HERALDS OF WAR (2)
Summer was coming to an end. There is still the comedy “Skup” left.
Marija intended to go with her mother to the play. They were sitting at dinner.
— Tonight’ll be fun at “Mrtvo Zvono”, said Jelka. — “Skup” is an authentic comedy.
- It’ll be fun… added Marija. — We’ll laugh…
- The old miser’ ll win over the audience again, said Jelka. — He’s played by Izet.
- He’s the best interpreter of “Skup”, added Marija. — And the best actor of “Festival”.
Jelka and Marija drive to town. They were walking along Stradun.
- “Mrtvo Zvono” is a good square for a show, said Jelka.
- Yeah … added Marija. — It can accommodate a lot of audience there.
They took a seat in front of “Snack”. It was still early for the show.
- We’ve to climb to “Mrtvo Zvono”, said Marija.
- We’ll leave on time, added Jelka.
They climbed the narrow street. People rushed to the show.
They took their seats in the stands. The actors were already going on the stage.
- Izet’s phenomenal, said Jelka.
- He can play the old miser best, added Marija.
The audience greets the actors with applause. You can hear the enthusiasm of the people.
- The play begins… said Jelka. — The mood affects the audience.
- The audience’s delighted, added Marija. — They applaud Izet’s jokes.
- let’s clap too … said Jelka.
The audience’s laughter was heard during the performance. Izet performed gags on the podium.
- Skup’s looking for a jar of gold, said Marija. — He lost it …
Tezoro
Tezoro
Oh my tezoro
Skup’s words echoed through the square. The audience was silent.
- “Tezoro” is hidden gold, said Jelka. — He can’t find it.
The applause of the audience breaks through the square. The comedy was getting more and more interesting.
- Drzic’s a master of comedy, said Marija. — Original, Old Dubrovnik mentality.
- He writes old-time humor, added Jelka. — Old customs…
- We listen to the original language of the city, said Marija. — Some Italian words’re heard.
They enjoyed the show. Laughter occasionally echoed through the auditorium.
- It’s worth watching “Skup”, said Marija. — We’ll have a good laugh.
- Many watch it several times, added Jelka. — Every time’s interesting.
- I hope I’ll watch it a few more times, Marija continued. — Maybe next summer.
- I already watched it, added Jelka. — A couple of years ago.
The end of the play was cheerful. Applause roared through “Mrtvo Zonov” square.
- The audience greets the actors, said Jelka. — Wonderful…
- I’m sorry it’s ending, added Marija. — Nice event…
They descend on Stradun, which was already full of tourists. Music was coming from the cafes.
- We could have dinner, said Marija.
- Let’s go to “Ragusa”, added Jelka.
They go up to Prijeko. The tables designated for the restaurant, on the part of the street, were full.
They stood thinking that they should go somewhere else. The owner Ivo came out of the restaurant. Soon he manages to place them at a free table.
- We’ll order shrimps, said Jelka. — They prepare them well here.
- They’re the best at “Buzara”, added Marija.
The waiter brings the fish on a plate. He holds it in his hands for them to see.
- The shrimps’re fresh, said Marija. — Their size’s good.
- About fifteen centimeters, added Jelka.
- What shall we have for an aperitif? Marija asked.
- Vermouth with ice and lemon…
They were waiting for food.
- Restaurants’re full of guests, said Marija.
- “Ragusa” is among the better ones here, added Jelka.
The waiter brought “Buzara” on the table. The dish smelled nice from the portion.
- Let’s try it… said Marija. — The crabs’re well prepared.
Marija took one piece on the plate.
- Squeeze a lemon over the dish, said Jelka.
They were satisfied with the meal. They liked the cold white wine, as they drank it with the meal.
- Cheers … they clinked glasses.
A musician with a guitar was going around the tables. He sings to them.
I’m a young Dalmatian
I’m the favorite of fishermen
my house’s a boat
sail and jib
love ardent from my dear
“Buzara” pleased them. The waiter brings them grapes.
- There’s a continuous political crisis on the news, said Jelka.
- I wonder if we’ll get out of it? Marija added. — Let’s hope for the best.
They take a sip of white wine with their meal.
- Confederation was agreed? Marija said. — Milosevic’s not for that.
