All language subtitles for La Voz Dormida eng

April 1939 saw the end
of the Spanish Civil War

and the beginning of
Franco 's dictatorship

and the new
National Catholic regime.

I(had been 3 long years
of horror and death.

The end of the war brought
neither peace nor reconciliation.

This film wishes to pay tribute
to all the women

who wept in silence
at cemetery gates,

who sacrificed themselves
for the imprisoned and persecuted,

and to those who died in police stations,
in jails and in front of firing squads.

"Give me Spain and I assure you
my hand will not tremble,

it will remain firm. "

Francisco Franco, the Caudillo

Madrid, November 1940
2nd Year of Victory

Hail Mary, full of grace,

the Lord is with thee,
blessed art thou amongst women

and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,

now and at the hour
of our death, Amen.

They're coming.

They're coming!

I don't believe it!

Attention, inmates!

The following, get dressed
and come out, quickly.

Juliana Carbonell Vidal.

Teresa Blanco Martin.

Angeles Dominguez Tapia.

Ramona Marin Diaz.

Was that my name?

Did she say my name?

Did she say my name?

But I didn't do anything.

I didn't do anything.

I just went to the club house
to dance.

I've said it 1,000 times.
I didn't do anything.

My boyfriend was a member.

I just went there to dance

because I like dancing!

Believe me,
I didn't do anything!

I can't.

Hortensia, I can't move.

I've wet myself.

I've wet myself!

It's all right, Ana,
we'll help you.

Get up, sweetheart.

My mother...

My poor mother.

She's losing all her children!

Someone tell her,

and tell her
I love her very much.

I feel so sorry for my mother!

Angeles, don't cry.

Don't cry, sweetheart.

Don't let them see you crying.

Don't give them that satisfaction.

Be strong.

- Sole!
- Don't cry.

Hold your head up.

Firing squad.

Load your weapons!

Down with fascism!

Franco is a murderer!

Aim!

Fascists!

Long live the ONT!

Fire!

Twelve.

I counted twelve too.

- Fascists!
- Down with fascism, murderers!

Murderers!

Murderers!

Elvira, get down,
they might shoot this way.

Tomasa, ricochet bullets
can kill too.

Tomasa, sit down!

Reme, leave me alone.

- Who is it?
- Celia?

Yes.

I'm Pepita Rodriguez,
Hortensia's sister.

I'm so glad to see you.

Come in, dear.

Have you news of my sister?

- How is she?
- Fine.

Considering where she is.

I haven't seen her
for almost two years.

You know she's 7 months pregnant?

She told me in her last letter.
I cried so much.

Imagine having a baby
while you're in prison.

Any word about the trial?

Nothing yet.

Hortensia was staying here
when she was arrested.

She and my daughter
became good friends.

Is your daughter in prison too?

My Almudena never got
to any jail.

One day some Fantasists took her
and I never saw her again.

I'm so sorry.

Hortensia told me
you've worked in another house.

Yes, ma'am, I was 11
when I entered service

and at 14 I could
run a house on my own.

Someone I know
is looking for a maid.

They don't want a live-in,
but they'll pay well.

I can offer you lodgings
but little more.

Don't worry,
I won't be a burden for you.

You can leave your things here.

Here.

With yours, they'll think
you're a beggar.

These were my daughter's.

Try them on.

They're lovely, ma'am,
thank you.

Are they a bit too big?

That's OK. I'll just stuff
cloth into the tips.

I'll bring you some water
so you can wash.

Shall I make some bread soup?

It's all I can offer you.

Thank you very much.
God bless you.

That's it.

Say you're going
to see Don Fernando.

- You're not coming up?
- No, it's best if I don't.

One bit of advice. In Madrid
be careful about what you say.

Don't trust anyone.
Try to be invisible.

You know what I mean?

Everything's going to be fine.
Goon

Dona Celia said you can cook.

A little, and I can learn.
I can sew too.

And the wages?

Whatever you say is fine.

That way it's impossible
not to agree.

Dona Celia told me you have
a sister in Ventas jail.

- Yes, but she did nothing.
- You don't have to explain.

What I mean is

my wife needn't know
about that.

Nor that Dona Celia sent you.
All right?

Yes, sir, whatever you say.

Amparo, this is Pepita.
She's replacing Dolores.

Who are you mourning, Pepita?

My father, ma'am.

How did he die?

- They shot him, ma'am.
- Who did?

Ours, or the reds?

Ours, ma'am.

Pepita can read and write too.

Just a little,
and I know my numbers too.

No more problems
with the shopping list.

- Are you Andalusian?
- Yes, ma'am, lam.

Why did you come to Madrid?

To help my sister.

What's wrong with her?

Please, Pepita, answer.

She's pregnant.

And she's in jail

You're a communist.

No, and I never will be!

- Your sister and father were.
- My father wasn't a communist.

And he never harmed anyone.

They killed him because
they couldn't find her.

Do you know
why I'm in mourning?

- No, ma'am.
- Because the reds

killed my two younger brothers.

I'm very sorry, ma'am.

I mean that.

The war was awful for everyone.

But I say

now that it's over
it's time to forgive

and to live in peace.

You're a good Christian.

I try to be, ma'am.

With God's help.

I go to Mass on Sundays,
I confess and take communion.

Very well.

You have a week's trial.

Come at 9:00 for breakfast

and you can leave
when supper is ready.

- You'll start today.
- Thank you.

No one must know about your sister,
or I'll have to dismiss you.

Whatever you say.

Do you need anything?

Come on!
In order!

Pepi?

Pepi, I'm here!

- Tensi!
- Sister!

- How are you?
- I'm fine, we're fine.

I'm so happy to see you.

Tensi, you look sick.

No, I'm fine, don't worry.

You won't have milk!

Yes, I will.
Don't cry, silly, I'm fine.

I'm not crying,
I'm just happy to see you.

But I haven't brought much.

It's OK, the others
take good care of me.

Reme, this is my sister.

Hello, sweetheart.

What about your trial?

Still no news.

- How are you?
- I'm fine.

I've got a job.
Celia got it for me.

It's with someone she knows,
Don Fernando.

- And how's Dona Celia?
- She's very well.

She sends her love.
She's so kind.

Look! She gave me
her daughter's new shoes!

Put on your shoe.

Do everything I say,
with Don Fernando too.

Do you know Don Fernando?

Tell me about our house.

Our cousin Rocio will look after it.

Sister,

I need a favor.

Whatever you want.

Can you bring me some soap?
I've got head lice.

A favor like you did for me
in Cordoba.

Remember?

Don't ask me to do that.

There's no one else I can ask.

