"Paris, April 1 958." "Dear family," "Memory is a strange muscle." "It moves on its own when we least expect it." "Today I went to the theatre where we are to perform." "While climbing the stairs I asked myself:" ""Have I locked the door?" "."" "as if I was home." "I remembered the stairs, the strange way that grandmother looked at them, as if it was a forbidden place." "Poor grandma." "Daughter!" "Lean on me, mother." "One, two..." "Celia!" "Don't be afraid." "Come on." "I'm not sure you remember, she was so afraid of falling backwards." "Nobody understood why, but we all walked behind her to help." "I remember, although I might be making it up, one Christmas Eve she drank a bit too much, and it was the only time she spoke about it." "If I ever fall down I'll never get up again." "But we're all here to help you." " lt's all the same." " Ernesto!" " Come on!" " Merry Christmas!" "The real discovery came later." "For one reason or another we never spoke about it again." "However the whole family continued their efforts to help grandmother." "Mom searched the whole city for shoes with nonskid soles and things of the kind." "Nora became a human cane." "Jorge and I could only play in the garden." "Dad had all the floor tiles changed and forbade carpets." "The house became a little strange but our life went on the same." "And it wasn't worse than others." "white lies" "What are you doing there:" "I couldn't sleep." "Why didn't you come:" "I had work to do." "It was my farewell, Jorge." "Well..." "Next time I'll go." " Here." " The last one." " Have it." " What do you want:" "Smoke." " Do you have everything ready:" " Yes, Auntie prepared everything." "Did you speak to Mom:" "I didn't want to worry her." "You're shameless." "What's better:" "To tell her the truth and sadden her:" "No..." "I don't know." "She'll find out anyway." "Why:" "Are you going to tell her, Jorge:" "No..." "Nora:" "No." "Then how will she find out:" "Eventually Mom always finds out about everything." "Put your hand like this." "What are you doing:" "Stop talking nonsense." "Here, put it out." " Listen to me." " Don't do noise." "Who is she:" "Patricia:" "Nice picture." " When did she give it to you:" " Just now." " Did you see her last night:" " Yes." " So:" " So..." "So what:" "In the end, yes." " Did you tell her:" " Yes." "And she thinks it's a great idea." "That I can be successful in Paris." "Like other musicians." "That's what they say." " Excuse me." " How will I do in Paris:" "Great!" "Where did you go dressed like that:" "To mass." " Where did he go:" " To mass, yes." " What about breakfast:" " What:" " You won't prepare it:" " Why me:" "Because you make it delicious, you're the best." "Ok, ok, I'm going." "Jorge..." "Why don't you check if the car's arrived:" "Slightly out of tune." "They'll send you back soon." " l hope." " Don't start, Mom." "How many students did the teacher invite:" "One." "But it's for so long, you're still so young." "Three months." "I'll be back before you know it." " Will you write to me:" " No, not even a single letter." "It's cold, stay in bed." "Pablo..." " Take care." " Take care." "And don't go around partying too much." "The car is here." "Are you ready:" "Yes." "Can you help me with this:" "It doesn't close." "Pablo!" "Excuse me." "Pablo, before you finish I want you to pack this." " What is it:" " Something for the trip." "Uncle!" "It's what your father would have wanted to do." "Yes, sure." "Go to Paris to play in a cabaret." " Dad would have loved it!" " Ok, let's go." "I'll tell Nora." "Don't listen to your brother." "He's so inexperienced." "Pablo." "I made something for the trip." "They serve meals on the ship." "You never know what they use to prepare them." "Take it!" "What is it:" " Sandwiches." " For the journey." "Can you take this for me:" " Pablo..." " What:" " l don't know how this works." " Simple." " There." " Okey." "It's late, come on, you'll miss your ship." "Mom." "What did I tell you:" "So we can all be in the photograph." "Let's go to the car." "Let's go." "Can you believe this woman:" "Give me your hand." "Here:" "Come on, it's my turn." "Come on." " What:" " Come on." "A picture:" "Mom should be in the middle." " Ahí." "Ahí, ma." " !" "Pará!" " Smile." " No, wait." "Come, Pablo." "I'll take it." "Get ready..." "One..." "Two..." "Three." " What's the matter:" " The engine won't start." " Maybe it ran out of fuel." " No, it's flooded." " What's the matter, Ernesto:" " lt's flooded!" " Can't you do something:" " What