"Put some stones in the vase, or it'll fall over." "This bloody wind!" "Polish the letters well, they have to shine!" "There are so many widows in this village!" "The women here live longer than the men." "Except our poor mother." "She was lucky." "Raimunda!" "Don't say that!" "She died in Dad's arms, and she loved him more than anyone." "Burned to death!" "I can't imagine a worse way to die." "They were asleep" "They didn't even realize." "Even so, how can you say something like that!" "Hello, Agustina." "Good morning, Agustina." "Good morning, Manola." " Good morning." "Is that everything, Mom?" "I'll get the rest." "What a pleasant surprise!" "Good Lord!" " Could this be Paula?" " Of course." "She's all grown up!" "Give her a kiss" "She's got your father's eyes" "How are you?" "Not good" "Don't say that..." "I just came to check on my grave with this wind, you can't keep it clean." "It looks lovely." "Cleaning it relaxes me." "I often come here on my own, I sit down and the hours pass by..." "We'd better leave, we're going to visit Aunt Paula" "Come and see me afterwards." "Sure." "And... how's Paco doing?" "Fine, he stayed in Madrid, working" "Mom, does Agustina really come and clean her own grave?" "Yes, it's custom here" "They buy a plot and look after it all their lives, like a second home." "That's creepy!" "It's tradition here." "Shall I drive?" "Yes." "Aunt Paula!" "Who is it?" "Raimunda." "Don't take all day." "...And you, don't start rushing me" "I don't like going back after dark." "Be nice to Auntie, don't laugh at her." "All right." "This house still smells like Mom." "How are you, Auntie?" "Look at how thin you are!" "Have you had the baby?" "Fourteen years ago." "Doesn't time fly!" "Who are these people?" "Who do you think?" "Sole and my Paula!" "The same name as me!" "...and Sole" "Shall we go into the dining room?" "That Sole looks like quite a sourpuss." "Auntie, please!" "... the wind carried the cinders to the bushes." "The result is the most tragic fire in the last 13 years." "Do you mind if I turn it off?" "I'm not even watching it..." "Fires are a terrible thing." "That's the way your parents died, my dear" "Why did I come in here?" "I don't know, Auntie." "...to talk maybe?" "No" "Maybe for something to eat?" "Yes!" "Look in the cupboard." "My joints are killing me..." "Look, these pastries..." "Just like mom's... have one" "Well..." "How did it go in the cemetery?" "Your mother is delighted." "Did you scrub the headstone properly?" "Of course, Auntie." "She likes it very clean." "If she could, she would do it herself... but of course, the poor thing can't." "Of course, she can't." "Auntie, don't you ever get lonely in such a big house?" "No." "You'd be better off in a home, where you'd be looked after." "I'm fine as I am, thank you." "I'm going to the bathroom." "Permission granted." "You can't live on your own." "I'm worried about you." "How do you manage your meals?" "Very well..." "Agustina brings me bread, your mother does the cooking, ...and if I need anything from the store, I just call them and they bring it over." "I'm fine." "What a lovely gesture, Auntie!" "Look!" "It's got your name on it." "Shall we go?" "Yes." "Aunt Paula, we're leaving now." "God, my joints are bad...!" "Don't get up." "How am I not going to get up?" "Next time I come back, I'm taking you home with me." "Yes, that's fine, next time." "The important thing is that you come back, Raimunda" "You've gotten very wobbly." "Take care of yourself." "I will" "And you be careful!" "We'll do that." "I love you so much! Are we stopping by Agustina's place?" "Yes." "Come on in!" "So, how did you find your auntie?" "Bad." "Terrible." "She's very clumsy." "I don't know how she manages" "She does very well without going outside." "Every day she has her chunk of bread, when I arrive she has the money ready" "Let's go out to the patio." "She's in an awful state," "She doesn't know what year it is." "She talks about Mom as if she were still alive." "Yes." "It's because for her, she's not dead and she can't get used to it" "Have a seat for a while, please..." "I was thinking about paying you something to look in on her every day." "No need to give me anything." "It's my pleasure." "I'd take her with me... but I'd have to throw my husband out to make room." "but we have to do something" "Every morning, before I go shopping, I tap on her window and I don't leave until she answers me." "I keep an eye on her." "You can't imagine how grateful I am, Agustina" "I just think that hopefully... someone is doing the same for my own mother wherever she is." "See how modern she was?" "The only hippie in the village." "Look at her plastic jewelry" "They're cool!" "Top quality plastic" "Every time I smoke a joint I think of her" "Oh please!" "Look at the example you're setting for Paula!" "Still no news?" "Nothing." "It's like she's disappeared from the face of the earth" "How's your sister Brigida?" "Her?" "Still in Madrid, she's a big hit on trash TV." "Mom, I ran out of credit..." "Good, we'll get a break from your phone." "Use mine if you like..." "Don't!" "She'll bankrupt you." "forget it then..." "As I was saying, Brigida is on so many shows" "That she's going to put a deposit on an apartment in Madrid." "And she's going to record an album" "Your sister always liked singing..." "You did too!" "Do you remember when the two of you... you were 13 or so, weren't you?" "You went to an audition for young talent." "Really?" "You never told me about that!" "It was your granny's idea." "She was up for anything." "Talking about mothers, maybe yours hasn't shown up so as not to ruin your sister's career." "I don't think so..." "Mom would love to be on TV..." "She'd have the time of her life." "Would you like some?" "No, no, no, no..." "I grow it myself." "Check out my plants!" "No, no, no..." "Girl, we should get going." "Right." "Listen... did you report her disappearance to the police?" "We didn't, Brigida thinks it's not necessary... since she's mentioned it so often on TV..." "Yes, but you have to report it to the police, not say it on TV." "Look, I don't know..." "Anyway, It's not the first time your mother left home" "Yes, but never for this long." "It's been three and a half years already" "Don't give up hope." "and take care of yourself, you don't look well..." "Your oleander is gorgeous." "Yes, this year it managed to escape from the aphids." "But I've really lost my appetite" "Maybe it's because of the pot..." "No way, if it weren't for the pot, I would never eat" "You have your grandpa's eyes." "Pot gives me an appetite, and mellows me out" "Right then, have a nice trip home!" "You won't believe what I saw upstairs outside the bathroom..." "What?" "An exercise bike." "That's nuts" "Why would Auntie want an exercise bike, when she can barely walk?" "Exactly, she's lost her mind." "Don't talk like that about her, Sole." "Mom, she didn't even recognize us." "It's the hot, dry wind there that makes so many people crazy." "The donuts are very