"A LOVE STORY" "For my father, and for all who have suffered the weight of love." "Jorge Grau." " Maria, what's wrong?" " I dont' know." "I can hardly see." "Let's go home." "...they had discovered something so simple and so grand, ...that it wasn't necessary to say anything more." " But in this chapter there's something else." "Where it says: "When we say 'I love you,' it's not a declaration of love but of egotism." "We want to possess, and if possible, to have the other exclusively. "" "What do you think?" "Baudelaire." "Well I don't see the connection." "Maybe it's his attempt to clarify poetry." " Do you think this paragraph is needed?" "I don't know." "Maybe it's not needed for me, but for others..." "You never know." " You're falling asleep." "Come on, let's go to bed." "What time is it?" "My watch has stopped." "I'm so exhausted." " Did you take your pill?" " No!" "I was supposed to at 3." "Do you think it's time?" " I'm not sure." "I'll look." "Do you want some tea?" "Sure." " But it's ok." "I'll make it." " Relax, relax." "It's that same pain I had a few days ago." "I'm worried, Daniel." "It's not normal." "But we know the reason, right?" "Just do what the doctor said..." "The time is 2:41 with 20 seconds." "Come on, leave it for now." "Turn it in tomorrow, and you're all set." ""The advice of a wife is a little thing, and he who does not take it is a fool. "" "Oh, "Pierrot le Fou"!" "If they already accepted the earlier version, I just have to sign the contract." "But I want to ask for an advance, and if the book is being improved..." " But tomorrow the newspaper pays you, right?" " Of course." "But the economy is good." "It's a boom, and we need to take advantage." "We'll have a New Years' Eve party like in the White House." "I'll buy champagne and caviar." "What do you say?" "You and your boom." "I want to pay the milkman and the mortgage..." "At least caviar isn't cooked, because they're going to cut off the gas." "A little kiss?" "You'll wake your sister." "Will you kiss me or not?" "A kiss, a kiss!" "Always the same thing!" "Be quiet." " Sorry, sorry!" " You should be ashamed!" " Lock the door!" " Knock first!" " It's free!" " I'll get there." " They said it was going to warm up." " Come here, quickly!" "Come on, hurry up." " Do you feel it?" " No." "Now..." "Still no?" "It's weird, right?" "A little person." "What do you think it's like?" "Like normal, a little person." "At eight months they have their nails and everything, ...even at 7 months." "Oh right, I forgot about what preemies look like." " May I?" " Come in." " Hi." "How do you feel?" " Good, better than last night." " Do you want breakfast, boss?" " No." "Just coffee and I'm ready to go." "And we'll see if you've learned to knock before entering, or at least get a new lock." "This guy's a pervert, ...walking in on girls in the shower." " I'm in a rush!" "So, I didn't know about these proclivities." " Imagine, into little girls at my age." " Yeah, strange." "Pretty, right?" "Happy, athletic, does what she wants, says what she thinks..." "She's got something special." " What's with you?" " Leave me alone!" " Could you help me?" " You won't hit me..." " Don't be silly!" "I'm in a weird mood." "I don't know what's going on." "I feel small and weak..." "this hasn't happened before." "I'm scared of everything!" " Doesn't this thing close all the way?" " Just like all the others." " You should buy a new one." " Oh, buy more things!" "You should get yourself a new coat." " Have a nice day." " Daniel..." " Yes?" "No kiss?" "You've reconsidered it?" "You're like a kid." "Remember to pay the gas bill." "I remember, I remember." "You could have done that before." "Clown!" " There isn't any more coal?" "Not listening?" "I'm not speaking to you!" "Yeah, always wanting to joke around." "Haven't you thought about Maria's condition?" " Haven't you thought about that, idiot?" "!" " Let me go!" "You're hurting me!" "Slut!" "So you'll come back for more!" " You're hurting me!" "You're still." "a little snot." "Let me go, you brute!" " So you'll learn to act like an adult!" " Clown!" "Dirty old man!" "Satyr!" "Good bye, harpy!" "Idiot." "Please come in." "MAKE THE FIRST PAYMENT AND CARRY IT HOME." "MERRY CHRISTMAS" "RUSSIAN CAVIAR, TIN... 275 PESETAS." "Sandwiches." "Coffee." "FRENCH CHAMPAGNE 100 PESETAS" "CARROGIO Limited Edition Company" " Mr. Sala." " Let him in." " Come on in, my friend." " Good morning, Mr. Palau." " How's your wife?" "She's fine." " Very good." "Have a seat." "You'll have to forgive me, but I'm swamped today..." " Juanita." " Well, I received your letter..." "Oh, of course, you're here to sign your contract." "Your first contract." "It's a big day for you." " Yes, sir?" "Juanita, tell me when the Alonsos arrive." "They're here already, Mr. Palau." "Damn..." "Ok." "Bring me Mr. Sala's folder." "And tell them I'll be 5 