do you want me to do:" "Jorge..." "Take." "Take care of it." "Try again." " He'll miss the boat." " He won't!" " There it goes..." " That's it." "Bye!" "Be a good boy!" "Mom..." " Something else:" " What:" " Something else:" " No, it's fine." "Take a deep breath." "Again." "Again." "Jorge..." "Hello." "Hello." "It's been a while." "How are you:" " l'm fine, studying." " That's good!" "How are your Aunt and Uncle:" " Fine." " Say hello to them for me." "And Pablo:" "How is he:" "Fine." "He was to send us a postcard from a stop at a port, but it seems he didn't have the time..." " Didn't he write to you:" " No." "Well, you know how things are." "To arrive in a new place..." "Yes, it must be a mess." "Ok, I'm going..." "Regards." "I'll prescribe her some vitamins." " She's worried, that's all." " Yes, that's all..." "But it's all she talks about all day." "When did your nephew leave:" "About..." "Next Thursday it will be a month and a half." "Boys don't realize those things." "Yes, but he should send a letter to his mother, at least." "Maybe you could write it yourselves." "A short note, to calm her down." "Dear family:" "I'm sorry I couldn't write before, but rehearsals take very long." "Paris is a beautiful city." "I hope everyone is fine." "A big hug, and a kiss for mom, Pablo." "Very nice, isn't it:" " Rubbish." "He doesn't say anything." " What do you want him to say:" "Where's the stamp:" " l threw it away." " Why did you do that:" "It was on the envelope. I was so excited when I opened it that I tore it apart." "How are we going to answer to him:" "I copied the address on a piece of paper." "So, let's write to him now." "Fetch a pen and paper." "Dear, unruly Pablo, I was very glad." " We were very glad." " We were very glad... to receive your postcard... but we are also a little worried." "You didn't tell us about yourself." "We are glad everything is fine, but we want you to come back soon." "Look after yourself." "A big kiss." "Mom." "It's my fault." "I should have written something else." "We did it in a hurry." "What I'm worried about is Pablo." "What should we do:" "Keep waiting:" "I was thinking..." "Do you remember that employee we had:" "She married a Frenchman..." " Adela..." "Azucena..." " Almudena." "Almudena." "They moved to Paris." "Dad was so good to them in the past." "We can write her, and ask her to help us find Pablo." "Could she look for him:" "At least she can go to that place where he was to play." "Meanwhile she can send another letter to Pablo." "Another letter:" "I'll send it in an envelope and she only has to send it back." "We can give her some money." "What should we tell Mom now?" "." "We can tell her he is doing very well, playing with his teacher, that they asked him to play in more concerts." "Avery good offer, one he can't refuse." "In Paris... for a while." "For a little while, that's why he accepted it." "The offer is to play with an opera singer who is on a tour." " A famous singer." " An aristocratic woman..." " Called:" " Margarita!" " A French name..." " Veronique:" "Veronique..." " Mimi:" " Yes, Mimi Pinzon..." "Give me a break!" "Ludovica:" "And where is he:" "He's staying in a very elegant hotel in the center of Paris." "From the windows he can see the Eiffel Tower..." "With flags from every country..." "The hotel has a café" "The hotel has a café as big as our house... with glass chandeliers and brass doors." "Madam!" "Nora!" "It's Autumn here and the streets are covered with fallen leaves." "There are cafes everywhere, crowded until late at night." "Everyone is so elegant." "Last night the teacher and I had dinner with a very famous opera singer who came to congratulate us." "Her name is Marie Bergere." "She wants us to accompany her in some concerts that she is giving in cities all over France." "Can you imagine such a trip:" "It's an incredible opportunity for my career." "I hope you are as happy as I am." "I love you a lot." "A big hug, and a kiss for Mom." "Pablo." "Hey, good." "Our boy is doing well." "I'm so proud!" " Yes..." " Of course!" " What's the matter, Mom:" " l don't know." "I have something in my stomach." "Happiness!" "Yes." "But..." "I'm thinking of Patricia." "How will she react to the news:" " She'll be glad." " Sure." "We haven't heard from her for a while." "Why hasn't she come over anymore:" "Perhaps she doesn't want to bother us, with Pablo gone... I'm sure she doesn't know anything." "We should tell her." "Let's invite her for a meal." "We have to look after Patricia