tasty, don't you think?" "How does she manage to make pastries when she can barely see?" "Hello, Regina." "You off to work?" "I have no choice, my dear" "Hey listen, why don't you give her a lift?" "Where to?" "To casa de campo, but if you could drop me downtown that would be great" "OK." " Thanks." "Later." "Hi, dad." " Hi." "What's up?" "How was it?" "Did you enjoy yourselves?" "At the cemetery?" "Are you kidding me?" "No, no." "So, taking care of yourself?" "Me?" "What are you talking about?" "Paula, sit properly!" "Close those legs, dammit!" "Will you bring me another beer?" "You must be joking..." "Get me another beer, please." "Paco, you've had enough already." "You have to go to work tomorrow." "I'm off tomorrow, and the day after." " How's that?" "They fired me." "Hang on a second..." "Goddamn it!" "I'll have to look for a job on Sundays, my only day off" "I'll look for a job, but let me watch the game in peace and quiet." "You can kiss goodbye soccer and cable TV, too" "Aren't we a poor family?" "So we'll live like one!" "Paula, get off the phone right now!" "Here's supper if you want it" "Are you mad?" " No." "I'm worried about my aunt." "She's worse than ever." "She didn't recognize Paula or Sole." "How can anyone live like that?" " Well she can." "Paco, leave me alone." "What's with you?" "I'm wiped out, and I have to be up early tomorrow." "OK, I'll do all the work..." "Paco please, don't be a pest" "Don't you call me a pest again" "I'm sorry" "What are you doing here?" "Waiting for you" "How come?" "I called to remind you to get bread, we're out" "I didn't occur to you to buy some?" " No" "You're soaking wet." "How long have you been out?" "I don't know." "A while." "Where have you been?" "With your girlfriends?" "No." "I wasn't anywhere." "Then why didn't you answer your phone?" "What's the matter with you?" "Huh?" "Is something wrong?" "What is it, tell me!" "And your father?" "He is..." "Where?" "He's in the kitchen." "What happened?" "I was in the kitchen..." "standing at the counter... suddenly he started pressing himself against me..." "He was drunk." "I shouted at him what was he doing, He said he wasn't really my father." "I turned around and shoved him off of me... but he just grabbed me again, harder" "I pushed him off" "He unzipped his pants." "He kept saying that it wasn't wrong because he's not my father." "I opened a drawer, took out a knife... and threatened him just to scare him off" "It didn't faze him" "He said I wasn't brave enough..." "pulled me to the floor and jumped on top of me" "What are you going to do, Mom?" "I don't know." "Go and get changed, you'll catch pneumonia" "Paula!" "Remember this:" "I killed him and you didn't see anything because you were out." "It's important that you remember that." "Don't answer" "Who can that be?" " I don't know, go to your room" "Raimunda, it's me, Emilio." "I'm coming, Emilio" "What's up?" "Sorry to bother you so late, but I'm going to Barcelona tomorrow." "I wanted to leave you the keys to the restaurant, in case someone wants to see it." "I wouldn't mind showing it, but I'm hardly ever here." "How about Paco?" "He's usually here all day, isn't he?" "Well Paco finally found a job." "He's starting tomorrow." "Are you hurt?" "No." "Just my monthlies." "Actually, the thing is... now that Paco is busy, I'll have more free time..." "Give me the keys, I'll manage" "Here's my phone numbers." "My brother's, where I'll be staying... the other is my cell phone." "So you're leaving tomorrow?" "In the morning..." "Just out of curiosity, how much are you asking?" "I've always liked your restaurant..." "It's a pity you don't like the owner as well..." "Emilio, for God's sake..." "For the business sale I'm asking 30,000, but it's negotiable" "OK, we'll miss you." "And I'll miss you girls." "Good luck." " Thanks." "Is Emilio leaving?" " Yes." "Go back to your room, Paula." "No, I want to stay with you." "Listen, I'll need your help later." "Don't answer it!" "It'll be one of your girlfriends." "Get it and say you can't talk now  it's too late" "I can't talk right now." " What are you saying?" "It's your Aunt Sole..." "Put your mom on the phone." "Mom, it's Aunt Sole" "Tell her I'm busy." "Auntie, she's busy right now." "Get her on the phone, it's important" "Mom, you have to take this." "Sole, I have loads of clothes to iron and I've been working all evening at the airport" "Agustina called." "Aunt Paula died." "When?" "A little while ago" "Aunt Paula died." "I was just thinking about moving her in here." "The poor thing must have died all alone." "Don't cry, dear" "Look, Agustina said not to worry." "She and Squinty will lay her out before we get there." "Auntie had everything prearranged!" "She'd already chosen her coffin, and paid for everything!" "It's amazing that she was so lucid at the end." "I can't make it to her funeral." "As much as it hurts me but I'm too busy." "How can you not come, Raimunda?" "You can't come with me?" "I just can't, no way..." "You'll have to go alone." " Alone?" "No way!" "You know how scared I am of dead people." "But you don't have to see Auntie" "I'll ask Agustina to take care of that" "And if they ask me about you?" "Tell them then that I just had a gall bladder operation... whatever" "Look, I'll go as soon as I can, but right now it's completely impossible" "I don't understand you, Raimunda." "Aunt Paula loved you so much!" "and I loved her, too." "Look, Sole, I'll explain it to you someday, and when I do, you'll flip out." "I'm flipping out already." "All right, take a tranquilizer, I'll take one too..." "And in the morning, you go" "Okay?" " Okay." "The door." "Wait." "You stay here." "Stay here and stand guard." "I hope it hasn't changed since I worked here." "Don't come in here!" "Sorry." "What do you want?" "I wanted to see if the restaurant was open." "We're closed." "Why?" "Give me a hand..." "We're shooting a movie in the area and I'm looking for a place to cater for the crew" "Do you know of a restaurant nearby?" "How many of you are there?" "25 plus 5... 