Drama with comic elements in III acts
All events pictured in this play which coincide with events in real life is a well thought accident.
Characters:
Vaiva Rūstytė – 42 year old activist for animal rights, junior expert of public order in municipality of Naujoji Akmenė.
Aldona Rūstienė – 61 year old, mother of Vaiva, senior expert of children rights and welfare in municipality of Naujoji Akmenė.
Boris or Bobo – 29 year old junior expert of common affairs in municipality of Naujoji Akmenė, assistant to Vaiva’s chief.
Martyna Rūstytė or Martyna Fox – 14 year old Vaiva’s daughter, grandchild of Aldona, student of Naujosios Akmenės Saulėtekis highschool.
Vytukas Rūstys – 6 years old son of Vaiva, grandchild of Aldona, pupil of Naujosios Akmenės kindergarten Atžalynas.
Policeman, as we learn later, named Saulius – 39 years old.
Policewoman – 23 years old.
Act I
A small scene in the corridor of municipality of Naujoji Akmenė.
Martyna: Just two euros. Just a coin. What a humanist you are… Give me more.
Vaiva: I don’t have more here. Next week. Get out of here. If boss sees you then…
Martyna: Shit she will see. That her employee is buying discounted rolls for her children late at a shop, that she’ll see? Noodle packs she’ll see? What mother are you? What will you feed your dogs tonight, huh? What? What? Whaaat?
Vaiva: Shut up. Shut up, I’m telling you. A little bitch, you are. Humanist. Just listen to a word she has learnt… Retard. How much do you need? What for?
Martyna: I need for a present for a friend. Give me five. I’ll think about your suggestion. To shut up. I’m going to spend the weekend at dad’s. Bye.
Scene is taking place in the room 313 in municipality of Naujoji Akmenė. Three desks are there. Vaiva enters the room. Aldona and Boris are drinking tea.
Vaiva: Well, my dear colleagues, I was delayed a little… Attention, Aldona! I invite you to raise the cup of this flavorful Earl Grey tea to my business trip to Brussels. Can you imagine, just in three months. Here I’ll be standing in front of scrutinizing eyes of hundreds activists of animal rights from all over Europe. And I will be reading the report of my life. Ah, let’s rehearse it again. Boris, pay attention to the accents, okay? So: (in broken English) “Ladies and gentlemen. Today there are far too many animals in the world. I’ll have you know – there isn’t a single animal shelter organization that could accommodate all the unfortunate, homeless, poor little fellas. Besides, there aren’t enough funds available. Please note that the number of animal-saving organizations is increasing like never before, but the problem, unfortunately, remains unsolved. And it will not get solved if we don’t put drastic measures in place. The aid of good-will is of no use here. Different measure must be enforced – animals have to be marked and sterilized and castration is a must. We have to pay special attention to the Lithuanian villages. It is in the villages that people still live like they were cave-men – they barely reached stone-age in the field of animal protection. So, in this case, we can apply an annoyingly overused saying, that sickens me – “When dogs bark, caravan moves.”
Boris: Stop. Sorry, maybe here, fellow Rūstyte, I mean, Vaiva, you expressed yourself too much? Annoyingly, like wtf is that??
Vaiva: Okay, got it. No expressions. Fixed that annoyingly. And you will have to help me to translate a few more phrases, like “Today I want to celebrate with you the future of sterilized cats of Naujoji Akmenė! To us! And to finally in a humane way destroyed excess growth of cats!”
Aldona: Vaiva, dear, we are very happy for you but that tea smells like jasmines. It smells so much like spring. I’m even covered in dew.
Vaiva: Mom. Mother... Don’t embarrass me. This is traditional English tea. I have to get used to it. Organizers of the conference are going to house us at the homes of local experts of animal protection. They are drinking this day and night. So please endure it for me. That smell is so… But one can do anything for kind causes. And Boris here, he will edit the report, translate it and will help me to remember English in private lessons.
Boris: I’ll help you. Of course I will. My dear colleague Rūstyte, I’m always ready to help. With any problem you might have.
Vaiva: So there’s no time to waste. Tonight we’ll start. I’m very weak with verb forms. I’m always mixing it. I confuse it.
Aldona: Well now. You’re mixing it? Ah, right. Yes. You’re right. You’re confusing it. That’s true.
Vaiva: Aldona, I see that by the temporary cleaning schedule of the spaces of municipality, today is your turn to wash the cups. Thank you for support. Really. It is very important to me. Very.
(Aldona gathers the cups and leaves.)
Boris: So tonight?
Vaiva: That would be perfect. At my place. I’ll just leave kids at Aldona’s. So they wouldn't make noise while I’m learning. I borrowed textbooks already. Maybe we can start with a test?
Boris: Jump out the window if you are the object of passion. Flee it if you feel it. Passion goes, boredom remains.
Vaiva: What did you say? Is it related to my report in any way?
(Aldona comes back with a pile of files in her arms. She is sorting them on the desk.)
