Beside the small woods

Author: Libo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-10-01
Features: (A room. A room in a relatively comfortable inn in the provinces, or a room in a hospital that has never been renovated? Soft light filters through a small lattice window on the right wall, with two faded curtains hanging on either side of the window. A bulb is suspended from the ceiling by a wire under a round, dim glass shade, casting the fragments of sunlight squeezing through the window a yellowish hue. The walls are white; this is neither glaringly white nor dirty and yellowish, but an indistinct white. The room is tidy. There is little furniture: two wooden chairs in front of the stage, a low table, and an inexpensive armchair; there is also a nightstand with a bedside lamp and a soft, cozy bed covered with a down comforter. A wooden picture frame painted with clear lacquer hangs on the bed, containing a photograph of a British fighter plane from World War II. A screen is at the corner on the left, blocking the bathroom. In the depth of the stage is a small entrance hall inside the room's main door. Facing the door is a wardrobe. The corridor light shines through the frosted glass between the doorframe and the ceiling, illuminating the small entrance hall. It is just such a small room, with all the objects placed there flatly, without any shadows or sense of three-dimensional relief. It is just such a small room, not presenting the slightest definite thing, nor evoking any clear memory. After a moment, a woman's voice comes from the bathroom behind the screen. The voice sings mechanically, almost indistinguishable in tune.)
Doudou's hat is not pretty
Qiqi's hat is very dainty
Roland's hat is too big
Beret hats for the win
Flat caps for the win (Pause)
Doudou's hat is not big
Qiqi's hat is very cute
Caston's hat is especially round
Beret hats for the win
Flat caps for the win (Two knocks are heard. Before a reply is given, the person outside inserts the key into the lock, turns it, and the door opens, bringing in a woman. She is holding a tray with a silver thermos, a cup, two slices of toast, and a small bottle of jam. Nurse? Maid? She has the precise posture and movements of the former, as well as the politeness and attentiveness of the latter.)
Madeleine: It's me, Madam.
The woman's voice: (From behind the screen) What time is it? Madeleine? Is it time?
Madeleine: Yes, Madam. A quarter past eleven.
The woman's voice: Ah?! I thought I got up very early, especially early. I slept for thirteen hours, that's impossible! Thirteen hours!
Madeleine: The climate here is special, especially in July.
The woman's voice: No.
Madeleine: You must be too tired from yesterday.
The woman's voice: Not really. Yesterday? Why? No.
Madeleine: Sometimes...
The woman's voice: I don't dream anymore when I sleep, Madeleine. I don't dream anymore, that's the reason! It used to be the dreams that pulled me out of sleep; without dreams, the nights would never end! (Uneasily) Madeleine, are you there?