30 people." "Help me out here." "I can do it myself, if you want." "We were supposed to be closed today." "So dinner for 30..." "When?" "We stop at 3:30, and we're close by..." "Say around 4:00?" " Fine." "Good" "Right and... how much would you pay?" "10 euro each" "That's fine." "Sorry for shouting at you before, you scared me" "I'll see you at 4:00 then, thanks very much" "OK, thanks" "See you later" "Damn!" "It's 10:00 already." "Two kilos" "Can I have two more?" "How much are the potatoes?" "1.60 for 4 kilos" "I'll take 8 kilos" " Okay." "How are you Regina?" " Hello, Raimunda." "That's quite a load of groceries!" "I'm cooking dinner for 30 people Can you lend me 100 euro?" "I'm broke, I just bought a huge pork roast..." "That'd be perfect!" "I'll buy it off you!" "It cost me 10.80, and it's the only thing I got" "I'll pay you for it tomorrow." "Please!" "do this favor for me!" "All right." "I'll bring it over" "Thank you, sweetie!" "Today I go on a diet." "Why not, it'll be good for you" "Hi, Ines." "So you're back from the village?" "Yes, I got back last night." "How are you?" "Did you happen to bring any sausage or chorizo?" "I certainly did!" "The sausages are fantastic." "My mother-in-law orders them specially for me." "I need one and a half kilos." "How's that?" "I'm cooking dinner for 30." " Who's coming?" "Is a long story, I'll tell you some other time." "Can you sell it to me?" "I'll pay you tomorrow" "Of course." "Don't you worry, I'll bring it over." "Thanks!" "and... wait, did you get any sweets?" "I got some cookies that will melt in your mouth..." "With your high cholesterol and glucose cookies are the last thing you need!" "It's my only vice." "I've got three boxes of them." "You shouldn't be eating them." "I shouldn't?" "And what should I do, give them away?" "Sell them to me" "OK, but let me at least try them" "Of course, have two, three, four..." "But don't be a glutton." " Bring them round to me, love." " I'll do that." "See you later." " Bye, doll" "Anybody for roast pork?" "It's delicious..." "You too?" "Pork roast?" "It's yummy." "Agustina?" "Is that you, Agustina? Soledad, my dear child" "Sole, I have to talk to you." "Sole!" "All right." "It's okay, calm down, Sole." "Agustina..." "Where is she?" " Upstairs, in my mother's room." "The best room in the house" "I brought her here, so we can give her a better wake." "Thank you very much, Agustina." "Come on, we're the principal mourners." "Good afternoon." " Good afternoon." "I spoke with your sister, poor thing, just out of surgery!" "Yes, unfortunate timing, huh?" "She told me not to let you see the body." "Don't worry, you won't have to see her..." "I'm sorry my dear" "My condolences." "And you remember Squinty, don't you? Say hello to Vicenta's daughter." "Let her catch her breath, she's exhausted." "Come here, Sole, don't fret, sit here beside me" "It was already dark" "I had finished supper and was watching TV when I heard someone knocking at the door." "I wasn't sure if I had heard right, but then I heard it again." ""Who is it?" I asked." "And then I heard a voice say:" ""Agustina"" "I wasn't afraid" "I looked outside, but I didn't see anyone" "I looked over at your aunt's house." "and I noticed the front door was standing open." "I thought that was odd, so I went over..." "I called out for your aunt, but she didn't answer." "And how could she, poor thing?" "I went into the bedroom and there she was, in bed utterly still and quiet." "Her spirit called you." "But was it Paula's spirit or the other one's?" "One of them." "I can't say who it was because I didn't see" "But, as true as I'm talking to you now someone or something warned me that Paula had died" "and opened the front door to let me in." "Come into the kitchen." "I bet you haven't eaten yet." " No, I haven't" "Not since last night, but I'm all right." "I thought as much." "This'll do you good." "Don't give me any more, that's plenty." "What did the women mean, Agustina?" "Nothing, just talk." "You know what villages are like." "They were talking about my mother." "Some people say they've seen her." "They say she came back to take care of your Aunt Paula." "Has she ever appeared to you?" " No." "What about you?" " No, me neither." "But those things happen." "I know." "My grandfather, rest in peace, appeared to my grandmother" "At first she was scared" "Go on, eat!" "But then, she asked him what he wanted and my grandpa's ghost told her that he had left an unkept promise" "My grandmother carried out the promise and the whole village went with her to the cemetery where they left my grandfather so he would rest in peace and he never appeared again." "This isn't just some story I heard" "It's what really happened" "I see..." "Do you want to come have a look around your auntie's house?" "in case you want to take anything?" "No, I'll leave that to Raimunda" "Tell her everything went very well, and that the whole village came." "I'll tell her" "I'm going to miss her so much!" "Go on..." "Sole!" "Open up!" "It's your mother." "I'm not going to harm you" "My mother is dead." "You must be her ghost or her spirit" "OK, have it your way, but let me out of here!" "I'm in the trunk!" "Right, it's unbelievable the things you come up with, Mom..." "Soledad... my dear daughter..." "Don't be afraid of me" "I am your mother." "Aren't you going to hug me, my love?" "OK... give me a hand here..." "Aunt Paula's suitcase!" " Yes." "What's in it?" " Clothes, and some of her valuables." "I took them before the neighbors got there." "Except for Agustina, they were all picking through her drawers and cabinets" "But I had already done the "cleaning"" "You'll have to get a nice gift for Agustina, she's behaved properly" "Much better than you sister did" "It's shocking she didn't go to the funeral!" "If you'd heard what Squinty said about her!" "Thank God you came" "I'm sore from that ride" "Are you staying the night?" " Where else would I go?" "Ugh!" "I look terrible." "No wonder you were scared!" "Do you still have the illegal hair salon?" " Of course, that's how I make a living" "Is that the guest room?" "Yes, that's it." "Tomorrow, give me a haircut and dye my hair." "And I'll need sunglasses" "I don't want to be stuck in the house all day." "I have to go out." "Nobody knows me here." "In the village, I couldn't even go to the front door." "I need some fresh air" "Are you staying long?" "You want to get rid of me already?" " No, just asking..." "I'm not planning to leave anytime soon, if you don't mind" "When you get tired of me, just let me know." "But a for separated woman, who would be better company than her mother?" "Unless you've got a boyfriend..." "No, Mom." "I'm alone, as usual." "Not anymore." "Answer the phone." " Are you back yet?" " Yes, I am." "You were out of range, so I phoned Agustina." "She said everything went very well." "The whole village came." "I've been thinking about you all day." "I would have loved to be there." "Hold on a second, Sole... 300, right?" "What do I owe you for the drinks?" " Nothing, drinks are on the house." "OK then..." "Same time tomorrow?" "Everyone in the crew was very happy" "Glad to hear it." "and if you don't mind, even if you have to charge more could the portions could be a bit larger?" "Tomorrow I'll feed you until you burst." "Great." "See you tomorrow, then." " See you tomorrow" "Sorry, Sole..." " Did you get a job in a restaurant?" "Yes, I took over Emilio's." "Oh!" "He was sick of it, but that's not the only news..." "Paco left us." "That's why I couldn't make it to the funeral." "When you called, we were in the middle of an argument." "I knew there was something wrong" "Did he beat you?" " No, he wasn't violent" "He just left." "Forever." "He'll be back, you'll see." "I seriously doubt it." "How can you be so sure?" "Call it intuition." "All right, kiss, kiss" "To you, too." " Bye" "You know, none of us have had any luck with men." "Raimunda and I haven't but you..." "Me, what?" "Dad adored you." "Raimunda