SOLDIER
Be quiet!
GIRL
You’re afraid too!
SOLDIER
Don´t be stupid. Be quiet! I’m warning you!
GIRL
Pull the trigger you Cissy!
The SOLDIER puts his gun down and slaps the
girl. The GIRL stops, choked by surprise.
GIRL
What did you do!? You... You slapped me?! You
actually slapped me?!
SOLDIER
Yes, I did! And I will do it again if you don’t shut
up! Do you understand?! (shouts) Do you understand?!
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 28.
The GIRL stands up deciding to leave. The
SOLDIER grabs her arm and pulls her back down.
SOLDIER
Now stay quiet. Right now! Where do you think you are
going?!
GIRL
Leave me alone. I’m going far away from you. I’m
going back to the village!
SOLDIER
You’re not going anywhere. If you leave this place
now, you will be killed.
GIRL (GRUMPY)
And if i stay here I will also be killed... or
slapped by an idiot.
SOLDIER
Believe me, you would prefer my slaps!
GIRL
Idiot.
The GIRL gets grumpy and turns her back to the
SOLDIER.
SOLDIER
Yeah, you stay there being grumpy... I don’t give a
shit.
They both stay in silence for a while. Suddenly
the SOLDIER becomes alert.
SOLDIER
Shhhh!
GIRL
I’m not talking stupid...
SOLDIER
Shhhh! Quiet!
GIRL
What is it now?
SOLDIER (SNARLS)
I told you to shut up!
The SOLDIER gets nervous and peeks over the
sandbags. The girl sees him nervous and becomes
worried.
GIRL
Please tell me whats happening...
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 29.
The SOLDIER moves from one side to the other
peeking over the sandbags. The GIRL gets even
more upset and nervous.
GIRL
Can you stop and tell me whats happening please?
The SOLDIER grabs the GIRL by her arms and
stares at her.
SOLDIER
Can you be quiet! They’re moving! They are coming
here soon! Do you understand!? They are coming!
The GIRL becomes horrified.
GIRL (IN PANIC)
What should we do?
SOLDIER
Just stay quiet... I need to think about this.
GIRL
Oh goodness... stop thinking and act. I know exactly
what happens when you think... You just become
blocked!
SOLDIER
Hey little girl, there is no time for stupid
arguments now. I don’t care about what you think...
You must be ready to sneak away from here.
GIRL
Where should I go? They are everywhere!
SOLDIER
I know... And that’s the problem. I really don´t know
where they’re going. With a bit of luck we can hide
here and let them pass. Lets just pray they don’t
come by this way.
The SOLDIER starts to collect his stuff, putting
the gun and the ammunition together.
SOLDIER
Just help me with this please. Put all of this stuff
together and be careful...
The GIRL starts to put some ammunition boxes
together. When she intends to move some grenades
the SOLDIER stops her.
SOLDIER
Don´t touch those! I don’t trust you. You would
probably blow us both up!
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 30.
The SOLDIER stops and makes a sign to the GIRL
to be quiet. He signals to her to get down close
to the sandbags. He alerts her to the fact that
someone is coming. From UL, appears an ENEMY
soldier walking carefully in a combat ready
position. The SOLDIER slowly takes his knife out
and gets ready with his back to the sandbags.
The ENEMY walks to the sandbags while the GIRL
and SOLDIER hide and press themselves against
the sandbags. The ENEMY in his precaution can´t
see them. He starts to climb the sandbags
crawling over them. When the ENEMY realises the
SOLDIER and the GIRL are there its too late. The
SOLDIER attacks him and pulls him down. The
SOLDIER punches him and covers the ENEMY’s mouth
while he prepares to stab him. But the GIRL
grabs his arm. The SOLDIER is caught by
surprise.
SOLDIER
What are you doing?! Stop it!
GIRL
No! Don´t kill him! Look at him!
SOLDIER
Release my arm you stupid bitch!
The ENEMY is trying to resist. The SOLDIER is
trying to control him at the same time as trying
to get rid of the GIRL.
SOLDIER
When I’ve finished with this one you’ll be in
trouble...
GIRL
Stop it! Look at him... he’s just a boy! Stop it
please!
The SOLDIER realises how young the ENEMY is. The
GIRL releases the SOLDIER’s arm and he is
stunned. The ENEMY is panicked looking at him,
trembling. He makes sure the ENEMY stays silent.
SOLDIER
Oh my God! He’s just a kid!
GIRL
I told you.
The SOLDIER and the GIRL stare a the ENEMY who
is frightened. The SOLDIER keeps his knife close
to the ENEMY’s body.
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 31.
SOLDIER
How old are you?
The ENEMY just stares at him, shaking his head
and waving his hands.
SOLDIER
Put your hands down!
The ENEMY keeps waving his hands. The SOLDIER
slaps the ENEMY’s hands and he puts them down.
GIRL
Looks like he doesn’t even understand you...
SOLDIER
What the hell are they doing?! Recruiting from the
boy scouts?! This kid is no older than you!
GIRL
I’d noticed that...
SOLDIER
Take his weapons. I’ll keep an eye on him while you
do it.
GIRL
What?
SOLDIER
Check his pockets and take any weapons he has.
GIRL
Why me?!
SOLDIER
Just do it! I’m watching him!
The GIRL starts to check the ENEMY’s pockets.