until Pablo returns." "It's the least we can do for him." " Come in!" " Thank you." "I brought this." "Mom loves chocolates." "You should give them to her." " Are you staying here:" "I'll bring her down." " Yes." "Patricia." " Hello." " Thank you for coming." "How could I not come:" " Have you had news:" " No, and you:" "We're trying to find out about him through a friend of the family in Paris." "She went to the place where he was going to play and it was shut down." "That's so strange." "That's Pablo... I don't know." "I'm scared." "Scared of what:" "Don't be silly." "I brought this." "You shouldn't have." "You're already one of the family." "Norita, put them on a plate, come on." "Excuse me." "See you later." "You're sad." "What's wrong:" "Nothing." "I was studying a lot." "Look me in the eyes." "You're lying!" "You don't need to feel that way." "Pablo loves you." "The thing is that he had an important offer for his future" "For the future of both of you." "Yes, I know... but it's difficult to think he is so far away." "I miss him too." "Between us, Pablo was always my favorite." "You're so lucky." "He is as well." "I believe that when he returns, he'll want to marry quickly." "Seriously, it's a premonition I have." "You may be right, but we have to wait." "We can't get our hopes up." " One can't live without hopes." " One can't live without hopes." " You'll be a beautiful bride." " Thank you." " But I think we should wait for a while." " No, on the contrary." "Let's begin preparing everything ourselves." "Dear Pablo, comma." "How could you start such an adventure without asking us:" "Are you forgetting about your family:" "You must finish your work and return." "You have commitments here as well." "What does your teacher say about all this?" "I don't want you to listen to everything he says." "You have to think about us." "Be careful." "France can be a dangerous country." "Return as soon as possible." "We need you, Mom." "Dear family, I know Mom is right, I was selfish." "But it was the only way to make a quick decision, lf you knew how difficult it was for me." "But, well, it's done." "Fortunately everything is working out very well." "Marie is a great singer, very thin, bony." "She always wears feathers on the stage;" "sometimes green, other times, black." "They always match her shoes." "She likes to wear eccentric hats, like Aunt Celia." "I told her we have a hat store, one of the most well-known shops in Argentina." "Well, I exaggerated a bit." "Last week we had our first concert." "It was in the Palace of Versailles." "You can't imagine how big it is." "There are almost 200 bathrooms." "I was so nervous that I got lost." "The concert was a success." "There were a lot of important guests, including ministers and film stars." "It's a pity I couldn't understand them." "I have to start learning French." "At least a few lessons..." "Excuse me." "You can't imagine how happy I am." "But don 't think this is easy for me, I miss you all, especially Patricia." "I sent several letters to her, but she hasn't replied yet." "You didn't write to him:" "I didn't receive any letters, yet." "Why don't you write to him now:" "Nora, fetch a sheet of paper for Patricia." "Not now." "I have to think of what to write." " But you'll write soon." " Yes." "It's a time of sacrifice for us all, I know that." "How lucky that Jorge is taking care of business, otherwise we'd be on the street." "I see French girls walking along the Seine and think of Nora." "Her commitment to her classes with those dull students who can't even learn the tables... I also think of auntie and uncle, always so supportive." "Uncle used to tell me:" ""You have to go far in life, very far." "So we can no longer hear you. " He was right finally." "Auntie would go mad in Champs Elysees." "There are trees shaped like animals." "A bear, a giant rabbit... ln Autumn the perfume of the trees fills the city." "I wish you were here with me." "Look what has arrived from Paris." "I love you all." "Pablo." "No." "Auntie, did the postman come:" "Yes." "He brought a package from Paris." "Your mother has it." " ls Patricia here:" " Yes, she's in the back." " Hi." " Look Jorge!" "A gift from Pablo." " What is it:" " l don't know..." " A kind of lamp." " lt's got a pattern inside." " What is it Nora:" " l don't know." "Does it revolve:" " l'll catch it." " No!" "Be careful!" "What a shame, your husband!" "And you:" "Help him go upstairs." "Don't let the children see him." " Let's cook it!" " lt's