said you were lucky because you died in the arms of the person you loved most." "Raimunda is not a bad person, but she's got a nasty streak." "I was blindly in love with your father." "and he cheated on me until the day he died!" "What are you saying, Mom?" "It's true." "I've kept that quiet all my life." "I never wanted you two to know." "But let's drop it." "I don't want to speak ill of the dead." " Is his ghost going to appear?" " I hope not." "How about your husband?" "What about my husband?" "Could he show up here any day?" " I don't think so." "I haven't heard from him in two years." "All the better, that way it'll just be the two of us" "The pork was 10?" " 10.80." " I'll give you an extra 3 euros." " Thanks, Mundi." "And I'll pay you for 4 boxes of cookies instead of three." "Thank you." " I don't want you to think that I took advantage of you" "Can you give me a hand with this?" "I can't move it on my own." "Where are you taking it?" "To the restaurant" "You're the moving expert, tell us how..." "Get ahold of it, tip it over, but not all the way." "Otherwise, we won't get it through." "Is this all right?" "Yes, straighten up, veer a bit to your right, more to the right..." "We can't see anything." "I'll guide you." "Now, careful, it'll come this way." "All the way..." "Don't rush it" "Are we at the door?" "Yes, OK." "Let's go, the elevator is here" "Wait, wait." "This has to go in straight." "I'll take this end." "You take it." "That's it, that's it..." "My God, what an ordeal!" "Ouch!" "Careful!" "My God!" "Press the button downstairs" "I want them to see that we don't use frozen food" "It's all natural, fresh every day" "Over to the corner and the other freezer?" "That's not working" "Right, so you're taking over the restaurant?" "At least until yesterday's customers finish their movie" "Then I'll see." "You can count on me." "I make great desserts." "And I could serve drinks at night!" "I don't know yet if we'll work nights, but I'm counting on both of you." " Sure" " Thanks a lot" "Mom?" "Hm?" "There's something you want me to do, right?" "Cut my hair." "I mean is there anything you couldn't do while you were alive, that's still bothering you" "There's always things that are left unfinished, or badly done" "And my life was no exception but I don't know if things can be fixed," "And even if they can, it is up to me to fix them" "Customers will start arriving any minute now." "What will we do?" "Attend to them." "I'll help you." "I can't introduce you as my mother, everyone knows I'm an orphan." "I can pretend I'm a foreigner" "A foreigner?" "From where?" "The Dominican Republic?" "No, that won't work." "Too many in the neighborhood, they'll notice your accent's all wrong." "Chinese?" "Madrid is full of Chinese people" "Now who's going to believe that you're Chinese, Mom?" "We need something rare, that's not in the neighborhood." "Russian!" "Do you really think I look more Russian than Chinese?" "Yes, Russians look just like us." "Look, whatever you hear, keep your mouth shut." "and don't make it obvious that you understand" "I'll show you how everything works In the main room I cut, dry and color" "In here I do the hair washing" "If the customer is tall, remove the pillow." "If she's short, you use it." "This towel is so you won't slip." "I have this here because up there is not handy, and if I leave it down" "I have to bend down so many times it kills my back" "Yeah, my back hurts me, too" "The shampoo is automatically dispensed." "Have a seat, Mom." "Are you OK?" " Yes" "Just one towel or the client will feel suffocated." "I know the feeling..." "Afterwards, with the same towel, you dry her a bit, so it won't drip down her back" "You've got everything so well organized..." "Hi" "Hello." " Hi dear" " Hi" " Hello" "She doesn't speak Spanish, she's Russian" "Oh!" "they're having a terrible time, the poor things" "Yes, I took her in out of charity." "When I saw her begging in the street, she reminded me of my mother." "Don't trust all the old women you see" "Especially Russians." "Most of them are in the mafia." "You're too good, people take advantage of you" "You want highlights?" "Sit here" "Wash hair, right?" "She was a hairdresser back in Russia." "How do understand each other?" "With gestures." "She's very smart, as sharp as a tack!" "She'll be speaking Spanish in no time" "I wouldn't be surprised..." "look how many Russian top models are there nowadays" "Dear me!" "So Russian then?" "..." " Russia" "The water..." "Not hot... not cold... no" "Very good" "Thank you" "Hi" "What's up?" "We have tomorrow off" "Then, so do we." "We're due for a break." "And we finish up next week." "We want to have the wrap party here." "That's great!" "Do you want a sit-down meal or a buffet?" "A buffet would be great." "And we'd like to have the terrace just for us." "Sure, no problem, I can do that." "And don't look at me like that, you make me nervous." "likewise" "Go and get yourself a drink, I have work to do." "OK" "Since she came back from the village, she sounds strange over the phone." "If she asks you about Paco, you know nothing." "Which is the actually the truth" "Paula, the less you know, the better" "And, above all, try not to think about it" "Hello." "Hello." "Hi" "Do you have company?" " No" "I'm going to the bathroom" "The bathroom, what for?" "I have to pee." "It's out of order." "I'm waiting for the plumber." "I'll throw some water down, I really need to go, for heaven's sake." "Uh, Hello." "And what's with you?" "I'm at a difficult age" "Same as myself!" "I'll trim your hair a little" "Don't, I can see you coming" "Just the split ends" "Less than an inch" "Listen..." "Is your father back yet?" "Nope." "He said goodbye forever." "That's incredible." "I just don't understand." "Yuck, it stinks in here!" "And your mother?" " What?" "She's such a pain!" "Ever since she was a child." "Realize that in those days we didn't have a bathroom" "We did our business in the backyard" "We had to be constantly waiting for her" "She spent all day long in the backyard, with the chickens" "Raimunda!" "Raimunda." "What's this robe doing here?" "It's Mom's" "I know." "And that smell!" "What smell?" "In the bathroom, and in here!" "It's like she was just here farting up a storm...!" "Don't you smell it?" "My God, she cut some killers!" "And she could never hide it because she was the first to crack up!" "It's as if I can hear her laughing now." "Don't be silly!" "Why did you bring these clothes?" "No wonder you have nightmares." "Dead people's clothes should be given away." " Right" "Aunt Paula's suitcase!" "The antique dolls!" "Her jewelry case!" "What were you planning to do with all this?" "Nothing." " Nothing?" "You were going to keep it!" "Who would've said, Sole..." "Raimunda, please, it's not what you think" "I didn't bring the suitcase." "Yeah, right!" "Then how did it get here?" "When I arrived at Aunt Paula's..." "What?" "Look, if they had told me I wouldn't have believed it" "Stealing the few things she had