And so we are all people, we are all people. Why should you pretend to be a saint?
And, yes, a few words, directly about the name. Lera. Valeria, it appears. Means: strong, strong, healthy. It seems to be all good. But the name Valeria comes from the male name Valery! And why the hell do I need a man's base in my name, pray tell? What? Didn't you find any other female names?
The whole point is that we don't choose our names, our parents give them to us. And for some reason, parents do not even think about the fact that the name they gave their child, it does not have to like this very child at all. Accept it as a fact and live with it, son or daughter.
Yes, I do not argue, now the name can be changed. You go to the passport office, write an application, and voila! But this is only after you get a passport, that is, from the age of 14. And even then, with the consent of the parents. My mother didn't give me consent then. And later, when I was 18, I could without any consent there… Then one thing, then another… Somehow I didn't get ready. I am still suffering, I carry this load in me. I still haven't accepted it, but I haven't changed anything either. Vitek is probably right. She is a fool.
Do you know what I wanted to call myself? What name did you want to put in your passport, say? (Looks inquiringly into the hall). I won't tell you! (He shows his tongue.) I'd better go buy new dishes, and at the same time I'll look for a new man for myself!
Leaves under musical accompaniment.
ZTM.
Scene 2. Looking for a man.
Under the musical accompaniment, when the light is turned on smoothly, Lera enters the hall. She's in disguise. The outfit is bright, catchy, defiant. In his hand is a bag with clinking dishes. He walks gracefully, looking for a target among the audience.
The musical accompaniment subsides and ends, the light becomes brighter.
Lera (loudly, soulfully, to the viewer). Comrades! I'm looking for a man! Very necessary!
A decoy spectator, a girl (calmly, as if not audible to everyone, perhaps to a neighbor or a neighbor, without turning around at the actress). I need it too!
Lera (to the decoy girl, as if accidentally hearing). Do you need it too? Get in line, please, I was the first one standing here! And I need it more anyway!