mine, leave it!" "Dad gave it to me." " Mom, where's Mr. Rabbit:" " lsn't he in the garden:" "We can't find him anywhere." " He must have gone into the forest." " The forest:" "Sure." "Rabbits live in the forest." "Dad brought him so that he could spend a holiday with us." "Perhaps he got tired of being so far away and returned..." " But, why:" " Perhaps he missed home." "Yes:" "Excuse me." "Mr. Millstein, come in." "I'm sorry to bother you in your own house, but I haven't seen you in the store lately." "I'm working a lot at home." "Yes, your uncle just told me that." "What can I do for you:" " l wanted to tell you the store is having some problems. -l know." "Then you'll agree that we should make some changes." " What kind of changes:" " First of all, to cut down expenses." "Perhaps we can do without one of the employees," "Or raise the prices." "Yes, that's reasonable." "Which of the options:" "I wouldn't dispense with one of the employees." "Perhaps reduce wages... I don't know." "You can figure this out better than me." "Do you know the wise saying:" ""The eye of the owner fattens the calf:" "My father used to say it." "Your father was a smart man." "If I were you, I would follow his advice." "I'll keep that in mind." "Now if you excuse me, I have to go back to work." "But we haven't decided what to do yet." "The lemons are so little." "They aren't ripe yet." " lf you want I can ripen some for you." " No, leave them." "Norita, cross lemons out." "Nora..." "Cross peppers out." "Do you have apples there:" "Apples, three kilos." "Stand up straight." "Do you know where they sat her:" "On the wicker chair." "She looks beautiful, it frames her." "What an idea to sit her on a wicker chair!" "That will blur the background." "Bring a green chair from the dining room." "That will emphasize her neck." "The neck..." "Nora!" "Don't use that chair." "Your mother says to bring one from the dining room." " Tell me, what's her hair like:" " Nora is tidying it." "She's leaving a fringe on her forehead." "That fringe, oh my god." "Clear her forehead, that tuft always covering her eye." "It's horrible, poor thing." "Nora!" "Don't leave that tuft covering her eye." " Like this:" " Yes." "I can't tell her it's horrible..." "What is she holding in her hands:" "Nothing, she has them crossed." "Make her hold a jasmine." "Nora!" "Your mother says that she should hold a jasmine!" "But the dress is pale." "In that case, a rose." "Nora!" "Not a jasmine;" "a rose would be better then." " Make up your minds!" " We're doing what we can!" "Celia!" "Don't shout at Norita." "They brought a rose for her." "Red..." "Red like blood." "A smile, please." "The garden is covered with flowers and you're still in France." "I hope that..." "No, we hope... that with these photos, you will remember your family." "Fa...mi..." "ly." "We love you madly." "Beautiful eyes..." "Raise your leg." "That's it." "Let's see." "Nice shoulder." "That's right." "Very well!" "Another one." "Your eyes glowing for uncle Ernesto, come on!" "The Naked Maja!" "What's the matter:" "Oil." " Did you ask Uncle:" " He's busy." "Can you use cooking oil:" "I'll check." "Hundreds, tens... and units." "How many there are:" " Uncle:" " Jorge?" "Can you open this for me?" "What are you doing:" " The key got stuck." " Which key, Uncle:" "The inventory:" "I'll keep it for you." "Dear family, I have great news to share with you." "Marie offered us to make a record with her." "Norita, the scissors!" "I'm sending you one, I hope it arrives in one piece." "It's on sale in all the shops in Paris." "I hope it didn't break." "There were very good critics in the papers." "I hope you like it." "Even better, we have many concerts to promote it already scheduled." "Not only in France, we'll tour Germany." "I have to prepare the luggage." "I love you all." "Take it, Norita." "Pablo." "Grands Opéras Françaises, Marie Berger." " This is wonderful!" " So important, isn't it:" " What are you doing, Mom:" " Let's listen to it!" "Leave it to us, you can listen to it from here." "No, I want to listen to it properly." "I'll come with you, wait." "Hold it for me." "And those musicians he brought:" "Does he think this is a cabaret:" "They're his friends, grandma." "Did you see the garden:" "No, you never see anything." "Only the naked dancers are missing!" "Mother, a party, once in a while..." "Once in a while your husband comes to visit." "Show a little respect, grandma." "My brother supplies for all our needs." "Respect:" "This is a family