SIMPLE THINGS

HECTOR MENDOZA

COMEDY IN THREE ACTS AND A INTERLUDE

CHARACTERS:
RICARDO, 19 años FEDERICO, 42 años
SUÉ, 32 years old DAVID, 30 años
CATALINA, 17 years old MIGUEL, 19 years old
ALFREDO, 21 years old GABRIEL, 19 years old
ALMA, 20 years old PEDRO, 18 años
ANDRES, 19 years old PEPE, 18 años
ELSA, 18 years old A fortune teller
MATILDE, 18 años ACRAZYONE
PETRA, 18 years old

Three gunmen, a guitarist, and boys.

from the Preparatory School.

Time: The three acts, in continuous action, one morning, November 1951. The intermission out of time.
Place: An ice cream café near the National Preparatory School of Mexico City.

ACT ONE CATALINA.-But... it's different.

FEDERICO.--Nothing different. You have my same mind, why
What wouldn't you be able to manage a good place well? Besides
At the back, double glass doors leading to the street. On the wall, you won't be completely alone; I'm here to guide you...
right, three rectangular tables, discreet. On the left, the CATALINA.--Yes, I know... But anyway…
bar; behind a door to the rest of the rooms. In the first FEDERICO.-Nothing, nothing! We still don't have the business and already
right term, a phone booth and next to it a jukebox. We are discussing who will take care of it...
three round tables with their respective seats. In first
left term, a staircase that disappears and leads to the
Sué's room. (Pause.)

It's seven in the morning. Catalina, dirty, sleepy, walks through the
mop in the center of the café. Federico, wearing a white cap, CATALINA.-(Stop working.) Dad, don’t you think we have
Clean the bar with a rag. The glass door is closed. worked a lot? ... I am tired, bored of all this. It is
still. It's hateful to be trapped between these four walls twenty-four seven.
hours of every day... What use is it to have twenty thousand
FEDERICO.- I sense that this is going to be a good day, Catalina... I money in the bank? ... I would like to get out of here for a few days, to be
tell them
I tell my friends: "In life, there is no better way than to work hard to achieve" Another... We should close the café now that the boys from the
"Good money"... That's my motto. Prepa y de Leyes van a salir de vacaciones y la época se va a
(Pause.) Put it off... We have never had vacations. Never.
CATALINA.-(Tired tone.) What do you plan to do when you have tenemos tiempo ni de respirar.... ¿No te parece que... ?
money, dad?
FEDERICO.-To set up another business like this one, but much bigger,
with good staff that has everything in order and knows how to keep everyone happy
client... And you are going to take care of that. (It is interrupted by some taps on the glass of the door)
CATALINA.-I would not be of any use... from the street. It is Ricardo who is shivering from the cold outside and is signaling.
FEDERICO.-What do you mean you wouldn't serve? Aren't you your father's daughter? to have them open the door. Catalina startles upon seeing him and
I used to say exactly the same thing and you see that I did not decide to quickly gathers his work tools. He exits silently.
do it until your mom died... Look at me now! back room. Federico is going to open the door.)

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 Before the exam.... You see how all parents are, they have
FEDERICO.-Good morning, young man! Why did you no longer have those outdated ideas and want your daughters to be the same...
stopped by here? Wherever you say you are going to have breakfast at ALFREDO.-So you know all the details?
another coffee, I'll twist your neck! ALMA.-I'm not very sure... You see how nervous I am
RICARDO.--Hasn't he arrived? I put in all the exams... Especially this one, I have a
FEDERICO.-Who? Fear!... And you, how did you study?
RICHARD.-Dream. ALFREDO. (Saddened) The coach kept us all
FEDERICO.- Not yet, but in about twenty minutes I will be practicing new plays... You know that the game with the
She will be here... Are you going to wait for her? Poli is in three days and the chroniclers are all in favor of
RICARDO.-Yes, I'm going to wait for her for a while. (He sits at the we bar.)have to be very careful if not
FEDERICO.-What are you going to drink? we want to be eaten in a little while.
RICARDO.--How is she?, it seems to me that I haven't seen her in ages. ALMA.--And you couldn't study.
I see. ALFREDO: I arrived home very tired after the
FEDERICO.--Do you want coffee with milk and donuts like always, or did you have practice and needed to sleep? You don't know how hard they are.
Shall I make a little burger for you to lick your fingers? trainings... I only know the first ten cards, Alma,
RCARDO.- Haven't you asked about me? you have to help me. If I don't pass this year in all the subjects
FEDERICO.--(He serves him breakfast.) Are you sure? (He hesitates, lies.) Yes, subjects, I won't be able to keep playing anymore... Besides that, to my
Sometimes... You see that she always arrives very tired and doesn't bring a boss; she doesn't like American football at all, you can imagine it.
Very eager to have a conversation. What happens if they crack down on me... They don't even know we are in
RICARDO.- Poor Sue!, she needs to quit that job as soon as possible... During exams, if she knew, she wouldn't let me go train... Isn't that right?
The background is that she is a great person, it's the circumstances that have affected her. Are you going to help me, Alma?
having to earn a living like this. ALMA.-You and your blessed soccer... (Nervous.) How do you want me to
FEDERICO.--Of course, of course!... Do you think I would accept Sue here if I help you?
Wouldn't I know that deep down she is a decent girl? ALFREDO.-Look.... The teacher always takes out two tokens, one
RICARDO.- She is the most wonderful person in the world and deserves something for each row, after distributing and signing the sheets. Well, to
the best... you force one of the pieces to be one of the first ten that I
ALMA.-(Entering with a folder under her arm.) Good morning. I know... If we sit together, we can make a change of
FEDERICO.--Good. quick seats without the teacher noticing. That alone for me
ALMA.- Have you not seen Alfredo? Don't touch one of the first tokens, of course... What do you think?
FEDERICO.- No one has come yet. Anyway, you know everything and it's the same...
ALMA.- He is a tall, handsome boy who plays soccer. ALMA.- I would really like to help you, Al, but I'm very silly.
American with the Pumas of the University... He's my boyfriend... I already said for those things, I'm not going to be able to do it...
What is handsome? ALFREDO.-- But it's super easy! You just have to wait.
FEDERICO.-Yes, yes, I haven't seen him. a slip by the old man to change places.
ALMA.-He told me he would be here at seven, we have an exam of ALMA.-I’m scared, Al, I never do these things.
Sociology in twenty minutes... I am going to sit down and wait for him ALFREIIO.-Why are you scared? ...Don't you love me, Alma?
Rato. (He sits at one of the tables in the center.) ALMA.-It’s not that, Al, it’s not that.
FEDERICO.- Are you going to take anything? ALFREDO.- So?
ALMA.-No, I'm going to wait for him to arrive, thank you. ALMA.-I swear I'm getting really nervous knowing that I am
FEDERICO.-(To Ricardo.) Is the hamburger good? cheating and the teacher might catch us... It's not that
RICARDO.-(Eating.) Aha! I don't want to help you, it's just that I'm scared of ruining everything...
FEDERICO.-You can't complain that we don't treat you well here... ALFREDO.-Yes, I know, you want to help me but you don't want to.
We only serve those burgers to important customers. to take the risk, right?
RICARDO.-Yes, those who pay for them. ALMA.-No, Al. It's not that, really.
ALFREDO.-(Enter. Goes to Alma.) Hey there! (Sits next to ALFREDO.--After all, I shouldn't have trusted that I would...
she.) you would have helped, I should have studied anyway... After all
ALMA.-Hello! Dude, American football doesn't matter to me at all...
ALFREDO.--Did I make you wait a long time? Those damn trucks were coming. And if the Pumas lose this game, it doesn't matter either.
all complete... importance...
ALMA.-No, I just arrived too. ALMA.-(Almost crying.) Don't say that, Al, how can you be!
ALFREDO: I have an empty stomach; I'm going to have a coffee with milk; ALFREDO.-I will let them fail me and I will not play again.
Do you want something? football in the days of my life... I didn't think it would be so difficult for you;
ALMA.-No, Al, I just had breakfast. as we did last year, Marta and I... But of course that
ALFREDO.-(To Federico.) A coffee with milk, please! Marta likes soccer.
FEDERICO.- Donuts? ALMA.-(Crying.) You're an idiot! Get out!
ALFREDO.- Aha!... (To Alma.) How did you study Sociology? ALFREDO.-Why are you crying, Alma? After all, it's not you who...
ALMA.-I think I'm fine. I went to bed at one in the morning and I'm going to fail, you studied your twenty study notes very well.
studying the twenty sheet, it's horrible!... My dad was furious about Sociology...
staying up so late, you see how it is. He says that what (Pause.)
What happens to today's students is that we spend all our time partying. ALMA. - (Wiping her tears.) Well, it's okay, I'm going to
the year, and then we are all in a hurry to study and study one day to help; but after the exam you and I finish
definitely.

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ALFREDO.-(He looks at her scared.) But, Alma!, what is wrong withRICARDO.-Who you? is your cousin?
ALMA.- (Looking at her watch.) It's ten minutes to go, finish up quickly your CATALINA.- You don't know him... He also fell in love with one of
coffee. Those and the other did what they wanted with him. Until she scammed him.
ALFREDO.-(Pause. He looks at her, saddened.) No, I no longer havegood and nice and he shut the door in his very face, the fool
hunger. (Takes money out of the pocket and leaves it on the table.) Let's go. he didn't realize the little gem that the big lizard was...
(They stand up and begin to leave.) But I really don't see a reason RICARDO.-Why do you tell me that? As if you didn't know.
so you get like this... (They exit through the front door.) quite to Sué.... She is completely different, she has never
I am not trying to scam you. On the contrary, I take care of my money too much.
FEDERICO.-(Clearing the table.) There are always fights during time of
exams... CATALINA.-That's how they are at the beginning.
RICARDO.-(Distracted.) What? RICARDO.- What do you have against Sué?
FEDERICO.-Did you not notice? CATALINA.-Nothing...(He holds back.) Better let's change the subject.
RICARDO.-In what? (Pause.)
FEDERICO.-In those two boys... RICARDO.- Why don't you tell me about your boyfriend while he comes?
RICARDO.--Ah!, no, I didn't see them. What were they doing? Dream?
FEDERICO.-Peleaban porque ella no le quiere soplar en el examen... CATALINA.-No es mi novio..
Women are always selfish. RICARDO.-- So?
CATALINA.-(Entering very well dressed.) Good morning, Ricardo. CATALINA.- He has never noticed me, but I love him.
RICARDO.-(Without paying attention.) Good morning. With everything and all... Women cannot declare our feelings...
CATALINA.-What have you done to yourself? We missed you. RICARDO.-But they can afford to reject those who
RICARDO.-Yes? they are dead because of you.
CATALINA.- One gets accustomed to chatting with certain people. CATALINA: It depends on what kind of woman she is.
FEDERICO.-(To Catalina.) You pay the donut guy if he comes, I amRICARDO.-(Taking
going to it personally.) Sué has not
try to fix that sink. (He/she exits quietly through the back room.) dear accept me because you think I am a kid... But I
CATALINA.-Yes, dad. (Pause. To Ricardo.) What are you thinking about? I know that deep down he/she loves me.
RICARDO.-Huh?... No, nothing. Forgive me. CATALINA.- When a person loves another, they do not do the
what Sue does with you; age doesn't matter.
CATALINA.-(Laughs.) You are always in the clouds. I would like to RICARDO.-(Warmly.)
know what thing Sué does care, but today I'm going to...
It has you so worried... to demonstrate that she is wrong... (Pause, tension between the two.)
RICARDO.-(Laughs.) Do I look worried?
CATALINA.-I don't know, it occurred to me... I saw Andrés yesterday. Elsa, Miguel, Gabriel, and Pedro enter from the street.
RICARDO.-Yes?, what does it say? commotion.)
CATALINA.-Same as always... I asked about you and he/she told me
I hadn't seen you.... Why haven't you gone to high school, Ricardo? Come [Link].-(Silencing them upon seeing Ricardo.) Look who is here!
Everyone is finishing their exams and you haven't done any... MIGUEL.- The fugitive!
What's wrong with you? Have you been sick?
RICARDO.-(Smiles.) Why are you so worried about me, Catalina? GABRIEL.- And look how emaciated he is!
CATALINAS (Repressing.) I don't know... It's just that I see you so alone, not PEDRO. -Don't you see for going so often?
I know how. Why don't you tell me everything that happens to you?
MIGUEL.-(Laughing.) How they are commanded!
RICARDO.-(Shrugs.) Do you think it's worth it? RICARDO.- (Tolerant.) Hey!, did the test finish?
CATALINA. As you wish. I thought I could help you with
-
ELSA.-It hasn't started yet.
some way. GABRIEL.- Do you think we would be here so peacefully?
RICARDO.-And you? I always share my things with you and you always...
PEDRO.-Since you no longer show your face at the Prepa...
the guards. ELSA.- Aren't you going to the audition?
CATALINA.-It's not true, I already told you last time that I like a RICARDO.- Me? I don't even know what it's about.
boy. MIGUEL.-Do you think any of us knows?
RICARDO.- Who? GABRIEI.- Optimistic !
CATALINA.-Don't be curious! PEDRO.- You always with your timely jokes.
RICARDO.-See? Didn't I tell you that I like Sué? RICARDO.-So how are they going to do it?
CATALINA. Well, but Sué's is a little adventure like
-
GABRIEL.-She is our salvation.
any other. PEDRO.-And our love. Oh!...
RICARDO.- No, how do you know? MIGUEL.- The whole test is going to blow us away.
CATALINA. It's just that Sue is not one of the girls that anyone
-
ELSA.-Me? No, come on!, I haven't studied at all.
may truly fall in love. Nothing... I really don't know.
RICARDO. Why not? Sué is a girl like any other,
-
GABRIEL.- Elsa is very modest.
and much prettier. PEDRO.-That's why we love her.
CATALINA. Pretty? I wouldn't say that about Sué. It's more like
-
MIGUEL.- She is very tough.
attractive. ELSA.- Well, do you really love me?
RICARDO.-(Apologizing to her.) You are a woman and you cannot see her.
THE THREE.-Yes, of course, what a question!
horn me. ELSA.-Well, I didn't study, believe it or not.
CATALINA.-(Pause. After.) My cousin went through the same thing. GABRIEL.- It's not true, Elsa, tell us the truth.
last year. ELSA.-(Laughs.) I came to you all confident!