Aldona: Vaiva, dear, boss told you to take a look at these first. It’s some kind of complaint. And this, Boris, is for you.
Vaiva: Well, well… Again from Vilnius street. Five story building. A call about tortured pigeons.
Boris: Anonymous.
Vaiva: It makes no difference. I need to check that. You’re coming?
Boris: I need to sort these. I have to be in the archive until lunch. I would love to join you.
Vaiva: I’ll manage. Happy sorting, colleagues. (Leaves)
Aldona: Oh, my hot blooded Vaiva, it’s already boiling. I see it in her eyes, there’s going to be war in that Vilnius street, oh it’s gonna be.
Borisas: True Rūstytė! Lithuanians are hot blooded women. I’m kidding!
Aldona: Oh, but they really are hot blooded. Just let her to fight for the right thing. What right thing, animal rights. Even when she was little she couldn’t just walk past a dog or a cat. She used to have a hamster in a closet. She hid that from me, little idiot. I’m allergic to all these hair and fur and feathers. To all of this. Even if I see a dog through a window my palms get spots. And she can't live without animals. Cried and cried for a dog, to me and to her father. Rest in peace. Vaiva’s father died early. There were only us two left. Such a life then it was. Like in a God’s arm. Calm. Quiet. Just her attraction to these animals. So she graduated biology in Vilnius University. But what came of that? Two children from two different fathers. Unfinished house. No husband. But a private animal shelter in the yard. And the job of a junior expert in municipality. To serve the boss. Fucking shit. When you think of it…
Boris: Aldona, you have seen a lot in life. You survived it.
Aldona: Yes!
Boris: Well, if I would ask you for help or an advice, would you give it to me?
Aldona: Always. Anytime. Like in a closet. I mean, like in a safe. All your secrets are like in a safe with me. Locked. Well?
(The phone rings. Boris is called to the boss’ office. Martyna storms into the room.)
Martyna: Is Vaiva here? Grandma, can I leave my bag with you for a moment? I’m going to the bathroom and back.
Aldona: Martyna, dear, just be silent like a mouse. Go by the wall, one two and you’re done. You know what is going to happen if someone sees you. Let’s not risk it… Eh, rascal. Bag on the floor. Just, think, girl like a cherry and such a scruff.
Martyna: I’m back, grandma, fast like a spider man. By the wall, like a lightning, a kick to the bathroom’s door. Just don’t be nervous, I met your colleague from the cell nearby.
Aldona: Bronė saw you? Did she or didn’t? Don't just show your teeth! I asked you not to sneak in here this week, did I not? After these scandals... Maybe they have microphones here? Maybe they are listening to us now?
Martyna: Listening to us? Someone listening to the gossips of my great conscientious grandma? That’s a good one. So hello hello! So now turn up the volume. Assholes. Can you hear me? This is me, Martyna. The most beloved grandchild of grandma Aldona. I want to announce to you that I have sneaked in to see Aldona at work. And no…
Aldona: Martyna, my dear, can you stop already? Child, climb off the table. It’s enough. Colleague can be back at any moment. Have some pity for an old lady. Once. Can you hear me? For God’s sake, look at me, child. Get down here, just be careful. Such rigid eyes. Ice cold hands. Careful, put you feet here, another there…
Martyna: Grandma, do you want to hear what I wanted to say to these microphones? Now look me in the eyes, grandma. What? What, grandma? I see. Okay. Forget it. Where’s my bag? The exit is here, right? Bye, grandma.
(Martyna is running through the door, she bumps into Boris coming back. He has a lunch box in his hands.)
Boris: Oh, what a fox visited us today. Nice to see you, miss Martyna Fox… Oh, sorry, miss Rūstyte.
Martyna: Get off me, asshole, harasser. Microphones are here everywhere. They should jail such pedophiles like you, you hear? Can you still hear me?
Aldona: MARTYNA!!!
Boris: Calm down, Aldona, calm down. Take a deep breath. Get a grip of yourself. You can’t get too excited.
Martyna: Take off your hands from my grandma. It’s not making out with Vaiva. I’m done, I’m unfriending you right now. No, I’ll block you like I did to Vaiva. Get off me, everyone. Tell mom to pick up Vytas from kindergarten. Fuck you, Bobo!
(Martyna storms out.)
Aldona: What was she mumbling about unfriending? What is it, huh, Boris?
Borisas: Facebook generation. She herself invited me to be her friend on social media. I’m Bobo there, so that no one from work would notice. And she is Martyna Fox. Pretends to be nineteen years old, foxy. Oh, my dear Aldona, your Martyna has over thousand friends. Most of them are old guys over thirty! You, like an expert of childcare, should be doing something. It’s quite a wide field of work for you there.
Aldona: Ah, it's on internet. Fuck it, I’m telling you. Well, girl has some imagination, I say. Just like her mom. I was more reserved with fantasy when I was her age. So don't be friends there, on Facebook. And that much trouble. Or you block her first. What have you brought here?
