"MELANCHOLY AUTUMN" "Luca, will you play with me?" " Yes." "I have five marbles." "And you?" " Three." "Ok, let's do it." "How are you, Filippo?" "You're hungry, aren't you?" "Take this, eat." "Is that dog yours?" " No, but he follows me." "He's hungry, poor guy." "I don't care, he shouldn't be in the courtyard." "Luca!" "Luca!" "Come on, forget the dog!" "If you don't hurry, we won't even get one game in." "Let's open the door and let him in." "OK." " Come on." "Move it." "You open the door and we'll grab the dog." "Does he bite?" " No, he doesn't bite." "Don't let him escape, idiot!" "Grab his legs." "And you, tie the can to his tail." "Go on!" "Run!" "Wait, Filippo!" "Wait!" "Come here, Filippo!" "Where did this dog come from?" " Careful, he might bite." "Custodian!" "What the heck!" "It's shameful!" "Stop, Filippo!" "Be good now!" "What a disaster!" "Who did it?" " He did it!" "It was him!" "Not true!" " Such a lie!" "I saw you playing with him with my own eyes." "I didn't do anything." "They're the ones who tied the can to his tail." "Now he's blaming others, when the fault was his." "Me?" "It was you!" "I saw you open the gate and let him in." "Everybody saw you." " Liar, I never went near the gate!" "Headmaster, look at this." " What happened?" "I want to know who is responsible." " It was him." "That's a lie!" " Enough!" "Leave." " Come on." "As for you two, tomorrow you'll bring your parents here." "I told you to bring your parents." "How come your father's not here?" "Because I don't have one." " What do you mean?" "What's your name?" " Luca Martinez." "Couldn't your mother.." "My mother is at the factory." "She can't come at this time." "Fine." "It was said one of these boys was seen playing with the dog." "Which one?" " Him." "And I told him not to let the dog into the yard." "I didn't let him in." "I gave him some bread and then went back to play." "Then it was you." " No, Sir." "I swear I never saw that dog." " Liar!" "Silence!" "This is useless." "One of you must be punished or both." "So it's best you tell the truth." "This is the truth:" "I didn't do it." "Excuse me, Sir, I don't want to influence your decision, but I know my son." "He has many flaws, but he has one good quality: honesty." "And I know he's incapable of lying." " That's fine." "But at this age, all children lie to avoid being punished." "Pietro, look me in the eyes." "This is your father speaking to you." "Answer me honestly." "Was it you?" " No, Dad." "You see, Sir?" "I would.." "Alright." "I see." "We'll decide." "You two, return to class." "Be careful!" "Bye, Dad." " Farewell, my son." "What a shame, Sir." "I understand." "That poor kid never had a father to teach him right." "Unfortunately." "Therefore, I ask you to be lenient with him." "The parents are the ones to blame." " Of course." "Good morning." " Sorry for the inconvenience." "Martinez, come here." "Take this and give it to your mother." "What is it?" " From the office, a bill for the damages." "What damages?" " Your dog's." "You break it, you pay for it." "And be thankful, you weren't expelled." "But I didn't.." " Go on!" "And make sure you don't do it again." "Go on." "No fooling around, boys!" "Come here." "What are you doing?" "Come here." "Come on." "They played you a ugly trick, eh?" "I'm sorry." "Go on, now." "The walk is over." "Is anyone home?" " No, Sir, my mother's working." "I was at school." " I left a letter for your mother." "Another one!" " Tell her, I'm tired of waiting." "If the rent isn't paid, I'll kick both of you out." "Yes, Sir." "OK." "You get out of here!" "You're a pest!" "Huh?" "What did you say?" " Nothing, Sir, I wasn't talking to you." "I thought.." "Go on!" "What do you want?" "What can I do?" "Poor Mama, two bad news in one day." "This is from the landlord." "I have to give her that." "And this one.. is your fault!" "Don't play innocent!" "Shall we show her it today?" "Or tomorrow?" "How complicated life is." "Come, let's go." "Did you think you'd stay here?" "Think again." "Here one lives a dog's life." "Luca!" "Luca!" "What did the usher want?" "He gave me a letter for mama." "They want her to pay the damages." "And why, if it was Pietro who put the can on the dog?" "He made them believe it was my fault." "He had a dad to defend him." " What a pig!" "But it's not over." "If I find him alone, I'll teach him a lesson." " Good!" "I know where to find him." "He's always by the port, fishing." "I'm going." "Wanna come?" " Why not, if you need help.." "Carlo, what are you doing?" " Coming, Papa!" "See you later." "By the way, is it true you have no dad like Pietro says?" "Well, what's wrong with that?" "Nothing at all." "But it's odd, if you have a mom, you should have a dad." "I only have a mom." "Is that OK with you?" "It doesn't matter to me." "After I finish eating, I'll give the signal." "Wait a second." "Don't they seem too many?" "Are you afraid?" " Who, me?" "But you should really go alone, because it's just between you two." "If you need me, call me." "I'll wait here." "Alright." "I'll go alone." "Are you looking for me?" " Yeah, you." " What do you want?" "You're a liar and a jerk, and I'm not paying the damages." "You've tied the can to the dog." "It's your fault, so you'll pay." "Who says so?" "The dog?" "No, everyone knows it." "With the headmaster you were backed by your father." "Now it's just you and me." "How come you dad wasn't there?" " That has nothing to do with it." "Yeah, it means no one was there because you're a bastard." "Bastard?" "What does that mean?" "Poor baby, he's too little to understand!" "I guess I'll have to explain." "If you have no father, your mother's to blame!" "What's my mom got to do with it?" " Who knows?" "Go ask her." "What does my mom have to do with it?" "Hello, Captain." "Hello, Giacomo, once again in Spain, eh?" "Are you happy?" " Very." "A fine country." " You got that right." "Give the order to unload." "OK, Captain." " Coming down?" "No, I'll come down later." " OK, bye." "Get out of here!" "Knock it off!" "Tomorrow, I'll wait for you at school!" "I'll wait for you at school and settle this!" "Good!" "You've fought well." "You have guts." "Come here." "You did well, one against all." "Why were you fighting?" "They