""MY SWEET ORANGE TREE"" "The clothesline's broken!" "Marcelina!" "Give me a hand here!" "All the clothes fell to the ground!" "I bet it was Zez." "He was over the wall holding a piece of broken glass." "Zez, can you take me to the Zoo?" "It doesn't look as if it's gonna rain." "Sure." "Today is Sunday." "I bet there's lots of people." "Let's go to Europe first." "There's too many people to visit Sugar Loaf." " Did you bring the cable car?" " You crazy, Lus!" "The cable car is always there working day and night." "I wanna go to the Zoo." "Let's hurry, then, or the tickets will be sold out." "Up to which age is free entrance?" "Up to five." "Give me one of grown-ups, then." "Let's go see the snakes and alligators." "Watch out!" "Don't get too close!" "Here you see the snakes and alligators." "Look at this anaconda!" "And that boa!" "Let's go." "Let's visit the monkeys." "Uncle Edmundo says "simians"." " What about the lions?" " Later." "First, let's buy bananas for the monkeys." "The guards can't keep watch over this crowd." "It's forbidden to feed the animals." "I see three female monkeys are binging on oranges." "Half a dozen bananas." "Don't stand too close, or they'll throw the peels on you." "Watch out." " I wanna see the lions." " Okay, let's go." "Beware of the lionesses." " There are the lionesses." " I wanna play with the black panther." "Nonsense!" "The black panther is the meanest of them all." "She was brought here 'cause she ate the arms of 18 lion tamers." " Was she in a circus?" " Yes." " What circus was it, Zez?" " Rosenberg's." " But that's the bakery." " Another one." "We'd better rest a little, we've walked for too long." "Let's sit on our snake friend." "We should learn with him." "He is so patient with his little brother." "But the other doesn't do what he does." "He is mean, not naughty." "A good round of slipper-beating will teach him good." "Leave him to me." "Zez, how come you know so much about the Zoo?" "I've visited many." "The best one is that in Baron of Drummond street." "You know who the Baron was?" "Of course not." "You're too little to know this stuff." "The old baron must've been God's friend." "With his help, God created the animal lottery and the Zoo." " When you grow up..." " when I grow up, what?" "Oh boy, you're so curious!" "When you grow up, I'll teach you the animals and their lottery numbers." "Up to number 20." "I gotta learn the others not to teach you wrong." "Zez, sing "Little House" to me." "Here at the Zoo?" "There's too many people!" "We're almost leaving." "It's too long." "I'll sing just the part you like." "You know where I came from?" "From a little house I own" "Right beside a shadowy grove" "It is a tiny little house Up there among the clouds" "From where you have an ocean view" "Among the palm trees and the flowers" "You hear the singing of cicadas  what can I do?" "I'd better get this over with." "Okay, Jandira, you can beat me up." " Don't do it, Jandira." " No." " Uncle?" " What is it, son?" "When did you learn how to read?" "When I was six or seven years old." "And how did you learn?" "Like everyone else:" "With the speller." "Joining "b" to "a" to get "ba"." " Does everyone learn like that?" " As far as I know, yes." "Really really everyone?" "Listen, Zez, everyone learns like that." "Now let me finish my reading." "Go see if you find any ripe guava." "What a pity..." " Oh boy." "When you set your mind..." " I came all the way from home..." "walked like a camel just to tell you something." " All right, tell me then." " No, not like that." "First I need to know when you'll get your pension." "The day after tomorrow." " When is the day after tomorrow?" " Friday." "So on Friday can you bring me a Moon Ray from the city?" "Slow down, Zez." "What is a Moon Ray?" "A little white horse I saw in the movies, it belongs to Fred Thompson." " It's a trained horse." " You want a horse on wheels?" "No, sir." "I want the one with a wooden head..." "that we fasten to a stick and just run off!" "I need to practice 'cause one day I'm gonna work in the movies." "I see." "What do I get in return if I bring you one?" " I'll do something for you." " A kiss?" " No, I don't like kissing." " A hug!" "That was not for the horse." "I'm gonna do something else." " I'm gonna read." " Can you read, Zez?" "What do you mean?" "Who taught you to read?" " No one." " Baloney." "Bring me the horse on Friday and I'll show you." "Totoca?" " What?" " The Age of Reason is heavy?" " What's this nonsense?" " Uncle Edmundo said so." "He said I'm precocious and soon I'd be in the Age of Reason." "But I don't feel any difference." "Uncle Edmundo is silly." "He's always giving you ideas." "He's not silly, he's wise." "When I grow up, I wanna be wise, poet and wear a bowtie." "One day I'll have my picture taken wearing a bowtie." " Why a bowtie?" " 'Cause nobody is a poet without it." "When he shows me pictures of poets in magazines..." "they're all wearing bowties." " That's it." "Do you like it?" " Yes." "But why do we have to move here?" "It's good to move now and then." "You wanna know everything, but you have no clue of what's going on." "Dad's got too many debts he can't pay the past due rent." "That's why everyone is working hard to pay for this one." "You're too young to be told such sad stuff." "But I'll have to help with masses to help at home." "Totoca, will they bring the black panther and the two lionesses here?" "Sure." "The slave here is gonna disassemble the chicken coop." "I'm gonna disassemble