All language subtitles for Lugares Comunes

COMMONPLACES

A) 'THE DIFFUSE MURDERER'
B) 'WHAT NEVER CAME TO BE'

'NOTEBOOK. '

'Writers write.

Whoever wants to learn
how to write, may become...

a person who can write,

but they'll never
get to be writers'.

As per Raymond Chandler's
saying then,

I am a writer,
for I write.

I'd need to know
if I do it well...

and if I have
a style of my own.

Style is not sought. You either
have it or you don't,

and you'll never know why.

Nobody will know better
than I if I write well:

I make a living of it,

I live on criticizing, and
analyzing what others write.

I teach literature.

My intimate self-despise
nourishes my self-criticism.

I will not need
the approval of an editor.

If what I'm starting
to write today is rubbish,

or just standard,
or lacks the quality...

I seek when reading
somebody else's writing,

which has always
left me wanting for more,

then this manuscript
will never find the elegance

of Garamond or the vulgarity
of any other font.

Maybe Lili will read it,
or perhaps a friend will,

or perhaps my son.

I'll be content
with Lili's reading:

I write for her
and on account of her.

I don't know if what
is happening to us...

is worth telling.

I don't know if
there is a story in it,

or if it will be just
a diary, or a notebook.

I know there is disorder,
disappointment, confusion.

There is a country
that is destroying us,

a world that throws us out,

a diffuse murderer who
kills us day after day,

without our realizing it.

I don't have an answer.

I write from chaos
in sheer darkness.

Got a 15-day leave.
Summer courses got me...

going for the
last two years.

And they say
teachers earn too little.

Shouldn't complain:
leave of absence and...

then off to Madrid,
what about that...?

We'll spend almost
as much as here.

Didn't pay for our tickets,
though, my son sent them.

Does not pay for them either,
works at a computer company...

they make him travel a lot,
he earns points and miles.

- Here you are, professor.
- Thanks.

So he gets free tickets.

- How long are you staying?
- About a week, or ten days.

You're lucky to have a son
who sends you free tickets.

My daughter chose
to follow in our footsteps,

so no Europe for us!

Morning, professor. Wait!

- You knew about this.
- No, I didn't at all.

It's the Ministry's.
The decree was signed...

about a month ago, and if
they downsize Education,

they'll need to lay people
off or have them retire.

Well, tough luck
about you...

Tough luck,
or is it a black list?

I didn't apply
for retirement.

No, they know that. That's why
it says 'ex officio retirement'.

No black lists here,
it could have been anyone.

Country is going down the drain,
if Government has no money,

we're all fucked.
What can you do?

Can't reject it, I can apply
for a three-year permanence.

Three years, with
optional renewal after that.

That way, the Rector will be
the one to accept it or not.

But, why don't you
just take it as it is?

You won't have trouble
in finding another job,

if you really needed one.

- I don't need your advice.
- Want some coffee?

So tell me you won't go
on with it, but cut the crap.

I don't say 'no', but
there'll be lots of issues,

to take into account for that:
honesty, capacity, ideology...

- That's the weak point.
- No, no. We're all entitled...

to our thoughts and beliefs.
But you over-react sometimes.

I speak my mind.

Of course, I don't censor you.
Sometimes you're not objective.

That's where you fail me.

Opinion can't help
being subjective.

Objects are objective,
and so are Rectors.

So who are you, Robles?

For they'll request
a profile of yours,

but really, I can't
think of a definition:

you are not a Peronist,
not a Radical, nothing.

What can I write on the report?
Anarchist, Marxist, leftist?

It sounds outdated.

Better say all I am not:
I am not inept, or corrupt,

I was not placed here
by someone, as you were.

Come on, man.
Our not seeing...

eye to eye gives you
no right to insult me.

It's not that we don't
see eye to eye.

You can't think.

Your brain is totally
unaware of 'thought'.

Put your notes away.

We won't discuss Rayuela.

If who haven't finished
reading it, you may do so.

But read it thoroughly,
don't be deceived by...

Cortazar's form and humor:
it is the wildest love story.

- Anyone have a smoke?
- Here you are.

Hope it pleases you
as much as it pleased me.

If reading it doesn't
move you, then you lose.

A light?

Thanks.

- So can we smoke?
- Yes.

By next year, most of
you'll be professors.

You don't know
much about literature,

but you know enough
to get started as teachers.

I'm not concerned
about that.

I want you to remember
that teaching means showing.

Show, not indoctrinate.
Provide information,

but also provide and teach,
the method for understanding,

assessing, reasoning,
and questioning information.

If you are a mental retard
believing in revealed truths,

religious dogma, political
doctrine, you'd better...

take up preaching at
a temple, or a stand.

Now, if you're unlucky
enough to stick to this,

remember to leave
superstition outside class.

Don't make your students
learn anything by heart.

It's no use. What's imposed
will be forgotten, rejected.

A kid won't be a better
person just for knowing...

when Cervantes was born.

Make it your goal to
teach them how to think,

have them doubt,
have them inquire.

Don't value your students
based on their answers.

Answers are not true, they seek
a truth that will be only relative.

The best questions are those
repeated since the age of...

ancient Greek philosophers.
Many of them are now cliches,

commonplaces, but even so
still valid: What? How?

Where? When? Why?

If we admit here that
'the way is in the goal',

then our answer won't do.

It describes the tragedy of life
but it won't explain it.

There is a mission,
a mandate I want for you.

A mission nobody has
ever assigned on you,

but I hope that you,
in your role as teachers,

will undertake
it as your own.

Make your students awaken
to the pain of lucidity.

Without limitations,
Without any mercy on them.

Hope I pass but Andrada's
an ass. Won't spare anyone.

Criminal Law sucks,
but I've studied hard.

You'll pass, no doubt.
You're a good student,

you're pretty, nice...
The odds are on your side.

Just look him in the eye,
and smile. Then come tell me.

- Andrada won't care.
- You've got a killer smile.

Nobody can resist your charm.
If Andrada's human you'll pass.

I'd give you A+.

- How is it going?
- Want a big cup of coffee?

Scotch. Old Parr, on
the rocks. And coffee.

- Not hungry? Want a bite?
- No, thanks.

- Let's find a table?
- No, no.

I'm going to pick Lili up.
I brought you this,

- It's the communication.
- What's that?

He's retired.
Laid off.

I'll leave it to you.
Can't do a thing before I go.

When I come back,
don't know if I'll have time.

Don't worry.
We'll do what we can.

I'd pass over the Rector.
Find out if we can apply...

for permanence
if he says no.

- Did he say no?
- No. But I know he will.

Just ask. Don't tell Lili.
Don't want to spoil her trip.

That's good for your
coronaries, hey? Smoke, too?

- Give me one.
- I have cigarettes.

- Come on, just one.
- There.

Hey, you got two
by-passes, punctured bellows.

Cut the crap, Fernando.