Boris: A bake. Curd. Vegetables. Zero calories. Mom baked it yesterday. I’d like to treat you.
Aldona: So warm it up in the microwave. I’ll make some decent tea and coffee for you. There’s some candies. For dessert. Aren’t we human. We have deserved that. A break.
(She’s clinging with cups.)
So what was it you wanted to talk with me, kid?
Boris: There’s so much. You know, Aldona, our town is like a well. Like a swamp, like a quag. Everyone knows everyone. No privacy. And my mom… She wants to complain. To the mayor, to let him know that I, in her opinion, I’m going to the capital too often. Or to Kaunas, on a weekend once in a while. She complains I’m not telling her what I am doing there. She doesn’t comprehend the thought of private business. I have some personal things to do. I have to have rest from routine, from this provincial stink. That’s a nightmare, if she writes to the mayor, I’ll have to sell out and go work on cruise for six months once again. I’m sick and tired of this instability. I just started to get grip of my life. Now you can get fired even for an anonymous complaint. Just like that, just in case, so that others would know. Just like that. A complain by the mother for sure will be enough.
Aldona: Well, you know, it’s time for Bronė to retire. She’s gone too far with her conspiracy theories. Even against her own son. I don’t know… What’s next?
(Two policemen comes in through the door.)
Policeman: Department of public order? Hello, missis Aldona.
Boris: Well, due to the renovation of the municipality three departments are in here now. Who are you to see here? What’s your problem?
Aldona: Shh, Boris. It’s nice to see you here. Maybe you’d like some coffee, candies? I’ll make it in a second.
Policeman: We, mister, came her to see your colleague, Vaiva Rūstytė. We’re officially here, Aldona. But I’d like some coffee. It’s so cold today. Isn’t it, fella?
Aldona: My dear Vaiva at the moment is on a mission. She has been called to Vilnius street. To check a complaint. Something about pigeons…
Policewoman: Hello. She has cleared that thing. This is the report, everything’s in there. On Friday, at 11:35 a.m., the junior expert of public order of municipality of Naujoji Akmenė, came to Vilnius street to check a complaint on the inhabitants of the third floor due to wrongdoing to animal welfare.
Policeman: Calm down, lady Aldona. Well, that was true, pensioners from the third floor had a pigoen on a string tied to a balcony. They said it was to scare others so they do not shit in their balcony. That is true, good old method, my grandpa used to do that in the garden so that starlings wouldn’t eat all the cherries. He used to tie one starling on a cherry tree and it tried to escape, tried to get free. So for a few days it is quiet in cherry garden. Or with crows, they used tie a few by a pole so that others wouldn’t peck grains in the fields. Only they used to tie by the leg, it’s more methodical. These, they tied by the wing so…
Policewoman: That’s cruel. Inhumane. How to think of such a torment. Over the top. Like with my grandma, she used to farm rabbits but couldn’t kill them. So she just would poke their eyes and wait until they die…
Boris: Cool grandma, she was inventive.
Aldona: Boris, please be quiet. So tell me, officer, where’s Vaiva now?
Policeman: Rūstytė? She must have taken the pigeon to the vet. To see that there’s no broken bones, to disinfect wounds from the string, to make kiss of life. You know, it’s a big fat pigeon, it hardly breathes. A well fed city rat with wings. I’m kidding, of course.
Policewoman: The problem is that the old couple didn't let the expert Vaiva Rūstytė in their apartment. So she called firemen. They only got to the apartments of the neighbors of the couple. Ones on the right and ones one story up. The women from the fourth floor was shouting that they took down a pigeon just like that a few days ago. Horrible and sorrowful. Just take a look, Rūstytė has filmed and photographed it and put everything on her Facebook wall. So efficient. I’m following her since the event. And the most terrible thing is that kids are going through there back from school. They could see it and be traumatized… How one could be tormenting an animal in such a way?
Boris: Well, it's a bird, so to say. Vaiva always says all the people are crazy here, anyways. There is no sorrow for flora and fauna in them. Great woman, Rūstytė is.
Aldona: These for sure must be crazy. First of all, after it didn't work with the first pigeon, they must have come to their senses. And second, not to let officials in is a very stupid thing to do.
Boris: I don't understand, why does Lithuania need pensioners like that?
Policeman: This couple not only will be charged with criminal charges but also will have to pay for firemen services. And these are not cheap. I agree that they must have lost their mind due to small pensions and inrespectable senility. But there came protector of human rights. The savior of that old couple. From Vilnius.
Policewoman: Can you imagine, that person have already made a fund page on Facebook for these old people, saying they are the victims. “Cruelty makes cruelty”. That’s the name of the page.
Policeman: So, miss Rūstytė shouldn't have published pictures and videos from the crime scene and use blasphemous vocabulary. On social media, on working hours. We got a complaint about her actions. And a wish to restrict her authorities. Temporarily. Aldona, please understand, it’s quite simple – an employee of municipality shouldn’t behave like that. Old people in Lithuania are just like these pigeons – hanging on a string alive.
