Two Women

One act play

A play by

El Sayed Hafez

Translated by

Ahmed Reda

A living room, out side door and a Kitchen door located to the right of the stage and to the left a bedroom, Bath room door with cosmetics scattered in the Bed room and a cupboard.

(Saneya enters holding the breakfast tray, She puts it on a table in the living room)

Saneya : Come on Hoda ;

Hoda : ( from within) coming in a minute .

Saneya : You're always late for work as usual.

Hoda : coming (from within)

Saneya : Tea is ready.

Hoda : (enters) O.K.. Here I am

Saneya : O.K.. O.K.., where have you been ?

Hoda : Here I'm (she sits in front of her to eat) Have your breakfast. Saneya>
I wonder why you did you quit your work as long as you are so interested in it?

Saneya : The same old story!

Hoda : You should have been a manager general by now.

Saneya : Are you Kidding , you will be fed up with your work and yourself as well.

Hoda : What horrible words, ...

Saneya : What are you saying .

Hoda : I'm Just saying that I'm in good terms with all my fellows.

Saneya : The plumber must come and fix the taps.

Hoda : Tell Soliman to call to him or to fetch us another good one to fix them.

Saneya : ( sitting while eating) when you start your work, you'll be happy but afterwards you'll feel that the work is like a grave and meaningless Also, the people around you ......

Hoda : ( interrupting) What about tea ...

Saneya : (going on with what she was saying) You'll find out the truth about others, but it'll be too late.

Hoda : What do you mean ?

Saneya : That's your problem, you need a great deal of time to find out the truth.

Hoda : That's not the problem .

Saneya : No, it is.

Hoda : (talks to herself ) you mean , Moustafa, I know you.

Saneya : ( she hears the barking of a dog ) noisy dog.

Hoda : What?

Saneya : Don't you hear its voice .. (the dog is still barking) It's our neighbours' dog.

Hoda : I can't hear anything . I'm leaving . ( she walks towards a door but she comes back) Saneya , I might be late today, so don't wait for me at lunch.

Saneya : Why ?

Hoda : I may go to Sherifa after work and I'll have lunch with her .

Saneya : Who is Sherifa ?

Hoda : Sherifa Ahmed Abou El Ela Al Manzalawy my colleague.

Saneya : Sherifa Ahmed Abou El Ela Al Manzalawy, didn't I tell you several times not to have contact with this Sherifa .

Hoda : She is a very good girl .

Saneya : You don't know how to judge people.

Hoda : She is my colleague.

Saneya : She is not good.

Hoda : She is a very good girl and I know her well.

Saneya : No you don't know her.

Hoda : Yes , I do know her well.

Saneya : She and her family are not good people.

Hoda : No she has been raised among a good family.

Saneya : I'm your elder sister and I know people better than you do .

Hoda : Are you still angry with her father.

Saneya : Her father .. I don't care about him a bit .

Hoda : Don't say bad things about him because he could have been your husband.

Saneya : I refused his proposal.

Hoda : He didn't show up on the day of your engagement and I still remember that.

Saneya : His proposal didn't come to my mind absolutely.

Hoda : No you were waiting for him and you put on your blue dress where you fixed a white rose and went to the hair. dresser on the occasion I also remember that the heel of your shoes broke and you said that it was a bad omen.

Saneya : All these details are lies. I didn't have a blue gown and I didn't fix a white rose ...

Hoda : (interrupting) All right I'll show you that I'm true (she hurries).

Saneya : Don't break my privacy and let me alone.

Hoda : So, you admit that you were waiting for him.

Saneya : No.

Hoda : Didn't you have a blue gown for the engagement ?

Saneya : No.

Hoda :He didn't show up that day and we all waited for him, you, myself and our parents May God have mercy on their souls .

Saneya : No.

Hoda :The door bell rang at 11, 30 P.M.

Saneya : That's not true.. that's not true.

Hoda : I opened the door and we were all standing but unfortunately we found the ambulance men asking for a woman having a baby as a crazy man gave them our address.

( The two sisters burst in laughter and hug each other)

( Knocking on the door )

Hoda : It might be Soliman . ( opens the door )

Soliman : Good morning .

Hoda : Good morning . excuse me ( goes out )

( Soliman is a 70 years old man carrying a basket full of food )

Saneya : Did you bring the bread ?

Soliman : Yes .

Saneya : What about the Tomatoes .

Soliman : I brought it .

Saneya : And the lettuce .

Soliman : I brought it .

Saneya : Did you forget the vegetables ?

Soliman : No . ( coughing )

Saneya : What is wrong with you ?

Soliman : It appears that I have caught cold .

Saneya : Take care of your health .

Soliman : God's willing . Insha Allah .

Saneya : Don't just say God's willing you must go to the doctor .

Soliman : I'll do .

Saneya : How are your children ?

Soliman : Fine , thank God ( coughing )

Saneya : You're an old man and you must take care of your health .

Soliman : All right .

Saneya : Don't forget to bring cheese and fruits at night .

Soliman : All right .

Saneya : Whatever I tell you anything, you say All right, you're very strange kind of a man . where is your personality ?

Soliman : Do you need any thing else lady ?

Saneya : Why don't you argue with me ?

Soliman : I'll bring cheese and fruit at night .

( goes out )

Saneya : (takes the stuff and goes into the kitchen)

Hoda : (opens the door and goes in fast ) Saneya, Saneya .

Saneya : (comes out frightened ) What's wrong . What made you come home so early. you said you're going to be late as you'll go to the market .

Hoda : Guess this telegram from whom? and on what occasion.

Saneya : You tell me .

Hoda : Your uncle is coming on Thursday and he sent us this telegram and we must ...

Saneya : ( interrupting ) What is it that we must do?

Hoda : We must go and get him .

Saneya : No, we don't have to .

Hoda : He is your uncle .

Saneya : No, he is not .

Hoda : Aren’t you my sister ?

Saneya : Yes .

Hoda : Then, he must be your uncle .

Saneya : No, he is not .

Hoda : I can't understand you .

Saneya : My uncle died .

Hoda : Do you have another uncle other than Fadel ?

Saneya : My uncle died . my uncle Fadel was ......

Hoda : Your uncle Fadel is coming . He was in America and he'll come back in his own plane with his fancy car .

Saneya : Your uncle Fadel Didn't ask about me when I was hit by a car ?. Where was he when we sent him letters years ago ?. I remember that we sent him more than 30 letters and 50 post cards and 20 telegrams .

Hoda : This in not the right time for such a talk. He's coming back anyway.

Saneya : Why ?

Hod : He is our uncle .

Saneya : No, he is not .

Hoda : He is all we've got .

Saneya : For you , not me . I don't want to see his face .

Hoda : He was kind .

Saneya : Was he .?

Hoda : He used to hold our hands and run with us along the sea shore when we were young .

Saneya : That was a very love time ago .

Hoda : He used to call you the most beautiful and call me the best of girls. No, he called me the most beautiful and you the best of girls .

Saneya : That was in the very early past .

Hoda : He used to give you sweets and get me caramel and peanuts .