said I was a bastard." "That's kid's stuff." "They don't even know what they're saying." "Come on, blow your nose." "Do you have a hanky?" "Yes, Sir." "I have it." "What is this letter?" "Let's see." "A letter from school." ""Amount of damage done by Luca Martinez: 350 pesetas."" "Are you Luca Martinez?" " Yes." " So, why?" "What did you do that you must pay 350 pesetas?" "Me, nothing." "It was the dog with the can tied to his tail." "A dog with a can on his tail!" "What is this story?" "They blamed me, but it was Pietro's fault." "But his father defended him, and I, instead.." "Why?" "Don't you have a father?" "No, I never had one." " Here." "Is it my fault I don't have a father?" "And what does my mother have to do with it?" "Why take it out on her?" " Come, never mind that." "Your schoolmates are stupid and bad." "You'll see, everything'll be OK." "Come on, go home." "And don't cry." "Don't cry anymore, OK?" "Bravo!" "Bravo!" "Long live Lola!" "Come, sit with us!" "Champagne!" "Calm down, young man." " Watch the hands!" "You hear me.." "Calm down!" "Let's go!" "I was expecting you." "When did you arrive?" "This morning." " Why didn't you come earlier?" "I couldn't, customs came by." " Any problems?" "No, I hope not." "They didn't find anything on board." "Why did this trip take so long?" " I was in Greece, an important cargo;" "then Naples and Genoa." " In Genoa?" "Somebody was waiting, right?" "Don't be silly, nobody was expecting me." "It's useless to deny it." "They told me." "Who told you?" " It doesn't matter, I know." "To your successes." "Where is he?" " Over there." "I'm afraid he won't feel like discussing business." "Let's go." "Captain." " What?" "Excuse me, these two friends want to talk to you." " About what?" "Something that might interest you." " Right now?" "Wouldn't later be better?" "They're leaving today, they're in a hurry." " OK, sit down." "Sorry, honey." "Want me to leave?" " No." "You mind if I dance with the lady?" " If she likes.." " Why not?" "Please." " Let's go." "Do you want a drink?" "No thanks." "We're in a hurry." "You're getting prettier every day." " Yes, but don't hold me so tight." "Are you afraid?" "Is he very jealous?" " Afraid?" "Not at all." "Tell me, what did he do in Genoa?" "Did he see that woman?" " I think not." "We only stopped for a few hours." "Are you sincere?" "You promised to tell me the truth." "That is the truth." "Wouldn't I like that he betrayed you?" "Then there would be hope for me." "Don't speak nonsense." "I don't like this deal, it's too dangerous." "Naturally the benefits will be commensurate with the risk." "I don't want those risks now." "Things are going well for me right now." "Well." "If you reject this, there are others who will be willing." "Good." "Ask them." "A pleasure." "Goodbye." "He didn't accept." "Don't worry, he always does that, but then he ends up by giving in." "Leave it to Lola to convince him." "You think so?" "Come on." "Arithmetic, as I said, consists of four operations." "May I, Sir?" " What is it?" "Luca Martinez, to the office." "His father is here." "My father?" "His father?" "Quiet!" "You heard, Luca: to the office." "Your father is waiting." "Like I was saying, arithmetic has four operations:" "addition, subtraction.." "You understand, in these cases we can't look the other way." "We would like to be lenient, but there are still damages to be paid." "May I?" " Ah, there he is!" "Come here, young man." "How are you?" " Good, thanks." "The damages have been paid." "This time no one will be punished." "But I recommend that certain bad behavior never happens again." "Understood?" "Of course, Sir." "He's a good boy and nobody should be bullying him." "I hope I'm clear." " Who has bullied..?" "I mean if this should happen again, I'll have to intervene myself." "The bell." "Classes are done." "I'll bother you no more." "Thank you." " Goodbye." "Excuse me a moment." "You may go." "Please forgive me if I speak of things which aren't my business." " Go ahead." "Accept it as friendly advice." "I'm speaking in the interest of the poor boy." "Why don't you legitimize the situation?" "Which position?" " Yours." "Yours in regards to the boy and his mother." "Certain irregularities hurt children, who are the victims.." "OK, Sir, I.." " No, I don't want to know anything." "It's only a suggestion." "Do what you think best." "Excuse me, it was a pleasure." "Goodbye." " Goodbye." "But, hey, I.." "What more do you want?" "It's all fixed." "And try not to get into more trouble." " Yes, Sir." "Good." "Sir!" "Sir!" "Excuse me, but do you mind if I walk with you?" "No, but why do you want to?" "I want everybody to see that I too, have somebody who'll defend me." "Fine." "If it's for that.." "Let's go." "Excuse me, Sir, are you an admiral?" "No, only a sea captain." " Do you command a ship?" "Yes, the one at the wharf where you were fighting." "The white one with yellow chimney?" " Yes, do you like it?" " Yes." "If you come to the port I'll let you explore it." " Thanks, Sir." "We've arrived." "I live here." "Well, dear friend, good luck." "Bye." "Listen.." " What?" "Excuse me, I'd like to ask you a favor." " A favor?" "Could you come up with me?" " What for?" "So Mama can see me with you." "If I tell her, she won't believe me." "That's fair." "What floor do you live on?" " The fourth." "Okey-dokey." "Let's go." " Thanks." "Are we there yet?" " Yes." "Thank goodness." "Mama is not in but she will be soon." "What are you looking for?" " The key." "Here it is." "Come in, please, Sir." "So, this is your house.." " Yes, Sir." "This is Mama's room." "I sleep here on the divan." "You're alone?" "No siblings?" " None." "What does your mother do?" "Work?" " Yes, Sir, in a textile mill." "Would you like to sit, Captain?" " No, I can't stay." "It's very late and I've work to do." " Just wait a little longer." "You want to drink some wine?" " No, just give me a glass of water." "Coming up." "Good day, Ma'am." "What are you..?" " Hi, Mama." "Who is this gentleman?" " I understand your surprise, Ma'am." "I met your son by chance and helped him with a problem he had at school." "Why?" "What happened?" "I know nothing of this." "Please, don't panic." "Something silly." "He'll explain." "Nothing