house, dear, and in my family..." "Please, stop fighting!" "The guests are arriving." "The guests, the guests." " Welcome." " Thank you." " Mr. Millstein." " Thank you for the invitation." " Please, step into the garden." " Yes, thank you." " The children room." " lt's really pretty." "Do you smoke:" "Thank you." "Norita!" "Come here." "Go upstairs to see where your father is." "Tell him I need to talk to him." "Mom, mom!" "This is the last time I hear you say something like that." "Mrs. Millstein felt bad and dad was helping her." "is that clear:" "Go and wash your face." "Doctor:" "Do you know an Opera Singer, called Marie Bergere:" "What:" "Marie Bergere:" " Yes." " The French singer:" "Yes." "Yes, I know her." "Let's see." "Take a deep breath." "Leave everything here." "I'll take care of that." "Excuse me." "Your uncle raised the prices again:" "Talk to him, I wouldn't charge you a thing." "Lito!" " Can you give me some water:" " Yes, sorry." "Why do you always treat me bad:" "Stop that." "My aunt is around." "Where:" "Under the table:" "No, she's with the doctor." "She took Mom's tests to him." " How is your Mom:" " Not very good." "She's worried about Pablo." "And your brother:" "He's doing very well." "He's touring with his band." " Really:" "What a surprise!" " Surprise:" "You know, the kind of friends he travelled with..." " l don't mean anything, but..." " Then don't say anything." "What's wrong:" "What have I done to you:" "You make me feel nervous, Lito." "Why so nervous:" "I have things to do." "You do too." "When are you going to have some time for me:" "When my brother comes back, we'll talk." "And what if he never does:" "Go away, Lito." " Ernesto, we are not making anything." " l know." "Today I went to the workshop and I talked to Caceres." "We're going to reduce the production." " Did you go to the Consulate:" " Yes, I did." " And:" " Nothing." "They only know he entered France." "What are we going to do:" "The only option is for somebody to go there." "And keep looking for him." " Yes, or claim him." " Claim him:" "At the mortuary, Celia." "The mortuary." "Such a pessimist." "We must be reasonable, Celia." "It's a possibility." " lt's Pablo's face, look." " And this..." "Maybe this is his room..." "It looks nice." "Such a good idea to send us these drawings." "He's more and more like Dad." "You haven't been to the club lately." "I don't go out much, actually." "You should go out, have fun..." "meet someone..." "That's what Pablo always says." "Pablo knows how to have fun." " l have to take care of Mom." " Sure." "Everyone has commitments." "Yes, of course." " Do you miss Pablo:" " Yes." "Like everyone else." "I'm sure he's fine." "And he'll come back soon." "I don't know what to think." "Well, we have to think about the wedding now." "Wedding:" "Patricia." "Hello, Jorge." "How are you:" "How did you do on your exam:" "Good." " That's good." " Yes." " Shall we go:" " Yes." " Patricia:" " Yes:" "Are you staying for dinner tonight:" " No, I can't." " Another day, then." "Another day, yes." "Let's go." "Mom is growing impatient." "Excuse me." "Did you see Patricia today:" "She's weaker every day." " Yes, poor thing." " Why poor:" "She should think more about Pablo." "Well, she's helping us a lot, isn't she:" "I think she's losing hope." "But I'm sure Pablo is fine." "Don't you think, Jorge:" "Sure!" "Besides, we can't think of him all day." "Pablo is a grown up and knows how to look after himself." "We have other things to take care of." " The store, for example." " Mom's health." "Despite what the doctor says, I see her improving every day." "Her spirit lifts every time she receives a present from Paris." "Yes, but we have to think about our finances." "How much is this comedy costing us:" "Mom's health is not a joke." "Of course." "But do you have any idea of how business is going:" " Not so well." " Like hell." "Ernesto!" "That's the way it is." "The numbers aren't good." "How to pay our debts:" "Production on the farm isn't good, either." "The foreman cannot handle it on his own." " Millstein says..." " Millstein will lead us to bankruptcy." "Since he took over things have worsened." "We must do something." "Like what:" "I don't know." "We must think about it." "I have an idea." "Dear family, I'm writing from the train that takes us on another tour." "From my window I can see beautiful houses under the snow." "It's a wonderful landscape, but I can't stop thinking about you." "One learns to value things when they are far