You have to get a letter
to Felipe.

You know I don't have
the nerve for those things.

If I'm caught,
I'll tell them everything.

I'm desperate.

I haven't heard from him
in two months.

We couldn't contact them
until a few days ago.

Please...

My God, what's that?

You're the only one who can
help them. We've got no one else.

Please, it's very important.
Tell me you'll do it.

Come on! Hurry up!

Hello, Pepita, how are you?

Walk with me,
as if we were friends.

- Who are you?
- I'm your sister's friend.

- Where are we going?
- For a walk.

I'm Amalia, my mother is Sole.

If anyone asks,
we met each other here.

You understand?

The papers and money
are sewn inside.

My sister said
it was just a letter.

They're false I.D. papers
and travel permits.

Without this, they can
never leave the mountains.

Put it on.

Why not someone else?
I can't do this.

Look,

we told your brother-in-law
you'd be coming.

They wouldn't trust a stranger.

Put it on!

- Can you read?
- Yes, of course.

This tells you where to go
and how to get there.

Memorize it and then
eat the paper or bum it,

but never carry it on you.
Understood?

Why don't you go?

They don't know me, and the Party
gave me another mission.

The damn Party
can find someone else!

I've suffered enough
because of it!

I won't argue with you.

Give me the belt.

We'll tell your sister
you wouldn't go.

Give me the damned belt!

I'll go, but get this straight.

This is the first and last time!

Wear this somewhere visible.

Put on your best clothes.

And lipstick. They never think
a pretty girl has political ideas.

I don't have political ideas.

The jails and ditches

are full of people
who never had political ideas.

Never forget that.
Never!

Wait five minutes
before you leave.

Bigger.

Remedies,
pay attention, please!

I can't fucking do it!
No matter how I try...

I'm quitting.

Listen, Reme,
nobody quits here.

If you do, Elvirita won't
read your letters for you.

It's up to you.

What's wrong with Carmenchu?

She's got a fever.

Your sister's going to the mountains.

Lord, the poor thing
will be so scared.

- There's something else.
- What?

The Civil Guard attacked
in the mountains last night.

A lot of comrades died.

Who were they?

- Is my husband all right?
- We don't know.

Father, is this the town?

Yes, child, you get off here.

Thank you, father.

Silence!

- What's going on?
- They're guerrillas.

Silence, everyone!

Is this him?

No, sir.

Look carefully.
Is this him?

No, I swear, sir.

Anyone know this man?

We're looking for three
very dangerous killers.

One is El Toledano,

another is El Cordobes

and another, Black Jacket

That bastard, Black Jacket,

is the most dangerous.

If anyone knows anything

or can give us a clue,
they'll be well rewarded.

Anyone who helps them

will face the consequences.

Hurrah for Spain!

Long live Franco!

We'll take a photo.

Don't be scared!

I'm with your brother-in-law.
We're expecting you.

You're Pepita, right?

Felipe sent me.

Why didn't he come?

- Come out and I'll tell you.
- I have to go.

Cutie, don't go.

- I'm a friend of Felipe.
- I don't know any Felipe.

You've just asked about him.

I don't know any Felipe
and I don't know you.

Felipe lost the only photo
he had of Tensi.

In it, she was wearing
the earrings you liked.

He'd given them to her

and you loved wearing them.

He says you're very sweet girl.

He said that?

And that you've got
the prettiest eyes in Cordoba.

Tell him I never said he could
talk about me. You hear?

- And I'm not a girl.
- Yes, I hear you.

- But don't be angry.
- I'll be angry if I want.

Now, tum round.

- What?
- I told you to tum round.

And don't look.

Don't look.
You communists...

You're all so cheeky.

Here.

This is what I brought.

- First I want to see him.
- You can't.

- Why didn't he come?
- He's wounded.

What happened him?

He was shot.

He needs a doctor.
You work for one.

You're wrong,
he's not a doctor.

He's an accountant.

That's his job now,
but he's a doctor.

If we don't get the bullet out,
Felipe will die.

Lord, my poor, sweet sister!

What do you want me to do?

Bring him here?

Not here.

It isn't safe.
We'll come down tonight.

He could report me.

He won't.

Say I sent you,
I'm Pauline Gonzalez.

Bring him to this address,
it's a boarding house.

Ask for Maria.

Say I sent you,

and that you want two rooms
for tonight.

She'll say:
"I've only got one double".

If she says she's got none,
leave immediately. Got that?

Of course.

Good.

Now, give me that.

- I want to see my brother-in-law.
- You'll see him tonight.

Don't talk to anyone about this.

Don't worry,
I won't even talk to my shadow.

Go on, cutie.

Your bus is in half an hour.

I'm going, I still haven't
got over the fright.

I was about to leave.

Come in.

Is it very cold?

Yes, sir.

- I'm sorry I'm late.
- Dona Celia informed me.

- Is she here?
- No, she's at mass.

What is it?

I have to tell you something.

Child, you're about
to collapse. Sit down.

I've got a message
from Pauline Gonzalez.

Is it true you're a doctor?

No.

I was, not any more.

Pauline Gonzalez sent me
to ask you for help.

Felipe, my sister's husband,

has to have a bullet removed
or he'll die.

You're the doctor
my sister's husband needs.

She's a prisoner and pregnant

and she'll die
if anything happens to Felipe.

And Pauline says
your wife mustn't find out.

I don't know why,
but your wife mustn't find out.

And he also said that
you're not going to report me.

No, of course not.

- Good afternoon, ma'am.
- Good afternoon, sister.

Excuse me, ma'am.

I need to go to the sick bay,
I've got a terrible earache.

Please, my head
is going to explode.

- I'll speak to Mother Superior.
- Thank you.

What's happened?

Your sister made the delivery.

That's a relief!

Any word of my husband?

He and some others
managed to escape.

They're coming down tonight
but they can't stay in Madrid.

There are police infiltrators
They're after Black Jacket.

I think it's best
if they go to France.

- Good evening.
- I'd like to speak to Maria.

That's me.

I've been sent
by Pauline Gonzalez.

Don't you have to ask me
something?

Yes, I have to ask if you've got
two rooms for tonight,

and you have to say...

I've only got one double.

- That's it.
- Come in.

Go ahead.

Fernando, thanks for coming.

It's good to see you.

Where is he?

She'll take you.

I'm sorry, cutie,
you can't go In.

- Why?
- Because you can't.

Wait here. When the doctor's
finished, you can see him.

I'm sorry I shut you in.

It's best if you're not seen.

- How's my brother-in-law?
- Fine, El Cordobes is tough.

Here, this letter
is for your sister.