minutes." "Yes, sir." "Yes, a very important day..." "and for me too." "Your book has been discussed a lot in the council, and it does offer some critiques... but I trust you." "The council says that your progressive ideas have spread to me." "I also cut my literary teeth in my youth, before I was swallowed up, but you should keep on with this, Sala." "You're made of strong stuff!" "I brought you a revision." "You'll see I've changed some things." "Well, you're a tireless worker." ""All human deeds have their prize and end, one calling motionless to the other. "" "I like this!" "The world is for the young." ""Youth, a divine treasure", Elbate said." ""But they have to deserve it, and never conform to what has been done. "" ""Not sitting back", as they say now." " Aparicio's calling from Madrid." "Should I connect you?" "Yes, please." "It's ok, right?" "That way you can review the contract..." "Aparicio?" "How are you, friend?" "Yes, yes, a success." "A true success!" "No, no, 70." "We know how to do things!" "Well, if they let us!" "Sure, sure." "My God." "Who has the rights?" "Ah, no, no." "I agree." "Yes, it's normal, I promise." "Looks like that's it." "We're here to help you." "Take care." "Oh, and Happy New Year, Aparicio." "Say hello to your wife." "Keep in touch." "Ok..." "But this is just a letter of commitment." "A letter from us is a check in the bank, my friend." "I believe you, but..." "for example, here it says:" ""The author is committed to accepting the moral or political judgments that are advised by... "" " How could I commit to that?" " These are formalities, Sala." "Formalities." "But you know that I stand behind you." "What's more, our press needs new people, new forms." "But as you know, it's not just a right that we can't back away from." "It's, shall we say, a duty to support our young people." "To build, we need teachers, and we are all instruments if we want the building, the work, to become beautiful and strong." "That's why we're here, right?" "Sure." " Then you feel like I can sign?" " With full confidence." "This is for you." "Your book is a big hit, Sala, I'm telling you." "And big things are coming for you." "Now, you'll have to forgive me, but my morning is full..." "Well, I wanted to talk to you about something else." "There will be time to talk..." "God willing, we'll meet again very soon." "It's not that..." "I mean, of course I have other projects, but I wanted to ask about something connected to this project." " Tell me." " Well, it's about an advance." "If you could offer an advance on this contract..." "A letter of commitment?" "That's not much of a guarantee." "But you said it was a check in the bank." "It is, Sala, it is." "We just need to put a date." "But don't forget that you have... not enemies, but opposition in the council." "In any case, I promise to do what I can." " Now, if you'll allow me..." " Excuse me, Mr. Palau," "I appreciate your interest, but I can't wait forever for the council's decision." "I need an advance soon." "Well really, I need it now." "Ok, calm down, and as I said..." "No, I know I seem nervous, but we're about to have a child." "A child?" "!" "My congratulations." "A book, a child..." "You know the Chinese proverb... all that's left is to plant a tree." "Ok, come and see me..." "Let go of my arm!" "Do you understand what I'm telling you?" "You were right to stop writing and organizing, criticizing, being an intermediary." "Literature doesn't pay the bills." "Incentives are needed in all fields." " Literature has a value that constantly grows." "Oh, I agree." "I'll wait for it to grow." "In the meantime, I'll take my draft." "If you'll allow me?" "Here's your letter, your advice, your smile your advance." " Have you lost your mind, Sala?" " Do you know who you're speaking to?" "Yes, sir," "I'm talking to the wall." "This is a country of deaf people." ""Goodbye, clear skies of our too brief summers. "" "Juanita." "Juanita!" ""Show this man to the door" or "Lock the door behind him. "" "There's no need." "I'll put your Chinese proverb to good use." " I'll plant a pine tree." " I want youth, not your insanity." "No, you don't want youth, you want sheep." "I've told you about closing the windows." "My feet are like ice cubes." "What you should do is stay in bed." " You'll get that cramp again." " No, I won't." " It's my feet that are the problem." " You know what the doctor said." "Look, you came to help me, not to boss me around." "Sorry." "Sara?" " Come on, Sara, don't be like that." " No, you're right." "Like mom said:" ""The poor don't have a maid, so help them out a bit, at least until the baby comes. "" "You're so difficult." "You think I don't notice you doing work, when you'd otherwise be home, getting ready to go out?" " It's not that." " You don't have to tell me, Sara, but understand that I have to copy those poems tonight." "It's my New Year's