Policewoman: But some are able to remain human and others become animals.
Policeman: Problem is that now there is going to be a huge investigation. True War of Pigeons. There is a committee coming from Vilnius. Warn your colleague Rūstytė. When she comes back after giving a kiss of life to a pigeon. So, have a nice day. Thank you for coffee, Aldona.
Policemen leaves.
Boris: Aldona, I’m gonna run to the boss’ office for a minute. Just quickly, I’ll find out what’s going on. Then straight to the vet clinic, to see Vaiva. Can you cover for me if anyone comes in?
Boris leaves. Microwave oven clings. The bake has warmed up.
Act II
Act II takes place in the suburbs of Naujoji Akmenė. Chaotic block of private houses where collective gardens used to be. The inner yard of unfinished house of Vaiva Rūstytė. By the wall there are cages with animals in them, Vaiva’s private animal shelter. Martyna comes in with a laptop and headphones. She is talking via Skype.
Martyna: But you’re still going to take me in, right? When you’re back. You will? For sure? You will take me for good, you know. And for the weekend? Okay, okay, I’m not pushing. Calm down. Look, this is Vaiva’s shelter. Over twenty animals. This is her most beloved rabbit. These three cats were saved by her own hands, castrated and given special food. Everyone here is saved from death. These are dogs’ cages, they are harmless. Mostly mixed breeds. But that one is Doberman. No, I’m not afraid. How am I feeling today? Shitty. Yes, very shitty. That story with mom. And these fucking pigeons. I’m not going to school for a week again. I’m embarrassed. Such a shame! She always does something like that to me. On purpose. Everyone in school is laughing. I feel most sorry for grandma. I heard they want her out of work. There is such a battlefield. Survival show. Everyday. Her bleeding ulcer and swollen feet are going to kill her one day. I’m very scared… Okay, let’s talk about me. I’ll sit down here, you’ll see me with rabbits. It’s beautiful, right? No? Why are you like this today? Like what… Like that. It’s my shitty day. Not yours. Remember? I’m done. I’m calm. Can you see it clear? It stinks here. And that stink is also in the house. It’s impossible to get it out. Like cat’s piss. Wet dog and unctuous animal food. And rotten litter. Dog fleas. And some kind of medicine. Shit, all the house stinks like shit. Yes, yes, from basement to the attic. That smell is everywhere. And I’m taking it to school, too. And I understand when girls refuse to sit with me. It’s easier with boys, they stink, too. Like that Doberman. Something like that. I like him a lot. Even when he bites. I told you already. I like it, too. And this. Yes. Yes? I don’t know, like this maybe no, I don't like it like that. I don't like it like that, I told you. No, that’s not okay. I’m telling you. No! I’m tired, let’s call it a day. Bye. Enough. Meow. Well, meow. Meow. Murr… Fuck, you should do that with my mom. What? Well, you should make up. You would be great together. She likes freaks like you. Perverts. Like Bobo. You know him, right? That who buys pot from me on weekends in closed group. Always. Huuuge amounts. So he is her newest. A colleague, kind of. That, that one. I blocked him. No reason. So he doesn’t rat on me to mom. For example. I don’t like him. Feh. What why? Okay, sh sh sh, calm down, I’ll unblock him. I’ll tell him it’s a joke. Okay. Okay. I’m listening. That’s all? What else? With rabbits? Cover? Expose? How come? Okay, okay, I’m going to dress. Just these rabbits. They’re scratching. They’re moving. Ah. Maybe let’s not? Someone there. I think. Someone’s coming.
Martyna runs away. Vaiva and Boris enters.
Vaiva: I have so much energy that would be more than enough for a truck. Today on my Facebook wall girls were discussing how to call me. Not too much of a choice. There was a dick. Our savage or a pitbull. Yes. I’m a very good person, Boris, just don’t make me angry. I’m not one of the herd. Always a step ahead. So that I don’t have to kiss anyone’s ass. But what a daughter. Poor creatures again are not fed, going over the walls and eating corners of their cages. What do I pay her for? I’m constantly paying her to terminate all the animals? Just wait… Once I’ll catch her. She’ll get enough for all this.
Boris: Where is pigeon going to go? Do you have an empty cage? Maybe here?
Vaiva: It will go to the temporary one. Here. For five days tops. No broken bones, just a little fat fella. Just look at it. There’re only two wounds from the string. Get the cream from my pocket. We’ll fix it. Not in this one. This one. Deeper. Here, you got it. Now put it on, more. Well, this fella will stay here for five days, more or less and then I’ll let him free somewhere further from apartment building, further from animal like pensioners and where there are more female pigeons. He should enjoy life.
Boris: And what are you going to do?
Vaiva: Please?
Boris: For that temporary restriction of authority. There’s nothing to worry about. The boss’ just had a good laugh, like a joke. If you will calmly wait until it passes. Maybe take an unpaid holidays, maybe there’ll be no storm.