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GABRIEL.- Well, what little confidence!... MARÍA.--I am a fortune teller, I am gifted with powers.
MIGUEL.-Comrades, we have been vilely deceived. supernatural... I can read the past, the present and, the future, the
PEDRO.-I still love you, Elsa. the lines of the hand tell me everything. The divine spirits are in
ELSA.-Really? Me. (Turns to Miguel, trying to smile.) Give me your hand.
PEDRO.- Yes, but don't say again that you haven't studied. left, handsome, I'm going to tell you everything that is in her.
GABRIEL.- Changing the subject: who is going to shoot today? GABRIEL.- 'Son!', 'how outrageous!', he called you handsome, give him a peso.
ice creams? MARIA.--(To Gabriel.) Lend me your hand, I tell you your fortune.
MIGUEL. -I don't have a dime. GABRIEL.-I already know, they are going to fail me in Latin. It's not needed.
PEDRO.- I owe even to the waiters from Prepa.... to be a fortune teller to know it.
GABRIEL.-Yesterday I pawned my last pair of underwear. MARÍA.-(Distraught, tries not to pay attention and continues
ELSA.-Oh, how you are filthy Go ahead.) Only María the fortune teller can penetrate into the
GABRIEL.-It's the pure truth! mystery of the hands... Let me see yours, please.
ELSA.-So nobody has money? GABRIEL.- It's useless, old woman, I don't have a single cent.
MIGUEL.-No. MARTA.- You are going to give me whatever your will is.
PEDRO.-What are we doing here? GABRIEL.- You'd better read Elsa's palm, she actually has money.
GABRIEL.- This is not a place for people without pants. ELSA. No, no, not me.
ELSA.-(Holding back laughter.) Oh, Gabriel! What are they going to think? PEDRO.--Yes, Elsa, come on, so you can realize how much...
How are you, bald guy! I love you.
PEDRO.- Elsa says that she does have hers and they are well tucked in, MARÍA: (Using her most persuasive tone.) Give me your hand,
Right, Elsa? cute. María never lies, she only says what she sees in the lines of the
ELSA.-(Gives him a slap.) Oh, how they are, man! hand.
MIGUEL.-Given the success achieved, let's leave before we ELSA.-(Laughing.)Well, but don't go saying too much
drink. intimacies... (He/She shakes his/her hand.)
ELSA.-No, wait, I'll invite you. MARTA.-What a beautiful hand!... Very simple, very clean...
GABRIEL.-Ah, no!, I cannot accept. PEDRO.--It's just that today he washed his hands, you should have seen him yesterday.
ME TOO. - Neither do I. ELSA.--(She hits him on the arm.) Don't be rude!
PEDRO.- Our sense of honor as gentlemen forbids it. MARÍA.--(Wounded by the jokes, her sensitivity, the voice
ELSA.-Well, then I will have my ice cream by myself... curdled with tears.) Your whole life you will be surrounded by
MIGUEL.-But if you insist... men who seek you for your beauty and your money... You must
GABRIEL.- Who can despise a lady's invitation? take care of them, none will satisfy you... You wait for a love
PEDRO.-Elsa, I love you. (He sits at a table in the center.) true, a man who loves you for yourself and you are going to
CATALINA.-(Amused.) What are you going to have? to find in whom you least expect, after bitter ones
ELSA.—Four lemon snowballs. possibly experiences, but when you find it you will be
GABRIEL.-(Disappointed.) Ah! Lemon snow, how disgusting! completely happy with him....
PEDRO.-My stomach can't handle the lemon snow. ELSA.-Is it for real?
MIGUEL.- The lemon snow reminds me of when I had surgery. PEDRO.- We are the bad men, Elsa, take care.
anginas. MARÍA.- You owe me a peso, cutie.
ELSA.- I can't take it anymore... So do you want a drink? GABRIEL.- It had to end like this. (She takes out a peso and gives it to him.
(Pause.)
GABRIEL.-I don't dislike lemon snow, after MARÍA.-Thank you...
everything, Elsa. CATALINA.-Four lemon snowballs. (She places the glasses on the ...
PEDRO.- I think it's good for the stomach once in a while, table and leaves. They continue conversing.
right? MARÍA.-(To Ricardo.) Don't you want me to read your fortune?
MIGUEL.-I like to remember my operation, it was so RICARDO.-You've told me many times and it's quite
fun!... black... Let me guess it for you now and take my revenge.
ELSA.-(To Catalina.) Four lemon snow cones, please (Catalina is silent).
take it away.) Now listen to me carefully: in the Latin book I have all resolved MARÍA.--(Pleading.) I am not joking, I need the money... my
the tokens. If we cooperate among the four of us to make the old man look foolish, the kids are without breakfast...
We will be able to copy beautifully. RICARDO.-I'm going to give you the weight, lend me your hand. (María
GABRIEL.- I knew you were going to come up with something. She hesitates, almost cries. She extends her hand, humbled.) You are a very woman.
MIGUEL.-You're awesome! passionate, you love a man and you would be capable of doing anything
PEDRO.-Elsa, I love you! What for him... Ah!, but he despises you and will leave very soon.
ELSA.- We're going to have to do it very discreetly, to get involved with another... You're going to suffer a lot at first; but afterwards you'll see.
very good, huh?, because since no one knows Latin in the class, everyone goes on about how much better life is without it... How about that?, didn't I say it almost like you?
wanting to do the same... GABRIEL. Don't worry, we are the MARÍA.--(Gloomy.) Who told you all that?
the most discreet people in the world. RICARDO.-Ah!, so you don't believe in my power...?, (Pause.
She is embarrassed.) It's true, González told me, a colleague of
(Enter María, the fortune-teller, through the front door and goes to the table of the class... She lives in one of the upstairs apartments...
from Elsa. She is a pale woman, skinny, with a MARIA dress. - (Awkward Silence.) Well..., give me the money.
worn, and black thread stockings. Speaks with an impressive voice. RICARDO.-(Regretful.) Sit down to have a glass of milk, you
I invite you. (María hesitates.) Come on, you need it... Catalina, a
glass of milk with bread.

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MARÍA.-(Very humiliated.) Thank you. GABRIEL.- May your tongue turn to crackling, you wretch!
RICARDO.- You're welcome, it's only fair... Tell me: who taught you to read? PEDRO.- I wish you would drown!
the hand? ELSA.-Let's go, let's go.
MARIA.-(Eating.) My grandmother was a Hungarian gypsy. Also
he taught me to deal the cards. (They leave very nervous.)
RICARDO.-Do you really know how to throw them? I would like you to...
You will throw it away someday... Not now, another day. RICARDO.-(Laughs.) Elsa is the biggest flirt in Prepa.
MARÍA.-Whenever you want... I can't understand why she wasn't chosen queen this year.
RICARDO.-Do you know? If you weren't so foolish in business, you could CATALINA.-She's not ugly. (Pause.) Hey, Ricardo, really, do
earn a fortune. In Mexico, there are a lot of people who believe that you haven't gone to your exams? They won't like it at home.
things and is capable of spending it all with people who know nothing about the idea of you leaving your studies.
impress them and you have that... But you don't know how to exploit what you have. RICARDO.--I don't care.
MARÍA.- I am satisfied with what I can earn on the street. CATALINA.- You are going to regret it, one always regrets.
RICARDO.-But you need to eat and restore yourself a bit. sooner or later of having left school.
MARÍA.-(Pause.) I won't last long... RICARDO.- You are like the others: they believe that happiness
RICARDO.-Why? one depends on a career... No one thinks that
MARÍA.- Anemia... Pernicious anemia...(Silence. Finish eating, there are people who were not born for that... I am not going to lose.
And he gets up.) Thank you. (Ricardo takes out a large bill and gives it to him. six years studying a stupid career, when I can
María is going to leave; she turns back, takes a little doll out of her bosom and stretches it to take advantage of it in another way... That is my mother's mistake, not
Ricardo, filled with gratitude.) Take it. It's a gypsy amulet that has just come to understand things.
My grandmother gave it to me when I was a child... It can't serve me anymore as CATALINA.--And what does your dad think?
a lot... RICARDO.-He never gets involved in my affairs, he leaves it to mom.
RICARDO.-(Takes it.) Thank you... all the responsibility of my education... As if not
I wish I were big enough to take care of myself! That
(María walks silently down the street.) it's what annoys me...
CATALINA.-(Smiles.) Well, I don't know, everyone has their own way.
CATALINA.-Poor woman! You played a very cruel joke on her. to think... But if I had the opportunity to study, I would
RICARDO.- I didn't know he was such a sensitive person. Later, I would love to enter high school... It must be a lot of fun, right?
I regret... RICARDO.-The first year yes...
CATALINA.- She suffers a lot because all the boys laugh at her in CATALINA.- I have known them for a long time.
I don't know, but I feel very sorry for those people. High school boys, and they have always seemed fun to me.
RICARDO.-The thing is, he takes everything too seriously. RICARDO.- It's just that you have an easygoing character.
CATALINA.- It's just that for her all of that is very serious and it hurts her that it's all... You are very tolerant.
I take it that way... Especially considering that her days are so numbered... CATALINA.- Yes?.... Well, I like to be friendly with everyone.
Poor thing! the world... I believe that a person who is nice in their
RICARDO.-Yes.... treat, you will always have friends... Oh, you can't imagine!, as a girl
(Pause.) I was very close with all my elementary school classmates; even
CATALINA.-(She removes the objects in front of him.) Do you want to have another one? I started in Commerce and began to make friends. It's the only one.
what? a way so that one does not feel so alone or so bored...
RICARDO.--No, not now... What time is Sué coming? (Pause. Softly.) Ricardo...
CATALINA.-I believe it will be at the usual time. It shouldn’t be long now...
RICARDO.- It seems that she is taking longer today than on other days... (Sué has entered thoughtful, beautiful, through the street door.
Give me a glass of water, please? My throat is dry. Ricardo has become body and soul in the eyes of
CATALINA.-You're nervous, Ricardo, what's wrong with you? admiration for Sué. Catalina notices Sué's entrance and
RICARDO.- I am not used to waiting, nor with the sale of how it steals Ricardo's attention. Sad, he lowers his head.
insurance; I always get nervous... How boring all this is!...
Give me the glass of water. RICARDO.---Dream...
SUÉ.-(Looks at him for the first time.) Ah, how are you?
(Catalina puts it in front of him.) RICARDO.-Good, Sue, very good, and you?
SUÉ.-Getting through it.
ELSA.-(Takes money out of her folder and leaves it on the table.) Let's go. RICARDO.-Are you having ice cream with me?
GABRIEL.-Wait until I'm done with my snow, after all, the old man SUÉ.-I'm tired...
He/She always arrives ten minutes late... RICARDO.-It's just a little while, Sué... huh?, come on!
ELSA.-I get nervous that he might arrive early and close us down. SUÉ.-(Hesitates.) Well, if it’s not more than three minutes...
living room door. RICARDO.--Thank you, Sue... (He sits down at a table in the center.
PEDRO. I'm nervous too. A Catalina.) Two vanilla snow.
MIGUEL: Additionally, we need to gain seats in the last row. SUÉ.-What a miracle that you are letting yourself be seen, you? ... I thought you
GABRIEL.- Well, well, that's enough... How they grind on! (He gets you
up.)were upset with what I told you the other day.
ELSA.-Ricardo, wish us luck. RICARDO.- Me? No!... I don't care, Sué; it's fine that...
RICARDO.-Are you leaving already? you give me advice from time to time, but... But what I don't
PEDRO.- Right to the guillotine. It pleases me that you give them to me as if I were a little kid... Everyone does
RICARDO.-May death be light for them. They insist on treating me as if I were, I don't know why.

