Salve Maria (2024) Movie Script
SALVE MARIA
What?
Well... what is it?
- Did you feed him?
- Yes.
- Yes?
- Doesn't want.
Damn it, Nico!
- What?
- It's very cold!
- Why is the window open?
- Because it's broken, honey.
This house is falling apart.
It's alright. It's alright.
Mara, you're not going to fix it now.
Mary, honey.
CHAPTER 1
BECAUSE THE LINE THAT SEPARATES LUCIDITY
FROM DARKNESS HAS NOT YET BEEN DRAWN.
You must remember how important it is
to say things, ok?
What is not named
doesn't exist, mommies.
At times it's like we feel
a lot of things.
That we don't understand.
Or we just...
can't name them.
And then we keep quiet.
We prefer to keep quiet.
And if we don't feel confident enough...
Sometimes it happens
that we lack confidence.
And we are afraid to say, to speak,
of naming these things.
Let's find someone to whom
we can explain all that. Any questions?
Anyone?
Excuse me.
Excuse me.
- Excuse me. I have a question.
- Yes, tell me.
He just vomited.
He vomits a lot.
At every breastfeeding, at least.
Hello.
Nico.
I know you're at work, sorry.
Well, he vomited again.
Same as you and the pediatrician:
It's normal.
This constant vomiting
doesn't feel right to me.
I think he's not reacting well
to my breast milk.
I'm concerned about it, Nico. It happens
at every breastfeeding, at least.
Ok. What time will you get home?
Nico, Nico.
I know you're at work but...
A crow has entered the apartment.
I promise.
I don't know if it's gone.
Eric is fine. He's asleep.
What if it hasn't gone?
If you don't fix the fucking window...
Shit!
Honey! That paper thing, finally,
it may take a bit longer.
But before the year is over
I'll take the paternity leave.
Can't they hire an intern, or something?
An intern, honey?
No, no, no.
An intern...
Honey, talk to him.
- Honey, talk to him.
- No, no.
Anything! It doesn't matter.
- Even if he doesn't understand.
- He doesn't like the hammock.
So you tell him that.
Listen, I know this hammock is a bummer
but it'll be great for your reflux!
- Hold him.
- Eric!
I'm tired.
- Let's get in the hammock.
- He doesn't like it!
Yes he does.
Let's get you in the hammock...
So what are we talking about?
Six, seven months?
Did you check out
the apartment I sent you?
Nico, take him.
Yeah, well, it's cool.
But it's a bit out of budget for us.
But, well...
- Have you caught him?
- It's all about getting organised.
What are you doing?
Take him!
Come here.
- Can you turn down the music?
- Yes.
an attempt to take his own life
ahead of the horror that was...
It's ok, it's ok...
The registration lasted about two hours,
in fact it's almost over.
And the presumed infanticide,
the french Alice Espanet
has just been released
under police custody.
And accompanied by her attorney,
to be questioned again
by the investigating court.
Regarding the other matter,
the father of the children.
He's not charged for the time being
and we ignore if he will manifest...
It's so hot honey. I'll turn this off.
or if he will clarify the reasons
for this double crime that
has not yet transcended.
A French national, Alice Espanet
has been living in Spain for ten years,
the last five of which
she lived in Barcelona.
Many are wondering about their neighbor
who's described as lonely and distant,
although pleasing at short distances.
Crazy bitch.
The omelette!
This city is where
she gave birth to the twins
who would have turned
ten months old tomorrow.
If they had not been drowned in
the bathtub by their own mother.
Victims of this tragedy
that has shaken the quiet
Matadepera neighborhood.
CHAPTER 2
OH, MY LOVE, HOW DID YOU GET HERE?
OH, EMBRYO,
REMEMBERING,
EVEN IN DREAMS,
YOUR POSITION IN CROSS.
He has absolutely nothing.
He's perfectly fine.
Just a little bit of reflux.
Which is very normal
when they are this young.
There is no problem with your milk,
believe me.
And isn't there any intervention
to solve this reflux thing?
I have read that it's sometimes
necessary to close the pylorus.
In the case of pyloric stenosis,
of course.
But fortunately this is not the case.
We have already discussed this.
He's perfectly fine.
A very healthy baby.
You can dress him now.
Fuck!
Hello!
We're in the same PCC. I'm Ana.
- Oh, hello.
- Hello.
And this is Gabi.
You are Mara Agirre right?
Yes.
I'm your fan.
A total fan!
- Inventory, such a gem.
- Wow, thank you.
I loved it.
In fact I love everything you write.
It fascinates me.
The short stories, everything.
Geez, thank you.
You can imagine...
I can't wait to tell Fran...
- Well, I'm going to...
- Yes.
What are you buying?
I have a broken window
and I'm trying to fix it.
I came to buy those little things
you put in the plugs
so children won't stick their fingers
and electrocute themselves.
I don't want to forget, you know?
Anything could happen...
I don't know what's wrong with me
but since Gabi was born
I see danger everywhere.
I see those nails there
and I picture her swallowing them.
Heaven forbid!
I've been thinking about this
for a while.
Recently, in addition, I find out
the friend of a friend of mine
she just lost it,
and drowned her children.
She killed them.
- Good morning.
- Hello.
Surely in one of those newspapers
you can find the story.
How curious.
Well, I'll see you at the PCC, then?
I didn't see you last time, though.
I don't think I'll be back, really.
- Is that so?
- No. I'm good.
Eric is fine... We are fine.
Nice!
How wonderful. I'm glad.
Because sometimes I want to hang myself.
Mara! Girl. How are you?
Shame on you! You were
the only one missing the other day.
Why don't you reply to any messages?
Say something, please.
When can we meet Eric?
You didn't send any picture of him yet.
Kisses, beautiful!
THE MATADEPERA MONSTER
FRENCH WOMAN DROWNS HER TWO
TEN-MONTH-OLD TWINS IN MATADEPERA
THE MATADEPERA INFANTICIDE
TRIED TO TAKE HER LIFE
AFTER KILLING HER BABIES
EXEMPLARY HUSBAND?
HUSBAND OF THE INFANTICIDE SUPPORTS HER
ALICE ESPANET IS INTERROGATED
FOR THE SECOND TIME
THE REASONS THAT LED THE MOTHER TO
COMMIT THE TERRIBLE CRIME ARE UNKNOWN.
"I THOUGHT THEY WERE ALL ASLEEP,"
SAYS THE YOUNG BABYSITTER.
"SHE DIDN'T LIKE BEING ALONE"
"SHE SEEMED LIKE A NORMAL MOTHER".
THE MATADEPERA INFANTICIDE
WRAPPED HER CHILDREN IN A TOWEL
AFTER DROWNING THEM IN THE...
BATHTUB.
Nico. Sorry.
Can you come home...
right now, please?
Well, honey, listen...
You put the hot one first.
Once it's hot, you handle it
between hot and cold.
Can't we call someone to come
and check the taps?
I can't leave work two hours early
just to give Eric a bath.
Then take the leave.
Yes, honey.
Where's the towel?
- Please.
- Right behind you.
Very nice.
We're done here. Very clean.
Very handsome. Nappy packs?
- They're in...
- Honey, this is a filthy mess.
When did you become so tidy?
- Here they are, Nico.
- Nevermind. It's ok.