the Zoo and bring it here." "I'm a good friend of yours, see?" "Now let's practice a bit more on the Rio-So Paulo road." "That's beautiful." " Here's your little horse." "No." " Gimme!" "Now I want to see." "Read this." ""This product can be found..." "at any chemist's..."" " Mom, come here." "Zez can read." ""shop"." " Read for Dindinha." " "This product..." "can be found..." "at any chemist's..." "shop"." "The world's gone mad." "You're gonna go far, little rascal." "Your name fits you right, Jos." "You will be the Sun and the stars will shine around you." "You can't understand that now." "It's the story of Joseph in Egypt." "When you grow up..." "I will tell you that story." "You think I'll have grown by next week?" "Some people are like that." "Every Christmas they give away toys." "All the children get one." "I'm gonna take Lus 'cause I'm a grown-up already." "Grown-up, Zez?" "!" "A "tiny thing" like you!" "If you tell them we already went there, I'll beat you up." "We were a crowd in the street." "Mom looked very tired, I pitied her so." "Since she was six years old she's been working in the factory." "She never went to school nor learned to read." "When I heard this story I was so sad..." "I promised that when I became poet and wise..." "I'd read my poems to her." "Christmas was getting near..." "and deep down I hoped this time around..." "baby Jesus would be born." "Baby Jesus himself, for me." "It's here." " It's mine!" "I saw it first!" " It's mine!" "What about me, Godia?" "Go down there, there must be some other trees." "Godia?" "Godia!" " I found nothing." " You have to look right." "Come." "I'll find a tree for you." "Keep that one." "It's ugly." "I'd rather keep the sweet orange tree." " Where?" " There." "Come." "What a pretty sweet orange tree!" "There's not a single thorn." "A tree with attitude." "We can see right way it's a sweet orange tree." "I wouldn't want any other." "But I wish I had a big huge one." "This one is still young." "It's gonna grow and become huge." "It will grow along with you." "You'll understand each other as if you were brothers." "Did you see its branch?" "I know there's only one..." "but it looks like a pony ready for you to hop on." "Your long face won't last, Zez." "You'll soon realize I am right." "I think your sister is absolutely right." "Everybody else is always right." "I'm the only one who isn't." "That's not true." "If you look at me long enough, you'll find out." " Can you really talk?" " Can't you hear me?" " Where do you speak through?" " Trees speak through every bit." "Through leaves, branches, roots..." "Do you want to see?" "Put your ear on my trunk and you'll hear my heart beating." "See?" "Does everybody know you talk?" " No, just you." " Serious?" "I can even swear." "A fairy once told me that when a boy became my friend..." "I'd start talking and be very happy." " Can you wait?" " What?" "Wait until I move in, it'll be more than a week." "Won't you forget how to talk?" "Never again." "I mean, just with you." "You wanna see how soft I am?" " How?" " Hop on my branch." "Now jiggle it a little and close your eyes." "So?" "Have you ever ridden a better horse?" "Never." "It's wonderful." "Listen what I'm gonna do." "Every time I can, before I move in..." "I'll come by to talk to you." "Now I have to go." "They're leaving already." "But friends don't say goodbye like that..." "There she comes." "Bye, my friend." "You're the prettiest thing in the world." " Didn't I tell you?" " Yes, you did." "If I was given both the mango and the tamarind in exchange for my tree..." "I wouldn't accept." " Eh, little fellow." "Isn't your mango tree a bit dumb?" "I can't tell yet." "But it looks like it." " What about Totoca's tamarind tree?" " It's a bit clumsy." "Why?" "I don't know if I can tell..." "but some day I'll tell you a miracle, Godia." "Enough, Zez, I already said no." "For God's sake, stop annoying me." "Take us there." "Biliquinho said all the children go." "I said no." "Don't be such a pain." "You're a mean devil." "Heartless redheaded." "I wish you'll never marry the cadet." "I wish you'll marry a penniless buck private!" "Let everything out, 'cause you can't do it in broad daylight in the street." "That must be your idea, Zez." "Get out, the two of you." "Go." "It doesn't stink." "On your feet now so it won't get wrinkled." "Look, isn't he handsome?" "I tidied him up myself." "You look handsome too, Zez." "My God, why life has to be so tough on some people?" " Are you going close to the casino?" " Yes, my child." " Could you take them along?" " Sure." "Go with him." "Zez, hold Lus' hand very tight, ok?" " Come, son." " Zez..." "what about that buck private stuff?" "I was lying." "I didn't speak from the heart." "You're gonna marry major with plenty of stars on his shoulder." "Children, I'm in a hurry, and you're delaying me." "Go right that way, there's no danger." "See you." "Coward, leaving two children alone after promising Glria he'd take us!" "Let's go, Lus." "I'm tired, Zez." "I'll carry you for a while, okay?" "We're almost there." "My feet hurt." "You'll feel better after I undo the shoelace." "Mr. Coquinho, is everything over?" "You came too late." "The place was overflowing." " Not even a toy for Lus?" " Nothing." "Nothing left, not even for my nephews." "Next year, get here sooner." "Okay, sleepyheads?" " Merry Christmas to you, sir." " You too, Zez." "Let's sit here." "We need to rest a little." " I'm thirsty, Zez." " When we get at Mr. Rosenberg..." "we'll ask