Vaiva: I’m fighting to the end. To the Highest court if I need to. I’ll sue these old bags to the last penny they have. So they learn this lesson for all the life they have left. There must be justice to animals. Even to pigeons, whatever they would be. Every animal has a right to justice. Come her, babe, isn't it a cute little rabbit? Just perfection. Perfection. These eyes, ears, even the curve of the back. I took him out of the pot, I can say. I saved my Roger. Do you want to hold it?
Boris: Let’s try. Is it better to hold it by the ears or by the neck?
Vaiva: I’ll hold you by the neck. What are you doing here? Gently. Like this. Put you hand here. Hold with another. Gently, I told you.
Boris: It’s wriggling. Maybe you take it. Cutie. So you say you’re going to sue these old people. Authorities may not like it. And in society there also are some opposite opinions on your behavior. You think about it, Vaiva.
Vaiva: Like, Jesus to his apprentices: You have heard that it was told “Eye for an eye”, “Tooth for a tooth”. And I am telling you: don't fight evil in human, if you were hit on your left cheek, turn to them your right one. If someone wants to go to court and take your shirt, give them your coat, too. If someone makes you walk a mile, walk two with him. Give what you were asked and don't refuse who wants to borrow from you. Doesn’t it remind you anything?
Boris: I’ll give you back what I owe. If you’re about that.
Boris tries to kiss Vaiva.
Vaiva: About that later. And this later. For now, just control your hands. I always do things to the end. People are not seeing clearly. They only want to see and accept what is good, not all that is life. The life in full. I know that coercion is the driving force of human and animal nature. Physical coercion. Psychological coercion. Energetic coercion. Emotional coercion. Intellectual coercion. It’s flourishing everywhere. Coercion is all around us – parents against children, men against women, women against men, men against men, women against women. You know what, my highest class, loving and giving mother has so spanked my ass when I was a kid that… Or. Like, when we went to visit grandparents in the country. Local kids used to undress me, tie me a pole and beat me with sticks. We were just playing, Tadas Blinda and his bandits. When I still lived with mother, a few times I have been attacked by some strangers. When I was studying in Vilnius, I used to go to the university by trolleybus. Guess, how many times someone has grabbed my crotch in the rush hours?
Boris: Will you stop it. I don't want to hear that. Please, Vaiva!
Vaiva: When I was twenty one, still a student, I had a schizophrenic man, twice my age. Almost everyday he used to beat me only because I had nowhere to go and I was dependent. By all means. And sometimes he used to beat me just for fun. Well, I have to confess, I also used to beat him. After all, I used to do karate when I was a kid. Sadly, our weight differed too much. Oh, he was a true master of violence. He used to fuck others in front of me and wouldn’t let me out of the apartment for days. Or forced his organ into my mouthed. Before he went for confession to church. He was very religious. He used to quote Bible even when he was fucking. Can you imagine?
Boris: Yes.
Vaiva: And he was not the only one like that in my rich history of partners. With some we used to fight. With some we used to masterfully torture one another psychologically. A few years ago I got scolded for practically nothing and I had beaten the father of my son so that I had to call police. I remember, I was thinking, just a little bit more and I’ll just kill him. And then I’ll go to prison and my two kids will be left alone. I made myself stop. I had almost done it. Just a bit more and done. We just have to acknowledge existence of evil. Not the one in the world, firstly, the one in us. To accept it, to retrace it, openly talk about evil and push in it noses of these idiots. Like we do with puppies when one pushes their noses into their shit. Only like that you can develop acceptable behavior.
Boris: Don't you think that it is too late for that old couple to develop reflexes for evil and push their noses into physical and spiritual wounds of a pigeon?
Vaiva: I understand what you’re saying. With age people should also become wiser. That didn't happen with these. We can only imagine what was in their heads when they were young. We still see old people not as they are. Not all of them become philosophical wise thinkers. Young idiot becomes an old idiot and there’s nothing we can do about it. Just live with that. And you’re familiar with my strict opinion on idiots. They need to be exterminated. Period.
Boris: I know. But have you thought what effect your fight to exterminate idiots might have on your family, our relationship, Aldona’s health, after all. And your career. For that business trip. And especially your big project of sterilizing excess cats of Naujoji Akmenė.
Vaiva: What does it have to do with the project?
Boris: Well, while you’re temporarily removed from the office, there can be no thought of your trip to EU conference. That’s the opinion of the boss. After the scandals they want maximum transparency in municipality and flawless reputation of employees is also extremely promoted. I had to tell you that straight away but since we have gotten carried away, I’m telling you now. I’m sorry, Vaiva. Really. Trust me. I’m on your side but circumstances at the moment are like this.
Boris wants to hug Vaiva.