- Just for today.
- Instead of applying...

for retirement, I'll apply
for a disablement pension.

You don't, Natacha,
put that away.

If he asks for one,
please don't give him any.

Sounds like your Dad.
Or like your Grandfather.

- How can you stand him?
- Should find someone better.

- What?
- No. I wouldn't, ever.

Don't try to steal my girl.
Go to the park feed pigeons.

- Looks like it.
- Just kidding.

- I'm not serious about it.
- No. I know.

HOME OF THE NEW MAN

- Hi.
- What's up, pretty?

What's up with you?

It's nothing at all. Just an
argument with the rector.

Big one?

Ideological issues.

I ended up telling him
he was brainless, just that.

- So, how are you? OK?
- No, not OK.

There's more people,
all the time,

and on a tighter budget.
No money, downsizing,

Government can't pay
They're talking of closing...

down, and really...
I couldn't care less.

If they don't give us money,
then we can't help anyone.

If the Government can't pay,
then we're all fucked, hey?

Didn't they say that, too?

- Fer!
- Coming.

What can I do?

- That yours? It's too much.
- Just ice.

Don't ask me to pack my things,
you know I'm useless.

Not just at packing, dear.

Which shirts do you want?
Will ten be enough?

Don't know. Maybe. Just
pack whatever you think best.

Ten. Regular ones,
you don't have new ones.

- You'll need to buy some.
- Let me know when you're...

through and I'll zip them up.
Don't go lifting heavy stuff.

- Where are you going?
- I'm writing.

- Is everything OK?
- There you go again, Lili.

It's OK. It's just that trips
make me nervous, that's all.

Fer? Fernando,
are you all right?

I'm fine, Lili.
I'm coming out.

Sure? Are you feeling OK?
Do you need anything?

Nothing at all.
It's my stomach, just that.

Go to sleep.
I'll come right back.

Channel N�5.
Will that be all, sir?

Give me the one with the
Sun and the Moon, please.

Thanks. I love it.
Haven't worn it for so long.

Brought you this one.
don't know if you'll like it.

But it's like giving you the
Universe: Sun, Moon, Stars.

Are you crazy?
We can't afford this.

We won't be worse
off than we are now.

Can't leave you alone.
Thanks. What else did you buy?

Pack of Winston, American.
For Pedro.

Pedro's trying
to give up smoking.

They're for you,
don't lie to me.

Are you smoking again?
Are you out of your mind?

One, now and then. It's OK.
Life's short, whether...

you smoke or not.

Dying is not the worst.
If you have a stroke,

then don't ask me to
wipe your ass. I'm out.

That's Love.

Can I ask you something?

You've been acting
weird since Friday.

Something's the matter.
Don't say no.

We've never
lied to each other,

so don't start now.

What's the matter?

Your beloved professor
is no longer a professor.

I'm retired by decree.

Carlos is trying to find out if
I can stay for three more years,

but I don't think
we'll manage.

I didn't want you to know
about it until we came back.

It's worse to see you
feeling bad and not knowing,

or having you lie to me...

Suddenly, they decide
I'm no longer useful.

Out in the streets, out,
left aside like a vegetable.

They took my future away.

Just go, and die
peacefully, that's next.

Sons of a bitch,
we'll get by.

We've been through
worse and we managed.

- How much are they paying?
- I don't know, or when.

What pisses me off is
being told I'm of no use.

No one is, just because
someone says so, hold on.

You'll think of something.

I'm concerned about money.

We won't know much about it.
We'll see later on.

Please, not a word to Pedro.

I retired, willingly,
and I'm happy about it, hey?

- OK?
- OK.

But if you don't change
that face we'll be fucked.

Lili's always been that way.
You can't lie to her, ever.

Maybe she's too perceptive,

maybe I'm like an open book
and I think I'm straight-faced.

We didn't wish to travel.
We wanted to see Pedro, though.

One more commonplace:
ill beginnings, ill endings.

Mum!

Hi Javier!

How are you?

- How are you?
- Great, just great.

The hotel is next to the
Gran Via, Hostal Montejano.

I know the hotel, but you're
not going there. Come home.

- There's barely any room!
- Got both kids in one room.

You've got the other room.
Can't say no now you've come...

this far. If you stay here,
it's too far from home. Come!

We'll be a crowd, but
it's just for a couple of days.

Madrid looked
beautiful, bright.

We envied the prosperous
First World from which...

they were
pushing us away.

We had lived in Madrid for
only 6 years, when in '76...

the Military Government
invited us to exile,

if we wished
to stay alive.

We felt that Madrid was ours,
we were no tourists here.

We though we should then just
enjoy this short fantasy...

before going back
to the uncertain fate...

awaiting in Buenos Aires.

Pedro's home was ours, too,
or so Fabiana coldly said...

her smile showed she would
soon convince us it wasn't.

The place was too small.

We were packed, uncomfortable.

Fabiana and our grandchildren
didn't give us any dice.

We would see Pedro now
and then, we'd dine out...

atinoUrbanizacione

Fabiana lent us her car,
so we wouldn't stay home,

I guess that's what she wanted,
anyway. It was HER home.

We toured, visited, went back
to places we remembered.

We often felt like tourists.
But we had fun.

Lili and I usually
have fun together.

Being together is fun,
intense, good times...

even if we don't
do anything special.

We talk... or we don't, we're
OKas long as we're together.

I'd have wanted it to be the
same for my son and his wife.

I'm not entitled to judge him.
He didn't make a good choice.

I'm trying to be fair,
don't mistake me.

I'm deeply disappointed
in myself as a father.

None of my expectations as
a parent turned out to be true.

Maybe one did:
Pedro is a good person.

We gave him freedom enough,
never imposed anything on him,

we'd rather have him grow up and
learn to make his own choices.

We think he'd be able to choose
properly. But he wasn't.

Fabiana was just one among
half a dozen girlfriends.

And she got pregnant.
Pedro decided to marry her,

no pressures, not
even from Fabiana.

I'd love it if you came
to live in Madrid.

You'd love to be around the kids,
and you'd lend me a hand.

I'd love that. I love kids.
Always have.

But then you wouldn't
like the way I raise them.

'Course I would!

They would be better off
with you, than with an Indian,

or an African.
It's an invasion!

As soon as Pedrito turns two,
he'll go to kindergarten...

and I'll go back to work.

How I miss working.
I hate being a housewife.

I'm a graphic designer,
and a good one, too.

I'm not a housewife!

- I am.
- OK, but it's different.

It depends on Fer.
I like it, wherever.

What do you mean, wherever?
This is your country.

I lived in exile almost all
my life. My family went to...

France from Lerida, and later
on to Argentina, so I never...

knew what 'missing' meant.
I got there at 20, long ago...

but even so, I don't feel
Argentina is home to me.

My husband is
home to me.

I guess they'll start
paying when we get back.

Don't know how much, but
almost as much as I made,

running from school
to school. I got tired.

I started feeling nobody
listened to me any more.