It's ok, I take these ones.
Wow!
Look at that!
Look what mom does.
See how she manages?
Very nice. Amazing.
Well, it's closed now, right?
Yes, Yes.
Actually, honey,
we could turn down the heat a bit.
No salary can pay the energy waste
of this house.
Come here, buddy.
Buddy! Little buddy!
Nico.
If you take your leave now,
Eric would be with both of us.
- It's the best for him.
- I'll take the leave.
I'll take it, honey. When I'm able to.
I can't now. I'm not alone.
We're a team of researchers.
If the paper doesn't succeed
it's not good for them,
and it's not good for me.
In fact, honey,
it's not even good for the two of us.
Among other things because
we could not even dream about moving
out of this apartment
that is too small...
I don't want to move, Nico!
Damn it! Don't you understand?
Honey.
Is something wrong?
Tell me.
Is there anything else besides reflux?
Well, that reflux thing worries me.
One second.
What's up? I'm coming, I'm coming.
Mommy is telling me something, Eric.
- I'm alone and...
- One second. I'm listening.
- Sometimes...
- Yes?
- Eric.
- Nevermind.
No, keep going.
Mary. This is no big deal, my love.
What's going on?
What about your friends?
- What about my friends?
- Why don't you meet up with them?
Have some fun, go dancing.
You love dancing!
And go do your walks,
you always loved walking.
Don't you remember your endless walks
when you were writing the novel?
Don't you?
Right, little guy?
Ok...
Thank you.
SEALED
My daughter ran away
from home three times
between the ages of fourteen
and eighteen.
When she reached legal age
she simply did not return.
Since then we haven't seen much
of each other.
I didn't know my grandchildren
I can't feel sorry for them concretely.
But yes, I have a sense of
the horror of this gesture.
Like anyone else.
Of course.
Tell us what Alice
was like as a young girl.
She didn't want to live with us.
She was very aggressive with me.
I mean,
like any teenager after all.
But that's not my fault.
I did what I could as a mother.
I can't feel sorry for my grandchildren
because I didn't know them.
I feel sorry for her instead,
for Alice.
Why do you think she could
do something like that?
Something so terrible?
- Drown them?
- Why would Alice drown her children?
What made her do it?
Something had to happen.
I...
I don't know.
I don't know.
I do know my daughter
wanted those babies.
Her children.
She had to go to...
inseminate herself
at Life Fertility Clinic.
I remember the name because
of what 'Life' means in English.
I find it very strange
because when I was young
I had my children without thinking.
Mara...
In any case, you did have
a relationship with your daughter.
- Mara...
- Of course. It's my daughter.
- That's what I mean...
- Mara.
You're so focused.
What are you watching?
It's nothing.
What?
Nothing.
Mara...
Maybe it's nothing,
but I've read that...
Apparently...
If you don't talk to them,
babies can take three times longer
to learn to speak.
It kind of slows down their...
development.
Especially if the one who
doesn't speak to them is the mother.
There're some cases quite...
Yes.
Speak to him, honey.
Say something to him.
Anything. It doesn't matter.
- Is it weird for you?
- No.
Yes?
Tell him...
Honey, I love you.
Buddy.
Come on, give it a try.
Gosh, Nico. He's so calm right now.
Ok, so I'm going to sleep. Ok?
Alright.
Good night.
I'm sorry.
I promise I'll do better from now on.
CHAPTER 3
IT IS SAID THAT WOMEN
HAVE DISEASES "IN THE BELLY",
AND IT IS TRUE THAT THEY HIDE
A HOSTILE ELEMENT INSIDE:
IT IS THE SPECIES, WHICH GNAWS AT THEM.
Are you ready for a dancing session?
- Are you?
- Yes.
- Excuse me.
- Yes?
- Do you know why Ana didn't come?
- Ana who?
Nevermind.
The idea is that we get carried away
by the rhythm of the percussion.
Which is quite similar to our heartbeat.
They know very well
the rhythm of your heart.
It's familiar to them.
So, let's dance on it. Let's move.
Therefore, you can close your eyes.
You can move around,
do whatever you want.
What's important is that you feel free.
Let's listen to the music...
We connect with it.
We breathe it.
That's it! Very good.
Don't be ashamed.
Let the music come to us.
Let's feel it.
This percussion works well for us.
It connects us to a tribal, group thing.
You can close your eyes. Feel free.
Feel free, at peace.
This is a bonding moment with them.
The important thing
is that we breathe it.
And truly feel that connection.
Which is very beautiful.
Which is very special at this moment.
Let's move our body, feel free.
Don't be ashamed.
We can do this at home, too...
It can help us to know each other...
when we feel disconnected...
Excuse me,
can you hold him for a moment? I just...
- Here.
- Ok.
Thank you.
To meet each other...
Hello?
Yes, it's me.
Good, thank you.
What novel is it for?
Oh, for my novel!
Thank you so much!
Yes, very happy!
Oh, you were the ones calling me.
Ok, ok. I haven't paid much attention
to the phone these days.
Sure thing.
Ok, I'll be waiting for the email.
Thank you very much.
Good afternoon. Goodbye.
Mom?
Yes, sorry.
I know you're really busy. But...
I have been awarded!
Yes, very happy.
Yes.
Can you come with me?
Ok.
It's ok, I'll leave you now.
It was just that.
Yes.
Yes, Eric is alright.
Ok.
Ok, ok. Talk to you later.
Yes, Eric is alright. Bye bye.
we have decided to give
the Rayuela Narrative 2024 award
to Maria Agirre's Inventory.
IN HER HURRY, ALICE FAILS
TO NOTICE ANGELA FOR A SECOND.
THE BABY ROLLS OVER
AND FALLS OUT OF BED.
HER HEAD HITS THE FLOOR.
ANGELA'S SKULL
HAS BURST OPEN LIKE A WATERMELON
UNDER A SHARP KNIFE BLOW.
IT'S HER FAULT.
THAT NIGHT ALICE DREAMT THAHER CAESAREAN SCAR OPENED UP.
Fuck!
What!
Mara? Hello!
Mara, this is Ana, from PCC.
Could you open the door, please?
I really need to pee.
Oh, your dream library!
Oh, I love it!
I can't wait to tell Fran...
Oh, congratulations on the award,
by the way.
- Thank you.
- More than deserved.
- The bathroom's right there.
- Ok, thanks.
Are you writing?
Well...
I can tell it's not that easy.
Do you miss it?
Actually, I do.
- Are you weaning?
- Yes.
You have to be careful with weaning.
Anything could happen.
- Do you know about mastitis?
- Yes.
And do you know the Atacama Desert?
Yes.
My great grandmother Isabel Francisca
got half her tit chopped off
because of a poorly cared mastitis
while crossing the Atacama Desert.
It was either that
or die drowning in her own pus.
A couple of years later
she hanged herself.
- I'm going to...
- Ok.
That's it!
Such a great idea you had!
Let's get some air, shall we?
Let's go outside. It's so hot in here,
I'm sweating my tits off!
I love it when Gabi sucks me off!
Especially when I have
my tits about to burst.
It's like a little tickle down there.
- It doesn't happen to you?
- No.
Eric doesn't like my milk.
Tickles down there... not really.
So, did you know her?
Know who?
The friend of your friend.
The one from...
Yes.