Vaiva: So who will represent the municipality in the conference? Let me think. There are three and a half person in all municipality who are able to speak English. Me, you and the boss. We all were preparing the report. We’re fucking only since we started working on the project. Well, except that failed blow job in the bathroom of municipality on lunch break. You have gathered all the drafts of the project so that you can help me to better prepare for the presentation. What conclusions can we make out of this?
Boris: I am going with the boss. That is also already decided. Vaiva, stop wiggling. Get hold of yourself. There’s no need. Remember what you were just telling me. I have more than enough of all this evil. With every possible form of it. I’m done, Vaiva. I just wanted to set my life right. You will be alright. I guarantee, you will be alright. You’re our pitbull, remember? Vaiva…
Aldona enters.
Aldona: Feeding the animals. I see, I see, it works well to calm down the nerves. I brought Vytukas back from the kindergarten. He’s playing in his room. Not in a mood, little baby. Didn’t give me his hand on our way home. You should invite Boris for dinner. We’ll have a cozy one.
Vaiva: Again with his caprices. You should have spanked him well or he will grow up to be oversatisfied egoist. And Boris is already leaving, mom.
Aldona: Ah, sad… You need support now. I’ve heard so many things in the municipality. Well, give my regards to your mother, Boris. Tell her I’ll bring her that marinade recipe for plum tomatoes we’ve talked about last week. So… Goodbye!
Boris leaves.
Aldona: He’s like been hit by a car. He’s not for you. Everything fell to its place for me today. Boris is a spy for his mother in municipality. Bronė herself has no power anymore so she’s trying to push that lame muxed breed of hers, she’s making him a career. Ah, he told me everything today. Idiot. Now I can boldly confirm that all the complaints about mayor’s dark deeds has been made by Bronė. Everything is falling into place now. You look so pale. Don’t overfeed the rabbits like last time. Again you’ll be crying and running to the vet at night. You yourself overfeed them and then cry that they die. What happened? Why are you so quiet? Temporary restriction of authorities is not the end of the world. But what a fire have you made, everyone’s bowing to that woman from Vilnius. You see, committee would make a friendly court of colleagues. Like in the good old times. So that they would condemn your crimes against their supposed humanism.
Vaiva: Humanism? From what Boris told me, I understood that the main argument she has is that one is able to hang and choke and torture pigeons, cats and dogs anyway you want, just don’t mistreat the elder. God oh God, please give that woman a brain because she is being controlled by generic phrases. Fuck, she’s so ashamed, ashamed, ashamed!
Aldona: Come on, darling. My head is already splitting. And these caprices of Vytukas. Can you imagine, all the way home he was talking about his daddy. I told you, you should restrict these weekend visits. I would have dealt that. Now that degrade has told him that a real man has to plant a tree, build a house and give birth to a son. This is an obvious trauma to the kid after seeing his father. I told him that mommies are giving births. And he says – No, my daddy gave birth to me… Can you imagine? And so I hit him. Softly. He went hysteric. Good thing we only passed a few people. Nightmare… And Martynutė told you she’s sleeping over at her friend’s? Which friend, I wonder.
Vaiva: She’ll get what she prays for. Mom, stay with Vytukas for a while, feed him and all. There’s pasta in the cupboard. I need to have a minute with animals. I really need to think.
Aldona: Okay, my dear Vaiva, just don't be too long. I’ll put the dinner under the pillow so it stays hot. And, most important, darling, remember the rule your uncle Zenon proved with his life: “Never tell too much about yourself. Remember that with time the blind starts to see and the deaf starts to hear and the mute starts to talk.” So, dear daughter, so… And for Martyna, I’ll find out what kind of friend it is she is sleeping at and not at home.
Aldona leaves.
Vaiva: Find that out, mom, find that out. I don't have the energy to be running after them all the time. You are the atomic one here, mom. Done, I’m done. I can’t take it anymore… What are you looking at? Why are you staring at me. You’re just staring at me with these wide unblinking round eyes. Stupids. Don't be afraid. Vaiva is going to get grip on herself soon. She will shake up, clean the wounds and think of something. Soon. Soon. Huh, what are you whimpering about? My head, I forgot this Doberman has traumatized nerves. I’m shouting too much. Well, come to mama. Sh, sh, sh, sh…
Policeman enters with a German Shepherd dog.
Policeman: Good evening. Missis Aldona told me I can look for help here. You’re Aldona’s Vaiva, right? Rūstytė? I remember you shadowy from senior years in high school.
Vaiva: Rūstytė.
Policeman: Saulius. Kazlauskas. Very nice to meet you. I know your mother. Sorry, maybe it’s not a right time? I called other animal shelters but they said they can’t help me.
Vaiva: Why?
Policeman: It’s about him, this police dog. Let me introduce you. Ali Baba. Rūstytė. Help us because otherwise they will sedate him. Here, on the neck, he has a fist size bump. Touch it, touch it and feel it pulsating. Police doesn’t have money for vet. And anyways, they are saying it would be hopeless.
Vaiva: They are saying the truth. It is terminal. An old, honored service dog. That is the law of the nature. You served your time and give the place for the younger one. That’s the way it is in nature.
