) Why isn’t she here? She said she’d come to say goodbye… We agreed…
OLGA. Who?
MICHAEL. Galya…
OLGA. Galya, who?
MICHAEL. Galya…You talked with her for a long time at our laboratory reception last spring…
OLGA. Oh, I remember her… She was so enthusiastic her work… Papa, the doctor said you haven’t slept since you arrived here… You must lay back and sleep…
MICHAEL. I’ll rest when I find Galya… It’s really important, I have to talk. With her…
OLGA. And then you will rest?
MICHAEL. When she comes I’ll rest… This is my final dissuasion…
OLGA. Do you promise me to rest then?
MICHAEL. Yes, I do…
OLGA. OK…
(Long Pause. OLGA starts gently talking as if she were Galya. She change her voice deeper and sexier)
Michail Mironovich! Hello, hello!It’s me… Galya. At last I found you! They changed your train track at the last minute. How are you?
MICHAEL (Jumps to sitting and shakes Olga’s hand). Gallochka! Finally! (Pause) I have something very important to say to you. Listen carefully…
OLGA. (Galya’s voice). Mikhail Mironovich I understand, but first you must lie back.
MIKHAEL. (Mikhael lies back down) Galochka! Finally! (Pause) Listen carefully… All right but listen, 1 am going to Paris… But… 1 have to tell you…
OLGA (Galya’s voice). Michael Mironovich, I understand, but first you must lie back…
MICHAEL (lies back down). I’m going to Paris… But I have to tell you, I’ll be back…
OLGA. I know, you will be back…
MICHAEL. But I have to tell you I won’t be coming back to you…
OLGA (in her own voice shocked). Papa! What are you saying?
MICHAEL. Olga! When did you come back? I was talking to Galya… Galochka! Galochka! Where are you? (jumping up) Where are my shoes? I have to find her… Please give me my shoes, (The oxygen tubes fall from Michael’s nose. Olga tries to hold Michael on the bed)
OLGA. Papa, please, lie back… you don’t need shoes you’re in the hospital… Your oxygen has fallen out…
MICHAEL (resisting). I won’t lie down until I explain more to Galochka! Get out of my way! Call her back! I have more to explain… Where is she?
OLGA (switching to Galya’s voice with an edge). Michael Mironovich…
MICHAEL. Galochka, why are you so formal? You call me Misha…
OLGA. Here are many strangers, your fellow workers…
MICHAEL. You’re right… No one need know… Let me have your hand…
(Olga extends her hand)
Your hands are always so warm so soft. I love to hold them and kiss them…
(He tries to kiss Olga’s hand)
OLGA. Misha, not now… not the right place…