She puts away a bayonet that is fixed to his
belt, a box of bullets and the rifle. Then she
finds a picture of a lady. She looks at it. The
ENEMY gets angry and tries to grab the picture.
The SOLDIER slaps the ENEMY who becomes scared
again.
GIRL
He has a picture... It´s of a lady. But she’s quite
old...
SOLDIER
Show me...
The GIRL shows the picture to the SOLDIER. The
ENEMY gets irritated.
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 32.
SOLDIER
Calm down kid. We just looking at it...
GIRL
She looks too old for him.
SOLDIER
Maybe it’s his mother. (asks him) Is this your
mother? Mother?
The ENEMY doesn’t answer, just stares at the
SOLDIER with his eyes full of anger.
SOLDIER
Just give him the picture back...
The GIRL gives the picture back to the ENEMY,
who cleans it and puts it back in his pocket.
GIRL
He’s bleeding from his nose. Why did you punch him?
SOLDIER
What?
GIRL
You hurt him!
SOLDIER
What are you trying to say? He’s an enemy soldier! Do
you not realise that?!
GIRL
He’s just a boy...
SOLDIER
A boy who didn’t have any problem with killing us.
GIRL
Oh shut up! Look at him. He’s more frightened than I
am!
SOLDIER
This boy was trained to kill.
GIRL
To kill rabbits! And make a bonfire... Look at him.
He’s shaking all over.
SOLDIER
Hey girl! Don’t be stupid! Give me that rope from the
pack!
GIRL
What are you going to do?
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 33.
SOLDIER
I’m going to tie him up.
GIRL
Why? He’s already in a panic.
SOLDIER
Hey you! Stop it! I’m going to tie him up and you
will be quiet. Just keep an eye on him!
The SOLDIER grabs the rope, pulls the ENEMY’s
arms behind his back and starts to tie him up.
The ENEMY moans. The SOLDIER forces his arms
with even more strength and the ENEMY grimaces
in pain. The SOLDIER turns the ENEMY over again
and lays him down against the sandbags.
SOLDIER
You still have those panties?
GIRL
What?
SOLDIER
The panties they put in the packet.
GIRL
Why do you want them?
SOLDIER
Don’t ask questions. Just give them to me.
The GIRL takes the panties from her pocket and
gives them to the SOLDIER.
GIRL
Here...
SOLDIER
Thanks.
The SOLDIER makes a ball with the panties and
puts them into the mouth of the ENEMY.
GIRL
What are you doing?
SOLDIER
This will keep his mouth shut. The last thing we want
here is a guy shouting a strange language to the
other side.
GIRL
He can’t breathe!
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 34.
SOLDIER
Of course he’s breathing.
GIRL
You covered his mouth...
SOLDIER (IRONIC)
He’ll be fine. He still has his nose.
The ENEMY looks scared at the SOLDIER and at the
GIRL.
SOLDIER
Great... now we have another problem here. I should
have just killed him straight away.
GIRL
You better not dare to think about it.
SOLDIER
Believe me. If for a single second I think he’s going
to put us at risk, he will finish with a bullet right
in the middle of his eyes. (turns to the ENEMY) Do
you understand? I could kill you easily.
The ENEMY moans.
SOLDIER
I don´t know what his friends are going to do now.
They could come looking for him, or with some luck,
they’ve already gone away. (peeks over the sandbags)
I can´t hear anything from over there anymore...
GIRL
It’s been quiet for a while. I can only hear some
shootings, but they’re quite far away from here.
SOLDIER
Maybe this kid was from the back line. He looks too
young to be a proper soldier.
GIRL
He’s cute.
SOLDIER
What?!
GIRL
See... He’s cute. He has beautiful eyes. And such a
perfect nose.
SOLDIER
Do you mind!?
GIRL
What?! I’m not allowed to appreciate a boy now? Who
are you, my father?
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 35.
SOLDIER
He’s my prisoner now! I’m not expecting you to
"appreciate" my prisoners. It’s a damn enemy!
GIRL
Am I sensing jealousy there? Am I?
SOLDIER
Jealousy for a guy who is in my possession? And who
can´t even talk or understand a single word?!
GIRL
Oh... so you are jealous! (Giggles) Thank you very
much for your interest.
SOLDIER
Hey don’t be silly! I’m not interested in you. Why
would I be?
GIRL
Because.
SOLDIER
Because?!
GIRL
Because you fancy me. (laughs)
SOLDIER
You’re thinking too much now. Why would I fancy you?
You’re just a little girl.
GIRL
I’m not that much younger than you... And I’m already
a woman.
SOLDIER
With your age? You are much younger than me... But I
really don’t understand this conversation. I told you
before that i have a family.
GIRL
Yes you did. So why are you bothered that I’m talking
about him.
SOLDIER
He is the enemy!
GIRL
No he’s not! He’s just a boy.
SOLDIER
From the enemy...
GIRL
That’s different. He is from the enemy... but he’s
not the enemy. He probably doesn’t have a clue about
(MAIS)
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 36.
GIRL (FOLLOW)
the decisions their generals make. He just follows
instructions... Well, just like you.
SOLDIER
Absolutely right... He is from the enemy... So he is
the enemy. (slaps the ENEMY) See... He’s in my hands
now!
The GIRL slaps the SOLDIER.
SOLDIER
What are you doing?! If you do that again you will be
in trouble!
GIRL
You did it first!
SOLDIER
No I didn’t. I slapped him... So he knows who is in
charge here.