Yes, I'll tell you about it. Excuse me!
Two more, please!
We've earned this beer,
I'm telling you.
I love it when she falls asleep
after feeding.
What a relief.
Let's see, my love...
Yes.
I met her once...
at a dinner party.
But it was so long ago
that I don't remember.
But...
But your friend did know her,
didn't she?
Ah, yes, she did. She was close.
In fact they spent some weekends
in the rural residence
of a rich boyfriend she had,
in some little town.
And... yes.
Apparently she liked to take walks.
She took long walks by herself.
She loved the mountain.
She must be there now.
Because...
You know she's been released
for the time being, right?
She has an awesome attorney.
And do you know where is she?
In Tall.
In Vall de Bo.
My friend says that
since she had the children
Jade never answered
her messages again, though.
- Alice.
- What?
- Alice.
- Jade.
I have her as Jade on my cell phone.
- Then it's another one.
- What?
Yeah, there are two infanticides, right?
What's weird is that it doesn't happen
more often, I guess.
Don't you wonder why the dumpsters
aren't full of babies?
No...
Well, for me it's a miracle
it doesn't happen.
Oh, little thing!
What happened to him?
Is he vomiting? Let's see.
Does this happen often?
This needs to be checked.
Thank you. Thank you.
Mara?
Are you ok?
Help me.
CHAPTER 4
COME ON IN, MY CHILDREN,
EVERYTHING WILL BE FINE.
- It's a very quiet neighborhood.
- Yes?
For real.
What?
For this price it's great, isn't it?
Only 45 minutes from Barcelona.
It's not that much.
And it has three rooms.
You could quit writing
from the bathroom.
And that's a strong point.
Do you like it, Eric?
Do you like it, honey?
Happy family hug? Hurray!
Why don't we go away
for a couple of days?
- Where?
- I don't know.
Somewhere...
near the sea.
- Sounds good?
- To Delta.
To Delta. Sure!
Do you remember that summer?
The great time we had.
Those little houses.
The never ending beach.
Riding bikes all the time.
What was the name of that disco?
You loved to go dancing there.
- The Posta?
- The Jewel?
The Jewel? The Jewel.
You looked gorgeous, my goodness.
All eyes on you.
You were the dancing queen.
Beautiful.
You have to dance again, Mary.
You have to go back to it.
Like before.
Like you did at Delta.
Who's the coolest in this beach?
Who's the coolest?
You take your laptop.
And while you write I'm with buddy.
- Sure?
- Yes.
- Come on, let's go to Delta.
- Ok.
Yes?
Mara!
Mara!
Wait for us!
Where're you going?
Why so far?
Coming.
What is it?
I don't know.
- Perhaps he's hungry.
- Yes.
I'll make him a bottle.
He vomited.
- He vomited a lot.
- Well, hold on a second.
- Let's go to the PCC.
- No, Mara.
Mary.
- I put on my sneakers and off we go.
- Damn, he sure vomited.
- Can you get dressed, please?
- No, no. There's no need.
- Put on your jacket on and let's go, ok?
- Honey. Hey!
Darling, it's raining buckets.
There's no need to...
Get dressed.
Honey, nobody's ever died from vomiting.
- Did you see that? Let me.
- It's normal.
This isn't normal, Nico.
How many times do I have to tell you?
This child has a defect!
Can't you see it isn't normal?
He's not fine. Look at him!
I've told you a thousand times.
Can't you see?
What are you talking about?
I'm tired of not being listened to.
Let's go to the PCC, please.
- What is happening here?
- Where's the emergency room?
Third door on the left. Dr. Gomez.
- Is there a power cut, right?
- We're waiting to see what happened.
Sure. No, I can. I can.
There's a change of plans,
I'll explain to you later.
So I can do it now.
Sure. Don't panic, don't panic.
Everything ok.
Ok.
I'll call you back. If not, you call me.
Ok. Bye, bye.
We're not going to Delta, right?
No.
After what happened yesterday
I've been thinking about it.
And, honestly...
I don't feel like it.
Right now.
What about your walks with Eric?
What about my novel?
You have less than a month left
of maternity leave...
we can look for a nursery school
if you want.
So you can rest and also
we do a bit of packing.
It seems you don't want to move, girl.
Eric's room is missing.
Eric has no room.
It's like you don't think about it.
Excuse me.
Hey, what's up? Hello...
Cool. Shall we get to it now?
- I...
- Nico, if you have to go, just go.
You'll be fine, won't you?
You're right, Nico.
This apartment won't fit us anymore.
Do you want some coffee before you go?
Yes.
- You do?
- Yes.
- I'll make you some, sweetheart.
- Ok.
- Nico!
- Yes?
So Delta reservation is already done?
Yes. It needs to be canceled.
That's such a waste. Isn't it?
Well, we'll get half
of the money back most likely.
It is what it is.
I could go by myself, right?
To Delta, I mean.
Can you hear me?
Mara, Eric is still very small.
I meant going with Eric.
- You and Eric alone?
- No, no.
Not by myself. With Ana.
Ana who?
The one who has read my novel.
- Yes.
- Well, she's a super mommy.
She helps me a lot with Eric.
Will you let me?
Yes.
But...
Are you sure?
Yes...
I think going out will make me good.
A few days.
That's what you always say, you know?
Fresh air.
Take a walk.
Hang out with friends.
Write.
And, well...
I'll feel better when I return.
I'll be fine.
You make me a bit jealous.
- You do.
- Sure.
- You two have a great time, ok?
- Yes.
Does it all fit at once?
Yes. Thank you.
Very good.
Shall we go?
Goodbye, my loves.
Send pictures!
Have fun! Enjoy it a lot!
Call me when you get there!
You don't need any help, do you?
You're Mara, right?
Nice to meet you. I'm Fran.
You've got Ana like crazy,
she won't stop talking about you.
She's your number one fan, no doubt.
I'll call her for you. Hold on.
Ana, darling,
someone is looking for you!
Hello.
Ana!
Ana, someone is looking for you!
Mara!
What are you doing here?
How are you doing, little one?
Look at that beauty!
He looks so cute. How are you?
Do you know what?
I have to make a long trip by car.
And me alone with Eric...
I don't see it.
- Yeah.
- I don't like it.
Normal. It's a bit horrifying.
Yeah, well...
You already know that...
he behaves like...
Normal. But I don't think
he'll cause you any problem.
If anything happens you tell me, ok?
But you call me.
Nico has a lot of work to do lately
and I don't want to bother
him for no reason...
- Right...
- Don't know...
- Bye, my love!
- Bye.
All the best!
I got the whole family in the house...
and sometimes I want to hang myself...
Is it because of your book?
Well, I'm trying.
It's not clear to me yet.
What is it about?
No! Don't tell me, I think
I already know what's about.
I'm a bit of a witch myself.
I guess things.
I do.
Is the baby going to stay?
How do we do it?
When do I give him back to you?
Are you coming to get it?
Or what's the deal? You tell me.
I better let you know, ok?
Maybe... Tomorrow?
Yes. He's going to stay, my dear.
Now you have to help me
with both babies. Ok?
Very carefully.
Here...
Take him as I did.
Exactly.
Be careful, ok?
ANA PCC
LOCKED UP WITH NOTHING TO DO
AFTER THE POWER OUTAGE.
