Let this be my private confession.
Perhaps talking about those days will help me forget.
Forget everything. Leave it all behind.
What I experienced in those days still wakes me up at night,
with chills that pierce my back and turn my blood cold.
Ice cold.
I know I saw and heard things I shouldn't have.
Especially for a girl my age.
That's destiny, I guess.
And that is that.
Perhaps I need more time to come to terms with it.
Perhaps, there is nothing to come to terms with.
It doesn't matter…
I need to tell you what happened to me.
What happened to us during those bad days.
Hey kid, you don't look well. Say something.
My wife and I live nearby. I can take you home.
She can take care of that.
Is there a hospital around here?
You know the kid?
Cross the mine. About a two-hour drive.
That's where you'll find the nearest hospital.
What happened to your friend?
Hunting accident.
But there's nothing to hunt for around here…
You keep telling yourself that.
BAD DAYS
Do you own the place?
We had an accident. My friend here is not doing well.
- He needs medical aid. - I don't know what you're after…
- This is not a hospital. - But it's a hostel.
Used to be. Back in the day.
I'm afraid I can't help you.
All we need is shelter. And something to clean out his wound.
We'll be gone by sunrise.
Emilia.
Give them whatever they need.
Emilia, right?
I need a rag, some antiseptic, a bandage…
Anything to clean his wound.
This is the only antiseptic we have around here.
Bring me a bucket of water.
Emilia, some water.
Hang in there…
That'll ruin your teeth.
- What was that? - Gum. Ruins your teeth.
Do you realize what you're doing?
That's far worse.
You girls live here on your own?
I don't live here. It's only temporary.
What about your mother?
She's your mother, right?
I guess…
I can tell we'll get along.
How old are you?
How old do I look to you?
Your friend… Is he gonna be OK?
Let's hope so.
Your mom asleep?
It's all she ever does.
Tell her I'm gonna need some painkillers, when she wakes up.
Anything will do.
My friend will be in a lot of pain.
- What's his name? - Billy D.
What sort of a name is that?
World-class service at this hostel.
I already told you, this is not a hostel.
Pack your bags and get the hell out of here.
You were the one who let us in. Don't you remember?
We had an accident, that's all.
You don't look like guys who stumble into accidents.
Out. Now.
- Easy. - Relax.
We're not gonna hurt you.
We'll be out in the morning.
I didn't catch your name.
Lucia. Yours?
- Ramirez. - You in the corps?
I think if we're gonna have a drink together,
we should go easy on each other. Wouldn't you agree?
- Do I look uneasy? - A little tense.
I realize the way we walked in here doesn't inspire much trust,
but sometimes plans take a turn.
Is that why you walk around with a gun?
Whatever.
I will warn you though: my husband could arrive any minute,
and I don't think he'd appreciate his house being occupied
by two complete strangers.
I would've never guessed the aridness of this land
could turn women stone hard.
This land churns out two things only:
coal and emeralds.
And you don't seem acquainted with either one.
So cut the bullshit and tell me what it is you're doing here.
My friend and I are in business together.
We dabble Real estate.
Take anything you want from the fridge on your way out
in the morning.
You can pour yourself some coffee.
Mugs are there.
- How's the kid feeling? - Hungry.
Well enough to leave today.
So it seems.
What about you? Not hungry?
MEDICAL RESULTS. DEPARTMENT OF GYNECOLOGY.
Let me get my stuff to drive you to your car.
My friend has worsened.
There's no way he'll be able to travel in his condition.
I need antibiotics.
I don't think you heard me - we are not leaving.
Yes, I heard you. I heard you loud and clear.
I'll see what I can find.
Where did you leave the car?
About half a mile from the intersection.
So what exactly happened?
A mutt came running out of nowhere.
I tried to avoid it and…
We ended up in a gorge.
Billy D. was playing with his knife.
Turn right. We're almost there.
Right around here.
Is there another bridge around here?
- No. This is the only one. - Then someone must've taken our car.
You sure this is where you left it?
I'm sure.
It's gone.
How were you planning on getting it out of there?
I don't know. Doesn't matter.
It was an old car anyway.
Emilia.
What?
Put some clothes on - we're not alone.
- I'm fine like this. - You're not a little girl anymore.
Put some clothes on.
Hey, mom.
When's The Turk back?
Emilia, get dressed.
Can't sleep?
Have a drink.
You're gonna kill yourself. If you keep mixing that way.
Perhaps that's what I want.
You can tell me all the phony stories you want.
But you won't be able to get one passed my husband.
You two will get along splendidly.
When is your husband back?
Any moment now.
You turned on by that?
Nothing turns me on anymore.
You shouldn't go around popping pills in front of your daughter.
You can do whatever you want with me.
But if I see you, or your friend, getting too close to her…
The first time I saw my father making love to my mother,
I was so embarrassed by it,
I couldn't even look at them for some time.