I doubt that.
You got fed up.

So, what'll
you do now?

You can't just stay around,
doing nothing.

I'm writing. Don't know
what. Maybe it's a novel.

That's great. I'm worried
about your pension.

Don't think it'll be
enough for you to live on.

We'll manage.

- Are you still writing?
- No.

- How do you spend your
spare time? - There's none.

People will remember me as
the author of only one novel...

nobody ever read, and
it vanished into thin air.

Shame.
It was very good.

Thanks.

Listen, Dad,
I have a proposition.

Why don't you
come and live here?

I'll help you.

I can rent you an
apartment in Madrid,

or wherever
you like it best.

Your pension and my help will
see you through, and you'II...

be able to do lots of stuff
you've always wanted to do.

- You must be making good money.
- Yeah, very good.

I want to help you and this
won't mean I'll lack anything.

This is a real country.
I've got a house,

two cars, the kids may take
up whatever career they want.

Can't ask for more. So?

Talk it over with Mum...?

I heard there was a
law in ancient Athens...

excusing children from
supporting their parents...

if they had been
unable to teach them...

anything of profit,
science, art.

You are excused, then.
I can't accept your help.

You chose ideals and goals
Mum and I taught you to despise.

You stopped doing what you
were good at, and took up...

working at shit, computers,
software, to make money...

and have more and more, like
a burgher. Not your fault.

We failed,
our doctrine did.

So what would
you have me do?

Drive a taxi, starve, give a
shit about my family's future,

feel an accomplished writer?

I'd rather you'd not
betray yourself,

your calling,
what moves you.

Like your job?

Yeah, it's fun,
I'm good at it.

Fun? Great.

Now don't talk to me
about the future,

your family's future,

for you know
the future is an illusion...

invented by the system. All
systems, so that people go...

bend over, work like slaves
and produce, for fear of...

the damned future. What's
your guaranteed future, hey?

Or can you
tell the future?

People at this job tell you
there's no more accidents,

cirrhosis, cancer...? Any fucker
might just shoot us, right now.

Doctrine failed me, OK.
But you, can't you think?

Will you tell me now that
there's always hope, faith,

Brother, Salvation and
that mother-fucking shit?

- Hey, don't shout!
- Who's shouting?

You don't have a future of
your own. Whether you like it,

or not, you're a South American,
just one more SUDACA...

who's come to rob Spaniards
of their job opportunities...

If they need to downsize,
it's your ass that gets...

kicked first, understand?

I'm not South American.
I'm Spanish. A Spanish citizen.

You know I don't care for
flags, anthems or such shit.

You sold your soul, Pedro.

You've forgotten your country,
for the sake of money.

You're not Spanish.
You're something else.

I won't tell you what,
you know it already.

Don't listen to him.
You know him well enough.

- Have you heard?
- Yeah, just to upset you.

He doesn't feel that.
We'll talk later.

- See you at home?
- No, better not today.

We'll get a hotel.
Don't you worry about us.

Don't tell me not to smoke.
Not now, please.

May I have one, too?

- Want to get a taxi?
- Let's walk.

I overreacted.

A little... you behaved
worse than a pig, my dear.

- Let me help you.
- It's OK, I'm fine.

I'm sick and tired.
of buying silly stuff.

The jacket's gorgeous.
Plus, you needed one.

Why don't we leave?
What are we doing here?

Let's see Lerida
and then go.

I don't want to see Lerida.
We can't afford it. Let's go.

About a day or so. Listen,
Pedro. The plane leaves...

tomorrow night. Come downtown
and have a drink with us...

so we see you
before we go.

OK, call you
in an hour, bye.

Says he can't help working
late today, he won't be able.

It's only natural he
doesn't want to see you.

Don't justify him.

Let's go out, Lili.

Let's say goodbye to Madrid
on our own, let's dine out,

I'll miss that in BA,
then we have a drink...

in Chicote or
Bellas Artes, OK?

I'll call him anyway.

- Have a nice trip.
- Are you boarding?

Gate 12, sir.

- Which gate?
- Twelve.

I knew...

Thanks for coming.

I feared you had boarded.

- We were too late.
- Her fault, though.

Of course...

Listen, big guy, don't pay
any attention to what I said.

I was just kidding,

sometimes we do that, just
for the sake of beating others.

We're both that way,
you know we are.

Even if it's not true.
I've always been that way.

I know.
But you're right.

I'm not,
it's bullshit.

I did what I thought was
best. I'm a piece of shit.

I never said that. You
deserve to be happy. I'm shit.

I daren't go back. The
country's sinking, I know.

But that's an excuse.
Some people struggle,

they live on and survive.

I'm a traitor,
I ran away.

A traitor? You didn't run,
they sent you away,

as they did with
so many others.

Your country died.
There's no more country.

So stop fucking around.
See life as it actually is.

They won't let you live
so you must survive.

Stop feeling guilty.

There's no more rules there.
If you want to live...

then there's no more rules.

You need to pull
yourself together.

Maybe you sold yourself but
you mustn't give in. Hang on.

One day, maybe you'll
be able to be yourself.

Don't get lost.

One day... that's the future.
The future is an illusion.

It's an invention,
that's philosophy.

Life is something
else, though.

The future is out there,
and it's for sale.

You break your back
to give your kids a future.

That's OK.

You're giving them a future.
A place to grow and live in.

Don't feel guilty, don't.

OK. I don't know if you're
serious, or just wishing...

to make me feel good.

Today he's telling you what's
in his mind and heart.

Believe it.

The offer's still on.

If you wish to come over
just give me a call,

even in spite of that law.

- Which one?
- The Athens Law.

We'll talk it
over at home.

If we choose to come,
it'll be because of you.

So we needed to come
back to realize we'd had...

such a great time in Madrid
in spite of the expense,

in spite of my argument with
Pedro, and his sadness.

Upon returning, you harbor the
hope of finding some miracle...

has taken place and you'll
find everything's different.

However, as you
step out on the street,

you realize your hope
is broken, no anesthetics.

As so many times, I wondered
what the fuck we were doing,

why we were still here,
why we hadn't left for good.

And as so many times,
I found no answers.

So we stayed on.

- Hi! Was everything OK?
- Wonderful!

- Your trip?
- Fine, thanks.

Did Carlos know
you were coming?

Don't have an appointment.
If he's busy, I can wait.

I wish he were busy.
All he does is talk on...

the phone, trying to
get people pay what's due.

This month we can't
even pay the rent.

Dr. Solla, there's
someone to see you.

Thanks, dear.

Bad news. No way
to go over the Rector,

so you're retired.
And fucked.

You'll get paid in two
or three months' time.

- How much?
- Minimum pension.

My contributions were
not for minimum pension.

They're giving you
what they can...

for the time being. If things
improve, you'll get more.

- Is there anything I can do?
Sue them, maybe? - Maybe.

But you'll need
another attorney.