gift, which should have been ready by Christmas, ...until this happened..." " And there's no time to have them gilded?" "You're a fool for agreeing to do that." "You know what your husband is?" "A flirt!" "He doesn't deserve the adoration that you give him." " Don't talk of things you don't understand." " It's fine, "eat your own bread"." " Then I can keep writing?" " You and your manipulations." "Leave me alone!" "I need to work." "Sara!" "Hi, Alfonso." "Wait a moment." "Shit." " Hi." " Hi." " What are you doing here?" " Passing by." "Since the barracks is close, I thought I should drop by." "I thought I wouldn't see you until next year." "How clever." "I bought a Playboy calendar with mythological women." " What about you?" " Like you see, helping my sister." "Maybe we can go out sometime, Jenny." "We haven't talked in ages." "Since you emigrated to the outskirts, you stay away from the capitalists." "Really, every time I go to Barcelona we see each other!" "Hell, you people from Ampurda don't have any sense of humor... and man can't live on Sardana alone." "By the way, what are you doing this evening?" "Depends on my brother in law." "He has so much work..." "I'm not sure, but I think I'm off, and if that's the case..." "I could take you out." " Dressed like a soldier." "How lovely!" " No, they wrap me all up in this." "Oh, come on, you look cute in that uniform." "Whatever!" "My tailor wouldn't know where to start." "Look, it's cold out here." "Can you stop by at lunchtime?" " If I'm off, I'll call you." " Ok. -"Ciao, bambina"." "Bye, "Topo Gigio"." "Bye." " Does it bother you?" " No." " Should I turn on the heat?" " If it isn't noon yet." "I had forgotten." " What did the officer say?" " He wants to go out with me this afternoon." " You said yes, I imagine?" " No, I wanted to ask you first." "Don't be silly, you know Daniel will be here soon, and if you don't tell Mrs. Subirats..." "Yeah, but all the same." "Since he'll call later." "Let him insist." " You don't like Alfonso?" " Well..." "But do you like him or not?" "Sometimes." "He's stuck up." "I don't know, I like him, but I could like him more." " You mean you still don't love him." " Me?" "Why should I love him?" "Sara, you don't have to tell me anything if you don't want to." "How silly, it's that I'd like to fall in love with a man who... who would make me forget myself." "Like you with Daniel, who has you locked up at home." "He spends money on foolish things, and you don't even care, and you, still... so happy." ""With you..." "I don't know if it's you... my old love, loud and secret. "" " What's going on with you?" " With me?" "Nothing." "What would be going on?" "I want to know what you're thinking." "But honestly." "Completely honestly." " Can you answer a question with complete honesty?" "What do you mean?" "Come in." "If I may." "Just for a moment, ma'am." " I imagine that your husband..." " Yes, he knows it's the end of the month." "Don't worry." "Did you bring the receipt?" "There's no rush, it was just a reminder... and because I probably won't be back until very early in the morning I wanted to wish you Happy New Year." " Thank you." "Likewise." "Have fun." "Don't think, at my age..." " Ok, I'll say it again." "Happy New Year." " Happy New Year." "Good bye, take care." "That man!" "How he looks!" "I'm scared to be home when he's around." "What did you want to ask me?" "Something about Daniel." " If you like him or not." " Well, sure, why wouldn't I?" "Don't be like that." "It's clear you do." "You think I don't notice?" " I swear that what happened this morning..." " That doesn't concern me, Sara, that's just acting like little kids." "No, sorry Maria, but you know about that latch." "Besides, I have no reason to talk around it." "I'm not a child." "Then why do you keep talking like this?" " Do you want one?" " Thanks." "Do you really love him, Sara?" " I already told you, like a brother." "Don't lie." "You don't even let me talk!" "It's strange, I should be upset, or jealous... but i think it's logical that you love him, because I also love him." "The strange thing is mom, who did she want me to marry?" "A prince?" "Things are so different seen from up close." "I wouldn't keep you from him, and I accept that you love him, which is much more serious in the end." "What you wouldn't understand would be him loving me, right?" " You mean that he...?" "No, I don't mean anything." "It's what you're saying." "Of course I wouldn't, because you... you... you're young, and... and attractive... and in the end, I..." "I have no right to believe that..." "That he loves me so much." "Maria!" "Maria, don't cry!" "I already know I'm worthless." "In the beginning I helped, but now and with these varicose veins." " Please, Maria, all this will go away, you're young and pretty, much prettier than me, and Daniel's no fool, he know how to appreciate things." " I'll