GIRL
You’re an idiot... That’s why I slapped you. If you
slap him again for no reason, I will do it to you.
The SOLDIER laughs and the GIRL slaps him again.
SOLDIER
Hey... are you mad?! Why you did you do it that time?
I didn’t touch him.
GIRL
It was just to show you who is in charge here.
The ENEMY giggles.
SOLDIER
Hey you, you’re giggling... Do you understand what we
are saying? Do you?
The ENEMY doesn’t answer as he really doesn’t
understand.
GIRL
He’s just giggling because I hit you.
SOLDIER
You stupid kids. I need to rest now... Can I trust
you?
GIRL
Trust me with what?!
SOLDIER
To watch him. Really... forget it for now if the boy
is cute or has nice ears or if he smells like shit...
(MAIS)
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 37.
SOLDIER (FOLLOW)
Just keep him tied up and laying down. Think about
him as a dangerous person. Do you understand? He is
an enemy soldier. Keep that in mind.
GIRL
He doesn’t look dangerous... Look at him. He’s scared
like a rabbit!
SOLDIER
Listen to me! You do what I tell you to. Keep him
tied up and if he moves, kill him.
GIRL
Erm...
SOLDIER
Is that clear?!
GIRL
Ok... Ok...
SOLDIER
Good... Let me close my eyes for a while. If you see
anything, wake me up.
The SOLDIER shakes the ENEMY.
SOLDIER
You’re going to be very careful. Do you understand?!
If I wake up because of you, I’ll cut your throat!
The SOLDIER makes the sign of cutting his throat
to the ENEMY and then he cosies down, and pulls
his helmet over his eyes. The ENEMY looks at the
GIRL. The GIRL puts her finger to her mouth and
makes a sign to be quiet.
GIRL (WHISPERS)
It’s better if you’re quiet... (looks to the SOLDIER)
He’s not very impressed with you. Let him sleep.
The ENEMY looks at the GIRL and shakes his head.
The GIRL becomes impatient.
GIRL
What should I say... You don’t understand a word I’m
saying do you?
The ENEMY nods not understanding what the GIRL
is saying.
GIRL
Oh forget it... You will never understand what I’m
saying.
The GIRL stares at the ENEMY.
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 38.
GIRL
Why are you here? I really don’t understand what the
point is. Look at you. You’re just a boy... You
should be with your family. How old are you?
The GIRL points to herself and counts 15 with
her fingers. Then points to the ENEMY and starts
to count again.
GIRL
Five, ten, fifteen, twenty?
The ENEMY shakes is head. The GIRL keeps
counting with her fingers.
GIRL
Fifteen... sixteen...
The ENEMY nods his head.
GIRL
Sixteen? You’re sixteen? You really shouldn’t be
here. (pause) Look at your eyes... they’re still pure
and clean. I can’t see any badness in you. How long
have you been in the war? Oh you can’t answer...
The GIRL stares at the ENEMY’s eyes. He becomes
uncomfortable, trying to look to anywhere else.
GIRL
Hey look at me... (She grabs his face) Don’t be shy.
I’m just looking at you... see I’m not doing anything
wrong. You’ve got blood in your nose... Let me clean
it for you.
The GIRL uses a bit of her skirt to clean the
ENEMY’s nose. He refrains a bit and then looks
to her thankful.
GIRL
See... I’m not going to hurt you. Are you tired? You
can lay on me... Come.
The GIRL sits next to the ENEMY and hugs him,
helping him to get a more comfortable position.
The ENEMY tries to move away, but then looks to
the GIRL and slowly lays on her chest.
GIRL
That’s good, now try to sleep. I will not allow him
to touch you.
The ENEMY closes his eyes and the GIRL caresses
him.
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 39.
GIRL
I wonder what’s going on inside these heads... Look
at them. Sleeping like angels, but if they have a
chance they will kill each other. And they don’t even
know why. That’s so stupid! Why do their leaders not
just choose a card game? Or a football match... That
would be great! A football game to solve the problems
of humanity... Or if they are really keen to fight...
well put just one on each side... Have a boxing
match. That’s it... a boxing match and everybody else
could stay at home with their families. Oh Yes... and
make bets! That would be fun! And these two, they
could stay washed and clean... And have great
meals... Hot ones! A gorgeous roast! Just like at
Christmas!
The ENEMY tries to move, but moans because of
the pain in his arms.
GIRL
Poor kid... His hands are turning purple. Maybe if I
just loosen the rope a little.
The GIRL checks the knot in the rope.
GIRL
Can you promise that you won’t do anything bad? I
don’t want him to blame you for anything.
The ENEMY follows her with his eyes.
GIRL
Hey I’m asking you. I will help you but don’t do
anything stupid. Look at me! (She grabs the ENEMY’s
face) Stay still.
The GIRL starts to loosen the rope around the
hands of the ENEMY. The boy stays quiet.
GIRL
That’s it. Much better now. How do you feel?
The ENEMY doesn’t answer but nods gratefully.
GIRL
Yeah... right. I’m talking to a wall.
The GIRL sits more comfortably next to the
ENEMY. They all stay silent for a while. The
SOLDIER sleeping and the ENEMY and the GIRL
laying against the sand bags.
GIRL
Really... I would like to know more about you. But
you don’t speak a word... I could imagine... Or
invent a story about you.
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 40.