If you give it to Celia,
she can pass it on.

Put this in the next parcel
you bring her, it's allowed.

Did my brother-in-law
make this?

He thinks about her every day.

F and T.
Felipe and Tensi.

How is Tensi?

Fine.

She doesn't complain,

but I felt awful
when I saw her in there,

so thin with that belly.

Mind if I smoke?

I'm used to it.

My father smoked like a chimney.

Smoke if you want, sir.

Don't call me sir.
I'm not that old.

Fine, I don't care.

Didn't you teach Tensi
to read and write?

Yes.

80 are you Black Jacket?

Don't ask questions.
The less you know the better.

Don't ask questions!

It's a bit late for that!

Shush, everyone will hear.

Keep your voices down!

Why do you always
call me "cutie"?

In my town
we call all the girls that,

especially when
they're pretty like you.

Hey!

Don't take liberties.

Who do you think you are?

I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to offend you.

I thought you were
a lot older and taller.

My sister told me you were
the best boss she'd ever had.

You're almost the same as me.

- You're mistaken.
- What?

I'm sorry to disappoint you.

You can see your brother-in law,
but we don't have much time.

Excuse me.

- It's a bad wound.
- Yes, pretty bad.

There's a lot of damage.

How are you?

Fine.

I'll make it.

How's Tensi?

As well as she could be,

and with that belly
she looks even prettier.

I've brought a photo of her.

It's the only one I have,
from before the war.

It seems so long ago.

Thank you.

I wish I could be in her place.

Why not give up this madness?

Tensi needs you,
and with the baby, even more.

It's not so easy, the war's over
but not the struggle.

Forget about the damn struggle!

When Tensi gets out
we'll all go to Cordoba.

It's cold and dangerous in Madrid.

Come on, cutie, you have to go.

When I was wounded,
I thought a lot about Tensi.

I didn't want to die
without seeing her again.

She's my life.

I know that.

And my Tensi loves you too.

She mustn't find out
I'm wounded.

She's got enough on her plate.

She won't.

Come on.

A kiss.

Take care of yourself.
And rest.

It's a present from my husband!

He's so clever.

With a knife and a bit of wood
he makes lovely things.

Isn't it beautiful?

My mother's dress!

I asked my grandma to bring it.

Tomasa,

this is for you.

For me?

No, thanks, I don't need it.

This one is fine.
Give it to someone else.

Tomasa, you can be
stubborn and proud

but you can't be ungrateful.

I didn't ask her for anything,
I don't want anything.

Here they are.

Let's see.

All right, Elvirita,
give this to Trini.

Help her make copies
and hand them out.

Give this to Sole.

What's this?
It's a letter...

It's from my husband!

- Read it, please!
- No.

- Read it!
- No!

I'll read it to myself
and then I'll see.

Reme, separate the ones
for the mothers' block.

My Felipe didn't write this.

Pauline wrote it.

My poor Felipe can't write.

But the feelings are his.

The words aren't,

but the feelings are.

- It's the new warder!
- Give me the documents.

Me too.

This is revolting!

Lots of pretty words
but they taste awful.

Hortensia Rodriguez Garcia.

That's me.

Come with me.

Where, ma'am?

To see the judge.

All here, your Honor.

Thank you.

I'm the judge
dealing with your cases.

To keep this brief,
I'll get to the point.

You are all accused,
among other crimes,

of helping and supporting
the rebellion

and of various crimes.

In accordance with
the Military Code of Justice

the prosecutor is asking for

- the death penalty.
- What? That's impossible!

Silence! Silence!

Your Honor, I never joined
any rebellion!

Be quiet.

Speak only when
you're asked a question.

Which of you is

Hortensia Rodriguez.

- I am.
- "I am, your Honor."

I am, your Honor.

- For when?
- The end of January, your Honor.

We'll have to see about this,

because you're undoubtedly
the worst of all.

In addition to rebellious
and immoral behavior,

and acting mercilessly
against Nationalists,

you're accused of belonging
to a group of murderers

and participating in crimes.

- I committed no crime, your Honor.
- What?

- I committed no...
- Shut up!

Excuse me, sister.

The hearing will take place
on December 20.

The defense lawyer
assigned to you is

Infantry Captain
Juan Francisco del Moral.

Your Honor,
with all respect, Mother,

when will the lawyer come
and see us?

He can't see you here.

You'll see him the day
of the trial. Your name?

I have witnesses who can state

that I didn't kill anyone
and wasn't at the front.

I'm innocent!

No more witnesses are allowed.
You can speak at your trial!

You, your name.

Rafaela Perez Granado,
your Honor.

Sign here that
you've been informed.

I can't write, your Honor.

Give me your hand...
The right one!

They can't condemn me to death.

Silence, Rafaela!
Didn't you hear the judge?

- But, sister...
- I said, silence!

Now you.

I'd like to read it first,
your Honor.

- Can you read?
- Enough, your Honor.

Excuse me, your Honor.

I'm a school teacher,
with a history degree.

I too would like to read
the document first.

It's my right.

So that's how it is.

You're not reading anything,
I don't have time.

It doesn't matter
if you don't sign

because the sister will sign
that you've all been informed.

No one's going to sign?

Very well, we're through.
You can take them away.

About tum and single file.

Rafaela! Are you deaf?

Come on!

Come on!

Excuse me.

- How much?
- Four pesetas.

Four pesetas!
That's a lot.

Hello, cutie.

Shall we go?

Take my arm.

Act like my girlfriend.

Are you crazy?

Why were you looking
in the store windows?

Don't talk to me like that.
I'm not in the Party.

Calm down,
we'll attract attention.

First of all,

I'm called Jaime Salas now
and I'm from Belchite.

We've been dating since

last August,
we met at the local fair.

That's impossible, in August
I still wasn't in Madrid.

Then we met in Cordoba, OK?

Well, as it's a fib
I'll accept that.

Good.

What happened to Black Jacket?

Never say that name again.

Black Jacket died,
in the mountains.

You never heard of him.

- Understand?
- Of course I do.

- Here's the medicine for...
- No, not here.

We'll go into that church.

We haven't heard mass together
in ages.

And a smart alec as well.
Just my luck.

You can spend all that money
on candles?

I can do as I please
with my money, so be quiet.

What a temper.

Take this.

I have to go
before my mistress misses me.

Wait, we still haven't
prayed together.

We're going to France.

To Toulouse, when we get
the safe-conducts.

Isn't France very far away?

Not that far,

but it's like the other end
of the world.

Can Felipe travel that far?

He'll have to, cutie.

It's very dangerous here.

Pepita

I'd like to ask you something.

Do you have a boyfriend?