I don't want to lose
your friendship.

Suing the Government will
take at least three years.

You may win, if the laws
are still the same then.

And if there's a Government.
Just grab what they give you.

I will, but I can't
live on that.

- Don't you have any savings?
- Very little.

We could take a mortgage loan on
the apartment. It's all we've got.

Or I can sell the car.
But it's old, too.

No good. The mortgage loan
you'll have to pay in dollars.

So how do I
get that much?

That's what I'm telling you.
Forget about the mortgage.

I'll think of something.

Check your expenses, downsize.
We'll see, later on.

How big is your apartment?

110, 120 square
meters or so.

It's nice. Maybe
you'll get some money.

You could sell it and
buy a smaller one, or,

you can rent another one.
The money we can invest...

and you'll have a
minimum passive income.

I can't sell it.
It's Lili's, not mine.

- It belongs to both of you.
- I know, but it's not that.

It belonged to her parents.
They broke their backs...

to leave their daughter
something. I can't just go...

tell her we're selling it.
I can't do that to Lili.

- Ask her about it.
- She'll say sell it.

She'll say it's OK.
But I know she'll be sad.

It's not like selling an
object. It's part of her life.

Maybe you're right.
But your wife's not that way.

You're a walking
sentimental Tango.

- Supermarket, what, 300?
- Yeah, more or less.

Who cares?
Half, then.

Car, garage, diesel.
Nothing, we'll take the bus.

Movies, videos, books.
Shall we say, half, too?

Let's wait. We'll
figure it out later on.

I don't know, Lili.
I try hard, cut down on coffee,

wine, telephone bills...

No way, Lili,
there's no way.

What can we do?

Never mind,
I'll manage.

You were never
too good at figures.

We'll have to do it
the other way round:

we've got only this much,
and this will have to do.

We've got enough
for the next two months.

Let's think
of a solution.

Let's think, then.

Computer skills, French.
It'd be great for me if...

I could get an interview.

Oh, no interviews.
OK, thanks.

Suddenly, we realized that
all we could do was think.

And no one would
pay us for doing that,

or for doing any
kind of work.

We were out
of the market.

Out of the circle,
out of the system.

Out of everything.

We were out.

Excluded, disposable,
good for nothing.

We stopped paying taxes,
borrowed money from Carlos.

Not much, though, just to see us
through for a couple of days.

In the end,
Lili decided to do...

what I'd never have
wanted her to do.

PRIVATE TEACHER

I couldn't help
feeling guilty.

- Hi pretty, want a drink?
- No. Let's go home.

- Did you pay?
- They'll write it down.

That's bad for you. It'll
kill you. You can't smoke.

The doctors told you
to quit smoking, get it?

OK. Just once
in a while.

Am I dumb, or what?

In the beginning, the people
at the Real Estate office...

said it would sell easily.

But time went by, they got
pessimistic, they said...

it was a bad time for
selling, that it was a crisis.

Always a crisis.

Ever since I can remember,
the country's been in crisis.

And Government has
always been in the hands...

of sundry corrupt people.

The crisis also brought
lots of people on Saturdays,

just to take a look at
the house... An outing.

I started to retreat
in silence,

into notebook 19.

I left Lili to it all.

I didn't like to do that.
I couldn't help doing that.

But it was a nightmare.

- It's beautiful.
- Zacarias, the owner...

tells me the farm is much
more than what's to see.

He taped it, to put it up
for sale. He doesn't know...

It's too isolated.
I think it's great.

It's a farming area,
only 30 km off Villa Dolores.

You've got everything
in the town, and it's as...

if you lived here in Pilar,
or Tigre, good, fresh air.

Looks pretty good.

Guy's selling it, but he
can't wait any longer.

Offers it in payment, 60%/
cash and 40%/ with this farm.

If it's so wonderful, then he
should be able to sell it.

Sell it, and pay us cash.
We agree to wait for him.

We can't sell this, and
you think this guy'll find...

Corbduoyba! Iodon'tthinnk...

you can expect that much.
Guy wants to move in now.

His wife died a year ago,
he came to Buenos Aires.

He's living with his sister.
I don't know.

He doesn't want
to stay there.

He's a prospective buyer.
The only buyer.

I don't know.
You should think it over.

Nothing to think over.

We're not young enough
to become hippies...

and live in a
self-sufficient community.

That's an euphemism
for brainless dopes.

If you can grow vegetables,
you'll never starve, though.

You have chickens, pigs,
hens. Cows are a tough job.

But you can roast pork.

If I could,
I'd take it.

On your own, or with Natacha?
Would you go, babe?

Where?
What was that?

Caafrarm iisn Cordoba.

He'll be a peasant, a farmer
of sorts, a tillerman.

Fine, just go. Write to me,
if you have the time.

They say, 'to the end
of the World with you'...

and then, see!

That's just because of
the passage of Time.

Being with you until Time's
end, not just anywhere.

What about the farm?

He wants us off. He's just
telling us the farm is Heaven.

Let's eat, come.

I hate the countryside.
Mountains make me sick.

If you talked of a beach,
I'd go. A farm? Not for me.

I like the city.
I love pavements.

Don't say what's
on your mind.

The streets, hey?
You said it, not I.

OK, it's the same.

I apologize. It's a new
generation, different manners.

- This is great.
- It's delicious, Lili.

You're a great cook,
you're pretty, clever, fun.

Don't know what you're
doing with this guy,

...after so many years.
- Neither do I.

Let's go
to the farm.

Imagine this stuff,
baked in a clay oven.

Let this sour guy and
Natacha stay here.

Pollution, noise, no peace...
the noise of passing cars,

traffic, the crowds,
commuting.

He's been wanting to seduce
her ever since he met her.

He's so vain he can't believe
she won't give him any dice.

You can't seduce her.
Not Lili, not anyone.

We women seduce. Or we
choose a guy and let him...

think he's seducing us.
That's the way it is, baby.

He didn't know he was
good for nothing, now he knows.

He's not seducing her.
He's trying to persuade her...

about going to the farm.

I'm your friend. It's my duty.
You'll be much better off.

Can you imagine us, sowing,
reaping, me, with my emphysema?

My arthritis, Lili, with her
hernia? I don't want to make...

you feel depressed, so
I'll stop the list here.

It's not that way. Zacarias is
ten years older than we are.

He's got a guy
who works there.

He does the heavy jobs.

He just runs the place.
Don't bring up excuses.

You want to make me change
and become a landlord, then.

Don't overreact, Fer.
That farm, we'd be peasants.

It's like having a
backyard in Buenos Aires.

We won't be aristocrats.

He's way back in the
'60s. Can't believe this.

Much earlier than the 60's.
Neither Marx, nor Lenin...

nor Cuba with Fidel
or Che Guevara.

I don't mean to change the
system. We lost the war.

Things have evolved to
the point when the owners...

of the world are so firm,
so solidly established...

they even allow the Left
to live on, to go along.