But after seeing her do it countless times,
that feeling grew old.
Others came along who weren't my father.
Eventually, I just stopped caring.
I suppose we adapt to everything in life…
Even unexpected arrivals.
When do we head off?
We didn't arrive here by accident.
Did the boss hear what happened?
No one knows where we are.
Listen to me, kid…
We're not going anywhere.
Not yet, anyway.
Do you remember that story about The Turk…
And The Negro?
This town is nothing but hot.
Gringo, give me an ice-cold beer.
Make that two, Gringo.
Where can I find a decent place to rest my head?
You'll find a hostel in town.
Something decent?
We haven't got much around here.
How is business these days?
Good enough.
I was thinking on my way here, this must be a good place to live in.
To retire, even.
Are you strolling through, or are you on your way to the mine?
THIS ESTABLISHMENT DOES NOT BUY OR SELL EMERALDS.
Are things really that heated around here?
Of course, after the way shit went down a few months ago…
You did hear what happened, didn't you?
Of course you did. Everyone heard about it.
Come on, Gringo.
Are you gonna tell me you don't know what I'm talking about?
Let me fill you in, then.
Turns out… In a place not far from here…
Two unsolicited visitors arrived at Old Ibarra's mines:
One of them goes by the name of The Turk.
The second is a negro… Tall guy – about 6'5”.
Now, guess what they call him?
The Negro.
Well, those two came here claiming they were gonna buy the
biggest lot of emeralds ever attained.
That they would pay cash.
That was the word around town, anyway. People grew suspicious.
The Turk insisted he would only do business with Old Ibarra.
That man sure has a way with words.
Well, they say the power of life and death is in the tongue.
Anyway, I don't know how he managed,
but he convinced Old Ibarra to grant them a meeting,
as the emeralds would be payed for in cash.
Old Ibarra was way too innocent.
He served himself to The Turk on a silver platter.
Long story short, The Turk slaughtered Old Ibarra.
And stole the emeralds.
Funny thing is…
The Turk didn't have a cent to his name.
No one has ever dared to do business with him since.
Of course, who'd want to strike a deal with a guy like that?
They went into hiding. And no one knows where they are.
That's what some say…
They're just rumors, after all.
Hey Gringo, you're not much of a talker, are you?
Listen, I'm here to serve you. Not to entertain you.
If company is what you're after, go fuck a whore.
And stop calling me Gringo.
Nothing personal. I call things by their name.
If I see a fair guy, I call him Gringo.
If I see a negro, I call him Negro.
If I see an Indian…
I call him Indian.
Do you have a storeroom around here?
What for?
Yeah, we've got one.
Did you find what you were after?
You're not gonna find what you're looking for.
That story about the car accident is a lie, isn't it?
Did you come looking for him?
Are you hungry?
You feeling alright, mom?
Are you coming or not?
Don't worry.
They're not going anywhere. If they wanted to look for help,
they would've done it a long time ago.
Rather make use of our time.
Those emeralds have to be here somewhere.
I don't think he would carry them with him everywhere he goes.
So we're just gonna do this on the bare grass?
Emilia, I know I haven't been –
Let's not spoil the moment.
What I wanted to tell you was…
That you haven't been a good mother.
I want to do things differently.
Then do it.
What else are you gonna tell me?
That you're gonna leave The Turk?
What else? That you're gonna quit drinking?
I know it wouldn't be easy to leave everything behind,
but I'd like to try. - Leave everything behind?
We did that six months ago, when you said it would
only be temporary.
Look at us now… We're still here.
This time it's different.
I promise you to be more selective about the people
I let into our lives. - Why don't you start by being
more selective about who you let into your bed?
You're closer to another vocation, than that of a mother.
Come on, Indian. We all thought you were living it up.
But here you are…
I thought you might've been on some spiritual retreat.
Never crossed my mind I'd find you in this dump.
How did you find me?
At least tell me this is an act.
- What do you want? - I was in the area.
I heard you were too. Thought I'd drop in and say hi.
Why don't you buy me a beer?
We'll unwind. For old time's sake.
Leave me alone.
I have no business with you.
That's why I came here.
If you don't mind, I have work to do.
You coming in?
Or are you gonna stand there snooping all night?
Wanna hold it?
It's not loaded.
That's the first thing you have to check.
No. I don't really like guns.
As long as you don't allow fear to creep in, you'll be alright.
Fear is your worst enemy.
This is the rear sight.
You have to align it with the front sight.
Keep one eye shut.
Aim.
Inhale.
Hold your breath.
Let it out, slowly.
And shoot.
Go to your room.
I'm not doing anything.
I'm only going to say it once.
There's nothing hidden between heaven and earth.
Am I right, Indian?
All we have right now is each other.
I can't tell you what it is I'm planning on doing.
But I need you to trust me.
To stick with me.