die, Sara, I'll die." " That's enough, Maria, enough!" "You can't keep on thinking you're going to die." "You'll have your son and Daniel, and you'll keep copying his books and poems." "What I said before, it's that I get upset when you treat me like a child." "It was just that." "I swear it, Maria, I swear!" "And I love Daniel, of course I do, but like I do you, like a brother." "But I want to fall in love with someone else." "Someone like him, of course, but not him." "Do you understand?" "Don't pay any mind to me," "I don't know what's going on with me, I just lose all control... and everything looks like a threat." "Me, the strong woman." "The rebel of the family." " Oh, it's 12:00." "The heat." " "Stay calm, unknown woman. "" "Hello?" "Hi, it's me." "How are you feeling?" "Look, I'm not going to have lunch today." "Yeah, I have to have the new issue ready by tomorrow." "Yes, we can release the supplement, since it's more publicity." "Yes, I saw the editor." "It went well, but a little different than I thought." "But well." " Daniel, please, we're waiting for them." " Right away." "We'll see..." "Of course I remember." "Listen, Maria, sorry, but they're calling for me." "I just got here." "Yes, I'm a bit late." "Bye, "Bapi"." "Bye." "Sara!" "Don't worry about the heat." "Daniel isn't eating here." "We'll start it later." "When did you say we'd start up the furnace?" " You're a clown." " And you're a martyr!" "Here you go." "Be careful with it." "I think it's best to set it again." "Ok, I'm heading home." "I'll be back this afternoon." "I have to pay the gas." " If something goes wrong, help me out." "Sure." " Good morning." " Come in, Sala." "What?" "There's only 1800 left?" "Not 4000?" " This month you've have two advances." " Two?" "Yes, don't you remember?" " The second was for your wife." " Oh, right, the transfusion." " How money flies away, right?" " You said it." " Ok, see you later." " Happy New Year." "Thanks." " Daniel." " Oh, hey." " How are you?" " Not so well, since the layoff..." "They say you're publishing with Biblos, is that right?" " Well, it's not certain yet..." " You'll see." "They're a bit old-fashioned, but you have to start somewhere." " Gomez asks about you a lot." " Gomez?" "Yeah, Jose Luis's assistant." "He's been editing trashy novels." "He'll want you to write something for him." " But you think that Gomez...?" "He's always at the school looking for first timers." "Of course, it's not for you." "It's the easy way out." "Right." "Well, call me sometime and let me know what's up." "I will." "Oh, congratulations." "How's Maria?" "At home, with her belly." "Still awaiting the kid." " You're a lucky man." "Say hi for me." " I will." "Bye." "See you." "Happy New Year." "Same for you." "Bye." "Mr. Fernando Gomez?" "Is that you?" "I'm Sala, Daniel Sala." "Do you remember me?" "Yes, I just finished something that might interest you." "Science fiction." "The title?" "It's a nice title." ""Death Drop by Drop"." "No, not at all, it's not about poising." "I'll explain." "At least until 7." "I'll call you if you'd like." "Okay." "Good." "Then I'll wait for your call." "Bye." "What a pain!" " What do you think?" " Very nice." "You'll knock him dead." " Good bye, beautiful." "I'll drop in on Mrs. Subirats." " Have fun." " These dumb stockings." " Oh, you're so vain." " See you later." " Bye." " Who's calling?" " It's me, Mrs. Subirats, it's Sara." "I'm heading out, and since my sister is waiting for you..." "Of course, beautiful, of course, you shouldn't have bothered." "If it's no bother, it's that I just happened to stop by..." " Ok, then, I'll see you later." " Good luck, beautiful." "Thanks." "What a woman!" " You've never had a boyfriend?" " A boyfriend?" " What is that?" " Something you use for dancing." "Oh, a record player." " No, it's also for taking walks." " So, a transistor radio." "Humor is the privilege of the well-off." "Or the smile of the disenchanted." "No, I've never had a boyfriend." "And how many women have you known?" "Quite a few, but I've never known what it's like to have a girlfriend." " So you've done well." " Not always." "I might seem like a rough man, but I have feelings ...and I know what love is." " Say that with background music." "Stop!" "Stop, please!" " Stop!" "Stop!" " Stop!" "See, they're taking care of it." "They've got their system." "You get into a car accident, and before you know what's happening, they're already taking care of you." "Could be a ticket, could be something worse." "When they have your name, you're set." " It was a woman." " Yeah." " Do you think she's dead?" " Who knows..." "But no, I don't think so." "These things look worse than they are." " She was pregnant." " I don't know what people are thinking!" "Taking a pregnant woman on a motorcycle." "Hey, now, don't get upset so easily." "You'll see there won't be anything about it in