Why? Because the Left's
just a name-tag, a pin,

a graffiti.
It's just a yearning.

At most,
a moral attitude...

that will never transcend
private lives.

That moral attitude is
its worst feature.

Too much respect,
too much condescending.

That's why the
Right always wins.

Because they have no scruples.
They will always win.

What's the worst to you,
is best.

You're judging success
and failure of an idea.

That doesn't matter
any more.

You're telling us what the
Right says, you are disgusting.

And besides, they
haven't won all the time.

Tell me about one time.
Wait, Fer's not through yet.

- Where did you leave us?
- 1789.

- French Revolution, baby.
- I know, I'm not that dumb.

They won, kicked some ass
and sent us back to 1789.

What is it that we want,
what is it that we demand?

We want, we don't demand.
What's worse, we expect...

the world to get organized
with some common sense,

so that people know, I'm
not talking of THE people,

I mean just people knowing
they belong in a community,

so that they work for
the good of a community.

Know about that?
Liberty, equality, fraternity.

Over two centuries gone, and
nothing, we didn't do anything.

We're back in 1789.
Better hang the French flag...

on the balcony, so we
feel less guilty, then.

I think you overreacted.
We're not all of us guilty.

Don't fuck with me.
Accomplices are guilty.

And also, better hang
the American flag...

for their Revolution came
earlier than the French.

- Be serious.
- Can anyone explain to her...

I'm being serious?

- Everyone wants coffee?
- Serious, bullshit.

What Fer says is essential.
Right now, here and almost...

everywhere else, if you
demand that, you're subversive.

Leave out the 'almost'
It's that way, everywhere.

- No, there's Cuba.
- No.

Oh! Don't look at me that
way. We may discuss...

what's right or wrong,
but Cuba is socialist.

Of all the things you said,
Fer, I disagree about Cuba.

Cuba is not just a pin.

- Youth, divine treasure.
- Truth spoken, there.

Don't leave me alone.

WE'LL DINE OUT THIS EVENING
I LOVE YOU

This is the best essence
distilling machine I found.

The French one. It's cost-
effective, yields much more.

I can give you a list of
perfume makers over there.

I've written to them.

They were interested
in making business,

and it worked for me.
At least, it used to,

until a year ago. You would
have to update costs...

and revenue ratios,
just in case...

And I can give you a couple
of books about cultivation,

and distilling procedures.

I don't have
a large plantation.

Lavender takes about
two years to grow,

and my plan was
to buy the machine and...

buy the lavender flowers,

so I could start
to produce oil sooner.

You studied it thoroughly.
I know nothing of this.

So it helps a lot. It's good
you're so well organized.

I've always been
very disciplined.

I always planned ahead.
Couldn't live with myself...

if I didn't know what
was coming. Everything,

except for Laura.

I never thought
of her leaving me.

I still think she's here.
She isn't, but she hasn't gone.

Don't know if my friend
agrees, Mr. Zacarias

But having you as a partner
might be a good idea.

As an advisor,
nothing hard.

Sounds like a good idea.

You've got your wife.
you must go on. I can't.

I don't want to.
Don't know why I'm alive.

I thought about suicide,
but I dare not.

Maybe this is just a dream,
and when I wake up,

Laura will be there.

- So, what's going on?
- You look great.

- Very pretty.
- Don't sit down. We're going.

- What's the rush?
- We have a reservation...

at 9 in Puerto Madero, and
we need to pick up Natacha...

You'll discover nightlife
in Buenos Aires...

at least the most
expensive part.

Don't be afraid.
It's on Carlos.

Have you met Coco Chanel?
And the Coconut?

Let me introduce
you to Coco Chanel.

King of perfumes, king of
lavender. Tell her, Coco.

- Are you drunk?
- We sold the apartment.

We're signing the papers
next week, and then...

we'll move to the farm.
If you agree, of course.

I do, but will you explain
this about Coco?

I'll tell you about it
in the car, let's go.

So I wrote: Dear Pedro,
the farm address, in Cordoba.

The telephone number.
I say we're OK, blah, blah.

We're not sad about leaving
the place where we used to...

live for so long. We feel
this change has awakened us.

I say it might have been
nicer to do this because...

we wished to, and not
because we needed to.

But that we've recovered
lucidity. One knows,

but you forget that nothing
goes on forever, and...

that the only thing that really
belongs to us is our dreams.

And it's what keeps
us moving on, illusion.

Blah, blah. Come see us.
Love to you all, Mum.

This is not the road.
I told you, we missed it.

It's this road.
The map says so, Fer.

- Welcome.
- Hello.

You must be Del Medio.
How do you do?

Robles, Fernando.
This is Liliana.

Call me Horacio. And it's
De Medio. People keep...

saying Del Medio, but
it's wrong. No middle 'L'.

I apologize, then Zacarias
spelled it that way.

He's an old rascal. He did
it on purpose, because...

he knows I hate it. Whenever
he wanted to upset me,

he'd say, 'Come, Del Medio'.
'Here, Del Medio'.

- So how's the old man doing?
- Just fine. Told us you...

are a very nice guy. He
really seems to like you.

So do I. Now you're here,
I won't miss him that much.

OK, if you open the boot
then I'll get your bags out.

Don't worry. We
can do that tomorrow.

OK. So, good night, then.
Let me know if you need me.

- Good night.
- Good night.

De Medio is a clever man.
He left some wine here for us.

I knew he'd be nice.
Are you hungry?

Hungry, need to pee.
Hope to find the bathroom.

- Thanks.
- Thanks? Why?

Listen to this list of
lavender varieties, partner.

Lavender (lavadula officinale),
English or true,

Latilofia or aspic (spica or
spic), stoecha lavender...

(stechas or stoechade),
French, lanata or Spanish,

lavendeer (hybrid of English
and aspic). Lavendeer,

that's the one that yields
the most, it's what Zacarias...

planted, but I'll try and
get the English one,

which yields less oil,
but is of better quality.

I believe we'll need top-quality
if we want to make it...

into European markets.

What's so funny?

We've got visitors.

Good morning.

This is my family.

Ana, my wife.
Micaela, Alicia, Lucas.

Go on, son,
say hello.

Don Fernando,
can we help you?

If you call me 'Don',
then I'll call you Del Medio.

An L too much and a Don
too much. You're not servants.

You and your wife may go
on working here as you used to...

for Zacarias. But let me
know about your salary...

Zacarias did not tell
me about that, though.

Just a roof above our heads,
food and some money.

Whatever you can pay us will
be fine with us, Don Fernando.

It's the other way round,
DeL Medio. You call the shots.

The house is yours,
so we don't count it in...

And as for food, I can't dictate
to you what you should eat,

so I'll pay a salary. Just
tell me how much you want.

- Will that be OK?
- All of a sudden? I don't now.

- Will that be OK?
- All of a sudden? I don't now.

I think it's OK... Fernando.

But the house isn't mine.
It comes with the farm.