of any importance." "I spoke to the Headmaster." "Everything is taken care of." "No worries." "Thank you." "Bye, Luca." "Good day, Ma'am." " Good day." "Come here." "Who was that?" "What happened at school?" "Go on." "Speak." " Yes, I'll tell you." "Why didn't you tell me right away?" "It would've been better." " I was afraid." "Afraid of what?" "Of whom?" "Of me?" "Since there's also the rent to be paid.." "Those issues concern me." "They're not your business." "Well.. you're always saying I should act like a man." "Yes.." "like a man!" "But how could you ever ask someone, a stranger to pay!" "But I didn't ask him, Mama." "It was all him." "He did it without me knowing." "The usher came into the classroom and said my father was in the office." "I went in and.." " Your father?" "Yes, he told the Headmaster he was my father." "This is just too much!" "How dare he?" "By what right?" "Why are you getting mad, Mama?" "Of course, I'm getting mad!" "What could the Headmaster think?" "That between me and him..?" "Don't you realize that..?" "It's useless, you wouldn't understand." "What's that man's name?" " I don't know." "What does he do, where does he work, how did you meet him?" "He's the captain of beautiful white ship down at the port." "I must immediately give back the money." "How much was it?" "350 pesetas." "350 pesetas!" "Oh, my God!" "Where can I find that much money?" "Let it be, Mama, he already paid for it." "Nothing doing!" "It's not his business." "I'll pay back that money and right away." "Just look at you!" "Why didn't you put on your jacket?" "I couldn't find it." " Yeah, you always have excuses." "If you go around like that, you'll look pitiful!" "Then, they accepted your terms?" " Of course, they had no choice." "Then you'll make a lot of money." " Perhaps too much." "Lola, what do you want from Genoa?" "A necklace?" "A bracelet?" "A nice fur?" "No, don't get me anything." "It's time you put something aside." "Aside for who?" " For you, for me." "I'm tired of this life, this damn place." "I would like to end this, live with you, the two of us, alone in peace." "Having our own home." " Our own home, eh?" "Wouldn't you like that?" " Me?" "You told me many times:" ""When I leave the sea.."" "Yeah, of course I'd like that but.." "Look, it's late, I must go." " You'll set sail soon?" "Yes, pretty soon." "I'll take you to the pier?" " No, it's best we part here." "Drink." "Excuse me, Mr. Giovanni, I'm really embarrassed.You're right." "I understand, you had an emergency and had to use the rent money, eh?" "Exactly, how did you guess?" "Do you take me for a fool?" " No, by God!" "Be patient, give me a few days." "Be nice." "Well then.." "you can be nice to me." "Sure, sit down." "Do you want a coffee?" "Don't pretend you don't understand.." "Please, I already told you, I don't want hear this kind of talk." "Why not?" "I know your situation:" "a single woman, an increasingly difficult life.." "However, with a little good will on your part, we could be good friends." " Stop!" "You'll have the money soon." "Now, leave." "OK, I'll go.." "I'll go see my lawyer." "And if you don't pay.." "You've already received all the advances allowed by the rules." "But this is a special case." "I need this money." "Be nice." "If you ask, they'll give it to me." "OK, how much do you need?" " 350 pesetas." "I'll talk to administration." "I'll do what I can, don't worry." "Who are you looking for?" " The Captain?" " Beats me." "Go aboard and ask." "Excuse me, where is the captain?" "Down in the cabin." " Thank you." "Is there anyone here?" "May I?" "Chatterbox!" "Chatterbox!" "Everyone at their posts." "We're setting sail." " Yes, Captain." "Take in the catwalk!" "Cast off the bow!" "Grab the ropes!" "My son hasn't returned." "Have you seen him?" "No." " Don't worry, you know how kids are." "Do you know where he went?" " Yes, I sent him to the port." "To deliver a letter.." " To whom?" "Never mind, I'll go." "Thanks." "Hurry, Pietro!" "Move it!" "What are you doing here?" "Excuse me, Captain." "My mother told me to give this letter to you." "A letter for me?" "Didn't you see him come aboard?" " I know nothing." "This is incredible!" "When did you come on board?" "May I know when?" "Well?" "I was told you were in the cabin." "Then the parrot.." "and then the door shut behind me." " Stop crying, idiot!" "What can we do now?" " We can't return." "I know, just what we needed." "And we're already behind." "Couldn't you get out earlier?" " The door shut and the parrot.." "Yeah, right!" "The parrot!" " Let's toss him into the water." "No, don't throw me in!" "Don't throw me in!" "Come on, they're only kidding." "And you, knock it off, go back to work." "Although you'd deserve it." "You can't be dumber that that!" "Knock off the crying!" "Tears don't solve anything." "Could we rig a boat?" " Fine, but who would go with him?" "We're too few already." "It's no use, we must take him with us." "Call port authority and let the mother know." "Poor woman!" "This is just great." "And you, come here." "Stop crying." "What's the use?" "Blow your nose." "Harder!" "Harder!" "Commissioner, I'm afraid something bad happened." "Try to call the other stations, the hospitals.." " Yes, calm down." "I can think of many reasons why he didn't come back right away." "There's no need to be alarmed." "Let's make some inquiries." "This is the Commissioner." "Have you got some news from port authority?" "One moment, we'll know now." " Yes." "Yes, yes." "Hello?" "Your son's name is Luca?" " Yes." "Why?" "What happened?" " Nothing." "Be quiet." "Yes, I understand." "And then?" "Really?" "Yes, she's here." "Yes, of course." "I'll let her know." "Thank you." "He's on a boat." " A boat?" " Yes, a merchant ship." "You see, nothing serious." "A childish prank." " But how?" "Why is he on a boat?" " At that age, boys are attracted to adventure." "The captain said he'll be back within a week." "When he's back, you can rebuke him." "But it won't do any good." "The next chance he gets, he'll do it again." "But what will he do in this cold, with barely anything on his back?" "Luca!" "Who made you peel potatoes?" "The cook." "He said I had to earn my passage, that I'm a stowaway." " He did well." "This