before she was even in the grave." "You should be ashamed of yourself!" "Raimunda, don't leave this way!" "We have to buy another fridge." "Why don't you repair the one in the storeroom?" "That one is no good." "Well, the motor's making a noise." "I told you nobody goes in there, including you." "I saw the door was open and went in to get a hammer." "Has anyone else gone in there?" "I don't think so." "Mom, you said you got rid of him" "Well I couldn't, Paula" "Do you think I like having him in there?" "Paula, get ready, they'll be here in half an hour." "Paula?" "What is this?" "How come you're still like that?" "I'm not in a party mood." "Me neither, but it's work" "Don't be lazy." "Come on, I'll give you a hand" "What's wrong?" "I can't get him out of my head, having him there, in the storeroom" "That's the best way for you to go mad, and to drive me crazy, too." "Mom, you don't know what it's like to have killed your own father." "Paco was not your father." "Stop lying to me." "I know you're doing it for me, but please, just stop lying to me" "I'm not lying to you" "Paco took you as his daughter but he knew that he was not your biological father" "So he was telling the truth then?" "Yes, but that doesn't justify what he did" "Paula, I promise I'll tell you everything, I swear, but some other time" "Now let's get ready." "We won't fix anything staying here" "So who was my father?" "A guy from the village." "Do I know him?" "He's dead" "Paula, I swear that I'll tell you everything, but later." "I'll hold you to your word on that" " Two mojitos!" " Two mojitos coming up!" "What would you like, handsome?" "Two mojitos as well?" "With lemon." "It's perfect." "We need more glasses" "I can hardly keep up." "Doesn't Paula look pretty? Here..." " Thanks." "How scrumptious!" "I'm not drinking anymore, they're too good!" "Between your cleavage and my mojitos we can make a fortune" "We should stay open nights and try to liven up this lousy neighborhood." "We'll talk about it, but for now the important thing is that they're satisfied tonight." "Have a mojito!" "Stay down, so they don't see you." "I'd love to see Raimunda and Paula." "The other day I could only see their feet" "And look at the fuss you caused!" "Is that the restaurant?" "She said she was doing well, but I never imagined this!" "She deserves it." "The poor thing has suffered a lot" "Don't get out of the car, and stay down, and don't let anyone see you." "No one can see me here!" "What are you doing here?" "I'm glad to see you." "I brought you Aunt Paula's things." "I didn't know you were having a party." "It's the film crew's party, celebrating the end of the shoot" "I've been catering for them." "Let's put away the suitcase Why did you bother?" "It would have never occurred to me" "To take anything from Auntie, much less hiding it from you" "I know, I'm sorry for what I said" "But you know me, I fly off the handle." "Hi, Auntie" " Hi" "Would you like anything?" " No, thank you." "Tacata, tacata" "I can see the twinkling of the distant lights guiding my return" "You remember?" "How could I forget?" "It's been so long since I heard you sing!" "I've never heard her sing" "Really?" " Yes Mom, really" "And would you like to, my dear?" "What do you think?" "Of course!" "Come on!" "I can't believe it." "Where should I sit?" "There" "Quiet!" "Sit down, this woman is going to sing!" "Good evening." "I would like to thank the crew for the work you've given us these past weeks." "Thank you very much, with all my heart." "I haven't sung for a long, long time but I'll give it a try and see how it goes." "I'm afraid of the encounter the past that is coming back to confront my life" "Your grandmother taught your mother this song for the young talent audition" "I'm afraid of the nights that, full of memories enchain my dreams but the fleeing traveller sooner or later must come to a halt and even though oblivion, which destroys everything has shattered my illusions" "I keep holding on to a humble hope" "And that is all of my heart's fortune" "Coming back" "with a wrinkled forehead the snows of time silvering my temple feeling" "that life is an instant, that 20 years is nothing, that the feverish eyes, wandering in the shadows looks for you and names you" "Living" "With my soul clinging to a sweet memory that I weep for again" "Bravo!" "Autos Amigo, can I help you?" "Hi, good morning." "I'm calling about your ad" "I'd like to rent a van" "What kind and for how long?" "The cheapest one you have." "It's just for one day." "Hello?" " Can I speak to Mrs. Raimunda?" "Speaking." "Mr. Emilio gave me your number so you could show me the restaurant." "I've been trying to see it for a few days now." "My name is Carlos." "The thing is..." "Pity you didn't call earlier." "because a neighbor has taken it over." "But Mr. Emilio didn't tell me anything about that." "Of course, he has his strategies, just in case" "Could I talk to the person that took it?" "This is her day off, I'm sorry" "If you call Mr. Emilio, I'm sure he'll explain everything to you" "OK." "Thank you." "Good bye." "Hello?" " Emilio, hi." "It's Raimunda." "Good to hear from you!" "Did a man go to see the restaurant?" "Yes, but I got a bad feeling about him." "I think he wants it as a cover" "A cover?" "For what?" "For drugs, to set up a brothel..." "I don't know" "When I told him that the business wasn't doing well, he said that was even better" "How could you say that?" "Look, Emilio, I wanted to call you days ago and I hope that you understand me" "I know I'm not supposed to do things this way but..." "I kept the restaurant for myself." "You did?" "What do you mean?" "If you give me five minutes, I can explain to you" "You went too far, Raimunda, way too far" "Yes" "You took advantage of my trust in you" "I know it's no excuse, but when the film crew showed up" "I was desperate, and now that Paco left us." "Paco left you?" "Yes." "We had a big fight" "He left and I don't think he's coming back" "He left the same day you left to Barcelona." "How are you coping with it?" "Me?" "I'm hysterical." "Clutching at straws." "Well, OK, so... we'll try to sort it out" "Tell me how much I owe you for a month's rent and I'll send it to you, but give me a few days" "Yes?" " Raimunda?" "Yes, who is it?" "It's Agustina." "I'm in Madrid, and I'd like to see you." "Agustina, today is a bad day, I'm very busy" "And tomorrow?" "No, the whole week is a real mess." "Don't tell me that, I'm in the hospital." "What happened?" "I've got cancer." "The doctors told me yesterday" "I need to see you." "Tell me which hospital you're in, and I'll come by today." "I'm in the Central Hospital" "God bless you for this, Raimunda." "Thanks." "You go up, I'm in a hurry." "Give this to your aunt" "Hi, Auntie." " What are you doing here?" "Sole!" "Sole!" "Is that your mother shouting?" "Sole, come to the window!" "What?" "I'm leaving Paula with you!" "Raimunda, I've got work to do." "I have to go to the hospital." "Agustina has cancer." "That's terrible!" "Poor