the paper tomorrow." " Hey, your brother in law works for a paper, right?" "Yes." " "When... "" " Yes, that's good." "Sala!" " Yes?" "Telephone." " Coming." "Don't be long." "Yes?" "Yes, Gomez." "Whenever you want." "Yes, anything's fine." "In half an hour at La Luna." "Ok." "No, it's no trouble." "Listen..." "Never mind,we'll talk later." "See you soon." " Let's see." " We were here." " That's right." " "When the bishop appeared, those who were waiting began to sing, and... "" "Pardon me." "Oh, how fun." " Another Cuba Libre?" " Sure." "You're great, Sara." "Other girls are always so unsure, "I guess so," "I don't know,"" "...but you say just what you think." " That's what my brother in law says, but you're both wrong." "You don't know how much I stay quiet, ...until I'm fed up, of course." " You see, you can't help it." " Enough of philosophy." "How about we dance?" "Ok." "You know I have my regrets." " Oh, do you?" "Yes, for not stopping after the accident... but I was worried the cops would come, and there goes the evening." "And..." "I wanted to be with you." "And I wanted to tell you that being with you I feel like a transistor." "I think I could even marry you." " You don't say anything?" " I'm just listening." "Other people say not to just go out and say these things, but the wind blows when it wants." "You're not going to say anything?" "Look, you said it yourself." ""The wind blows when it wants. "" "And I appreciate that you..." "but you have to understand." " What do I need to understand?" " This, you're a nice boy, who dances well, and I have a great time with you, but..." "I think love is something else." "Look when I see my sister with her husband," "I see that it's something else." "Maybe with time..." "What's wrong?" "Nothing." "I like your skin." "I thought we could be partners." " Your bourgeios morality bothers me." " Where have I heard that before?" " And now?" "Your wrist is tired of holding mine." "Come on." " What are you looking at!" " We were just talking." "Sorry but these overreactions are silly." "and since you were so used to the married couple..." "Idiot!" "Bye, sweetie!" "Hey, honey, if I catch you you'd be worn out." "In Valencian" " Nice one." " You Catalans have so little grace." "What are you talking about?" "Shut up!" "Daniel." "Daniel!" " What's up?" " Well, the prodigal son." " How elegant." " The sweet life." "Have a seat." "You don't change at all." "Do you remember those things you wrote for the end of year parties?" "Sure, interpreted by Gomez and his toupee." "You took yourself seriously." "I was very serious in general." "That's how you were in the end." "You went to the candles and said..." "And if we say nothing else, it's because they won't let us." "So much work, all for nothing." "To think that one of those productions cost me my job, but it's fine." "Now I'm doing better." "Perk up, man." " The young nonconformist rebel." " Committed." "And now you're going to enlighten the plebes." " You'll see, life is rough." " Yes, you have to get in up to your neck." "It's the people in the streets that are the best." "Those who watch football and soaps." "The ones who buy your novels." "And why not?" "We have to take advantage of ambient stupidity." "They play, I dance." "Look." "Here are some copies so you can feel the ambience." " Pretty bad, right?" " No, not at all." "Sure they are." "You'll do better." "Tell me about this "Death, Drop by Drop"." "It's intriguing." "I've always liked science fiction." "It could be the modern mythology." "It's a very simple story, written in a hurry." "But it has its upside." "It's about an unwilling thief, who steals the shoes of dead people." "The police investigating are at a loss." "They only know he wears black." "Afterward, we know that he's not a thief, just a crackpot investigator, looking for a very lightweight combustible." "Something that could be used for space flights." " So, you haven't written a word." " Sure I have, you don't believe me?" "Look, Daniel, I don't play games." "I have a business to take care of." "I know what the people like, and I give it to them:" "a little tendernes, some pornography, some drops of blood." "I don't run risks, you understand?" "If you want to write for me, do it." "If not, then go on your way." "Then you don't think I have a novel for you?" "Where do you think I came up with "Death, Drop by Drop"?" "What's wrong, Daniel?" "Money?" " Look, I got married, see?" " No, you don't have to tell me anything." "Let's do something." "I give you something now." "If you write, it's an advance, and if not, then you return it when you can." " Gomez, I..." " No, please, no drivel." "Do you want it or not?" "Fine." "But on the condition that I write you a novel that will clean up." "Let's hope so." " Is seven enough?" " Sure, for now." "Here." " Happy New Year." " Happy New Year." " Happy New