the entire room to come alive as it sways in rhythm.
The Earth will turn upside down, and leaves will scatter into the sky
My little sock will hold my home, sturdy and strong as years go by
No one ever thought at once, this planet’s the universe’s core
No one will write stories, of a gray-colored sock and its lore
I believe it’s not just a word, what once was there at the start
I believe it was the foundation, of a grand universal chart
And the little thread in it, it’s also my home
One day it’ll save from discord, as the thread’s purpose is known
Spider (to Versachka) – Well, good morning, little doggy! Did you forget to walk with you again? Come on, I’ll crawl around you a bit so you won’t be so sad!
Versachka – Good morning! Thanks for the offer, but I have a lot to do!
Spider – I won’t offer twice!
Versachka – Thanks, but I’ll probably pass!
Spider – Lots to do… Well, you know, I’m always somewhere nearby! I’m off!
Outside, the sound of the royal guard’s boots approaching becomes audible. Small squads pass through the streets. Versachka rushes to the window!
Voice (to the recruits) – Stand in formation, offspring! You are now in the elite ranks of the Order of the Iron Shield and Sword; His Majesty the King’s! Step, more precisely! One, Two!
Meanwhile, the sun slowly rises above the hill…
The first day…
The key turns in the lock, the door opens. Victoria enters.
Versachka (jumping with joy) – Who’s there! Who’s there!? I’m so happy! Please, take me outside! I really need it!
Victoria – Don’t bark at me! And stop getting underfoot! Wait, didn’t we just go for a walk?
Victoria tosses some new items onto the common pile, except for one.
Victoria (trying it on) – Not bad! Not bad!
Versachka – Please, take me outside!
Victoria – Stop barking! What do you need? (to herself) Not bad! Right on time! (to Versachka) Where’s the leash? Let’s find it!
Versachka – Hooray!
Victoria and Versachka search for the leash in the clutter.
Versachka – Found it, here!
Hastily, Victoria puts on the leash.
Victoria (putting it on) – Don’t squirm, don’t squirm, I said, don’t yelp! Let’s go!
Victoria and Versachka go outside.
Town Crier (on the hill) – Henceforth, in the kingdom, valor and order prevail! For the tranquility of His Majesty’s subjects, a royal decree has added a new generation of unformed and fresh-faced youth to the king’s guard! Patriotic education of the youth is paramount! With sword and shield! With sword and shield! Hail to the king!
Tesya and Victoria’s Husband enter.
Victoria’s Husband – We’re home! She went out again and didn’t lock the door…
Tesya mumbles indistinctly.
Victoria’s Husband (takes off his scarf) – Take the rest off yourself! You’re grown up now. Put it somewhere, Mom will come and sort it all out herself.
Tesya – Where’s Mom?
Victoria’s Husband (takes off extra clothes) – I’m wondering the same thing!
Versachka and Victoria return from their walk.
Tesya – Versachka!!! Versachka!!!
Victoria – Hold on! Versachka wriggles out of Victoria’s grasp and jumps into Tesya’s arms.
Tesya – Versachka’s good! Versachka’s good!!!
Versachka – I missed you so much!!!
Victoria – Can’t you see that his paws are dirty!? (to Versachka) Sit!
Victoria approaches Versachka in her outdoor shoes.
Victoria – What are you looking at? Give me a cloth!
Victoria wipes Versachka’s paws.
Victoria – Stop squirming, for goodness’ sake!
Tesya – But Dad said…
Victoria’s Husband – Weren’t you taught to lock the doors when you leave the house?
Victoria – And where’s the “hello, my beloved”?
Victoria’s Husband – I’m tired of you never thinking about anything!
Victoria – Calm down!
Victoria’s Husband – You know very well that thefts and looting have increased… You know what time it is!
Victoria – Say it louder! Our neighbors are deaf! (loudly) Thanks to our king for order and tranquility!
To her husband: See how smart your wife is! That’s right!
She takes one of the items from the fresh pile.
Victoria’s Husband – Not bad! What’s the occasion?
Victoria – It’s time to pay attention to that photo in the corner!
Victoria’s Husband – Oh, I completely forgot! What can I do…
Victoria – Give me the money; I haven’t paid for it yet!
Victoria’s Husband – Aren’t we drowning in debt? Look around, there’s no space left… Is it really necessary right now? Fine, dear! (hands over the money) Don’t be surprised later…
Victoria –