Saneya : That all was in the past . What about now ?. That was 20 years ago.

Hoda : ( her voice expresses sadness ) We need him now .

Saneya : We don’t need anybody . I’m Providing you with all your needs .

Hoda : He is our uncle and an uncle is a father .

Saneya : You sound just like your mother .

Hoda : Don't mention our late mother, May God have mercy on her soul .

Saneya : You're diving me crazy . What about going out to the Sales ? I think that's better .

Hoda : No, I'll go to bed ( enters her room )

(the door bell rings)

Saneya : ( goes to open the door ) ( finds Soliman ) (Soliman carries a basket )

Saneya : Soliman .

Soliman : Yes .

Saneya : Have you brought the salad , tomatoes and the other vegetables.

Soliman : I brought the salad, tomatoes but no vegetables .

Saneya : But I asked you to buy us vegetables .

Soliman : No, you said fruit.

Saneya : You Always forget things.

Soliman : Come to the store yourself and take what you want .

Saneya : Come to the store ! what are you doing then?

Soliman : I'm leaving .

Hod : (comes out of her room) thank you Soliman , you can go now .

Soliman : good bye (goes out)

Saneya : when I'm talking to you don't leave (he opens the door and leaves while she is shouting).

Soliman : get the vegetables do you understand (goes to the window). Don't be late.

Hoda : Why are you shouting ? what's wrong ?

Saneya : Can,t you see what he is doing ?

Hoda : What's wrong with him .?

Saneya : I say to him "did you bring the vegetables?" and he says "come and get it yourself " . It is his responsibility because he is a man.

Hoda : (laughing). is he your husband .?

Saneya : What ?

Hoda : I mean that he doesn't work for us.

Saneya : But we get all our things from him .

Hoda : He has a supermarket and that does not mean that he must bring his merchandise to every customer at this flat .

Saneya : We are not customers.

Hoda : I want to tell you something but don't be angry .

Saneya : Out with it.

Hoda : Sometimes I feel that you treat Soliman as if he were your husband .

Saneya : Shut up girl .

Hoda : And sometimes I feel that you treat him as if he is your father .

Saneya : This man, my father !!

Hoda : Choose one of them .

Saneya : You're going too far . I don't allow you .

Hoda : And sometimes I feel that he is the man that protects you from the world . He gets your things from the market and he fulfills all your needs .

Saneya : He is an old forgetful man and always he lets the garden door open .

Hoda : (talking to herself ) The sole and only man in your life is Soliman and you fight with him and make him angry .

Saneya : No, It is not what you think .

Hoda : It's the truth .

Saneya : You must be crazy .

Hoda : When our uncle comes back every thing will change .

Saneya : ( mocking ) How ?

Hoda : He may take us to America with him .

Saneya : Then ...

Hoda : He should be married by now .

Saneya : Suppose he got married. It is nothing of our concern .

Hoda : He must have children .

Saneya : It is his own business. go and prepare lunch for us .

Hoda : I'm not hungry now. Suppose he told us that he is coming to take us with him to America .

Saneya : Take us where !

Hoda : To America .

Saneya : What about our house, shall we leave it ?

Hoda : Are you calling this thing a house .

Saneya : Yes it is . What do you want me to call it .

Hoda : A prison .

Saneya : A prison, your father's house is a prison . The house where we have been raised up, the house that protects us from everybody is a prison .

Hoda : Yes, prison, I call it a prison .

Saneya : This wide house is a prison !! There are many people who wish to live in a house like that .

Hoda : When I say a prison , I don't mean being small. I mean that living in this house has become tasteless .

Saneya : This house, A prison. This house protects us and each night spent in it is full of life and good taste .

Hoda : I stopped dreaming since our parents died. The first night for me to dream was when the telegram came yesterday. Do you know what does it mean ?. It means that your uncle still remembers us, we are still inside him. Our names and our address; that means that he is coming to take us .

Saneya : And may be he is coming to stay with us .

Hoda : It doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is there is someone who cares for us.

Saneya : He may come and stay with us .

Hoda : What about that Saneya.

Saneya : Do you think that your uncle would help you to marry Mostafa ?

Hoda : (confused) Mostafa ?

Saneya : Yes.

Hoda : What's wrong with Mostafa ?

Saneya : He is a married man and he has children .

Hoda : I know that .

Saneya : Still, you love him, you're a loser

Hoda : The married man has got the right to marry again .

Saneya : His right .

Hoda : Yes . It is his right to remarry.

Saneya : Do you want to marry a man who is married and you're uncle is coming with a heart tired of travelling and time .

Hoda : I know that my uncle is an old man and I know that I can't have Mostafa. I Just Can't have him but my uncle may've a second chance (the phone rings Saneya goes to it )

Saneya : Hello , Hi Monira. What are you saying. Congratulations on what ? on the arrival of my uncle

Saneya : (looks at Hoda) Did Hoda tell you ?

Hoda : (Hoda frowns) I didn't say any thing .

Saneya : What !! Is it mentioned in the newspaper today ?

Hoda : Newspaper . (Hoda runs and grabs the phone)

Hoda : Yes, Monira, I'm Hoda. What does the newspaper say. Here is Saneya . (gives the phone back to Saneya).(she runs to get the paper) It is true that he sent us a telegram and we will make a party for him (Saneya hangs up) (Hoda takes the paper and reads it)

Hoda : The distinguished business man , Fadel Abd Al-Bakki will return to the country after being away a long time. (she gives the paper to Saneya).

(Saneya holds the paper calmly, sits and dials some phone numbers)

Saneya : Hello, The day Newspaper. I need to talk to someone who is responsible for the society page . Miss / Nadia Hasan is the editor. O.K. let me talk to her .

Hoda : What are you doing ?!

Saneya : Yes, Miss / Nadia, I need to inquire about the news that was published in toady's paper about Mr. Fadel ABd Al-Bakki . who told you about it? O.K. . thank you , Oh yes it is true. bye bye . (Saneya stands in silence and goes towards the table and holds a knife in her hand . Hoda walks behind her . Saneya cuts an apple and looks as if she would use the knife against Hoda)

Hoda : What is wrong ? who gave the item to the paper !

Saneya : My friend , Fatma Shawkey .

Hoda : Oh, really !

Saneya : Yes, really. She was with you in the morning. you mentioned something like that to me .

Hoda : I didn't know that she would spread it out like that . (the phone rings , she walks to it)

Hoda : Hello, Hi Eisha, may god bless you . Oh , yes, it is true, my uncle is coming

(lights are changed and the phone rings sequentially along the music)

Saneya : What do you think . the phone will never stop .

Hoda : Your uncle made us important people and made people ask about us .

Saneya : Hypocrites

Hoda : Why ?

Saneya : They think that he will make their dreams come true .

Hoda : Whose dream s (laughing)

Saneya : What are you laughing at ?

Hoda : What's your uncle got to do with people's dreams .

Saneya : What ?

Hoda : You mean your dreams .

Saneya : No .

Hoda : You mean their interests .