Year, Gomez." " Wait, we're going to have champagne." "Waiter!" "We'll toast to "Securite, stabilite and profesionalite"." "And order." "A bottle of champagne, please." "If you don't mind." "As soon as we finish, I'll light the furnace." "My husband might get here any minute." " You don't start it until he arrives?" "Oh, no." "It's just that with so much going on in the house, I've lost track of it." "These men!" "Believe me, they don't deserve what we do for them." " It depends." "Wlth Daniel..." " Don't put your hand to the fire, dear." "I'm not accusing him of anything, but... don't trust too much." "All men... are the same." " You must be saying this for a reason." " And I'll tell you..." "Your husband is an artist, a poet." "Mine was a mystic, he'd been to seminary." "When we got married, he did spiritual exercises to purify himself, and forced me to do the same." "I believed..." "I had married a saint." "It's like a before marriage curse for young girls." "What do you think, we were playing at saints?" "No, my dear." "We were also intimate, and we discussed problems with the business." "We criticized the infidelities of the couples we knew." "Just like you do with your husband, exactly the same." "Don't think you're so different." "But I'm boring you, and you need to think of other things." "Oh, no, I'm fine." "You said your husband...?" "DANIEL SALA POEMS" "After 10 years... 10 years, that creep up on you," "I started to notice insinuating smiles on the neighbors' faces." "But I thought what you must be thinking about me:" ""People are so terrible. "" " Who can throw the first stone?" " No, it's logical." "What isn't logical..." "is that after 10 years, a person realizes that their husband was cheating on them from the start." "From the first moment everything was a weapon to betray me." "Work, religion, friendships..." "I really didn't want this, dear, I really didn't want it." "No..." " I don't believe it." "Come on." "Don't think it for a single minute." "And don't listen to me, everyone speaks of things from their experience." " You've suffered a lot." " You don't know." ""Communion of bodies and spirits," he said." "How funny." "The body was someone else's," "and the soul, since it's invisible, was faked." " I need to step out for a bit." " Are you feeling sick?" " No, it's nothing." "Just the usual." " Of course, in your state." "Oh, where's my head?" "I forgot about the furnace." "Don't worry, I'll take care of it." "The coal is beside the stairs." "There are old magazines next to it." "Yes, I see it." "What a pain!" "Hi Little Red Riding Hood." "Lost in the woods?" "I was nervous." "Ill explain." "Will you be long heading home?" "Probably not, but come on up." "You can have a look around." "I'm glad you came." "You can help me buy presents." " Hey!" "We're rich?" " Well, not very, but it's fine." "No one else is here?" "And the page I told you about...?" "Don't worry." "I gave it to Garcia." "Hey, she's better in person than in the picture." "Happy New Year." " You work here, right?" " Yeah." "Why?" "It's obvious." "Sara." "What?" "You look pretty there, in between the machines." " You like my outfit?" " No." "Then you like me." "Oh, Sara, Sara!" "Come on, we need to go before the stores close." "Baudelaire is haunting me." ""Farewell swift summer brightness, all too short. "" "Merci, monsieur." " And "very" thanks." " He thought you were a tourist." " Don't give him a hard time." " Of course I won't." "Oh, the decoration in your office, very nice." "You're happy, then?" "You've discover my big secret." " Secret?" " No, all the better." "Of course I'm happy." "It's just that I'm a bit frightened, too." "Happy Holidays" "How daring!" " They sell those?" " Of course." " This is pretty." " But expensive." " Goldfinger." " Don't be annoying." "Come on, let's go." "HERE YOU'LL FIND YOUR GIFT ALL READY" "NEW PUBLICATIONS" "Do you have anything by the Beatles?" " Hi." " It's late." " Let's go." " Wait a minute." "Come here." " Do you like it?" " I do." "Here." "Do you like it?" "HAPPY HOLIDAYS" "It's unreal." "You can't find a taxi no matter what." "Taxi!" "We're going to be very late." "Sara, we can't go home with faces like this." "It's best we talk a bit first, don't you think?" "If you want." " Fun place, right?" " Yeah, very cute." " Don't treat me like this." " How am I treating you?" "Like you were my father, or my big brother." " I kind of am." " You think so?" " Sara, I love Maria, and..." " I know." " You're very young..." "Yes, I'm young, with all my life to fall in love." "And to get married and live happy and eat well." "Let's dance." " Do you like my skin?" " I'll keep it in my memory." "Kiss me." "Poor Sara." "I'd like to run away from this, go back like it was, impossible love." "Maybe I'm just a hypocrite." "You're a good man, and I'm happy Maria has you." "But I saw an accident this afternoon