ALICE DRAGGED THE LONG SHADOW
OF GUILT AROUND THE HOUSE,
AN INDELIBLE STAIN STUCK TO HER FEET.
LIKE THE TAIL OF A BLACK SHROUD
SEVEN SIZES TOO BIG,
IMPOSSIBLE TO ESCAPE.
Excuse me!
Excuse me!
Hello. You have the 219.
May I ask something?
How many people live in Tall?
Two or three hundred.
And how many houses?
About sixty.
Do you know where
Alice Espanet's house is?
No.
Mara, how it goes.
Listen, it's too late.
Have you already arrived?
How's the buddy? Everything ok?
Explain me how are you...
Tell me something.
Hi. Sorry, we got held up.
Here we are now.
Eric sleeps. All good.
We'd better talk tomorrow, ok?
Kisses. Good night.
Mara.
It's just...
Eric woke up a little warm.
He's got red cheeks and...
Oh, poor thing!
He's sweating a lot.
Well, just so you know.
This often happens when babies
are separated from their mothers.
Kisses.
It's a medieval bestiary.
Do you like it?
- Strange looking creatures, aren't they?
- Yes.
Since they didn't know
what they looked like at that time
they drew them in any way.
I guess it's a mixture
between what they knew,
what they had been told
and their own imagination.
- They look like monsters.
- Mom!
Mom, come!
- We have to place the ox.
- I'm coming!
Alice?
Alice?
It was the crow.
You shouldn't have let it in.
Write, Mara.
Alice hated being alone.
Because when she was alone...
the darkest thought was gaining ground.
The fixed and stubborn idea
that repeats and persuades,
for a moment,
that it will be impossible to move on.
HERE WE ARE, YOU AND ME.
I SEE YOU. DO YOU SEE ME?
ALICE,
JADE HOW DID YOU END UP LIKE THIS?
WANDERING SOUL. ETERNAL PUNISHMENT.
WEEPING WOMAN WANDERING AROUND...
NEVER-ENDING TEARS
THAT ADD MORE WATER TO THE WATER.
Mary!
Not a single picture, girl.
You all right?
Say something.
Please. I'm worried otherwise.
When you arrive tomorrow,
let me know.
And that's it, ok? I miss you. Bye.
INVESTIGATION IN PROGRESS:
MOTHER ARRESTED AFTER THE TRAJICAL DEATH
OF HER THREE CHILDREN
THE MATADEPERA MONSTER
FOR ANGELA AND ALEX.
REST IN PEACE.
Fuck!
Mara, can you pick up the phone please?
I just called the hotel.
They told me that you never arrived.
You've never been there. So...
Where the fuck are you?
Tell that me Eric is alright.
Tell me something. Call me.
Call me now.
Hey, I don't want to bother you
but tell me something
when you can, please.
If the fever doesn't drop
I'll take him to the ER, ok? Kisses.
Thank you.
ALICE, I'M MARA, YOU DON'T KNOW ME.
BUT I'VE HAD YOU INSIDE ME FOR DAYS.
I'M LOOKING FOR YOU ENDLESSLY
AND I CAN'T FIND YOU
BECAUSE I WANT TO KNOW,
HOW TO CROSS THE BORDER?
WHERE IS THE LINE BEETWEN
LUCIDITY AND DARKNESS?
WHY DID YOU DROWN THEM, ALICE?
Mara. Mara, why the fuck
you're not picking up the phone?
What the fuck is going on?
Where are you?
- Returning to Barcelona.
- Returning from where?
I have a fever. I think I have mastitis.
I feel sick.
What? What the...?
Ok, but where have you been?
In Vall de Bo.
What the fuck are you doing
in Vall de Bo, Mara?
Nothing, I...
Listen, send me a picture of Eric.
I want to see him. Now.
- I'm driving.
- Well, Mara, you stop. Stop the car.
Especially if you have a fever.
And you send me a picture. Now.
- I want a picture of Eric right now.
- I can't.
Mara, send me a picture of Eric. Now.
I'm not with Eric.
What did you say?
- I'm not with Eric. He's with Ana.
- Ana who?
With Ana, from PCC.
And what the hell is Eric
doing with Ana?
- What's going on?
- They are at the ER.
At the ER?
Ok. Hold on, Mara. I'm not getting it.
- What is Eric doing in the ER?
- I'm driving straight to the PCC.
Mara...
I'm going to cancel the apartment.
We are going to lose
a lot of money but...
I think it's a saving in the long run.
I already spoke to a girl
a friend recommended me.
She will help you to take care of Eric.
Ok?
Until I can take
the rest of my paternity leave.
I wonder if I've done anything.
Surely I've done something wrong.
Something I missed.
Have I done something wrong?
What have I done?
I'm going to get something to eat.
Do you want something?
Alright.
Nico!
Nico.
What.
What?
Mara. Don't fall apart, come on.
Please. Eric needs you.
You are burning up.
I...
just
regret it.
I just...
I wish it many times.
Many times.
I wish him dead.
I wish he was dead.
I wish he had never been born.
And it's horrible.
Nico, it's horrible.
EPILOGUE
MOTHERS DO NOT WRITE.
MOTHERS ARE WRITTEN.
Mara, how are you?
I just ran into Carla.
And she told me
she's in for Fiday night.
So we have a good dance ahead of us.
Come on! Kisses.
We will be at the Book Fair
on the 15th, 16th and 17th.
And it would be very nice
if you could have
a slightly revised version
of the novel by then.
- Is it possible?
- Not really.
I'm missing the ending, Ester.
Was the lawyer's contact
I gave you helpful?
Yes. Very good. Very useful.
- I'll grab you two books, ok?
- Ok.
And remember to observe what
we have discussed. Think about it. Ok?
- Ok. I'll transfer you the money.
- See you next week.
- Hi, Mara. How are you?
- Hi.
The first thing we'll do when
we get there is put on sunscreen.
Daddy told me you don't like it much
but he told me three times.
You hear? Three times he told me.
This is daddy's beach, isn't it?
You two come here a lot.
Do you prefer near the water
or the sand?
Are you hungry? Are you hungry?
Ok, then.
Let's see what daddy
has prepared for you to eat...
Come on Eric, it's ok.
Wait... Ok, ok, ok.
We'll clean you up.
Look! Daddy is calling.
Well, we can't now. Not now.
Not now. We'll call him back, ok?
You just want to be held, don't you?
Come here.
Come here.
You just want to be held.
Look how beautiful the sea is.
Isn't it beautiful?
The birds...
We will swim again... like before.
Look! Look at daddy!
What's daddy doing there?
Look! Tell him: 'Hi, daddy'.
You could have brought the stroller.
He's very heavy.
- Not that heavy, come on.
- I'm very loaded with the bags and all.
- How's it going?
- Very good.
What's up, buddy? What's up?
He only wants to be held
and it's exhausting.
Of course, he wants to be with his mom.
How was the beach?
Now we're going home,
we'll take a hot shower.
You'll see... Daddy has prepared
a super tasty dinner for you.
- We'll eat like kings.
- What have you prepared for him?
- For dinner?
- Yes.
His favorite dish.
Very good.
Mara. It would be nice...
to meet with some incidence.
I don't mind how often,
but let's have some.
I'll call you, ok?
One step at a time, ok?