Saneya : People are running after their own interests , it is good that you realized that by now. you mustn't put much faith in the ideal picture you portrayed for people .

Hoda : Do you hate people that much ?

Saneya : They make me hate them .

Hoda : Why ?

Saneya : Do you remember when your father died . They stole us and took the factory. our father's partaer forged the papers and usurped
the factory . Money in the bank is the only thing we are living on . People know that this man is a thief .

Hoda : ..............

Saneya : People like to see blood and to see people crucified while they are smiling .

Hoda : Where is mercy and Sympathy .

Saneya : Sympathy was in the past when people used to inquire after each other and check on each other .

Hoda : No.

Saneya : Why not ?

Hoda : We don't have any thing that would make people call us . They call us because they love us .

Saneya : People are not angels my darling .

Hoda : But there is Goodness in people after all .

Saneya : People call your uncle and they think that he is a very rich man and that mean they can use that fact .

Hoda : You've got a point but ...

Saneya : They are either white or black and nothing else .

Hoda : Or gray. (the phone rings and Saneya goes towards the phone and she seems nervous)

Saneya : Hello, Yes I'm Saneya, oh, yes our uncle is coming on Thursday and today is Sunday . We don't know if he is married or not , has money or not, and we don't know anything about him .

(Hoda grabs the phone while trying to calm her)

Hoda : Give me the phone Saneya, yes Soliman, I'm Hoda. get us some eggs, potatoes and some onions but fast please . (she puts the phone and looks at Saneya who is crying)

Hoda : He's Soliman and not one of the hypocrites .

(Hoda and Saneya enter into bedroom , they sleep)

(darkness)

(Saneya wakes up and finds Hoda sitting)

Saneya : What's wrong ?

Hoda : Nothing I'm just worried, tired and afraid to asleep .

Saneya : Me too, I won't sleep .(sits in front of her)

Hoda : Suppose that your uncle was coming to get us.

Saneya : Not again Hoda, please .

Hoda : Just, suppose .

Saneya : I told you before that I won't leave this country with him or with any other person .

Hoda : Do you think that's right ?

Saneya : What's wrong about it .

Hoda : We need to see the world .

Saneya : People are people everywhere, they have the same good and evil .

Hoda : But the world is different out there .

Saneya : (stands up and look from the window) . The moon is the same, the sky is the same, everything is similar, Hoda, to a very big extent .

Hoda : Are you saying that there is no difference between America and here .

Saneya : Everything is equal to me, good, evil, honour, betrayal, day and night .

Hoda : Are you serious ?

Saneya : Yes .

Hoda : What happened to you ?

Saneya : I won't let your uncle or any other man to enter my life and try to destroy it.

Hoda : He is your uncle and not a stranger .

Saneya : (coming closer to her) ( waving the towel) Where was your uncle when we needed him . where was he when we were alone ?

Hoda : Don't be so nervous. (Saneya comes out of the room)(she takes a sip of water) (Hoda comes out after her)

Hoda : You're right. I dream too much . don't be angry with me . (kisses her head)

Saneya : I'm not angry but I'd like to say that nobody will take care of you like me and nobody will take care of me like you .

Hoda : I know that .

Saneya : Your father's partner took the factory from us by forged papers . what did your uncle do, nothing ,he just ran away .

Hoda : Don't forget that the accident of his wife happened in the same week.

Saneya : What are you talking about , people have accident every day but life goes on and does not stop .

Hoda : But she was a bride .

Saneya : And he was a bridegroom .

Hoda : You know that he was shocked .

Saneya : He ran away and left us alone against the world .

Hoda : He had to

Saneya : He may have an excuse but not to run away for the rest of his life.

Hoda : (surprisingly) Ran away all his life .

Saneya : He ran away with his life and spent it all .

Hoda : How is that ?

Saneya : He ran away while he was young and he is coming back when he is old

Hoda : Old !!

Saneya : Yes, I'm forty years now so your uncle must be 65 or 70 years and he is coming back in order to be with us and to take care of him .

Hoda : No.

Saneya : That's the truth . He is an old man who needs attention and care .

Hoda : No.

Saneya : That's the truth . Do you think that he'll be as young as he was before. May be he is an old sick man now, so he'll need our care and I can't be responsible for that . then you'll have to leave your work to take care of your uncle and then Mostafa will forget you and will start to look for another colleague to love .

Hoda : Who is she ?

Saneya : The new employee that'll replace you .

Hoda : You're crazy .

Saneya : Don't you believe me . grab the phone and call him but change your voice then you'll know that he doesn't care. let me speak to him

Saneya : (takes the phone) no, I don't want to hurt you . all men are the same and women too. they're full of energy and feeling .

Hoda : Can we go to bed ?

Saneya : Do you want us to sleep, we slept alot of time Night is a problem because it prevents the light, now and every time .

Hoda : I need to get out of your prison , your frustration, your doubts, your worries and your night mare .

Saneya : (claps her hands) Do you know that I was dreaming of you , me and your father . he was trying to prevent someone from strangling me. do you know that this woman was you .

Hoda : (frightened) Me. why should I do something like that .

Saneya : Because you want to get out of the prison . you said that this house is a prison. didn't you? if you want to go, do as you please .

(Saneya goes into her bedroom and Hoda sitting in the living room and turns off the lights)

Hoda : Even you Mostafa are married . the only man I loved and I hoped to live with, travel and have children from him, turned out to be married. (the door bell rings and she goes to the door scared and then opens it)

Hoda : Soliman, come on in .

Soliman : ( comes in holding a basket ) Congratulation Hoda .

Hoda : For what .

Soliman : For your uncle .

Hoda : Who told you ?

Soliman : Everybody knows .

Hoda : What alse do they say ?

Soliman : They say that your uncle is a very rich man in America and he has a big factory and wide ranches .

Hoda : Are you serious, do you know how does he look like ?

Soliman : Yes .

Hoda : (anxiously) I mean what are the people saying about him . is he still young or he is old. married or not . does he have children or not .

Soliman : I don't know .

Hoda : (holding him ) You have to know .

Soliman : I really don't know .

Hoda : Wait (goes inside . she goes to the living room and opens her case and gets some money) take five pounds Soliman .

Soliman : What is that ?

Hoda : It is for you .

Soliman : Why ?

Hoda : Because I want you to know everything and tell me about it .

Soliman : Everything about what ?

Hoda : About my uncle .

Soliman : Take your money back because I told you everything I know (gives her the money back)

Hoda : Are you angry

Soliman : No, I'm not angry .

Hoda : I need to know every thing Soliman .

Soliman : You'll know every thing in due time, take the basket and the things you wanted.

(He goes out and she goes to sleep)

(black out) (All lights are on)

(Saneya in the living room wipes the chairs and puts flowers in every corner of the house . she uses the electric Hoover) loud volume of the radio (she sings with the radio and places the furniture )

(Hoda opens the door and enters) She calls for Saneya but Saneya is singing

Hoda : (throws the case) You won't believe what happened today . The attorney of your father's partner called and he said he wants to give us back our share in the company . our share that he stole (Saneya doesn't respond, Hoda turns off the radio and she goes to the electricity buttons in order to make her listen)

Hoda : (puts her hands on her mouth) Listen to me and don't say a word .