Yes, I'm talking to someone
in Cordoba.

My information
is that you haven't.

If you're so well informed,
why ask?

I want you to tell me,

to know if I can hope.

You can hope all you want,
hope keeps people alive.

- So?
- So, what?

Can I hope or not?

That's not how it's done
back home.

How is it done?

Well,

if the boy is serious,

he courts the girl
for a year or two,

and then...

I don't have that much time.
I wish I had.

I'd better go.

They could call the police.

I'll tell you something tonight.

Don't go tonight,
you've risked enough.

I want to see Felipe.

You can't, cutie.

We have to move.

Tell Fernando,

and thank him for everything.

Will you offer it for me?

What should I ask for?

You know what I want, cutie.

Wait five minutes
before you leave.

Don't worry, Hortensia.

It'll all tum out well
at the trial.

I'm scared for my baby.

I'm scared they'll shoot me
with my baby inside.

Don't say that!

How could they?

This would be
a heartless world,

we wouldn't be human.

Do you think
they've got a heart?

Don't you hear
what happens every night?

They're murderers
and they want to kill all of us!

If you don't see that
you're stupid!

Be quiet, Tomasa.

Be quiet, for God's sake.

Let's go to sleep,
we have to get up soon.

Come on, Reme.

Let's go to sleep.

Lie down beside me, I'm cold.

The work of shaping
the new Spain

begins by getting rid
of the rotten apples.

All these individuals
who appear before us

are not true Spaniards.

They are puppets

at the service
of international communism,

whose sole objective

was to destroy the purest
values of our homeland.

There is not, nor can there be,
a place for them

under the sky of the new Spain!

Every one of the facts
mentioned today

is a crime in support
of the rebellion,

according to Paragraph 2
of Article 238

of the Military Code.

Therefore, your Honor,

what we are asking for each
and every one of the accused

is the maximum sentence,

what they deserve.

The death sentence.

The defense has the ?oor.

With the court's permission.

The defense fully shares
the principle

that there is no room
for traitors in our homeland,

for those who wanted
to sell it as a slave

to Soviet communism.

Nevertheless, it appeals
to the mercy of the court,

requesting it reduces
the imposed penalty,

asking for each and every one
of the accused

life imprisonment.

Special consideration
is requested

for the accused
Hortensia Rodriguez,

given her condition,

as her crime, equally serious,

cannot fall
on an innocent child

who can still be redeemed
for the cause of the new Spain.

I will now give the last word
to the accused.

Maria Ferrer.

Stand up.

Do you have anything to say
in your defense?

With all respect, your Honor,

I can assure you
that my daughter and I

did not take part
in any rebellion,

and we have never
harmed anyone.

I am being judged for belonging
to the teachers' GUT,

which was a legal union then.

They don't care!

This isn't a trial!
It's a farce!

- This is fascist justice!
- Silence!

What the hell do you think
this is, a Marxist meeting?

I warned you. Take them all
to the cells this minute!

The hearing is over.

This tribunal will withdraw.

Clear the room.

Get moving!

As the facts mentioned constitute
the crime of supporting rebellion,

and in accordance with Paragraph 2,
Article 238 of the Military Code,

and with the decree
of January 10, 1937,

and the law
of February 9, 1939,

we hereby sentence

the accused, Isabel Puig Ferrer

and Maria Ferrer Camin,

for the crime
of supporting rebellion,

to the death penalty.

We hereby sentence the accused,

Paloma Castro Romero,

Eugenia Nunez Vidal

and Rafaela Perez Granado,

for the crime
of supporting rebellion,

to the death penalty.

We hereby sentence

the accused,
Hortensia Rodriguez Garcia,

for the crime
of supporting rebellion,

to the death penalty.

However, this court has taken
into account the defense's request

and we consider

that the child she is carrying

is innocent
of its mother's crimes.

Therefore, the execution
of the prisoner,

Hortensia Rodriguez Garcia,

will be postponed
until after the birth

and the time which the prison
authorities consider fitting.

We hereby sentence the accused,

Francisco Quesada Lopez,

and Fernando Catalan Rubia

for the crime
of supporting rebellion

to the death penalty.

They sentenced her to death.

They're going to kill her.

So quickly, in one morning?

Yes, sir.

Please, you must know
important people.

Speak to someone, I beg you.

I've got no friends any more
who want to help me

and I'm in no position
to ask for favors.

Sir, your father
is a friend of Franco.

He was his doctor during the war.
Please, talk to him.

My father and I
barely speak to each other.

Your wife said he and your mother
are dining here on Christmas Eve.

Here?

I didn't know.

Sir, please, talk to him,
to your mother, try to do it.

It would be of no use.

My father only thinks
of his position.

He would never help a communist.

I'll bring your tea now, ma'am.

My husband told the truth.

Neither he nor his father
can help your sister. I'm sorry.

Each must pay for the crimes
he has committed.

My sister didn't commit

Ma
.am'

for Our Lord Jesus Christ
who died on the cross for our sins,

help me, please, help me
so that they don't kill her.

They can send her to prison
but they can't kill her.

She's the only family
I have left.

I'll ask the Bishop
to receive you.

He's a charitable man,
he can counsel you.

Thank you, ma'am.

Stand up.

Bring the tea
to the sitting room, please.

Get up.

Stand in line.

Who is it?

Take her away.

His Lordship has spoken
to Dona Amparo,

he is aware of the case
but today

he can't see you.

Come back tomorrow.

Father,

as we supposed His Lordship
would be very busy,

we have brought this letter.

It explains the case
and gives the file number.

A very good idea.

I'll give it to His Lordship,
don't worry.

Thank you, father.

Let's go.

Get back!

When the hell will you accept
that things have changed?

Why not think of your family,
your wife?

They killed her two brothers.

Father, she knows how sorry
I am about that

but I won't change how I think.

And you say it so calmly,

without thinking about
the problems you cause us.

I don't think
you have many problems.

I'd say things are going
very well for you.

I risked my life for Spain,
we won the war,

and now we're gathering
the fruits of victory.

An office 30 miles from the front
wasn't exactly a dangerous posting.

What are you saying?

- That I'm a coward?
- Alberto!

Fernando, can't we even
have this day in peace?

Son, don't just think
of yourself.

Think of your wife. Don't you see
that she's suffering?

- Isabel, please.
- No, Amparo.

You married a doctor,
not a lousy accountant.

Shame on you,
living off your wife.

Gonzalo!

Son, others have done it
and nothing's happened.

They admitted their errors and now
they're where they should be.

Father can't protect you
much longer.

Some people want
to expose that incident.

I had nothing
to do with all that.