away." "I miss my bed, Auntie's meals, Uncle's jokes... I was trying to find a place in town where they make pasta... I imagine Norita is still giving lessons and Jorge is taking care of the store." "It's hard to think that life continues the same, while I'm here in Paris... I saw a picture, and without a second thought I bought it." "It sometimes goes unnoticed but for me, here in Paris, the memory of the family is greater everyday." "I can't forget dad screaming:" ""Come back, you half-wit" when I broke the dinning room glass." "I think the glass was never replaced." "But I miss Patricia the most." "I think more of her everyday, I even write her name on steamy windows." "Please, convince her that this is the best for us." "Soon we'll finish the concerts, although the distance between cities is bigger." "Next week we are going to Berlin." "Then, Frankfurt, Viena, Milan, Rome... I hope we can soon be together." "Travels are more enjoyable when you share them with someone." "You can 't imagine how much I miss you all." "Pablo." "You look just like me the day I married." " lt should be... that way." " Yes." "It bothers me here." "Take it off and I... lt's the emotion." "Patricia." " What's the matter:" " l feel ridiculous." " Why:" " Jorge..." "Come in." "What's all this:" "Pablo's life in France." "I have something for you." "Pablo's favorite book." "He would want you to have it." "Pablo didn't read books." "Never mind, I accept it." "From you, not from Pablo." "Thank you." "Didn't you see Patricia:" " She left." " What did she do with the dress:" "She took it." "She liked it so much, she wanted to show it to her family." "That's so nice." "I'll tell your mom." "Attention!" " Very good!" " One more time, dad." "No, tomorrow." "Now Uncle and I have to leave." "What's that:" "Voilá!" "You should be the Finance Minister." "Don't play with the food." "Good morning." "Excuse me for a minute." "Keep eating, children." "Norita..." "Norita, are you ready:" "I'm almost done." "They're bringing her down." "Very good!" "You're going to kill me." "Be careful, Uncle." "Easy..." "Watch the door." "Be careful." "Be careful." " There you go." " A bit closer..." "Here Mom, I'll fetch the food." " Are you cold:" " l'm fine." "Just a bit out of breath." "Mom, we have a surprise for you." " Pablo will call tonight." " What do you mean:" "From Europe:" " ls that possible:" " lt's very expensive and difficult, but it's possible." " Excuse me." " That looks so good!" " Let's see." " What time is he going to call:" "I don't know, it depends on an international operator." "Who wants some salad:" "Mom, do you want salad:" "No, no, later." " Shall we make a toast:" " Yes, of course!" " Merry Christmas!" " Cheers." "Merry Christmas!" "Merry Christmas!" " To Pablito!" " To Pablo!" "Hello:" "Operator:" "Yes, I'll wait." "Pablo!" "Pablo!" "It's been a while!" "How are you:" "We're fine here." "We're all working hard." "What:" "Yes, I'll put her on the phone." "Hello:" "Hello:" "Pablo:" "Pablo, son!" "How are you:" "I don't understand!" "I know." "love you too so much!" "Hello:" "Hello!" "Pablo:" " Take me upstairs, please." " l'll take you." " Call the doctor, Ernesto." " Hello:" "Pablo:" "Pablo:" "Pablo:" "It was not a long distance call." "It was from Avellaneda." "What's the difference:" "You don't have to worry about money." "Who's talking about money:" "Nora and I have talked about this." " We decided that we're going to sell some furniture and clothes." "What:" "We both have clothes that we don't wear." "And Millstein always liked the chandelier in the living room." "Well, now he can buy it." "Don't you think we'd be better move to a smaller house:" "To take Mom out of this house:" "With what it means to her:" "To us:" " lt's the family house." " l think that..." "The house is the house." "We are not leaving it." "Period." "Doctor, how is she:" "The situation is complicated." " Be honest, please." " Four months." "Five." "I'm sorry." " This has gone up again." " The new government." "It's temporary until things settle down again." "That's what all governments say." "Dreams keep hope alive." "It's an antique, isn't it:" " Do you like it:" " Yes, very much." "It belonged to my father." "He won it in a brothel, playing cards." "If he won the bet, he'd keep the owner's woman," " a Polish woman with green eyes." " And if he lost:" "He'd have to give up his daughter." "What happened:" "The game was even, everyone in the brothel was there." "In the last hand dad was