and I thought I'd like..." "It's terrible, I don't deserve anything." " I wanted Maria to die." " Sara, Sara." "We're going to close." " Oh, Sara, if you only knew." " If I only knew what?" "Nothing." "I was going to say something trite." "I was going to say I love you." "Thank you." "I wish this was just an affair, mostly for your sake." "Why?" " Why you?" "Because you know me, we know each other." "It's almost like we were married, only..." "Only we aren't anything." "How absurd." "And you playing the romantic boy, keeping my picture in your office." "I have Marilyn's picture, too." "Of course, I forgot." "Marilyn's picture too." "What do we do?" "Tell me, what do you want to do?" " Answer, Sara, answer me." " I don't know, Daniel." "I don't know." "I just know you are both happy, and I'm not." "Not even now." "Daniel, we're here, together..." "It's pointless, Sara." "Please, it's time." "Come in, come in." "Leave it here, please." " Could you sign, please." " Sure." "Here." " This is for you." " Thank you." " Ok..." " Wait a moment." " Here, share in between you." " Thank you, and Happy New Year." " Thank you." " Happy New Year." "Good bye." "What a surprise." "Daniel is a natural wise man." "No, I'll wait until he gets back." "Oh, where's my head!" " What are you looking for?" " I'd swear I put them here." "Some type-written pages." "They were inside an old magazine." "I used a magazine to light the furnace, but didn't seen any paper on the table." "Life?" "I don't know, I don't remember." "There was so much smoke." "But what did you do, my God!" "What did you do?" " What are you doing?" "You're going to burn your hands." " Leave me alone!" " Come now, calm down." " Do you know what this means?" " Look at your hands!" "I'll put soap on them." "Look at your hands." "Good bye to the gift." "They were Daniel's poems." "His poems." "This will take away the pain." " Hello in there!" " He's here!" " Happy New Year." " Maria, look what we've brought." " Santa Claus is here." " But what's all this?" " Did you bring the..." " Hey, be quiet!" "Don't you see it there?" "Do you want to see what it is, Maria?" " But what's wrong?" "What's going on?" " Nothing." "It isn't anything." "She burned herself on the furnace." " What did you put on it, soap?" " Yes, it helps prevent blisters." "I don't think she'll have to put anything else." " Does it hurt?" " No, not anymore." "Ok, Mrs. Sala, I'm leaving." "It's late, and everyone else is home." " Have a nice evening." " Thank you for everything." " You know, whenever you need me..." " You're very kind." " Miss "cool" has left?" " Don't be so critical." "Come, help me put the pasta in the pot." "With my hands..." " But don't you want to see the gifts?" " Don't be upset, Daniel, if we do that now, we won't eat forever." "How is it that you arrived together?" " How much pasta do I put in?" " One packet is enough." "Answer me." "Why did you show up together?" "I went to the newspaper." "I had a fight with Alfonso." "I'll tell you about it." "He was being crude." " Where were you both?" " Me and Daniel?" "Buying the gifts." "Where else?" "The poems got burned, Sara." "That's impossible." "What's going on, Daniel, more records?" " Come look how pretty." " Oh!" " But you're crazy!" "Completely crazy!" "." " Wait." "Look." "How cute." "And this is for the newborn." "Do you like it?" "And you, turn around." "Let's see how you like it." " And this is for me." " There's nothing for you?" "He's like you." "He'd rather suffer." "You're both the same." " Whatever, I bought myself some caviar." " And this too." " Oh right, and Sara bought me a book." " Book." "Book." "Book." "The soup!" "And we'll pay for the groceries, the coal, everything." " What's wrong?" " It's nothing." "I'm just becoming silly." "I don't feel well, I get nauseous." " You should lie down for a bit." " Yeah." "I also wanted to give you a gift." "Oh?" "And what did you want to give me?" "A book." "One of your books." "I fought with Palau." "I brought him my book, as you know." "His smile, the way he took my arm, the things he said, they're all things that don't..." "It's terrible, but sometimes, when we're worried about doing bad ...we don't manage to do things well." " Then the gifts?" "I was lent money by the guy at the university." "Do you remember him?" "I know it's not prestigious, and they pay poorly, but I'll use a pseudonym." "A French pseudonym, Charles Le Duc." "In the end, what's the difference." "And the novel?" "We'll see." "Maybe it'll win an award." "I might get lucky." " My little ones, dinner is served." " Let's go, Maria." " You both should eat." "I want to rest." " But what are you saying?" " If you don't come, we won't eat." " Just a little bit of soup." "I'm really not hungry, and I'll ruin dinner with my mood." " What's wrong with you?" " Nothing, it'll pass soon." "Oh, no, you're not getting out