way you learn." " To peel potatoes?" " No, not to be an idiot." "You like sea life?" "That's how you start." "Peeling potatoes and scrubbing the deck." "Watch it!" "You cut yourself." "Let's see it." "Giacomo, disinfect his finger." "I'm going back to the bridge." "Hey!" "Have someone else peel the potatoes." "Leave the kid alone." " Yes, Captain." "You see that?" "I bet he turns out to be his son." "Just realize that?" "Luca, what are you looking at?" "The sea, the sky." "They almost look the same, don't they?" "Yes, in the distance they look the same." "Come." "Look well." "Do you know what that line is called?" "No, Captain." " The horizon!" "What does that mean, Captain?" ""Horizon" is just a name." "Like yours is Luca and mine is Andrea." "I understand, Captain." " Enough with calling me "Captain"." "What should I call you?" "Whatever you want." "Can I can call you "Papa"?" "How must I tell you that I'm not your papa?" "By the way, tell me." "Do you have any memories of your father?" "Anything at all?" "Yes, Mama said he was a sailor and he had a boat just like you." "One day he went on a long trip but he never returned." "Sometimes that happens, they never come back." "Anyway, if you like to.." "you can call me "Papa"." " Thank you, Captain." "Enough of "Captain"." " Thanks, Papa." "Let's go get something to drink." "Giacomo." "When finished unloading, let everyone get off, except for the watch." "What about the "other cargo"?" "I don't know, they'll tell us." "Maybe at dusk." "Look, Captain, there's that blonde." " Ah!" " Very pretty." "I think she waits for you." "How did she know we arrived?" " Probably her heart told her." "Captain, you have a love in every port." " And you don't, eh?" "Did you promise her marriage too?" "She insisted so much, I couldn't refuse." "Goodbye." " Goodbye." "Andrea!" "Andrea, I'm here!" "Olga!" "Dear!" "How much I've missed you!" "What took you so long this time?" "You know, it wasn't up to me." "I had to go to Morocco with the Balearic cargo." "Tell me the truth:" "Have you been loyal?" "Loyal?" "What are you saying?" "How you can think such things?" "I want to believe you." "I can't wait till you're done and we can be together." "That's my dream too:" "to live together.. forever." "Papa!" "Is he talking to you?" " Me?" "I don't think so." "Papa!" "Papa!" "What, is that your son?" " My son!" "No, let me explain." "He's a poor boy who got on the boat by accident and.." "And he calls you "Papa"?" "Yeah, the same way he'd call me uncle, or grandpa." "Since he has no father.." "Understand?" "So he asked my permission to call me..." "Understand?" "Wretch, lowlife!" " Olga!" "It's the truth." "I swear!" " Don't touch me!" "I don't want to look at you!" "It's over between us." "Listen, wait." "Listen to me, Olga." "Olga!" "Why did you have to call me "Papa"?" " You gave me permission." "What permission?" "It was between us." "Not to go and tell the whole world." "And you?" "What are you laughing at, moron?" "Don't be angry, Captain." "There are lots of blondes around." "And you go back to the ship!" "Don't start crying now." "Back to the ship!" "Yes, Sir.." "Papa." "Wait." "Come here." "You can't go on with these light clothes." "What do I tell your mama if you catch cold?" "Aren't you cold?" " No, I'm not cold." "Liar!" "Hey, you!" "Your eyes are red and your face is pale." "Lend me your scarf." "Thanks." "Don't mention it, Captain." " Here we go." "Come with me, let's go." "But I beg you, don't call me "Papa"." " Yes, Papa." "Let's not start that again, my son!" " No, my papa!" "You like this?" "Be careful." "Miss, the kids' section, please." "Fifth floor." " Thanks, let's go." "Nice, eh?" "Soon it'll be Christmas." "I didn't even remember." "Does your mama put up a tree for Christmas?" "No, last year, she took me to see the nativity." "Listen, we'll give her a surprise." "We'll get a fine tree." "This one?" " No, that one's too big." " A smaller one but that has everything:" "stars, tinsel and red wax candles." "Come on." "No, that's now how you do it." "You gotta put less.." " Your call to Barcelona." "Yes, Mama!" "Come on." " Mama!" "Hello!" "Hello!" "Yes, go ahead." "Yes!" "Yes I hear you." "Mrs. Martinez?" "Yes, it's me." "Wha..?" "What?" "My son?" "Where is he?" "How is he?" "Please tell me!" "Luca is fine, don't worry." "What?" "Yes, Ma'am, he's here with me." "Now you can you hear his voice." "What?" "Yes, but let me explain." "He remained aboard by mistake." "OK." "OK, here he is." "Talk to her." "Mama!" "Mama!" "Luca!" "Luca, my son!" "How are you?" "Tell Mama." "My son, what were you thinking when you got on a departing ship?" "What?" "A parrot?" "What does a parrot have to do with it?" "My God, what is this story with the parrot?" "I'll explain it all." "Soon, at most 3 or 4 days." "Don't worry about Luca." "You want to tell him something?" "OK, here he is, Ma'am." "Bye, Mama." "Bye." "Yes." "Yes." "Fine." "Hello!" "Hello!" "Yes, I'm done, Miss, thanks." "You saw how worried your mama was?" "Are you sorry?" "Yes, I'm sorry." "But I'm happy to be here." "Let's go." "It's them, they made the signal." " Answer and stop the ship." "Stop the engine." "Careful, we depart soon." "Why did you come out of your cabin?" "I noticed that the boat stopped and I wanted to know why." "You don't have to know anything here." "Go back now." "Go to sleep, I said." "This is the last one." " Good." "Captain." "This is for you and the others." "Divide it up." "What is it?" "Not enough?" "If it was just for me.. well, you know," "I have no right to ask anything, I owe you a lot." "But with them, it's different." "They complained already." "What do they want?" "They know I don't set the rules." "To carry potatoes or this, is all the same to me." "But you earn more." " I risk more too." "Hey, wait." "Take it." "No more words." "Is that it?" " It's very little." "It's true." " It's not enough." "It's useless to protest." "This time he gave me less than usual." "He said who doesn't like it, can get off on the first port." "Understood?" " It's incredible!" "Full steam ahead." "Rejoin the route." "Don't act the comedian." "What is it?" "Why aren't you asleep?" "Because I'm not sleepy." "What is it?" "Are you still mad at