What happened in Paracuellos
was unfortunate.

No, it was a massacre committed
by your communist friends.

- You did nothing to stop it.
- What could I do? I was a doctor!

That's enough, Fernando!

You have to decide.

Swear loyalty to the regime
and go back to medicine

or leave Spain.

You're complicating
all our lives.

- The uniform suits you, Pepita.
- Thank you, ma'am.

She altered it herself.

She's a very good worker.

Gonzalo, give Pepita
her Christmas box. She's earned it.

Pepita's very clever,
she can read and write.

That's good.
A very well prepared girl.

Here you are.

Don Gonzalo, forgive me,

but my sister is in jail
and sentenced to death.

How dare you!
Go and clear the table.

Leave her be, let her speak.

Thank you, Don Gonzalo.

My sister didn't do the things
the judge said she did. I swear.

She's pregnant, her child
shouldn't lose its mother so soon.

My sister is called
Hortensia Rodriguez.

This is the letter I've written
to General Franco.

I'd like you to give it to him
and do all you can to help her.

Aren't you a friend
of the Caudillo?

I'll see what I can do,
but I promise nothing.

Thank you, sir,
may God bless you.

- Go into the dining room.
- Yes, ma'am.

Gonzalo, I'm sorry.

Don't worry,
but make sure no one knows

you've got a communist's sister
working in your house.

Not again!

Stop pinching yourself,
you'll get a bruise.

Reme, sweetheart, what's wrong?

What's wrong?

Reme?

I've got a knot here...

Why? You're going to see
your first grandchild.

That's why.

I won't be able to touch him.

I won't be able
to cuddle him or anything.

They've cut off the water again!

When the whole gallery
will be having visits.

Give her a cup of ours.

What's wrong with
our ray of sunshine?

She's crying because she's going
to see her first grandchild.

We have to go out together.

- Why?
- You're getting a special visit.

Look closely
at my daughter's husband.

Your daughter's husband?

But her husband...

Is he who I think he is?

My God, he's crazy!

Don't call him by his name.

He's got a new identity.

He's called Mathias Bejarano.

Everyone out of their cells!

- Now what does she want?
- Quickly!

Topele's coming.
I'll see you later!

Go down to the central gallery.

Quickly!

Come along, everyone, out!

There 'll he laughter again
in the springtime

that we are waiting for
in the sky, on tend and sea.

Arise, squadrons, and conquer,

dawn is starting to break
in Spain.

Hurrah for Spain!

Long live Franco!

Look, the witch
dressed as a saint.

Be quiet.

Christmas is when
the Christian family

celebrates the birth
of God made man.

We celebrate that
Jesus came to redeem us,

to reopen the gates of Paradise

that were closed
since the Original Sin.

At mass this morning,
many of you refused the Eucharist.

Don't you know that worship
is part of your re-education

and what you did was an insult
to Jesus on the day of his birth?

Very well.

To make amends,

you are all going to kiss
his little foot,

as a sign of love
and submission.

Whoever refuses will have
no visits for a month.

Never

They can't force us to do it.

For God's sake, do it
or you'll have no visits.

- I can't.
- Silence!

I don't want to hear a sound!

I want to see my grandson.

Do what you want.
No one will say anything.

I can't.

I can't.

What are you doing, Tomasa?

The rules say nothing
about kissing images.

You're illiterate, you wretch.

What do you know
about what the rules say?

I'm not a believer

and I won't kiss
the foot of any doll.

How dare you say
the Baby Jesus is a doll!

You'll kiss his foot
because I say so.

Red scum, you don't deserve
the air you breathe!

You'll learn respect!

Whore!

Communist!

You'll bum in hell forever

with the rest of your sort!

Take her away!

Get her out of my sight!

Come on!

You're all filth,
there's no redemption for you.

In this country,
there will be no peace

and God will not forgive us

until all the reds are in jail

or dead!

Get into line,
in order and in silence!

Anyone who disobeys
will have no visits!

Don't you feel well?

Don't worry.

It's the cold, it gets inside
and you can't get rid of it.

Hello, Pepita.

This is my husband,
Mathias Bejarano.

- He's come from Caceres.
- A pleasure.

How are you?

Are you crazy?

I have to see Tensi.
I need to see her.

- They could kill you!
- I don't care!

Slop!

You'll attract attention.

He's my husband,
he's coming with me.

If anything happens,
keep out of it.

Understood?

Excuse me.

Do you mind if we join her?
We have to go in together.

- Go ahead.
- Thank you.

Come along, keep moving.

Tensi!

Over here!

Sister!

My love!

You're crazy!

- I'm going crazy thinking...
- What?

I can't hear you.

Don Fernando's father told me

he's going to talk
to Franco himself about you.

Are you OK?
And how's the baby?

Fine.

It keeps kicking me.

I want it to be a girl,
and we'll call it Tensi.

If you want a girl,
that's what it'll be.

It can't be born yet...

It'll come when it has to come

and it'll be the prettiest girl
in the world.

I love you with all my heart,

I'm always thinking of you.

I'm the same, my love.

I know, darling.

But if anything happens to me
you must be strong

and look after our child...

Nothing will happen to you.
We'll gel rid of these bastards...!

Are you crazy?

The dress I made you
is in the parcel.

It's got lots of colors,
to bring you joy and luck

- Come on, time's up!
- Everyone in single file!

Already?

We have to go?

There's no time for anything!

Don't attract attention.

- Move, quickly!
- Time's up.

I'll make you another dress
for after the birth.

And a colored one for me too.

Come on!
Everyone back to your cells!

Let's hurry, we've pushed our luck.

What's he doing here?

You'll scare me to death.

How is she?

Fine, better than me.
She was always braver.

You can talk later.
We have to get out of here.

Where are you going?

To Dona Celia's house.

- Can I walk with you?
- Layout like...

You can't, we're expected.

- Just to the bus shop.
- It's not safe.

You'll put her in danger.

Don't worry.

No one will suspect
a couple out on Christmas Day.

- Right, cutie?
- It's just 5 minutes.

I'll try to send money
and letters to you for Tensi.

I'll take care of her.

If he steps out of line,
tell me.

I'll sort him out.

Get the car, pick me up
at the bus stop.

Shall we?

You look serious.

Are you angry?

I can't live
with all these frights.

You all disappear and don't
even write to say you're well.

What is it? ls the Party
more important than people?

No, cutie,

but the police have infiltrators
in the Part";

And we have to move constantly.

That's why I couldn't see you.

And writing is dangerous.

- I trust nobody.
- And Amalia?

We contacted her last night
to see Tensi.

She's got problems too.