The ENEMY just stares at her, without making a
sound. The GIRL doesn’t notice but the ENEMY
releases his rope. But he keeps his hands behind
his body.
GIRL
Am I allowed to? What the hell... It really doesn’t
matter. Anyway you will not understand... Let’s
see... You’re cute. (Giggles) You look just like
those boys who work in the bakeries... Or a sweet
shop! That’s it! Your parent’s have a sweet shop in
your town... I may say it’s a beautiful country side
town... And all the girls there love to go to your
sweet shop... to buy caramels and toffees... and to
see you there. (laughs) You must be the luckiest boy
in town. Those girls smelling lavender, with golden
curly hair... And ponies! I’m sure they all have
ponies and coaches. And beautiful linen dresses in
nice colours and embroidered with flowers and birds.
Oh I wish I had a linen dress like that. Can you
imagine? Me in the wheat fields running along with
magpies! Do you want to go and run in the fields...
and get some sweets at the end of the day! That would
be perfect. How about it? Maybe if the war ends I can
go with you. (laughs).
In this moment the ENEMY jumps over her and
steals the bayonet. The GIRL screams in fright.
The SOLDIER wakes up just in time to stop the
ENEMY jumping over him and attacking him with
the bayonet. They fight. The SOLDIER grabs the
arm of the ENEMY and with all his strength he
manages to twist it and the ENEMY releases the
bayonet.
SOLDIER (SHOUTS)
Grab it! Grab it!
GIRL
What?
SOLDIER (SHOUTS FURIOUSLY)
The bayonet stupid!
The ENEMY grabs the neck of the SOLDIER and
starts to strangle him.
SOLDIER (DESPERATE)
Kill him... (gasps) Do... it...
The GIRL in despair grabs the bayonet but
becomes confused. She looks at the bayonet not
knowing what to do. She moans with confusion.
GIRL (IN PANIC)
What should I do?! What should I do?!
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 41.
SOLDIER (LOOSING CONSCIOUSNESS)
Stab... him...
The SOLDIER starts to release the ENEMY who is
still over him, strangling him. In the last
second, the GIRL stabs the ENEMY in the back.
The ENEMY gasps in pain and falls to the ground
dead. The GIRL shouts in a panic. She drops the
bayonet and looks at her hands, horrified.
GIRL
What have I done?! Oh my God... What have I done!
The SOLDIER coughs and pushes the ENEMY off of
him.
SOLDIER (SHOUTS FURIOUSLY)
What did I tell you?! What the fuck did I tell you!?
The GIRL is ignoring him, still looking at her
hands.
GIRL
I killed him... I killed the boy... What have I done!
The GIRL cries in despair.
SOLDIER
I told you to keep him an eye on him! I told you to
kill him before he moved... How could he have been
released?
The SOLDIER grabs the GIRL by her arms and
shakes her, furiously.
SOLDIER
Why?! This bastard almost kill me!
The GIRL pushes him back.
GIRL
Leave me alone! You idiot! I should have let him kill
you instead! Oh my God I ended his life! And now his
parents... and the sweet shop... The golden curly
haired girls...
SOLDIER
What the fuck are you talking about?! Have you gone
mad?!
GIRL
I ended the dream... I killed him... and all of the
dreams... And the linen dresses with birds and
flowers... and the magpies...
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 42.
SOLDIER
Shut up you lunatic! You had to! He attacked me! He
almost killed me.
GIRL
And?! What difference does that make to me?! I don’t
care... I don’t know either of you... Why should I do
anything?! I don’t give a shit!
SOLDIER
He was the enemy you idiot!
GIRL
Oh really? Enemy of who?! Enemy of you! It’s you they
are fighting! And on the other side of the sand bags
you are the enemy... so what is the difference!? Tell
me?! What is the difference?!
SOLDIER
Oh my God... You’re going crazy... Those guys are
killing your friends back in the village!
GIRL
Are they?!... Are you sure about that? That’s what
you told me. But I don’t know if it’s true...
SOLDIER
Don’t be stupid! Why I would lie about that? I’m here
to protect you. You and all the other people in the
village... How dare you doubt me?! I thought you were
a nice person...
GIRL
Well not anymore... I just killed a boy. Look at him.
He’s not much older than me and I stabbed him... I
must take him back to his side.
SOLDIER
What?
GIRL
I’m going to take him back to his friends. That’s
what I’m going to do.
SOLDIER
Don’t be silly...
The GIRL starts to pull the ENEMY over the sand
bags.
SOLDIER
What are you doing?! Get down!
GIRL
No! I’m not going to get down... Help me do this!
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 43.
SOLDIER
Stop it!
The GIRL continues to pull the ENEMY over the
sand bags. She manages to move him to the other
side of the sand bags. The SOLDIER tries to grab
her, but she releases herself and jumps to the
other side of the sand bags pulling the ENEMY by
the arm.
SOLDIER
Oh my God... come here you stupid girl... They are
going to kill you! Stop it!
The GIRL pushes the body in the direction of CU.
GIRL (SHOUTS)
Leave me alone! They not going to...
Black Out, sound of shooting. Spotlight over the
SOLDIER who is with his arm pointing in the
direction of where the GIRL is supposed to be.
Slowly the SOLDIER lets himself fall onto the
side of the sand bags with despondency. Slowly,
he takes off his helmet and covers his face with
his hands. He cries. Fade out of spotlight.
THE END
Be quiet!