I didn't buy
your house.

Old Zacarias said it's yours.
So, it's yours.

Maybe he became
generous with old age.

Lili's smile was my
highest achievement.

It was my best reward.

Getting to the farm,
made her change her world.

She was once again young,
beautiful, and happy.

And for some time, I forgot
about my failures, absurdities,

about the Literature
Professor being something...

that belonged to the
Past, as Tangos go.

I tried to persuade myself,
and at times succeeded...

about my life having new
sense if I lived it for her,

for Lili. I had to go on,
just for her,

so that she'd
never lose her joy.

Lili said 'One knows,
but forgets about it'.

That's the way
to live with lucidity.

But it's more complicated if
you don't manage to forget.

Awakening to lucidity may
never come. But when it does,

if it does, you can't avoid it.
It comes for good, it stays.

When you perceive absurdity,
the lack of sense in Life...

then you also realize that
there are no goals in Life...

there's no progress. It is
understood, even if you...

can't accept it, that Life
brings Death along with it.

Life and Death are not
consecutive, but simultaneous.

If you can retain soberness
and get along with routine,

with rules, even if you
don't believe in them...

it's because lucidity makes
you see life is just futile.

And futility can't be
lived as if it were a tragedy.

Do you like reading?

This one's nice, and it's
got nice drawings.

It carries your name, too.

If you like it, you may keep it.
If you don't, you bring it back.

- Why do you need so many books?
- I don't know. Really.

I don't know what
I brought them for.

- Where will you put them?
- I need planks and bricks...

so I can make shelves.

'So many words
for one doubt'.

Excuse me, Fernando. But,
there's no need for door...

numbers around here.
It's not as in the city.

It's the name. A number,
but the name of the house.

It's an important
date for both of us.

I'll tell you about it some
time, when we're bored.

Now, I need to paint two
more, and I'll ask you...

if you can nail them on
to a post or a tree trunk.

One, at the entrance,
and the other, way back...

out by the route, so our
friends can't miss the place.

- Plays better than Maradona.
- Beautiful.

Stop peeling potatoes. We can
change the menu. Barbecue.

- Fine, but clean it first.
- Kill it first, you mean.

- Don't give it to me.
- It's easy, just a twist...

of the neck.
Can't you do that?

Yes, but I won't.
You do it.

Come on,
I have no idea.

You were born
on a farm.

Here, better use a knife.

Knock him out before you
kill it, so it won't suffer.

But go out,
it's a dirty job.

Needs a name.

Diego.

I've decided that as of tomorrow
De Medio, our dear friend,

will be appointed,
our Official executioner.

Lucidity is both
a gift and a punishment.

It's in the word:
Lucid comes from Lucifer,

the rebel Archangel,
the Demon... But Lucifer,

is also the Morning Star,
the first star,

the brightest,
and the last to go.

Lucid comes from Lucifer and
Lucifer, from Lux and Ferous...

meaning 'the one
who's got the light',

'the one who makes Light
that gives inner vision'.

Good and Evil, all in one.
Pleasure and pain, at once.

Lucidity is pain, and the
only pleasure you may know...

the only thing vaguely
similar to joy...

will be that of being
aware of your own lucidity.

'Silence of understanding,
silence of just being there.

That's how
years are spent.

That's how the beauty
of animal joy was wasted'.

Pizzarnik. Masterful.

Yes, he's in. Hold on.
I'll call him right now.

Fer! Carlos!

No, it's no surprise to me.

Banks lend money
if you have money.

If you don't,
then you're fucked.

Try it, if it pleases you, but
the interest rates will kill me.

OK, call me then.

Send my love to Natacha.
OK, come see us some time.

Fine, bye,
all my love.

- When are they coming?
- He said in a week's time.

But you know Carlos.
It might be a month.

Forget about the perfume.

The bank declined to loan the
money for the French machine.

I guessed they would.
We'll need to find something.

Ciao lavender, Lili.

We can apply for a loan
in Spain, buy the machine,

and have it delivered here.
The rates must be lower, too.

- How do I get a loan in Spain?
- Not you, Pedro.

He won't say no. He can make
the payments until you start...

selling the essence, and
then you repay him, with time.

I don't want to owe anyone
any favors, not my son.

After all you called him in
Madrid, you can't ask him...

...for money.
- That's right.

Come on. He'll never
say no or throw it on...

your face. He'll be only
too happy to help you!

I don't know.
I'll think about it.

Look, Fer. I don't care
about the machine,

the oil, the perfume,
whatever.

All I care about is my son.
Stop being so haughty...

and call him. He'll be happy.
He will want to help...

his father, he'll feel
you don't despise him,

so by accepting his help,
you'll be accepting him.

Am I asking for too much?
Do it for Pedro.

Give me a pull.
It's bad for you.

What time is
it over there?

Early, but who cares?

Pedro? It's Dad.
Is it too early? Sorry,

but this is urgent.
No, no, everything's fine.

No, Mum's all right.
We're both fine, yes.

Listen, I need a favor.
If you can help me out,

then say yes. Otherwise,
just say no, and it's OK.

No, not about that.
I'll fax you the details.

I need a loan,
in Spain.

If I see it's too far,
then I'll come right back.

Walking is good for me,
but it's not a piece of cake.

De Medio tells me you
can see the mountains...

300 kms away,
in La Rioja. Coming?

No, not today. I'm making
tomato jam today.

Stop that. We'll
put on weight.

So? Fat and happy.

Can't button my pants, see?

Could you be happy?
Not today, but some time.

Not today?
Am I grounded?

You may think as you wish.
Sometimes, you think of...

things you don't want
to think about. It's OK.

Like some sort of game
or brain exercise.

You can think. You can live.
But if thinking too much won't...

let you live, then
that's not good at all.

Been reading my notebook?

No need to. I read only
what you ask me to read.

I know.

I do what I can.
But it's too hard for me.

I'm better Lili...

rest assured.

You can think and speak.
I'm not too clever, but I...

can listen and look
as if I were understanding...

maybe it would help.

You know me inside out.

Never mind.
I like listening.

The lucid person may live
on as long as he preserves...

the instinct to preserve the
human species, a vital impulse.

Maybe, with time, this dark,
instinctive force is spent.

Then, you need to go back
to something like Faith.

You need to invent a reason.
A goal that will replace...

the animal instinct you have
lost, some rational, cold will.

But this will is hard
to maintain.

Suddenly, it dies,
it vanishes.

Then, you may
go on, or quit.

Or you may not.

If you can't go on,
there's no blame on you.

It doesn't matter how
much you love others,

how much they love you.

If you don't go on, then
others go on without you.

Everything goes on.
Absence fades away.

You know Death before
you die: it's a routine,

a common ending.

A longed-for ending
you don't fear,

because you've gone
through it so many times.

Everything is just
the same.

Are you crazy? Where have
you been? It's very late!

I fell asleep by the stream.
I didn't realize about time.

