The Noonday Witch (Polednice)

Luckily we have water, at least here in the office.

Last time we had a heat wave like this...

Drink some.

You know your dad, when he was a little boy, he stole our cherries?

Well, look, Eliška.

We want to sell you the house, of course. It's in our interest.

I see that your Tomáš signed

the purchase agreement, but...

But now... How are you going to pay for it?

I have insurance. Once it's settled, I'll pay it all at once.

Yes, but the right thing would be to wait until it's all settled.

I know, Mr. Mayor, but this is a new beginning for us.

Anetka and I thought that it'd be nice to move here

where her dad grew up.

Well, in the village we've helped each other since forever.

And Tomáš...

He even stole our apricots.

Here's my stamp of approval.

THE NOONDAY WITCH

I've registered your address there.

- Thanks. You didn't have to do that. - No problem. Anything for Tomáš.

Though, why did he pick this place for you?

For that money you could've bought a house in the village.

Not far from us, by the cemetery.

- We don't want to live in a cemetery. - Right.

Who would want to live in a cemetery, right?

- This is where I'll go to school? - You want to go to school?

- You still have a month's vacation. - No, not now! In September.

Then yes.

- Where dad went to school? - Yup.

- When is dad coming to be with us? - Soon, don't worry.

I don't like how he's always away.

Dude!

- You're driving like you stole us! - Sure I'd steal you, you treasure.

We had so much fun with Tomáš!

Though he was always kinda weird.

I've hooked up the lines for you. Gas and electricity should be on.

- Thanks. You didn't have to do that. - No problem. Anything for Tomáš.

But I gotta tell you, that house isn't a mansion.

If you need anything done, now that you're alone...

If you need help with anything, just tell me.

Where are you going, Anetka?

Are you thirsty?

You thirsty?

- You still have water? - Yup.

We've had none since last week. I may come by to take a shower, eh?

I'll do it, after I gulp it down.

Where do you want it?

In the back.

Anetka? Have you seen her?

Anetka, I've been looking for you everywhere.

I'm sorry.

- What are you doing? - Cleaning up.

- Why here? - It's for dad.

When he comes, it'll make him happy.

There was a letter for you. I hid it so the girl wouldn't find it.

Could you give me a hand?

Sure. From the authorities I guess.

Thank you, Mr. Poláček.

It's Zdeněk. Since forever. We ain't strangers.

Once we settle in, Anetka and I would like to give a party.

I hope you and your wife will come.

Sure. My wife is busy, but I can stop by anytime.

For coffee or to fix something.

Thank you.

They're waiting for you.

- So see you around. - Goodbye.

What is it?

- A letter. - From who?

How come you're not sleeping?

Well? First night in a new house.

- How do you like it here? - I do. And you?

I like it.

Bang, bang, sounded in the room, and little Johnny hid behind the hearth.

Bang, bang, sounded again, this time even louder.

Little Johnny drew aside a curtain and looked behind the door...

- Mom? - Yes?

- Are we going to have a party? - We will.

As soon as we settle in a bit.

- Will dad be here for the party? - I don't know.

- When is he coming? - Soon.

Will you argue again?

You can't argue at a party. Parties are fun.

We'll never argue again. Want to finish the story?

I know what happens. Sun takes him away but Moon saves him.

Want to sleep in my bed?

Not even tonight? The first night?

You're a brave girl. My curious kitty.

You're looking at the pictures without me?

I was just looking for something.

G'night.

I'm here only because it's the first night and dad isn't here.

- So you won't be here alone. - Okay.

Mom, come outside.

Šimon, those are new shoes.

Wow, stop bringing more stuff, there's no room.

But it's yummy, no doubt.

Thanks. Anetka and I did our best, I'm happy you like it.

I'm happy you welcomed Anetka and me like this.

We've been here for a couple weeks now, this is a new beginning for us.

We appreciate everything you do for us. Thank you.

That was nice speech! Beautiful. Don't see that very often.

Dáša here could learn from you. The cooking and the speaking. Dáša!

Eliška, those were really nice words.

We live near the church. You can't miss it, girl.

I mean... ma'am. Let's cut the formalities.

I mean we're not neighbors, there ain't any here. What do you say?

- I'd love to. Eliška. - Dáša.

So, come by anytime. Bring Anetka too, okay?

And now I want to know how you manage all this alone.

Poláčková, being nosy again?

Snooping around, eh?

Careful, Eliška. When she grips on something, she doesn't let go.

Watch it! Careful, Mayor, so your wife doesn't see it.

- You have a wife? - Yes.

- Why didn't she come with you? - She did.

And where is she?

Don't lie!

What are you doing? Where are you manners?

She tripped me.

You stay here and don't move! I'll deal with it at home.

- He said dad won't come back. - He will, don't worry.

Anežka!

This is Eliška, I've told you about her.

Tomáš' wife, remember?

Tomáš, who stole our cherries.

Then he grew up and moved to the city,

where he met Eliška and they have this beautiful little princess.

Come say hello. You can do it.

I'm Eliška.

I am happy you came, Mrs. Mrázová.

Have you had anything to eat?

Anežka, want something to eat?

Don't you worry, he'll be back.

Well?

How is the house? Okay?

Yes, but I need some help.

- Tell me. - Water's not running.

And it won't. There's a drought. It hasn't been this bad...

I mean it was. Once.

A tank truck comes to the square every Tuesday and Thursday.

Okay.

Then there's this.

Don't mean to cut in. Just wanted to ask if you have the shades.

Excuse me?

Did you make your shades? If not, I could help you with it.

- He means glasses... - I can speak for myself.

I mean eclipse viewers...

- Let's go home... - Wait!

- An eclipse is coming... - Let's go!

Now when it's starting to be fun, I should go home?

Let's go, you're drunk. I'm sorry, Eliška.

- You're on first name terms? Zdeněk. - We are too, Zdeněk.

- We've been acquainted. - Let's go. -Wait!

I'd cut them out of cardboard for you now that you have no husband.

- Come on, let's go. - I'm coming.

I can stop by any time. You can count on me.

- Tell her that she can count on me. - Yes, you can count on him.

- Let's go, you're plastered... - Don't let that upset you.

You're drunk as a skunk, go home...

Why are you taking the chair?

They think that Tomáš...?

But that means you won't get any insurance benefits.

What then?

Don't know.

- No, I can't! - Just take it.

It's terrible what's happening to people.

No matter what happened, it's not your fault.

The party cost money, so take it as a donation from the village.

When everything is settled, I'll pay you back, everything.

- I know. - Thank you.

Well...

it's time to go.

- Have you seen Anežka? - No.

That's normal,

she's probably home by now.

- Good night, Eliška. - Good night.

We're glad to have you here.

Bang, bang, sounded again, this time even louder.

Little Johnny drew aside a curtain and looked behind the door.

- And there, to his surprise, stood... - Mom? -Yes?

- Why didn't dad come? - He's too busy.

- And when is he coming? - Don't know.

- How come? - I don't know!

Why did that boy say that he won't come back?

I don't know that either.

And you shouldn't beat up local boys.

- Nobody will like you then. - He shouldn't tell lies.

- So listen. - You don't need to finish it.

I know what happens. Sun takes him, but Moon saves him.

And you are my curious kitty and don't want to sleep in my bed.

- So good night. - G'night.

Jeez, what are you doing here?

Don't be scared.

I waited for you and fell asleep.

- Your husband was looking for you. - I'll find myself.

Should I go get him?

- I really need to talk to you. - About what?

- She'll come back. - What?

- She'll come back and take. - Who?