for a glass of water." "It's enough for both of us." "Don't feel bad, Lus." "You know my Moon Ray horse?" "I'll paint it new and give it to you for Christmas." "Don't do that." "You're a king." "Dad said he christened you Lus 'cause it's the name of a king." "A king can't cry in front of everyone else in the street." " Zez, are you crying?" " I'm not a king like you." "I'm just a worthless thing." "A very bad boy." "A really bad boy, that's all." "That's all!" "Don't cry, Zez." "Good night." "Merry Christmas to all." "We have to go, Edmundo." "It is late." "Yes, let's go, mother." "Excuse me." "Good night." "Merry Christmas to all." "I wish you all happiness." "There was no hugging that night." "No smiles." "Our dinner was full of silence and sadness." "Right after, mom went to bed." "I know she went inside to cry alone..." "while outside the fireworks brightened up the sky..." "so God could see the other people's happiness." "It's time children went to bed." "You know, Totoca, I just wanted one present." "Just one." "But it should be brand new." "Just for me." "Totoca?" "Totoca...?" " Let's check?" "I bet we got one." " Don't look, Zez." "Better not." "Well, I will!" " Didn't I tell you?" " Too sad to have a poor father." "You're mean, Zez." "As mean as a snake." "I didn't see him standing there." "I swear I didn't." "You know dad lost his job a long time ago." "That's why I couldn't eat upon seeing his face." "One day you'll be father too and you will know how painful it can be." "But I didn't see him, Totoca." "I didn't." "You're a worthless piece of junk." "Wanna a shoeshine?" "Wanna a shoeshine, mister?" "Hey, shoe shiner." "Sleepyheads don't make money." "Can you pull up your trousers a bit, sir?" "You polishing today, Zez?" " Never needed as much as today." " How was your Christmas?" "So-so." " How much, Zez?" " 200 ris." "Why charge only 200 ris when all the others charge 400?" "After I become a good shoeshiner, I'll charge that much." "Not for while." "Don't you want to pay later?" "I haven't got any change." "You can keep the change." "For Christmas." " See you." " Merry Christmas, Mr. Coquinho." "Thanks, Zez." "How about it?" " Do you like it?" " It's the most beautiful I've seen." "Come closer so you can see better." "What's the matter, Zez?" "You look kinda funny." "Nothing." "From up close it's even more beautiful." "Christmas gift?" "Yes." "I got many things." "A record-player, records by Chico Alves, Vicente Celestino..." "three suits, a whole bunch of fairytale books..." "a big packet of crayons, a box full of games..." "a model airplane with moving propellers and two sailboats." " What's the matter, Zez?" " Nothing." "And You?" "Did you get many toys?" " Nothing." " Nothing?" "Nothing at all?" "We didn't have Christmas this year." "Dad's unemployed." "You didn't have nuts, hazelnuts or wine?" "Just Dindinha's French toast and coffee." "Let's go inside." "Mom can prepare a dish for you." " There's lots of food and sweets..." " No." "Thank you." " I have to work some more." " But nobody works at Christmas!" "I can't tell you why, but I really need." "Do you want to shine mine?" "I'll pay you." "No, I don't charge my friends." "What if I give you..." "if I lend you some money?" " What if takes me some time to pay?" " No problem." "You can even pay me later in marbles." "All right, then." "Don't bother, I got a lot of money." "My piggy bank is full." "Your bicycle is really beautiful..." "when you grow up and learn how to ride, I'll let you ride it, ok?" "Thanks, Serginho." "Merry Christmas to you." "Do you still have some of that expensive cigarette?" " It's not for you, is it, Zez?" " No, sir." " Which one?" " I don't know." "I spent all day working to buy my father this Christmas gift." " Really?" "What did he give you?" " Nothing, poor dad." "He's still out of work, you know." "Which one would you choose for you?" "It doesn't matter." "Anyone is a good gift." "Give me that, then." " Thanks." " You're welcome, Zez." " Merry Christmas." " Thank you." "Hi, son, where have you been all day?" "Out working." "Look, dad." "I bought you something very nice." "Do you like it?" "Smoke one, dad." "Dad..." "Dad..." "Don't cry, son." "You're bound to cry a lot in life..." "if you keep like that, so emotional." "I didn't mean it, dad." "I didn't mean to say that." "I know..." "I know, son." "I wasn't mad at you." "Deep down, you were right." "That's better." "I'm gonna finish my cigarette." "You know, dad, you can beat me any time you wish, I'll never complain." "You can beat me good." "Okay, Zez, okay." "Glria saved some fruit salad for you." "It's over now, isn't it, son?" "New house, new life." "Simple wishes, simple hopes." "Everyone minded their own business." "For being immune, or for a need to impress the neighbors..." "I behaved well." "But then, one night..." "Oh!" "Help!" "A snake!" "Oh Lord in heaven!" "Oh my God!" "My God!" "Help!" "Help!" "Oh my God!" "There's a snake!" "Ah!" " Jandira, what happened?" " Oh my God, my baby..." " This lady is not feeling well." " I might lose my six-month-old baby." " What happened, lady?" " There was a snake in here." " What snake?" " Drink some water." "Thank you." "Yes, I'll drink some water." "It's not a snake, just some old pantyhose." "Terrible joke!" "Such a naughty boy!" "What a fright!" " Do you want me to take you home?" " Yes, please, thank you." "Let's go." "What an awful thing!" "You have no idea how frightened I was." "Where could this boy...?" "You little brat..." " Come