Well...
FAST TITLES MEDIA
What?
Well... what is it?
- Did you feed him?
- Yes.
- Yes?
- Doesn't want.
Damn it, Nico!
- What?
- It's very cold!
- Why is the window open?
- Because it's broken, honey.
This house is falling apart.
It's alright. It's alright.
Mara, you're not going to fix it now.
Mary, honey.
CHAPTER 1
BECAUSE THE LINE THAT SEPARATES LUCIDITY
FROM DARKNESS HAS NOT YET BEEN DRAWN.
You must remember how important it is
to say things, ok?
What is not named
doesn't exist, mommies.
At times it's like we feel
a lot of things.
That we don't understand.
Or we just...
can't name them.
And then we keep quiet.
We prefer to keep quiet.
And if we don't feel confident enough...
Sometimes it happens
that we lack confidence.
And we are afraid to say, to speak,
of naming these things.
Let's find someone to whom
we can explain all that. Any questions?
Anyone?
Excuse me.
Excuse me.
- Excuse me. I have a question.
- Yes, tell me.
He just vomited.
He vomits a lot.
At every breastfeeding, at least.
Hello.
Nico.
I know you're at work, sorry.
Well, he vomited again.
Same as you and the pediatrician:
It's normal.
This constant vomiting
doesn't feel right to me.
I think he's not reacting well
to my breast milk.
I'm concerned about it, Nico. It happens
at every breastfeeding, at least.
Ok. What time will you get home?
Nico, Nico.
I know you're at work but...
A crow has entered the apartment.
I promise.
I don't know if it's gone.
Eric is fine. He's asleep.
What if it hasn't gone?
If you don't fix the fucking window...
Shit!
Honey! That paper thing, finally,
it may take a bit longer.
But before the year is over
I'll take the paternity leave.
Can't they hire an intern, or something?
An intern, honey?
No, no, no.
An intern...
Honey, talk to him.
- Honey, talk to him.
- No, no.
Anything! It doesn't matter.
- Even if he doesn't understand.
- He doesn't like the hammock.
So you tell him that.
Listen, I know this hammock is a bummer
but it'll be great for your reflux!
- Hold him.
- Eric!
I'm tired.
- Let's get in the hammock.
- He doesn't like it!
Yes he does.
Let's get you in the hammock...
So what are we talking about?
Six, seven months?
Did you check out
the apartment I sent you?
Nico, take him.
Yeah, well, it's cool.
But it's a bit out of budget for us.
But, well...
- Have you caught him?
- It's all about getting organised.
What are you doing?
Take him!
Come here.
- Can you turn down the music?
- Yes.
an attempt to take his own life
ahead of the horror that was...
It's ok, it's ok...
The registration lasted about two hours,
in fact it's almost over.
And the presumed infanticide,
the french Alice Espanet
has just been released
under police custody.
And accompanied by her attorney,
to be questioned again
by the investigating court.
Regarding the other matter,
the father of the children.
He's not charged for the time being
and we ignore if he will manifest...
It's so hot honey. I'll turn this off.
or if he will clarify the reasons
for this double crime that
has not yet transcended.
A French national, Alice Espanet
has been living in Spain for ten years,
the last five of which
she lived in Barcelona.
Many are wondering about their neighbor
who's described as lonely and distant,
although pleasing at short distances.
Crazy bitch.
The omelette!
This city is where
she gave birth to the twins
who would have turned
ten months old tomorrow.
If they had not been drowned in
the bathtub by their own mother.
Victims of this tragedy
that has shaken the quiet
Matadepera neighborhood.
CHAPTER 2
OH, MY LOVE, HOW DID YOU GET HERE?
OH, EMBRYO,
REMEMBERING,
EVEN IN DREAMS,
YOUR POSITION IN CROSS.
He has absolutely nothing.
He's perfectly fine.
Just a little bit of reflux.
Which is very normal
when they are this young.
There is no problem with your milk,
believe me.
And isn't there any intervention
to solve this reflux thing?
I have read that it's sometimes
necessary to close the pylorus.
In the case of pyloric stenosis,
of course.
But fortunately this is not the case.
We have already discussed this.
He's perfectly fine.
A very healthy baby.
You can dress him now.
Fuck!
Hello!
We're in the same PCC. I'm Ana.
- Oh, hello.
- Hello.
And this is Gabi.
You are Mara Agirre right?
Yes.
I'm your fan.
A total fan!
- Inventory, such a gem.
- Wow, thank you.
I loved it.
In fact I love everything you write.
It fascinates me.
The short stories, everything.
Geez, thank you.
You can imagine...
I can't wait to tell Fran...
- Well, I'm going to...
- Yes.
What are you buying?
I have a broken window
and I'm trying to fix it.
I came to buy those little things
you put in the plugs
so children won't stick their fingers
and electrocute themselves.
I don't want to forget, you know?
Anything could happen...
I don't know what's wrong with me
but since Gabi was born
I see danger everywhere.
I see those nails there
and I picture her swallowing them.
Heaven forbid!
I've been thinking about this
for a while.
Recently, in addition, I find out
the friend of a friend of mine
she just lost it,
and drowned her children.
She killed them.
- Good morning.
- Hello.
Surely in one of those newspapers
you can find the story.
How curious.
Well, I'll see you at the PCC, then?
I didn't see you last time, though.
I don't think I'll be back, really.
- Is that so?
- No. I'm good.
Eric is fine... We are fine.
Nice!
How wonderful. I'm glad.
Because sometimes I want to hang myself.
Mara! Girl. How are you?
Shame on you! You were
the only one missing the other day.
Why don't you reply to any messages?
Say something, please.
When can we meet Eric?
You didn't send any picture of him yet.
Kisses, beautiful!
THE MATADEPERA MONSTER
FRENCH WOMAN DROWNS HER TWO
TEN-MONTH-OLD TWINS IN MATADEPERA
THE MATADEPERA INFANTICIDE
TRIED TO TAKE HER LIFE
AFTER KILLING HER BABIES
EXEMPLARY HUSBAND?
HUSBAND OF THE INFANTICIDE SUPPORTS HER
ALICE ESPANET IS INTERROGATED
FOR THE SECOND TIME
THE REASONS THAT LED THE MOTHER TO
COMMIT THE TERRIBLE CRIME ARE UNKNOWN.
"I THOUGHT THEY WERE ALL ASLEEP,"
SAYS THE YOUNG BABYSITTER.
"SHE DIDN'T LIKE BEING ALONE"
"SHE SEEMED LIKE A NORMAL MOTHER".
THE MATADEPERA INFANTICIDE
WRAPPED HER CHILDREN IN A TOWEL
AFTER DROWNING THEM IN THE...
BATHTUB.
Nico. Sorry.
Can you come home...
right now, please?
Well, honey, listen...
You put the hot one first.
Once it's hot, you handle it
between hot and cold.
Can't we call someone to come
and check the taps?
I can't leave work two hours early
just to give Eric a bath.
Then take the leave.
Yes, honey.
Where's the towel?
- Please.
- Right behind you.
Very nice.
We're done here. Very clean.
Very handsome. Nappy packs?
- They're in...
- Honey, this is a filthy mess.
When did you become so tidy?
- Here they are, Nico.
- Nevermind. It's ok.
It's ok, I take these ones.