5
SUÉ.-I did it for your own good, kid... You didn't owe my brother and me a pair of skates... I broke them myself, never
spending your money on women... I let my brother wear them. (Laughs.) I didn't like it.
RICARDO.-But you are not like the others, Sué, I'm playing with dolls. I always had scraped knees and full of.
sure. of dirt for playing marbles. (Ricardo laughs. Pause.) Put
SUÉ.-No, not like the others... I don't hang around the corners, but... something in the jukebox, I feel like music.
After all, it comes down to the same thing, doesn't it?
RICARDO.-It's different.... It all depends on what the person is, right? (Ricardo gets up, goes to the jukebox, and puts in a coin)
About what she does... Hey, Sué.... why don't you quit that job? twenty cents in the slot. The music begins
SUÉ.-(She has taken her powder box out of her bag and looks at herself.) Oh, oh, oh, oh, gently. Sué is lost in thought. Ricardo approaches her.
Oh, what a complexion I have! And you dared to invite me for a drink like this?
snow? (It was powdered.) RICARDO.- Shall we dance?
RICARDO: You are fine anyway... Huh, Sué?, why SUÉ.-(She gets up and dances with him.) How are things at home?, are you already
aren't you leaving that job? Did your dad return from Europe?
SUÉ.-(Closes her powder compact, puts it away, and looks at Ricardo.) Why RICARDO.-Yes, it's been here for a while.
Do you believe it? (He laughs.) I need money, kid... Do you think it's SUE.-What did he tell you about the car?
Can you live on air? ... For everything you need that damn money, for RICARDO.--Nothing. He's not interested in what I do.
everything!... The grandmother who asks me for more each time because everything I give her has to be a man of many businesses, right?
My father drinks it... Damn old drunk! If it weren't for RICARDO.-Yes...
for the grandmother who has been more than a mother to me... And then SUÉ.-Does your mom let you take the car out again?
Everything, the old man doesn't have many years left to live, it's fine that RICARDO.-I don't want to take him out.
He got drunk and forgot that he has a daughter in the stream... It's his SUÉ.-Why? ... Are you afraid of crashing again?
eternal song! As if he had cared even a little about me RICARDO.-No ... It's just that that day he was drunk, that's why
brother and for me when we needed it... And now that he's old I crashed.
And exhausted, he comes to beg the grandmother for his three liters of SUÉ.-So why don't you take it out?
daily pulque... And money and money!, how am I going to leave RICARDO.-I don't want anything from my family.
cabaret? ... With everything, I'm already a month behind on my payments to SUÉ. -Why? Did you fight with your brother?
Federico! RICARDO.-No.
RICARDO.-Sue, I am already earning some money and if you... SUÉ.- Talk to me about something, I am starting a conversation with you.
SUÉ.-(Brusque.) No!... I don’t need it, thank you... (Soft, protective.) corkscrew.
How many times do you want me to tell you?, why are you so stubborn? ...
RICARDO.-(Laughs. They dance in silence.) Hey,
Don't be silly, don't be silly!, I'm doing it for your own good.
RICARDO.-I didn't mean to say that... SUÉ.... Yes.-(Lost in thought.) What?
SUÉ.-(Interrupting him.) Let's talk about something else, okay?... What RICARDO.-(Pause.) No, nothing... Do you like music?
What happened? Did you get a girlfriend like I told you? SUÉ.-Aha!
RICARDO.-(Downcast.) No. RICARDO.- Why are you always so distracted? What is it
SUÉ.-(Raising his chin with his hand.) Are you going to get angry What do you think?
with me? SUÉ.-Nothing...(Sighs.) I need to sleep, let me go already.
RICARDO.-I am not angry. undo him and go to the table for her bag. She heads,
SUÉ.-Do you know why I treat you this way, boy? Because I feel you like self-absorbed, towards the stairs that lead to her room.
if you were my brother... He looked a lot like you... a lot!... sudden remembers and turns back to Ricardo.) Thank you for the
When he was killed, he was about your age... He was so young! bunny, it's very funny.
And all because of that unfortunate one who had another man... But the(He exits. Ricardo keeps looking at the point where)
boys are so silly when they're that age...! Damn it she disappeared, with a weight on her heart. She approaches slowly
old...! I couldn't protect him from danger, unfortunately, but to the table.)
I can protect you... Don't think, one day you will thank me.
All the advice I'm giving you, you'll see. (Smiling.) Friends of RICARDO.-(Wounded.) He didn't even take the snow!
new? CATALINA.- Maybe she doesn't like vanilla...
RICARDO.-(Smiles.) You know that I do. RICARDO.-(Collapsing.) I don’t know what the hell is happening to him!
SUÉ.-(After a brief pause.) Tell me something about your It seems like he was walking on clouds... He didn't pay attention to
school. Aren't they already in exams? nothing of what I told him...
RICARDO.-(Takes a string rabbit out of his pocket.) Look, Sué, the CATALINA.- Don't pay attention and finish the snow yourself.
what I bought for you... The other day you told me you liked the RICARDO.- It's frustrating!
wind-up toys, isn't it? CATALINA.-They call anything desperate...
SUÉ.-Me? Ah, yes!, I think I told you, right? I had forgotten. RICARDO.- What do you know about that!
RICARDO.-I saw it in a showcase on my way and went in to buy it. CATALINA.-(Pause. Resentful.) What do you think I am?
gives it a string and lets it walk on the table.
a pack animal, or what? ...Do you think I don't know what
When I was little, grandma used to buy us little toys from the frustrating? ...
market. I remember very well those little clay figures and RICARDO.--(Angry.) Forgive me.
Wire that they jumped from a stick, have you seen them? (Pause.
RICARDO.-(Playing with the rabbit.) No, Sué. CATALINA.- It's not very nice to wake up at six in the
SUÉ.-Really, you must have had very expensive toys... Tomorrow every day to scrub the floor... And then work
Epiphany night, the poor grandmother felt splendid and bought us like a black person and sweat blood all day until ten of the

6
Night when we closed the filthy establishment. And still ANDRÉS.-I like a pit, but I'm afraid that
after making the cash register and falling like a stone into a well, I will go to cut... I'm going to sing today, but like me
until I can't anymore... Don't you think it's horrible for someone who I don't think will even pay attention to me, I have the escape plan ready for
Girl, cannot be like the others? How I've dreamed of Brazil... Better.
to have nice suits to wear in front of a mirror RICARDO.-You're a goat!
huge and go out on the street with them!... I know that, "even if the monkey is ANDRÉS.-It's not that I'm a goat, man, it's just that you see
silk view..."; but I don’t know, I don’t know... All in all, I would like how pretentious Elsa is.
Try...(Sigh.) But there is no hope, my dad doesn't like RICARDO. -The thing is that you are terrified of him.
spending money on those things... And all my work goes to ANDRÉS.- Oh, yes! (If suck the teeth
Bank. disrespectfully.) And you, slacker?, why haven't you gone to
RICARDO.-Why don't you protest? the exams?
CATALINA.- I am scared... He never gets tired of working; RICARDO.- He had many things to do. I left the
he also deprives himself of fun and comforts... He is energetic. house. Now I live in an apartment near here...
RICARDO.--But you are young and you have the right to have fun. ANDRÉS.- Did you get mad at your family again, or what?
CATALINA.- He doesn't think about that... He thinks about numbers. Money. RICARDO.- No, it’s just that I wanted to become independent...
money and more money... I was already of age to separate from the family and
(Pause.) to take care of myself... I got into working for
RICARDO.- Has he always been like that? agent at an insurance company; yesterday I sold the
CATALINA.-No ... When I was in business school, I had more first.
freedom... But I no longer remember what that is. ANDRÉS.-No way!, really?
RICARDO.-You need a vacation. RICARDO.-It took me a lot of work!
CATALINA.--Yes... ANDRÉS.- So what are you going to do with the money?
RICARDO.-(Hesitates) I want to take Sué to live with me
(A group of boys walk down the street, among them Andrés who is with me...
She approaches the café and looks at Ricardo. She stops. ANDRÉS.- What what?... How outrageous! Don't be stupid. What about
that p...? (Turns the head, remembering the presence
ANDRÉS.-(To a companion.) I'll catch up with them in a moment. No, man!
A FRIEND. Come on! But don't take long, the teacher has already... RICARDO.- What's wrong? I don't see anything wrong, she is...
if it had arrived. a decent girl deep down...
ANDRÉS.- I won't be long... (Enters the café.) What's up, ANDRÉS.- Oh, little brother!, but not to take her to live with you,
Catalina! don't be stupid.
CATALINA.-How are you, Andrés? RICARDO.-(Angry.) Well, just shut your mouth already!, to me
ANDRÉS.-(To Ricardo, who is lost in his thoughts.) I like it, and that's enough, right?
Ricardo... ANDRÉS.- But that old woman is already rolling around.
RICARDO.-(Looks at him.) Ah, what's up! on the street...
ANDRÉS.- I have been calling you on the phone all week and RICARDO.- (He looks at him, swallows hard. Down, determined.) Well
I never found you. Where the hell had you been? I am going to marry her for that very reason.
RICARDO.- Why were you talking to me? ANDRÉS.- But have you thought it through? (Pause.) And what?
ANDRÉS.- You see, I'm really excited: I want to leave. Are they just getting married civilly, or what?
Brazil with a buddy. We are even saving money now. RICARDO - I still haven't talked to her...
RICARDO.- And where are they going? ANDRÉS.-(Pause.) Son, man, how crazy!, you dropped it.
ANDRÉS.- He goes whaling to win a bunch of the stitch of the century. (Ricardo clenches his jaws,
Lana. They say you earn a lot. I'm going to paint natives very hurt.) There you go!, I warned you, that's all.
naked with fruits on their heads. don't go around saying afterward that no one told you anything...
RICARDO.-And what are you going to live on? Well,I'[Link];
ANDRÉS.- Well, I'll do a little bit of everything there. The important thing is RICARDO.- Yes.
to be there. ANDRÉS.-So I'll come back after the exam... See you.
RICARDO.-You're crazy! And really, don't be dumb, think about it.
ANDRÉS: Look! I can't wait to finish the exams.
RICARDO.-What does your family say? (Running sale.)
ANDRÉS.- I'm not going to say a word to them, I'm going to leave. (Pause, Ricardo is tormented. Catalina looks at him, suffering.
Just like that. No, do you think so? I get into trouble with the boss and Ricardo gets up and..., he went to the stairs. Catalina stops him.
What do you want for? ... It's just that I can't stand being at home anymore, with the voice)
word. I do have a spirit of adventure, man, I like it.
Itishardtogothroughdangersandallthat. CA'I'ALINA.-Ricardo! (He looks at her. She hesitates.) What are you going to
RICARDO.-(Laughs.) You are crazy! And do you think you will be able to do it?
paint over there? RICARDO.-I am going to talk to Sué.
ANDRÉS.- Why not? An artist needs freedom to CATALINA.- (Doesn't know what to do.) My dad doesn't want me to
tobeabletoproduce. no man shall go up to see Sué...
RICARDO.-Why?
RICARDO.- And Elsa? What happened, talker? Didn't you already tell her?
Youweregoingtodeclare,whatdoIknow? CATALINA. -That's how it was in the contract. He doesn't want Sué.
meta men to the room.

7
RICARDO.- I have to talk to him... Do me a favor then: CATALINA.-(To Federico.) Iced tea.
Go up and tell her to come down, that I need to talk to her... FEDERICO.- (While he prepares it.) And you, Ricardo, aren't you having any?
CATALINA-But... I can't leave you here alone. nothing?
RICARDO.-I will take care of you, it's just for a little while. RICARDO.-No, Federico, thank you.
FEDERICO.-Now I am making some hot dogs
Catalina hesitates for a moment, trying to think of another way out. It doesn't make her mouth water.
finds and has to go up the stairs with tears rolling down his face RICARDO.-Yes?
Cheeks. She stops before climbing and turns to Ricardo, furious. FEDERICO.-Should I bring you one?
RICARDO.-No, I'll try them another day, today I'm not in the mood.
CATALINA.- Idiot!... FEDERICO.- You're missing out...

Federico serves the iced tea. Ricardo makes folds in a

CURTAIN paper napkin. Federico washes some glasses. Catalina is
about helping her. Alma drinks her tea in silence. Alfredo enters.
and goes to Alma's table.)

ACT TWO
ALFREDO.-Don't you see how well everything turned out? There was no reason to
The same place. The action continues at the moment it ends. to get nervous. The teacher didn't even suspect it... I bet you that
first act. At least we got an eight. The boss is going to be happy and not.
Are you going to be able to tell me anything about soccer...: What's wrong with you?, are you

CATALINA. Idiot!... (Runs up the stairs.) (Ricardo is Still angry?... Why? You see that everything turned out very well.
He is taken aback, out of control. Pause. He slowly returns to the mass. Well... or was it because Marta greeted me? What did you want me to do?
he falls into his seat, with his gaze lowered. Federico leaves the What would I do? I can't be rude to her, she helped me.
backstage adjusting the sleeves. a lot in High School, and after all, he is a good person... Alma, you
You know very well that Marta no longer interests me.
FREDERICK. What a hassle it was to assemble that damn sink!
- ALMA.-Marta I don't care.
Thank goodness I know something about plumbing.... My father used to teach me. ALFREDO.-So?
to help him with all the things that needed fixing in the house. ALMA.- Besides, you didn't have to mention her, it's not relevant.
I wanted us to know everything, from ironing a shirt, case. And if you mention it, it's because there is something...
until composing a radio. He was practical... Ah!, I remember how he ALFREDO. -(Sincere.) I swear I didn't!
It made her happy every time the sink broke down. It was what she liked the most. ALMA.-I don't care, I don't care! I don't want to know
I liked it to break down at home. There was no greater pleasure for me. nothing about her nor about you either.
he who uncovers the sink and covers it again to uncover it again ALFREDO.-But, Alma, if at least you would tell me why
He really had the spirit of a plumber! you are angry with me...
RICARDO.- I have never known how to do those things. My father is not from.
those who enjoy assembling and disassembling sinks. ALMA.- Don't pretend, you know it perfectly well.
FEDERICO.- It's a good hobby... Besides, you save on the... ALFREDO.-I don't know what could have made you like this... If it's not
plumber by Marta, then...
RICARDO.--Probably. ALMA.-Yes, it’s about Marta, don’t act dumb!
FEDERICO.- Your father was like that, but my grandfather... He was a brute ALFREDO.
that
-
But I barely talk to him!
He would eat three kilos of meat in one sitting... And he would sit down every ALMA.- (Mending it.) It's not that you talk to him or you don't talk to him.
days... He liked the countryside and that is what he dedicated himself to. He was famous for ALFREDO.- Well then, I don't understand you.
strong and grasped. But for food, everything that ALMA.-And what shocks me the most is that you stop to chat with
outside, that's why he gained that strength. Imagine that once he killed she in front of all the girls in the group. Don't think that
a mule from a blow and it carried it for three kilometers I don't notice the glances exchanged every time they...
to the town. they find.
CATALINA.- (Entering, to Ricardo.) She says to wait for her a while...ALFREDO. Which looks?
-

RICARDO.-Thank you. ALMA.- All the girls in the group realize it, all of them!
FEDERICO.- Has Sue arrived yet? ALFREDO. -
Well, they are gossipers. I bet it is
Teresa, the one who puts those things in your head.
CATALINA.-Yes.
FEDERICO.-What a great girl that Sué is! Too bad she dedicates herselfALMA.- to it. No one puts anything in my head. And on the other hand,
what she is dedicated to. She will end up being a little butterfly from any alley. Tere is the only good girl in the classroom.
On the other hand, she is a good tenant, although she is always late. ALFREDO. That one is worse than all the others. I don't like it.
-

nothing that you get together with her.

a little with the monthly payment... And one good thing about it is that it never
don't let anyone into the room, that's why I have her here... ALMA.-"Don't tell me! At the beginning of the year you were talking a lot."
with her and you told me she was a very nice girl...
Look, it's better if you don't speak if you're going to say bad things about me.
(Alma enters and sits at a table. Catalina brings her the
letter.) friend!
ALFREDO.-(Furious.) So you believe her more than me?
me? (Alma turns her back and continues to drink her tea at
ALMA.- An iced tea, please.