Her husband got
the death sentence too.

The other day you asked me
for an answer. Do you want it

or aren't you interested?

Of course I am,

but first I want to tell you
something important.

And after, if you want nothing
to do with me, I'll understand.

Goon

You know I'm a communist.

But I follow the Party's orders

and I'll never
abandon the struggle.

Is that all?

- Yes.
- It's nothing new.

I thought you'd say you were
married or had a child somewhere.

What an idea!

Well, you're off at war
with lots of girls.

This is more serious.

I'm on the run.

At any time they could
put me in jail,

or kill me.

- Do you understand?
- What is there to understand?

The fate of the woman who's with me
maybe very dark.

I knew that.

My father said politics is a black
spider that always traps us.

Politics isn't a black spider.

It's people
who become scavengers

and we end up
devouring each other

and we need politics
so that doesn't happen.

I'm sure you're right

but you didn't come with me
to make a speech, did you?

I didn't come for that.

For once we agree.

- I have to go.
- Don't you want my answer?

Think it over.

Do you want it or not?

More than anything
in the world.

Come on,
forget the Party for once.

Go on, ask me again.

Your bus is here.

I can get the next one.
Goon

- I don't know if it's fair.
- Come on!

Do you want to be my girl?

Please, think about what I said.

I'm not afraid for me

but one tear of yours

would break my heart.

If you don't want me
to fall in love with you

don't do what you're doing now.

What am I doing?

Looking at me like that,
talking to me like that.

I can't help it.

And I can't help

loving you.

You're doing great.

Push, I can feel the head.

Come on, Hortensia, push,
it's almost there.

Miss Mercedes,

give him to my sister,
they're not to take my baby.

Don't think about that now.
Push!

Push, we can see its head.

Miss Mercedes...

Give it to my sister!

Push, push harder.
It's here!

- It's a girl!
- A beautiful girl!

What my husband wanted.

My God!

Is she all right?

Yes, and she's got
all her finger and toes

And she'll be even prettier
than her mother.

Let me see her.

Hello, my love.

Hello.

She's so beautiful.

She's so beautiful.

Ma'am, may I get
the baby's things

and clean clothes
for the mother?

Go to the kitchen
for milk and food for the mother.

She has to get her strength back.

And black coffee for me.
Say it's for the doctor.

Yes, doctor.

If I may, ma'am.

What's her name?

Tensi.

That's what her father wants.

No, what name
will she be baptized?

I won't baptize her,
I'm not a believer.

The full name for the registry.

Hortensia Vargas Rodriguez.

OK, you're not a believer,

but baptize her.

It'll save her lots of problems.

That's my advice.

May I have her?

I'll wash her before
the water gets cold.

I'll bring her right back
so you can feed her.

Come on, little one.

- Sister...
- Tensi!

Look!

I can't see her.

What did you say?

She's tiny, but lovely.

She's got blue eyes,
like you and mother.

I got you some powdered milk.

Thank you.

Look! Look how nice it is on me.

You're a wonder.

You look so pretty, Tensi.

Tomorrow, I'm moving
to the mothers' block.

Ask about the visiting hours.

You have to do me a favor.

What is it?

Find your brother-in-law.

But Tensi, I don't even know
where they're staying.

I've heard nothing from them
since Christmas.

Please, Pepi, find him,
tell him not to stay in Madrid.

He's to go to France.

My child can't lose
her father too.

What do you mean?

You'll be all right.

You'll get out of here

and you'll raise your baby.

You'll see.

Listen to me.
Tell Pauline

he's to go too,

even if you'll miss him.

I don't see him anyway,

he may as well go.

What a time to get a boyfriend.

What can I do?
We don't choose these things.

He's a good boy for you.

I don't know.

I'm not from his class.

He studied,
he's from a good family.

So what?
For us, we're all equal.

He's a good comrade

and the best man I've ever met,

apart from my Felipe.

But my Pauline
is better looking.

And my Felipe is tougher.

My little dark haired girl,

don 1' be scared by my troubles.

The tears that are ?owing

will fall on the mint.

Sleep, my little girl, sleep,

the moon is looking down at you

and your sister loves you.

Don't cry.

Are you crazy?

Come in.

What are you doing here?

Forgive me, Dona Maria,

I have to see my brother-in-law
and his companion.

Since they left,
I've heard nothing.

Don't lie to me,
I have to see them.

I swear I'm not lying.

They have to save my Tensi!

Don't lie to me.

I'm not lying.

I'm going to go crazy!

What's the Party going to do?

Whatsit it do for my sister?

The Party can't do anything.

In Madrid alone, 3,000 comrades
have been sentenced to death.

They've shot two of my sons,

and a nephew.

And my husband is missing.

I can't sit back and do nothing.

I tried everything.

All I got was a beating

and six months in jail.

My advice is
don't attract attention,

or you'll end badly.

And then who'll help
your sister and your niece?

- Come in.
- Excuse me, sister.

Come in.

I've brought a new one.

- She won't baptize the child?
- That's right.

Very well,
leave the things there.

Thank you, Florencia.
You can take them away.

Very well.

Come on, let's go.

Don't forget about Tomasa.

And bring her medicine.

Less kissing, and get out.

There's a free bed at the end.
Take it.

Don Javier,
were there more shootings?

Yes, dear, they shot five.

- Do you know who they were?
- No, I'm sorry.

May I go ahead?

May I go ahead?

Next.

For Hortensia Rodriguez,
the mothers' block.

- Name and relationship?
- Josefa Rodriguez, her sister.

Just a minute.

Yes, she's here.

The parcel.

- Sister, do you know when...
- When, what?

When they're letting her out.
I'm asking for my niece.

I've told you 100 times
not to ask that.

Or do I have to tell you
every day?

- No, sister.
- Then don't ask again.

Forgive me, and thank you.

Next!

Pepita! Pepita...

Are you Hortensia
Rodriguez Garcia's sister?

- Yes, sir.
- Come with us.

- Where are you taking me?
- Shut up!

Or I'll have to do it
with my fist.

Get in.

Look at this photo.

This is you and this is
your sister, right?

Yes, sir.

- Know how I got this photo?
- No, sir.

We found it on a son of a bitch
called El Cordobes.

- Sound familiar?
- No, sir.

No?

So you don't know
your sister's husband?

Yes, sir, but he was called
Felipe Vargas Caballero

and we called him "Slim".

He "was" called?

When did you last see him?

A long time ago, after the war.

Then I heard he'd been
killed near Madrid.

Then who's the father
of her child?

I don't know,
I didn't want to ask.

Look at him.

Look at him, dammit!

Look at him.

Is he your sister's husband,
yes or no?