Saneya : (takes Hoda's hands off her mouth) You're going to kill me .

Hoda : Listen to me.

Saneya : I know that your father's partner attorney has called you and told you to come and get your money back , but why now ?

Hoda : (surprised) Really why now!. Do you know why? Because he got afraid when he heard that your uncle is coming and he thought that my uncle would have some papers that might convict him .

Saneya : You're a fool (turns on the Hoover)

Hoda : Why ? Isn't it possible . why isn't it possible? Even Mostafa agreed to marry me when he heard that my uncle is coming . He told me that he'll buy me a house (she goes to shut off the Hoover)

Saneya : You fool . Mostafa heard that your uncle is coming and he is rich and he knows about your father's partner plan, so he wanted to get some money out of you .

Hoda : No .

Saneya : All right . when did he call you? didn't you tell him about the attorney who called you .

Hoda : Why are you trying to make every thing bad .

Saneya : Everything is bad already but sometimes we try to deceive ourselves .

Hoda : Why are you like that ? What are you ?

Saneya : I'm your sister

Hoda : You're evil .

Saneya : We are all evil .

Hoda : And what about your father's partner attorney.

Saneya : (goes to the newspaper and gives it to Hoda) Read it yourself .

Hoda : Read what !

Saneya : A kidney required for a sick businessman for any price in order to save his life. phone no. 836383 do you know that this number is the number of your father's partner . I called it and they told me that he is going to die.

Hoda : Do you mean that he is trying to amend his faults

Saneya : When a person is going to die, he sees the world differently .

Hoda : But Mostafa .

Saneya : Mostafa is exploiting you .

Hoda : You can't be serious ! You must be crazy .

Saneya : Being nothing is better and I want to be nothing and because of that I stopped reading long time ago .

Hoda : You'll never be able to help yourself besides you'll never be able to solve your problem .

Saneya : I know my problem .

Hoda : Which is

Saneya : You know it .

Hoda : know what ?

Saneya : I'm ugly . it is true . isn't .

Hoda : (confused) I didn't say that because the soul is the only thing that matters.

Saneya : (looking at the groom) I know . look at the groom . it is the same thing . it is good looking from the outside but it is filled with dirt from inside. the same thing with people .

Hoda : Do you mean me .

Saneya : You're too good to be true and I don't mean you. (Hoda goes to the kitchen and brings a hammer and a photograph of their parents)

Saneya : What is that?

Hoda : I'm going to hang this picture here (points to one of the rooms)

Saneya : why ?

Hoda : Because it'll be my uncle's room .

Saneya : Your uncle is going to sleep here .

Hoda : Yes, he must sleep here and you should ask him to .

Saneya : Is this true !

Hoda : He'll stay a day or two and then he will go any where he likes .

Saneya : Suppose he is married .

Hoda : There are plenty of rooms .

Saneya : Suppose he's got children .

Hoda : They can take the room downstairs .

Saneya : Suppose he take a room in a hotel .

Hoda : But we're not going to let him do that because we're going to take the suit cases from him and let them into our car .

Saneya : (grabs Hoda gently) You have a kind heart.

Hoda : You don't like what I am saying to you .

Saneya : The world has changed .

Hoda : Do you think that he's changed .

Saneya : Sure !!

Hoda : Which means !

Saneya : It means ....

Saneya : It means that I'm going to help with the room if I'm sure that he's going to go to a hotel

Hoda : You're going to persuade him .

Saneya : That is true .

Hoda : Yes, it is (A Note written on it a Tuesday) (Hoda enters and puts flowers in some corners in the place . Saneya a comes out of bath covering her hair with a towel)

Saneya : Why all these flowers.

Hoda : They are for Uncle .

Saneya : Do you know that I want him to come back.

Hoda : Why ?

Saneya : Because I want one of my dreams to come true .

Hoda : He is coming back.

Saneya : I want him to come back too . because I want to believe that dreams can come true. Do you know that you're father's partner said that your father wanted from him 250 pounds. he is unfair even when he's dying .

Hoda : ( laughing ) I thought that to he is going to give us back our money .

Saneya : I thought he was trying to make amends for his mistakes before he dies.

Hoda : He is a cheater .

Saneya : What did you tell Mostafa ?

Hoda : I told him exactly what you told me. I told him that he must come and speak with my uncle on Friday .

Saneya : What did he say ?

Hoda : He was very happy .

Saneya : You saw him like that or he was really happy .

Hoda : I saw him happy but what is the difference ?

Saneya : Nothing , nothing , go on . Some times I think you're stupid .

Hoda : (excited) I'm not stupid . I understand every thing .

Saneya : What is it that you understand .

Hoda : I understand that Mostafa wants me only because of my uncle's money . He thinks that I've got some money and he can take it .

Saneya : As long as you understand him like that, why do you still want to marry him.

Hoda : If we didn't do that , we're going to die, we're living in a bad age .

Saneya : (Holds her sister) You were hiding all these feelings .

Hoda : I had to and I'll always be like this .

Saneya : You're right . stay like this .

( the phone rings ) ( Hoda walks to it )

Hoda : Hello , yes , I can't hear you , who is it .

Saneya : Who is it ?

Hoda : Are you my uncle ?

Saneya : ( Take the phone from her ) I want to talk to him .

Hoda : Who are you. ( looking to Saneya ) my uncle's secretary, what is your name?

Saneya : What ?

Hoda : He'll be here on Thursday . We'll be waiting for him . yes , yes. How did you get our number Hello, Hello. He hung up .

(Looking to Saneya) I wanted to ask him what's my uncle look like. I wanted him to send me a photo. I wanted to know if he is going to be with us or will go to a hotel. I wanted to tell him that he must come and stay with us . I wanted him to bring his wife and children so as to be a big family. Didn't you want to say anything to him Saneya .

Saneya : I wanted to ask the secretary about his name?

( they laugh ) ( exit )

( A paper written on it Wednesday )

( the door rings . Hoda goes to the door and opens it to find Soliman )

Soliman : Good morning .

Hoda : Good morning .

Soliman : Here you are .

Hoda : ( takes the bags off him ) thank you .

Soliman : ( take this ) ( gives her an envelope ).

Hoda : What is it ? a letter ?

Soliman : No, it is an invitation .

Hoda : (Gives him the bags and opens the envelope)

Soliman : It is an invitation for my son's wedding .

Hoda : Your son Soliman .

Soliman : ( laughs ) No Soliman has been married a long time ago and he has by now four children.

Hoda : Is it your daughter's wedding ?

Soliman : My daughter also is married . It is the wedding of my youngest son .

Hoda : Youngest ?

Soliman : Yes .

Hoda : How old is he ?

Soliman : 19 years .

Hoda : What ( she takes the bags and gives him the invitation )

Soliman : What's wrong. I wish that you and your sister can come to my son's wedding .