8
sips without answering.) I don’t know what’s wrong with you today, you’re MATILDE.-That boy is divine, he drives me crazy.
[Link].-He's so handsome!, and what eyes!
ALMA.- No one invited you to sit at my table, you know? (Alfredo turns to MATILDE.-Haven't you seen his paintings? He paints really strangely.
gets up and goes to sit at the table next to. PETRA.- It's all divine... What do you think the other one told me?
ALFREDO.-(To Catalina.) An iced tea, miss, please. day? That I was one of the few girls in high school that
her head was in its place... Oh!, how it shows right away,
Catalina brings him iced tea. Alfredo starts to drink it without realizing when a boy is smart, right?
to take one's eyes off Alma, furious. Alma doesn't look at him, but she knows. MATILDE.- Yes, he is one of the very few. I don't know how...
that she is watching him and his sips become more pronounced and he might like Elsa.
unpleasant.) PETRA.- Man after all, you. (Pause.) Hey, isn't it
that Ricardo from the classroom?
RICARDO.-Catalina, did he assure you that he was coming down? MATILDE.-Oh! Yes, it's you, what could have happened to him? No
CATALINA.--Aha!...(Ironically.) Don't you want me to mention that the snow hasn't gone to any exam.
in the fridge? PETRA.- Who knows... Oh!, it's a bit shocking, don't you think?
RICARDO.-No, thank you... I will wait a little longer. MATILDE.-He is a rich little boy.
PETRA.- Phew!
(Matilde and Petra enter arm in arm, laughing at CATALINA.-(Does the snow serve you?) How was the exam?
gossips that are told I am going down... They sit at a table.) PETRA.-Well, you, fortunately.
CATALINA.-How great!(She leaves.)
MATILDE.--Oh, you, I didn't know that about Elsa... MATILDE.- I like Catalina, right? She is a good person.
PETRA.- Nothing about her surprises me anymore, she is so flirtatious!... PETRA.- Yes... Do you know what they told me about Ricardo? I don't know
Didn't you notice how I was copying during the test today? It's true, but Beatriz is telling everyone...
Wow!, and passing the little papers to Pedro, Gabriel, and Miguel, Notice that it says that one day he went partying with his friends.
under the teacher's nose... in his dad's car, and they stayed until seven of
MATILDE.--One thing is that the teacher is nice to them in the morning or something like that. And that they were smoking.
and another that they take advantage in that way... Oh! marijuana... In total, on the way back, Ricardo crashed the car and
PETRA.- And Pedro was running errands every time they took him to the delegation. And until he didn't
Elsa let him copy! Oh, I almost kissed her! his dad returned from Europe and got him out of jail. He says that because
MATILDE.- I don't know how Elsa allows this, I would have already turned that around, she hasn't gone to school, do you think?
a slap to that idiot... MATILDE.-Oh, how Beatriz will be, really. I tell you that
PETRA.-Although she likes it too, don't think she doesn't. If I am a gossip...
I know my people. PETRA.- Well, you can be as gossipy as you want, but you
MATILDE; Oh, I do not believe that Elsa is what you say; what I assure you that Ricardo is not an angel, cutie.
It just happens that no one has tried to take advantage of her yet. And
how her dad must spoil her... MATILDE.- Well, I don't know, but I don't believe anything he says anymore.
PETRA.-What is the minister of I don't know what of the Government,Beatriz,
right?what do you want...
MATILDE.--Well, I don't know about you, but they have an entire residence in the
Pedregal...(Resuming the previous point.) Do you see?, and that's why I believe. (Petra and Matilde eat their ice cream in silence. Alma takes out a
That’s how Elsa is; but you’ll see the scare she gets with Pedro, cigarette from his folder and starts to smoke so that Alfredo
he sees it; he suffers and becomes furious. Sué goes down and approaches the
because that is a bald guy, hey.
PETRA.- Well, who knows, but Elsa gives me a bad vibe... Ricardo's table.
CATALINA.--(Having approached with the letter.) What are theyPETRA.--Just
going to look at that pirate woman!
take? MATILDE. --Which one?
MATILDE.-I want a Banana Split, what do you want? PETRA.-Pirate.
PETRA.-I a Royal Peach. MATILDE.---Ah!
CATALINA.- Nothing else? PETRA.-So you can see that Ricardo is not a little saint.
MATILDE.- And two glasses of water, Catalina, please. (Petra and Matilde continue taking their snow in silence.)
seretira.) SUÉ.- (Tired tone.) What do you want?
PETRA.- And what do you know about Andrés? Do you really think heRICARDO.-
is... You forgot to take your ice cream, Sué.
in love with Elsa? Wow! Really, what a head I have! You're going to say that I'm a...
MATILDE. Who told you, you? naked.
PETRA.-Beatriz, you see how intriguing it is. She is not happy unless RICARDO.-She is completely shattered, it's better that
you talking about all the people behind their backs. they changed it for you.

MATILDE.-Oh, yes! I find the poor one even more unbearable... SUÉ.-(Smiles.) No, that's fine, leave it.
PETRA.- Well, she's the one with the gossip. What do you think?
MATILDE.- From Andrés?, who knows!, but he looks at her with someRICARDO.- Sue... (She looks at him.) Sue, I wanted to talk to you.
eyes... A moment ago, but you didn't let me.
PETRA.- Yes, the thing is that he is really shy and does not dare to even SUÉ.-(Surprised.) Did I not leave you?
at least to get close to her. And that fool Elsa who probably doesn't even notice. RICARDO.-I don't know what's wrong with you, Sué, you never put
counts... And frankly, Andrés is worth much more than the three with pay attention to everything I say, you are considering me a
who's with her, no way. snotty and I'm not ...

9
SUË.-(Having fun with him.) Well, do you want me to tell you about my great white... He was a tall and sturdy man... , blond... He was
secret? I kept looking at him.
RICARDO.--Which one is it? without being able to move, from a place where he couldn't see me...
SUÉ.-I'll tell you only if you promise not to laugh. I followed him like a dog, stepping on his heels... The crowd
RICARDO.- (Amused despite himself.) I will do my best not to laugh, he separated me from him and I lost sight of him... I looked for him everywhere
Sway. sides as if I were playing hide and seek with him.
SUÉ.-Si te ríes no te volveré a contar nada, ¿lo oyes? It was getting dark and I went to the ballroom to look for
RICARDO. -Good. my friend... There were a lot of people dancing with him.
SUÉ.-Give me a cigarette. (Ricardo gives him a cigarette and the noise and music of the band. I felt very dizzy.
turn on. I was serious) Notice that fifteen days ago or I had walked so much... Suddenly I felt like dancing with him.
Less, I went to a fair invited by a classmate... I was quite drunk and dancing in bumps... I started to
It's been a long time since I went to a party like that, since I started feeling nauseous and I told him. He took me outside.
I was very young... I put on the most youthful dress I found, making my way through the crowd. Outside, it was slipping away from me.
(Laughs.) Can you imagine? It looked like a scarecrow...(Holds on to the dizziness... He started talking to me, he told me he had been...
seeing that Ricardo isn't laughing.) I'm telling you, boring, right? what about the war and wanting to write his memories, because
Do my matters matter to you? no one had lived it like he did and I don't know how many things...
RICARDO.-(Sorrowfully.) Yes, I care about them, Sué, very much. When we said goodbye, he proposed to me, I needed
SUÉ.-No, no, you were going to tell me something... marrying a Mexican woman to legalize his papers and
RICARDO. --Everything about you interests me, Sué. being able to work in Mexico... I accepted the proposal... Give me
SUÉ.- Why did you call me? another cigarette... Then we saw each other four more times, the last one
RICARDO.-It's just that... I wanted to tell you that I'm not a kid, he was supposed to come for me the next day... I was waiting.
Sue... Waiting. (Slowly.) He hasn't come... (Pause. She gets angry.)
SUÉ.--(Disconcerted.)I know... (myself.) Why am I telling you these things? ... I
RICARDO.-Estoy trabajando en una compañía de seguros y voy pongo de mal humor...
to earn very good money... It's been a week since I separated from my RICARDO.-Do you want the gringo, Sué?
family. He has money, he is going to
SUÉ.-Why? get rid of all my debts.
RICARDO.- Because I don't want to be supported anymore; I am RICARDO.- What if he doesn't come?
sufficiently man enough to be able to support myself alone and maintain SUÉ.-I care about a serenading peanut... (Exasperated.)
to another person. To hell with it all!... Let me go already, I don't have
SUÉ:- Are you getting married?! time to talk to you.
RICARDO.-(Swallows saliva.) Sué... do you want to marry me? RICARDO.--Wait, Sué... Give me at least one.
Pause. Sué is taken aback at first, then lets the opportunity slip... Look, you could accept my invitation to lunch at
laughter. somewhere, then we would go to the movies and afterwards go dancing all night
RICARDO.-(Wounded.) Don't laugh, Sué! the night and we would end up in my apartment.... That way
SUÉ.- It's just so funny... (Stop laughing when we see the expression we can realize if we are suited to be husband and wife...
Ricardo's series) But are you serious...? SUÉ.- (Angry.) How many times do you want me to tell you that
Forgive me, it's just that it seems so... so strange to me... no?
RICARDO.- I said it seriously, Sué. RICARDO.- You could please me at least once in
SUÉ.---(Compassionate.) How do you want me to take it? life, Sué. We would have a lot of fun and it would even serve you as
RICARDO.- Don't you want to marry me? rest... Say you accept, Sué, please.
SUÉ-(pause.) It's not possible, Ric. SUÉ.-No, boy, we are going to waste our time.
RICARDO.-Why? RICARDO.-We are not going to lose it, Sué! Please...
SUÉ.- What questions you ask!... Because I am thirteen years older than favor.
you. SUÉ:.-(Pause. Thinks. Smiles.) How annoying you are!
RICARDO.--What does that matter, Sué! RICARDO.-So yes?
SUÉ.-I do care... Don't you think, boy? You and SUÉ.-Well, but you have to promise me that you won't...
we are not of the same class... That above all. bother later...
RICARDO.- Who thinks about social class? I separated from my RICARDO.- (Happy.) I swear, Sué.
family for that very reason... SUÉ.- So let me lie down in bed for a while, I am...
SUÉ.- How stubborn you are!... It simply doesn't work... I am dying of sleep and I don't want to go to sleep during the movie.
And another thing, I am going to marry a gringo, a writer... RICARDO.-Take all the time you want, Sué, do I
RICARDO. -(Pause.) You hadn't told me anything... I am going to wait here.
SUÉ.-I was going to tell you about the fair... But it no longer matters. SUÉ.-(Smiles, gives a pat on the hand.) I won't take long.
let me tell you... three hours. (Go up the stairs.)
RICARDO.-Yes, tell me... RICARDO.-.(Fun.) Sué.... you didn't have your snow... (Sué
SUÉ--No... He no longer hears it. Ricardo smiles. He looks at Catalina who has
RICARDO.-You were going to tell me before:.. He was observing the scene very attentively.) He agreed to go out.
SUÉ: Are you sure that, ...? Well, then... The fair was with me, Catalina.
very fun. My friend found a partner very quickly and they left. CATALINA: I already heard it.
to dance. I was left alone and started watching the games like
a fool.... And then I saw him, he was in the shooting game- RICARDO: - I am happy....

