"Official Statement" Movie
Text / Translated by Aida Portnick, Luis Puenso
/ Hu Xiangwen, Zhan Guirong
Editor's note: The film won the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1985 and the Oscar for Best Foreign Language in 1986 Film Award, Toronto Film Festival Best Film Award, Cartagena Film Festival Best Film Award and Best Actress Award, Chicago Film Festival Best Film Award.
The gray and exposed walls of the campus
are reminiscent of the atmosphere of a prison. A campus under the gray sky, drizzling like weaving. Two rows of students stood upright, wearing the "regular" attire: dark coats, ties...
the Argentine flag was everywhere. Behind a row of barriers, there were some adults standing stiffly, who looked like some dignitaries. The noise of traffic and car horns came from outside the hospital from time to time. The national anthem was played on loudspeakers, and students and teachers sang along.
Chorus:
Listen, the holy cry,
liberty, liberty, liberty;
listen to the sound of the shackles breaking, behold
the crown of equality and responsibility;
the southern provinces have been
subdued before him and
the free men of the world are responding.
The voices of a few students in the ranks (soon to be in Alicia's class) were particularly clear. One looked up into the air (a plane flew by), the other had a mocking smile. Obviously, they follow the rules and regulations, but they don't have much "sincerity".
Chorus:
Salute to the great Argentine people!
To the great Argentine people, salute!
Among the adults stood Alicia, a woman in her forties, slender (with her hair in a bun and a grey turban). She was holding an umbrella, and behind her was a teacher named Benitez, who seemed more "unrestrained".
Chorus:
The Free People of the World Are Responding To
the great Argentine people, salute!
Free people all over the world are responding
to the great Argentine people, salute!
The floor-to-ceiling windows in the corridor of the middle school
let in a little light, and the windows in the corridor are bright and clean. The bell rang for the class, and Alicia came from the end with a lively pace. She greeted several colleagues along the way. She was wearing a white suit with a white windbreaker and a gray hood draped over her shoulders.
A superintendent: Be quiet!
Sign-in book, dated with a quill pen: March 14, 1983.
The voices of the students came from the classroom.
Classroom
Alicia sat in front of the podium, wearing dark-framed glasses, with a serious expression. There was a map of Argentina on the wall behind her, and a window in the distance; on the other side was a blackboard. There are also squares and compasses for drawing on the wall behind him.
Seven or eight students were chatting; Alicia looked around the classroom, put on her pen cap, closed her book, took off her glasses and put them on the lecture table.
Alicia (standing): Gentlemen, please be quiet... be quiet, please pay attention (she goes to the edge of the podium, the students stop talking) My name is Alicia Manet de Ibanez, you have People already know me...the course we are going to take together is the history of Argentina...according to the syllabus, we will study the political and social system since 1810, we have three hours a week, which is not much, I will tell you Three things... (she makes a gesture).
There are five rows of seats. Clothes hooks were nailed to the back wall to hang clothes. Alicia paused after each sentence, and made a gesture to accentuate her tone.
Alicia: I don't like wasting time. I believe in discipline and I don't give high scores as a gift. Some of you remember it, don't you? (She gives a slight nod and takes a few more steps to the right.) To know history is to be prepared to know the world. (turns to students) No nation can survive without memory (four students in the row on the right, two are biting their ears, one of them makes a mocking gesture to draw attention to this statement from Alicia), (voice-over ) ... and history is the memory of the people. (She turns to the lectern again) That's what we learn. (sits down, takes pen, puts on glasses, opens roster, index finger points to names) Alara Sebastian.
Alara (voice-over): There.
Alicia: Alvar Rodrigo.
Alvar (in a low voice): There.
Alicia: Which one is it?
Alvar; it's me.
Alicia: Artemi Reuven.
Artemi (V.O.): There.
Alicia: Berostgui Manuel.
Berostgui (raises hand): There.
Alicia (voice-over): Bouman Ariandro.
Bouman (laughs): Yes.
Alicia (looks at him sternly) Costa Horacio.
Costa: Yes.
Alicia: Cullen Martin.
COULENNE (very contrived) Here, ma'am. (Students roar with laughter).
Alicia (knocking on the podium) Gentlemen, please be quiet!
The door to the bathroom and Gabi's room
were open, and the bathroom was bright, with light maroon tiles. Gabby, a brown-haired five-year-old girl, was sitting in a bathtub full of colorful plastic toys. Alicia was wearing a white bathrobe, kneeling and washing the little girl's hair. Her bun is a little messy.
Gabby: You can hold the towel and wait for a while. I'll get my hair done myself. look.
Alicia: No, ignore it, or the water will get into your ears! (Gets out of the shower)
Gabby (gets up, plays with the lather): I made a foam dress. Mom, do you bathe naked too?
In Gabby's room, there are a lot of toys hanging on the wall, there is a big doll near, and there is a big cupboard in the distance, Alicia opened a drawer.
Alicia: Okay, Gabby, wash it yourself, and if you can't do it, sing a song and let me know you're not drowning yourself.
Gabby is still covered in soap.
Gabby: Good! (sings) In "Where I Forgot." (Alicia picks up a large pink bath towel and swipes it over her back, off-screen). I took three small steps (Gabby was still standing, frothed all over, she sat down in the water, playing with the foam floating on the water) and I lost my way and took a small step towards this side, I can't remember if it was this So...
the entrance to the suite and the living room
have wide, dark doors. There are a few pots of green plants on the left. With the sound of the key being turned in the keyhole, a woman came in with a bag of groceries. She was in her early thirties, wearing a green skirt and blue sweater. This is the maid Rosa. She glanced at a room beside the gate.
The living room furniture is rented out with the house. There is a photo on the large fireplace of a smiling couple with a baby, with a mirror to the left.
Rosa went to the dining room from the other door, and she was "compensating": walking at a brisk pace, wearing a pink apron, she went to a door at the end. The song is sung by a woman, accompanied by a guitar...
Song:
Take a small step over there, oh, I'm so scared. At "Where I Forget", I took a small step and lost my way...
Rosa (looking inside the cafeteria, panting): Excuse me, ma'am.
Alicia in the restaurant
is wearing glasses and writing invitations with a pen in hand. Gabby knelt on a chair and ate from the plate in front of her. On the table in the center of the front, a long-necked bottle was filled with orange juice. There is a mirror on the wall, a painting and a mirrored cabinet with photographs. Rosa came in and walked around the table towards Gabby.
Rosa (voice-over): The train is late again.
Alicia (turns down the volume on the tape recorder behind her, looks at Rosa): It doesn't matter, Rosa, how is your sister?
Rosa: Good, thank you. (Alicia looks at the invitation. Rosa goes to the left and leans over to kiss Gabby) Gabby, how are you?
Gabby: Very good, my mother cooked me meat.
Rosa: Mom's meat must be better than mine! Ah, ma'am (Alicia looks at her), I told Mrs. Louisa and she told you not to forget your old school party.
Rosa picked up the big-necked bottle and poured Gaby orange water.