Hoda : Are you crazy to let your son marry at this age.

Soliman : Why ?

Hoda : Can't you wait for him to finish his university studies?

Soliman : ( laughs) university. He's working in contracting and constructions .

Hoda : How can he manage the responsibility of a house at that age .

Soliman : Please, take the invitation .

Hoda : ( takes it as if it is something played and throws it on the table ) . give it to me.

Soliman : May God save you and good luck to you .

Hoda : I'm too young for such talk .

Soliman : Young ; you're a grown up woman and there's a man out there for you and your sister too .

Hoda : ( stands up, amazed ) ( playback ) I'm 29 years now Soliman and I say that I'm 19 . My sister is 39 years old but she says 29., That all are lies but we're starting to believe it .

Soliman : Please, come to the wedding .

Hoda : When ?

Soliman : Tomorrow . Thursday .

Hoda : Thursday !

Soliman : Yes .

Hoda : No, we can't because our uncle'll come tomorrow .

Soliman : Then come for five minutes .

Hoda : No. He is my uncle who's coming from America .

Soliman : ( laughing) I know but please come five minutes before it and then go to the airport .

Hoda : What do you think about the flat now Soliman . Isn't it nice that way .

Soliman : Yes, It's beautiful and your taste is good May God make you happy .

Hoda : Thank you.

Soliman : Not at all . bye bye .

Hoda : Good bye ( she closes the door and puts the bag on the table ) ( Hoda Holds the invitation and goes to Saneya .)

Saneya : What is that ?

Hoda : It is an invitation .

Saneya : invitation for what ?

Hoda : Soliman's son will get married . They are ignorant people . They don't have any sense of responsibility.

Saneya : (talks to herself ) Why do you call them ignorant Hoda, why are you lying to your self and to me ?

Hoda : I told him that we can't come because our uncle will arrive tomorrow . Don't you think it is better that way .

Saneya : Yes it is .

Hoda : ( talks to herself ) I know that you want to go to the wedding .

Saneya : I called at work and told them that I'm not coming .

Hoda : They all know that today and tomorrow , we won't go to work .

Saneya : Why ?

Hoda : Because of your uncle .

Saneya : Take these things to the kitchen .

Hoda : What do you want to eat today ?

Saneya : Anything , anything .

Hoda : Come and help me there .

Saneya : All right ( they go into the kitchen )

( Black out )

( the stage lights are on, the two sisters are sitting in the living room and watching a foreign series, the star is a dog).

Hoda : I want to say something .

Saneya : Say it .

Hoda : What do you think about buying a dog .

Saneya : A dog !!

Hoda : Yes , we can care for it and It may protect the house .

Saneya : What about the disposals of this dog .

Hoda : No, we'll teach it .

Saneya : Who will teach it .

Hoda : Me .

Saneya : All right .

Hoda : So , you don't mined .

Saneya : You've strange thoughts, when you watch a series and there is a dog in it, you want to buy a dog .

Hoda : I wanted to do that long time ago .

Saneya : A dog !!

Hoda : Yes .

Saneya : Sometimes, you say strange things .

Hoda : Not very strange .

Saneya : All right , buy a dog but after we meet your uncle .

Hoda : May be your uncle will bring a dog with him.

Saneya : Let's go to bed . Tomorrow is Thursday .

Hoda : I want to sleep too . Let's go .

( lights come back to the stage gradually in a circle until the spot light is widened)

( A big sign written on it Thursday)

(Saneya appears calling)

Saneya : Hoda - Hoda - Hoda ( she looks for her) where did she go ( she goes to the window)What are you doing in the garden .. Hoda.

Hoda : I'm watering the plants ( voice from outside )

Saneya : Leave the plants and come here ( she sits ) Hoda is crazy .

Hoda : (comes in dirty clothes) I'm almost finished.

Saneya : Leave all that and come here beside me .

Hoda : What happened, what's going on ?

Saneya : You must be crazy . you're watering the plants and wearing Jeans . Do you think yourself in America .

Hoda : I love America .

Saneya : America is not here .

Hoda : Do you want our uncle's wife to say that our garden is dirty .

Saneya : Where is the gardener, he is the one responsible for it

Hoda : He hasn't come for three days .

Saneya : Go change and prepare the breakfast .

Hoda : I don't want to .

Saneya : How come .

Hoda : Our uncle'll come and then we'll eat .

Saneya : You're uncle is coming at 11. 00 and now it is 7 it'll be long time .

Hoda : Let's go to the airport .

Saneya : It is too early .

Hoda : Why do you want us to go late .

Saneya : Did you call Soliman to bring us the food .

Hoda : Soliman's is closed to day .

Saneya : Why ?

Hoda : It is his son's wedding day .

Saneya : I forgot all about that .

Hoda : You're forgetting too much these days .

Saneya : Let's go to the market .

Hoda : No, let's go to the airport .

( lights are off and a spot light on the two sisters )

( a voice of a plane , noise , The airport . )

The voice of the announcer : ( the announcer of the airport.)The plane from New York has arrived .

Hoda : It has arrived .

Saneya : Has it .

Hoda : ( goes to a sign at the left of the stage written on it information ) Can I check a name that is coming from New York . Thanks. His name is Fadel Shaiekh, yes. There is no such name on board. Please check again, and again, what is wrong with you .

Saneya : What is going on .

Hoda : He says there is no such name

Saneya : May be he changed his name and went home ahead of us.

Hoda : May be . let's go home .

( Signs disappear, lights are on, they open the door and go in )

Hoda : There is no body here .

Saneya : No body has seen him .

Hoda : There must be something wrong .

Saneya : We must call our embassy in Washington .

Hoda : That's right .

Saneya : Right ( they go to the phone ) please can you give me the phone number of ministry of foreign affairs .

( The clock is ticking and lights are out and they sit beside the phone )

Hoda : Do you think that the embassy will call .

Saneya : The ambassador answered me that he'll call

Hoda : Will he get back to us .

Saneya : Yes, he will .

Hoda : What time is it now .

Saneya : It's 7 O'clock. How much time had passed .

Hoda : 6 Hours . Saneya He'll call back . He is an ambassador (the phone rings)

Saneya : Hello, yes. Washington , your excellency, yes his name is Fadel Shaiekh. what are you saying ( she drops the handset )

Hoda : What is wrong with my uncle .

(A hard voice , play back ) Fadel Shaiekh has been dead for five years . It is a heavy Joke .

( the two sisters sit down ) the door bell rings

( Hoda opens the door )

Soliman : Good evening .

Hoda : Good evening .

Soliman : Are you coming with me to the wedding, I'll take you even against your will and my daughter's mother in law is outside and she is waiting for you .

Hoda : Soliman .

Soliman : Yes .

Hoda : Do you know from where can I buy a dog .

Soliman : A dog ..!!!

Saneya : We are coming to the wedding with you Soliman as long as you came to take us.

( The wedding music as they walk out and along there are voices of dogs )

( Curtain )

Hoda : What's your uncle got to do with people's dreams .

Saneya : What ?

Hoda : You mean your dreams .

