Callista (retreating into memories). How old was I then? I just learned to walk, as my father told me later. Mom sat with me for a long time, like all mothers with children at such an early age. And as soon as I got back on my feet, my mother asked my father and her friends to go to the forest for a while, to unwind a little… So none of them came back.
Maina (after a short semantic pause, sadly). It's strange that you, though a little, but still remember Mom. So many years have passed. Usually children do not remember anything from their early childhood. I don't remember anything from my childhood at all.
Callista (sad, measured). Strange, I agree, but I remember a little. I remember her eyes, nose, cheeks… But the outlines are already blurred. In the photo, she looks a little different than in my memory… This is ten or twelve years before I was born, she was filmed by her uncle. He was fond of photography.
Callista looks with warmth at the photo in her friend's hands.
Callista (tremulously). She's still very young here… Such as you and I are now about. I remember her a little differently.
Mina looks at the photo and gives it back to Callista.
Callista takes the photo, looks carefully.
Callista (sad, measured). And so… All these years I have been living with one thought that never leaves me – to find my mother. Thank you, Mina. Thank you so much for supporting me in this decision. It would be much more difficult for me alone, at least emotionally.
Maina (after a short semantic pause, sadly). Girlfriend, I will honestly tell you that I am ready to support you in everything and always, just like now and today. But I'm sorry, I don't believe we'll find your mom. Well, judge for yourself, if she were alive-wouldn't she have come back? After all, her beloved child and beloved husband are waiting for her at home. Who wouldn't come back in her place? I think that our campaign with you is doomed to failure, and, nevertheless, I am here with you. I'm sorry…
Callista warmly hugs her friend, she reciprocates.
Callista (with warmth). Thank you so much, Mina. How grateful I am to Heaven that God sent you into my not too easy life. Without you, I would have been lost long ago. Thank you for your support, for your shoulder and for your faithful friendship …
He pauses a little, lets go of his girlfriend, the girls sit down again as they were sitting.
Callista (with warmth, quietly). And about Mom… It's hard for me to explain it, but I'm not what I believe… I can feel her, you know? I feel like she's alive! I can't describe this feeling myself, it's very strange, not like it was before, with my mother. Something has obviously changed a lot, but she is alive – I know it somewhere deep inside for sure. She's alive!
Callista looks cautiously at her friend. Myna is being cautious. Of course, she doesn't believe in all this nonsense, but she doesn't want to offend her friend either. She nods her head vaguely and shares with her friend the provisions that have been born again from the backpack.
Maina (changes the subject, cheerfully and aggressively). Listen, how did you ask the folder off? I'm an uncle… or grandfather Ermolai, as it is correct, I can not decide in any way. I'll call him that way or that way. He's not offended, like?
Callista (with warmth, quietly). Yes.., I'm late at the folder. He was already over fifty when I was born. And my mother was thirty-two then. There was an age difference, needless to say. Call it as convenient. The folder is not offended, he understands everything. Now he really is, just like an old man. I suffered so much pain because of that loss. One of them picked me up…
