Scene 6

Lights up on the empty Anicon kitchen. Paulína enters and begins getting out things for breakfast. She flips on the radio.

BROADCASTER

...shocking turn of events. An anonymous source has leaked information about the causes of the war.

Paulína freezes, turning to look at the radio.

BROADCASTER

In this mysterious report there have been allegations that Governor Karpos began the war to boost Geneca's economy, and planned the deaths that launched the war itself. These reports are being investigated currently, and we will have more reports later.

PAULÍNA

Mother! Idida!

She runs forward and shuts off the radio. Tatjana enters hurriedly.

TATJANA

What's the matter? What's going on?

PAULÍNA

The truth, Mother! The truth is coming out!

TATJANA

What...what do you mean?

PAULÍNA

The report's over now, but they still reported it. Something came out - something about the source of the war. The truth is there, and it's almost out.

Idida quickly enters.

IDIDA

What's going on? What's wrong?

PAULÍNA

The truth's almost out, Idida! The truth about the war...when it comes out they can't keep fighting. They'll know it's senseless, and then they can't keep this up!

IDIDA

Really? It was reported?

TATJANA

Did...did you do this, Idida?

IDIDA

No, no I didn't. I...I can't imagine who did.

Jehan walks in slowly and blearily.

IDIDA

Did you do this, Jehan?

JEHAN

Do what?

IDIDA

Report on the true cause of this war.

JEHAN

No. It must have been one of the soldiers who worked on the border.

IDIDA

Oh...yes.

Jehan strides over to the table, and picks up his military coat and puts it on. Idida strides forward.

IDIDA

Where are you going?

JEHAN

To talk to my father.

(He buttons up the coat.)

It's about time.

IDIDA

I'm going with you.

JEHAN

No. I don't want to put you in danger.

IDIDA

I don't care about that. I'm coming with you.

JEHAN

No, Idida. You're not endangering yourself under my watch. I've done enough to hurt you for one lifetime.

IDIDA

Jehan, I don't care that it might put me in danger. I'm sick of people protecting me all the time. I need to do this for myself.

Pause as she looks up at him pleadingly.

IDIDA

Please.

JEHAN

(Beat.)

Fine. But if you do get in danger, I will protect you, whether you want me to or not.

IDIDA

(smiles)

Deal.

TATJANA

Wait - Wait a minute.

(They turn to her.)

You can't leave without my say in it.

IDIDA

Tatjana, please.

TATJANA

And I say you won't go.

IDIDA

Tatjana!

TATJANA

This is his battle to fight! He's put you through enough pain already. You shouldn't be put through any more.

JEHAN

But, I -

TATJANA

I know you're sorry. I know you wish it never happened I know you want to protect Idida with all your heart and soul, but that doesn't mean that she'll stay safe.

JEHAN

I understand, but -

TATJANA

But you'll do your best to protect her. That's not good enough. I want her safe.

IDIDA

Tatjana, please. I have to go. I have to do this.

TATJANA

No, you don't. You have to stay safe. I cannot lose another family member.

IDIDA

I'm going. And -

TATJANA

Idida, you -

IDIDA

(forcefully)

And there's nothing you can do about that fact!

Pause as Idida and Tatjana assess each other, with Jehan on the side.

IDIDA

(softly)

Please.

Tatjana grimaces, but does not deflate.

TATJANA

(Beat.)

Fine.

Idida steps forward and hugs Tatjana, who doesn't hug her back.

IDIDA

Thank you.

She steps back, and Tatjana does not make eye contact. She looks to Jehan, and glances back at Tatjana as she takes Jehan's hand and pulls him out the door. Tatjana moves to the table, Paulína watching her move. She slowly puts her head in her hands.

BLACKOUT.