Saneya : No .

Hoda : You mean their interests .

Saneya : People are running after their own interests , it is good that you realized that by now. you mustn't put much faith in the ideal picture you portrayed for people .

Hoda : Do you hate people that much ?

Saneya : They make me hate them .

Hoda : Why ?

Saneya : Do you remember when your father died . They stole us and took the factory. our father's partaer forged the papers and usurped
the factory . Money in the bank is the only thing we are living on . People know that this man is a thief .

Hoda : ..............

Saneya : People like to see blood and to see people crucified while they are smiling .

Hoda : Where is mercy and Sympathy .

Saneya : Sympathy was in the past when people used to inquire after each other and check on each other .

Hoda : No.

Saneya : Why not ?

Hoda : We don't have any thing that would make people call us . They call us because they love us .

Saneya : People are not angels my darling .

Hoda : But there is Goodness in people after all .

Saneya : People call your uncle and they think that he is a very rich man and that mean they can use that fact .

Hoda : You've got a point but ...

Saneya : They are either white or black and nothing else .

Hoda : Or gray. (the phone rings and Saneya goes towards the phone and she seems nervous)

Saneya : Hello, Yes I'm Saneya, oh, yes our uncle is coming on Thursday and today is Sunday . We don't know if he is married or not , has money or not, and we don't know anything about him .

(Hoda grabs the phone while trying to calm her)

Hoda : Give me the phone Saneya, yes Soliman, I'm Hoda. get us some eggs, potatoes and some onions but fast please . (she puts the phone and looks at Saneya who is crying)

Hoda : He's Soliman and not one of the hypocrites .

(Hoda and Saneya enter into bedroom , they sleep)

(darkness)

(Saneya wakes up and finds Hoda sitting)

Saneya : What's wrong ?

Hoda : Nothing I'm just worried, tired and afraid to asleep .

Saneya : Me too, I won't sleep .(sits in front of her)

Hoda : Suppose that your uncle was coming to get us.

Saneya : Not again Hoda, please .

Hoda : Just, suppose .

Saneya : I told you before that I won't leave this country with him or with any other person .

Hoda : Do you think that's right ?

Saneya : What's wrong about it .

Hoda : We need to see the world .

Saneya : People are people everywhere, they have the same good and evil .

Hoda : But the world is different out there .

Saneya : (stands up and look from the window) . The moon is the same, the sky is the same, everything is similar, Hoda, to a very big extent .

Hoda : Are you saying that there is no difference between America and here .

Saneya : Everything is equal to me, good, evil, honour, betrayal, day and night .

Hoda : Are you serious ?

Saneya : Yes .

Hoda : What happened to you ?

Saneya : I won't let your uncle or any other man to enter my life and try to destroy it.

Hoda : He is your uncle and not a stranger .

Saneya : (coming closer to her) ( waving the towel) Where was your uncle when we needed him . where was he when we were alone ?

Hoda : Don't be so nervous. (Saneya comes out of the room)(she takes a sip of water) (Hoda comes out after her)

Hoda : You're right. I dream too much . don't be angry with me . (kisses her head)

Saneya : I'm not angry but I'd like to say that nobody will take care of you like me and nobody will take care of me like you .

Hoda : I know that .

Saneya : Your father's partner took the factory from us by forged papers . what did your uncle do, nothing ,he just ran away .

Hoda : Don't forget that the accident of his wife happened in the same week.

Saneya : What are you talking about , people have accident every day but life goes on and does not stop .

Hoda : But she was a bride .

Saneya : And he was a bridegroom .

Hoda : You know that he was shocked .

Saneya : He ran away and left us alone against the world .

Hoda : He had to

Saneya : He may have an excuse but not to run away for the rest of his life.

Hoda : (surprisingly) Ran away all his life .

Saneya : He ran away with his life and spent it all .

Hoda : How is that ?

Saneya : He ran away while he was young and he is coming back when he is old

Hoda : Old !!

Saneya : Yes, I'm forty years now so your uncle must be 65 or 70 years and he is coming back in order to be with us and to take care of him .

Hoda : No.

Saneya : That's the truth . He is an old man who needs attention and care .

Hoda : No.

Saneya : That's the truth . Do you think that he'll be as young as he was before. May be he is an old sick man now, so he'll need our care and I can't be responsible for that . then you'll have to leave your work to take care of your uncle and then Mostafa will forget you and will start to look for another colleague to love .

Hoda : Who is she ?

Saneya : The new employee that'll replace you .

Hoda : You're crazy .

Saneya : Don't you believe me . grab the phone and call him but change your voice then you'll know that he doesn't care. let me speak to him

Saneya : (takes the phone) no, I don't want to hurt you . all men are the same and women too. they're full of energy and feeling .

Hoda : Can we go to bed ?

Saneya : Do you want us to sleep, we slept alot of time Night is a problem because it prevents the light, now and every time .

Hoda : I need to get out of your prison , your frustration, your doubts, your worries and your night mare .

Saneya : (claps her hands) Do you know that I was dreaming of you , me and your father . he was trying to prevent someone from strangling me. do you know that this woman was you .

Hoda : (frightened) Me. why should I do something like that .

Saneya : Because you want to get out of the prison . you said that this house is a prison. didn't you? if you want to go, do as you please .

(Saneya goes into her bedroom and Hoda sitting in the living room and turns off the lights)

Hoda : Even you Mostafa are married . the only man I loved and I hoped to live with, travel and have children from him, turned out to be married. (the door bell rings and she goes to the door scared and then opens it)

Hoda : Soliman, come on in .

Soliman : ( comes in holding a basket ) Congratulation Hoda .

Hoda : For what .

Soliman : For your uncle .

Hoda : Who told you ?

Soliman : Everybody knows .

Hoda : What alse do they say ?

Soliman : They say that your uncle is a very rich man in America and he has a big factory and wide ranches .

Hoda : Are you serious, do you know how does he look like ?

Soliman : Yes .

Hoda : (anxiously) I mean what are the people saying about him . is he still young or he is old. married or not . does he have children or not .

Soliman : I don't know .

Hoda : (holding him ) You have to know .

Soliman : I really don't know .

Hoda : Wait (goes inside . she goes to the living room and opens her case and gets some money) take five pounds Soliman .

Soliman : What is that ?

Hoda : It is for you .

Soliman : Why ?

Hoda : Because I want you to know everything and tell me about it .

Soliman : Everything about what ?

Hoda : About my uncle .

Soliman : Take your money back because I told you everything I know (gives her the money back)

Hoda : Are you angry

Soliman : No, I'm not angry .

Hoda : I need to know every thing Soliman .

Soliman : You'll know every thing in due time, take the basket and the things you wanted.

(He goes out and she goes to sleep)

(black out) (All lights are on)

(Saneya in the living room wipes the chairs and puts flowers in every corner of the house . she uses the electric Hoover) loud volume of the radio (she sings with the radio and places the furniture )

(Hoda opens the door and enters) She calls for Saneya but Saneya is singing

Hoda : (throws the case) You won't believe what happened today . The attorney of your father's partner called and he said he wants to give us back our share in the company . our share that he stole (Saneya doesn't respond, Hoda turns off the radio and she goes to the electricity buttons in order to make her listen)

Hoda : (puts her hands on her mouth) Listen to me and don't say a word .