winning, but the police appeared." "There was a terrible stir." "Some ran away." "The polish girl was deported." "Her husband didn't even stop to protect her." "Dad grabbed the lamp and broke it on a policeman's head." "That's how he escaped." "I'll buy it." " l don't know..." "It's very valuable." " Tell me how much." "Mom, Mr. Millstein wants to say hello." "Excuse me." "Good evening." " How are you, Madam:" " Here I am." " How's the store doing:" " Much better." "It will be a great store, some day." " Like Gatt  Chavez." " Something like that." "Why not:" "Your husband always had a good nose for business." "Yes." "Osvaldo was an intelligent man." "He also had a very good taste..." "in general." "What about your wife:" "Fine." "A beautiful woman." "You are a very lucky man." " Yes, that's true." " Well, I'll show you to the door." "Wait." "Celia, look in the wardrobe, on the upper shelf." " lt's late, Mom." " Just a second, Jorge." "The purple box." "Thank you." "Do you like it:" "It's very elegant." "Osvaldo loved it." "I kept it for a special occasion." " lt's unique." " Take it." " What:" " lt's a gift." "It will look better on your wife." " She would thank you, but..." " Try it on." "Precious..." "Take it." "Thank you so much." "No, thank you for all you do for us." "Well, I'd better leave now." "Good night." "I'll show you to the door." " What are you doing:" " Can't I give a gift:" "Don't you remember his wife left him:" "Besides, everybody knew he was cuckolded." "She took the shirt off his back." "Don't you remember:" "Terrible..." "I didn't remember." "How are the lessons:" "I'm not giving lessons anymore." "Too much housework." "Why don't you go out a bit:" "To distract yourself." "No." " Why not:" " Because. I can't." "They need me here." " Thank you." " Thank you." " Goodbye." " Goodbye." "Yes:" "It's Patricia." "Can I come in?" " Are you all right:" " Yes, why:" "I thought that..." "Mom's getting worse." "We had to bring oxygen." "I just wanted to see you." "And see if you are well." " l'm fine, yes." " Ok." "Wait." "No." "No." "Pablo." "What are we going to do when he returns:" "He won't return." "Why not:" "Pablo can't be alive." "Why can't he:" "Because we never got any news from him, Jorge." "Not even a postcard." "We don't know what happened to him." "He vanished." "Because if he were alive and he were doing this to us, he would be a bastard." " Pablo did send a letter." " What:" "Six months ago." "Nobody knew." "It arrived when I was by myself." "I didn't show it to anybody." " What:" " Pablo sent a letter." "He said he's all right, that things didn't turn out as expected, but he was looking for other opportunities." "When he has enough money for the ticket, he will return." " You're lying to me." " No, it's true." "I have the letter, I can show it to you." "I don't want to see it." "It's in the right drawer." "Look!" "Look!" "Don't you think Patricia is acting strange:" " Why strange:" " l don't know, she looks confused." "Perhaps she's overwhelmed with the wedding arrangements." "Yes, we shouldn't put pressure on her." "It's so much work... for all." "You shouldn't have fired the maid." "She was an unnecessary expense." "Maybe..." "But you all look so tired." " You don't look very good, Celia." " l'm better than ever." "Are you sure:" "It's the asthma." "It comes and goes." "My brother was the same." "He came and went." "Until one day he didn't come anymore." "And with Ernesto, how are you:" "Well." " Sure:" " Please... let's not start again." "If I say well, it means well." " See:" "You're out of breath again." " lt's the asthma, I told you." "You need fresh air." "Yes." "Sometimes I envy Pablo." "He must be well with his asthma." "You left it downstairs." "Aunt!" "We have to do some tests." "When:" "Tomorrow." "She'll have to stay at the hospital." " At the hospital:" " Yes, this is not a joke." "Will the tests be expensive:" "Don't worry." "I'll arrange that with your nephew." "What if I leave a note instead:" "You can't leave without saying goodbye." " Celia, Take care." " You too." "Say hello to the foreman, and to his wife." "I'll do it." "Dear Pablo:" "Change of the season has brought us some surprises." "Aunt Celia is not feeling very well, it's nothing too serious, don't worry." "The doctor said that all she needs is to spend some time in the countryside." "Uncle went with her, of course, two weeks ago." "They called from the village yesterday." "The farm seems to be improving." "This year the sheep had double