Gabby: Cross out Rodrigo. Did you row?
Alicia: No, not yet. (Looks at the invitation) Because maybe he'll meet Dolores on your birthday, and he'll make up with her. (Looks at Gabby)
Gabby: No, he already has another fiancée, cross him out, did you cross it out? (Alicia strokes her chin tenderly)
Rosa poked her a piece of meat with Gabby's fork.
Alicia: Dolores should be happy to have a lonely friend like you.
Gabby (takes the meat Rosa handed her fork): What is loneliness?
Alicia and Roberto's bedroom
There are two doors on the right side of the bedroom leading to another room. There is a large mirror between the two doors. Through the open door, Alicia can be seen wearing a bathrobe and applying makeup in the adjacent room. The sound of the TV is low and the blue light of the screen is reflected in the mirror.
TV: We are saddened to see some propaganda agencies overreach to spread a narrative that is detrimental to stability and to incite a subversive ideology...
In the mirror you can see Roberto coming. He is Alicia's husband, holding a large bag in his arms. He was in his fifties, wearing a light-colored suit, with a dashing demeanor. He held the door frame and watched Alicia for a moment.
Roberto: Are you still like this? (He steps forward, tiptoeing, ready to surprise her.)
Alicia: Good evening. What about you, shouldn't you be wearing clothes?
TV: ...The army is preparing to fight the invaders.
Alicia got up and walked towards him.
Aliciaman: Won't you kiss me? (Roberto unpacks, he smiles, and opens the box again. Inside is a pale red celluloid doll and a few accessories. Off-screen) Oh, you bought it? so gorgeous. Gabby wants to like it bad! (She comes over and picks up the doll and turns it around) It's really fleshy, come and touch it.
Roberto sat in the armchair with Alicia by his side. ROBERTO (stroking his wife's body and covering her bathrobe.): Of course.
Alicia put her arms around his neck, sat on his lap, kissed his neck, and smiled; Gabby, in her pajamas, opened her mouth and breathed, and watched them for a while.
Gabby (sweetly): Dad.
Roberto is kissing Alicia and he turns to the child. (laughs): What are you doing here?
He picked up Gabby, Gabby smiled. He took her to her room.
Roberto: All right, go to bed! (Piano starts) Gabby
(from a distance): Dad, the toothpaste you bought for me is too hot...
Alicia caressed the doll's head wanton. She put it back in the box.
Marcy (voice-over): But, it should be admitted that it was a great fear... Some people in the
restaurant
were sitting at the counter with cocktails in front of them... The patrons were refined, the men in suits and the women in evening dresses... …it was dark inside, with a few lamps emitting yellow light.
Ma Xi said as he walked.
Marcy (touching the shoulder of a lady at the counter): My wife is afraid I'm having a heart attack (he gets to the table of three at the end. Dante turns to him with his elbows on the counter. The other two are Roberto and Andrade. Everyone smiles) This kind of business, just ignore one detail...
Andrade: Ah, if you neglect one detail, that's your problem, Marcy.
Marcy: Me?
Andrade: Of course.
Marcy: I'm following someone else's instructions.
Andrade: Who instructed you to do it?
Marcy: Well, doctor, you... Ibanez (turning to Roberto) and even Dante (pointing to Dante), you guys and I have everything planned.
Dante: We give you advice, Marcy, we're just a few consultants.
ANDRAD (to the man entering the door): Ah, we thought you weren't coming.
General (speaking while walking): Excuse me!
ANDRADE (VO): Where's Elvira?
General: I left her at home as a punishment.
A table in the distance. Marilla, a woman in her forties, in an evening dress, got up and hugged him.
Marilla: Why was my friend punished? Maybe a military secret? (Alicia is also sitting at the table, she stands up).
General: But at home, she is in command! Heart-pounding. How about it? Ibanez?
ROBERTO (laughing): How are you, General?
The camera mirrors the other invited people.
Resina (a woman in her thirties with bare shoulders),: No, no, why?
Mire, an American in his thirties, with blond hair, a white shirt, and a red tie. Marilla and Roberto came over.
Marilla: Mire, your wife, you won't tell me to lose her, will you?
MIRAY (with a heavy American accent): She's talking over there.
Alicia came over and put her hands on her husband's shoulders from behind. Her black evening gown was beautiful, and a thin silk scarf (also black) partially covered her bare back.
Resina looked at a man beside her.
Regina: My servant had cousins in the Malvinas, and they didn't even bother to tell her - they were still alive. It's been a year since the war was lost, and it's a horror to me.
Man: A battle was lost, my little Resina, not a war.
Resina: You didn't say you wanted to keep fighting, did you? (man stares at her)
Andrade (off-screen): Last week, I was in Spain...
Eight guests were sitting around a sumptuous table, Mire and the general beside him, Mire beside his wife Regina, then Roberto, with Alicia at the head; across from them, Marilla on the right of the general, and her husband Andrade beside her; and finally, at the top of the table, opposite Alicia, Dante . They are eating. The sound of knives and forks.
Andrade: ... was talking to Balle Strauss, the head of a socialist enterprise, who has always been a socialist. Do you know what he said? (Looks at the general, the general turns to him) "We lived better under Franco", of course, now they're in the court, they don't know who to put the blame on.
Marilla: There's really no way. It's been twenty-five years, and I've tried to convince him that talking business at the dinner table is not only uneducated, but also indigestible.
Andrade: Who talks about business?
Marilla: Well, let's talk politics, it's even worse! Plus, it's our women's fault that we didn't overwhelm us. Come on, Resina, talk about your little one... I hear this kid is unusual.
Resina: Yes, he's beautiful (she smiles and turns to Mire, putting her hand on his under the table). Marilla
on the right side of the dining table : She was born with a weight of four pounds, unbelievable!
(Looks at the general, turns to them again, but still glances at the general from time to time) It's hard to imagine looking at them, probably mixed blood. (Smiling contrived. On the left side of the table, Mire wipes his mouth with a napkin. Off screen) You, Mire, don't you doubt anyone else?
MIRAY (a bit cramped): Oh, no, no, my mother was, used to be a tall woman, then no... (Reshina turns to him)
People laughed.
Marilla (in English): I'm kidding, hombre (a Spanish card game)! You don't have to defend yourself, (in Spanish) How about you, Roberto? Were you there when your daughter was born?
Alicia dropped her lips in disgust and glanced at Marilla; she knew exactly how the latter "would end up". Roberto didn't seem to care, he just smiled, glanced at the questioner, and continued to eat.
Roberto: No, I'm more like your husband than Mire, (look at Andrade) We belong to another generation.
Marilla laughed, and her husband Andrade looked at her angrily.
Marilla: Of another generation, I think it's Alicia (Ah staring straight ahead) You're not very fashionable about these things, are you honey?
Alicia: Yes, I'm not very fashionable (drinks).
Everyone was silent for a while, only to see the sound of the knife plate.
GENERAL (turning to Alicia): Is this little girl four or five years old now?
Alicia: She will be five soon.
