Читать книгу For big and small people - Роман Акимов - Страница 5

Tesya is drawing with colored pencils on white paper, and Versachka sits nearby. Victoria’s husband comes out of the neighboring room.

Tesya – Daddy, daddy, look!

Victoria’s Husband – Oh my, what’s this?

Tesya – I drew it myself!

Victoria’s Husband – But it’s winter… And your tree is green, and these… colorful leaves?

Tesya – I just thought…

Victoria’s Husband (weary, almost indifferent) – Haven’t they told you that an artist shouldn’t think? They, my dear, should reflect the truth and the reality that uplifts fundamental things in the eyes of the beholder, like love for the kingdom, respect for the law, labor… the ability to endure hardships for the common bright future!

Tesya – I just…

Victoria’s Husband (annoyed) – How much is three pieces of bread plus three pieces of bread? Hasn’t your mother taught you to add? Show with your fingers!

Tesya (shows with fingers) – Probably like this!

Victoria’s Husband (shows the correct answer) – Not probably, like this! Learn to understand bread first, and then draw green trees and these… leaves in winter!

Tesya – Okay, Daddy…

Victoria’s Husband goes into another room, and Tesya freezes in place.

Versachka – Let me see! Oh, what a magnificent and majestic tree! How much we all miss summer… Let me close my eyes right now! Ah, Tesya! I can hear the rustle of its leaves in the evening’s summer breeze!

Tesya – It seems like you understand me!

She hugs Versachka.

Versachka – Of course, I do, but I just can’t express it like a human!

Victoria enters with large bags.

Guard (outside the window) – Turn off the lights! Lights out! Turn off the lights!

Victoria – Just in time! A step the length of a lifetime! But what did I bring, my dear! Yes, yes, you understand it correctly! Soda! Is it a celebration or not? Take it and bring it to the kitchen!

Victoria actively takes off extra clothes.

Tesya – Mom, look at what I drew!

Victoria – Hm… (pause) A tree… (pause) And why aren’t you in bed yet? Don’t you want Uncle Guard to take you to the guardhouse? There’s no paint there, only soot and dampness…

Tesya – No, Mom!

Victoria – Then hurry! (to her husband) My dear, wonderful, long-haired, and curly husband, today marks six years since we’ve been together!

Victoria’s Husband – Oh, really?

Victoria – That’s right! This occasion calls for celebration!

Guard (knocking on the window) – Turn off the lights!

Victoria – Yes, yes!

Victoria’s Husband and Victoria go to the kitchen, closing the kitchen door with a familiar sound. Through the glass of the kitchen door, only silhouettes can be seen. Later, faint voices and some household noise can be heard from the kitchen. Outside, the guards march in formation. The sound of boots is audible.