- Great Serbia denies confederation, added Jelka. — As well as the independence of the republics.
- Serbia wants dominance … said Marija.
The murmur of tourists reaches them. It was cheerful in the restaurant.
- Serb riots harm Croatian politics, said Marija.
- They support Milosevic, added Jelka. — As well as Great Serbian politics.
- Croatian politicians’ll prevail, said Marija. — The people’ re with them.
- Savka and Tripalo… added Jelka.
- They’re all unique, said Marija.
- The protection of Croatia’s at stake, added Jelka. — As well as its freedom.
********************
Sunday is sunny and hot. A small group goes swimming. They found themselves at “Peskarija” in the old port.
- The sea’s so calm, said Mladen. — The morning’s wonderful…
— The sky is clear, blue… added Marija.
The group boarded the boat. They sailed along the city walls.
- There’s not a single cloud in the sky? Anka said.
- The color of the sea’s vivid — blue, added Lucija.
The girls strip down to their bathing suits. Boys took off their t-shirts.
- It’s better this way, said Marko. — We’ll sunbathe…
They pass the front of the “Palace” hotel. A new vista opened before them.
- “Grebeni” are from the left, said Josko. — Gray rocks above the sea.
- The greenery of “Kalamota” is enchanting, added Marija.
- Today it’ll be wonderful on the island, said Mladen. — We’ll sunbathe.
- We’ll swim as much as possible, added Lucija.
They approach the “Kalamota” shore.
- Where will we land? Anka asked.
- There’re a lot of boats along the rocks, added Josko. — We’ll find a good place.
They approach the rocks. Josko choosed a good spot on the coast.
Marko stood on the bow. He waits for the boat to approach the rock.
— Jump as soon as you can, said Josko to him.
Marko jumped onto the rock with the rope in his hand. He pulled the boat closer.
First the girls went out on the rock. Marko held them while they jumped out
Mladen passed their bags to Marko. Mladen jumped on the rock.
- It’s wonderful here… said Marija. — The rock is completely smooth.
- Of course … added Marko. — We know about this place.
Joško remained in the boat. He moved several meters away from the rock and dropped the anchor from the bow.
The girls spread towels on the rock and sat on them. They waited while the boys tied up the boat.
- It’s so sunny today, said Anka. — Here we’ll tan nicely.
— Yeah … added Lucija. — I want to tan as much as possible.
Josko is slowly approaching the rock driving back. He threw the stern line to Marko on the rock.
Marko tied the rope to the rock. Josko pulled the boat close and jumped out.
- Shall we go to sea right away, he said.
- We can … added Marko.
He jumped first and the others followed him. They swam along the shore, all together in a group.
- It’s nice here, said Mladen. — Sailboats can be seen around Daksa.
- The sea surface’s blue, added Anka. — Clear skies…
- Nature’s illuminated by the sun, said Marija. — Green islands…
- A passenger ship’s arriving, added Marko. — She’ll berth in Gruz.
The boys swim ahead, while the girls are left behind.
- Men compete, said Lucija. — We’ll reach them.
- They’re good swimmers, added Anka. — They’re getting fit.
The girls manage to catch up with them. They stay swimming together.
- Let’s go out on the rocks, said Josko. — We’ll rest…
They climb up the rocks.
- It’s wonderful here… said Marija. — The blue sea below us…
They stay to sunbathe for a while.
- The situation in the country’s worsening, said Marko.
- Milosevic influences the Serbs in Croatia, added Mladen. — He’s the instigator of unrest.
- Serbs don’t accept an independent Croatia, added Anka.
- They persistently implement their policy, Josko continued. — They strain relations…
They stayed on the rocks for about half an hour.
- Let’s go swimming… said Marija. Soon she jumped off the rock into the sea.
The others followed her. They swam back to the boat.
- The landscape here’s poetic, Lucija said while swimming
- The sea surface shines… added Anka.
The boat can be seen in the distance. They rest lying on the water.
- Daksa’s colored by the sun, said Marija. — The island looks pink.
They swam to the rocks where they disembarked. Marko brings coffee in a thermos and pours them glasses.
- It’s noon… said Marija. — I’ll bring the sandwiches.
She got up and brought the food. She shared it among the company.
- Take that… she said.
The others tried Marija’s sandwiches. They liked them.