- Where did you go?
- Up there, to see that...

fucking mountain, but
you can't see a damn.

- I got tired all for nothing.
- Come in. You're soaked.

You're having brandy, with
milk and honey, right now.

That'll burn a hole
in my stomach.

Get me some
more honey.

If this finally works, De Medio,
we'll make a new agreement.

Of the money coming in, we'll
separate expenses, then we'II...

pay back the loan, and then
we'll estimate a percentage...

to be used on improvements.

What remains, which
will be our profits,

we'll split in halves.
Between you and us.

- Like a salary?
- No. Besides a salary.

Let's talk about it later.

You caught cold and
you're not feeling well.

I want you to understand
about 1789.

That year, the French made
a Revolution, because...

they wanted freedom,
equality, and fraternity.

No one paid any attention.

I'll start it going.

- Give me your coat, Carlos.
- Thanks. This is great!

- Much better than the video.
- It's OK.

- Where's Natacha?
- We split up.

- She found a young guy.
- Not funny. I left her.

I asked her for some time.
I needed distance.

But she got pissed off,
and she left, then.

I'm sorry. You'll make up.
You got along so well.

But, tell me, what's that
about distance? It's bullshit!

- She wants a baby.
- That's natural.

- Natural, yes, but not for me.
- She loves you.

I love her, too. A lot. But,
I can't ruin her, by leaving...

her later, alone
with a baby.

You know when
you're going to die?

I see you coming, Lili.
Don't you start on me.

The guest room
is upstairs.

Great, so I can stay a
couple of months,

instead of just
a couple of days.

You can stay as long as
you wish. I'll find the hotel.

Provincial hospitality.

- What's this?
- Fried cakes.

Wonderful. Shit on light
food, nouvelle cuisine...

and cholesterol!

You're sick.

So I have coffee, that way
I won't pass it on to you.

Silly goose fell asleep
on the mountains.

One, retirement. It's a pittance.
Two, that's better. Interest...

on the apartment money invested.
I invested it in mortgage loans.

Didn't tell you, 'cause
you'd start breaking my balls.

This is usury. Are you kidding?
You can't make me a loan shark.

I'll revoke your
power of attorney.

See? Listen, the notary lent
your money to a construction...

company, not a guy, for I told
them you wouldn't want it.

It's not much, you're
just robbing a thief.

Hope it's enough.

We'll make it last.

Get some shelves. You can't
have the books all around.

I'll leave them in boxes,
for the time being.

If things don't work out,
and we go back to BA,

then we're spared the work
of packing all the books.

- Are you crazy?
- Don't look at me.

If the perfume business goes
down the drain, then do...

something else. Don't go back.
Everything is much worse now.

You don't realize
about it here.

- It's less noticeable.
- If perfumes are a no-go,

then do something else.
Open a public library...

or get a teaching position,
or give lectures, get to know...

the neighbors and try to
find out how they cope...

You want me to be a Mayor?
An Anarchist? That's your dream.

- You come and do that.
- I can't. I love city dirt.

I like money. Well, all my
money goes to my ex-wife and...

my daughters. None of them
ever comes to see the old man.

Hold on with the cakes.
I'll light the fire. Firewood.

- Beef or chicken?
- Beef, you want chicken...?

Chicken, farm chicken,
real good, healthy chicken.

- The white one, he looks fine.
- That's Diego, our rooster...

Lili, will you
tell De Medio?

- I'm going inside.
- Yes, man.

Don't take off
your jacket.

You've got a fever.

- Carlos.
- Coming.

- Sure you don't want to come?
- You men need to be alone.

Seldom, of course. Take care.
Just some wine. No whisky,

...no pervert girls.
- She won't leave us alone.

- Give me one.
- You're kidding.

Just a pull.

It's so nice to see you.

You look fine. Lili, mostly.
She looks great.

You look a bit worse off.
You're old.

I'm beaten, a wreck.

That makes two of us.

I don't know what to do
with this girl. I don't want...

to lose her. I never
loved like this before,

- But I met her too late.
- It's never too late.

Come on! Tell me. How much
longer do I have? Ten years?

I don't mean, till I die.
I mean, useful years.

- Ten, at the most.
- Less. Maybe one year,

or maybe an hour. It's the same
for everyone, at 20, at 30.

You sound like an amoeba,
not like a thinking person.

- Shake your neurons.
- I've got only one.

Be brave.
Don't lose her.

Hey! What are you doing?

To avoid the cough
during the interview.

Come with me, I'll get
you some photocopies.

And I'll give you a
business card,

so you can give it
to Suarez Vela.

He's got an English lavender
plantation, but he's not...

taking care of it. He bought
a winery in Mendoza.

Wine is better business.

You'll have to haggle, though.
I know him very well.

He's my ex-husband.

- Why do they call you Tutti?
- It's my name. In Uruguay,

we get all sorts of names. Not
like here, where there's a list.

One of my friends, they
christened him 'Pe�arol'.

My mother called me Tutti,
because she loved classical...

music. What she loved most,
were the orchestra 'tuttis'.

When they all play together,
and they give their best...

so when I was born, my
father wasn't in, and they...

asked my mother. She said,
Tutti, and that was it...

my father wanted to kill her,
but it was already done.

- Nice, uh.
- Suits you, Tutti.

Even though lavender essence
is fine, you may always want...

to mix it with small
portions of other essences.

Because that's what
makes it stronger.

I've got a Chemistry book
that explains it all.

I can lend you the book,
but as it's not mine,

I'll need you to bring
it back, of course.

Thank you. I'll copy whatever
I need and I'll bring it back.

If there's anything I don't
understand, I'll ask you...

You know a lot about this.

Yes, as much as you
know about women.

Your discreet look,
assessed me at first sight,

and I believe you
liked what you saw.

Am I right or wrong?

You're either too wise, or
I'm losing my skills, then.

Maybe, I didn't expect to find
this lust-awakening woman.

You, too, are a willing prey any
woman would want to capture.

I can go on with
the photocopies,

if you wish and you
go get some coffee.

I'm still prejudiced.
So this will just be flirting,

just some erotic praise between
two very experienced persons.

Experience doesn't
mean knowledge.

- I know nothing about women.
- An elegant lie.

A gentleman never
speaks too much.

I've known a few women,
I studied them, admired them,

but I never got to decipher
them. You're a mystery to me.

And also, a surprise. Let's
just enjoy your presence here.

With time, I learned to listen,
to value silences, and looks.

Moments that seem
to last an eternity.

I learned to respect their
intuition, and intelligence.

I learned to love women.

Please be warned my
defense is wavering.

You can't just
talk that way.

- I'll be in the car.
- I'm a married man.

Been happily married
for 40 years.

No need to gossip, or lie.

I'm not lying. Being faithful
to my wife has never been...

an obligation, a pact or
a rule. Lili and I have...

always said that if
someone else comes along,

well, tough luck. But no lies.
We stay together out...

of free will. Nobody forces us.
We are Ioyal. None of the...

women I met after Lili can
beat her. I may look at them.