me?" "Yes." "Why couldn't I stay up above?" "I wanted to see the maneuver." "It must've been an important maneuver, because you stopped the boat." "You care about maneuvers?" " Yes, I care." "I want to be a captain just like you." "I hope when you're a captain like me, you never do these kind of maneuvers." "Why?" "Cut the "whys"." "It's useless to give you any explanations now." "Go to sleep." "You're sleeping, eh?" "Mama!" "Mama!" " Luca!" "Good evening, Ma'am." " My son!" "Why did you do it?" "Why did you go away?" "Didn't you think of me?" "Didn't you think of the pain you would give me?" " No, Mama." "I didn't mean to!" " You've been bad, bad!" "No, Ma'am, the boy isn't to blame, I couldn't tell you on the phone." "It was all a mistake." " Yes, a mistake." "You, shut up!" "It's because of you!" "If you didn't put it in his head, he would've never thought of this." "No, Ma'am, it wasn't my fault." "I didn't realize he was on board." "He didn't know." " But you should've set him down immediately." "And prevent this madness." " But we were at high sea." "At high sea." "It was my fault to send him to you." "I should've known." "All sailors are the same:" "For you nothing exists but adventures!" "You always like to fill a kid's head with it, without thinking about those who suffer." "Ma'am, I understand your anger, but you're overdoing it." "I find your son on board, I keep him with me at all times like a nanny," "I bring him home safe and sound, and I'm treated in this manner." "My word of honor." "Well, you got him back, right?" "You should be happy." "Goodnight." "No, wait, please." "Don't go like that." "Why do you treat him badly, Mama?" "The captain was good to me." "He wasn't to blame." "The fault was mine alone." "Please forgive me, I've been so worried all these days.." "I understand, Ma'am." "I appreciate everything you've done." "Please, don't mind what I said." "Did you see, Mama?" "He bought me new clothes, shoes, coat.." "I see, yes." "But I don't understand, Was it you?" "Yes, but they were trifles." "It was cold offshore and he needed some heavier clothing." "And shirts, a sweater and even something for you." "For me?" " Yes." "It was the boy's idea." "Returning from a trip, one always brings a gift." "Yes, but for me?" "Why all this?" "It's not important." "Better tell me if you like the color." "Yes, it's nice, very nice." "But why?" " Don't worry about it, it's nothing." "There's another little surprise." "Your son reminded me that soon it'll be Christmas." "I always forget." "It's not right you give us all these gifts." "Listen, Ma'am." "You know what he calls me?" "He calls me Papa." "Papa?" "Yes, a papa can give his son a gift, right?" "And from a fake papa, a fake tree." "Goodnight." " Goodnight." "Hello, beautiful." "What's up?" " Captain." "You come at this hour?" " Sorry, I was held up on board." "That's not true, you've been ashore for a while." "Did you tell her that?" " No, I didn't say anything." "Where have you been all this time?" "I had business to to do." "I'll do what I like." "I don't answer to anybody." "Why get angry?" "I hate when you try to control me, always checking up on me." "Please, see if we can get something to eat." " At once." " Thanks." "Didn't they invite you to dinner?" " Who?" "The one you've been with all this time." " Here we go again." "Look, you know me, nobody can fool me." "So far I've forgiven you for Naples, Genoa, Gibraltar." "But here, if I catch you, you're in trouble." "If I find out something," "I'll teach her and you a fine lesson!" "Got it?" "Don't be a drama queen." "Drink." "We were going to get married." "Everything was ready." "We even picked out a house." "Unexpectedly, he received orders to sail." "He didn't want to go." "He had this feeling." "But finding another boat so advantageous would've been difficult." "So he left." "It was a long time since I heard anything." "One day, I learned by telegram that the ship had run aground because of a storm and he was one of the victims." "Was he an officer?" " No, a simple sailor." "But the boy told me.." " I made him believe that." "I thought he would like to imagine his father as important, a hero." "Was it wrong?" " No." "And since then it was just you two?" "Yes, just the two of us." "My family wouldn't see me again." "To them, I was guilty" "And I had to face alone all the consequences of my mistake." "I had a very difficult time." "You can't imagine how hard it is for a single woman to make ends meet and raise her child." "I did it by suffering thousands of humiliations and hard work." "I have only one wish:" "To see him grow up well with a worthy place in the world." "He's not used to staying up late." "He's had such an exciting day:" "a tree, the gifts..." "He needs to go to bed." "Who knows what good dreams he's having?" "No, let me, I'll do it." "Lay him here." "It's late." " Yes, I think I've stayed even too long." "Excuse me." "Thanks again for all your attention." " No, it's I who should thank you, Maria." "For allowing me to spend Christmas in a house with a family." "My hometown is in Italy." "I don't have many relatives or friends." "And Christmas or Easter?" "Sometimes at sea, sometimes in faraway places where I don't know anyone." "It's the same for all sailors." "Yeah.." "Thanks again, Maria." "Strange." "It seems that fate had wanted me to meet you, and has used your son to do so." "Listen." "The chimes of midnight." "Yes." "Good night, Maria." "Goodnight." "Tell Luca, one of these days I'll come by to take him out." "Lola, what are you doing here?" "I was waiting for you." "Where were you?" "I told you, I had business, some important things to do." "Business on Christmas Eve?" "You think me so naive?" "If that's what you think, that's your problem." "Goodnight." " Wait!" "What is it?" " I want to tell you something you didn't expect." "What?" " I know everything." "I know who's the woman you've been with tonight." "Her name, where she works and lives." "So you know?" "So much the better." "I also know that you've fallen in love with her." "I'm glad you know." "So now you'll stop tormenting yourself and me." "You're right, I'll no longer torment you." "I know what I must do." "Goodbye!" "Lola!" "Lola!" "Then