GIRL
You’re afraid too!
SOLDIER
Don´t be stupid. Be quiet! I’m warning you!
GIRL
Pull the trigger you Cissy!
The SOLDIER puts his gun down and slaps the
girl. The GIRL stops, choked by surprise.
GIRL
What did you do!? You... You slapped me?! You
actually slapped me?!
SOLDIER
Yes, I did! And I will do it again if you don’t shut
up! Do you understand?! (shouts) Do you understand?!
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 28.
The GIRL stands up deciding to leave. The
SOLDIER grabs her arm and pulls her back down.
SOLDIER
Now stay quiet. Right now! Where do you think you are
going?!
GIRL
Leave me alone. I’m going far away from you. I’m
going back to the village!
SOLDIER
You’re not going anywhere. If you leave this place
now, you will be killed.
GIRL (GRUMPY)
And if i stay here I will also be killed... or
slapped by an idiot.
SOLDIER
Believe me, you would prefer my slaps!
GIRL
Idiot.
The GIRL gets grumpy and turns her back to the
SOLDIER.
SOLDIER
Yeah, you stay there being grumpy... I don’t give a
shit.
They both stay in silence for a while. Suddenly
the SOLDIER becomes alert.
SOLDIER
Shhhh!
GIRL
I’m not talking stupid...
SOLDIER
Shhhh! Quiet!
GIRL
What is it now?
SOLDIER (SNARLS)
I told you to shut up!
The SOLDIER gets nervous and peeks over the
sandbags. The girl sees him nervous and becomes
worried.
GIRL
Please tell me whats happening...
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 29.
The SOLDIER moves from one side to the other
peeking over the sandbags. The GIRL gets even
more upset and nervous.
GIRL
Can you stop and tell me whats happening please?
The SOLDIER grabs the GIRL by her arms and
stares at her.
SOLDIER
Can you be quiet! They’re moving! They are coming
here soon! Do you understand!? They are coming!
The GIRL becomes horrified.
GIRL (IN PANIC)
What should we do?
SOLDIER
Just stay quiet... I need to think about this.
GIRL
Oh goodness... stop thinking and act. I know exactly
what happens when you think... You just become
blocked!
SOLDIER
Hey little girl, there is no time for stupid
arguments now. I don’t care about what you think...
You must be ready to sneak away from here.
GIRL
Where should I go? They are everywhere!
SOLDIER
I know... And that’s the problem. I really don´t know
where they’re going. With a bit of luck we can hide
here and let them pass. Lets just pray they don’t
come by this way.
The SOLDIER starts to collect his stuff, putting
the gun and the ammunition together.
SOLDIER
Just help me with this please. Put all of this stuff
together and be careful...
The GIRL starts to put some ammunition boxes
together. When she intends to move some grenades
the SOLDIER stops her.
SOLDIER
Don´t touch those! I don’t trust you. You would
probably blow us both up!
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 30.
The SOLDIER stops and makes a sign to the GIRL
to be quiet. He signals to her to get down close
to the sandbags. He alerts her to the fact that
someone is coming. From UL, appears an ENEMY
soldier walking carefully in a combat ready
position. The SOLDIER slowly takes his knife out
and gets ready with his back to the sandbags.
The ENEMY walks to the sandbags while the GIRL
and SOLDIER hide and press themselves against
the sandbags. The ENEMY in his precaution can´t
see them. He starts to climb the sandbags
crawling over them. When the ENEMY realises the
SOLDIER and the GIRL are there its too late. The
SOLDIER attacks him and pulls him down. The
SOLDIER punches him and covers the ENEMY’s mouth
while he prepares to stab him. But the GIRL
grabs his arm. The SOLDIER is caught by
surprise.
SOLDIER
What are you doing?! Stop it!
GIRL
No! Don´t kill him! Look at him!
SOLDIER
Release my arm you stupid bitch!
The ENEMY is trying to resist. The SOLDIER is
trying to control him at the same time as trying
to get rid of the GIRL.
SOLDIER
When I’ve finished with this one you’ll be in
trouble...
GIRL
Stop it! Look at him... he’s just a boy! Stop it
please!
The SOLDIER realises how young the ENEMY is. The
GIRL releases the SOLDIER’s arm and he is
stunned. The ENEMY is panicked looking at him,
trembling. He makes sure the ENEMY stays silent.
SOLDIER
Oh my God! He’s just a kid!
GIRL
I told you.
The SOLDIER and the GIRL stare a the ENEMY who
is frightened. The SOLDIER keeps his knife close
to the ENEMY’s body.
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 31.
SOLDIER
How old are you?
The ENEMY just stares at him, shaking his head
and waving his hands.
SOLDIER
Put your hands down!
The ENEMY keeps waving his hands. The SOLDIER
slaps the ENEMY’s hands and he puts them down.
GIRL
Looks like he doesn’t even understand you...
SOLDIER
What the hell are they doing?! Recruiting from the
boy scouts?! This kid is no older than you!
GIRL
I’d noticed that...
SOLDIER
Take his weapons. I’ll keep an eye on him while you
do it.
GIRL
What?
SOLDIER
Check his pockets and take any weapons he has.
GIRL
Why me?!
SOLDIER
Just do it! I’m watching him!
The GIRL starts to check the ENEMY’s pockets.