I may admire them. I may
find Tutti Tudela attractive.

I'm open to
whatever comes up.

But, invariably...

it's Lili who wins.

She always wins.

I feel that when you speak
of women, it's just one woman,

...you're talking about.
- Maybe, yes.

Please be warned, my dear
Tutti, that my friend's...

speech is a lie, masterfully
made up to seduce...

beautiful women like yourself.

I'd love to meet
your wife.

Just let me tell her all
you said about her.

Does she know this?

No.

I never told her.
But Lili knows all.

Tell her.

Maybe I can't.

Maybe I'll write it.

That would be fine.

But do it soon. She doesn't
deserve to wait too long.

Why don't you call it a day.
Go to bed, you've got fever.

I'll wrap this up,
then I'll go to bed.

Is it so important?
Will I ever see it?

Whenever you want. Just
notes, nothing too much.

Don't know if it's worthwhile.
I'll read it over.

I'll get you some tea and
aspirin and you go to bed.

We got a fair deal,
didn't we?

With De Medio and ten other
hands, we'll be able to cut

and load in less
than a week.

Could have given it to you
for free. In a year's time,

he'll sell the winery to someone
in California and get so rich...

he'll never need to do a
day's work again, ever.

And so will you, when
your farm is ready.

Coco Chanel,
Coco, for you.

Want a smoke?
Just a pull?

- Think I got pneumonia.
- Come on.

I know the symptoms...
I'm getting breathless.

Not too bad...
but a pain in the ass...

Antibiotics will fuck
up my stomach too bad.

Mother-fucking shit...

Stop, stop.
Over there.

Let's go to town,
to the hospital...

They'll give me something.

Don't want Lili to see me.
She'll get so worried.

- I'll call Lili.
- No, wait till we get there.

- Where is he? How is he?
- OK, with the doctor.

They got him into ICU, just
to keep an eye on him.

Did you let them know
about the two by-passes?

They know. Fer told them.
He'll be fine, don't worry.

- This is his wife.
- How do you do?

- May I see him?
- He's stable. We had...

to intubate, to help him
breathe. He's stable now.

- What is it exactly?
- We put him on a mechanic...

respirator, to give him
oxygen. His lungs were not...

working at full capacity, 20%/
and only 50%/ oxygen in blood.

Normal is about 97, 98.
Got to monitor his heart.

He's reacting well.
You need to be patient.

He'll need to stay here
for about eight days...

until we see he
reacts to antibiotics.

- May I go in?
- He's sedated, just a minute.

Doctor, excuse me. Just tell
me the truth. Is it too bad?

They've got a son in Madrid,
I want to know if I need...

to call him. Should I?

See, there's always a risk.

Pneumonia is like that. We
need to monitor his progress.

Some people say it's the
patient's will that counts...

so seeing his son might help.
I don't know, I don't agree.

If antibiotics don't kill
the bacteria, they'll kill him.

Bugs don't die just because
you will them to. Otherwise...

babies wouldn't die, or kids.
Everyone would grow up fine.

It doesn't work that way.
I got a couple of deaths.

You do what
you think best.

I don't want
to leave him.

Why stay in the corridor?
I'm going to sleep.

I'll call Pedro
in a while.

Will you ask
him to come?

I'll let him know...

Then it'll be up to him.

Listen to the doctors.

They say it's bad, but not
so bad. Do you get that?

I try.

Want me to stay?

I can call the office...

There's no need, go.

I got a hearing. If I fail
to go, my client might go...

to jail for twenty years.

But I'll come next weekend.

No need.

He'll be fine by then.

I'll come anyway. Bye.

Bye, then.

Thank you.

A) 'THE DIFFUSE MURDERER'
B) 'WHAT NEVER CAME TO BE'

- Pedro?
- Yes.

Welcome. I'm De
Medio, no middle L...

Your mother's
at the hospital.

Don't worry. Your Dad's doing
fine. Want to have a drink?

Not now, thanks.

Must be so tired,
it's a long trip, isn't it?

14 hours by plane, 2 more
by car. Is he really OK?

He is, he is. Slowly but
surely. Lung problems...

are a pain in the ass.
But he's a strong man.

Say hi to him.
Give me the bag.

- No, it's OK.
- Come on, give it to me.

He's fine, just fine.

The nurse sent me away.
But he wanted me to stay.

He's fed up with this.

He'll want to leave.
Yes. When's he discharged?

8 days they said. It's 6 today.
He'll have a C-scan tomorrow.

I'm happy he could see you.
Now he'll cope with it better.

- Oh, fine, fine.
- Coffee, homemade bread,

butter and orange jam,
made by your mother.

What about a beaten
egg with sugar?

As if I were a little boy
again. I'd never want to go back.

And some wine.
There's no Port wine.

Hurry up, I'll take a
shower and we'll go.

Want to be there by ten
before they take him to X rays.

Kids aren't allowed
to smoke.

Never before breakfast.
Quit smoking.

- I'm trying. It's hard.
- It isn't but you can try.

Pedro, hurry up.

Who is it?
Yes, yes, thanks.

Better this way.
He's going first.

If I'd gone first,
he wouldn't have got over it.

Ever. Too much pain.
Too much Ioneliness.

He never liked Ioneliness.

It's what he liked
the least.

I can bear Ioneliness.
He can't.

You won't be
Ionely, Mum.

I'm here, so are
your grandchildren.

You're not staying here.
Come with me.

- Is that your flight?
- Yes.

What about Carlos?

- Couldn't he come?
- No, he couldn't.

He wanted to be here, but I told
him it was OK. You were here.

I should have come before
he got ill. We couldn't talk.

That's what I wanted.
Just talk with him.

Talk, not argue.

We used to argue a lot,
but we talked too little.

I realize about that now.
Too late, as usual. It's over.

- You can talk to me.
- You're not disappointed in me.

You don't think I have
failed you, Mum.

I do. I agree with your
father. And if what's...

you wanted to talk about,
you did so with him...

And he told you all
he had to tell you.

Maybe you didn't like it.
Or you've forgotten.

It's not as if you've failed,
but you're on the right track.

It's not a question of
accounting for what you do,

and do what we
want you to do.

It's a question of doing what
you like to do, it's just that.

- Remember that?
- I'm grounded, then.

Being grounded
helps kids learn.

- Here, take this candy
to the kids. - Thanks.

This is for you. Your father
wrote it some time ago.

It will be like
talking to him.

I'll insist until I
convince you of coming.

There's no need for you
to be alone here. Come on.

Good morning.

I'd like to go get the plants
tomorrow. Is it OK?

I'll talk to Alicia
and the boys,

to have them
tell the people.

Will 10 be fine?

- 10, 11...
- At 10. We'll need time.

See you tomorrow, madam.

See you, Del Medio.

Liliana.