we agree." "Here he comes." "Captain, our friends want to talk to you." "Good Morning, Captain." " Morning." "The cargo has reached its destination." "It was a good job." "Congratulations, we're ready to entrust you with a new assignment." "Thank you for your trust, but I can't accept." "Why not?" "Everything went well.." "Weren't you satisfied with your share?" "Yes, very." "But it's not about money." "I don't want to do this anymore." "But you've always have." " Now I don't want to anymore." "Perhaps Captain, you're in a bad mood?" " No, it's not my mood." "We'll talk some other time, more calmly." "You'll be wasting your time." "And then it's late, we leave tomorrow." "Good day." "Let me speak to him." "Wait here." "Get it closer!" " Yes, Sir." "Isn't it stupid to give up all that money?" "It may be stupid, but that's my decision." "You forget about us." "We have a right to know." "Know what?" "I'll do as I please." "Closer!" "And I'm not accountable to anyone." " But to us, you are." "What does that mean?" "Do you speak for all or for yourself?" "I speak for all." "Then remind everyone that I am the captain." "And that applies to you too." "Is that clear?" "OK, Captain." "Good day, Ma'am." "Am I disturbing you?" " No." "I've come to fulfill a promise:" "your son wanted to see Tibidabo." "Is he still asleep?" " No, he went out to run some errands." "But he'll be back soon." "Make yourself at home." "Thank you." "You must excuse me." "I was getting dressed." "Forgive me, Ma'am, for coming so early, I've bad manners." "But I didn't want Luca to think I forgot my promise." "Especially since I'll be leaving soon." "Leaving?" "Yes." "I don't know when exactly, maybe tomorrow, maybe next week." "It's not up to me." "But if it were.." "What would you do?" "Leave sooner?" "No, maybe never leave at all." "I'm used to leaving, sailing, returning." "But this time, I feel like I'm leaving something that I won't find again." "But, you'll come back soon..." "Yes, soon." "You know, Maria, the days seem like they're getting longer." "It's seems like an eternity since I last saw you." "But it's really been only two days." "I've been thinking a lot about you, Maria." "About you and me." "And this strange fate which had us meet." "You hardly know me." "You don't even know my name." "and it seems strange that I should talk to you about my thoughts and feelings." "I don't want you to think badly of me." " No, why should I?" "Because what I'm going to tell you, you see, I thought a lot about it." "It's very important." "So important that.." "Hello, Luca!" " Good day." "What took you so long?" "I took the same time I always do." "The captain has come to take you to Tibidabo." "Happy?" " Yes, he promised me." "Are you coming, Ma'am?" " Oh, no, thanks." "You ask her." " Be nice, mom, come." "I'm not ready." "I get it." "You're afraid you won't look good in the new dress." "How silly." "It's not about the dress." "It's up to us decide if you look good." "Son, what do you think?" "Of course." "Please, don't make us beg." "No, but I'd take too long to get ready." "Would it take two hours?" "Yes, but.." " Then in two hours we'll come for you." "Is that an order, Captain?" " Yes, the most pleasant I've ever given." "Sailor, raise the anchors." " At your service, Captain." "What's wrong, you're so quiet?" "Aren't you having fun?" " Yes, very." "What is it then?" "Come here and tell me all." "Come on, what's wrong?" "Mama doesn't want me to call you Papa." " Why?" "Because she says it's not right." "People would think bad things." "But I don't understand "bad things"." "Why should people care?" "What does it matter if I call you Papa?" "People don't matter, but your mother is right." "She's right?" " Yes." ""Papa" is a very important word." "It means a lot of things." "To be your father, I should be married to your mother." "Why don't you marry her then?" " Eh?" "Yes, couldn't you?" "Sure I could, but it doesn't depend only on me." "Who else does it depend on?" " Your mother also." "I don't know if she would want to." " Yes, she would." "And how do you know?" "Aren't you are a sailor like my father?" "Sure, but it takes more than that." "Instead.." "let's talk man to man." "You'd really like me to be your papa?" " Oh, yes!" "I warn you, I'd be very stern." "I'm not joking." "Would you be willing to receive the occasional slap?" "Speaking man to man, only if I deserved it." "Good, that's what I like." "Agreed?" " Agreed." "Give me a kiss and call me papa." "Are you Maria Martinez?" "Yes, that's me." "How can I help you?" "May I come in?" "I must talk to you." "Come in." "Make yourself at home." "May I know who..?" "My name is not important." "I'm a woman who loves a man:" "Andrea." "I don't know what you're getting at?" "I'm trying to prevent you, from making a big mistake.." "which you would regret." "I thank you for the advice, I'll take note of it." "If there's nothing else.." "Look, no one shows me the door, especially not you." "I just came to tell you that Andrea belongs only to me." "I don't want to take anything from anyone." " No?" "Not true!" "You beguiled him by playing the victim, and he fell for it!" "You think he'll marry you?" "You know how he earns his money?" "With contraband, swindles, scams." "Only one word from me and he'd be in jail." "So watch out!" "I'd do it, even if it meant losing him." "Go!" "Get out!" "You've been warned." "I have nothing more to say." "You're tired, right?" " Me?" "No way!" "You look it." "What is it?" " Nothing." "Go get me some cigarettes while I'll go upstairs." " OK." "Did he see you?" " No." "Maria, that woman came here, didn't she?" "I saw her leave." "I can just imagine what she told you." "I'm sorry it happened." " Never mind." "It doesn't matter." " Yes, it does matter." "Maria, I want you to know the truth." "Yes, it's true." "I've known that woman for a long time." "But I was finished with her." "I tried to make her understand.." "but I could never imagine.." "No, don't go on." "Don't worry about it." "I repeat: it doesn't matter." "Maybe that woman was right." "It's better you don't come here anymore." " Why do you say that?" "Because it could be bad for the both of us." " I don't understand." "I beg you.., be