here." " Bring him here." "How long it took for you to make your debut here, huh?" "Come here." "You devil!" "You have no idea how hard it is to carry a baby in one's belly!" "Now straight to bed, you rascal!" "Don't play the fool and don't forget anything, Zez." "Come in." " Is he your little brother?" " Yes, ma'am." "Mother couldn't come, she works downtown." "Isn't he too young?" "He's small for his age, but he can read already." "How old are you, boy?" "I turned six on February 26, ma'am." "Very well, let's fill in the form." "First, your filiation." " What's your father's name?" " Paulo de Vasconcelos." " And your mother's?" " Estefnia de Vasconcelos." " Estefncia Pinag de Vasconcelos." " How is that?" " Pinag." "Mom's parents were Indians." " What's your name?" "Jos Mauro de Vasconcelos." "All right." "That's all." " I..." " Something else?" "I want to ask about the uniforms." "My father is unemployed and we're very poor." "Come here a minute, let me see your size." "Turn around." "Go straight down the hall and hand this to Mrs. Eullia." " She will take care of it." " Yes, ma'am." "Thank you." ""B" and "a", "ba"." " "B" and "e", "be"." " "Be"." " "B" and "i", "bi"." " "Bi"." " "B" and "o", "bo"." " "Bo"." " "B" and "u", "bu"." " "Bu"." "Once more." " "B" and "a", "ba"." " "Ba"." " "B" and "e", "be"." " "Be"." "lovely tempting woman's image" "If I could I would put on an altar  watch out!" "It's Mr. Manuel Valadares' car!" "You are the queen of my dream You are my light" "You are so smart There's no need for you to work" "Come closer, my friends!" "The latest hit by Chico Viola!" "60 new songs!" "Hear me out..." " Blessing, mom." "Much work today?" " A lot, son." "It was so hot inside the factory, nearly unbearable." " Much naughtiness today?" " A little." "Hand me the bag." "You must be tired." " Why were you waiting for me?" " Do you love me a little?" "Just like I love the others." "Why?" "Do you know that Nardinho who is the sexton's nephew?" " Yes." " Well, mom..." "his mother sewed him a beautiful suit..." "but now it's too small for him and he has no younger brother." "He said he's gonna sell it." "Can you buy it for me?" "Oh dear." "Things are too tough." "Pay in two installments, it's cheap, less than the fabric price." "I'm the most dedicated student in my class." "The teacher said I'll pass with honors." "Buy it, mom, or I'll never have my poet's suit." "Lili can sew a bowtie out of a piece of silk she has." "Okay, I'll work overtime next week and buy you your little suit." "Look at there." "Ready?" " These are for you, Ms. Ceclia." " Oh Zez." "Thank you very much." "You're a gentleman." "Give me a kiss." "Thank you very much." "Now go to your seat." "Let's call the roll." "Quietness is nearly a dream" "The moonlight falls on the jungle Just like a silver..." "60 new songs." "Latest hits by Vicente Celestino..." "and Chico Viola." "Oh, such lovely Tempting woman's image" "If I could I would put on an altar" "You are the queen of my dream You are my light" "You are so smart There's no need for you to work  60 new songs!" "Latest hits by Vicente Celestino!" " Do you want one, boy?" " No, sir." "I have no money." "I've noticed." ""A Valsa Pendo", "Fumando Espero" and "Adeus, Rapazes"." ""Luz Celestial"." "Attention to its lyrics." ""Your eyes carry a divine light..." "that makes me believe I see a radiance..." "of stars shining from outer space"." "Say, kid, are you gonna stop following me or not?" "No, sir." "No one in the world sings as beautifully as you do." "You look like a centipede." "I had to see if you sing better than Vicente Celestino and Chico Viola." " And you really do!" " Have you ever heard them?" "Yes, sir, in Serginho's record player." "Then the record player was old or the needle was damaged." "No, sir." "It was brand new, had just arrived from the shop." "You really sing much better." " I had an idea..." " Spit it out." "I've been following you around for long." "Well..." "just tell me the price of the leaflet." "Then you sing while I sell the leaflet." "Everybody likes buying from children." "That's not a bad idea, you know?" "But I gotta tell you something." "If you go, it's because you want to." "I can't pay you a single dime." " But I want nothing!" " Then why?" "I love singing." "And I love learning." "Music is the most beautiful thing in the world." "But if you sold a lot more..." "you could spare an old leaflet that no one cared about..." "and give it to me so I could give to my sister." "My sister is called Glria." "I'd take it to her." "That's all." "Let's go, then." "Oh, such lovely Tempting woman's image" "If I could..." "Two lemonades." "You know, kid, you've given me luck." "I have a long line of potbellied kids..." "and I never thought of asking one to help me out." " How old are you?" " I'm five." "Six." "Five." " Five or six?" " I haven't turned six yet." "You're a smart and easy-going fella." "That means we'll meet again next Tuesday." "If you want to." "I do." "I just have to arrange things with my sister." "She'll understand." "I think it's great, 'cause it is on the other side of the station." "How do you know I'm heading there?" "Every Tuesday I waited for you." "Every other week you showed up." "So I realized you went to the other side." "The daredevil!" "What's your name?" "Zez." "I'm Ariovaldo." "Deal." "Things were going so smooth..." "I had forgot my inner devil and had stopped being naughty." "I had already played urchin in all cars, but one." "You're dying to