Sumyatov. It is really easier. Why to complicate things?
Аnna. By the way, why to take such risks climbing the mountains at all? You can get there by plan after all.
Sumyatov. Seriously, why to take such risks?
Аnna. Vasil, just listen!
Vasil. He thinks so, so what?
Levan. Hey, are we listening to the story or what?
Alla. Okay, I am silent. And all of you too! Go on, Victor!
Mancev. We were having devil’s own luck during the most part of the route. It was a sunny day, a little frosty. We had not a trifling injury.
Alla. And when does the most scaring begin?
Tomov. It’s coming soon, just wait.
Mancev. Several days were left before we reach the top of the mountain. Suddenly, the temperature got low, and a strong contrary wind started blowing. Our eyes got blind, it was difficult to breathe.
Alla. How terrible! Don’t say a word more!
Mancev. It was too risky to climb further. But the aim seemed to be so close… Two friends, the young obsessed guys were annoyed most of all. And then an expedition guide told them: «Go, check it out and get back» warning: «It is dangerous». But the friends just laughed: «While we are together, nothing is dangerous for us. We will follow each other through fire and water». «And to abyss», – one of them added. So, they were gone.
Alla. Tell me just one thing: did they die?
Mancev. The worst thing happened to them.
Alla. What can be worse than death? I can’t imagine!
Levan. To lose one’s dignity as we say at our mountain area.
Anna. Let him finish the story after all!
Alla. Tell us what happened! Don’t tire us out!
Mancev. Nothing special. Everybody who climb the mountains should be ready for this. One of the two friends fell down to the abyss.
Sumyatov. You are telling this so calmly!
Mancev. That guy was so much striving to the top as if he left something extremely important there. But he was hurrying too much. His foot slide down, he hardly had a second to scream or even realize what happened.
Sumyatov. But where was another one? He could see it and get help.
Mancev. Could he? I doubt it. They were climbing rope-tied. He fell down from a sharp jerk but was lucky to catch on a rock. While the one in front of him was hanging over the abyss.
Alla. I can imagine: a little man over big abyss. Scary picture! I saw this in some movie.
Mancev. It was exactly like this. One man is over the abyss, another one is gripping the rock like grim death. And there is only a thin rope between them. It was thin, but firm, a assure you.
Alla. I guess he immediately rushed to save his friend?
Mancev. Like I said it was sunny and warm day before the accident. But suddenly it got bitter cold.
Vasil. The surface got ice-crusted, got it?
Mancev. He was afraid to make an accidental movement and slide down to the abyss. And his friend… When falling he was about to cut his head open and was hanging without any life signs. Do you know what despair means? There were not cowards at all. But all they had is to wait without any hope for rescue…
Sumyatov. Early or later they were to be searched and rescued anyway.
Mancev. Or later… you are right. That was exactly what he must be thinking at the moment, holding his friend by the skin of his teeth and waiting for the moment when he gets exhausted and they fall down together.
Anna. Vitya, maybe that’s enough for today.
Alla. Are you going to stop at the most absorbing moment?!
Mancev. Well, my throat got dry.
Levan. Just a second, dear. Here you go, drink it! It’s free.
Mancev. Thank you… So, what I was talking about?
Sumyatov. About the tragic fate common for both.
Mancev. Yeah… But you know one of them could escape it if he cut off the rope.
Sumyatov. But who?
Mancev. What do you think?
Sumyatov. I have no idea. I have never been in such a scrape.
Mancev. The one who is above the abyss? Usually, there is a slight hope up to the last moment. However, when the self-preservation instinct dies it’s too late already.
Sumyatov. And the one who was holding him? Do you think he could?
Mancev. Why not? How many suiciders have you met in your life?
Sumyatov. Not a single one fortunately.
Mancev. So, he was also young and wanted to live.
Alla. Therefore he let his friend fall to the bottom of the abyss?
Levan. What are you talking about, eh? Switch on your brain!
Mancev. When they were found he was holding a knife in his hand. The rescuers could hardly unclench his frozen fingers. There was a slight knife cut on the rope.
Anna. Oh, that’s enough for me. I can’t listen further. Vasil, let’s go! I feel sick.
Vasil. As you say.
Anna. Good night to all. We are going to bed.
Alla. So early?
Anna. We’ve got accustomed to get asleep early. Am I right, Vasil?
Vasil. Sure, my dear.
Аnna and Vasil leave.
Alla. What’s the matter with them?
Tomov. The are just-married!
Alla. And with you?
Тоmov. What do you mean?
Alla. You have turned pale!
Tomov. Get along with you!
Alla. Оh!..
Sumyatov. So, I can’t understand why was he waiting? They were found not so soon, right? During this time he could cut the rope hundreds of times and save his own life.
Mancev. That’s what I can’t understand until now. What made his hand not to cut it?
Alla. To me all is clear. Most likely, the one who fell down was pleading him not to do it.
Mancev. I don’t think so. He was unconscious. He could not plead to cut the rope. Do you understand?
Levan. Sure we do, dear!
Аlla. As for me, not at all!
Sumyatov. Well, everything is so clear! Is He was left alone with his own conscience.
Mancev. I assure you they had a lot to talk about. At some moments the life preservation instinct was prevailing and then he took the knife. At others his conscience was overcoming and he dropped the knife.
Sumyatov. It was a life and death struggle. It could be a sensational headline!
Mancev. Fortunately, the snowstorm calmed down and other guys from the expedition got in time. You already know what they saw there.
Alla. So, nobody got injured?
Levan. Oh, you, lady!
Mancev. They got off with a scratch or two. Sorry if I have disappointed you.
Alla. You are kidding at me. Have I said something stupid?
Mancev. The rescuers called a helicopter by radio connection and brought everyone down to the camp. So, none of them got to the peak that day.
Sumyatov. I can’t understand one thing.
Mancev. Which one?
Sumyatov. Who were you of those two?
Mancev. It doesn’t matter… So, have I passed my forfeit?
Alla. I could listen for you till morning. It’s so absorbing!
Mancev. Levan, buddy, have you by any chance put some soporific into my glass? My eyes are getting heavy.
Levan. Are you kidding, my friend?!
Sumyatov. Wait, you can’t leave just like this!
Mancev. I can as you see.
Victor Mancev leaves. Cyril Sumyatov follows him.
Alla. Everybody has gone… Oleg, why are you silent?
Tomov. Thinking.
Alla. About what?
Tomov. I’d rather have another drink. Don’t you mind, Allochka?
Alla. Get along with you! Are we going to play further?
Tomov. I guess everybody is full with this game.
Alla. I want to go on!
Tomov. Do you have only this desire?
Alla. A lady is getting bored next to you. Shame on you!
Tomov. I feel guilty.
Alla. What are you thinking about?
Tomov. It doesn’t matter. Levan!
Levan. Hey, don’t shout so loudly! I am not deaf.
Tomov. Do you have a guitar?
Levan. Sure I do.
Tomov. Get it here!
Levan. Sing us, dear. And then we are closing. It’s night already.
Tomov. Don’t hurry up time, Levan. Our night is just starting. Am I right Allochka?