kind." "It's very hard to explain." "Understand me, I need peace and quiet." "I've suffered so much." "I don't have the strength to suffer again." " Why are you saying this?" "What did Lola say about me?" "Nothing, nonsense." "I've already forgotten." "I know what she said:" "that you can't trust me." "And it's true: my life has been what it's been." "I don't deny it, it is so." "But after meeting you, I've decided to change." "To break with the past." "I swear.." "No, don't speak.." "let me finish." "Since I entered this house" "I felt like I've come back after a long absence." "To find somebody who was waiting for me." "It's silly, but I can't explain it any better." "Are you the porter?" " Yes." " Does Ms. Martinez live here?" "You understand?" "Ms. Martinez." " Yes, I understood." "What happened?" " Just say which floor." "Leave me, please." "Leave me." "No." "Now you must listen to the end." "I love you." "You may mean my happiness, my salvation." "Don't say another word." "I am moved." "But just for this, I beg you to leave me." "Don't ask me for an affection I neither can nor should give." "Why can't you?" "Why shouldn't you?" "Because I have obligations and my feelings don't count." "I live for my son, only for him." "All my thoughts, all my affections belong to him." "Do you know who gave me the strength to talk to you?" "Your son himself." "Yes." "And I think he asks nothing better than to consider me as his true father." "Yes, I know." "But it's exactly for this." "I did everything I could to make Luca proud of his father." "And now, I wouldn't want him.." " What?" "To be ashamed of me?" " No, I didn't say that." "But.." "You didn't say it, but you think it." "Maria, look at me." "Listen to me." "You really don't believe I'll do what I promised?" "Yes, I believe, but leave me now." "I need to be alone." " No." "No, I won't leave you." "I won't leave you ever again." "Mama, open up." "I have no key." "Mama, the police are here." "Here's the cigarettes." "Two policemen asking the porter about us." "Two policemen?" " Yes, and they're coming this way." "Here?" "Who are they?" "Why are you worried?" " They mustn't find me here." "You think that woman..?" " She's capable of anything." "What are you afraid of?" " I do this for you, Maria." "I have much foreign currency which I can't account for." " Wait!" "Go in there." "Go." "Mrs. Martinez?" " Yes." "It's your son?" "The one who ran away?" " I didn't run away." "Fear not, young man." "Excuse me, you must come to the police station." "You need to withdraw the complaint of the disappearance of the boy." "OK, thanks." "Should I go now?" " No, Ma'am, whenever you like." "Thank you and goodbye." " Goodbye." "They're gone." "They were looking for me." "I heard." "You were right." "You can't trust me." "I'm someone who has to keep escaping, hiding." "Papa!" "Mama!" "Why are you crying?" "Mommy, don't cry or else I'll start crying too." "No!" "Not you, my child!" "Rest assured:" "If I give my word, I keep it." "If I take responsibility, I'll answer for all." "Even against the will of the captain?" "At sea, he's the strongest who commands." "The crew is with me and will do what I say." "You!" "What do you think, Lola?" "If you don't trust him, pay him after the job is done." "Then we'll pay after." "Agreed?" "Agreed." "Goodbye." "OK, it's a done deal." "Leave me, I must go." "Andrea!" " So you went there." "What did you say?" " Everything." "You asked for it." "Now she knows who you are, and also who I am." "I warned you." " That's fine." "You should be happy." "It's over with that woman." "I thank you." "Over?" " Yes, even before it started." "It's better this way." "Are you sorry?" " No." "You prevented me from making a big mistake." "The worst of my life." " Now you'll hate me." "Forgive me, Andrea, I acted crazy." "I didn't know what I was doing." "I was afraid I'd lost you." " Go away." "You mean it's over?" "You don't want me?" " Not you or anyone." "So long!" "Ah, no, Andrea!" "I beg you.." " Hurry, Lola, you're up." "Listen, Andrea.." " Go away!" "# There were green.." "there were green leaves." "# And now they're like lost dreams, # now they're like faded memories." "# Through this mist of tears" "# I'm watching them, # as the wind takes them," "# never to return again." "# Melancholy autumn, # you are making fall # all the leaves in the world.." "# just for me." "# He has left me forever." "# What will he think, what will he do?" "# My love, it wasn't me, but it was you!" "# Why?" "Why?" "# Melancholy autumn, # where is he now?" "# Melancholy autumn," "# I'm awaiting you.." "I'm here!" "." "Who is it?" "Who is it?" "You!" "What do you want?" "What are you doing here?" "What do you want?" " Why did you make mama cry?" "I didn't make anybody cry." "I have nothing to do with your mama." "Understand?" "Nothing!" "Go." "Yes, I'll go.." "but tell me,.." "why did you make mama cry?" "What have you done?" "I didn't do anything to her." "How do I have to say it?" "If your mama wants to cry what can I do about it?" "She's crying.." "Women solve everything by crying." "Damn it!" "Cursed be the moment I met you." "It's all your fault." "Yes!" "What do you want from me?" "Haven't you given me enough trouble?" "Go, get out of the way." "Hey!" "What's wrong now?" "Eh?" "You're going to cry too?" "Oh, you cry?" "Join the party!" "And I'm the one that makes both of you cry, right?" "I make you suffer, while I'm here having fun, right?" "Go, or else.." "Papa.." "Go now." "Marco!" "Marco!" "Did you call, Captain?" "Put this kid on land." "He must no longer set foot on board." "Go home." "Come." "Come with me." "Let's go!" "Giacomo!" "Giacomo!" "Michele!" "Michele!" "Silvio!" "Is there anyone there?" "The engine room?" "What's going on?" "Who gave orders to stop?" "I did, Captain." "You?" "Why?" "We have to load the goods." " Who gave you permission?" "I said no deal, and when I say something, I want to be obeyed." "Give orders to start the engine." "Sorry, Captain, but I'm now in command." "The crew is with me." "Go ahead, give the signal!" "Everyone go to his post!" "You'll pay for this." "Didn't you hear?" "Everyone to his post!" "Be careful what you do, there'll be a heavy price to pay." "Are you convinced