Dante (laughs): Really, you two are different, Roberto?
ROBERTO (calmly): That's the charm, isn't it?
Marilla (bitterly, sinisterly): Well, I think the charm is somewhere (Andrade looks at her).
There are few pedestrians in the streets
under the night. The windows of several shops were still lit.
Alicia and Roberto walked to a bar.
Alicia: These things are always with each other: me, I think she's a bitch; she thinks you're more than enough for a non-fertile woman. Do you think Andrade didn't tell her? She knows the ins and outs...she's starting to be interested in that nerd and the American son...(Imitates Marilla's voice) Roberto, were you there when your daughter was born?
Roberto: Well, Alicia, you're making a fuss about a stupid thing.
They turned into a darker street.
Roberto: Even if Gabi was brought by a prostitute or we stole it from the Tsigans, it's none of her business.
Alicia (excitedly): Of course it has nothing to do with her, obviously, it has nothing to do with her, but she knows it has something to do with me. In this regard, she and her husband are in agreement. (Rushes in front of her husband, goes around the front of the car, and prepares to take the seat on the right; Roberto goes to the left of the car and prepares to drive). You see him swearing, with that look, "Look, whoever dares to refute me, I will drive him away!" And she can only drive her servant away (open the door and get into the car), which Turned us all off. Did you notice? She used to call the Yankees the green-headed turtle, that Regina was a kiln sister, you were a poor bastard, her husband was uneducated, and I was an idiot. So much, in just one sentence (laughs). The general was the only one she didn't touch. It should be admitted that she also has her boundaries.
The classroom
is still the same classroom, but it looks messy. On the podium, Benitez, a language teacher in his thirties, is reading the text; the students are watching, listening, some sitting on chairs, some sitting on desks. He seemed a little carried away, stood up, and continued to read aloud.
Benitez: Moreira opened the door and rushed out (throwing away the chalk in her hand, grabbing the horn, dancing with the sword), determined to fight one last time. The officer and his soldiers faced him and defended bravely against his ferocious attacks (students moved around him pretending to "shoot" at him), but they could not resist his sudden attack. (Goes off the podium, students surround him, with "sword", he "breaks the siege") Backs up until he loses his way in the canyon... um! Go right to left (back to the podium). Frightened, Sergeant Chirino hid behind the stone well fence, and Moreira, convinced that he was single-handed, was ready to climb the wall and escape (sitting down on the lectern. The student in the shirt behind his back gestured an attack). When the sergeant saw him climbing up the wall, he took the opportunity to take up his weapon. Feeling the cold point of a bayonet on his shoulder, Moreira... (The student behind him poked Benitez's buttocks with the pointed feet of the compass. Benitez laughed).
Students: Well done, Chirino!
Benitez: No, wait a minute...Moreira fired a shot at the sergeant (turning around and "shooting" at the student with a square gauge) Boom!
The student in front of the blackboard covered his stomach with his hands.
Students: No, teacher, no!
The students in their coats were active, and four were still sitting at the table. There was a commotion in the classroom.
Dilking: That's it, great job! Like a policeman! Nice job!
The student in the shirt turned to the map, he claimed to be injured; the student at the end of the room was clinging to the wall, looking in great pain; Benitez was lying on the lectern.
Benitez: Moreira is seriously injured; Vicenta appears from the left background... who will play Vicenta?
He was searching with the corner gauge when the bell rang for the end of get out of class. I saw one student pointed his finger at the "homosexual" - Kulian, who was sitting in the center of the classroom, and the rest of the students immediately lifted him up and carried him on their shoulders. One of the students also kissed him by the way.
Students: Kulian on! Library on! Cullen looks like her! Cullen looks like her!
Cullen was carried over and placed on the podium. Benitez was still lying on the lectern. Cullen looked down at the lines.
Benister: Come on, Cullen!
Cullen (speaking in a womanly voice): Let me go, cowards!
Students: Hey, wild woman!
CULIEN (bows upper body to Benitez) Cowards .
The students applauded desperately, and some even folded Kulian's scarf into a triangular scarf and draped it over his head.
Benitez: A distant voice, as if announcing the end of his life, sings these lines... (points to a student) Artemi!
Artemi: Now, I leave my future to my uncertain destiny to decide...
Artemi said passionately, and the students around him danced.
Cullen: Juan, my Juan.
Artemi: Because the beloved is an authentic Argentine... Cullinan:
My beloved, he will not die.
Artemi: Don't be afraid of death, because the Gaoqiu are both skilled and strong.
The classroom quieted down: the students saw Alicia walk in, followed by three students. Alicia's expression was serious, and it was obvious that the scene in front of her made her unhappy. She stepped onto the podium and glanced sternly at the students in shirts in front of the blackboard. Benitez was still on the lectern; the students returned to their seats.
Alicia (to Benitez): Hello.
Under Alicia's icy gaze, Benitez got up, picked up the chalk box, and hurriedly dropped a few pieces of chalk. He packed up his things, but left a pair of chess pieces on the table.
BENITEZ (to Alicia, wryly): Literature always meets history.
A student sitting at the desk bent over to pick up the chalk that had fallen on the floor; Alicia put her bag on the desk and took out her belongings; Benitez put the corner gauge in the blackboard slot and turned to take Alicia Thea (Ah didn't look at him) handed him the cigarette case, put it in his pocket, went to the door, adjusted his tie, and looked back at the students.
Benitez: Goodbye, gentlemen.
The students stood up, still smiling.
Students: Goodbye, sir!
Benitez walked out of the classroom without the door, then returned to close the door.
The street in front of the kindergarten The
kindergarten is a beautiful house with a small garden separating her from the low fence facing the street. Because of the hot weather, the people who pick up the children wear light clothes, and the colors are mostly bright; the sidewalks are lined with green trees, which creates a sense of quietness and space.
Alicia was wearing dark clothes and came with a pink Gabby.
Gabby: You know what? Macarena's mother was always unable to walk from kindergarten. She said she had to stay there all day to atone for her sins. Today, her mother is leaving. She quit, hugged her leg and cried, cried.
They came to Alicia's car, which was a small white sedan. Alicia opens the back door and lets Gabby get in the car. On the side of the road not far from them, an elderly man was loading several children into a van.
The restaurant
is a luxurious restaurant, furnished mostly in red and white. The interior is spacious and bright, with a dozen dining tables; the dark red curtains at the end soften the light coming in from the window. Alicia came in through the door, wearing a long dark dress. She saw four friends sitting at a table in the doorway, and she opened her arms and walked over to hug them.
Alicia: When did I miss an appointment?
Dora: Maybe you're never late? Are you OK?
Susana: Exactly today I have to leave early.
Marilla (to Alicia) You're absolutely amazing. Look, what a beautiful dress! (to others) Isn't she gorgeous?
Alicia (turns around like a fashion model): It's new. (to Mary) But how slender you are, you!
Marilla: Me? slim? It's been half an hour since I started implementing my specific recipe.
Dora: You still have long hair? It's too late!
Behind a beautiful grand piano, a woman is playing. Her loose hair fell over her shoulders.