thing!" "Paula has Aunt Paula's suitcase, you keep it." "I'm going to run errands, I'll be back as soon as I'm finished" "Say hi to Agustina." "Tell her that you saw me" "Yes, nuisance." "Can I come in now, Auntie?" "Yes, sweetie, come on in." "How are you, dear?" "They opened me up and then closed me again" "I knew that I had something bad" "Don't lose hope." "The flowers are beautiful" "You shouldn't have bothered Put them there..." "Raimunda," "I have to ask you for a favor." "Whatever you want, Agustina." "Close the door." "Grab a chair." "I don't have much time left." "But I don't want to die without knowing what happened to my mother." "But what can I do?" "You can tell me if she's dead or alive." "And how would I know?" "Ask your mother." "My mother?" "But she's dead, Agustina!" "I know." "But she appeared to your Aunt Paula and she took care of her until she died." "The whole village knows." "If she appears to you, ask her about my mother." "That's all I'm asking from you." "Agustina, what you're asking me is insane." "Did you ever see her with your own eyes?" "No." "Then, since you live across the street, and never saw her..." "I think she hid from me." "But I heard your aunt a thousand times, God bless her, talking to her" "Look, if I find out anything, I'll be sure to tell you." "But it's quite unlikely" "You owe it to me, Raimunda" "I'm only asking you for this one thing" "OK, I have to go, I have a lot of things to do." "Wait, my sister wants to see you." "She'll be here any minute." "Some other day." "I really have to go." "She wants you to go on TV." "You know she works on "Wherever You Are"" "They want to produce a special and they thought of you" "Since you were friends as children, and you both went to the audition with all that, they figure they have enough for three or four programs with interviews, music and songs from all the time you've known each other." "Tell your sister that I don't like TV." "Me neither." "I'll tell her." "But don't forget what I asked you" "OK, I won't" "The Russian really likes watching TV!" "I'm not sure what she understands, but she's glued to it." "There's something about trash TV." "Myself, when I sit in front of it, I can't quit watching." "I feel worse every minute, but I can't get up" "It's like a drug" "I had to stop watching it at night, because I slept so badly afterwards" "All that screaming drives you crazy." "Do you like dolls?" "I like these, they look like they're from a horror movie." "They're quite ancient." "Your mom played with them when she was pregnant with you" "Why didn't Mom live with you?" "We were broke" "Your grandfather went to work in Venezuela" "I kept Sole and your mother moved in with Aunt Paula." "What has she told you?" "Nothing, she doesn't like talking about that time" "Do you get along well?" "Better now" "But she's unbearable at times, grandma" "She's got a strong personality." "And a temper." "How did you get along with her?" "As a child she was the apple of my eye but when she was a teenager... for some reason I didn't know" "she grew away from me until I lost her completely." "Your mother didn't love me." "It's very painful when a daughter doesn't love her own mother." "That's why now that it's just the two of you, you have to love her very much, so there's no way she can miss it." "Why have you come back, Grandma?" "Because I felt very lonely." "Good afternoon" "Hello" "I'd like 8 meters of plastic clothes line" "And some packing tape" "How much tape?" "Maybe 4 or 5 rolls" "Very well" "Here's five" "One, two..." "And a pick and a shovel" "Sure" "Sole, see you later" "Thanks" "Hi." "It's your sister" "How are you, Raimunda?" "Fed up." "How's Agustina?" "She's lost it completely." "Hi, Mom." "And what's wrong with you?" "Nothing." "Go on, honey, bring me a glass of water" "Can she stay with you tonight?" "Sure, but where should I put her?" "In the spare room." "Paco's coming home tonight He wants us to talk and I'd like to be alone." "Sure." "You're staying here tonight." "Okay, I'm off, I've got a long night ahead of me." "Hello!" " Hi!" " What's up?" "I need you to do me a favor tonight." "Tonight?" "Can't it wait until tomorrow?" "No." "But I'll pay you like a regular customer." "No, sweetie, I'll give you a discount." "But girl, I didn't know that you liked pussy." "I don't!" "You don't?" "So if it's not for fooling around, what do you want from me?" "I'll tell you on the way" "We have to put the freezer locker in the van" "And take it out to the country" "We can't manage that just the two of us" "We'll get the neighbors to help." "Wear something comfortable." "I'll wait for you on the terrace" "Like what?" "Something you don't look like you're about to burst out of" "Wait!" "Hold on a second" "It sticks out here." "Get it on the sidewalk." "It's slipping!" "No, it's not." "Keep it moving" "Now we have to align it" "One, two, three..." "UP!" "Come on, on the count of three." "One, two," "Three!" "Push!" "Ouch!" "That's it, It's in!" "Fuck this shit!" "Did you hurt yourself?" "No." "What do I need the arm for, anyway?" "Come on" "Where are we going?" "To the Jucar river" "And where's that?" " About 180 kilometers away." "180 kilometers?" "It'll take us the whole night just going there and back" "I told you I'll pay you by the hour" "Only for coming along with you?" "To come with me to the river, dig a hole, bury the freezer, and not ask questions..." "Look, Mundita, I appreciate your trust in me, but my life is already troubled enough!" "I have no job, no papers, I have to work the streets to survive" "Christ, you could've just asked me!" "OK, I'm asking you now, tell me how much" " Still..." "You should've asked first" "Okay, then..." "Give me the nights" "What nights?" "The drinks at night, for a month." "And I keep what I make from my cocktails." "And you buy the bottles." "OK, partner, but not a word about this to anyone, OK?" "What choice do I have!" "I'm your accomplice now." "If it makes you feel better, I haven't killed anyone." "No, don't tell me anything about it." "I wasn't going to tell you..." "Move aside." "Move, move, move." "Give me that." "Wait..." "Oh, my God!" "I can't do any more, I'm dead." "You take a break, I'll fill it in." "What are you doing here, Agustina?" "Can we talk?" "I'm very busy" "Okay, come in, come" "How's your thing?" "The same." "Did you find out anything?" "About what?" "About what I asked you." "I didn't think you were serious." "Do you mind if I sit down?" "Oh, Raimunda..." "Have pity on me." "I do, all the pity you want, but don't ask for crazy things." "I just want to know if she's dead or alive!" "Agustina, I understand that between the wind and the cancer you've lost your mind but that doesn't give you the right to complicate our lives" "They're complicated enough already!" "The day your parents died in the fire, my mother disappeared from town" "Doesn't that strike you as a big coincidence?" "Not really, it's just a coincidence" "According to you, your mother left in the morning and