10
CATALINA; (Smilingly.) I'm glad, Ricardo..., me PETRA.-And then the trio of gunmen he's with.
I am very happy. always; as they shoot everything they want, they
FEDERICO.-Who is leaving? a dare a go out with you? bring it here...
RICARDO.--Dream. MATILDE.-: What he wants is to make me cry because he knows
FEDERICO.-Oh, really? Poor Sue. (Ricardo laughs.) that I am hard as a rock: it would be a satisfaction for
ANDRÉS.-(Arriving.) The exam was really easy, you should have gone... his vanity. But if I haven't cried over things that really matter.
So what? Did you talk to that old lady? It's not worth it, I'm not going to cry over their stupidities...
RICARDO; (Resentful.) Yes. PETRA.- Of course... Do you know what Beatriz is saying?
ANDRÉS.--And what? That Pepe declared his feelings the other day and even knelt down.
RICARDO.--I am going to marry her. he cried and that she had told him that enough of the ridiculousness.
ANDRÉS: Like a man? that she didn't take care of infants, do you think?
RICARDO.--Yes. MATILDE.- Oh, idiot!, I wish. If she goes around...
ANDRÉS.-(Looks at him.) Well, that's on you... You're really crazy, dude. You mess it up for Pepe.
Ricardo doesn't answer. Pause. Have you seen Elsa? PETRA. Well, take a look.
RICARDO.-Before the exam. MATILDE.-No, I tell you that they are all about gossip and one of
things in the living room, it's good, one doesn't even know what to do anymore.
ANDRÉS.- He is with a trio of thugs who don't plan to let her go.
All day. I don't know what to do. Oh, that Beatriz is annoying!
RICARDO.--Are you always going to declare your love? Alfredo gets up from his seat unable to bear it any longer and
ANDRÉS.- I have no choice... I'm about to lose it... It's the first time. go to Alma's table who pretends not to notice)
girlfriend that I am going to have, do you realize it? I mean, if I indeed...
accept. ALFREDO.-:Alma... Alma, please! Don't you think that this
RICARDO.-Look, here she comes... Don't get nervous. Is it taking too long?
ALMA.- You were angry that I smoked, weren’t you? Well, I'm going to smoke.
ANDRÉS.--Come on, man! from today onward.
ALFREDO.-I haven't forbidden you to smoke, Alma. I
I said that we are always advised not to
(Elsa, Pedro, Miguel, and Gabriel enter.)
let's smoke, because it ruins our air... But you don't play
football.
ELSA.-(Laughing,) What a party!, what a party! ALMA.-You wish!
I GABRIEI.. Only the confetti and the streamers were missing.
--
ALFREDO.-And you don't have to deprive yourself of something that you
ELSA.-(Laughs.) Come on, you! is so necessary.
MIGUEL..-I wish all exams were like this! ALMA.-Ah, yes! That means you don't care about anything.
ELSA.- Shut up! We still have the Logic one and that one really is... What I do, right?
tragic. ALFREDO.- Alma, don't be ridiculous! Until what time are you going to
GABRIEL.- Don't think about him now, it makes our existence bitter. Are you playing the role of a silly girl?
PEDRO.- What are you going to treat us to, Elsa? ALMA.-You are not interested in anything I do...
ELSA.- I ran out of money, guys. Now you have to the only thing that matters to you is your horrible football.. And don't come back to me
invite you. (They sit at a table.) to say silly girl!
PEDRO.-Then let them trust us. ALFREDO.- What do you want me to do, Alma? What
ELSA.-No, no, they can't trust us here. I knelt here in front of everyone to ask you.
PEDRO.-Ah!, don't worry, we'll come up with something. Excuse me?... Alma, aren't you tired of watching me act like a fool?
ELSA.- Well...
-
ALMA.-I'm already used to it...
GABRIEL.- Team back! I just remembered a story. ALFREDO.--(Wounded.) Alma!... (Calming down.) Is it that
Everyone bows their heads over the table to listen to the Do you want us to break up for good?
story.) ALMA.-(Starts crying.) Do you see it? You are always
PETRA.-(To Matilde.) Didn't I tell you? Just look at Elsa! trying to hurt me... The thing is, you are a coward...
MATILDE.- And that she was in a convent school, huh? ... And the Get out with your filthy soccer! Don't even think that I need you!
eyes of despair of poor Andrés. ALFREDO.-(Furious.) So?.. Alright, Alma! ..
PETRA.-I prefer not to look. See you later. (He stands up and turns around to leave.)
(Pause.) ALMA.- (Scared) Alfredo!... (He looks at her.) Alfredo, no
MATILDE: I hope Pepe doesn't come to the café today. You're going to leave me here alone, right? ... Everyone is ...
PETRA.-You should try to forget him, Matilde. realizing that I am crying... What will they say, God
MATILDE.-The worst of all is that I don't know who went to tell him. mine!... Sit down... (Alfredo sits down next to her, almost
that I was in love with him. Oh, well, what people...! And now turning his back.) It is very bad manners to leave a
With that, their mockery is worse, I can't stand it! young lady in the middle of a coffee... But it seems that you don't
PETRA.-That idiot! it matters, you are a tough football player and you don't know about the
MATILDE.- If only that were true... Oh, I don't know about that. feelings of a sensitive person... That's why I told you
Where do they get so much stuff! coward, not for any other reason, Alfredo. (He does not respond.)
PETRA. What happens is that, since he has a car, he thinks that everyone
-
Alfredo... Alfredo!... Now you don't want to talk, huh? Well, I
The girls in the classroom are dying for him. I'm not going to talk either, don't worry... (Pause.) And don't think
MATILDE.-And he is not ugly; but with those things... I don't care, Marta. I know very well that you're not interested.

11
but I wanted you to confess... What makes me nervous is your PEDRO.-Then get ready to run.
football... It seems like you have more time for that than for me... ELSA.-. I will have no choice but to call my house.
You should also give yourself some time to study a little... And my dad is going to get furious... Don't let my...
to dedicate more time to myself, of course... Are you still angry?... ice cream, huh?, I'll be right back. (She goes to the phone booth.)
Alfredo!.... Well, stay with your anger, don't think that I GABRIEL.-That's a stingy person, she has her bag full of
It worries me... Also, I am very angry about what you just did with the money and I don't want to take it out.
do. (He turns his back, takes out a cigarette and lights it.) MIGUEL.-His dad is a millionaire and always has Elsa in the...
ANDRÉS.- (To Ricardo) Son!, I don't think I will be able to stand poverty today.
talking to Elsa: those three idiots won't leave her alone... How PLDRO.-It's not that I'm keeping her in misery, it's that she is very
I have worse luck! Do you notice? Whenever I want to sing to Coda and he doesn't want to spend his money.
A girl, I realize that she doesn't even throw me a rope... MIGUEL.-; Let's play a prank on her to scare her off.
Do you remember what happened to me last year with Gloria and how stingy she was?
Teresa? GABRIEL..-We leave her here while she talks on the phone.
RICARDO.- They were a couple of witches, besides being ugly, stupid... You have to pay the bill like that.
You have a bad taste for girls... I think Elsa PEDRO:- Take it easy!
she is the first pretty girl that you like. MIGUEL.-Play!, let's go quickly before he returns.
ANDRÉS.-Ah!, don't be exaggerated, Teresa wasn't ugly... Besides (The three stand up. Gabriel goes to the counter to talk to
I declared my feelings to them because I thought it would be easier, and you see... Catalina)
Now I imagine the smokes that Elsa will get. GABRIEL..-Elsa is going to pay the bill, okay? She's talking.
RICARDO.-You are just a fool when it comes to talking to girls. right now by phone.
ANDRÉS.---Well, what do you want me to tell them? CATALINA.-(Looks at him disdainfully.) Well, (The three
RICARDO: It's not what you say, but how you say it. they quickly go out to the street amidst giggles.
ANDRÉS.- What happens is that I have a lucky charm.... Look ELSA.-(On the phone) Where am I speaking to? Is it you, Chucha? Is she there?
With Teresa, how was I supposed to know that my mom was going to marry that monkey? ...Where did she go?... Oh, yes! I remember now that she was going.
that? going shopping...! Is my brother still not back from the
RICARDO: And what about Gloria? Don't tell me she was going to leave school?... What a drag!... Well, too bad, I'll call back.
Monja! In a little while let's see if Toño arrives... No, it's just that
ANDRÉS: Well, when Gloria was around, I was really foolish. Didn't I tell you I needed money; but I'll see if the guys can do it.
What did I do to him? I thought of telling him that Paco looked like a tarantula and trying to get it somewhere... Don't say anything to my
Mom, huh?.., Well. (Hangs up the phone and leaves the booth.)
I didn't like him at all, and it turned out that Paco was his brother.
RICARDO.-(Laughs) See? Why do you get involved with families? She heads to the table. She is left bewildered when she doesn't find.
ANDRÉS: (Pause.) Hey, don't you think it would be good if I discreetly approached the guys, but worried.
any gift for Elsa? Yes, with the view of the whole café. Petra and Matilde look at her.
RICARDO.-Are you doing very well? She smiles at them forcedly. How are you? (She sits down again)
I stole twenty pesos from my brother. at the table not knowing what to do and throwing quick glances at someone
RICARDO.-Better keep them, so you can invite her to the movies [Link] another side. She begins to take her snow, trying to conceal
ANDRÉS.-Yes, me too. But I would like to give her a bouquet of her impatience and anger at understanding things.
flowers. PEPE.- (Enters with his three gunslingers. Stops short at the
RICARDO.-As you wish. look at Petra and Matilde) But look who is here... My
ANDRÉS.---Yes, I am going to buy them. appreciable pair of old maids. (The gunmen laugh)
RICARDO.-In that case, send them to her, don't bring them yourself. Do you not know something? Matilde just proposed to me.
ANDRÉS.--Aha!, I'll be right back. marriage.
RICARDO.--Do you not need money? A GUNMAN.-(In a foolish voice) And when are you getting married?
ANDRÉS.- This... Well, lend me five pesos just in case. PEPE.- Don't do it! I don't like witches.
(Ricardo takes out five Pesos and gives them to him.) Thank you, man, here they are. PETRA.- Don't pay attention to them, Matilde.
I will pay when I can. (Sale.) PEPE.- Can we sit at your table, old maids? (They
ELSA.-What are we going to pay for these ice creams, guys? I don't respond.) Well, no, in the end we didn't even want to... (They sit down
You see, I don't bring a single cent, okay? on a side table.) Hey!, three strawberry ice creams over here. Don't
GABRIEL.-Ah!, do not think of sad things, finish it and then do you also want, old maids? Let's see if perhaps with the
we will think. strawberry fishing boyfriend.
ELSA.-; Don't you really have any money? A GUNMAN.- And they become less machetera.
GABRIEL.- Do you think we wouldn't have asked for the bill already?PEPE.- Hey, Matilde, is it true that someone from the veterinary clinic
PEDRO.- We are killing time. he asked for your hand... for the dissection class?
ELSA.-(In a hurry) Oh no, guys! Wait, I’m going to speak A GUNMAN.- Come on, Matilde! I wouldn't let you say that...
on the phone to my house so they can send me money with my PEPE.- You shut up, idiot... Tell me the truth, Matilde, what about
little brother:... My dad is going to get really angry!... Really, you don't have a boyfriend...? I was told that even
PEDRO.-No man, don't talk... If there's no other way, you were fattening them up with some pills that the guy gives you.
The girls start washing the dishes to settle the bill. Veterinary... And you are still being slippery with me!
GABRIEL..-You will wash them, I have to leave in a little while. MATILDE.-(Indignant.) First donkey!
MIGUEL..-Remember that we have to go study Logic. PETRA.-Matilde!, don't pay attention to him.
PEDRO.-Is nobody wearing a watch?
ELSA.--I do, but my dad will kill me if I leave it.

12
PEPE.-Oh, don't make me feel inferior! Is it really just because you can catch it?
Latin teacher invites you to his house you no longer like the
boys? (Whistles and applause.)
MATILDE.-Look, don't mess with the Latin teacher, idiot!
PETRA.- Shut up, Matilde! And the dance ends,
PEPE.--How you defend him!, I wonder why? it is finished.
A GUNMAN.- Do you really like the old man from Latin, Matilde? Poor Duchess
that doesn't look good... he/she leaves with everyone.

PEPE.-(To the gunman.) I told you to be quiet already. (Matilde and Petra
They look down, humiliated. Through the door enters Lupe the crazy. (Whistles and applause.)
She is a repulsive being, dressed in rags, barefoot, dirty, and the old maids
disheveled; she paints herself excessively and laughs like a man. She has a What on the table,
cigar in hand. with a little frog
Petra and Matilde do not notice her entry. Pepe calls her as they are going to bed.
signals for him to come closer. He whispers something in his ear while pointing at Petra.
and to Matilde, and gives her a bill that Lupe keeps. She approaches (More whistles and applause. Lupe thanks in a circus style.
Silently to Matilde's table, Federico quickly pushes her out. Lupe exits happily, swaying.
folder. He keeps looking at it and laughs stupidly.) At the door she turns around and blows a little trumpet at the single women.
MATILDE. (Screams.) Oh, baby! He/she exits quietly.

(Pepe and the gunmen, who were observing in silence, let go the
laughter.) PEPE.- Did you notice the jump Matilde made when Lupe...
A GUNMAN.- Pass it, Lupe! Did you take away the folder?

PEPE.-Bravo, Lupe!, bravo! Now tell them one of your little verses to the
old maids. (Matilde gets up and runs out unable to bear it.)
A GUNMAN. - (In a shrill voice, he recites.) Old maids,
old maids. PETRA. Matilde! (Looks at Pepe with hatred.) You are a...
MATILDE.--(Furiosa.) Give me my folder! unfortunate!
LUPE.-(Recites with a cracked voice.)
A young lady, by mistake, (Alfredo, who has witnessed the scene, rises from his seat and
she went to bathe in the river with her nightgown on. go to Pepe's table.
A fish that was looking at her with great excitement
he got into her petticoat and took a big bite. ALFREDO.-(To Pepe.) Get out of there!
PEPE.(Pale.) And what does he have?
P E T R A . -(Escandalizada se lleva las manos a la boca.)¡Ah!... ALFREDO: -Get out of there!
MATILDE.-Give me my folder, I tell you, or it will go badly for you!PEPE.-(To a Gunman.) If you want to fight, Roberto, go for it.
LUPE.- Straw legs! (None of the gunslingers move.) What? Are you scared of
that big guy?
(Matilde stretches her skirt as much as she can so that they don't see her. A GUNMAN.-The matter is not with me...
legs. Federico goes and takes the folder from Lupe and gives it back to ALFREDO. -(To the Gunslinger.) Get out of the way! (The gunslinger does)
Matilde. Get out of there or I'll take you out!