Susana: I bet you don't know what brought you here, their friendship? Who? You can never guess?
Alicia moved closer to the piano, leaning slightly to observe the player.
LOUISA (VO): Don't you want to give her time to reflect?
Alicia (shouted in surprise and delight): Anna!
Alicia looked back at some friends, approached the piano again, and sat down beside Anna. Ana smiled, and Alicia gave her thumbs a warm kiss of thanks.
Alicia whispered in English: Yesterday.
Anna smiled in English: Tomorrow.
Her slender, beautiful hands are still playing.
They looked at each other, smiled, seemed really happy, and hugged each other very tenderly.
Susana (voice-over): I met her at the supermarket. You don't know what she's like...like our grandmother.
Marilla: The thing is that she has blond hair and fine skin, and women with fine skin immediately attract attention.
Elisa: What did you say? You have thin hair and tender skin, don't you know what's going on?
Susana (to Elisa): Will you let me speak? (To others) During the whole Malvinas war, someone sent her son south, you know, her only son left.
Dora, wearing a long red dress and a large necklace, listened disapprovingly.
Alicia (off-screen): What happened to the other kids?
Marilla: The eldest daughter is married, Alicia, she's gone...
Dora smiled and put a piece of the snack in her mouth, bulging.
Dora: Her children have become subversives. That's probably how she brought them up.
Louisa: You, how did you know they were subversives?
Dora: Come on, Louisa, please! The reason people take him away is always because of something, isn't it?
Alicia: What are you talking about?
Louisa: Let's change the subject...
Marilla: Anna, what's wrong with your son! Should he be an adult now?
Anna's white bodice lined under her square coat was slightly open. With a cigarette in her hand, she looked tired and smiled.
Anna: He turned seventeen in February.
Luisa: Pablo is seventeen years old? My God, Anna, you are an old woman.
Anna: Don't you remember he was born the same week as Clara's eldest daughter? Who else says we're two "incarcerated balloons"?
Alicia and Mary leaned forward and laughed together.
Anna: Clara, does she never come?
Marilla: No, she's been going to Alaska for almost five years, and that's when you went too, didn't you?
Anna (Marilla's voice is still in): No, I, I left seven years ago.
Dora: Seven full years?
Anna: Yes, it left in 1976. In two months it will be seven years.
She stared at Dora, knowing exactly what she was going to say in the end.
Alicia and Marilla were talking, but the voice of the conversation was hard to hear.
Dora (sarcastically, almost malicious): So, are you coming back to stay?
Anna: I don't know yet.
Dora: No one can choose between cold exile and warm family. Don't you believe we will sympathize with you?
Anna (seriously): You know I've missed you all these years.
Dora: Not really?
Anna: I swear to you, you are always on my mind. When I saw you again, I recalled everything at once.
Dora grinned and seemed to be smiling; Anna's eyes were bright and her expressions were firm; Eliza and Susana were engrossed, and Eliza seemed to understand and nodded from time to time; Alicia and Marilla felt embarrassed . Alicia's expression was serious, and she lowered her eyes.
Anna: Because you are still you, nothing has changed. However, many years have passed, many things have happened, and you are still you. Just like the one who reported the secret to the female superintendent! Same as the guy who gave me a few salt shakers and paid me for it, when I slept with a ragged mattress on the floor!
Dora continued to smile reluctantly to maintain normalcy; Ana was more ruthless, speaking calmly, word for word.
Anna: So now, Dora, mean classmate, unforgettable bitch daughter, why don't you get out of here, eh?
Gabby's room
The wallpaper in the room is a light color. Gabby was wearing thin pajamas and was holding a rag doll; Anna was wearing a white shirt with short sleeves, with a slightly open front and a small necklace. She looked at Gabby affectionately.
Gabby: How do you live so far away? do you have kids?
Anna: Yes, but he's grown up. He no longer likes listening to stories.
Anna shook her head; Gabby pointed to the doll.
Gabby: My daughter's hair is ugly, like a broom. If I cut my hair, will it grow back?
Alicia walked into Gabby's door.
Alicia: Alright, Gabby, enough talking, let's go to bed.
Gabby: No, the last one.
Anna smiled, looking at Alicia and then at Gabby.
Anna: Speaking of invisible paint? It's a paint that makes everything invisible. For example, paint the bed and the bed disappears and your dear mother comes in and she will think you are sleeping in the air.
Alicia smiled and put her hand on Anna's shoulder; Gabby picked up a puppet.
Gabby: Mom, is she like Dolores, your lonely friend?
Ana put her head on Alicia's neck, and the two closed their eyes, enjoying this tender moment.
Restaurant
Alicia, Roberto and Ana have dinner at a table. The two women were chatting and laughing; Roberto was very calm, almost rigid.
Alicia (to Anna): That middle school was horrible, my god! Do you remember Clara calling it "Hell"?
Anna (laughing): Makes sense.
Rosa, in her servant's clothes (a black dress with a collar and short sleeves, with white sleeves and apron), came in with a plate with condiments on it. She brought it to Anna, who took some.
Ana: Gabby is a genius. She said I was a "lonely friend".
Alicia: What a pity, she can't say "lonely". She likes it and uses it all over the place.
Their conversation bored Roberto.
Roberto (to Ana) Are you going to stay here?
Anna: I don't know yet.
Roberto shook his head, cut the meat with a knife, and ate it.
Alicia smiled, looking cheerful and "absent". Anna drinks.
Anna: You are intoxicating, Alicia. You know this is the first time I've seen you in a dress, Europe is good for you, right? You look more beautiful this way.
Roberto looked at Anna, as if admiring her appearance, but also despising her.
Living room and Alicia bedroom
Ana and Alicia sit comfortably on the large sofa. A small table in front of them was full of fruit and glasses. There is a coffee maker and a bottle of wine on the cupboard. Alicia was lying half-lying with glasses on the tip of her nose, reading the letter. The two seemed to be a little drunk and laughed. Their relaxed appearance contrasts with the restrained atmosphere of Roberto's presence at dinner.
Alicia (reading aloud, stuttering): Here I am, abandoned in Caracas, eight kilos heavier than the romantic victim one is accustomed to accept, with three teenage daughters. They've found the only stupid mom that constitutes a barrier between them and freedom... I'm starving myself to death and running 5km a day around my lonely bed in order to regain my girly dexterity. (to Anna, in a louder voice) Big fat man!
Roberto sat on the bed with his back against the pillow. A bedside lamp was on, and there was a glass of wine on the bedside table. He was flipping through a file, and from time to time he heard the voices of two women talking. Roberto has trouble concentrating.
Alicia (voice-over): ...there isn't a single male you like.
Roberto closed the dossier; Alicia stretched out, her legs straight forward.
Alicia: Forty years old, what happened? Why didn't I notice that I was forty? Fatty...
She laughed and folded the letter; Anna, with a cigarette in hand, staggered to her feet, posing in a pose that showed her slender figure.
Anna: Hey, we're amazing.