- You prepared them well, said Josko. — They’re delicious…
- Yeah … added Anka. — They’re realy good.
- Shall we play cards? Marko asked.
- We can do it, after eating, added Mladen.
They were sitting in the sun. Marko took out the cards from his bag
- Marija and I’re a couple, he said. — Against Lucija and Josko.
- “Treseta” first, added Marija. — After “Briskula”.
Marko was dealing cards. Soon they were playing.
- You’ve good cards, Lucija said after a short game.
- Okay … added Marko.
- You’ll win this game, Josko continued. — You’re better than us.
The game is dynamic. Marko and Marija lead.
- We won “Treseta”, Josko said on the and of the game. — Let’s play “Briskula”.
- I’ll shuffle the cards, added Lucija. She put them in front of Marija.
- Cut it… she said. Than she dealt the cards.
They play cards again.
- Lucija … Marko said after a short game. — Now you’re leading.
- This time you’re more lucky, added Marija.
The party is coming to an end. The play is tense.
- You won… Marko said to the other pair.
- Well done … it was heard on the rock.
They are sitting in the sun. The afternoon is hot.
- Democracy’s born in politics, said Mladen. — A multi-party society.
- They’re leading us to a better future, added Marija.
Much was expected of new political changes in the country. A new multi-party system was being created.
- Until now we lived in socialism, said Marko.
- We were close to communism, added Anka. — We persistently believed in it.
- Communism’s only idealization, added Mladen.
The sun was strong. They were drinking coffee from a thermos.
- We lived in a one-party system, Josko continued.
- The Communist Party led politics in the country, added Marko.
- There were only them and no other party, Anka continued.
- Socialism was our everyday life, added Marija. — It had its advantages.
People mainly were satisfied with socialism. Everybody could have a job very easily.
- The broad masses got an education, said Marko. — As well as work…
— Schools were free, added Mladen. — Hospitals …
- The salaries were not big, Lucija continued. — We could still live.
- Everything was owned by the state…added Josko.
- Factories … Companies … said Anka.
They decide to swim. Mladen jumps off the rock into the sea.
- Let’s go, the two of us… Marija said to Anka.
- Okay … added Anka.
Lucia got up with the two of them. They approach the edge of the rock and jump into the sea.
- Let’s go… Marko said to Josko. The two of them jump into the sea.
They swam along the shore. Mladen led them.
- It’s so pleasant in the sea, Marija said to Anka. They swam next to each other.
- It’s warm … added Anka.
The girls were swimming behind the boys. They moved forward.
- They are competing again, Lucija shouted to the girls.
- They’ll come back… Marija shouted.
They swam for less than an hour. Soon the boys join the girls.
- Let’s go out on the rocks, Marko shouted to the others. — We will rest…
The boys help the girls climb up. Soon they settle on the rocks.
- It’s good… said Marko. — We’ll rest for a while.
They sat on the rock next to each other. The sun was getting harsh.
- September is warm, said Anka. — Tourists don’t leave us.
- Hotels’re still full, added Mladen.
They were sunbathing on the rock. It was very hot.
- We are lonely here, said Marija. — This is a real paradise…
- The sea’s clear, added Josko. — The smell of pines’s intoxicating…
They lay in the hot sun. The summer heat was tiring them.
- Shall we go back? Marko asked.
- Let’s go… added Josko. — We’ve a lot of swimming.
They jumped into the sea. They swim along the shore.
- It’s still a long way to our rock, Marija said to Anka. They were swimming one near the other.
- We’ll rest at the sea, added Anka.
The boys swam far ahead of the girls. The girls swam more slowly.
- Let’s rest on the sea, Anka shouts to the girls.
- Okay … added Marija.
All three girls were lying on their backs on the sea surface. They were resting.
- It’s still a long way to our rocks, Marija gasped.
- I know… Lucia said louder.
The boys were waiting for them. They were swimming in the same place.
- The girls will join us soon, Josko shouted to the boys. — We’ll swim together to the rocks.
- Okay … added Marko. — We’ll wait for them here.
The girls swam backstroke. They soon catch up with the boys and continue together towards their rocks.
- Hay … Marija shouted. — Let’s swim together…
- Okay … Mladen shouted back. — We were waiting for you.
