Echo Park, by night. The neighborhood is illuminated with street lamps and garlands. Alice is ringing a house bell. She’s dressed casually and loosy, far from her daily-life high femininity. Her eyes are inflated, as if she spent a lot of time crying. She breathes heavily, shivers. It seems to be cold outside.

Papi opens the door. She looks Alice, with a mix of kindness and pity in her eyes. She wears a white warm pajama and her hair is down.

Papi : “ – Still nothing from her ?”

Alice nods with a slow movement of her eyelids. Papi sketches a sad smile.

Papi : “Come in, Alicia”. She’s wrapping her arm around her and leads her into her house.

Alice sits on the bed while Papi’s coming back from the kitchen, bringing her some tea. She lights candles on her little virgin altar, watching Alice passing her hands on her face. She bursts into tears. Papi comes next to her and takes her in her arms. 

Papi : “I’m sure she’s fine. And if she’s not, she will fight. For you, for those she loves. She’s a survivor, she’s literally the most courageous and strong person that I know.”

Alice : “I didn’t even tell her this. I can’t get through this. I’m feeling like she’s in pain. I prefer to be stuck around TV reports about this fucking military stuff.. It’s like I want to convince myself I will never see her again… it’s done, Papi, it’s so fucking done (her voice gets higher and higher, she cries more and more).

Papi : – Don’t say that, sweetheart. Just keep in your mind the image of her, living, dreaming and laughing. You need to fight as much as she does for you. You already did it…

Alice, crying : – they killed her, Papi… They killed my wife, they killed our life, they ruined… (she breathes more and more highly, starting to convulse).

Papi is taking away all the things on the bed and get closer to her. She hugs her strongly, whispers kind and reassuring words.

Papi : “I’m here, Alicia. I’m here. I’ll always be here, to yell at you when you’re doing bullshit with my girl Tasha. But you also know I’ll always be here to support you. I’ll help you get through this. I’ll help you, nena. (a silence).