it wasn't the first time she disappeared" "Your grandmother had to raise you because she was never home!" "Don't make me say more." "My mother went off that morning, but it was to join your father in the shack." "That's a lie." "No one saw her." "Of course, she was careful not to be seen" "Raimunda," "My mother was having an affair with your father" "What are you talking about?" "My mother adored my father, she would never have allowed it." "That's why she left him, and moved in with Aunt Paula." "She went to live with her because my aunt was not well." "But she never left my father." "She divided her time between the two houses." "You don't know, because you weren't there and you hardly had any contact with your mother for years." "She always complained that you treated her like shit." "Those were her very words." "I've heard lots of things." "I once overheard your mother and mine arguing." "Your mother told her she could have your father, she didn't care." "And she didn't envy her because he'd been born to hurt the women who loved him." "What are you trying to prove, Agustina?" "That your parents' death and my mother's disappearance are connected." "Then, why haven't you gone to the police?" "Because the police ask too many questions, and we should wash our dirty laundry at home." "That's why I don't want to go on TV, even though my sister keeps insisting" "You and I have to sort this out." "Agustina, I have to go back to work." "Think about what I said." "How's Paco?" "He's fine" "Good" "Shouldn't we call Auntie to say we're coming?" "She never leaves home" "We should warn her" "What for?" "It's not polite to show up at someone's home without calling first, even if it's your sister." "What's with you and Aunt Sole now?" "It's a matter of good manners, Mom." "Look, you can fuck off, you and your auntie!" "You're gross!" "What have you brought, Raimunda?" " Lunch for three" "What am I going to do with him now in my house, all summer long, as hyper as he is" "Why did you bother?" "Why are you shouting?" "Are you going deaf?" "Deaf as a post, yes!" "We'll stay for a while and I'd like you to cut my hair" "Why didn't you call?" "I have a client." "Don't worry, I'm not in a hurry." "We need to talk." "About what?" "Aunt Paula's house." "Can I go watch TV?" "Go on..." "We need to decide what to do and deal with the paperwork." "Grandma?" "I'm here" "Don't make a sound, my mom's here" "I heard her" "Sole, where's the Russian?" "Who's the Russian?" "A woman who's helping me." "I was telling her how my son's been expelled from school again," "He slashed the tires of the priest who teaches him religion." "I was telling her and she left me here, talking to myself and without rinsing my hair" "She must have gone out." "no shit... she practically vanished!" "I'll finish you up." "She's got claustrophobia and at times she has to go outside." "Some help she is." "Do you pay her?" "Nope, I took her in." "She eats and sleeps here I gave her Mom's clothes" "I don't like you taking in complete strangers." "We told her that." "People take advantage of her." "Look at the Russian." "She's living in luxury here." "How did it go with Paco the other night?" "Very bad." "He came home to collect his clothes." "I think he's moved in with someone, but I don't know where, and couldn't care less." "Why didn't you tell me that you had a Russian?" "I don't know, it must've slipped my mind." "Look!" "It's Agustina on TV!" "Good afternoon, Agustina." "Good afternoon" "We know from your sister that your mother had you when she was a single, isn't that right?" "Yes." "The thing is... my mom was a hippie..." "It's Agustina!" "...and she never married" "Right, so, she practiced free love" "Your mother had a girlfriend who died on the same day that she disappeared, isn't that right?" "Yes" "How did this friend die?" "In a fire." "They're common in our village because of the hot wind." "Agustina's village is the wonderful Alcanfor de las Infantas." "which, according to statistics, has the highest rate of lunatics per capita" "Agustina, do you think your mother suffered from some kind of mental disorder?" "No, no, no, no." "Mi mother, when she wasn't feeling well, since she was a hippie...she'd just leave the village," "Until one day she left and never came back" "Yes, that was almost four years ago." "And her friend?" "We're very interested about that friend that died" "Right on the same day that your mother disappeared." "Tell us." "Tell you what?" "Tell us about the woman who died in the fire." "You know there are rumors..." "I don't believe in rumors." "I'd like you to explain what you told our producer." "Something about this woman and her husband, that linked them to your mother's disappearance." "About that I'd rather not talk about that." "Those were suppositions of mine." "But that's what you came here for, to talk about that woman and your mother, right?" "Yes, but I've changed my mind." "What's wrong?" "You look uncomfortable, a bit nervous" "I'd also like to mention, that Agustina also came here" "To tell us she's been diagnosed with a terminal illness, isn't that so?" "Agustina has cancer." "Ow, ow, ow..." "You have cancer, Agustina" "But don't be nervous..." "you're among friends." "Come on, let's give her a big hand." "Agustina has a wish:" "To go to a private hospital in Houston." "But to go to Houston, you have to speak frankly." "I remind you that you made a commitment to this channel." "Agustina!" "Agustina! Agustina came to see me at the restaurant" "Really?" "She insists that Mom appears to us." "She wants me to ask her about her own mother." "She also says that when she disappeared her mother was having an affair with Dad" "Do you know anything about that?" "No." "Okay..." "Mother told me, after..." "After what?" "After she found out" "Sole, look at me." "Is there anything else I should know and I don't?" "Plenty... but if I tell you you'll get mad or you won't believe me" "I promise I will believe you and I won't get mad" "Mom has been appearing all the time." "To who?" "Take a seat." "She was with Aunt Paula until she died." "She alerted Agustina and opened the front door so she could find the body" "She been putting out the money so they'd bring her daily bread and she arranged all the expenses of the funeral" "You did all that, Grandma?" "Yes." "Who told you all that, Agustina did?" "See, you don't believe me." "Sole, Agustina's lost it!" "The last time we saw Auntie you said yourself that it was incredible that she could manage so well, half senile and half blind" "Don't you remember?" "I do, but what are you saying?" "Auntie was not alone." "Who do you think made those donuts and had them packed in a container, one for each of us?" "Who brought the dolls and Auntie's things before the neighbors looted the place?" "Do you understand now?" "Have you seen her?" "Yes." "Is she by chance the Russian?" "Yes." "Where is she?" "In there." "Mama." "What are you doing under there?" "Weren't you dead?" "I came back to ask for your