She puts away a bayonet that is fixed to his
belt, a box of bullets and the rifle. Then she
finds a picture of a lady. She looks at it. The
ENEMY gets angry and tries to grab the picture.
The SOLDIER slaps the ENEMY who becomes scared
again.
GIRL
He has a picture... It´s of a lady. But she’s quite
old...
SOLDIER
Show me...
The GIRL shows the picture to the SOLDIER. The
ENEMY gets irritated.
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 32.
SOLDIER
Calm down kid. We just looking at it...
GIRL
She looks too old for him.
SOLDIER
Maybe it’s his mother. (asks him) Is this your
mother? Mother?
The ENEMY doesn’t answer, just stares at the
SOLDIER with his eyes full of anger.
SOLDIER
Just give him the picture back...
The GIRL gives the picture back to the ENEMY,
who cleans it and puts it back in his pocket.
GIRL
He’s bleeding from his nose. Why did you punch him?
SOLDIER
What?
GIRL
You hurt him!
SOLDIER
What are you trying to say? He’s an enemy soldier! Do
you not realise that?!
GIRL
He’s just a boy...
SOLDIER
A boy who didn’t have any problem with killing us.
GIRL
Oh shut up! Look at him. He’s more frightened than I
am!
SOLDIER
This boy was trained to kill.
GIRL
To kill rabbits! And make a bonfire... Look at him.
He’s shaking all over.
SOLDIER
Hey girl! Don’t be stupid! Give me that rope from the
pack!
GIRL
What are you going to do?
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 33.
SOLDIER
I’m going to tie him up.
GIRL
Why? He’s already in a panic.
SOLDIER
Hey you! Stop it! I’m going to tie him up and you
will be quiet. Just keep an eye on him!
The SOLDIER grabs the rope, pulls the ENEMY’s
arms behind his back and starts to tie him up.
The ENEMY moans. The SOLDIER forces his arms
with even more strength and the ENEMY grimaces
in pain. The SOLDIER turns the ENEMY over again
and lays him down against the sandbags.
SOLDIER
You still have those panties?
GIRL
What?
SOLDIER
The panties they put in the packet.
GIRL
Why do you want them?
SOLDIER
Don’t ask questions. Just give them to me.
The GIRL takes the panties from her pocket and
gives them to the SOLDIER.
GIRL
Here...
SOLDIER
Thanks.
The SOLDIER makes a ball with the panties and
puts them into the mouth of the ENEMY.
GIRL
What are you doing?
SOLDIER
This will keep his mouth shut. The last thing we want
here is a guy shouting a strange language to the
other side.
GIRL
He can’t breathe!
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 34.
SOLDIER
Of course he’s breathing.
GIRL
You covered his mouth...
SOLDIER (IRONIC)
He’ll be fine. He still has his nose.
The ENEMY looks scared at the SOLDIER and at the
GIRL.
SOLDIER
Great... now we have another problem here. I should
have just killed him straight away.
GIRL
You better not dare to think about it.
SOLDIER
Believe me. If for a single second I think he’s going
to put us at risk, he will finish with a bullet right
in the middle of his eyes. (turns to the ENEMY) Do
you understand? I could kill you easily.
The ENEMY moans.
SOLDIER
I don´t know what his friends are going to do now.
They could come looking for him, or with some luck,
they’ve already gone away. (peeks over the sandbags)
I can´t hear anything from over there anymore...
GIRL
It’s been quiet for a while. I can only hear some
shootings, but they’re quite far away from here.
SOLDIER
Maybe this kid was from the back line. He looks too
young to be a proper soldier.
GIRL
He’s cute.
SOLDIER
What?!
GIRL
See... He’s cute. He has beautiful eyes. And such a
perfect nose.
SOLDIER
Do you mind!?
GIRL
What?! I’m not allowed to appreciate a boy now? Who
are you, my father?
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 35.
SOLDIER
He’s my prisoner now! I’m not expecting you to
"appreciate" my prisoners. It’s a damn enemy!
GIRL
Am I sensing jealousy there? Am I?
SOLDIER
Jealousy for a guy who is in my possession? And who
can´t even talk or understand a single word?!
GIRL
Oh... so you are jealous! (Giggles) Thank you very
much for your interest.
SOLDIER
Hey don’t be silly! I’m not interested in you. Why
would I be?
GIRL
Because.
SOLDIER
Because?!
GIRL
Because you fancy me. (laughs)
SOLDIER
You’re thinking too much now. Why would I fancy you?
You’re just a little girl.
GIRL
I’m not that much younger than you... And I’m already
a woman.
SOLDIER
With your age? You are much younger than me... But I
really don’t understand this conversation. I told you
before that i have a family.
GIRL
Yes you did. So why are you bothered that I’m talking
about him.
SOLDIER
He is the enemy!
GIRL
No he’s not! He’s just a boy.
SOLDIER
From the enemy...
GIRL
That’s different. He is from the enemy... but he’s
not the enemy. He probably doesn’t have a clue about
(MAIS)
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 36.
GIRL (FOLLOW)
the decisions their generals make. He just follows
instructions... Well, just like you.
SOLDIER
Absolutely right... He is from the enemy... So he is
the enemy. (slaps the ENEMY) See... He’s in my hands
now!
The GIRL slaps the SOLDIER.
SOLDIER
What are you doing?! If you do that again you will be
in trouble!
GIRL
You did it first!
SOLDIER
No I didn’t. I slapped him... So he knows who is in
charge here.