- Yes, I'm her sister-in-law!
- Shut up, bastard!

When did you last
see each other?

I told you,
not since after the war.

I thought he was dead.

Where did you see him?

In Cordoba!

Let her go, she knows nothing!

Don't hit him any more,
you'll kill him!

Where did you last see him?

In Cordoba.

Do you know someone
called Black Jacket?

No, sir, I've never
heard that name.

Look,

I'm going to be very clear.

If you collaborate, in half an hour
you'll be back home.

But if you don't,

I'll lock you up here
till you're old and Grey.

Is that clear?

I want to collaborate, sir,
I swear.

Which of these is Black Jacket?

I don't know any...

I don't think you understood.

A doctor helped
your brother-in-law.

Who was it?

I've told you, I haven't seen him
since after the war...

I'm fucking sick of this, whore.

Give me the pincers.

I swear, I don't know anything!

- You'll talk.
- I don't know anything!

I don't know anything!

I swear!

I don't know anything!

I'm asking for the last time.

Which of them is Black Jacket?

Are you thinking?

Well, think fast.

Because after this

you'll never be able
to fucking think again.

Don Fernando,
there's a lady to see you.

Allow me.

- Give her some clothes.
- No, give them to me.

And leave us alone.

General,

take her out the back door.
I'll call a taxi for you.

- Thank you.
- Not at all, sir.

I'm at your service
should you require anything.

Don Gonzalo...

Did you mention my son's name?

No, sir,
I didn't mention anyone.

You're sure
you didn't mention him?

I swear on my father's memory.

I'm warning you.

If you ever mention my son's name
in your fucking life

I'll come after you
and shoot you myself.

Do you hear?

And I never want to see you
in his house again. Got that?

Whatever you say.

Get dressed.

Don Gonzalo...

You said you'd do all you could
to help my sister.

The only ones who can help her
are Franco or God,

and I don't intend
to bother either of them.

But you said...

Shut the fuck up!

And hurry up,
I've wasted enough time.

Are you Black Jacket?

Cordobes!

What happened to you?

Nothing. They took me
to police headquarters.

- What did they want?
- As I'm your sister,

they wanted to know

if I knew those ones,
but I said nothing.

Sons of bitches!

I shouldn't have got you
into this.

Don't worry,
it wasn't that bad.

Come on, let me see the baby.

She's so beautiful!
Isn't she the loveliest thing?

And how are you?

I'm fine.

I'm fine.

And Don Gonzalo?

Dona Amparo told me
he's seeing Franco this week.

Pepi.

You're not saying everything.

I can tell, I know you.

Are you really OK?

Yes, I'm fine. They let me out,
didn't they?

- And your brother-in-law?
- I wanted to tell you.

I wanted you to know.

Yesterday they both left
for France.

That's why I'm like this,
I won't see him again.

Sister,

I want you to take the baby.

She could get sick
if she stays here.

Of course, we've got her cradle
all ready in Dona Celia's house.

Sister,

I want her to know all this.

She will, because
you're going to tell her.

Read her the notebooks,

so she knows what her mother
was like and why she fought.

When you see her father
tell him to find another wife.

Don't say that,
don't even think it!

A good woman who loves him,
as I've loved him,

and who loves our daughter.

I'm not telling him that.

Why don't you talk to the nuns?

They can help you.

If you say you repent
and ask forgiveness...

Forgiveness?

Why?

I haven't done anything.

They're the ones
who have to do that.

Don't be stubborn,
they can ask for clemency.

Tensi, you have to live.
Do it for your daughter.

Don't be naive.

They don't want to forgive.

But why is it so hard for you?

Don't ask me that, Pepi.

Stop it, or else don't come.

Don't let them take her
to an orphanage!

Don't let them!

I love you.

I can't do any more now,

not until the infection stops.

I'll talk to Sr. Serafina so she can
get outside for ten minutes.

Thank you, doctor.

Let me know if she gets worse.

Tomasa, don't argue with the warders.

Come on, sweetheart.

- Eat a little.
- I'm not hungry.

But you have to eat.

You can't just give up.

Come on, my shift's over,
I want to go home.

I'll just leave her something
to eat.

You have to hang on.

I've come for the inmates.

You have to leave.

Let them finish.

I'll lock up.

As you wish.

I've brought Elvirita's
mother's dress.

And the shawl,
so you can change.

It's Hortensia's tum tonight.

Are you sure?

How do you know?

I've just seen the order.

We have to let her sister know.

My daughter's coming at noon.

Could you tell her?

She'll know how to find her.

Dona Celia!

Pepita!

Pepita, it's Amalia.

Good afternoon.

"Those of us who are here
with our children"

"are living in the cruelest
conditions in the whole prison,"

"because the worst thing is to see
our children dying day by day"

"and be unable to prevent it."

A warder's coming!

Look who's come to see us!

Excuse me, I've got visitors.

Look,

your aunts!

What a darling!

Reme!

How are you?

And my angel?

Come and sit down.

How are you?
Isn't she beautiful?

What's wrong?

Is it Tomasa?

She's fine.

She sends kisses
to you and the baby.

What is it, Sole?

You heard something?

Tonight.

My baby.

My baby is going
to lose her mother.

My treasure.

Tell my sister,

so she can come for the baby.

I don't want her
to be put in an orphanage.

We sent her a message
with my daughter.

My sister.

My poor sister,
she'll suffer so much.

Sole, they mustn't
keep the baby!

No, the new warder
promised me they won't.

She'll give the baby
to your sister herself.

Sole,

a group of mothers
have written this letter.

It has to get to the Party
in France.

Everyone has to know
what's happening here.

Don't cry, love.

You have to be strong.

Strong.

Determination and resistance.

That's the best tribute to me.

And I'll learn to read
and write, Hortensia.

I swear.

You're wonderful.

Dona Celia, may I come in?

Yes.

I can't sleep.

I've got a knot in my stomach,
I can't breathe.

What's wrong?

Tensi got angry with me.

- Why?
- I told her to ask for pardon.

That won't help her.

But she could try it.

She could win a few months,
and who knows?

Things can change.

Pepita

things won't change
in a few months.

Come to bed, you'll get cold.

Dona Celia...

Yes?

If my sister,

God forbid,

but if my sister...

I'd like to go to Cordoba
with the baby

and take my sister
to bury her with my father.

He loved her so much.

That won't be possible.

You can't take your sister.

Why not?

In this new Spain
your dead don't belong to you.

You can't have a mass or prayers
said for your dead.

You'll pray.

But no one can know for whom.

And you'll cry, but in secret,

in your home,
where no one will see.

