It went unnoticed by me somehow… Maybe the owner decided to discard it? After all, it was damaged after the fall… The last time, even before Tesya was born, when there was a different owner in the house, a whole, albeit small, war was sparked because of that decanter…
Pillow – But this time, we are better prepared, and…
Victoria’s husband (from the kitchen, behind the closed door) – My dear, to love you, I have to work very hard!
Victoria – What does that mean?
Victoria’s husband – I love and miss you immensely!
Victoria – Today during the day, I found strange-colored hair on your clothes…
Clock – Tick-tock, the full moon is approaching! (Pause) Under its light, I see signs… look, a picture where the master and mistress… moves!
First sock – It can’t be!
Versachka – Moonlight is very deceptive, showing us what we don’t see!
Pillow – Hopefully, we’re all wrong, but if not… then we’re prepared!
In a nightgown, Tesya enters the room and stands in the moonlight in front of the window.
Pillow – Tesya!
Versachka – Quiet, she’s asleep… It always happens when the parents are in the kitchen at night!
Clock – Or when the enchantress moon asserts her lawful rights… Tick-tock!
Everyone turns their attention to Tesya.
Tesya (under the influence of the moonlight, not fully awake) – Mom!
The Pillow, Clock, and Socks disappear, returning to their places.
Versachka – Sweet Tesya, quietly, don’t stumble… I’ll take you to your crib, and I’ll guard your room!
Versachka and Tesya leave. The image of Victoria and her husband slightly comes to life, their faces change. Due to a slight movement, the picture falls off one of the two nails. When Versachka returns, she carefully walks around the room, chooses her spot, makes a few circles, lies down, and falls asleep.
Versachka’s Dream
The space transforms into summer: the sounds of trees rustling flood through the wide-open windows, the sun rises, and a large drawn tree grows up from the floor. Perched on a branch is a smiling Tesya. She waves to her parents, who are standing, embracing each other. Beneath the tree is Versachka, rejoicing and trying to jump onto the tree towards Tesya.
The second morning…
Victoria and Victoria’s Husband, dressed inappropriately for the weather, stand by the window awaiting a royal message. Tesya stands nearby, wrapped in a blanket.
Town Crier – In times of growing prosperity in our kingdom, when every family works tirelessly for the prosperity of our lands, the lands where our ancestors once lived, those who believed in a bright future for the next generations and knew that the kingdom is blessed not by us, but from above… In all this grandeur, it turns out not everyone is pleased! Yesterday, the king’s guards captured conspirators, true traitors (because there’s no other way to describe them). And who are they? Three students from the Royal University! Bring them out! Guards bring out three students.
Town Crier – What were they doing in their free time from studies? They, in a strange and unacceptable manner, insulting our feelings, distorted the image of our king! They allowed us, the people, to be depicted as hungry, angry, uncivilized savages! They apparently thought it was a harmless joke! But we know where the tentacles grow from and who commissioned these images!
Indistinct disapproval is heard from the windows.
Town Crier – All of us absorbed with our mother’s milk that the neighboring kingdoms are trying to sow discord in our minds and in the minds of our children, distorting meanings, spreading false information about a better life! But we know it’s a lie! These three drank a different milk, and we see the result!
Words are heard from the windows: “Punish them! Punish them!!!”
Town Crier – But our king is merciful! Instead of the desired and deserved execution for these traitors, he has ordered that they be paraded through the streets in the near future so that everyone they offended with their pictures can speak their minds while looking them in the eye! Take them away! Hail to the merciful king!
Amid loud applause, Victoria’s husband silently closes the window.
Victoria (not hiding her irritation) – Let’s go to the room, I’ll change you…
Tesya – Mommy, what happened?
Victoria – Nothing…
Victoria and Tesya leave for the adjoining room.
Versachka – While I was sleeping, something happened?
Victoria’s Husband – I’m so tired of these constant missing socks, every morning it’s the same… (starts burying himself in a pile of clothes)
Victoria (from the room) – Can you raise your hands?! Can’t you see that it’s difficult for me to put this on?! And in general, it’s time to learn to do everything yourself… Well, okay!
Victoria’s Husband (demonstratively) – How I’m tired of all this…
Versachka – What happened here?
Victoria’s Husband leaves. Victoria and Tesya, dressed, come out. Tesya runs up to Versachka.
Tesya – Dear friend, see you later!
Versachka – See you later!
Victoria (sarcastically) – And don’t bark at me! As usual, you’ll endure it! I hope you heard me?
Tesya – Mommy, let’s go!
Victoria and Tesya leave. Versachka approaches the window, watching the quickly diminishing silhouettes. The clamor of people grows as the loud steps of soldiers’ boots are heard. The house begins to shake, and in fear, Versachka hides and closes his eyes. Meanwhile, students pass by the window, accompanied by a large number of guards. Street sweepers follow, clearing the path behind the students with brooms. The sun passes across the sky. Time speeds up.