Wow!
Look at that!
Look what mom does.
See how she manages?
Very nice. Amazing.
Well, it's closed now, right?
Yes, Yes.
Actually, honey,
we could turn down the heat a bit.
No salary can pay the energy waste
of this house.
Come here, buddy.
Buddy! Little buddy!
Nico.
If you take your leave now,
Eric would be with both of us.
- It's the best for him.
- I'll take the leave.
I'll take it, honey. When I'm able to.
I can't now. I'm not alone.
We're a team of researchers.
If the paper doesn't succeed
it's not good for them,
and it's not good for me.
In fact, honey,
it's not even good for the two of us.
Among other things because
we could not even dream about moving
out of this apartment
that is too small...
I don't want to move, Nico!
Damn it! Don't you understand?
Honey.
Is something wrong?
Tell me.
Is there anything else besides reflux?
Well, that reflux thing worries me.
One second.
What's up? I'm coming, I'm coming.
Mommy is telling me something, Eric.
- I'm alone and...
- One second. I'm listening.
- Sometimes...
- Yes?
- Eric.
- Nevermind.
No, keep going.
Mary. This is no big deal, my love.
What's going on?
What about your friends?
- What about my friends?
- Why don't you meet up with them?
Have some fun, go dancing.
You love dancing!
And go do your walks,
you always loved walking.
Don't you remember your endless walks
when you were writing the novel?
Don't you?
Right, little guy?
Ok...
Thank you.
SEALED
My daughter ran away
from home three times
between the ages of fourteen
and eighteen.
When she reached legal age
she simply did not return.
Since then we haven't seen much
of each other.
I didn't know my grandchildren
I can't feel sorry for them concretely.
But yes, I have a sense of
the horror of this gesture.
Like anyone else.
Of course.
Tell us what Alice
was like as a young girl.
She didn't want to live with us.
She was very aggressive with me.
I mean,
like any teenager after all.
But that's not my fault.
I did what I could as a mother.
I can't feel sorry for my grandchildren
because I didn't know them.
I feel sorry for her instead,
for Alice.
Why do you think she could
do something like that?
Something so terrible?
- Drown them?
- Why would Alice drown her children?
What made her do it?
Something had to happen.
I...
I don't know.
I don't know.
I do know my daughter
wanted those babies.
Her children.
She had to go to...
inseminate herself
at Life Fertility Clinic.
I remember the name because
of what 'Life' means in English.
I find it very strange
because when I was young
I had my children without thinking.
Mara...
In any case, you did have
a relationship with your daughter.
- Mara...
- Of course. It's my daughter.
- That's what I mean...
- Mara.
You're so focused.
What are you watching?
It's nothing.
What?
Nothing.
Mara...
Maybe it's nothing,
but I've read that...
Apparently...
If you don't talk to them,
babies can take three times longer
to learn to speak.
It kind of slows down their...
development.
Especially if the one who
doesn't speak to them is the mother.
There're some cases quite...
Yes.
Speak to him, honey.
Say something to him.
Anything. It doesn't matter.
- Is it weird for you?
- No.
Yes?
Tell him...
Honey, I love you.
Buddy.
Come on, give it a try.
Gosh, Nico. He's so calm right now.
Ok, so I'm going to sleep. Ok?
Alright.
Good night.
I'm sorry.
I promise I'll do better from now on.
CHAPTER 3
IT IS SAID THAT WOMEN
HAVE DISEASES "IN THE BELLY",
AND IT IS TRUE THAT THEY HIDE
A HOSTILE ELEMENT INSIDE:
IT IS THE SPECIES, WHICH GNAWS AT THEM.
Are you ready for a dancing session?
- Are you?
- Yes.
- Excuse me.
- Yes?
- Do you know why Ana didn't come?
- Ana who?
Nevermind.
The idea is that we get carried away
by the rhythm of the percussion.
Which is quite similar to our heartbeat.
They know very well
the rhythm of your heart.
It's familiar to them.
So, let's dance on it. Let's move.
Therefore, you can close your eyes.
You can move around,
do whatever you want.
What's important is that you feel free.
Let's listen to the music...
We connect with it.
We breathe it.
That's it! Very good.
Don't be ashamed.
Let the music come to us.
Let's feel it.
This percussion works well for us.
It connects us to a tribal, group thing.
You can close your eyes. Feel free.
Feel free, at peace.
This is a bonding moment with them.
The important thing
is that we breathe it.
And truly feel that connection.
Which is very beautiful.
Which is very special at this moment.
Let's move our body, feel free.
Don't be ashamed.
We can do this at home, too...
It can help us to know each other...
when we feel disconnected...
Excuse me,
can you hold him for a moment? I just...
- Here.
- Ok.
Thank you.
To meet each other...
Hello?
Yes, it's me.
Good, thank you.
What novel is it for?
Oh, for my novel!
Thank you so much!
Yes, very happy!
Oh, you were the ones calling me.
Ok, ok. I haven't paid much attention
to the phone these days.
Sure thing.
Ok, I'll be waiting for the email.
Thank you very much.
Good afternoon. Goodbye.
Mom?
Yes, sorry.
I know you're really busy. But...
I have been awarded!
Yes, very happy.
Yes.
Can you come with me?
Ok.
It's ok, I'll leave you now.
It was just that.
Yes.
Yes, Eric is alright.
Ok.
Ok, ok. Talk to you later.
Yes, Eric is alright. Bye bye.
we have decided to give
the Rayuela Narrative 2024 award
to Maria Agirre's Inventory.
IN HER HURRY, ALICE FAILS
TO NOTICE ANGELA FOR A SECOND.
THE BABY ROLLS OVER
AND FALLS OUT OF BED.
HER HEAD HITS THE FLOOR.
ANGELA'S SKULL
HAS BURST OPEN LIKE A WATERMELON
UNDER A SHARP KNIFE BLOW.
IT'S HER FAULT.
THAT NIGHT ALICE DREAMT THAHER CAESAREAN SCAR OPENED UP.
Fuck!
What!
Mara? Hello!
Mara, this is Ana, from PCC.
Could you open the door, please?
I really need to pee.
Oh, your dream library!
Oh, I love it!
I can't wait to tell Fran...
Oh, congratulations on the award,
by the way.
- Thank you.
- More than deserved.
- The bathroom's right there.
- Ok, thanks.
Are you writing?
Well...
I can tell it's not that easy.
Do you miss it?
Actually, I do.
- Are you weaning?
- Yes.
You have to be careful with weaning.
Anything could happen.
- Do you know about mastitis?
- Yes.
And do you know the Atacama Desert?
Yes.
My great grandmother Isabel Francisca
got half her tit chopped off
because of a poorly cared mastitis
while crossing the Atacama Desert.
It was either that
or die drowning in her own pus.
A couple of years later
she hanged herself.
- I'm going to...
- Ok.
That's it!
Such a great idea you had!
Let's get some air, shall we?
Let's go outside. It's so hot in here,
I'm sweating my tits off!
I love it when Gabi sucks me off!
Especially when I have
my tits about to burst.
It's like a little tickle down there.
- It doesn't happen to you?
- No.
Eric doesn't like my milk.
Tickles down there... not really.
So, did you know her?
Know who?
The friend of your friend.
The one from...
Yes.