play urchin again, right?" "I sure am." "You know what, Minguinho?" "I leave home at 7, right?" "When I reach the corner, it's 7:05." "At 7:10, the Portuguese stops his car at the corner." "One of these days, I'll be brave." "He'll get in the car and I'll "zas"!" " You don't have the guts..." " No?" "Just wait and see." "I love taking risks." "You see how happy I feel when I hunt along Tom Mix?" "If there's no risk, there's no fun." "I caught you, little rascal!" "So it's you!" "A tiny little kid and yet so daring." "You think I didn't see you looking my car day after day?" "I'll teach you a lesson and you'll think twice before doing it again." "Speak your mind!" "Come on!" "Why don't you speak?" "Come on, why don't you say dirty words?" "I don't say them, but I think." "When I grow up, I'm gonna kill you." "So grow up fast, kid, I'm waiting for you." "Before that, I'll teach you a lesson." " Go to hell!" " Off to school, you brat!" " Zez, you must help me." " What did you do?" "Do you remember Bi?" "That fatso who lives in Baron of Capanema?" "Yes, he's waiting near the school to beat me up." " Can you fight him for me?" " But he's gonna kill me!" "No way!" "You're brave and tough." "Okay, let' go." "Hand me your books so you won't feel too tired." " I'm gonna beat you up!" " Fight my brother instead." "Step here, if you are men." "Way to go, Zez!" "Hit him with your head!" "Kick his balls!" " Kick his belly!" " Kick his belly!" "Yeah, good call!" "Go, Zez, go!" "Yeah!" "Pull his hair, Zez!" "Way to go!" "Bite him!" "Nail him deep, he's just fat!" " Go, Zez!" " Bite his butt, Zez, go on!" "Jump on him!" "Go!" "Beat him up, Zez!" "Go, Zez, don't let him get on his feet!" "Go, Zez!" "Go!" "Pull him!" "Now, Zez!" "That's it, Zez!" "He is stronger!" "Beat him up, Zez!" " Crush his head, Zez!" " Go, Zez!" "Now, Zez!" "Kick his ass, Zez!" "Quietness is nearly a dream" "The moonlight falls on the jungle Just like a silver rain" "Of rare brightness" "But you sleep You can't hear" "Your singer" "Revealing to the moon The painful story" "Of this love" "Deep night Smily sky" "Quietness is nearly a dream" "The moonlight falls on the jungle" "Just like a silver rain" "Of rare brightness" "You didn't go to school, kid?" "I'm telling you, Minguinho." "Everyday, day after day." "It seems he's just waiting for me to blow the horn." "Three times." " Yesterday he even greeted me." " And you?" "I don't care." "I pretend I don't see." "He's feeling afraid." "I'm gonna be six years old." "Pretty soon I'll be a man." " He wants to be friends out of fear?" " That's for sure." "You know, Minguinho?" "The guavas are almost ripe." "But if she catches me..." "I've been beaten three times today." "Beaten real bad!" "But I think she's not there." "She must've gone to the city market." "Be quiet, huh?" "Don't make a noise." "Come down my tree, you brat!" "You have lots of fruit!" "Why steal mine?" "I'm gonna get you, you rascal!" "Ouch!" "My foot hurts!" "Hey, kid!" "Did you hurt your foot?" "Does it hurt a lot, kid?" " Really bad?" "What happened?" " Broken glass." " Is it a deep wound?" " Like this." "This is serious." "Why didn't you stay home?" "You're going school, right?" "Nobody at home knows I got hurt." "If they knew, they'd beat me to teach me not to get hurt anymore." " Come, I'll take you." " No, sir." "Thanks." "But you can't walk like that, kid." "Listen, let's forget that." "Have you ever been in a car?" "Never, sir." "Then, I'll take you." "I can't go." "We're enemies." "Anyway, I don't care." "If you're embarrassed, I'll drop you off before school." "Deal?" "That's much better, huh?" " You promised you'd stop before." " But I changed my mind." "Your foot can't stay like that." "You can get tetanus." "You seem a brave young man, kid." "Let's see if you really are brave." "You're Paulo Vasconcelos' son, right?" " Has he found any position yet?" " He is waiting." "They promised him many things." "Very well." "Let's take care of this." "It's done." "Try not to walk long distances." " Come tomorrow for a new band-aid." " Tomorrow I'll pay the bill." " Good afternoon." " Good afternoon." "That game lasted for more than a month." "Much more." "I never thought he'd get that grown-up's sad face..." "when I told him about Christmas." "He even promised I'd never be left without presents at Christmas." "Days passed by calmly, and were especially happy." "Every time he could, he'd come up with a ride." "During one of these rides, he stopped the car and smiled at me." " So from now on we're friends?" " Yes, sir." " Can I ask you something?" " Yes, sir." "So you're no longer thinking of growing up in a hurry to kill me." "I was mad when I said that." "I'll never kill anybody." "When they kill chicken at home, I don't even like watching." "And you're not what people said you were." "You're not anthropophagus, nor anything." "What did you say?" "Anthropophagus." "Indians who ate human flesh." "You got a crazy head, kid." "You fill my heart with gladness." "Let's go now?" "Just a few minutes more." "It feels so good!" "I need to talk about something serious." "Let's get out a little." " Come on, speak up." " The thing is..." " You mute?" "That's not like you." " The thing is..." " won't you be mad?" " I promise I won't." "There are two things I don't like in our friendship." " Go on, which ones?" " First..." "if we're good friends, why do I have to call you "sir"?" "Call me anything you like." "Want to call me "you"?" "I'll call you "you", it's much better." "You