Saneya : (takes Hoda's hands off her mouth) You're going to kill me .

Hoda : Listen to me.

Saneya : I know that your father's partner attorney has called you and told you to come and get your money back , but why now ?

Hoda : (surprised) Really why now!. Do you know why? Because he got afraid when he heard that your uncle is coming and he thought that my uncle would have some papers that might convict him .

Saneya : You're a fool (turns on the Hoover)

Hoda : Why ? Isn't it possible . why isn't it possible? Even Mostafa agreed to marry me when he heard that my uncle is coming . He told me that he'll buy me a house (she goes to shut off the Hoover)

Saneya : You fool . Mostafa heard that your uncle is coming and he is rich and he knows about your father's partner plan, so he wanted to get some money out of you .

Hoda : No .

Saneya : All right . when did he call you? didn't you tell him about the attorney who called you .

Hoda : Why are you trying to make every thing bad .

Saneya : Everything is bad already but sometimes we try to deceive ourselves .

Hoda : Why are you like that ? What are you ?

Saneya : I'm your sister

Hoda : You're evil .

Saneya : We are all evil .

Hoda : And what about your father's partner attorney.

Saneya : (goes to the newspaper and gives it to Hoda) Read it yourself .

Hoda : Read what !

Saneya : A kidney required for a sick businessman for any price in order to save his life. phone no. 836383 do you know that this number is the number of your father's partner . I called it and they told me that he is going to die.

Hoda : Do you mean that he is trying to amend his faults

Saneya : When a person is going to die, he sees the world differently .

Hoda : But Mostafa .

Saneya : Mostafa is exploiting you .

Hoda : You can't be serious ! You must be crazy .

Saneya : Being nothing is better and I want to be nothing and because of that I stopped reading long time ago .

Hoda : You'll never be able to help yourself besides you'll never be able to solve your problem .

Saneya : I know my problem .

Hoda : Which is

Saneya : You know it .

Hoda : know what ?

Saneya : I'm ugly . it is true . isn't .

Hoda : (confused) I didn't say that because the soul is the only thing that matters.

Saneya : (looking at the groom) I know . look at the groom . it is the same thing . it is good looking from the outside but it is filled with dirt from inside. the same thing with people .

Hoda : Do you mean me .

Saneya : You're too good to be true and I don't mean you. (Hoda goes to the kitchen and brings a hammer and a photograph of their parents)

Saneya : What is that?

Hoda : I'm going to hang this picture here (points to one of the rooms)

Saneya : why ?

Hoda : Because it'll be my uncle's room .

Saneya : Your uncle is going to sleep here .

Hoda : Yes, he must sleep here and you should ask him to .

Saneya : Is this true !

Hoda : He'll stay a day or two and then he will go any where he likes .

Saneya : Suppose he is married .

Hoda : There are plenty of rooms .

Saneya : Suppose he's got children .

Hoda : They can take the room downstairs .

Saneya : Suppose he take a room in a hotel .

Hoda : But we're not going to let him do that because we're going to take the suit cases from him and let them into our car .

Saneya : (grabs Hoda gently) You have a kind heart.

Hoda : You don't like what I am saying to you .

Saneya : The world has changed .

Hoda : Do you think that he's changed .

Saneya : Sure !!

Hoda : Which means !

Saneya : It means ....

Saneya : It means that I'm going to help with the room if I'm sure that he's going to go to a hotel

Hoda : You're going to persuade him .

Saneya : That is true .

Hoda : Yes, it is (A Note written on it a Tuesday) (Hoda enters and puts flowers in some corners in the place . Saneya a comes out of bath covering her hair with a towel)

Saneya : Why all these flowers.

Hoda : They are for Uncle .

Saneya : Do you know that I want him to come back.

Hoda : Why ?

Saneya : Because I want one of my dreams to come true .

Hoda : He is coming back.

Saneya : I want him to come back too . because I want to believe that dreams can come true. Do you know that you're father's partner said that your father wanted from him 250 pounds. he is unfair even when he's dying .

Hoda : ( laughing ) I thought that to he is going to give us back our money .

Saneya : I thought he was trying to make amends for his mistakes before he dies.

Hoda : He is a cheater .

Saneya : What did you tell Mostafa ?

Hoda : I told him exactly what you told me. I told him that he must come and speak with my uncle on Friday .

Saneya : What did he say ?

Hoda : He was very happy .

Saneya : You saw him like that or he was really happy .

Hoda : I saw him happy but what is the difference ?

Saneya : Nothing , nothing , go on . Some times I think you're stupid .

Hoda : (excited) I'm not stupid . I understand every thing .

Saneya : What is it that you understand .

Hoda : I understand that Mostafa wants me only because of my uncle's money . He thinks that I've got some money and he can take it .

Saneya : As long as you understand him like that, why do you still want to marry him.

Hoda : If we didn't do that , we're going to die, we're living in a bad age .

Saneya : (Holds her sister) You were hiding all these feelings .

Hoda : I had to and I'll always be like this .

Saneya : You're right . stay like this .

( the phone rings ) ( Hoda walks to it )

Hoda : Hello , yes , I can't hear you , who is it .

Saneya : Who is it ?

Hoda : Are you my uncle ?

Saneya : ( Take the phone from her ) I want to talk to him .

Hoda : Who are you. ( looking to Saneya ) my uncle's secretary, what is your name?

Saneya : What ?

Hoda : He'll be here on Thursday . We'll be waiting for him . yes , yes. How did you get our number Hello, Hello. He hung up .

(Looking to Saneya) I wanted to ask him what's my uncle look like. I wanted him to send me a photo. I wanted to know if he is going to be with us or will go to a hotel. I wanted to tell him that he must come and stay with us . I wanted him to bring his wife and children so as to be a big family. Didn't you want to say anything to him Saneya .

Saneya : I wanted to ask the secretary about his name?

( they laugh ) ( exit )

( A paper written on it Wednesday )

( the door rings . Hoda goes to the door and opens it to find Soliman )

Soliman : Good morning .

Hoda : Good morning .

Soliman : Here you are .

Hoda : ( takes the bags off him ) thank you .

Soliman : ( take this ) ( gives her an envelope ).

Hoda : What is it ? a letter ?

Soliman : No, it is an invitation .

Hoda : (Gives him the bags and opens the envelope)

Soliman : It is an invitation for my son's wedding .

Hoda : Your son Soliman .

Soliman : ( laughs ) No Soliman has been married a long time ago and he has by now four children.

Hoda : Is it your daughter's wedding ?

Soliman : My daughter also is married . It is the wedding of my youngest son .

Hoda : Youngest ?

Soliman : Yes .

Hoda : How old is he ?

Soliman : 19 years .

Hoda : What ( she takes the bags and gives him the invitation )

Soliman : What's wrong. I wish that you and your sister can come to my son's wedding .

