Читать книгу For big and small people - Роман Акимов - Страница 8

Victoria and Victoria’s Husband, dressed inappropriately for the weather, stand by the window awaiting a royal message. Tesya stands nearby, wrapped in a blanket.

Town Crier – In times of growing prosperity in our kingdom, when every family works tirelessly for the prosperity of our lands, the lands where our ancestors once lived, those who believed in a bright future for the next generations and knew that the kingdom is blessed not by us, but from above… In all this grandeur, it turns out not everyone is pleased! Yesterday, the king’s guards captured conspirators, true traitors (because there’s no other way to describe them). And who are they? Three students from the Royal University! Bring them out! Guards bring out three students.

Town Crier – What were they doing in their free time from studies? They, in a strange and unacceptable manner, insulting our feelings, distorted the image of our king! They allowed us, the people, to be depicted as hungry, angry, uncivilized savages! They apparently thought it was a harmless joke! But we know where the tentacles grow from and who commissioned these images!

Indistinct disapproval is heard from the windows.

Town Crier – All of us absorbed with our mother’s milk that the neighboring kingdoms are trying to sow discord in our minds and in the minds of our children, distorting meanings, spreading false information about a better life! But we know it’s a lie! These three drank a different milk, and we see the result!

Words are heard from the windows: “Punish them! Punish them!!!”

Town Crier – But our king is merciful! Instead of the desired and deserved execution for these traitors, he has ordered that they be paraded through the streets in the near future so that everyone they offended with their pictures can speak their minds while looking them in the eye! Take them away! Hail to the merciful king!

Amid loud applause, Victoria’s husband silently closes the window.

Victoria (not hiding her irritation) – Let’s go to the room, I’ll change you…

Tesya – Mommy, what happened?

Victoria – Nothing…

Victoria and Tesya leave for the adjoining room.

Versachka – While I was sleeping, something happened?

Victoria’s Husband – I’m so tired of these constant missing socks, every morning it’s the same… (starts burying himself in a pile of clothes)

Victoria (from the room) – Can you raise your hands?! Can’t you see that it’s difficult for me to put this on?! And in general, it’s time to learn to do everything yourself… Well, okay!

Victoria’s Husband (demonstratively) – How I’m tired of all this…

Versachka – What happened here?

Victoria’s Husband leaves. Victoria and Tesya, dressed, come out. Tesya runs up to Versachka.

Tesya – Dear friend, see you later!

Versachka – See you later!

Victoria (sarcastically) – And don’t bark at me! As usual, you’ll endure it! I hope you heard me?

Tesya – Mommy, let’s go!

Victoria and Tesya leave. Versachka approaches the window, watching the quickly diminishing silhouettes. The clamor of people grows as the loud steps of soldiers’ boots are heard. The house begins to shake, and in fear, Versachka hides and closes his eyes. Meanwhile, students pass by the window, accompanied by a large number of guards. Street sweepers follow, clearing the path behind the students with brooms. The sun passes across the sky. Time speeds up.