Yes, I'll tell you about it. Excuse me!
Two more, please!
We've earned this beer,
I'm telling you.
I love it when she falls asleep
after feeding.
What a relief.
Let's see, my love...
Yes.
I met her once...
at a dinner party.
But it was so long ago
that I don't remember.
But...
But your friend did know her,
didn't she?
Ah, yes, she did. She was close.
In fact they spent some weekends
in the rural residence
of a rich boyfriend she had,
in some little town.
And... yes.
Apparently she liked to take walks.
She took long walks by herself.
She loved the mountain.
She must be there now.
Because...
You know she's been released
for the time being, right?
She has an awesome attorney.
And do you know where is she?
In Tall.
In Vall de Bo.
My friend says that
since she had the children
Jade never answered
her messages again, though.
- Alice.
- What?
- Alice.
- Jade.
I have her as Jade on my cell phone.
- Then it's another one.
- What?
Yeah, there are two infanticides, right?
What's weird is that it doesn't happen
more often, I guess.
Don't you wonder why the dumpsters
aren't full of babies?
No...
Well, for me it's a miracle
it doesn't happen.
Oh, little thing!
What happened to him?
Is he vomiting? Let's see.
Does this happen often?
This needs to be checked.
Thank you. Thank you.
Mara?
Are you ok?
Help me.
CHAPTER 4
COME ON IN, MY CHILDREN,
EVERYTHING WILL BE FINE.
- It's a very quiet neighborhood.
- Yes?
For real.
What?
For this price it's great, isn't it?
Only 45 minutes from Barcelona.
It's not that much.
And it has three rooms.
You could quit writing
from the bathroom.
And that's a strong point.
Do you like it, Eric?
Do you like it, honey?
Happy family hug? Hurray!
Why don't we go away
for a couple of days?
- Where?
- I don't know.
Somewhere...
near the sea.
- Sounds good?
- To Delta.
To Delta. Sure!
Do you remember that summer?
The great time we had.
Those little houses.
The never ending beach.
Riding bikes all the time.
What was the name of that disco?
You loved to go dancing there.
- The Posta?
- The Jewel?
The Jewel? The Jewel.
You looked gorgeous, my goodness.
All eyes on you.
You were the dancing queen.
Beautiful.
You have to dance again, Mary.
You have to go back to it.
Like before.
Like you did at Delta.
Who's the coolest in this beach?
Who's the coolest?
You take your laptop.
And while you write I'm with buddy.
- Sure?
- Yes.
- Come on, let's go to Delta.
- Ok.
Yes?
Mara!
Mara!
Wait for us!
Where're you going?
Why so far?
Coming.
What is it?
I don't know.
- Perhaps he's hungry.
- Yes.
I'll make him a bottle.
He vomited.
- He vomited a lot.
- Well, hold on a second.
- Let's go to the PCC.
- No, Mara.
Mary.
- I put on my sneakers and off we go.
- Damn, he sure vomited.
- Can you get dressed, please?
- No, no. There's no need.
- Put on your jacket on and let's go, ok?
- Honey. Hey!
Darling, it's raining buckets.
There's no need to...
Get dressed.
Honey, nobody's ever died from vomiting.
- Did you see that? Let me.
- It's normal.
This isn't normal, Nico.
How many times do I have to tell you?
This child has a defect!
Can't you see it isn't normal?
He's not fine. Look at him!
I've told you a thousand times.
Can't you see?
What are you talking about?
I'm tired of not being listened to.
Let's go to the PCC, please.
- What is happening here?
- Where's the emergency room?
Third door on the left. Dr. Gomez.
- Is there a power cut, right?
- We're waiting to see what happened.
Sure. No, I can. I can.
There's a change of plans,
I'll explain to you later.
So I can do it now.
Sure. Don't panic, don't panic.
Everything ok.
Ok.
I'll call you back. If not, you call me.
Ok. Bye, bye.
We're not going to Delta, right?
No.
After what happened yesterday
I've been thinking about it.
And, honestly...
I don't feel like it.
Right now.
What about your walks with Eric?
What about my novel?
You have less than a month left
of maternity leave...
we can look for a nursery school
if you want.
So you can rest and also
we do a bit of packing.
It seems you don't want to move, girl.
Eric's room is missing.
Eric has no room.
It's like you don't think about it.
Excuse me.
Hey, what's up? Hello...
Cool. Shall we get to it now?
- I...
- Nico, if you have to go, just go.
You'll be fine, won't you?
You're right, Nico.
This apartment won't fit us anymore.
Do you want some coffee before you go?
Yes.
- You do?
- Yes.
- I'll make you some, sweetheart.
- Ok.
- Nico!
- Yes?
So Delta reservation is already done?
Yes. It needs to be canceled.
That's such a waste. Isn't it?
Well, we'll get half
of the money back most likely.
It is what it is.
I could go by myself, right?
To Delta, I mean.
Can you hear me?
Mara, Eric is still very small.
I meant going with Eric.
- You and Eric alone?
- No, no.
Not by myself. With Ana.
Ana who?
The one who has read my novel.
- Yes.
- Well, she's a super mommy.
She helps me a lot with Eric.
Will you let me?
Yes.
But...
Are you sure?
Yes...
I think going out will make me good.
A few days.
That's what you always say, you know?
Fresh air.
Take a walk.
Hang out with friends.
Write.
And, well...
I'll feel better when I return.
I'll be fine.
You make me a bit jealous.
- You do.
- Sure.
- You two have a great time, ok?
- Yes.
Does it all fit at once?
Yes. Thank you.
Very good.
Shall we go?
Goodbye, my loves.
Send pictures!
Have fun! Enjoy it a lot!
Call me when you get there!
You don't need any help, do you?
You're Mara, right?
Nice to meet you. I'm Fran.
You've got Ana like crazy,
she won't stop talking about you.
She's your number one fan, no doubt.
I'll call her for you. Hold on.
Ana, darling,
someone is looking for you!
Hello.
Ana!
Ana, someone is looking for you!
Mara!
What are you doing here?
How are you doing, little one?
Look at that beauty!
He looks so cute. How are you?
Do you know what?
I have to make a long trip by car.
And me alone with Eric...
I don't see it.
- Yeah.
- I don't like it.
Normal. It's a bit horrifying.
Yeah, well...
You already know that...
he behaves like...
Normal. But I don't think
he'll cause you any problem.
If anything happens you tell me, ok?
But you call me.
Nico has a lot of work to do lately
and I don't want to bother
him for no reason...
- Right...
- Don't know...
- Bye, my love!
- Bye.
All the best!
I got the whole family in the house...
and sometimes I want to hang myself...
Is it because of your book?
Well, I'm trying.
It's not clear to me yet.
What is it about?
No! Don't tell me, I think
I already know what's about.
I'm a bit of a witch myself.
I guess things.
I do.
Is the baby going to stay?
How do we do it?
When do I give him back to you?
Are you coming to get it?
Or what's the deal? You tell me.
I better let you know, ok?
Maybe... Tomorrow?
Yes. He's going to stay, my dear.
Now you have to help me
with both babies. Ok?
Very carefully.
Here...
Take him as I did.
Exactly.
Be careful, ok?
ANA PCC
LOCKED UP WITH NOTHING TO DO
AFTER THE POWER OUTAGE.