Their rocks were close. They soon swim to them.
They were sunbathing on the rocks. The sun was strong.
— Let’s play cards… said Mladen.
- Josko and I’ll play, added Anka.
- Against Lucija and me,said Mladen. — If the others agree?
- Marija and I’ll cheer, added Marko. — We’ll change later.
- I’ll deal the cards, said Josko.
He put the cards in front of Lucija.
- Cut them… he said.
They are soon absorbed by the game.
- “Treseta” suits you… said Anka. — You’ll win…
- They get good cards, Added Marija. — They had a few “Napolitana” in their hands.
The game was fun. Lucija and Mladen won.
- Let’s play “Briskula”, said Mladen.
- I’ll deal the cards, added Anka.
This time, Josko and Anka were better. They won.
¸ — One … One … Marija said on the end.
They played another game with Marko and Marija. They beat Mladen and Lucija.
- It’s hot … said Marko. — Let’s go swimming…
They decided to stop playing cards. They jumped from the rock into the sea.
— We’ll swim near here, Josko shouted to the others.
- Let’s just freshen up, Marko added louder.
They soon return to the rock.
- It’s already late… said Marija. — Evening’ll soon fall.
- We have to go back… added Josko.
Josko jumped into the sea and brought the boat to the rock. Soon everyone is boarding.
- We’ll arrive on time… said Marko. — Don’t worry.
- We’re in no hurry, added Josko.
They sailed towards the city. Night was falling on the sea.
- Soon the sun’ll set, said Lucija. — The horizon’s red.
- The sun looks like a red ball, added Marko.
- A wonderful evening at the sea, Mladen continued. — The sea’s smooth…
They were approaching the city. Night was falling on the sea.
- The city walls disappear in the dark, said Anka. — Lokrum seems leaden…
- You can see the lights of the boats at sea, added Marija. — They’re fishing…
********************
It was lively on Stradun, even though autumn was beginning. The evening is already chilly.
Marija went to see Anka. She soon arrives at her gate and rings the bell.
- Good evening … Anka greeted her, while opening the door.
They sit in the living room.
- Do you want coffee? Anka asked.
- Okay …
Anka went into the kitchen. She set the coffee.
- How’s your father? Anka asked while returning. — He has already arrived…
- Yeah … added Marija. — Good … He is resting…
- He arrived from USA…? Anka continued. — The seaman’s job is interesting.
- Can be said … ? Marija added. — But it’s heavy…
Anka went into the kitchen. She came back with cakes and coffee.
- The riots of the Serbs in Croatia don’t stop, said Marija. — This winter’ll be decisive?
- Unrest’ll spread, added Anka. — And thus the conflict…
- Just so that war doesn’t break out, marije continued.
They were sipping coffee.
— Take the cookies… said Anka.
- Thank you …
- Tonight’s Romana’s exhibition… said Anka. — It’ll probably be interesting?
- We’ll go alone… added Marija. — The boys’re going fishing.
The doorbell rings. Cvijeta entered in the room.
- Good evening … she said.
- Good evening Cvijeta, added Marija. — How’re you doing?
- Thank you… I’m all right …
- You’ll graduate this year, Marija continued. — I’ve heard you’ll go to studies.
- I’m interesting in painting, Cvijeta replied.
- Will you study in Zagreb? Marija asked.
- I believe so… added Cvijeta.
Cvijeta took a seat with the two of them. They offer her coffee.
- Will you go out with us? Anka asked. — We’re going to Romana’s exhibition.
- I’d love to …
Pero and Mare enter the room. They greet the girls.
- Marija … said Pero. — How’s your father.
- Thanks … — He’s fine…
- How does he like it at home? Mare asked.
-Excellent…
They took a seat with them.
- Where’ve you been on a walk? Anka asked them.
- Until Porporela … Mare replied. — Afterwards we sat in “Kafana”.
- With Niko and Kate … added Pero.
- How are they …? Anka asked.
- Good… Mare replied. — They’ll come to us on Sunday.
- For lunch… added Pero.
- Marija … said Anka. — Will you come too?
- Yeah, gladly…
They were watching television. A political theme was shown.
- The situation in the country’s terrible, said Pero.
- Serbs create rebellions in Croatia, added Marija.
