Евгения Гришковец – Aina and the Maelstrom (страница 6)

Not at us, at you. I'm already a well‑"lived" madam, no messing with me!

AINA

You don't look your age at all. Everyone thinks we're about the same age.

GALYA

I doubt it. I've been wanting to ask you something. It seems to me that instead of hanging out with me, you should be dating young men.

AINA (tensely)

I already have a fiancé… Don't worry!

INT. AKHMAD AND RUZANNA'S HOUSE. EVENING.

Akhmed and Ruzanna are assembling a crib according to the instructions. Ruzanna is in a maternity dress. Her hair is pulled back in a thick ponytail, a long fringe falls over her forehead, almost covering her eyes. Akhmed is in sweatpants with stretched‑out knees and a white undershirt.

AKHMAD

Hand me the wrench. This crib is a nightmare, can't make heads or tails of these instructions.

RUZANNA

Give it here, let me see.

Akhmed tosses the booklet towards Ruzanna.

AKHMAD

When I think about Aina being in the city at this hour, I just can't relax!

RUZANNA

You can't babysit her your whole life. Aina's old enough!

AKHMAD

You just don't know what you're talking about!

RUZANNA

Sure, sure… you can't hide a needle in a sack…

Akhmed stares at Ruzanna with surprise and anger. Ruzanna has already assembled the crib.

INT. CINEMA IN THE SHOPPING CENTER.

Aina and Galya sit in the dark theater. Their faces are lit by bright scenes from the screen. A kissing scene plays. Galya looks at Aina. Aina leans forward. Tears glisten in Aina's eyes. Aina feels Galya's gaze. Aina smiles sheepishly. Galya smiles back. The film ends. Viewers rise from their seats and head for the exit.

[PAGE 11]

GALYA

So, how was the movie? Did you like it?

AINA

Yes, very much! And you?

GALYA

Well, for me, it was too overacted… I don't buy it. In life, it's much simpler. Love quickly becomes boring.

AINA (with interest)

Have you stopped loving your husband?

GALYA

I don't think I ever really loved him. It was just time to get married, he was there, that's all…

INT. SERGEI AND GALYA'S APARTMENT. EVENING.

The boys sit in the living room in front of the TV watching a cartoon. Candy wrappers are scattered on the sofa. Toys and children's clothes are mixed together on the floor. Sergei stands on the balcony, staring into the dark yard, smoking.

Galya quietly enters the apartment and opens the balcony door. Sergei startles and burns his finger on the cigarette ember.

SERGEI

Damn! You scared me!

GALYA

I thought you quit smoking…

SERGEI

I thought so too. Today threw me off. Thanks a lot!

GALYA (irritated)

Thanks for what? For spending time with your own children? Oh, well, excuse me!

SERGEI (peacefully)

I just forgot what it's like… I work most of the day, after all.

GALYA (angrily)

Oh, please! I work too, you know! I go to the movies once in a blue moon and that's it! Chaos and mess everywhere!

SERGEI (conciliatory)

I ordered pizza. It'll be here soon, want some?

GALYA

It's nice when you can just order pizza! While I'd be cooking dinner after a whole day with the kids or after work!

SERGEI (angrily)

Nothing's ever good enough for you!

GALYA (tired and irritated)

Nothing's ever good enough for you!

Sergei leaves the balcony, slamming the door.

EXT. EVENING. BUS TERMINUS.

Aina gets off the bus and hesitates. Aina is dressed up. No one is at the stop except Aina. Streetlights illuminate the darkness in semi‑circles. Between the circles, it's already dark. Aina takes out her phone. The phone is dead. Only a black screen. Aina puts the phone back in her bag, shakes her head, and walks towards the bridge over the glistening river water. The city noise fades. Frogs croak are heard. Aina crosses the bridge and descends onto a wide, unpaved road. The private sector begins. From here, it's about a 10‑minute walk to Aina's house. A car drives past Aina, small pebbles crunching quietly under its weight. Music blares from the car. The car honks at Aina, slowing down. Aina continues walking as if the car weren't there. The driver speeds off.

[PAGE 12]

INT. RUSTEM AND SIMA'S HOUSE. LATE EVENING.

Rustem and Sima sit at the table in the living room. A vase of candies sits on the smooth table surface. It's dark and quiet outside. Sima's face shows anxiety: the corners of her lips move silently, her eyes dart from object to object. Rustem has his hands on the table and periodically slaps his palm on it. Rustem's hands are large, strong, covered with sparse black hairs.