But they can't take
your memories of them

or the pain of their absence.

My baby...

It's time.

Forgive me, my love.

It's my fault you won't
have a mother to love you

and protect you.

But you'll have your father,

who'll love you so much.

They gave me so little time
to enjoy you.

Don't cry.

Help me to be strong.

Go and get her.

I won't let them see me cry.

I won't give them
that satisfaction.

Hortensia Rodriguez Garcia,

take your child
and your things.

And hurry up,
we don't have all night.

Leave me alone.

Can't you see I'm putting on
my own shroud?

MY things.

Come along.

Take the child.

I have to talk to the mother.

Hand her over willingly,

or else we'll take her
from you.

Hortensia, give her to me.

I'll take care of her.

Please.

Wait outside.

Young woman,

in a few hours
you'll be facing death alone.

Is this any time for pride?

It's time to make your peace
with God.

My conscience is clear.

Your arrogance is blinding you.

You can save yourself
from eternal damnation.

You know what that is?

Yes.

A story to keep the poor
obedient and silent.

The virus of communism
has corrupted you.

There's no possibility
that you'll repent.

- I have nothing to repent.
- That's enough!

If you want to condemn
your soul, go ahead.

But at least
save your daughter's.

Ask to have her baptized.

All I ask for her is a Spain
free of priests and tyrants.

God will give you
the punishment you deserve.

Very well.

I'll see you
in front of the firing squad.

We'll see if there

you're still so arrogant.

The poor thing's got great lungs.

You can hear her
from the guardroom.

Florencia, changeover.

Give me the baby.

You can have a rest.

You're hungry, aren't you?

If you want a rest,
I can take over.

You go, Florencia, if you want.

I don't mind staying.

- You're sure?
- Yes.

That's fine with me.

And be careful with that one.

They've taken her pup
and she's rabid.

If God had given me
a gift like this,

I wouldn't give her up
for politics or anything.

Communists don't love
their children like we do.

Don't say that.
Of course she loves her child.

But she won't have her baptized.

And look at her,
she hasn't shed one tear.

There are many ways to cry.

Conchita,

this is an innocent creature
who isn't guilty of anything.

And she needs to eat.

Don't ask me that.

We'll be thrown out.

No one will know.
There's only us and her.

And she won't talk.

It isn't Christian
to deprive this child

of her mother's milk
for the last time.

The Lord taught us to forgive

and to pity our enemies.

Conchita,

she's only got
a few hours to live.

Let's give her five minutes
with her baby.

Do it for me, Conchita.

I'll make it up to you.

Mercedes, five minutes.

Here, I don't know
how long you'll have.

Does it hurt?

This isn't pain, it's life.

Are you married?

I'm a widow.

My husband died in the war.

Do you have children?

Two.

Well, three.

The oldest was killed
in the war too.

He was just twenty one.

A lot of people died
who shouldn't have.

That's no consolation.

We didn't start the war.

- That doesn't matter now.
- It does.

It should never have happened.

Why did you become a warder?

You're not cut out for it.

My brother got it for me.

It's the advantage of being
mother and wife of martyrs.

A teacher's pay doesn't feed
two children.

- Were you a teacher?
- Yes.

I'd have loved to be a teacher.

Teaching must be wonderful.

My little dark haired girl,

don 1' be scared by my troubles.

The tears that are ?owing

will fall on the mint.

Sleep, my little girl, sleep.

The moon is looking down at you.

Your mother loves you.

Mercedes, bring the baby out!
Hurry, they're coming!

By the love you have
for your children,

swear you'll give her
to my sister.

I promise to do
everything I can.

Conchita,

please, take her bag.

Come on!

It's your last chance,
Hortensia.

Ask to have
your child baptized.

Hortensia,
we're thinking of you!

- We love you!
- Goodbye, treasure!

Murderers!

Long live the ONT!

Father, finish up,
it's getting late!

Firing squad.

Load weapons.

Bastards! Fascists! Murderers!

Aim!

Long live freedom!
Down with fascism!

Long live the Republic!

Fire!

Come on, in silence.

Stay in line.

First.

For Ines Vidal,
in the minors' block.

Name and relationship.

Angeles Bravo, I'm her mother.

Next.

For Hortensia Rodriguez,
mothers' block.

Wait over there.

What's wrong, sister?

Wait over there, I said.

Sister, take over.

Next.

Are you Josefa Rodriguez?

Yes, ma'am.

She's asleep.

I've just given her some milk
and changed her.

Then,

can I take her?

Yes.

But you have to sign first.

Use this.

Sign here.

Would you give this package
to some of her companions?

Of course.

Are you all right?

Do you need help?

You can go.

Your sister's things.

Did she suffer?

Did my sister suffer?

Don't think about that.

She's at rest now.

Goon

Just a minute.

Her baptismal certificate.
We baptized her this morning.

Mercedes was the godmother.

Don't lose it.

Goodbye and good luck.

Thank you.

Good luck to you too.

The day that! leave you

And can no longer cradle you,

There will be blue eyes

And a strong heart to love you.

Sleep, my baby, sleep.

The moon is looking down at you.

Your mother loves you.

My aunt Pepita,
who is also my mother,

always said that the pains of war
should end when wars end.

But it wasn't like that

Franco's new Spain was filled
with silence and mourning,

and also with waiting.

My aunt Pepita learned
to live with waiting.

Jaime Salas, Paulina Gonzalez,

was sentenced
to 30 years and a day.

He escaped the death penalty.

They could never prove
he was Black Jacket.

Perhaps it was luck, or perhaps,

for once,
my aunt's prayers were heard.

She promised him she would wait
as long as necessary,

and she waited for 19 years.

They were only allowed
a visit once a year

and a letter once a fortnight.

When my uncle Jaime
got out of jail

the first thing they did
was to get married.

That same night
they took the train to Cordoba.

My aunt's other long-postponed dream
came true.

To return to her home in Cordoba.

She was 39

and the groom had barely
kissed her three times.

I decided to stay in Madrid

to continue bringing ?owers
to my mother's grave,

and to carry out a mission.

To find my father's body

and bury them together

so that the two

would be side by side
in the eternity of lovers.

Each time I see the photos
of my mother and my aunt

who is also my mother,

smiling and happy before the war,

that's when I cry most
with grief and anger.

Because that damn war,
and everything that came after,

should never have happened.

"For strategists, politicians,
historians, it's clear:

We lost the war.

But morally, I'm not so sure.
Perhaps we won it."

Antonio Machado

To Dulce Chacon
for her wonderful novel.

To my sisters,
Loli, Loisi, Macu and Eva.

THE SLEEPING VOICE