Alicia: That's amazing! ... At Fat Man's, we were drinking eggnog.
Roberto narrowed his eyes and leaned against the pillow. After a while, his eyes widened again, staring into the air, thinking; Alicia took off her glasses, put her hand on her forehead, and watched Anna pour eggnog into two wine glasses.
Alicia: I, I have a disease. Did I tell you? No, not said. On my 40th birthday, Roberto invited me to a fancy, overpriced restaurant...and I...was poisoned and had to stay in bed for three days.
Two glasses of eggnog were placed on the small table by the sofa.
Alicia: Oh God, three days in bed! Here comes the doctor, I've never been so sick...
Anna: Not bad with Roberto, isn't it?
Aria: It's okay.
Anna: All is well. In this way, coming back can make one happy.
Anna walked around the table, handed her friend a glass of wine, and sat down on her left.
Alicia: Why didn't you tell me you were leaving? Didn't even bring me a piece of paper?
Anna: I walked too fast to say goodbye one by one. ^
Alicia: Why the hurry?
Anna: Cough! You know what it's like to be drunk with eggnog?
Alicia: That's annoying, you don't want to tell me.
Alicia put down the cup, approached Anna, and put her hand on her shoulder. Anna hesitated and sighed, frowning.
Anna: Have you been to my house in Laprida?
Alicia: No, never been to that house.
Anna: There is an advertisement for Gardel on the door. They mashed it up (the two of them grinned back and forth). They kicked the door open with their feet, covered my head, and smashed everything. Then they put me in a car and put some feet on me and gave me a hard blow. I woke up naked and lay on a table. They started torturing me. (Pause, look serious. Alicia also stops laughing) Then someone with a stethoscope came up and told them to stop...I'm not sure it happened on the same day, I kind of lost time It seems that some tissue in my body has been destroyed and can't be repaired anymore... Now, sometimes I wake up in the morning and I can't breathe... Back then, I was hanged there and they pressed my head In the bucket... Seven years later, I was still holding my breath (breathing hard, one hand on my chest), and when I came out of there, I heard that I was there for thirty-six days and I lost ten pounds Two kilograms, they gave me all the torture... At first, I was spared their rape, you know why? (begins to cry) Because the guy who came into the house, the only one I saw face, smiled at me and said "you, I'll leave you to me"...and then, as soon as I heard his voice, I shivered , scared, on the street, in the subway.
Ana burst into tears; Alicia's eyes showed panic.
Alicia: But why are they doing this to you? Why? Anida?
Ana: At first, they asked me about Pedro; as for me, I told them the truth: I hadn't seen him in two years... They asked me again, and I answered that again, so they He brazenly used fists, electric torture, and buckets together...
Anna wiped away her tears, and Alicia put her arms around her neck.
Gabby fell asleep quietly beside the doll. There was a burst of sobbing conversation, and Gabby opened her eyes.
Alicia: What did Pedro do?
Ana (panicked): Pedro is done. He was probably dead by the time they asked me about him.
Alicia (seriously) Did you sue?
Ana (sarcastically): What a great idea! I never thought about it! But to whom are you accusing?
Alicia (solemnly): After all...if you didn't do anything bad, what about this, who to sue?
Anna: That place...it's full...sometimes, it's hard to tell if it's me screaming or someone else. There were pregnant women who lost their children there...and others who went with their children...because their children were sold to families who didn't ask where they came from.
Alicia was shocked, with reproach in her eyes, she turned her head, and was very flustered, as if she had been exposed.
Alicia (roughly) Why are you telling me this?
Alicia got up and walked away; Ana frowned slightly, surprised at Alicia's reaction, wiping away tears with her hands, thinking.
Anna sat on the sofa, her hands in her hair; Alicia put on her shoes, turned to put something down on the table, and looked at Anna.
Anna: I've never told anyone, I've only written to a special court. It's unbelievable (putting on shoes and coat, leaning over to pick up her bag), I feel guilty.
The two stood face to face, and Alicia approached Anna, helped her straighten the collar of her coat, and kissed her goodbye.
Anna: Goodbye.
Alicia cleared the low table and put the rest of the food on a plate: pastry slices, cups, apples, bread...
Alicia folded a crumpled letter. She went to the couch, put the cushions away, folded the red blanket, and approached a small bookcase to organize some letters. She picked up a photo.
Alicia's hair is disheveled, her face is tired and sad, and she stares at the photo in her hands. Suddenly, she jumped up in surprise and called out at the same time.
In a panic, she threw away the photo and knocked over the cup; Gabby came behind her and put her hand on her waist.
The cup fell to the floor, and the thick yellow liquid splashed onto a photo of a smiling little girl; next to it was a photo of Gabby, Alicia, and Roberto, among others.
Alicia knelt down and pressed her face to her daughter's.
Alicia: Gabby, you startled me. Go, go to bed!
She picked up Gabby, and the thick eggnog continued to spread.
In the classroom
, Alicia sat behind the desk, tilted her head slightly, and pressed her fist. She was still elegantly dressed, with a thin scarf tied, and her hair pulled into a perfect bun.
A student, Chiapé, in a dark suit, white shirt, and tie, is standing in front of a blackboard. The rest of the students looked at him, all also wearing the required attire.
Chiappe paused as he spoke, coughing softly to clear his throat.
Chiappe: Many of Moreno's articles illustrate his republican ideas and are therefore worthy of attention. One of them was the decree he drew up after December 5th to abolish the title of rank. That day, an officer, who looked like he was being overcharged (laughing loudly)...drunk, I don't remember his name (look at the teacher).
Alicia: It doesn't matter, go ahead!
CHIAPE: This officer... well, the history books just say that he "was more than usual in seeing Saavedra." However, I believe he called him emperor or something like that, some undemocratic title anyway.
Alicia: What did he say about the rank title?
Chiappe (uncomfortably): Cancels rank designation.
Alicia (a little absent-mindedly): Of course, but do you remember what Moreno said?
CHAPEE (in a low voice). do not remember.
Alicia (looks at the class): Who remembers?
Duran (raises hand): I remember, ma'am.
Alicia motioned him to stand with a pen and Chiappe back to her seat with the same gesture.
Duran (coughs, the rest of the students coax at him): He says there shouldn't be any difference between the members of the council other than the seating arrangement. He also said that in the document, a resident of Buenos Aires, even if he is drunk or asleep, should not say things that go against the freedom of the country.
Alicia: Good, Duran.
Duran sat down, and the students behind him beat him on the neck for his "hard work".
Alicia: Who else can hafnium us cite another article that shows Moreno's republican ideas?
The last of the line of students on the right against the wall raised the arm of the second student (Falkovich) and buried his head.
Student (in falsetto): Me.
FALKOWICH (subduing): Well, I... (the rest of the people laughing loudly)...and the one in Gasta, which was about freedom of the press...
he read books secretly, unrestrained scratch your ears.
Alicia: You are...
Fairkovich: I'm Fairkovich.
Alicia: Mr. Fairkovich, why don't you stand up and speak?