Policeman: But it hurts my heart. He is crying. I bring him back to my apartment at nights. He lies next to my bed and cry. Silently, no tears. Gurkt, gurkt. So he doesn’t wake me up. Help us, Vaiva.
Vaiva: I can’t – this is nature. There is nothing I can do.
Policeman: So I should just leave him like that? To utilize? Are you suggesting that? We have worked together for ten years. We were a team, like one person. He is everything to me. He’s more dear to me than all the people.
Vaiva: What would you like to do?
Policeman: Everything that is possible. We could try alternative medicine. I’ll go on vacation. Everywhere with him. If only you will help.
Vaiva: It's not a good idea. But one guy might be of help. Will make a miracle. Do you have a car? Let’s go before it’s too late.
Vaiva, Saulius and the dog leave. Through the window we hear Aldona talking to Vytukas.
Aldona: You made such a mess here, Vytukas…
Vytukas: This way it is more cozy, grandma. This is your and my house. To hide from the night. Daddy told me that a real man must build a house. And to plant a tree. And to give birth to a son. A son like me.
Aldona: Men are not giving births, Vytukas. Oh, you, my little talkie.
Vytukas: My dad gave birth. He gave birth to me. Grandma, when daddy is going to come back? I miss him. I miss him a lot. I’ll hide in my house so that the wicked witch can’t find me and I’ll wait here. I’ll wait for my daddy.
Aldona: Vytukas. Baby. My little kitty. You are worrying again. I told you already and the doctor told you. Daddy is not going to live with Vaiva. Daddy is not coming back. He is not. Don't scratch yourself. Don’t do that, Vytukas. He is never coming back. Do you understand?
Act III
Act III is taking place in the interrogation cell of the central police station of Naujoji Akmenė. A table, two chairs. Vaiva and policewoman are sitting in front of each other.
Policininkė: Why did you have to complicate everything? Why? I’m asking you, Vaiva Rūstytė. Are you going to keep silent for long? I’m asking you… Should I say it more clear? Why did you have to fuck up everything so much? Silent? Would you like to spend a few days in jail? Are you going to talk to me or not?
Policeman: (his voice from behind the door) Let me in. Will you let me in or not? I’m going to make that bitch speak. That cunt is not going to get away by only paying for the funeral. Let me in, I’m telling you. I’m gonna put a clamp into HER face… Let me go. Let me go, I’m telling you. I just wanted to talk. To tell her what I fucking feel. Because of bitches like her… (voice is going further from the door)
Policewoman: Can you hear that? My colleague for sure has a right to be heard. Well, Rūstytė, in the last day you managed to exceed your authorities. Old couple in the day time. Treacherously killed police dog in the evening. Okay, sedated. At night, defiance to rightful actions of a police officer. We just wanted to protect you from yourself. I’m following you on Facebook so I understand some motives of your actions. You even were some kind of role model for me. Until…
Vaiva: Time ruins everything. Role models are the most giving in to it. In your wild imagination I haven’t survived a single day. Well, you’re still young, you’ll learn to live with that.
Policewoman: What kind of shit are telling me? Trying to sing me a song of a dying swan? Are you trying to damage me emotionally? Not gonna work on me. I know you, the rotten inside kind. Senile old ladies with the stink of a fish, you’re to blame for everything. You are poisoning our society with your moral degradation. You better had never been born. Can you imagine what great and bright life there would be in Lithuania if you had never lived? But no, decrepit ladies are sitting in all the posts and even are giving births. They are giving births to morally degraded children, just like them.
Vaiva: What do kids have to do with that, officer? Maybe it’s time to wake up, huh? I thought we’re here to talk about justice made happen by my superhuman efforts and logical decisions. I decided to have sedated an old service dog who had a terminal illness. Period. Make record of the fact and that’s it. Everyone should be on their way. It’s late.
Policewoman: Is that what you think? You sit here and listen to my colleague barking at you and naïvely believe that all this is just for a dog? Forget it. You did a very right thing there. To be honest, just between us… That sop commissioner Saulius had to do that. With his own hands. But no, he couldn’t. He’s too soft for that.
Vaiva: So I don’t get it. What are we doing here?
Policewoman: Well, Rūstytė, think. Try to remember. Remember what are you doing at nights. When you can't sleep. What are you doing then? When hungry animals are howling at your window. When they are scratching the bars of their cages. When they’re yelping. So tearfully. It’s heart breaking to hear that. It just takes you by the heart. And is impossible to let go.
Vaiva: So this is how I have exceeded my authorities? What kind of joke is it?
Policininkė: Okay, let’s talk heart to heart. Do you often check you daughter, Matyna Rūstytė’s activities on social media? I’m warning you, I’ll tape our conversation.
Vaiva: Why should I?