LUPE.- Is this pig-faced guy in fattening? (Pepe is terrified.)

F E D E R I C O . - ( To L u p e . ) G e t o u t o f h e re !
LUPE.-(Gives him a pinch on the beard.) Don't get angry, my king, if ALMA.-Alfredo!
you look very handsome.

PEPE--Don't take it out, Federico, don't be a coward, let him dance for us. Alfredo pushes Pepe out of his seat and gives him a
a blow to the jaw that makes him roll on the ground. To Pepe
FEDERICO.- No, man, it's bothering the customers... his face is filled with blood.)
THE GUNMEN.-(In chorus.) What a dance!, what a dance!, what a dance!....
PEPE: Come on, Lupe! Show us your dance moves. ALFREDO: So you can learn how to behave with women.
PEPE.-(He stands up, looks at him with hatred.) Because you are more
LUPE.-(Excited, starts to sing and dance.) bigger than me, but you will see...
ALFREDO.- Don't keep talking if you don't want me to...
Dance the Duchess, I just broke the face!
dance to the rhythm. P E P E . - (Murmurs.) This way you'll be good at hitting the
And in the movement guys...
teach the rest.
(Whistles of the gunmen.) ALFREDO.- Get out of here!

And the gentlemen Pepe goes out to the street and behind him the gunmen,
upon seeing her dance, drained.)
everyone wants

13
PETRA.-(Looks at A1fredo, his mouth dry from the shock) FEDERICO. - A little past eight thirty.
Thank you... she really deserved it, poor Matilde! (Goes to DAVID.-Thank you...
box to pay and goes out.)
(Pause. Ricardo looks at him, pale, with hatred. He lowers Sué.
(There is excitement in everyone. Elsa, very worried, does not look right after Catalina.)
nobody. Alma doesn't dare to look at Alfredo. Ricardo takes a
refreshment. Alfredo shyly looks at Alma, then turns to SUÉ.-(To Catalina.) Who is she?
slowly to the glass door and leans against CATALINA: That gentleman who is sitting at the bar.
Marco, with his back to the audience, looking at the bench. Federico SUÉ.-(She stays looking at him, surprised.) It's David.(She approaches,
she cleans her glasses. Catalina approaches Ricardo. excited.)¡David!....
DAVID. (Turns and gets up from the bar.) How's it going?
CATALINA.-What a horrible woman, that crazy one!... She looked like a SUÉ.--(Happy.) Where have you been all this time?
vision of fever... DAVID.-(Smiling.) Over there...
RICARDO.- Hadn't you seen her before? SUÉ.-Why didn't you let me know you were coming?
CATALINA.-No, you already? DAVID.-Forgive me for being drunk now...
RICARDO.- He is always around the Prepa scaring everyone. SUÉ.- I thought you were never going to come. You have no idea how happy I am.
world. He likes to chase the girls when they walk by.
street and gets happy when she hears them scream. DAVID.- Really?
CATALINA.- If you keep following me, I'll fall SUÉ: Come on, let's go to my room, we can talk better there.
from the scare.
FEDERICO.--Hey, Sué, you know I don't like you going up to
RICARDO.- Andrés and I have been scared many times. nobody to the room.
when we go completely unprepared chatting about the SUÉ.- What? But this is not a client.
street. FEDERICO: Anyway, I don't like you getting involved.
CATALINA.- I don't know how they haven't put her in jail. men to the room: I've already told you.
RICARDO.-Andrés feels a lot of compassion for him. They told him SUÉ.-Listen to me, you have never told me anything.
a sad story. I told you before renting you the room and you agreed.
CATALINA.-Oh, really? as agreed.
RICARDO.- They say she was a high school student who SUÉ.- You must be drunk. I can bring whoever I want.
I was about to write verses. That I had published an anthology. the dirty room.
about sonnets or I don't know what...And it turns out she was very much in love.
FEDERICO: Forgive me, Sué, but that was the deal.
of a music student boy, with whom I was about to SUÉ.-(Laughs contemptuously.) Ah, so that's how it is, that I don't...
to get married. But this boy died in an accident Can I use the room as I wish?
in front of her eyes... and they say that's why she's crazy.
FEDERICO: Everything you want, but you can't get in
CATALINA. - Poor thing, where will she live? men.
RICARDO.-I don't know, I have never tried to find out.
CATALINA.-It’s horrible... SUÉ.-Ah, of course! Come on, David. What do you think you
I'm paying the rent just to see your face? Now yes,
that's all I was missing!
David enters through the door, disheveled, with the tie FEDERICO.--(Angry.) By the good, Sué. I have always...
wasted. A little drunk, tries not to swerve while I've had considerations for you and I don't want everything to go to waste.
walk. Approaches the bar.) lose for anything. You knew perfectly well that I didn't you.
He let men into the room.
SUÉ.- Well, what does it matter to you? You're not the one who's leaving.
DAVID.-(To Federico.) Forgive me... Where can you to knock them down, so what do you argue?
find Susana? ... She's a girl they call Sué. FEDERICO.---This is an honorable place and I don't want to get involved.
(Ricardo looks at him.) in trouble with the police...
FEDERICO.-What matter? SUÉ.- The police have nothing to do with this, and that little blue one
DAVID.-(Without being upset.) Oh, yes! I need to talk to her, if What’s going on there is my buddy, in the last case.
It's not annoying. (Smiles stupidly.) I am your friend. FEDERICO.--Well, I already told you, this is an honorable place. I
FEDERICO.-But she does not receive anyone here. I don't want those things in my house.
DAVID.- No one? ... To... he does receive me. Where does he findWell,
his you shouldn't have rented the room if you're so delicate.
fourth? FEDERICO.-I warned you. So now you know. Don't go up.
FEDERICO.-(To Catalina.) Talk to Sue, tell her that here with that one if you don't want me to kick them out.
they search. SUÉ.--(Aggressive.) Are you going to kick me out? Already!
(Catalina rises.) I would like to see!
DAVID.- Can't you go up to your room? RICARDO.--(Pale.) Let them go, Federico...
FEDERICO. - No, I already called her. FEDERICO.-First of all, I am at home and I am very
DAVID.-Thank you...(He sits at the bar.) Can you wait? owner of taking whoever I please...
here? SUÉ.- Come on!, what are you waiting for? Do you think I have you
FEDERICO.—Yes. (Pause.) Are you going to have somethingfear? to drink?
DAVID.-No, now... Uh, do you have a little glass of whisky? DAVID. What's wrong, Susana?
FEDERICO.—Alcoholic beverages are not served here. SUÉ.- Nothing, this crap of scrubbing that wants to be given to me
DAVID.-Oh, excuse me. (Pause.) What time is it now? orders to me.

14
FEDERICO.-(Stepping forward.) Either that drunkard leaves, or I will whisper.)
throw How
him out.
the head and muscles hurt... Ah! ...
SUÉ.-Neither do you go out, nor do you take him out. Even if he is drunk, he is more of a man! What silence... what silence...!(He turns his gaze towards)
than you. up as if looking at Sue in her room. Loud voice.) Already
RICARDO.-Leave it, Federico, what does it matter? I can wait whole years here for you to come down, right, Sué?....
SUÉ.-Don't you get involved in this, Ricardo. (painful) and you lying there with that stupid gringo...(Now
FEDERICO. -(A David.) Please do me the favor of stepping aside! soft.) Why did you do it, Sué? You had promised me to be
SUÉ.- Look, don't get involved with him, Federico, because you're going to end up in pieces. For me all day... I was thinking of marrying you and making you
FEDERICO.-(To David.) I give you ten seconds to get out. a new woman.... I know you see me as a kid and
Oh yes! very, tough, right? What do you think, that things are simpler for me; but they are not.
RICARDO.-Federico, let them get on already! That's enough, they are not, Sué!.... It is possible that for others...
of show! sean...(looks around), is it possible... (As if others
FEDERICO.-(Pale.) Both of them are going to leave me right away if they weren't about to retort.) Everyone has their little problems,
they want me to bring the police. Of course, but they are easy to solve... Yes, yes, the problems of
SUÉ.-Come on!, stop just talking. you are all very simple and you're going to solve them with a
DAVID.-(Preparing his fists.) Do you want to fight? small effort on your part... (He approaches Elsa.)
SUÉ.-.-Wait, David, not yet. (To Federico.) What happened, for example, you, Elsa: are you worried because your friends are...
What a man! Just dare to lay a hand on her, and you left her alone without a cent to pay the bill...
you'll see how it gets to you, you bastard! You should come to me to ask for money, after all, we are...
classmates. It's not very difficult to lose embarrassment.
(Federico walks determinedly towards David. Sué stands in front, saying, I'm not a monster... Do you see it? I don't think that you...
challenge. Alfredo approaches willing to help in any way. problem is much more complicated than that...(To Alfredo and to
Catalina lunges and stops her father. Ricardo and Alfredo, the Alma.) And you two?... It must be the millionth time that
They help. They represent the same comedy since they are dating and suffer.
as if it were the first... In you it doesn't even exist
CATALINA.-Dad!, don't mess with him. Can't you see he's trouble? It's just that their lives are too simple and
Drunk? Let them do what they want. It would harm us, and they need a small dose of complication.
much more of a scandal. to break out of the routine...(To Catalina.) You may have a
ALFREDO.-(To Catalina.) Can I help with something? Do you want a bigger problem than the others... But what you need in
take this out...? the reality is that a good vacation is to return completely
CATALINA.-No, thank you very much, everything is already sorted out. (Sincured from exhaustion and nerves... I don't think Federico
embargo, Alfredo remains on the lookout. Alma has opposed if you really insist on getting your month of
getting up from her seat with a little shout, terribly nervous.) break... Your love problem? I think you are more
Alright, Sué. They can get on. in love with an ideal rather than a boy and you are happy
FEDERICO.-(Pale.) And when you leave, let it be with your things, feeling mysterious with your secret. When you return from your
CATALINA.-Go, Sue, don't pay attention. you will have forgotten about vacations and will then have a new
I will stay as long as I want. Come on, David. Maybe a more beautiful and less complicated secret... And everyone,
(Silence.) all the same. What happens is that, of course, they have just come out of the
CATALINA.- (A deeply distressed to Alfredo.) Thank you very much... childhood and they like to create problems for themselves to feel like people
mature, and each one believes that their problem is bigger than the
Alfredo returns to his previous position. Alma, very upset, returns from everyone else and they complicate life unnecessarily...
to settle down. Federico, a little calmer, returns behind the bar. It is all a choir of children playing to be adults with things.
Ricardo, yearning, with bated breath, takes a few truly simple steps... Keep playing, keep playing while
towards the stairs.) they can do it, but don't take things too seriously...
Well, are you convinced?... And I am left, is there anyone
RICARDO.-(Murmurs.) Sué! ... Can you tell me what the solution to my problem is? ... No, Catalina,
CATALINA.- (She looks at him, distressed.) Ricardo!... I know that you would like to act vigorously; but you do not know that this
I would not remedy things, but rather make them worse...
CURTAIN Doesn't anyone have another solution? ... Of course, I knew it. Things
they are not that simple for me.... My problem is of a nature
INTERMEZZO superior to yours...; it is a real problem of
adult in an adolescent mind... And it's very hard... (Pause.)
The same place. The people are motionless in the positions they held THE VOICE OF SUE.--(Clara, melodious.) 'Ric...! Ric!'
As the curtain falls on the second act. A bluish light bathes RICARDO. -(Transition. Now youthful and optimistic.) Hooray!
scenario, so that the figures seem lifeless. Where are you, Sue?
Ricardo, bathed in the light of a spotlight, is the only animated figure. THE VOICE OF SUÉ.-Find me! (Ricardo starts to
The movements of Ricardo and Sué will be much slower and they will scrutinize the darkness in all directions.) Cold, cold!, cold!
smooth. RICARDO.--I give up, Sué.
SUÉ.-(A spotlight illuminates her at the foot of the stairs in a posture
RICARDO.-(Remains motionless for a moment. Then, he starts acting like a mannequin. He wears a pretty skirt, a floral headpiece, and some
the hands to the face and rubs it in a grimace of pain and exhaustion. Gloves that match the shoes. Remains a
Then, as if he were deeply exhausted, he drops the moment motionless, holding back laughter. Then he lets it escape.
Lifeless arms at her sides and lets out a breath. In a clear and cheerful breaking the scene.) I'm ready, Ric. Right?