won't get mad?" "No, why would I?" "It's fair." "What's the second thing?" "The second is more difficult, but I've called you "you" already." "And you didn't get mad." "I don't like your name very much." "It's not that I dislike..." "but between friends is..." "Mother of God, what is coming now?" "You like my calling you "Valadares"?" "In fact, it doesn't sound right." "I can't call you "Manuel" either." "I get really mad when dad tells jokes on Portuguese and says: " Manuel!"" "It's clear the son-of-a-gun never had a Portuguese friend." "What?" "What did you say?" "My father mimics the Portuguese." "No, before." "You said an awful name." ""Son-of-a-gun" is as bad as the other "son"?" "Well, it's almost as bad." "I won't say it anymore." " You have a name I find beautiful." " Which one?" "The name Mr. Ladislau and the others call you at the bakery." "You're the most insolent boy I've known." " You want to call me "Portuga"?" " It's more friendly!" "Okay, you have my permission." "Let's go now." "Come here, Jos." "Now hold on tight." "And take care." " Did you like it?" " It felt like a dream." "Enough, now." "It's late, let's go." "Portuga, never more I want to be apart from you." "Why?" "Because you're the best person in the world." "Nobody picks on me when I'm with you." "I feel a sun of happiness within my heart." "Sit down." "Zez?" "I need to talk to you." "The others can leave." " See you tomorrow, teacher." " See you tomorrow." "See you tomorrow, teacher." "See you." "See you." "Godofredo told me something really bad about you, Zez." "Is it true?" " You mean the flower?" "Yes, ma'am." " How do you do that?" "I usually wake up earlier and walk up to Serginho's house." "When the gate is not locked, I sneak in and pick the flower." "They have so many, they don't even see it's missing!" "But it's not right." "It's not robbery, but it's a little stealing, isn't it?" "I don't think so, Ms. Ceclia." "Doesn't the world belong to God?" "Doesn't everything in the world belong to God?" "So, the flowers are God's too." "It's the only way I could." "I have no flowers at home." "Flowers cost money." "I didn't like seeing your glass always empty." "You give me money to buy crullers, don't you?" "I could give you everyday, but you disappear!" " I can't accept it everyday." " Why not?" "There are other poor children who don't bring snacks either." "Haven't you noticed Tiny Owl?" " What "tiny owl"?" " A black girl about my size." "Her mother gathers her hair in twirls and ties with a string." " Her name is Dorotlia." " Yes, ma'am." "Dorotlia is poorer than I am." "The other girls don't like playing with her..." "because she's black and too poor." "So she's always left alone." "I share with her the cruller you give me." "You could give her one, now and then, instead of giving it to me." "Her mother is a washerwoman and has 11 small children." "My grandma Dindinha gives them some rice and beans every Saturday..." "to help them out, and I share my cruller 'cause mom taught us..." "to share the little we have with those who have less." "I didn't mean to make you cry." "I promise I'll stop stealing flowers..." "and I'll study even harder." "That's not it, Zez." "Come here." "I want you to promise me something because you have a wonderful heart." "I promise, but I don't want to cheat on you." "I don't have a wonderful heart." "You say so because you don't know me at home." "To me, you have a wonderful heart all the same." "From now on, don't bring me any more flowers." "Only if someone gives you one." " You promise?" " Yes, ma'am." "The glass will always be empty?" "This glass will never be empty." "To my eyes, there'll always be the most beautiful flower in the world." "And I'll think:" ""My best student gave me this flower"." "Okay?" "You can go now, Zez." "You fold here." "With the knife, you cut the paper on the fold." "Use a thin layer of glue, leaving a border like this." "Only after it's dry, can we make its mouth." " Got it, silly boy?" " Yes." "We can build the "shaky-tadpole" only after much practice." "First, learn to make it with two halves, it's easier." "If I build one by myself, can you fix the mouth for me?" "It depends." "Come on, Totoca, when you ask me, I even get in fights for you." "Okay, the first time I'll do it for free." "The second time, I'll want something in return." "Okay." " You wanna buy marbles?" " I have no money." " Five marbles for a nickel." " You wanna play with us?" "Brand new cards as if bought in the shop." " We don't have money, Zez." " Nobody wants?" "I don't have money, I told you." " Joo, your turn to play." " Ok." " Go on." " Wait." " Anyone wanna buy marbles?" " That is mine, huh?" "Hold the balloon very tight up here." " Stretch tight." " Marbles, cards... wanna buy?" "Can't you see we're making a balloon?" "That's it, go." "Turn around the other side." "Wait." "Zez?" "I've been looking for you all over." "You still got cards?" "Yes." "Let's sit down." " How much?" " Five marbles for a nickel." " Ten cards for the same price." " Too expensive." "Wait, can I choose?" " How much have you got?" " 300 ris." "I can spend 200." "Okay, I'll give you six marbles and 12 cards." "Zez is making something very difficult." "When you grow up, I'll teach you with no charge." "Zez, Lus." "Dinner is ready." "Come, Zez." "Go ahead, I'm coming right away." " Zez, come at once, or else..." " I'm coming." "Zez, you think I'm your maid?" "Come at once." "I won't eat, I won't!" "I won't!" "I wanna finish my