- In Lika … said Mare. — Kordun …
- Changes are being made in Croatia, added Anka. — Towards independence…
- Serbs do not accept an independent Croatia, said Marija.
- Anka and Cvijeta went to get dressed. It was time to go out.
- Mister Pero … said Marijha. — How is your work?
- Usually …
- Mathematics’s a difficult subject, Marija continued.
- Some students’’re happy to learn it, added Pero. — It’s harder for others…
- Mathematics is important, Mare continued. — Especially at university.
Cvijeta came back from the room. She was dressed to go out.
— Aunt Mare… said Marija. — How’s your work?
- Summer is busy in “Hotelsko”, added Mare. — Now it’s a little easier.
- Summer here’s busy for everyone,said Marija.
Anka got dressed. They went outside.
- Let’s take a walk along Stradun, said Anka.
There was life all around them. People were out for an evening walk.
- Romana’s a good painter, said Anka. — There’ll be a lot of people at the exhibition.
- Of course… added Marija. — She’s perfect.
They return back along Stradun. They enter Sponza. There was already a lot of people inside.
They stop in front of the first painting. They looked it over.
- Romana’s expressionism’s noticeable, said Marija. — The colors are glamorous…
- This motif of the city’s interestingly set, added Cvijeta. — In the center of the picture…
- The impression’s surrealistic, Anka continued. — The vividness of the colors is impressive.
They approach the table with drinks. On the table were bottles of drinks, sweets and a cold slice of prosciutto and cheese. They pour themselves drinks.
- Romana’s surrounded by friends, said Anka. — They drink cocktails…
- Shall we congratulate her? Cvijeta asked.
- Let’s go… added Marija.
Marija approached Romana and gave her a hand.
- Congratulations on a wonderful exhibition, she said.
Anka and Cvijeta followed her. Romana was glad.
- Romana’s so beautiful, said Marija. They stood at a distance drinking their drinks.
They toured the exhibition. The tapestries left a special impression on them.
- The pictures are fascinating, said Cvijeta. — The motifs of the city are impressive.
- Tapestries are particularly attractive, added Anka. — The color effect’s beautiful.
They visited the exhibition, which impressed them. They go out on Stradun.
- Let’s go somewhere for a drink… said Anka.
- We can go to “Lora”, added Marija.
They climb “Prijeko” and sit in the cafe.
- Cafes’re no longer full like this summer, said Marija. — Tourists are leaving…
- The city seems empty,added Anka. — The first rain fell…
- “Bura” ‘ll blow soon, added Cvijeta. — It’ll get cold…
Stereo music was playing in “Lora”. Still it was cheerful in the cafe.
- “Kundurice” ‘re given in the theater, said Marija. — Fedja’s work …
- It’d be good … added Anka.
They sipped drinks while listening to music.
- The rebellions of the Serbs are not abating, said Anka.
- They’re supported by Belgrade politics, added Cvijeta. — And the military command…
- Great Serbian politics’s escalating in Croatia, said Marija.
- Milosevic advocates it, added Anka. — Like many other Serbian politicians.
They descend on Stradun. There were still some people around them.
Soon Marija said goodbye to the girls. She drove to Lapad. Raindrops bounced off the car glass.
********************
It was Sunday. Marija went to Anka’s for lunch.
She came earlier. Anka was busy in the kitchen. She was preparing the food with her mother.
- Do you wanna coffee? Cvijeta asked.
- Okay …
Marija sat down with Pero in the living room. He was watching the news on television. He soon lowers the announcer’s voice.
- Serb protests are becoming more and more frequent, he said.
- More and more problems arise in politics, added Marija.
- This leads to an obvious separation, Pero continued. — To Serbs and Croats…
- Until now we lived in peace, said Marija. — We were one nation.
- Milošević’s policy disrupted relations, added Pero. — As well as Great Serbia tendencies.
Cvijeta comes in with coffee. She sits down next to them.
- Do you do painting? Marija asked her.
- A bit… added Cvijeta. — When I’ve time…
- Is that your work? Marija asked. She pointed to a picture on the wall.
- Yeah …
- It shows Lovrijenac, said Marija. — That’s nice…
Niko and Kate arrived. They greet the others.
- Kate, how’re you…? Mare asked. She came out of the kitchen.
