Читать Fleur de Lys - Maxim Titovets

Fleur de Lys

Maxim Titovets

2023

Translated by Ekaterina Zudova

Anna, 30 y.o.

Sergey, 40 y.o.

Marina, 35 y.o.

Frolov, 38 y.o.

It is dark and there is a smoke fog.

There is a big city noise in the background and the sound of the radio can be heard.

…the abnormal heat wave persists in the region… the temperature reached 40° C, a new all-time record… the world record of almost a hundred years has been broken… acrid smoke blanketed the city…

Another channel.

…forty houses were destroyed by fire, and over three hundred villagers were evacuated… the authorities declared a state of emergency due to uncontrollable wildfires. The corresponding decree was signed by the governor…

Another channel.

…a double homicide occurred last night in the downtown area. An unidentified suspect fired a shotgun on the streets, near one of the city center hotels. Police arrived in response to a call but the man refused to surrender and shot himself dead… there were no injuries among the police officers…

Another channel.

…an official was detained on corruption charges… was caught red-handed while accepting a bribe in one of the restaurants of the capital…

Another channel. Music is playing.

The stage curtains open in complete darkness.

Scene 1

July. Noon. A park. Sergey is following a walkway. Anna is sitting on a bench and reading a book. Sergey passes by, squinting at Anna’s book. He slips and falls.

Sergey. The murderer was the gardener.

Anna. There is no gardener in «Cinderella». Are you alright?

Sergey. Right as rain! [He gets to his feet.] So it’s really «Cinderella». I thought it was a crime story. (Pause).

Sergey. Does anyone even believe in Cinderella fairytales today?

Anna. There may be some fortunate souls.

Sergey. Oh, really?

Anna. It’s a nice bedtime story for kids.

Sergey. Do you have kids?

Anna. I have two. Is it a problem?

Sergey. It’s not.

Anna rises to her feet and walks down the alley. Sergey follows her.

Sergey. You leaving already? Let me escort you.

Anna. My husband is a pretty jealous man.