Hoda : Are you crazy to let your son marry at this age.

Soliman : Why ?

Hoda : Can't you wait for him to finish his university studies?

Soliman : ( laughs) university. He's working in contracting and constructions .

Hoda : How can he manage the responsibility of a house at that age .

Soliman : Please, take the invitation .

Hoda : ( takes it as if it is something played and throws it on the table ) . give it to me.

Soliman : May God save you and good luck to you .

Hoda : I'm too young for such talk .

Soliman : Young ; you're a grown up woman and there's a man out there for you and your sister too .

Hoda : ( stands up, amazed ) ( playback ) I'm 29 years now Soliman and I say that I'm 19 . My sister is 39 years old but she says 29., That all are lies but we're starting to believe it .

Soliman : Please, come to the wedding .

Hoda : When ?

Soliman : Tomorrow . Thursday .

Hoda : Thursday !

Soliman : Yes .

Hoda : No, we can't because our uncle'll come tomorrow .

Soliman : Then come for five minutes .

Hoda : No. He is my uncle who's coming from America .

Soliman : ( laughing) I know but please come five minutes before it and then go to the airport .

Hoda : What do you think about the flat now Soliman . Isn't it nice that way .

Soliman : Yes, It's beautiful and your taste is good May God make you happy .

Hoda : Thank you.

Soliman : Not at all . bye bye .

Hoda : Good bye ( she closes the door and puts the bag on the table ) ( Hoda Holds the invitation and goes to Saneya .)

Saneya : What is that ?

Hoda : It is an invitation .

Saneya : invitation for what ?

Hoda : Soliman's son will get married . They are ignorant people . They don't have any sense of responsibility.

Saneya : (talks to herself ) Why do you call them ignorant Hoda, why are you lying to your self and to me ?

Hoda : I told him that we can't come because our uncle will arrive tomorrow . Don't you think it is better that way .

Saneya : Yes it is .

Hoda : ( talks to herself ) I know that you want to go to the wedding .

Saneya : I called at work and told them that I'm not coming .

Hoda : They all know that today and tomorrow , we won't go to work .

Saneya : Why ?

Hoda : Because of your uncle .

Saneya : Take these things to the kitchen .

Hoda : What do you want to eat today ?

Saneya : Anything , anything .

Hoda : Come and help me there .

Saneya : All right ( they go into the kitchen )

( Black out )

( the stage lights are on, the two sisters are sitting in the living room and watching a foreign series, the star is a dog).

Hoda : I want to say something .

Saneya : Say it .

Hoda : What do you think about buying a dog .

Saneya : A dog !!

Hoda : Yes , we can care for it and It may protect the house .

Saneya : What about the disposals of this dog .

Hoda : No, we'll teach it .

Saneya : Who will teach it .

Hoda : Me .

Saneya : All right .

Hoda : So , you don't mined .

Saneya : You've strange thoughts, when you watch a series and there is a dog in it, you want to buy a dog .

Hoda : I wanted to do that long time ago .

Saneya : A dog !!

Hoda : Yes .

Saneya : Sometimes, you say strange things .

Hoda : Not very strange .

Saneya : All right , buy a dog but after we meet your uncle .

Hoda : May be your uncle will bring a dog with him.

Saneya : Let's go to bed . Tomorrow is Thursday .

Hoda : I want to sleep too . Let's go .

( lights come back to the stage gradually in a circle until the spot light is widened)

( A big sign written on it Thursday)

(Saneya appears calling)

Saneya : Hoda - Hoda - Hoda ( she looks for her) where did she go ( she goes to the window)What are you doing in the garden .. Hoda.

Hoda : I'm watering the plants ( voice from outside )

Saneya : Leave the plants and come here ( she sits ) Hoda is crazy .

Hoda : (comes in dirty clothes) I'm almost finished.

Saneya : Leave all that and come here beside me .

Hoda : What happened, what's going on ?

Saneya : You must be crazy . you're watering the plants and wearing Jeans . Do you think yourself in America .

Hoda : I love America .

Saneya : America is not here .

Hoda : Do you want our uncle's wife to say that our garden is dirty .

Saneya : Where is the gardener, he is the one responsible for it

Hoda : He hasn't come for three days .

Saneya : Go change and prepare the breakfast .

Hoda : I don't want to .

Saneya : How come .

Hoda : Our uncle'll come and then we'll eat .

Saneya : You're uncle is coming at 11. 00 and now it is 7 it'll be long time .

Hoda : Let's go to the airport .

Saneya : It is too early .

Hoda : Why do you want us to go late .

Saneya : Did you call Soliman to bring us the food .

Hoda : Soliman's is closed to day .

Saneya : Why ?

Hoda : It is his son's wedding day .

Saneya : I forgot all about that .

Hoda : You're forgetting too much these days .

Saneya : Let's go to the market .

Hoda : No, let's go to the airport .

( lights are off and a spot light on the two sisters )

( a voice of a plane , noise , The airport . )

The voice of the announcer : ( the announcer of the airport.)The plane from New York has arrived .

Hoda : It has arrived .

Saneya : Has it .

Hoda : ( goes to a sign at the left of the stage written on it information ) Can I check a name that is coming from New York . Thanks. His name is Fadel Shaiekh, yes. There is no such name on board. Please check again, and again, what is wrong with you .

Saneya : What is going on .

Hoda : He says there is no such name

Saneya : May be he changed his name and went home ahead of us.

Hoda : May be . let's go home .

( Signs disappear, lights are on, they open the door and go in )

Hoda : There is no body here .

Saneya : No body has seen him .

Hoda : There must be something wrong .

Saneya : We must call our embassy in Washington .

Hoda : That's right .

Saneya : Right ( they go to the phone ) please can you give me the phone number of ministry of foreign affairs .

( The clock is ticking and lights are out and they sit beside the phone )

Hoda : Do you think that the embassy will call .

Saneya : The ambassador answered me that he'll call

Hoda : Will he get back to us .

Saneya : Yes, he will .

Hoda : What time is it now .

Saneya : It's 7 O'clock. How much time had passed .

Hoda : 6 Hours . Saneya He'll call back . He is an ambassador (the phone rings)

Saneya : Hello, yes. Washington , your excellency, yes his name is Fadel Shaiekh. what are you saying ( she drops the handset )

Hoda : What is wrong with my uncle .

(A hard voice , play back ) Fadel Shaiekh has been dead for five years . It is a heavy Joke .

( the two sisters sit down ) the door bell rings

( Hoda opens the door )

Soliman : Good evening .

Hoda : Good evening .

Soliman : Are you coming with me to the wedding, I'll take you even against your will and my daughter's mother in law is outside and she is waiting for you .

Hoda : Soliman .

Soliman : Yes .

Hoda : Do you know from where can I buy a dog .

Soliman : A dog ..!!!

Saneya : We are coming to the wedding with you Soliman as long as you came to take us.

( The wedding music as they walk out and along there are voices of dogs )

( Curtain )


EL-Sayed Hafez

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