Policewoman: Well, at least for preventive cause you should. That is very simple, I’ll show you. (She shows Martyna’s profile and traces of her activities in some closed groups). Look at it, do you recognize it? That, I think, is you ex-husband. The biological father of Martyna. He lives abroad, talks on Skype with his daughter, sometimes he comes back to visit. Do you know anything about that? His function is to provide. The seller in this modest network of drug sales in Naujoji Akmenė is your daughter, Martyna Rūstytė. Tonight she tried to sell a huge amount of marijuana to our guy, integrated to the network. I have another surprise for you – Martyna is here and she wants to talk. What she is going to say might determine the destiny of you and your family. You had to know what was going on. I am sure you knew. Don't disappoint me, Vaiva. I’m going to bring Martyna in.
Vaiva: Okay you cunt… What have I done to deserve a night like this? To butcher or just open her guts, that is the question.
Martyna comes in through the door. She is allowed to talk to her mother just two of them. Martyna is avoiding to come close to her mother.
Martyna: Mommy, I’m sorry. I’m sorry and I won't do that again. I promise. Just don't get too into it again. Please, mommy, pretty please. Mommy, cops are watching us. It’s not home. They are watching us. Mommy…
Vaiva: Do you meet that asshole often? He’s in Lithuanian now, you said you’re going to visit him on weekend. Is it all his fault?
Martyna: Don't you want to push me back into your pussy? So that you could be happy and loving and waiting. Like when you were telling to grandma that you wanted to have a girl so that you could love her and nothing would remind you of my father. Just look at me, your wish came true, there is nothing between my legs, nothing but here, in my head I’m a boy, total boy and son of my father. Fuck.
Vaiva: And that is why I’m going to kick your head now. Now. When cops are watching. Let’s give them a reality show.
Martyna: I know you can do that, mom. But think about it, what for? You’ll go to prison. Animals in the shelter will be sedated. In the best case. Grandma will be done for. She is not going to survive that. Vytukas is going to go to orphanage. Do you really need that?
Vaiva: I don't give a fuck. Come here. You’ll get your mother’s last blessing to your teeth. You’re dead to me. That’s it. I only have to kill you now. Come here.
Martyna: Get a grip of yourself. I haven’t done anything wrong. Dad said they are going to legalize pot anyways. Pot is our future. Stress, suicides, violence, all of that would go away if everyone would be using it. And it is going to be like that, you’ll see. We are mutating so that we would survive while stoned. And I’m not going to get anything, I’m underage. Don't worry, Vaiva. Hey...
Vaiva: You had not to keep in touch with him. I erased him from our lives. He was just a sperm donor. And you are mine, Vaiva’s child. My little daughter. The only one. My miracle. My hope. The most important thing I am going to leave behind. You are my everything.
Martyna: So I am your everything and not the animal shelter? I’m kidding… Mom, listen, don't cry, I’m being honest. Dad is the shittiest shit, I know. But we were a great business partners. I helped you. I only ran out of luck tonight… Where did you think the money come from? For grandma’s medicine, for dog food, supplements, brother’s doctors, and for me – clothes, better sneakers, pizza and other things. You thought Aldona is supporting us? Fuck not.
Vaiva: I don't know anymore what is good or bad… Policewoman told me to talk to you and find out something what would lessen the punishment, I guess.
Martyna: Don't believe anyone. It's emotional blackmail. They are trying to break you. To tuck you. Tell them I haven’t told you anything. Drugged, victimized, your Martyna is just a victim. I was used. Period. We will show them later. We will put a show in this village of Naujoji Akmenė. We will send fire and fury on their heads. They are going to wimp for this night and all the coming nights. They will know what Rūstytės are made of. I’m your child, mom. I know everything. I know what to do. We have the power.
Vaiva: You are my child but…
Door opens and policeman Saulius comes in with a cellphone in his hands.
Policeman: I’m sorry, I have to interrupt.
Vaiva: Hello?
Aldona (hardly speaking, incoherent): Vaiva, dear, come back home already. You and Martyna. They promised me they will let you both go. I vouched for you… Just don't be angry at me, old decrepit, daughter my dear, just don’t hate me, I’m old and good for nothing, I haven’t kept track of Vytukas… I’m sorry, it is my fault, I’m the one to be blamed. I started cooking, I was thinking about you and Martyna and just a thought pops in my head it is very silent, I can't hear the kid. I look at his room, in the corridor, in the closet and he’s lying on the bathroom floor, already cold, blood running from his mouth… I just grabbed him… Must have drank the bleacher, I had poured it in a very beautiful bottle and hid behind the toilet. He must have found that. Found it himself. Drank it himself. Our little idiot, a sip was enough and he was burned from the inside, everything eroded like with fire. You see, Vaiva, it was too late when I found him, it was too late… Please forgive me… Come back soon, both you and Martyna. I made a deal, I vouched for you. Saulius is a good person, he will forgive and forget everything. Saulius is a good, decent person. He will help us with the funeral, he has said. You’ll just have to sign some papers and that’s it. Come back home. Come back soon…
The end