15
Do I look elegant? (Turn around like a professional model and SUÉ.- I promised to go out with you and you, in turn, promised me that,
then he/she laughs again. if it didn't work out, you would let me go and be happy with a girl
RICARDO.-(Astonished.) You look beautiful, Sué! at your age... And you see? You have been happy with a girl
SUÉ.- Where are you going to take me to eat? I am so hungry that beautiful and full of youth who has known how to laugh with you about thousands
I would eat orchids and other small yellow flowers that I don't remember from silly things, Ric...; but you have failed with me. Why do you try
What are they called.... I would look beautiful if I ate them... To deceive you by wanting to find in me the girl that I am not?
RICARDO.- What do you think if we go to 'Capitán Corneja'? It's a No, Ric, you're old enough to realize the
great sugar boat with excellent service. things... Open your eyes!, find out that life is not what
SUÉ:.-(Scared.) But don't serve me too much, I would lose the shape we want it to be, but rather what it should be... I
and I would get as fat as a zeppelin. Would you like to eat next to I completely understand how hard it will be for you to accept the
a zeppelin? reality of things, but fortunately you are young and soon
RICARDO.-(Laughing.)Don't worry, Sue, I'll make sure you won't get used to it... Young people forget quickly...
they serve too much. youth is.... how shall I say it?... it's like nothing in the world...!
SUÉ.- Thank you, Ric.... And then you are going to take me to the movies, right? Like nothing in the world, Ric! ... Instead, I am no longer
I want to watch a movie that makes me cry, I am happy crying... young... You must understand... I, I have to take advantage of it
RICARDO.-(Laughs.) Yes, and we bought a couple of sheets for the last one I have left... (Begins to cry softly.)
to wipe our eyes and blow our noses. RICARDO.- Don't go, Sué..., not yet.
SUÉ. - (Scandalized.) How horrible! (Both start laughing.) SUÉ.-(Wipes away her tears with the tips of her fingers.) It's already...
RICARDO.-(Paying attention.) Do you hear? Good afternoon, Ric. It's time for me to leave... Won't you hold a grudge against me,
SUÉ.-What thing, Ric? really?
RICARDO.-The music..., don't you hear it? Let's dance. RICARDO.-(Sad.) Of course not, Sué....
SUÉ.-I can't hear her, but let's dance anyway. (They dance.) I will remember you for the rest of my life... Well, goodbye and
RICARDO.-You dance very well, Sué, it feels like I have a feather among 'wish me luck'...
the arms, and when the wind blows it vibrates gently...
She goes up the stairs and disappears.
(She laughs, happy. Ricardo stops dancing and kisses her on the neck.)
RICARDO.-(Smiles sadly.) Good luck, Sue!
SUÉ.-Young man!, young man!, one moment. Are you going to get married? (Small pause. He takes a few steps toward the stairs.)
with me? (They both laugh.) Come on!... Come on (laughs), you didn't have your ice cream...(Ricardo stays
RICARDO.--In a large pumpkin full of fox tail and heliotrope, exactly in the position it was in when the curtain fell.
and droplets of water hanging from threads above our heads... second act. There is a brief pause. Then the lights come on
Oh, I don't like the fox's tail! lights, bringing everything back to normal and beginning the third
RICARDo.-We will change it for sugar cubes. act.)
AND we will distribute them to the guests so they can sweeten their coffee.
RICARDO.- And it will even last us for ours every afternoon, ACT THREE
for five long years.
SUÉ.-. Oh, Ric!, but the last cups will taste bitter already. (They laugh.) The same place. The people are in the positions they had at
the curtain falls on the second act. The action continues immediately
RICARDO.-And we will love each other like a couple of doves...
after the interlude, when the lights return to the
SUÉ.-Or like fools... normality. Ricardo, yearning, looks at the point where Sué
RICARDO.-Or like a couple of Aces... has disappeared.
SUÉ.--The poker of Kings...
RICARDO.-Or like oil and water... RICARDO.-(Murmurs.) Shut up!...
SUE.-Oh, Ric!, water and oil don’t get along. CATALINA.-(Dismayed.)!Ricardo!...
RICARDO.- The king's poker was also not relevant. (They laugh.) Me
I like your water smile. Ricardo hesitates for a moment, deeply., sad. It heads
SUÉ.-You fool!, it's not laughter... slowly to his seat. A sob escapes him and he hides the
RICARDO.-No!, what is it? face between the hands.)
SUÉ.-It's water...
RICARDO.-So it's laughing water then... CATALINA.-(Very low.) Ricardo...
SUÉ.-It's water! (They laugh.) FEDERICO.-(To Catalina.) Let it go.
RICARDO.- If we keep laughing and saying nonsense, our... CATALINA.-I can't see it that way... Poor Ricardo!, he loves her
lungs will burst and we will die of joy side by side. And you will see.
our death will be eternal and happy because we will be together... (smiles. FEDERICO.- Who? (Catalina does not respond. Pause.) This
Sue is serious.) What's wrong? The boy is a fool... (Sighs.) Well, things of youth.
SUÉ.-(There has been a transition in her.) No, Ric, this cannot CATALINA.-That the great never understand...
I am not the woman for you. (She takes off her little hat and gloves.) FEDERICO.- Who says no?... The young people now believe
RICARDO.-(Scared) What’s wrong, Sué? Did I say something bad? that the young people of yesterday were born adults... What happens is that
SUÉ.-No, you didn't say anything wrong... In our age, things are no longer seen with such passion.
RICARDO.-So? CATALINA.-(Pause.) Why don't you come in for breakfast, Daddy?
SUÉ.-I don't want you to get sad, Ric. FEDERICO.- If you want, you go first...
RICARDO.--But you promised me... CATALINA: No, thank you, I don't feel like doing anything.

16
FEDERICO.- And that? ALMA.-I am going to scream a lot to cheer you up.
CATALINA.-No sé, no tengo hambre. Ándale, vete tú. ALFREDO: Is your dad going to let you go to the game?
FEDERICO.- At least drink a glass of milk. ALMA.-No, but I'm going to listen to it on the radio.
CATALINA: Well, as you wish, but I'd prefer to go in a little while. ALFREDO.-That's not fair.
FEDERICO.- Has the donut guy not come? ALMA.- I know! Let Tere come to ask me for permission; with her, yes.
CATALINA.-No. they let me go.
FEDERICO.- I'll take care of it. (Exits to the back room. ALFREDO.- Do you forgive me for what I said about your friend?
Pause.) SOUL.- I will think about it. (They laugh.) Let's go, Al, it's going to be late for you.
ELSA.-(Very distressed, trying to hide her discomfort after an afternoon.
smile.) Catalina, can you give me the bill, please? ALFREDO.-Let me go pay the bill. (He goes to the register and
CATALINA.-(She takes the note and leaves.) Three, twenty. Pay. To the Soul.) How many iced teas did you turn into?
ELSA.-(Swallows.) Thank you, would you like to give me a glass of water? ALMA.-Oh, how you are! This time it was just one.

(Catalina goes for the glass of water. Elsa waits for Catalina to come back (They exit, happily, through the front door.)
the backs to open her folder. She searches hurriedly and only
finds a peso bill. Catalina approaches with the glass of CATALINA.-(To Ricardo.) It makes me envious to see people so
water and Elsa immediately hides the bill and smiles. happy... I would like to feel, at least for a few minutes, what
that girl must feel next to her footballer.
ELSA.-Thank you. (She starts to sip the water, waiting for RICARDO.-(Sad, but already calm.) I don't think that all the
Let Catalina leave. She understands and does it with a slight happiness depending on whether or not she goes next to a football player.
smile.) CATALINA.-(Laughs.) You know what I mean.
ALMA.-(Who has been struggling with herself, she gets up and RICARDO arrives.-Yes.... I already know what you mean... you should
until where Alfredo is. He hesitates.) Al!... (Alfredo looks at her.) Hey, Al, writing verses, Catalina.
Are you still angry with me? CATALINA.-(Laughs.) Me? Yes, I am going to write a book of verses.
(Alfredo smiles despite himself.) Was I very unbearable? Sad memories... of a waitress who loved
ALFREDO.-(Happy.) More than ever... I began to think that it was in profoundly, without being loved." (Both laugh.)
seriously. RICARDO.- You better write a romance novel and forget.
ALMA.-!Fool!... Do you forgive me? the verses thing.
ALFREDO.- I was also to blame. CATALINA.- I will take your advice into account.
ALMA.- No, I was the one with everything... (They look at each other for a while and then hug.)
Do you love me a lot, Al? (A boy enters with some red roses.)
ALFREDO.- A lot!
ALMA.- I don't know how I came up with the thought, not for a moment, that A BOY.--(To Elsa.) Are you the young lady?
Marta might interest you.... so ugly and so stuck-up that she is, the poor thing! Arizmendi?
ALFREDO.- Are you so sure? ELSA.-Yes.
ALMA.-Ah!, shouldn't I be? A BOY.-These flowers are for you...
ALFREDO.-(Jokingly.) Who knows!... ELSA.-For me? Who sends them? (Takes the flowers..)
ALMA.- (Laughing.) Oh no, Al, how could you! (He laughs and hugs her tighter) A BOY.- A gentleman, I don’t know his name.
against her body as if she wanted to protect her from absolutely everything.) ELSA.-They don't have a card...(She almost cries from anger.) Another little joke.
You know?... I'm glad you hit that idiot who was in Pedro! (Pause.) It's fine, you can go, thank you. (The
harassing the poor girls. He needed a little lesson... boy turns around.) Hey!... Is the gentleman around?
I am very proud of you, Al. outside?
ALFREDO.- He was younger than me, but he deserved it... A BOY.-He is on the corner.
ALMA.- I was very scared. ELSA.-Is he there? ... Look, tell him to stop joking around already.
ALFREDO.-Why? bad taste and come pay the bill because I don't have any
ALMA.-I thought those gorillas were going to jump on you for money... please.
Everyone. Those guys are very reckless. A BOY.-Yes. (Runs out.)
ALFREDO.- They are just talkers. ELSA.-(Murmurs.) Hateable!, hateable...
I love you very much, Al. RICARDO.-Do you want to give me my bill, Catalina?
ALFREDO.-And I to you... Are you going to come to the dance with me?CATALINA.- Are you leaving? ... Why?
ALMA.- What dance? RICARDO. I have nothing left to do here...
ALFREDO.-Después del juego contra el Poli vamos a tener un CATALINA.-¿Qué vas a hacer, Ricardo?
dance to celebrate the victory. RICARDO.-Go to my house, give me a good bath and then
ALMA.-Yes? I will ask for permission at home. try to sleep and rest from all these days...
ALFREDO.- Aren't you coming to training with me? CATALINA.-Lucky you!
ALMA.-(Hastily.) Hasn't it gotten late for you, Al? RICARDO.- Happy? ... Yes, maybe...
ALFREDO.- We can get there very well. CATALINA.-How I wish I could sleep an entire day! Without
ALMA.- Well. You have to beat the Poli this year, Al. Let's see another worry other than sleeping well... I can't take this anymore.
how they do it, but they have to win. hateful back and forth from one table to another! This eternal obligation of
ALFREDO.-We are going to win. We are very well trained and smile at everyone when in reality you want to
we have a couple of new surprise plays. We are going to let them cry.... And not even does it have the freedom to do so!
atzero. more patience and good humor than one wants to have, the nerves

17
They get tired... It's horrifying! You can't imagine to what extent one stops talking. If he knew who my grandfather was... Do you
I feel exhausted. Sometimes I feel like giving up on everything, everything! And did I say that a mule was killed in one blow?
correr a mi cuarto y encerrarme con llave y no salir en tres días... CATALINA.- Like a hundred times.
I would dedicate myself to sleeping and crying and not thinking about anything, nothing at all!... FEDERICO.- My grandfather was a brute. And how he used to eat!
RICARDO.-(Trying to cheer her up.) The least expected day will be unfortunate!... By the way, didn't they bring the donuts?
When that boy you like arrives, he is going to fall in love with you. CATALINA.-No.
[Link]. FEDERICO.- We need to talk again, they're going to make us
CATALINA.-(Laughs at herself.) Yes, someday... Maybe it’s lacking...
when I am already an embittered old woman, without hopes...
RICARDO.-; Why are you sad? I'm not sad... already (Pause. In the street, Andrés appears with a guitarist.
ves. Speak to him in a low voice. The Guitarist starts to play.
CATALINA.-(She regains composure, smiles.) No... I'm not a romantic, tearful person either. Andrés enters the café and
Sad. I was sad for you, not for myself...(sighs.) Are you going to Elsa's table, scared to death. They have to
continue working? shouting to hear their voices over the noise of
RICARDO.-NO. Guitarist.
CATALINA.- Why don't you take exams for certification in the
Ready? If you are not going to work, you could very well dedicate yourself to ANDRES.- How's it going, Elsa?
study and complete your Bachelor's degree. ELSA.-Hey there! How have you been?
RICARDO.-I don't know, maybe I'll do it... ANDRÉS.- Alright, alright... (Pause.) Can I sit with you?
CATALINA.-Yes, do it! It doesn't matter if you don't set the table afterwards.
career, but it's a shame that you lose your two ELSA for so little.-As you wish.... I was just about to leave, that's all
yearsofhighschool. that Ricardo told me to wait for you...
RICARDO.-I will think about it later, right now I don't have it ANDRÉS. - What did he/she tell you?
spirits... Also put Elsa's account in my charge, please. ELSA.-Wishing you lots of luck... My God!, how...
CATALINA.-Do you want to leave already? Guitarists are annoying, right? They start playing in
RICARDO.-I don't want to see Sue again.... that would complicate the most inappropriate moments.
the things... ANDRÉS.-Don't you like it?
CATALINA.-You're right. (Takes the note.) ELSA.- We have to shout to be able to hear each other. (Andrés to her)
RICARDO.-If he comes down to apologize to me, tell him that... that he signals to the Guitarist to leave.
Iamveryhappyforherandthat...No,nothingmorethanthat. guitarrista se pone furioso, pero se va.)Gracias, me
CATALINA.- (Swallowing her tears.) Yes. my head was starting to hurt.
RICARDO.-How much is it? ANDRÉS.-I thought it was a romantic music.
CATALINA.-Eight, fifty. (Ricardo pays her.) ELSA. Did you bring it?
RICARDO.- Well... see you and thanks for everything. ANDRÉS.- Yes...; but he has already left. (A heavy pause. He
(Catalina smiles at him unable to speak. Ricardo reaches out his hand, they smile at each other.)
the bag and take out María's amulet.) Take it, it's the amulet ELSA.-Notice that they sent me these roses and the boy didn't
of María. Ami can no longer serve me. I hope it brings you good, it could tell whose they were.
Good luck and may you get your vacation very soon. ANDRÉS.-(Excited.) Did you like them?
CATALINA.- Thank you, Ricardo. ELSA. - -(Surprised.) Did you send them? (Andrés nods)
RICARDO.-(Goes to Elsa's table.) Your bill is already paid with the head. Elsa feels shy.) I thought I had them.
count, Elsa. I sent Pedro and I sent a little note with the boy, did you...?
ELSA.-(She looks at him surprised.) Did you pay for it? ... Oh no, he didn't give it to us?..
there was a need, but... Well, thank you. ANDRÉS.-(Smiles.) Yes....
RICARDO.-Andrés shouldn't take long to arrive, you tell him from me ELSA.-Oh, what a shame! But it's not true, is it? I was bringing
I wish you all the luck in the world... money... , I just wanted Pedro to come.
ELSA.- But I was already leaving... ANDRÉS.-Don't worry. (Pause.)
RICARDO.-No, todavía no, tienes que esperar a que él ELSA.-Nunca me habían mandado flores hasta ahora,
venga... Nos vemos. (laughs) with all the struggle I was putting in to get them
ELSA.-.-(Dazed.) See you... Mandarins. You can't imagine how hard one has to work.
CATALINA.-Ricardo.... (He looks at her.) Are you going to come another day, so that the guys can notice a...
truth? precious... Why did you do it,Andrés?
RICARDO.-Yes...(He smiles at her, waves his hand, and leaves. Pause.) ANDRÉS.- I thought it was a nice gift for you.
FEDERICO.-(Comes out from the back room.) Is Ricardo gone already? ELSA.- Thank you, Andrés, they are very beautiful; but no
CATALINA.- At this moment. I understand...
FEDERICO. - With Sué? ANDRÉS.-(Pause, swallows.) I chose red roses for
CATALINA. - Sue is up. I thought they would tell you something by themselves...
FEDERICO.- Are you still with that drunk? (Elsalooksintohiseyes.)Doesn'titmeananythingtoyou?
CATALINA.-Yes, it still hasn't come out. ELSA.-(Looks at the roses, tries to help him.) Yes, I
FEDERICO.- It’s better if he leaves in five minutes, they say that...(Pauses deliberately.)
Why am I going to go and make a scene? Did you notice how I...
bragging heart? (Catalina doesn't feel like responding and Andrés blushes.)
ELSA.-No...