FALKOWICH (rising): I don't know him...actually, I don't remember anything. My father always said something that shouldn't be remembered!
The students laughed, and Alicia looked at him, amused.
Alicia: Well, your father seems very wise. But didn't you remember the meaning of the article? What matters is the meaning.
Falkowicz: Of course. It's like something... people don't let the truth come out, eh? People see that it is lies, poverty, ignorance that lead to victory... In the end, it is not without reason that others kill him.
Alicia: Kill who?
Falkowicz: Moreno! I mean, it's not for nothing that someone throws him in the water!
Alicia looked at the class, put down the pen, got up and walked a few steps.
Alicia: Yes, not without reason. People threw him into the water, just as people do with the dead at sea. The voyage was too far for people to keep bodies on board.
Dilking (another student): Yes, ma'am, Moreno was poisoned! (students boo) Nothing funny!
Alicia: Listen, it's just an assumption, a fashionable assumption at a time. Some people like to believe it easily, but there is no evidence.
Costa (another student, looking down): No evidence, that's because history was written by the executioner!
The other students were a little embarrassed and looked away. Costa slowly raised his head and looked at the teacher. Alicia also looked awkward...Costa closed the book, stood up and walked towards the teacher.
Costa: My name is Horacio Costa, ma'am.
Alicia: Mr. Costa, please go out and wait.
Costa put the pen in his coat pocket, looked at the teacher and then at the class, and walked out slowly.
Alicia: This is a history class, not a debate. Then if anyone wants to speak, they must raise their hand and ask for my permission. Without discipline, we can neither learn nor teach!
She muses...
Gabby (off-screen): And you, are you a trick magician or a real magician?
In Alicia's living
room there were many children of Gabby's age, and two or three young women looked after them. The room is decorated with balloons and bunting. A girl is blowing up a balloon. A man in a pale red shirt was performing magic tricks, and the children watched with interest.
Magician: A real magician.
He bent down to show a small audience a container with a lid, and then shaking the container, he straightened up, lifted the lid, and flames burst out.
Magician: Look, the rum-fired omelet!
He closed the lid again. When he lifted the lid again, the flames were gone and a pigeon flew out.
A child: Did you see it? A real magician!
The kitchen
The kitchen is bright, only a little messy because of the holidays. Alicia walked in quickly, put the two colored cardboards in her hands on the closet by the door, and walked to the refrigerator.
Alicia: Rosa, do you still have Coke in the fridge?
In the other corner of the kitchen, Rosa and Nata are busy. Nata is Roberto's mother. They decorated the birthday cake, and Rosa had a bag of sugar in her hand.
Rosa: The fridge is too much...
Alicia opened the fridge and smiled. She took out two large bottles of Coca-Cola and closed the refrigerator.
Rosa: Besides, I can't either! If I don't let your mother-in-law leave the kitchen, I'll quit!
Nata: No, you don't resign. Otherwise, who can eat your cooking?
She walked to the door with her birthday cake, just as her son Enrique came in with a few empty Coca-Cola bottles. She let him go, and proudly showed him the cake.
Enrique: Hey, Alicia, do you still have some Coca-Cola in the fridge?
In the afternoon, the interior of the living
room, especially in the corridor, is not very bright. The eight children, including Gabby, sat in two rows, with a bench in the front and a table in the back to watch the magician perform. He held a yellow balloon in one hand, and in the other hand held a long needle close to the balloon mysteriously. The children were frightened and held their breath; the needle did not pierce the balloon, but the magician learned the sound of the explosion: Boom!
The children breathed a sigh of relief and clapped. The magician resumes the previous program. The difference is that this time, he inserted the needle into the balloon, and the balloon did not explode. He stopped, looking surprised.
The kitchen
Enrique enters the kitchen. He was wearing a blue shirt and light-colored trousers. He was about forty years old. In contrast to his brother, he looked more like a "member of the people" than a big bourgeois. He came to Alicia.
Enrique: My sly brother! I bet he won't arrive until this is over!
He unscrewed a bottle cap. Alicia glanced at him, picking up something from the table as she spoke.
Alicia: Today he talks with foreigners. It's a pity you couldn't convince your father...
she was cooking.
Enrique: Ah, old man? Once the quarrel is over, it's not over. Roberto will not budge, he will never budge. Tell my brother that the old man thinks about Gabby to death.
Alicia had been watching over her cooking, and Enrique taunted her kindly.
Enrique: Could it be the same on Sunday? He also has talks with a few foreigners?
Alicia (seriously): Sometimes when I think of Gabby's mom, it scares me.
Enrique (uneasy): What? What are you afraid of?
As he was speaking, Rosa came, holding a toeless cup made of cardboard of various colors. Nata followed closely behind.
Rosa: Madam, I resign!
Nata: Promise her, Alicia, before she goes back on it!
Enrique also looked at Alicia.
Living Room
Magician: Now, let's do the same trick with pigeons.
The children shouted and shook their little heads.
Magician: OK or not? I can not hear.
A child stood up to stop him from stabbing the crow with a needle. The rest of the children grew nervous; one of them burst into tears. Gabby was serious, stood up calmly, and walked behind the crying child. At this time, the children surrounded the magician with their toy weapons.
Dining room
Jiabi walked down the wall to the dining room and walked to the newly decorated fireplace, which read in English: Happy Birthday. She whistled softly, and the voices of the other children gradually ceased. Gabby climbed the colorfully decorated wooden stairs.
Corridor and Alicia's bedroom Gabby
stepped into the small hallway. On the right is her room, with the door ajar; go along the corridor to Alicia's room, inside, Alicia is dialing the phone number, and Gabby slips into her room lightly.
Jiabi's room
After Jiabi came in, she closed the door and the room was dimly lit, but it could be seen that there were all kinds of props and toys. She turned on a small lamp and the room was bright. She walked over to a xylophone, tapped another note softly, and sang in a low voice.
Alicia's room
Alicia is on the phone. Behind her, a group of teens, with submachine guns and sticks in their hands, clamored; running from the open door.
Alicia: What happened...it was your daughter's birthday.
At this point, the children, shooting each other with their machine guns and some more modern weapons, ran past Alicia; she turned to hear each other.
Alicia: It's nothing...well, it's all good.
Enrique: Children, this is not the place to play!
The sounds outside Gabby 's room
almost disappeared. Gabby's quietness was in stark contrast to the excitement of the other children. She put the stick on the xylophone, sighed, picked up the big doll that Roberto had bought, and stroked it affectionately, but at the same time a little nervous. She spoke to the doll very gently.
Gabby: Little baby, were you sad just now? Stop crying, my little one... come on, go to bed... go to bed, eh? Sleep in peace...do you want mom to stay? Well, well, my baby is so good, so good...My dear baby, my little baby is sleepy. Baby is going to sleep... Look there, look at the toys your cousin brought you...
Suddenly, the door is kicked open, and some boys come screaming. Gabby screamed, grabbed the big doll and walked away. A boy got into bed.
Boy: He's there, shoot! He's on the balcony!
