know, I’m always somewhere nearby! I’m off!
Outside, the sound of the royal guard’s boots approaching becomes audible. Small squads pass through the streets. Versachka rushes to the window!
Voice (to the recruits) – Stand in formation, offspring! You are now in the elite ranks of the Order of the Iron Shield and Sword; His Majesty the King’s! Step, more precisely! One, Two!
Meanwhile, the sun slowly rises above the hill…
The first day…
The key turns in the lock, the door opens. Victoria enters.
Versachka (jumping with joy) – Who’s there! Who’s there!? I’m so happy! Please, take me outside! I really need it!
Victoria – Don’t bark at me! And stop getting underfoot! Wait, didn’t we just go for a walk?
Victoria tosses some new items onto the common pile, except for one.
Victoria (trying it on) – Not bad! Not bad!
Versachka – Please, take me outside!
Victoria – Stop barking! What do you need? (to herself) Not bad! Right on time! (to Versachka) Where’s the leash? Let’s find it!
Versachka – Hooray!
Victoria and Versachka search for the leash in the clutter.
Versachka – Found it, here!
Hastily, Victoria puts on the leash.
Victoria (putting it on) – Don’t squirm, don’t squirm, I said, don’t yelp! Let’s go!
Victoria and Versachka go outside.
Town Crier (on the hill) – Henceforth, in the kingdom, valor and order prevail! For the tranquility of His Majesty’s subjects, a royal decree has added a new generation of unformed and fresh-faced youth to the king’s guard! Patriotic education of the youth is paramount! With sword and shield! With sword and shield! Hail to the king!
Tesya and Victoria’s Husband enter.
Victoria’s Husband – We’re home! She went out again and didn’t lock the door…
Tesya mumbles indistinctly.
Victoria’s Husband (takes off his scarf) – Take the rest off yourself! You’re grown up now. Put it somewhere, Mom will come and sort it all out herself.
Tesya – Where’s Mom?
Victoria’s Husband (takes off extra clothes) – I’m wondering the same thing!
Versachka and Victoria return from their walk.
Tesya – Versachka!!! Versachka!!!
Victoria – Hold on! Versachka wriggles out of Victoria’s grasp and jumps into Tesya’s arms.
Tesya – Versachka’s good! Versachka’s good!!!
Versachka – I missed you so much!!!
Victoria – Can’t you see that his paws are dirty!? (to Versachka) Sit!
Victoria approaches Versachka in her outdoor shoes.
Victoria – What are you looking at? Give me a cloth!
Victoria wipes Versachka’s paws.
Victoria – Stop squirming, for goodness’ sake!
Tesya – But Dad said…
Victoria’s Husband – Weren’t you taught to lock the doors when you leave the house?
Victoria – And where’s the “hello, my beloved”?
Victoria’s Husband – I’m tired of you never thinking about anything!
Victoria – Calm down!
Victoria’s Husband – You know very well that thefts and looting have increased… You know what time it is!
Victoria – Say it louder! Our neighbors are deaf! (loudly) Thanks to our king for order and tranquility!
To her husband: See how smart your wife is! That’s right!
She takes one of the items from the fresh pile.
Victoria’s Husband – Not bad! What’s the occasion?
Victoria – It’s time to pay attention to that photo in the corner!
Victoria’s Husband – Oh, I completely forgot! What can I do…
Victoria – Give me the money; I haven’t paid for it yet!
Victoria’s Husband – Aren’t we drowning in debt? Look around, there’s no space left… Is it really necessary right now? Fine, dear! (hands over the money) Don’t be surprised later…
Victoria – Alright, I’m going! Wait until evening!
Victoria leaves.
Victoria’s Husband (trying it on) – I wonder, why do I need this?… Well, never mind.
He tosses the new item onto the common pile and goes into another room.
Versachka – How was your day, Tesya!?
Tesya – I’ll share with you how my day went!
Versachka – How’s your schooling?
Tesya – It’s boring to study, of course… If only you could come with me, it would be much more fun! Only you understand me, Versachka! Come here, I’ll hug you! I feel like I’m not needed by anyone…
Versachka – Sweet, sweet Tesya! Don’t be sad! It’s just tough right now, but everything will get better, you’ll see… I need you! I love you very much!
Tesya (laughs) – Don’t wiggle, don’t wiggle, Versachka! You know I’m scared of tickles!
Meanwhile, outside, the windows and small lanterns on the walls of the kingdom’s houses light up.
Town Crier (on the hill) – Royal decree! Due to the challenging situation on our borders, a curfew is imposed! Violators will be detained by our valiant guards for further investigation of all circumstances and will be punished in accordance with the laws of our kingdom! Hail to the king!
The First Evening…
Tesya is drawing with colored pencils on white paper, and Versachka sits nearby. Victoria’s husband comes out of the neighboring room.
Tesya – Daddy, daddy, look!
Victoria’s Husband – Oh my, what’s this?
Tesya – I drew it myself!
Victoria’s Husband – But it’s winter… And your tree is green, and these… colorful leaves?
Tesya – I just thought…
Victoria’s Husband (weary, almost indifferent) – Haven’t they told you that an artist shouldn’t think? They, my dear, should reflect the truth and the reality that uplifts fundamental things in the eyes of the beholder, like love for the kingdom, respect for the law, labor… the