balloon." "Zez, give me this." "My word is an order." "You know what you are?" "You're a slut." " Say that again, I dare you." " Slut!" "Shut up, you brat!" "You evil one!" "Here!" "Take that!" "Take that!" "I'll beat the hell out of you!" "Shut up!" "I'll beat the hell out of you!" "Take it!" "Take that!" "Take it!" "Take it!" "Shut the hell up!" " Shut the hell up!" " I'll not shut up!" "You can kill me!" " You mean brat!" " You slut!" "That's for you to learn not to disrespect me!" " Slut!" "Slut!" " Shut up, Zez." "Shut up, Zez." "You can't call your sister names like that." "Slut!" "She's a real slut!" "For five days I didn't see the Portuguese, though I missed him." "They didn't let me go to school either." "There should be no witness of that violence." "I played with Minguinho, but in fear..." "'cause dad had sworn he'd beat me to death..." "if I repeated the word I had said to Jandira." "I breathed in fear." "Portuga must've missed me..." "and if he knew where I lived, he would've come after me." "My ears missed him, and so did my eyes..." "But soon I'd be well and ready to see him again." "Dad didn't go out that day." "He was so sad for being out of job!" "Poor dad!" "It was hard going out to find a job..." "and always get the same answer:" ""We need younger people"." "Poor dad." "I had never seen him so sad." "I had to do something." "That's when I decided to sing." "I want a lady in the nude" "All nude, that's how I want her" "At night, under the moonlight" " I will have the lady in the nude" " Zez." " Yes, dad?" " What were you singing?" " "Eu Quero Uma Mulher Bem Nua"." " Who taught you this song?" " Mr. Ariovaldo." " Don't hang out with such types." "Sing once more." " I want a lady in the nude" " Sing again!" "I want a lady in the nude" "Come on, keep on singing!" "Don't stop!" "Sing!" "Sing it again!" "Sing it again!" "Come on!" "Sing!" "Sing!" "Sing again!" "Killer!" "Kill me at once." "Jail will be my revenge." "You miserable brat!" "That's for you to respect your father!" "Look who is here, Portuga." "My heart was telling me you'd come today." " Hey, stranger, where have you been?" " I was very sick." "Sit here." "Don't you want that?" "Come on, kid." "Tell your friend what's the matter." "I can't." "Not here..." "I can't." " Is the car still our car?" " Yes." "You're no sure yet?" "Could you take me out for a ride?" "If you want, right way." "His own family doesn't understand him." "I've never met a boy so sensitive." "I like him so much!" "He's a wonderful kid!" "Where do you want to go?" "Just get out of here." "We could go to Murundu Road." "It's close, won't consume much gas." "Don't you think you're too young..." "to understand grown-ups worries?" "He said nothing during our ride." "I told him what had happened..." "and he said in any case, I shouldn't say dirty words." "But I'm little, that's how I take revenge." "Do you know their meaning?" "So you can't say them anymore." "Okay, if I don't die, I promise I will no longer say them." "What?" "What do you mean, "die"?" "I will tell you in a while." "I need to know something else, since you trust me." "The words of that song, the tango..." "did you know their meaning?" "I won't lie to you:" "I didn't know very well." "I learnt because I learn everything, and because it's a beautiful song." "I didn't know what it meant, but he hit me so hard, Portuga!" "But never mind." "I'm gonna kill him." "What's that?" "Kill your own father?" "Yes, I will." "I've already started." "Killing doesn't mean getting Buck Jones's gun and firing "bum"!" "No." "It's killing in the heart." "You begin to like less and less..." "Then one day, the person dies." "What a imagination." "Didn't you tell me you were gonna kill me?" "At first." "Then I made you die by bringing you to life in my heart." "You're the only one I like." "The only friend I have." "Not because you give me cards, juice, sweets..." "I swear I'm telling the truth." "Come on, everybody loves you." "Your mother, even your father, your sister Glria, king Lus." "Have you forgotten Minguinho, your sweet orange tree?" "Now is different." "Minguinho is a simple orange tree..." "that can't even bear a flower." "That's the truth." "Not you." "You're my friend." "That's why I wanted to take a ride in our car..." "which pretty soon will be only yours." "I came to say goodbye." "Goodbye?" "It's serious." "I'm worthless." "I'm tired of beatings and ear-pullings." "I won't be one more mouth to feed." "Tonight I'm gonna throw myself under Mangaratiba." "Don't say such a thing, for God's sake." "You have a wonderful future ahead of you." "With your brains and sensibility..." "It's a sin to say such a thing." "I don't want you thinking or saying that." "What about me?" "Don't you like me?" "If you like me and you're not lying, you mustn't repeat that." "I like you very much, kid." "Much more than you think." "Come on." "Smile." "This will be over soon." "Look, I thought of something." "I won't visit my daughter next Saturday..." "and I had planned to go fishing in Guantu." "Since I have no good friend to come along, I thought of you." "Would you take me?" "I've played Uncle Edmundo too, Portuga." "Once he was sleeping in a hammock..." "and I set fire to his..." "Portuga, can I say "ass"?" "It's a mild dirty word, don't say it all the time..." "what can I say if I want to say "ass"?" " "Gluteus"." " What?" "I need to learn this word." ""Gluteus". "Gluteus"." "Well, when the fire started to burn under his gluteus ass..." "I ran out the gate