breeding." "Patricia went on a trip with some classmates, too." "That's why she hasn't visited us for a couple of weeks." "Excuse me." "As you can see, you are not the only one who has been moving around." "I finished the letter." "Kisses to you." " Shall I read it:" " No, I'm tired." "Won't you sign it:" "Come on." "No, you sign it." "Hello." "Uncle!" "How's Aunt:" "Uh..." "What are you going to do:" "I understand." "The store:" "Fine as usual." "is it raining there:" "All the roads are blocked..." "No, if you're fine, stay as long as you want." "I'll tell them, don't worry." "Goodbye." "Kisses to Auntie." "We know it is hard, Uncle, but there's no other choice." "If Mom sees you she will ask about Auntie." "Yes, of course." "Besides, the people on the farm need a guide." "It'll be good for you to have other things to think about." "Yes, you're right." "This house holds too many memories." "I must insist, are you sure you won't take my offer:" "I believe my brother was clear." "The piano is not for sale." "Such a pity." " Here you are." " Thank you." "As soon as I have the money, I'll bring it." "Yes." "With this weather I'd prefer not to leave the house." "Thank you." " l'm leaving." " Aren't you staying for dinner:" "No." "All right." "See you." "Nora, I'm not coming back." "What:" "I've been thinking." "I can't go on. I'm sorry." " But Mom..." " Nora, she knows." " What:" " She realizes." "You're shameless." "I understand. I apologize." "I know that..." "You're making it up to justify yourself." "Did you forget about Pablo:" "Or did you find another man:" "I'm leaving." "Dear Mom, I hope that Aunt Celia gets better from her asthma." "The country will surely do her good, it did me good." "Living in the city is not healthy." "Last week here, a tiger escaped from the zoo." "Can you imagine?" "On the radio they asked people to stay in their houses." "People closed the doors and windows, fearing the tiger might enter." "Meanwhile, the tiger walked freely through the city, starving, scratching billboards and roaring." "In the end they caught it in a butcher shop." "They added poison to the meat." "The poor tiger crawled to the Seine and threw himself in." "From my window, I saw his body pass, floating on the river, swollen like a feather cushion, orange and black." "I received a letter from Patricia, telling me about her trip to the lakes in the South." "At least, there are no tigers there." "She says that the landscape was beautiful, but that the best thing about traveling is to return home." "I know we will meet soon, and I will give you a big hug." "I promise." "Pablo." "He writes better and better, doesn't he:" "Aren't you going to reply:" "No." "You write to him." "Tell him the news." " l'll leave it here." " Thank you, son." "Nora, what do you do with the stamps:" "What:" "What do you and Jorge do with the stamps:" "Jorge removes them with steam." "I stick them on a sheet and we cover them with tracing paper." "In the green album." "Don't you remember:" "Incredible..." "So much effort you put into this." "It's nothing, Mom, what are you saying:" "You're so good to me." "Uncle Ernesto called today." "He says that the fields won't be ready until next year." "With some luck." "Too bad." "Yes." "Lito came to the shop." "How is he:" "He's getting married." "Really:" "To whom:" "To the fisherman's daughter." "She's pregnant." "He doesn't want to be involved." "Her father is forcing him." "What a disaster, that boy..." "Did you hear that noise:" "No." "Jorge!" "ARGENTlN EAN TANGO musicians SUCCEED in paris" "Jorge!" "What is she doing here:" "Mom!" "Grab her legs, Nora." "Grab her legs!" "Sometimes the house seems too big." "Without the maid, and Aunt and Uncle on the farm, it seems to have too many rooms." "There are some places I don't enter anymore." "It will remain like this until we get used to it... or until you return." "You can 't imagine how much we wish to see you." "Patricia wants to organize a welcome party for you." "She asked me not to tell you, but I can't keep secrets from you." "If we can't trust our family, who can we trust?" "Nice earrings." "Do you like them:" "They are from Paris." "It seems this winter is colder than usual." "It hasn't stop snowing since New Year's Eve." "No." "Pablo told me there's so much snow that people can't get out of their houses." "He's lucky to live on the third floor." "Anyway, he always finds a way out of everything." "To go to work he skates on the Seine." " You must be lying..." " No, it's true!"