GIRL
You’re an idiot... That’s why I slapped you. If you
slap him again for no reason, I will do it to you.
The SOLDIER laughs and the GIRL slaps him again.
SOLDIER
Hey... are you mad?! Why you did you do it that time?
I didn’t touch him.
GIRL
It was just to show you who is in charge here.
The ENEMY giggles.
SOLDIER
Hey you, you’re giggling... Do you understand what we
are saying? Do you?
The ENEMY doesn’t answer as he really doesn’t
understand.
GIRL
He’s just giggling because I hit you.
SOLDIER
You stupid kids. I need to rest now... Can I trust
you?
GIRL
Trust me with what?!
SOLDIER
To watch him. Really... forget it for now if the boy
is cute or has nice ears or if he smells like shit...
(MAIS)
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 37.
SOLDIER (FOLLOW)
Just keep him tied up and laying down. Think about
him as a dangerous person. Do you understand? He is
an enemy soldier. Keep that in mind.
GIRL
He doesn’t look dangerous... Look at him. He’s scared
like a rabbit!
SOLDIER
Listen to me! You do what I tell you to. Keep him
tied up and if he moves, kill him.
GIRL
Erm...
SOLDIER
Is that clear?!
GIRL
Ok... Ok...
SOLDIER
Good... Let me close my eyes for a while. If you see
anything, wake me up.
The SOLDIER shakes the ENEMY.
SOLDIER
You’re going to be very careful. Do you understand?!
If I wake up because of you, I’ll cut your throat!
The SOLDIER makes the sign of cutting his throat
to the ENEMY and then he cosies down, and pulls
his helmet over his eyes. The ENEMY looks at the
GIRL. The GIRL puts her finger to her mouth and
makes a sign to be quiet.
GIRL (WHISPERS)
It’s better if you’re quiet... (looks to the SOLDIER)
He’s not very impressed with you. Let him sleep.
The ENEMY looks at the GIRL and shakes his head.
The GIRL becomes impatient.
GIRL
What should I say... You don’t understand a word I’m
saying do you?
The ENEMY nods not understanding what the GIRL
is saying.
GIRL
Oh forget it... You will never understand what I’m
saying.
The GIRL stares at the ENEMY.
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 38.
GIRL
Why are you here? I really don’t understand what the
point is. Look at you. You’re just a boy... You
should be with your family. How old are you?
The GIRL points to herself and counts 15 with
her fingers. Then points to the ENEMY and starts
to count again.
GIRL
Five, ten, fifteen, twenty?
The ENEMY shakes is head. The GIRL keeps
counting with her fingers.
GIRL
Fifteen... sixteen...
The ENEMY nods his head.
GIRL
Sixteen? You’re sixteen? You really shouldn’t be
here. (pause) Look at your eyes... they’re still pure
and clean. I can’t see any badness in you. How long
have you been in the war? Oh you can’t answer...
The GIRL stares at the ENEMY’s eyes. He becomes
uncomfortable, trying to look to anywhere else.
GIRL
Hey look at me... (She grabs his face) Don’t be shy.
I’m just looking at you... see I’m not doing anything
wrong. You’ve got blood in your nose... Let me clean
it for you.
The GIRL uses a bit of her skirt to clean the
ENEMY’s nose. He refrains a bit and then looks
to her thankful.
GIRL
See... I’m not going to hurt you. Are you tired? You
can lay on me... Come.
The GIRL sits next to the ENEMY and hugs him,
helping him to get a more comfortable position.
The ENEMY tries to move away, but then looks to
the GIRL and slowly lays on her chest.
GIRL
That’s good, now try to sleep. I will not allow him
to touch you.
The ENEMY closes his eyes and the GIRL caresses
him.
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 39.
GIRL
I wonder what’s going on inside these heads... Look
at them. Sleeping like angels, but if they have a
chance they will kill each other. And they don’t even
know why. That’s so stupid! Why do their leaders not
just choose a card game? Or a football match... That
would be great! A football game to solve the problems
of humanity... Or if they are really keen to fight...
well put just one on each side... Have a boxing
match. That’s it... a boxing match and everybody else
could stay at home with their families. Oh Yes... and
make bets! That would be fun! And these two, they
could stay washed and clean... And have great
meals... Hot ones! A gorgeous roast! Just like at
Christmas!
The ENEMY tries to move, but moans because of
the pain in his arms.
GIRL
Poor kid... His hands are turning purple. Maybe if I
just loosen the rope a little.
The GIRL checks the knot in the rope.
GIRL
Can you promise that you won’t do anything bad? I
don’t want him to blame you for anything.
The ENEMY follows her with his eyes.
GIRL
Hey I’m asking you. I will help you but don’t do
anything stupid. Look at me! (She grabs the ENEMY’s
face) Stay still.
The GIRL starts to loosen the rope around the
hands of the ENEMY. The boy stays quiet.
GIRL
That’s it. Much better now. How do you feel?
The ENEMY doesn’t answer but nods gratefully.
GIRL
Yeah... right. I’m talking to a wall.
The GIRL sits more comfortably next to the
ENEMY. They all stay silent for a while. The
SOLDIER sleeping and the ENEMY and the GIRL
laying against the sand bags.
GIRL
Really... I would like to know more about you. But
you don’t speak a word... I could imagine... Or
invent a story about you.
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 40.