A toy house as tall as a child, with red roofs and green windows. A boy jumped at the small table by the small door and slipped.
Gabby hugged the doll tightly, screaming.
A boy tried to get into the little house and broke the door.
Alicia ran into the room and came to Gabby.
Alicia: Gabby! What happened? Honey? (holds up Gabby) What's the matter with you?
Enrique: Did they hurt her? (Grabs the arm of one of his sons, Gabriel) What did I tell you?
Gabriel: No, we didn't touch her, Dad! As soon as we entered the house, she called...what do you want from me...
Louisa came over and stopped a child who was leaning against the door.
LOUISA (dignifiedly): Martin!
Martin: No, I didn't touch her.
Louisa: Didn't talk about them for a while?
Enrique drove the children out, and involuntarily shot his son; Alicia shook Gaby in her arms.
Esteban (child): It seems she's scared. We didn't know she was in the room.
MARTIN (going out) Can't she play? Even if she was a girl...
Alicia stroked Gabby's hair tenderly; Gaby was calm but still sobbing.
After a turmoil has passed, it makes people feel very peaceful.
Alicia (with emotion) It's been five years, it's unbelievable.
In the living room
Alicia came in with a bottle and a tray (with two glasses of wine). Roberto sat in the armchair. Alicia put the wine bottle and other items on a low table. There is a light on the right.
Alicia: That day, I was busy at home all day. What about you, came back very late, do you remember? Like today, it's very late. You can't even hold a child (laughs. Hand him a glass of wine), you hold her like a puppy. When we talk about it, I think you're right, I don't have to go to the hospital...
Roberto tosses a balloon impatiently. Alicia sat on the floor, turned and handed him a sandwich from the table, but he didn't take it.
Alicia: Now, I think I should have gone... I should have gone, didn't I? Who is that woman with you in the car? who is she?
Roberto: Who is that? (drinks) ... a nurse.
Alicia: Heyfer, what's the doctor's name? It's Heffer.
Roberto: I can't remember, Alicia. Why do you want me to remember?
Alicia: How could you forget the name of the doctor who gave you Gabby?
She shook her head slightly; he touched her head affectionately with the balloon.
Roberto: We said we wouldn't talk about it again.
Alicia: Did you pay?
Roberto: Alicia!
Alicia: To the doctor or to the mother?
Rototo: Why are you bringing this up now?
Alicia: Because of you, you told me she agreed, but how do you know she agreed? Well, did you see her in the hospital? Answer me, Roberto, don't be mad...maybe she didn't know that someone else...was taking her daughter.
Roberto: What stupid thing are you asking?
Alicia: Do I know what I'm asking you? Are we never going to tell her the truth? When this day comes, I always feel bad for you. Did you realize it? Our birthday is the day you brought her, it's not her birthday...
Roberto: The birthday we celebrate is the day we have her registered. Yes, this is her birthday!
Alicia stared at the floor.
The school corridors and classroom
corridors are dimly lit, and the light entering through the glass doors is limited, which inevitably gives a feeling of emptiness and desolation. By the large glass door at the end, two people were talking.
Alicia gradually came over from the shadows... From the classroom, Dilkin's voice came from reading the text aloud.
Dilking (voice-over): ...because without the freedom to think, people continue to respect the fallacies that were "approved" by their grandfathers and proven by time and customs.
Two students stand guard in front of the classroom. A yellow-haired student turned around and saw Alicia coming, and immediately notified his companions, and the two walked into the classroom one after the other. Deerkin continued to read.
DILKIN (V.O.): Stop defending our old opinions for a while, have less self-respect, and let the truth come in...
BULMAN: Dilkin, stop, lunatic, stop reading!
Dilking: Idiot, look how this ends...Listen to Horacio! (Students look at him) Truth, like virtue, is irrefutable in and of itself; just discuss and ask questions, and truth shines brightly before the eyes... (to a classmate) Now listen to him, if people...
Coase Tower hit him on the head with a paper to let him know it was time to stop. He stopped, looked in the direction of the podium, and Alicia walked into the classroom. Some newspapers and leaflets are posted on the blackboard. The students rose, with the exception of Dilking, who began to read again.
DILKING : If people limit his speech, mind will be as rigid as matter...
Alicia stands at the blackboard, she turns sharply...
Alicia (dignifiedly): Sit down!
DILKIN : ...and mistakes, lies, fanaticism and ignorance...
Alicia (pointing to the blackboard behind her): Artemi, take it down! Take it down, sir! I don't ask who did it (Dilkin is still whispering) because everyone sees him ... Dilkin
: Sit down with Foolish... Alicia.
The students handed her newspaper clippings. Surprised, she nervously put the clippings on the lecture table.
Alicia: ...Then, all of you have to suffer on behalf of those who made such a joke!
Dilking : ...will divide the people, it will cause its collapse, destruction and suffering...
Alicia: You know well how to avoid this.
Dilking: Mariano Moreno, Gazette of Buenos Aires, 12 June 1810.
He secretly made a salute with his arm, as if he was happy to finish reading the article.
The street in front of the school,
at the end of the street in the city center, is some white-gray walls with a few small windows, and one of the low walls is also installed with barbed wire. There is a black, yellow and red fence at the end of the school, which is the passage for students to walk. In addition, there are several sparse and barren trees beside the road.
Alicia came, and Benitez followed closely. She was wearing a navy blue coat, beige skirt, red scarf, and bag cross-body; Benitez was wearing light-colored trousers, white shirt, tie, dark coat draped over his shoulders, book and handout in hand.
Alicia walked quickly through the fence, talking to Benitez and walking down the pavement.
Benitez: Can you go somewhere later, just this time!
Alicia: Why?
Benitez: Like going for a coffee.
ALICIA (coming to her car): Excuse me, Benitez, I'm in a hurry and have to go to the city center.
BENITEZ (standing in front of the passenger door) Take me with you? ...I have something to tell you.
Alicia opened the door for him and he got into the car.
Alicia drove into a wide street. There are some tall broadleaf trees on both sides of the street. The vehicles are going back and forth, and the sound is noisy.
Benitez: Going for coffee?
Alicia: Listen, Benitez, I'm really not in the mood. What are you doing?
Benitez: Maybe flirting?
Alicia: Then you are crazy!
Benitez (pretending to be serious): Just kidding, look at your temper! If I suggest you sleep with me right away, you're going to make a fuss!
The car came to a sudden stop. Alicia looked at Benitez and was very disgusted.
Alicia: What?
Benitez: No, no, it doesn't mean that. You do not fantasize. I want to give you back a copy of the material you forgot in the principal's office...a student's material...Costa...he's always talking nonsense in class.
Alicia looked a little flustered when Benitez found those things from the bag.
Alicia (annoyed): How did you get this?
Benitez: ...I'm friends with the female secretary.
Alicia: Why are you here? How did you get permission? ...what right? ...
Benitez (firmly): No rights! ...that's pretty clear. I took this material because I know exactly where I live...because for this idiot, the price of his agitation may be much heavier than a few accusations...because you too,
Deserves a different kind of luck... Alicia starts the car, the car turns and drives off the street.