- Doro … Thank you … added Kate.
They sat down in the living room. Cvijeta brings the cakes to the table.
- Do you wanna something to drink? Pero asked.
- We women’ll have Maraschino, added Mare.
- The two of us will have brandy, said Pero.
Pero took out the bottles and poured the glasses.
- That’s good brandy… said Niko.
He is a surgeon, employed in the city hospital. Pero and he have been friends for years.
- How’s work …? Pero asked him.
- There’s a lot of work… added Niko.
- The work of a surgeon’s unusual, said Marija. — You need to have a special gift for that.
- It was difficult for me at first, added Niko. — Now it’s a routine job for me.
Mare came out of the kitchen again.
- Kate… she said. — How is it at the pharmacy?
Kate is a pharmacist. She works at a pharmacy in the city.
- Now it’s a little easier, she added.
- The summer crowd also affects you, said Marija.
- Of course… added Kate.
They soon move to the dining room. Anka brings an appetizer on a plate and puts it on the table.
- Prosciutto’s good… said Kate.
- We bought it in Konavle, added Mare.
- Cheese from oil’s nice… said Niko.
- Do you wanna wine? Pero asked. He pours them glasses.
- The white one’s domestic, he said.
They clinked glasses while eating. Cvijeta brought the soup to the table.
- The first “Bura” blew, said Pero. — It’ll get cold…
- October’s coming to an end, added Niko. — Summer’s now just a memory.
They ate roast. They liked it.
- The veal’s good… said Niko.
- Potatoes are delicious… added Kate.
After lunch, they move to the living room. They drank coffee with cakes.
- What does everyday political life look like to you? Pero asked.
- Terrible… added Niko.
- Serbs are becoming more and more harsh? Kate said.
- Milošević creates all the troubles, added Anka. — As well as politicians like him.
- Milosevic’s ideas cause riots, said Marija. — And his Great Serbian ideas.
- Serbs in Croatia would not support him, added Cvijeta.
Mare brought more cakes and coffee. The afternoon is pleasant.
- That could lead to a conflict? Niko said.
- The situation in Croatia’s getting worse, added Anka.
- This winter’ll be crucial, said Kate. — The unrest could spread.
- And turn into rebellions… added Pero.
- In Kordun, it’s the fiercest… Mare continued. — In Lika…
********************
Marija was getting ready to go out. She will meet Anka at the “Sncak Bar”. They intended to go to the theater, watch “Backbiters”.
She sat down next to her father. He was watching television in the living room.
- I am worried about what happened in the country, said Antun. — The escalation of Serbs is obvious.
- These’re mostly followers of Milosevic’s policy, added Marija. — The splitting of Yugoslavia’s inevitable.
— Relations are getting tougher, said Antun.
- It’s visible… added Marija. — There’re no forecasts about the situation calming down,
Jelka made dinner. She invites them to the table.
- I cooked mullet … she said.
- Nice … added Antun.
- Tomato salad is on the table, said Marija.
- Do you want “Bevanda” …? Jelka asked.
- Yeah … added Antun.
They ate fish. Jelka sat down with them at the table.
- “Kundurice” should be a good show, said Antun. — We can look at them too.
- Let’s say, next play, added Jelka. — It seems to be a comic piece.
- It processes the local mentality, said Marija. — Fedja’s is the writer of just such works.
- He describes the city’s everyday life, added Antun. — On his own way…
Marija drove to the city. She found a parking lot on “Buza”.
It was raining lightly. She unfolds the umbrella.
She was going down to Stradun. The stone steps are wet from the rain. She was careful not to slip on them.
The city is empty. It is wrapped in rain.
She enters the “Snack Bar”. Several people were sitting inside.
She orders tea with lemon. Anka came soon.
- I’ll have tea… she said to the waiter.
- Stradun seems gloomy, added Marija. — The summer crowd’s gone.
- The city changes its face in winter, said Anka.
They were drinking tea. The warmth of the liquid pleased them.
- Here’s our boys… said Anka. — They’re under an umbrella.
The boys enter “Snack”.They sit next to them.
- We’ll have tea with lemon, said Josko. — It’s cold outside…
- Tonight the city looks cold, said Marko. — Covered like this by the rain.
- The show’s coming soon, added Marija. — I took the lodge.