The ENEMY just stares at her, without making a
sound. The GIRL doesn’t notice but the ENEMY
releases his rope. But he keeps his hands behind
his body.
GIRL
Am I allowed to? What the hell... It really doesn’t
matter. Anyway you will not understand... Let’s
see... You’re cute. (Giggles) You look just like
those boys who work in the bakeries... Or a sweet
shop! That’s it! Your parent’s have a sweet shop in
your town... I may say it’s a beautiful country side
town... And all the girls there love to go to your
sweet shop... to buy caramels and toffees... and to
see you there. (laughs) You must be the luckiest boy
in town. Those girls smelling lavender, with golden
curly hair... And ponies! I’m sure they all have
ponies and coaches. And beautiful linen dresses in
nice colours and embroidered with flowers and birds.
Oh I wish I had a linen dress like that. Can you
imagine? Me in the wheat fields running along with
magpies! Do you want to go and run in the fields...
and get some sweets at the end of the day! That would
be perfect. How about it? Maybe if the war ends I can
go with you. (laughs).
In this moment the ENEMY jumps over her and
steals the bayonet. The GIRL screams in fright.
The SOLDIER wakes up just in time to stop the
ENEMY jumping over him and attacking him with
the bayonet. They fight. The SOLDIER grabs the
arm of the ENEMY and with all his strength he
manages to twist it and the ENEMY releases the
bayonet.
SOLDIER (SHOUTS)
Grab it! Grab it!
GIRL
What?
SOLDIER (SHOUTS FURIOUSLY)
The bayonet stupid!
The ENEMY grabs the neck of the SOLDIER and
starts to strangle him.
SOLDIER (DESPERATE)
Kill him... (gasps) Do... it...
The GIRL in despair grabs the bayonet but
becomes confused. She looks at the bayonet not
knowing what to do. She moans with confusion.
GIRL (IN PANIC)
What should I do?! What should I do?!
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 41.
SOLDIER (LOOSING CONSCIOUSNESS)
Stab... him...
The SOLDIER starts to release the ENEMY who is
still over him, strangling him. In the last
second, the GIRL stabs the ENEMY in the back.
The ENEMY gasps in pain and falls to the ground
dead. The GIRL shouts in a panic. She drops the
bayonet and looks at her hands, horrified.
GIRL
What have I done?! Oh my God... What have I done!
The SOLDIER coughs and pushes the ENEMY off of
him.
SOLDIER (SHOUTS FURIOUSLY)
What did I tell you?! What the fuck did I tell you!?
The GIRL is ignoring him, still looking at her
hands.
GIRL
I killed him... I killed the boy... What have I done!
The GIRL cries in despair.
SOLDIER
I told you to keep him an eye on him! I told you to
kill him before he moved... How could he have been
released?
The SOLDIER grabs the GIRL by her arms and
shakes her, furiously.
SOLDIER
Why?! This bastard almost kill me!
The GIRL pushes him back.
GIRL
Leave me alone! You idiot! I should have let him kill
you instead! Oh my God I ended his life! And now his
parents... and the sweet shop... The golden curly
haired girls...
SOLDIER
What the fuck are you talking about?! Have you gone
mad?!
GIRL
I ended the dream... I killed him... and all of the
dreams... And the linen dresses with birds and
flowers... and the magpies...
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 42.
SOLDIER
Shut up you lunatic! You had to! He attacked me! He
almost killed me.
GIRL
And?! What difference does that make to me?! I don’t
care... I don’t know either of you... Why should I do
anything?! I don’t give a shit!
SOLDIER
He was the enemy you idiot!
GIRL
Oh really? Enemy of who?! Enemy of you! It’s you they
are fighting! And on the other side of the sand bags
you are the enemy... so what is the difference!? Tell
me?! What is the difference?!
SOLDIER
Oh my God... You’re going crazy... Those guys are
killing your friends back in the village!
GIRL
Are they?!... Are you sure about that? That’s what
you told me. But I don’t know if it’s true...
SOLDIER
Don’t be stupid! Why I would lie about that? I’m here
to protect you. You and all the other people in the
village... How dare you doubt me?! I thought you were
a nice person...
GIRL
Well not anymore... I just killed a boy. Look at him.
He’s not much older than me and I stabbed him... I
must take him back to his side.
SOLDIER
What?
GIRL
I’m going to take him back to his friends. That’s
what I’m going to do.
SOLDIER
Don’t be silly...
The GIRL starts to pull the ENEMY over the sand
bags.
SOLDIER
What are you doing?! Get down!
GIRL
No! I’m not going to get down... Help me do this!
(FOLLOW)
FOLLOW: 43.
SOLDIER
Stop it!
The GIRL continues to pull the ENEMY over the
sand bags. She manages to move him to the other
side of the sand bags. The SOLDIER tries to grab
her, but she releases herself and jumps to the
other side of the sand bags pulling the ENEMY by
the arm.
SOLDIER
Oh my God... come here you stupid girl... They are
going to kill you! Stop it!
The GIRL pushes the body in the direction of CU.
GIRL (SHOUTS)
Leave me alone! They not going to...
Black Out, sound of shooting. Spotlight over the
SOLDIER who is with his arm pointing in the
direction of where the GIRL is supposed to be.
Slowly the SOLDIER lets himself fall onto the
side of the sand bags with despondency. Slowly,
he takes off his helmet and covers his face with
his hands. He cries. Fade out of spotlight.
THE END
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