In a Glass Cage

IN A GLASS CAGE:

"Dear Mom and Dad...

since Klaus' accident

things have worsened.

He hardly speaks--

and more than his wife,

I seem his slave.

I think that I must

hire a nurse.

I'd like her to be

from our country--

people here are awful.

You could speak

to our old doctor--

the one who helped us bring

the iron lung to this country.

He helped Klaus experiment

on children during the war.

He owes him favors.

He'll help you.

I need help badly.

With this paralysis

caused by his fall,

Klaus could go on living

for years

always dependent

on the machine.

I need time

for myself and Rena.

I worry about her.

She should be going to school.

Since we went into exile

eight years ago

we've been shut up

in this house.

I have never felt worse.

At times, I think it would be

better if he died.

Thanks for the money you sent

to us. Don't forget the nurse.

Love, your daughter,

Griselda.

Mom.

Ma'am!

Ma'am, come here!

Where are you going?

Ma'am!

- What is it?

- Like the devil himself.

- Who?

- He went inside.

- Where?

- In your husband's room.

Rena--

get some cigarettes.

Klaus--

Are you all right?

Hush up.

Tell me who's inside.

- I don't know.

- Is it a man? A woman?

I don't know.

I'll get the other key.

Time is running short.

You must decide.

It's up to you

to give me the job.

After what I've told you,

you should take me.

Who are you?

I'm a nurse.

I've heard he was sick

and I've come...

to take care of him.

Is this the way

to ask for a job?

In any case,

we don't need anyone.

I think that your husband

needs me.

We met in the town hospital

before you came here.

No, I'm sorry.

Griselda...

I want him to stay.

I don't think...

Leave us, please.

What is it?

I'd like him to stay.

He's much too young,

don't you think?

I prefer someone

who is young.

We don't know

who they would send us.

Someone better

than that idiot.

Besides, I've written--

Send them a cable today.

Yes, but it's not that.

Griselda,

I'm the one who's sick.

No. I don't see.

- Griselda.

- What's his name?

Angelo?

Mom says for you

to come and eat.

- It's pretty.

- It's Mom's watch.

What happened to your eye?

Nothing.

There's always food ready

on the stove.

The maid comes

three times a week.

You just have to reheat it.

Eat whatever and whenever you

want to as long as you do your work.

Everything must be neat.

You'll wash him daily.

Sometimes more if need be.

You understand me?

You must amuse him.

Eat.

The machine

works on its own.

Make sure the battery

is always charged.

There is a small gas tank

underneath.

If all else fails,

do mouth-to-mouth respiration.

You push on his ribs.

Anyway,

you must know how.

I'll explain

in detail tomorrow.

Good night.

Rena?

Time to go to bed.

It must be pretty boring

for you.

It's like being

in a glass cage.

But don't worry.

I can do

many things for you.

I can tell you about my walks.

I can bring you things.

I can describe a movie.

I can do everything...

except thinking for you.

Today the sun is shining.

The sea is quiet.

There's a dog...

close to the trees.

A little further...

a bit further...

a man wearing a raincoat

walks with a child.

He wears a raincoat

in this heat?

People are very...

strange.

He's offering

a cigarette to the child.

The boy--

yes--

takes it.

It seems that

they've made friends.

They're leaving.

Anyway, I'd better finish.

Look.

Blood.

Angelo?

Come with me, please.

You must give a shot

to the maid.

But I'm not finished.

It doesn't matter,

you'll do it later.

It won't take you long.

Rate this script:0.0 / 0 votes