18
ANDRÉS.-Not? ANDRÉS.- Of course
ELSA.- It is a full declaration of love... the most beautiful one. ELSA.-But it is raining, doesn't it bother you?
of all.
AND R É S. - (S u r p r i s e d.) Yes?, and what do you say? ANDRÉS.--I like walking in the rain, don't you?
ELSA.-(Laughs excitedly.) I never thought it... You are so strange,ELSA.- I'm fascinated. Let's go. (They stand up.)
Andrés. Oh my God!, how was I supposed to imagine it?... I
ANDRÉS.- I'll take your folder. (They hold hands and exit)
I agreed that at the beginning of the year I was trying hard to do
they joyfully receive the drizzle on their faces. (Exit.)
Italkedwithyou,andyoupreferredtoalwayshangoutwithyourfriends.
ANDRÉS.- So you love me too? DAVID.-(Loudly.) What's wrong, Susana?
ELSA.-I don't know... (Laughs, nervous.) I had lost everything. SUE.- I'm coming, I'm coming... (To Catalina.) I'm getting married, Catalina.
hopes of catching you... You know?, you made me cry one day... CATALINA.-Ah!... (Curtly.) Ricardo told me that he
ANDRÉS. - Me? Why? joy for you.
ELSA.-That day we went on an excursion to the pyramids. I SUÉ.-(Looks around.) Where is it? I had it...
I was dying to be with you because of the others forgot that it existed.
The boys were unbearable. And I had to stay alone. CATALINA. -He/She left...
All day... You didn't come closer to help me down the SUÉ.-Poor kid!, he thought he was in love with me.
pyramids, even though I was screaming with all the strength of my CATALINA.-I was in love with you.
lungs... That night I started to cry out of anger. SUÉ.-(She looks at him. Pause.) Do you blame me?
ANDRÉS.- I didn't realize, Elsa.... I was looking for an opportunity. CATALINA.-(Low, bitter, contained.) You are a bitch!
suitable for getting close to you, but they came and I let them pass. SUÉ.-What thing?
I was afraid you wouldn't pay attention to me... Really! CATALINA.-I'm glad that yours and Ricardo's is not
ELSA.-It's just that like all the girls in the classroom you has done.
they were flirting, you weren’t in much of a hurry to talk to me. SUÉ.-(Pause. She is astonished.) I don't know what it is that
ANDRÉS.- I spoke to you with my eyes every moment that I... you mean.
they stumbled with yours, Elsa.... CATALINA. -And I who believed you to be all goodness; that you
ELSA.- Because they are so blue, I would get lost in them and couldn't I felt sorry because you had to make a living in such a horrible way.
decipher them... Oh, if they are coffees! way.... But I can see that you are rotten to the core.
ANDRÉS.- Well, I've been told that from afar they look blue... That there is nothing noble left in you nor of...
ELSA.-Yes... (Pause.) SUÉ.- Shut up! (Catalina looks at her with disdain. Pause.)
ANDRÉS.- You haven't told me anything yet, Elsa. Do you know that I am thirty-two years old? ... That I am thirteen years
ELSA.-You haven't asked me anything... older than the brat? ... Yes, I could be his grandmother. I don't know how.
ANDRÉS.- Do you want to be my girlfriend? you don't understand it, Catalina... I can't fall in love with
ELSA.-(Bringing her face close to his.) Yes... (They kiss lightly. Outside a brat like him and I told him...
It starts to rain. They remain looking at each other, very close to one another, without CATALINA.- But you promised to go out with him and he was happy...
to touch oneself. SUÉ.-Do you think I have time to go around?
entertaining the boys from high school, ... I told you
(Sué and David come down the stairs. He is carrying a suitcase.) that she was going to go out with him because she had nothing else ahead.
But when David arrived, I preferred to stay with him... Is that
SUÉ.-(ADavid.) Wait for me out there, I have to settle some accounts you don’t know what it means to me to marry David?
with Federico. (David goes out the door.) How much is it that I am He is a man, he can carry me... I love him!
owing? Do you understand me? This is reality, Catalina, what happened with Ricardo was
FEDERICO.-Are you leaving? a simple whim of a spoiled rich kid that he will forget
SUÉ.-Yes.... How much is it? (Opens her bag.) in a few days... This is the last opportunity for me
FEDERICO.- A month, I'm going for the receipt. (He leaves the scene, and I'm not going to let her go over a foolishness...
back room.) CATALINA.-I would have sacrificed anything for
ELSA.-(Like a fool.) It's raining... Ricardo, he deserves it all...
SUÉ.-Are you in love with him?
ANDRÉS. (Like a fool.) Yes.
-
CATALINA. - (Hosca.) What do you care!
ELSA.-It's nice to see it rain. SUÉ.-Forgive me... I didn't know, I swear! (Catalina
ANDRÉS.- What do you have to do this afternoon? Turn your head and cry.)That's why you don't understand me...
ELSA.- This afternoon? Study Logic. DAVID.- What's wrong, Susana?!
ANDRÉS.- We have five days to study Logic, shall we go to the SUÉ-.-I'm coming!, stop bothering. (To Catalina.) Why
who? Why didn't you tell me, Catalina? If I had known...
ELSA.-I really want to, but my mom is not going to want to. I was messing everything up for you. You must
You hate me, don't you? ...Forgive me.... What I feel is that we
ANDRÉS.-Why? let's say goodbye this way, when we started being
ELSA.- She never wants me to go out alone in the afternoons. good friends... Do you remember when I arrived here? You
you were still a girl... It will soon be two years since that...
ANDRÉS.-Then let's go to the morning show right now.
Why didn't you tell me, silly?
ELSA.-What movies are playing?
DAVID.- Susanaaaa!
ANDRÉS.-They give three of adventures.
SUÉ.-You used to tell me your things... How did I not realize
ELSA.- How wonderful!... Will you accompany me home later?
account?

19
 doing. It is certain that that idiot is not going to return to you
(Sale Federico with the receipt. Catalina wipes her tears, annoyed.
with the hand, hurriedly.) MATILDE.--(Stop crying.) Oh, did they hit him? Poor thing!
PETRA.-He fully deserved it.
FEDERICO.- Here is your receipt, Sue. MATILDE.-Who was it?
SUÉ.-(Dry.) Thank you for everything... See you later. PETRA.-The big boy, you, the one who was
FEDERICO.-(Dryly) I hope everything goes well for you, Sué! fighting with his girlfriend, didn't you notice?
SUÉ.-(Approaches Catalina.) You are young and can MATILDE.- A big one?
to fight, they have a lot of life ahead of them... We do not. (Gives PETRA.- Yes.
aslightsqueezeonthearmandheleaves.)Let'sgo,David. MATILDE.-Oh, no, I didn't see it.
PETRA.-Pepe's face was covered in blood.
Sue and David exit quietly. Matilde arrives running outside. MATILDE.-Oh, poor thing!
shelter from the rain and stay with your back turned, wet, PETRA.-Oh, really impressive... Come on, guess what!
lookingatthestreet.)
Who did I just run into?
MATILDE.-To whom?
FEDERICO.-(To Catalina.) What did Sué say to you?... Is he leaving?
PETRA.-To Beatriz. They flunked her in Latin.
Marry that drunk? MATILDE.-No! What happiness!
(Catalina, she doesn't hear it. She takes out María's amulet, contemplates PETRA.-Look!... it. Come on, let's go, it's already stopping.
It's raining. I'll accompany you to your truck.
a good while and then holds it against her chest, swallowing
the tears.) MATILDE. -(Happy.) So they fired the annoying one.
Beatriz?
FEDERICO.- What's wrong with you, Catalina? You've been acting strange today.
CATALINA.-(Reacts.) Dad..., before you arrived
Ricardo today- in the morning, I was suggesting to close the (They are taken by the arm. A huge group enters.
café during the boys' vacation time boys making noise. They are high school students.
Prepare and Laws where the business gets weak... Me that come out of an exam. They invade the tables and the bar.
I really need a break. Couples that start to make out. Young girls that
FEDERICO.-But do you know how much money we would lose? They gossip. Boys who tell tall tales and laugh.
CATALINA. - Yes, I know..., always the money. But I am
tired. I am a human being, Dad, in case you haven't noticed. How did you do on the exam?
I'm counting, and I have the right to a break. Well, and you?
FEDERICO.-Right now we can't afford to take breaks when the I was dumped.
-Pancho, just leave her alone.
negocio se está yendo para arriba. Ahorita precisamente es
when we must work very hard. In about four -A ver si te vas callando el hocico.
Inyearswewillsaysomethingelse. -Don't be an idiot, man!
CATALINA. - Four years!... You are hateful!
FEDERICO. - But if you want, I could send you to your aunt, I tell you that I have nothing to do with Eugenia.
that wouldn't come out very dear and I could stay here with him
- Look at that shamelessness!
business... Would you have it in a week? -Oh! They should prohibit those things....
CATALINA. (Disappointed.) Whatever...
- Put a record on the jukebox, Garza.
FEDERICO.-Well, we will talk about that later... No Something gentle to dance to
The donuts always came, right?
CATALINA.-(Sighs.) No, they didn't come. A boy gets up and goes to the jukebox to put in a song.
FEDERICO. -- You have to ask for them again... Why don't you leave? coin. It starts with the same piece that Ricardo chose.
tohavebreakfastrightnowsincethereisnone people?
, first act. A boy stands up to dance and to make
CATALINA.-Yes... (Exits.) clowns.
FEDERICO.-(He yells at her a Catalina.) You remind me of
I will call the lady who wanted that room at twelve. FEDERICO.-(He leans into the back room and shouts.) Catalina!
up; maybe I'll sort things out with her... (Pause. To Matilde.) CATALINA.-(From inside.) I'm coming...
Why don't you come in and have a cup of coffee? It's good.
toavoidcatchingacold. (A girl stands up to talk on the phone.)
MATILDE.- No, thank you, it will stop raining soon...
-Where am I speaking?... Mom?... I can't hear anything... Hey, can I
FEDERICO.- As you wish. (He goes to the phone booth.)
PETRA.- (Running in; to Matilde.) Where have you been? spend the money you gave me for the fabric? ... What?, isn't it the
metido? Me tenías vuelta loca buscándote por todos lados. López's house?... Ah!... Excuse me.
MATILDE.- I didn't want anyone to see me, but I had to
to stay here because of the rain... What humiliation! (Cries.) (Maria the fortune teller enters and approaches a table.)
PETRA.-!Matilde!, it's the first time I've seen you cry.
my life. MARÍA - I am a fortune teller, I am endowed with powers.
MATILDE.-Let me.... supernatural...
PETRA.-It will do you good... (Pause.) You know?; after you
you left, a boy hit Pepe for what he had been

20
(The voices are lost in the uproar that rises from all
Get down, Catalina, and take the letter wearily. Hear the
music from the jukebox, the murmur of voices lowers to
let only the music be heard and focus on Catalina - and nail it
view of the boy who is standing next to the device, trying to
to discover a someone in him. He disillusions. He sighs, y
resignedly one arrives at a table.
CATALINA. -What are you going to drink?...

The murmur begins to rise again to a Point

deafening, as it falls the

CURTAIN

21