of dinner." "Sara, grab there and we'll bring her." "No, be careful." " You'll make me fall." " Push." " Sara, don't be..." " Careful, the kid might get seasick." " Call if you need anything." " Ok." "According to unconfirmed reports, from the Vatican, the Pope has accepted an offer to visit Moscow in the coming months." " The world is changing, Sara." " But not enough, don't you think?" "Who knows." "Maria, would you want our child to visit Mars?" "Sure, he'd be a space ambassador." "I know, I'll buy him some rockets." "Hey, we need to get the grapes." "Maria, do you want to eat grapes?" "Maria, it's midnight." " She's asleep." " I'll cover her up a bit." "On Television Española the bells are ringing." "Two." "Three." "Daniel, come quick!" "Six." "This is so dumb." "Let's drink." " Here." " Happy New Year." "Hurry up." " To your baby." " To you." "You fool." "Come, I'll teach you." "It's great for a nice manly belly." " Hey, hussy, I don't have a belly." " No, but you will." "You're so successful." "Watch me." "Do you see?" "Oh, I'm tired." "No one dances like this." "It's like a punishment." "Champagne, champagne, champagne..." "there's no more." " Shall we drink from the holy chalice?" " You're such a dork." "I'm a dork, no." "Sara." "Wait." "Don't be stupid." " Daniel." " Sara..." "Daniel." "Daniel, come quick!" " Wait." " Call the doctor." " We're going to the clinic right away." " A towel." "I've lost a lot of blood." "Sara!" "Come on, don't just stand there." "Do something!" "Bring her towels." "I need an ambulance, please." "What do you mean there aren't any?" "Damn holiday!" "Stop!" " Stop!" " Bye!" "Stop!" "Stop, please!" "Come here, come on!" "My wife is bleeding." "I have to get her to a clinic..." " What an original story." " Ok, get in." "And you shut up, idiot." "Where do I take you?" "Turn around, please." "It's over there." "For he's a jolly good fellow, for he's a jolly good fellow, for he's a jolly good fellow..." " I'm sorry." "Please, I'd like to be with her." "No, that's impossible." " Are you family?" " I'm her husband." " I need permission to operate." " To operate?" "A caesarean section." "It's a normal operation, but I need your permission." "Do what you think is necessary, doctor." " I'm in your hands." " Thank you." "Excuse me." "They're going to operate." "It might be serious." " Did you bring clothing?" " Yes." "Sara!" "Follow me, we're going to leave this in her room." "Give me a clean shirt." "How is she, mother?" "She's lost a lot of blood." "They'll do a transfusion." "It's best to pray." "Daniel, do you think she might die?" "What do I know!" "They don't say anything. "Everything's fine"!" " How are they?" " The child is fine." "Wait here a moment." "You're a father." "Congratulations." "Did they say anything about Maria?" "Nothing." "Just that they're doing a transfusion." " What a mean woman." " You don't want to see your son?" " Can I see him?" " Of course, come over here." "What are you waiting for?" "Come on." "It's this one." "Do you hear him?" "It's the anesthesia." "Don't worry." " We'll need the canister right away." " I think Sister Ascencion has it." " Ok, that's fine." " Look, here it is." "She'll be more comfortable now." "All right, relax." "Sorry, but one of you will need to leave." "They're going to close the door, and only one person is allowed." "I'll go." "Where will you go?" "It's no night for a girl all by herself." "I'll take care of myself." "I'll get a taxi." "It's no problem." "It makes most sense for me to go, right?" " Good bye, and thanks." " Thanks, why?" "I understand myself now, and I dance alone." "Be careful." "The street is full of drunks." "Hi, beautiful." "What about the baby?" "He's pretty small." "I'm thirsty." "Where's Sara?" " She went home." "She'll be here later." " Poor Sara." "Don't play around with her." "She's in love with you, you know?" "And you are too, right?" "Come on, Maria, we'll have time to talk about that." "I'm not jealous." "At first I was." "Last night I felt sad, and all alone." "But then with the anesthesia," "I'm not any more." "I'm thinking very clearly." "I wish nothing had happened yesterday." "But now I'm happy, and things seem more certain." "You're tired of me." "Am I so bad to you?" "I love you like always, even more." "I'm sure I look awful." "What's going to happen after this?" "I don't know." "I just know we can't hide like before." "It's a boy?" "Yes." "So, a boy." "Poor Daniel, you'll have to earn more money." "What are you thinking about?" "Just thinking." "I want him to be happy." "Get some rest." " What do you want?" " Nothing, dear." "Don't be like that." "Want some company?" "Good night, beautiful." "Good bye, asshole!" " I'm afraid..." " Don't wake him." "Could you give me an outside line, please?" "SORRY I WON'T SEE YOU." "I DON'T THINK I CAN." "I'M TAKING A TRAIN AND GOING HOME." "SARA" "THE END"