- It’ll be happy tonight, added Anka. — “Backbiters” are a good comedy.
- Fedja’s a prolific writer, said Marko. — His works’re comical.
- As well as the allegorical … added Josko.
They gather at the door. It was already show time.
- Open the umbrellas, said Anka. — It’s raining…
- We’ll run over… added Marko. — The theater’s close.
They go out on Stradun with their umbrellas out. They were going fast.
- Where did this much rain come from…? Marija said. She held Mark under his arms. They went huddled under the same umbrella.
- Really, such heavy rain, added Marko.
Joško and Anka followed them. They soon entered the theater.
They settled in the lodge. The show is about to start.
- You can see the stage well, said Josko.
- The show begins…! Marija added.
The curtain moves. The actors come out.
- Let’s applaud them… said Marija.
- Mise’s acting… added Anka. — Maro …
- Desa and Milka … Josko continued.
The performance is dynamic. The mood of the auditorium can be heard from time to time.
- This is a kind of satire, said Marko.
- The actors are excellent, added Marija.
- The writer illustrates city life, said Josko.
- The piece’s humorous… added Anka. — Spectators are satisfied.
During the break, they go down to the gallery. They drank tea.
- The auditorium’s cheerful, said Marko. — The visitors are satisfied with the acting.
- Mise’s perfect, added Marija. — Desa and Milka are excellent.
- All the actors are good tonight, said Anka. — Spectators are delighted.
The show continued. They returned to the lodge.
- Fedja’s a specific writer of our region, said Josko. — He knows our mentality.
- As well as the customs of this region… added Marija.
- The work’s imbued with parody, said Anka. — It’s interesting…
At the end of the performance, the audience applauded for a long time. They said goodbye to the actors.
- Wonderful… said Marija. — I’ll remember “Backbiters” for a long time.
- Me too… added Anka. — A special piece…
They came out of the theater. It was still raining outside.
- Let’s go to a cafe, said Marija. — I’ll drink tea…
- It’ll please us… added Anka. — It’s cold …
They soon entered “Trubadur”, which was still open. Several people were sitting there.
- It’s playing their song, said Josko. — It’s still nice to hear.
In the middle of the city silence
and sleeping beauties
a guitar is softly heard
la musica di notte
They hummed along to music from the stereo.
- It boiled over in Croatia, said Marko. — The Serbs retreat to the mountains.
- Belgrade’s asking for intervention, added Marija. — In the form of sending the army to Croatia.
- I don’t know who it’ll help, Josko continued. — To Serbs or to us…
- Let’s believe in peace, added Anka. — And better times…
They were going home. It was still raining.
- Anka… said Marija. — I’ll see you at work tomorrow.
— We’ll drink coffee during the break… added Anka.
They greet each other in Stradun. Josko followed Anka to her house. They were holding hands.
- My love… said Josko. — We could go to our “Secret Place”.
- It is raining … added Anka. — I’m working tomorrow morning.
Marko and Marija arrived at Pile. Mark’s car is parked on “Gradac”. The two are squeezed under the same umbrella.
- Wonderful evening… said Marija. — “Backibiters” still live in me.
- Good comedy… added Marko. — The actors were excellent.
Josko and Anka entered the entrance of her house. Josko and Anka entered the entrance of her house.
- Don’t turn on the light, said Josko. — I’ll kiss you in the dark.
- Okay … she added. — We just don’t take long…
- Yeah … added Josko. He kissed her mouth.
He felt her warm boobs on him. Soon he took them in his hands.
- I love your boobs … he said. — Especially when they are naked.
- Okay … she added. — Love me, my dear.
Josko slipped his hand under her clothes. He caresses her bare breasts. He could feel her taut nipples under his fingers.
Marko and Marija are driving to Lapad. Rain hits the windshield of the car.
— Let’s go to our “Love Nest”, said Marko.
- I can’t … added Marija. — I work in the morning and I’m tired.
- Okay… said Marko. He was thinking about their love affair.
They soon arrived in front of Marija’s house. Marko stopped the car.
- Oh, I love you so much… he said. Soon after he kissed her mouth.
His hands are touching her boobs. Marija is imbued with a hot stimulus.
- Oh darling … she sobbed. — Love me a lot.