ALICE DRAGGED THE LONG SHADOW
OF GUILT AROUND THE HOUSE,
AN INDELIBLE STAIN STUCK TO HER FEET.
LIKE THE TAIL OF A BLACK SHROUD
SEVEN SIZES TOO BIG,
IMPOSSIBLE TO ESCAPE.
Excuse me!
Excuse me!
Hello. You have the 219.
May I ask something?
How many people live in Tall?
Two or three hundred.
And how many houses?
About sixty.
Do you know where
Alice Espanet's house is?
No.
Mara, how it goes.
Listen, it's too late.
Have you already arrived?
How's the buddy? Everything ok?
Explain me how are you...
Tell me something.
Hi. Sorry, we got held up.
Here we are now.
Eric sleeps. All good.
We'd better talk tomorrow, ok?
Kisses. Good night.
Mara.
It's just...
Eric woke up a little warm.
He's got red cheeks and...
Oh, poor thing!
He's sweating a lot.
Well, just so you know.
This often happens when babies
are separated from their mothers.
Kisses.
It's a medieval bestiary.
Do you like it?
- Strange looking creatures, aren't they?
- Yes.
Since they didn't know
what they looked like at that time
they drew them in any way.
I guess it's a mixture
between what they knew,
what they had been told
and their own imagination.
- They look like monsters.
- Mom!
Mom, come!
- We have to place the ox.
- I'm coming!
Alice?
Alice?
It was the crow.
You shouldn't have let it in.
Write, Mara.
Alice hated being alone.
Because when she was alone...
the darkest thought was gaining ground.
The fixed and stubborn idea
that repeats and persuades,
for a moment,
that it will be impossible to move on.
HERE WE ARE, YOU AND ME.
I SEE YOU. DO YOU SEE ME?
ALICE,
JADE HOW DID YOU END UP LIKE THIS?
WANDERING SOUL. ETERNAL PUNISHMENT.
WEEPING WOMAN WANDERING AROUND...
NEVER-ENDING TEARS
THAT ADD MORE WATER TO THE WATER.
Mary!
Not a single picture, girl.
You all right?
Say something.
Please. I'm worried otherwise.
When you arrive tomorrow,
let me know.
And that's it, ok? I miss you. Bye.
INVESTIGATION IN PROGRESS:
MOTHER ARRESTED AFTER THE TRAJICAL DEATH
OF HER THREE CHILDREN
THE MATADEPERA MONSTER
FOR ANGELA AND ALEX.
REST IN PEACE.
Fuck!
Mara, can you pick up the phone please?
I just called the hotel.
They told me that you never arrived.
You've never been there. So...
Where the fuck are you?
Tell that me Eric is alright.
Tell me something. Call me.
Call me now.
Hey, I don't want to bother you
but tell me something
when you can, please.
If the fever doesn't drop
I'll take him to the ER, ok? Kisses.
Thank you.
ALICE, I'M MARA, YOU DON'T KNOW ME.
BUT I'VE HAD YOU INSIDE ME FOR DAYS.
I'M LOOKING FOR YOU ENDLESSLY
AND I CAN'T FIND YOU
BECAUSE I WANT TO KNOW,
HOW TO CROSS THE BORDER?
WHERE IS THE LINE BEETWEN
LUCIDITY AND DARKNESS?
WHY DID YOU DROWN THEM, ALICE?
Mara. Mara, why the fuck
you're not picking up the phone?
What the fuck is going on?
Where are you?
- Returning to Barcelona.
- Returning from where?
I have a fever. I think I have mastitis.
I feel sick.
What? What the...?
Ok, but where have you been?
In Vall de Bo.
What the fuck are you doing
in Vall de Bo, Mara?
Nothing, I...
Listen, send me a picture of Eric.
I want to see him. Now.
- I'm driving.
- Well, Mara, you stop. Stop the car.
Especially if you have a fever.
And you send me a picture. Now.
- I want a picture of Eric right now.
- I can't.
Mara, send me a picture of Eric. Now.
I'm not with Eric.
What did you say?
- I'm not with Eric. He's with Ana.
- Ana who?
With Ana, from PCC.
And what the hell is Eric
doing with Ana?
- What's going on?
- They are at the ER.
At the ER?
Ok. Hold on, Mara. I'm not getting it.
- What is Eric doing in the ER?
- I'm driving straight to the PCC.
Mara...
I'm going to cancel the apartment.
We are going to lose
a lot of money but...
I think it's a saving in the long run.
I already spoke to a girl
a friend recommended me.
She will help you to take care of Eric.
Ok?
Until I can take
the rest of my paternity leave.
I wonder if I've done anything.
Surely I've done something wrong.
Something I missed.
Have I done something wrong?
What have I done?
I'm going to get something to eat.
Do you want something?
Alright.
Nico!
Nico.
What.
What?
Mara. Don't fall apart, come on.
Please. Eric needs you.
You are burning up.
I...
just
regret it.
I just...
I wish it many times.
Many times.
I wish him dead.
I wish he was dead.
I wish he had never been born.
And it's horrible.
Nico, it's horrible.
EPILOGUE
MOTHERS DO NOT WRITE.
MOTHERS ARE WRITTEN.
Mara, how are you?
I just ran into Carla.
And she told me
she's in for Fiday night.
So we have a good dance ahead of us.
Come on! Kisses.
We will be at the Book Fair
on the 15th, 16th and 17th.
And it would be very nice
if you could have
a slightly revised version
of the novel by then.
- Is it possible?
- Not really.
I'm missing the ending, Ester.
Was the lawyer's contact
I gave you helpful?
Yes. Very good. Very useful.
- I'll grab you two books, ok?
- Ok.
And remember to observe what
we have discussed. Think about it. Ok?
- Ok. I'll transfer you the money.
- See you next week.
- Hi, Mara. How are you?
- Hi.
The first thing we'll do when
we get there is put on sunscreen.
Daddy told me you don't like it much
but he told me three times.
You hear? Three times he told me.
This is daddy's beach, isn't it?
You two come here a lot.
Do you prefer near the water
or the sand?
Are you hungry? Are you hungry?
Ok, then.
Let's see what daddy
has prepared for you to eat...
Come on Eric, it's ok.
Wait... Ok, ok, ok.
We'll clean you up.
Look! Daddy is calling.
Well, we can't now. Not now.
Not now. We'll call him back, ok?
You just want to be held, don't you?
Come here.
Come here.
You just want to be held.
Look how beautiful the sea is.
Isn't it beautiful?
The birds...
We will swim again... like before.
Look! Look at daddy!
What's daddy doing there?
Look! Tell him: 'Hi, daddy'.
You could have brought the stroller.
He's very heavy.
- Not that heavy, come on.
- I'm very loaded with the bags and all.
- How's it going?
- Very good.
What's up, buddy? What's up?
He only wants to be held
and it's exhausting.
Of course, he wants to be with his mom.
How was the beach?
Now we're going home,
we'll take a hot shower.
You'll see... Daddy has prepared
a super tasty dinner for you.
- We'll eat like kings.
- What have you prepared for him?
- For dinner?
- Yes.
His favorite dish.
Very good.
Mara. It would be nice...
to meet with some incidence.
I don't mind how often,
but let's have some.
I'll call you, ok?
One step at a time, ok?
Well...
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