now?" "They only obey me." "Don't be afraid." "If he denounces you, he'll be the first to pay." "If I were you, Captain, I would keep mum, if you don't want stronger arguments." "You're a bastard and a son of a bitch." "But you don't scare me." "What are your arguments?" "Pietro." "Get off of me!" "Papa!" "Help!" "Let go of me!" "Papa!" "Help!" "Let go!" "Papa!" "Help!" "Luca!" "Why is the child still on the ship?" "I held him." "He told me he'd like to make another trip." "He'll get his wish." "If you behave, the child will return safe and sound." "If not.." " Get off the kid!" "Get off the kid!" "I told you to behave, Captain!" "One more step and I'll shoot!" "Go on, shoot." "I found you when you were starving." "Now you've turned the crew against me, while you're hiding behind a child." "You're a dirty rat and you don't scare me because.." "cowards like you don't have the guts to shoot!" "You son of a bitch!" "Bastard!" "Luca.." "Luca!" "Luca, answer me!" "The child is hurt!" "Luca!" "Why did you do that?" " You're a bastard!" " Why did you shoot?" "Nobody move!" " Get him!" " Watch out, it's still loaded!" "Luca!" "Luca!" "Do you hear me?" "Answer!" "Franco!" "Alfredo!" "Bastards!" "Luca, I'm here." "It's nothing, you'll see." "Luca!" "Attention!" "Attention!" "Silence, all stations." "VRT, VRT!" "On band 12, 120." "Urgent case aboard the ship Albatross." "Attention!" "Attention, CIRM!" "This is the ship Albatross." "I'm listening." "Over." "Luca, can you hear me?" "Speak, Luca!" "Luca!" "Attention boat Albatross." "Can you hear me?" "Continue." "Over." "Albatross here." "Yes, I hear you." "Captain De Michelis." "I have a seriously injured child aboard." "I need help." "Do you hear me?" "Here's the International Medical Center Radio." "Here's the doctor." " I'm the doctor on call at CIRM." "Explain to me what it is." " Wait a minute, Doctor." "Luca!" "One moment, Doctor." "I have the child with me." "Luca!" "Luca!" "He's been wounded by gunshot." " Speak calmly." "He's about 8 years old." "He was shot in the left shoulder, two fingers beneath the clavicle, outwards." "The bullet is still inside, Doctor." " What's his status?" "I think it's very serious." "He's fainted and hasn't returned to yet." "He's sweating and pale." "What should I do?" "Tell me, Doctor." "Put your ear to his chest." "Alright." "Tell me if his breathing is agitated." "It's fast.." "fast.. but regular." " Now, take his pulse." "I'd say it appears normal." "How much time to the nearest port?" "20, 22 hours." " Too long." "There's a risk of infection." "Tell me, Doctor, what should I do?" "If you could intervene by following our instructions and extracting the bullet.." "Do you feel like it?" "Yes." "Whatever it takes to save the child." "Inject him with camphor oil." "Is there anesthesia in the kit?" "Signal that they can approach." "Pietro!" "Listen." "We need to bump off the captain." "We'll say it was an accident." "Go on." "Come with me." "You, be quiet!" "Luca,.." "you're brave, aren't you?" "You see, I'm going to have to hurt you.. a lot." "It's necessary to heal you." "First, cover the wound with sterile gauze, soaked in a coagulant." "Boil a small scalpel, a probe, some tweezers and a dilator." "And put the boy in the light." "Did you hear me?" "Yes, Doctor." "Boil the instruments." "Hurry." "Bring me the kit." "It's in my cabin." "Hurry." "This isn't an order." "It's a prayer." "I know you all have children." "This kid is like a son to me." "I beg you:" "help me save him." "Come on." "Marco!" "Doctor, I'm getting ready." "Take this." "Keep the boy laid on the bed, and immobile." "What men are you?" "You back out because you saw a little blood!" "Idiots!" "A chance to make this much money won't happen ever..." "Have you disinfected around the wound with iodine?" "Yes." " Yes." "If you can't see the bullet take a tweezer or a probe and insert it into the wound until you touch it." "Don't move, Luca." "Careful." "Make sure that it's really about half an inch inside." "Yes, not more than half half an inch." " Not more than half an inch." "With two small incisions up and down, try with the scalpel to widen the wound a little." "Mama." "Doctor, the child's crying out." "He's awake." " The child is awake and crying out." "I understand, the anesthesia has worn off." "It's a matter of seconds now." "You must act quickly." "Make sure you do exactly as I told you." "Careful." "Hold him tighter." "Tighter!" "Mama!" "Mama!" "Good, Luca." "Done?" "Done." " Yes, Doctor." "Take the tweezers and enter the wound." "Grasp the bullet very carefully." "Careful not to push it deeper in!" "I can't get a hold of it." " He can't get a hold of it." "Try to extend the edges of the wound and then try again to grab it." "Quiet, Luca." "Doctor, the wound is bleeding." " The wound is bleeding." "Don't worry, do as I said." "You can tampon it later." "All is good, Doctor." "The danger is not over yet." "Tampon the wound again." "Bind it tightly and apply an ice bag." "Full speed towards Barcelona." "Great!" "You were great, Luca!" "The worst is over." "I didn't really hurt you, did I?" "If things stand that way.." " Captain, the Commissioner wants to speak to you." "All the testimonies speak in your favor, Captain." "Your crew has confirmed that it was your second who fired the shot." "He will be accused of attempted murder." "However, the ship won't sail until further notice and you'll stay at our disposal." "OK, Commissioner." "Maria, we won't see each other again." "Forgive me for for all the harm I've unintentionally done you and your son." "If I haven't kept my promises, it wasn't my fault." "When Luca asks about me, tell him I went on a long journey." "This way he'll think of me, the same way you had him think of his father." "I don't need to say anything else." " Papa!" "Papa!" "Now we must part, Luca." "I must go." " No, don't go." "I must." " If you go, I won't get better." "What are you saying?" "You must think only about getting better." "But not if you go away." "You tell him too, Mama." "Tell him he mustn't go." "Tell him, Mama!" "Come, Andrea." "Headmaster." " Congratulations." "I see you've taken my advice." " Thanks." "Mama!" "Papa!" "English subtitles by sineintegral@KG"