Alicia: This class is full of mischievous students...Today, they covered the blackboard with newsletters, newspaper clippings. Frankly, I don't understand what they're trying to do... As
she continued to stare at the road, she picked up the material that was placed between the two seats and returned it to him.
Alicia: Take it and see!
Benitez (takes material): They definitely want you to know.
Alicia: Why did Cuyo University fire you?
Benitez: Because I'm too dangerous...
He pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose; Alicia looks at him kindly.
Benitez: They didn't fire me, they searched my house while I wasn't there, and they didn't leave me a whole piece of paper... I understand that text message, I understand it alone...
Alicia: What about these lists? ...is it true about all the missing people...even babies?
Alicia stopped the car and looked at Benitez.
Alicia: No, I'm saying this because there must be some people like you who have changed careers and are now somewhere else (to put themselves at ease) aren't they?
Benitez (stiffly): ...is this really good for you? Does this matter to you?
She looked at him and he put on his coat. The sound of car horns and demonstrations came from outside the car.
Demonstrators: Let this killing habit end...
Some carried Argentine flags; one held a placard with a picture of a young woman. Three policemen stood in the shadows watching. Demonstrators shouted slogans angrily.
Demonstrators: Let this killing habit end, ...
Benitez: Think it can't always be easier? In particular, in order for this to be possible, it takes a lot of complicity...Many people don't want to believe this, even if it's happening right before their eyes.
He looked excited and determined, looking at Alicia; she looked at him intently.
Benitez: Take Costa's materials, just in case you want to hand them in again!
He waved and got out of the car.
A large banner appeared in the parade, which read: "relatives of persons missing and imprisoned for political reasons". Behind the banners were people holding placards or little swallowtail flags. The atmosphere is relaxed and solemn. It's hotter and people are wearing light clothing (light colored skirts, floral shirts...)
Demonstrators: Tell us where the missing are!
The parade came to a crossroads. Brawls, provocative horns, sirens from police cars, and slogans are intertwined. Alicia ran off with a few people...
Demonstrators: Tell us where they are! Young people who are illegally imprisoned, where are they!
Alicia covered her collar and hugged her schoolbag tightly. There was commotion all around. Alicia was in front of a wall, looking around anxiously, as if looking for someone.
Amid the roar of demonstrators, police broadcasts could also be heard in the distance.
Alicia continued to move forward, but at a very slow pace, and she sometimes stopped to observe. The marchers encountered a military truck.
Demonstrators: Soldiers, cuckolds, what did you do to the missing?
Demonstrators: Internal debt, corruption...
Some soldiers in steel helmets appeared around the parade.
Demonstrators: ... is the most difficult dilemma for the country to get out of!
Alicia walked along the buildings on the corner of the street, turning back from time to time, as if nostalgic for what she had seen. She stopped at the door of the building, with her back against the wall, holding on to the door frame, watching the people marching in the street.
Demonstrators: What happened to Malvinas? These kids are not there anymore! We shouldn't forget them, we should fight...
Alicia took one last look and disappeared at the entrance of the building. Some police officers sat in hooded trucks, wearing steel helmets, waiting silently; others watched intently on the parade.
Demonstrators: What did you do to the missing?
Alicia was in the building, looking out through a smoked glass, a glass of water in her hand, her hair a little disheveled. The demonstrators' shouts could still be heard, but at a reduced volume.
Around a large pennant, the mothers of the Plaza de Mayo gathered, wearing the famous white square headscarf: "Return to their biological parents the children born during false imprisonment and incarceration. Mothers." There were more than fifty of them, all holding placards with pictures of boys and girls. People are pouring in.
Alicia was still watching from the glass window...
The reception hall of Roberto's office is a
modern reception room, clean, smooth, bright, and slightly empty. A "reception lady" was writing something behind the desk. Alicia came, and from here, you could see the high-rise buildings in the city center through the glass windows, but no sound of demonstrations could be heard. Alicia went to a small table and put the water glass in her hand on the table.
To the right of the hall are two elevators, and beyond that is a corridor. A door at the end of the hallway opened, revealing an office. Marcy and Jones (the bearded American) came out, happily talking in English as they walked. They have just made a satisfactory deal.
A young female secretary (Tiggy), in a white shirt and slacks, with a file in hand, walks past them with her hips twisted.
Dante (English): Hope you can stay longer next time, Mr. Jones.
Jones: Sure, the city is beautiful. Maybe (to Tiggy passing by) you can give me a tour.
TIGGY (pausing, looking at the American): Do you have anything special to do, Mr. Jones?
She walked into the office and Jones followed.
Dante prepares to get into the elevator; Marcy walks towards him. Dante turned around.
Dante (dry): Please wait!
Alicia was still standing by the window with a news magazine in her hand, looking worried.
Jones (voice-over): Not really, but maybe you can help me figure it out.
Tiggy (smiles): Well, next time you come, see you.
Jones: I hope so!
He glanced at her again, then turned and walked out of the office, towards the elevator. Dante shook his hand.
Dante: Thank you. It was a pleasure working with you!
Alicia looked in their direction, flipping through the magazine casually.
Dante shook hands with Jones, Marcy was behind them, and Tiggy finished packing. With the bell, the elevator doors closed.
Dante: Goodbye.
Marcy (closer, imperious) Dante, please!
Dante (tired, goes to the office): Wait a minute, I'll be with you, Marcy!
Marcy's nerves were irritated, and he was very unhappy. He tapped the paper roll on his leg, turned and sat down.
Dante was in Tiggy's office, lying on his desk, writing something; Tiggy was sitting next to him.
Dante: Tell Ibanez it's done; and five more as repayments.
Tiggy: Right now, I can't...
Alicia looks at the magazine absentmindedly, as if she's listening to what's going on around her.
Dante (V.O.): I think you got it wrong, you know? Also, get this old guy out of here for me. If Andrade sees him, he will kill us!
Alicia looked this way, seeming to be very tired of these "trivial things".
Tiggy (voice-over): Why don't you drive him away yourself?
Alicia threw the magazine on the small table. The cover of the magazine was a picture of a soldier and a bold headline.
Another angle of the hall. Tiggy smiled and came behind Alicia, who turned around.
Tiggy: Today is a busy day for us, and we're really nervous...
Roberto came from the floor-to-ceiling glass window on the right, met Marcy in front of the elevator, and patted Marcy on the shoulder in greeting.
Roberto: I didn't know you were here, go in and wait for me!
He quickly changed direction, walked to Tigi, looked at a file at the desk, and continued talking to Marcy.
Roberto: No, our date had better be tomorrow... (changes tone, gestures to the secretary, bossily) Tigi! (turns to Alicia again) What's the matter? what happened?
He hugged Alicia; before Marcy could react, she was "silly" in front of the secretary.
Alicia: No, no...I have something to tell you.
Roberto: You know I have to go, eh? (looks at watch) We should be on our way...
Marcy w
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