Marko is caressing her naked boobs. He is sucking her nipples.
- Oh honey… she sobbed. — I love your kisses.
Marija’s horny body is caught by a hot sex. His hands are touching her pussy.
- Oh my love… she sobbed. — I wanna sex with you.
- Yeah my love… he added. He is kissing her neck.
Josko has sex with Anka in the dark at the entrance to her house. Her ass is turned towards him. He holds her boobs in his hands.
- Oh honey … she sobbed. — Your sex is great.
- Thanks darling … he whispered. He is caressing her hot boobs.
Marko and Marija are having sex in the car. She is sitting in his lap. It is silent in the street around them.
********************
The evening was rainy. Marija met Anka at “Snack Bar”.
- The boys left at home, said Anka. — They won’t come tonight.
- They watch the game on television, added Marija.
- The evening’s so gray, said Anka. — We’d have stayed home too.
- Mladen and Lucija’ll come, added Marija.
- I’m glad… said Marija.
Soon Mladen and Lucija enter the “Snack Bar” and sit down with them.
- We’ll drink tea with lemon, said Lucija.
- The two of us’ll do one more each, added Anka.
- We invite you for pizza later, said Mladen.
- Thank you… added Anka.
Maria nodded her head.
- We’ll go to “Barracuda”, said Lucija. — They bake it well…
They exit the “Snack Bar”. It was raining lightly, coolly outside. Stradun was empty.
— It’s strange to see an empty Stradun, said Marija. She walked next to Anka.
- Really… added Anka. — Summer’s behind us.
They soon arrive at “Barracuda”. The pizzeria had a pleasant atmosphere. The waiter places them at a free table.
- I’ll have a pizza with mushrooms, said Marija.
- I’ll also… added Lucija.
- I’ll order them for all of us, said Mladen.
They were waiting for food. You could feel the mood of the people in the pizzeria.
- Mladen … said Anka. — You and Josko have been friends for a long time.
— Even from school days, Mladen replied. — We finished school together.
- I know… added Anka. — Josko told me.
- Later you parted ways during your studies, said Marija. — Josko went to Zagreb.
- Mladen stayed at Economics, Lucija continued. — He graduated from university here.
The waiter brings them food. The pizzas just came out of the oven.
- You two finished Tourism, said Mladen. — I used to see you at the university.
- We remember you … added Marija.
- Lucija studied Tourism, said Anka. — Like the two of us …
Mladen pours them wine. They clink glasses.
- This winter’s really rainy, said Lucija. — November’s usually like this.
- Nothing happens in the city, added Marija. — We only have a theater.
- Stanic’s exhibition is coming soon, said Mladen. — We’ll look at it…?
- I’m interested in how tonight’s game will end, said Anka.
- Hajduk — Partizan in Split, added Lucija. — Interesting …
- Controversial match … Marija continued. — The opposite of today’s politics.
- Let’s hope it goes smoothly, said Mladen. — The opposite of today’s politics.
- Serbs cause riots in Lika, added Anka. — They move away to the mountains.
- It’s the hottest in Petrinja, said Lucija. — The army seems to be protecting them.
- Croatia’s at rest… added Marija.
- The Serb rebellions are support for Milosevic’s policy, said Mladen. — But Croatia’ll resist.
- That’s how it should be… added Anka.
They liked the pizza. It was well prepared.
- Relations with the Serbs are strained, said Mladen. — Rebellions are becoming more frequent.
- This’ll inevitably lead to unification, added Lucija. — And divisions…
- After all, Croatia wants independence, said Anka. — It’ll get it…
- Union with Serbs is unsustainable, added Marija. — After the escalation of Great Serbian propaganda.
- Rebellions are becoming more frequent in Lika, said Mladen. — There are attacks on the population.
- It’s similar in Kordun, added Lucija. — People die…
- The country’s undergoing democratic changes, said Anka. — New freedoms are emerging.
- Croatian flags are flying, added Marija. — Freedom’s on the doorstep.
- The Communist Party has fallen, said Anka. — Democratic parties are taking the lead.
- However, today’s politics don’t suit Belgrade, added Mladen. — Their hegemony’s collapsing.
- This is the reason for the rebellion of the Serbs in Croatia, added Lucija. — They want to prolong the current situation.
********************