and watched to see how it would end." "Dindinha came out running and was mad at him..." "she said she was tired of telling him not to smoke in the hammock..." "and he had burnt the paper she still hadn't read." " You weren't caught?" " They never found out." "I only told this to Xururuca." "Portuga, you didn't lie, did you?" " About what?" " I've never heard anyone say:" ""He was kicked in the gluteus"." "Have you?" "What a daredevil." "I never heard it either." "All right, forget "gluteus"." "You can use "butt"." "It's wonderful!" "The most beautiful place in the world!" "When I meet Buck Jones..." "I'll tell him his fields and meadows are far beneath our place." "That's how I like to see you." "With your mind full of good dreams, not bad ideas." " You always come here by yourself?" " Almost always." "See?" "I have my tree, too." "What's her name?" "A tree as huge as this has to have a name." "It's secret, but I'll tell you." " Her name is Queen Carlota." " Does she speak to you?" "Not really..." "because a queen never speaks directly to her subjects." " But I call her "majesty"." " What are "subjects"?" "The people who obey what the queen commands." " Am I going to be your subject?" " No..." "I'm not a king and I command nothing." "I'll always talk to you." "But you could be king." "You have all the qualities of a king." "Every king is fat just like you." "King of hearts, king of spades, king of clubs and king of diamonds." "All the kings are handsome like you, Portuga." "Let's go." "Let's go to work." "We won't catch any fish with all this talking." "You got dirt all over, kid." "Let's eat." "But you can't eat like that, filthy as a pig." "Take your clothes off and take a dip on those shallow waters." "But I can't swim." "You don't need to." "I'll stay around." "Don't tell me you're embarrassed to take your clothes off." "No, that's not it." " Lf hurts, don't get in the water." " It doesn't hurt anymore." "Majesty..." "your subject and knight, Manuel Valadares, Portuga..." "is the greatest warrior of Pinag nation." "We're sitting here, ma'am." " Portuga?" " Yes?" "Is it true what you said about me at the bakery?" " I overheard." " What did you hear?" " I heard you really like me." " Of course I like you." "Does it matter?" "Then why don't you come home and ask my father to give me to you?" "Would you want to be my son?" "We can't choose our father before being born..." "but if I could, I'd choose you." "Is that true, kid?" "I can even swear." "Besides, I'd be a mouth less to feed." "I promise I won't say any dirty words, not even "ass"." "I'll polish your shoes, will take care of the birds..." "I'll be really nice." "There won't be a better student." "I'll do everything right." "If they refuse to give me, buy me." "Dad has no money at all, I bet he'd sell me." "If he asks too much, you can buy me in installments..." "just like Mr. Jac sells." "You know, Portuga..." "if you don't want me, it's ok." "I didn't mean to make you cry." "That's not it, son." "That's not it." "Life can't be maneuvered like that..." "but I'll promise you a thing." "I can't take you away from your parents..." "though I wish I could." "It's not right." "I already liked you as a son, so from now on..." "I'll treat you as if you were really my son." " Is that true, Portuga?" " I can even swear..." "as you always say." "The truth is, now that he is my father, he's become sweet as honey." "Everything I do, he praises, but in a different way." "He's not like those who say:" ""This boy is gonna go far!"" "Far where?" "We never left Bangu." " What's the matter, Minguinho?" " I've been thinking, Zez." "Now you just want to play with Portuga." " You only talk to me when grounded." " But I never forget you." "Forget what?" "You're gonna end up crazy talking to yourself like that." " Zez, will you lend me 400 ris?" " No." "You're great at marbles." "Tomorrow you play again and win more marbles to sell." " You'll get the money back at once." " I'll not lend it, though." "Don't start a fight, I'm quiet minding my own business." "If you lend me, I'll tell you two wonderful things." "I'll say your sweet orange tree is more beautiful than mine." " Really?" " I already said so." " What about the two other things?" " Our poverty is gonna end." "Dad's found a position as manager of St. Aleixo factory." "We're gonna be rich again." "You didn't get happy?" "Sure, for dad." "But I don't want to leave Bangu." " I'll stay here with Dindinha." " I see." "That means you rather stay with Dindinha..." "taking monthly doses of purgative than go with us?" "Yes." "You will never know why." " And the other thing?" " I can't say it here." "Somebody here can't hear." "Come and I'll tell you." "I have to warn you, so you can get used to it." "The City Hall is gonna enlarge the streets, fill the ditches with dirt..." "and take up a part of backyards." " So what?" "You're so smart, you didn't get it?" "To do this, they'll have to cut down everything back there." "You're lying, aren't you, Totoca?" "Don't be sad, it'll be a long time before they do that." " It's a lie, isn't it, Totoca?" " No, the whole truth." " Are you a man or not?" " I am." "You'll stand by my side, won't you, Totoca?" "I'll gather a crowd to make war." "Nobody is gonna cut down my sweet orange tree." "Ok, we won't let them do that." "Will you lend me the money?" "What is it for?" "You can't enter Cine Bangu, but they're showing a Tarzan movie." "I can tell you the story afterwards." "Keep the change." "Buy some sweets."