forgiveness." "I knew nothing about it, my dear" "I couldn't even imagine" "Come on, Paula" "Raimunda!" "My girl!" "My girl!" "The worst part is over she saw me and she didn't reject me, right?" "No she didn't" "Is it true that you came back to ask for her forgiveness?" "And also to be with you." "Will you explain to me one day what's going on?" "I will, and when that day comes I hope you'll understand me, Sole, and that you'll also forgive me." "Mom..." "Here." "I have to talk to her." "Why don't we go back." "Now?" "Yes." "I've dreamed of this so often!" "Me too." "I don't know where to begin." "You're not a ghost, right?" "You're not dead." "No, love, I'm not" "That's a relief" "But if I had died," "I would've returned to ask you for forgiveness for not seeing what was going on." "I was blind." "I found out on the day of the fire." "Is it true that you had left dad?" "Yes." "I couldn't put up with his cheating anymore." "On the evening of the fire" "You called and talked to Auntie." "And as usual, you didn't ask about me," "I got angry and I told your aunt that you were heartless, and as I continued berating you" "She defended you and told me everything" "That your father had raped you, that you'd gotten pregnant, and that Paula... is your daughter and your sister." "I couldn't believe it." "How could such a monstrous thing happen right in front of me without me realizing it?" "Then I understood everything, your silence, your distance, and your coldness." "I understood why your father went to work in Venezuela." "He couldn't cope with the shame of what he'd done." "I understood why, after marrying Paco, you went to Madrid and wanted nothing to do with us." "I hated you for not having noticed a thing, Mom." "And you were completely right, my dear." "When I found out," "I was enraged" "I went to the shack ready to scratch his eyes out." "and I found him asleep, with Agustina's mother, both of them worn out from their exertions" "They didn't see me" "I set the shack on fire." "It was a windy day, and within seconds the flames had devoured everything." "They didn't have time to wake up." "So the ashes in your grave are Agustina's mother?" "Yes." "Afterwards," "I wandered the fields for a few days" "Hiding, like an animal." "I was going to turn myself in," "But first" "I went to see Paula," "And found her in such bad shape..." "When she saw me, she wasn't a bit surprised" "I had come from the past, where she was living and she greeted me as if I had just gone out the door" "The tragedy had taken away the little sanity she had left." "I couldn't leave her on her own... so I stayed to take care of her" "until she died." "In the village they think you're a ghost." "That's one good thing about such superstitious places." "It was easier for me to go along with them than to speak the truth." "I thought I'd be arrested." "I never imagined that no one would investigate or punish me, although all this time" "I swear I've gone through purgatory" "in the real sense of the word." "It's too early to go to the village." "We shouldn't arrive in daylight." "Why don't we drive by the river?" "It's been so long since I saw it..." "Is not what it was Mom, it dried out." "How do you know?" "Because there's drought all over Spain." "Sole, how can you be so clueless?" "We often came here for a picnic." "Do you remember, Raimunda?" "I do." "The river was much wider then." "I told you it dried up." "Let's have a snack." "Not for me." "I'm having a donut." "Me too." "This was your father's favorite place." "You mean Paco?" "Yes, him." "It was the only place he really missed." "This river." "I'm glad he's resting here." "Come on!" "Nobody'll see you now!" "If only Paula could see us, all together she'd be so happy!" "Have you always had such big chest?" "Yes, Mom, ever since I was small." "I remember them smaller." "I hope you didn't do anything to them?" "What could I have done?" "Don't say nonsense..." "Oh, OK..." "Grandma, was it you that used the exercise bike?" "Yes." "Half an hour every day" "It's good for your heart" "And what did Aunt Paula say when she saw you?" "She couldn't stop laughing." "See you later." "It's Aunt Paula!" "Knock it off, Sole." "I'll see who it is." "Hide Mom's plate and silverware" "Who is it?" "It's me, Agustina." "We're having supper." "We just arrived." "Sorry to interrupt." "Come on in, don't just stand there." " Thank you." "Good evening" " Good evening" "Have a seat." " Thank you." "I came to apologize about the TV show" "You shouldn't have gone Agustina, it wasn't right." "I know" "It's no excuse, but they offered to send me to Houston where, apparently, they cure everything." "But I couldn't do it." "I'd rather die alone in my house, but at peace, and be able to look at you in the eye." "Mom, I'll be upstairs, OK?" " Yes, go on." " Will you have some supper?" " No, no, thanks." "I heard you're going to sell the house." " Yes" "That was the idea, but once we got here, there are so many memories that I'm not sure..." "OK then, I better go." "Stay for a while." "Why hurry?" "I have to go see the nurse to get my injection." "In Madrid they told me I'd better get used to doing it myself, but I find it disgusting." "Your sister has no excuse for letting you live on your own in your condition." "Don't even mention her." "After what happened on TV she won't even talk to me." "She's very angry with me, but I'm even more angry with her." "You've plenty of reasons to be." "I envy you two." "You're so close." "Irene!" "I couldn't wait to see you!" "Here I am." "I heard about what happened and I guess you must be feeling pretty lonely." "Very lonely." "If only Paula were here." "I'm here now to take care of you, whatever it takes." "You left the door open." "Don't worry, I closed it." "Did you go to the nurse?" " No, I'm too tired, tomorrow." "Tomorrow you'll be in a lot of pain." "Do you have the medicine and the needles?" " Yes, I bought everything in Madrid." "All right, I'll give you the shot." "I was born in this bed." "My mother slept here." "And on this very bed, we held your sister Paula's wake." "I know, Agustina and I'm deeply grateful for it." "We have to talk, Irene." "About anything you wish, but don't tell anyone that I've returned." "Don't worry, I won't." "Oh, and thank you for not talking about me on TV." "That's our business," "Of course." "And no one else's." "It's me, Mom." "Open up." "Raimunda, what are you doing here?" "Come in." "I missed you" "Are you going to stay here?" "Yes." "Until the end." "Agustina is very very ill." "After what I did to her mother, it's the least I could do for her until she dies, don't you think?" "Yes." "Mom, I've so many things to tell you..." "I haven't told you about Paco or what I've done." "I can't wait for you to tell me, but you have to leave now." "We'll see each other every day." "Between us we'll manage." "Yes." "I need you, Mom." "I don't know how I could have lived all these years without you." "Don't say that, Raimunda, or I'll start crying and ghosts don't cry."