if she were, I doubt she'd manage…
AKHMAD (severely)
Don't gossip about things you don't know! Anyway, time to hit the road.