Emilia, what do I have to do to earn your trust?
You can start by telling me the truth.
What do you want to know?
- Everything. - What exactly?
Why are we here?
What horrible thing did The Turk do to force us into hiding?
I need to ask you for a favour…
Give me one of those pills you take – it's for a headache.
I threw them all out. But…
Let's see if we can find something that'll work on you.
When I was Emilia's age, I never imagined my life
would've turned out like this.
I often… think about her and –
Lucia.
Get some rest.
You'll feel better tomorrow.
What if I told you there was a way out of this?
I would ask what it is you have in mind…
I've been looking for a way out for a long time.
And if I told you my husband will be arriving carrying
a great sum of money?
What would you say then?
Your seat belt, Indian.
Oh, that's right…
Better pray the cops don't pull us over.
Turn right.
Aren't you hungry?
You should eat something.
I was thinking, on my way here…
Of old days, when you and I worked together.
Do you remember?
I must have referred you…
Or was it you who referred me? It escapes me.
- It was me. - That's right.
Do you remember that guard who worked for the boss?
Garzon, was his name.
Of course you do.
That Garzon was a sneaky guy. Perhaps sneaky isn't the word.
He was in charge of looking after the boss' cars.
He was given money to fill them up every week.
Well, he decided he'd start diluting the gasoline.
That way, he could keep a cut of the gas money for himself.
How much could he have made? Anyhow, it was a lot of money
for such as slacker.
- Can you please open a window? - I'm getting there.
As it turns out, the boss's wife decided
to take one of the cars out for a spin.
Life's funny that way. There was no reason for her
to take the car that day, but she did.
As luck would have it, the carburettor collapsed.
It was scourging hot, that day. The car overheated and…
Bang! All that was left of her in that car was her denture.
Do you know how he was exposed?
Think about it.
I said something to you last night.
You said a lot of things.
Sure, but there was one specific idea.
That there's nothing hidden between heaven and earth.
Do you know why I'm telling you all this?
Well, I see that pickup truck, tucked in over there…
And I ask myself:
What is a truck like that doing in this neck of the woods?
I'm told no one knows where The Turk and that skank are.
If that truck is parked where it's parked,
it must mean someone blew their cover.
Someone must've spread the word.
I swear, it wasn't me.
I trust you, Indio. I'm sure you didn't say a word.
Where did I leave...? Where on earth did I leave…?
Where? Aha, gloves.
Gloves.
You have to believe me. That pickup truck could…
It could belong to The Turk, don't you think?
Sure.
What did I do with it?
As I was saying, Indio… I'm gonna walk into that cabin,
But if I find out you opened that big mouth of yours…
I know you must have a little Indian at home, running around in diapers.
A lady companion, at the very least.
Let's hope you haven't said anything to anyone.
Because if you did… I will find out.
All I did was introduce The Turk to a few guys.
It was nothing but a favour.
You really shouldn't mess with him.
Of all the shitty things you've done in life,
this has got to be the worse, Fernando.
It's been a year since I've seen my daughter.
You left without so much as a word.
What did you expect?
- This is not a good time. - Really? Why is that?
Is The Turk going to deny me seeing my own daughter?
Everything all right, cousin?
All good, cousin.
Aren't you going to introduce me?
Ramirez.
Fernado. My ex…
Husband.
I didn't know we were expecting him.
It's really good to finally meet you.
He thought he'd surprise us. Same way you did, cousin.
Which side of the family are you from?
The good side.
Another cousin?
- Yes. - No.
He's my cousin. Not Lucia's.
Well, seeing we're all family… Why don't we step inside for a drink?
Lucia.
Aren't you going to invite me in? I'm tired of carrying these around.
Daddy.
My princess.
Look how much you've grown.
Have these.
- Thank you. - Let's go inside now.
Put me down, dad.
I don't like surprises.
This better be the only one.
So where is The Turk?
Who told you we were here?
If you only came to see Emilia,
I suggest you make good use of your time,
and leave first thing in the morning.
The Turk will kill you if he finds you here.
Fernando, please…
Do not start with that crap.
I mean it.
I'm tired. I want to go to bed.
This past year has given me a lot to think about.
I know I made mistakes.
I had to sit through prison to realize that.
I was sweating it out on the prison yard,
when I heard a guy tell a story
about a Turk… and some emeralds.
He said The Turk had fled with the emeralds,
a woman, and a sixteen-year-old girl.
That nobody knew where they'd gone.
Except him.
The guy telling the story, that is.
I didn't think much of it at first. But one day, I ran into the guy…
In the prison basement.
It didn't take much to make him talk.
He was a relative of The Indian.
And The Indian was always a squealer. Lucia.
How have you allowed our daughter to live under that monster's shadow?
Why are you throwing her in the ring?
Lucia.
Let's get out of here.
We could rebuild a home with that kind of money…
Look after our little girl.
I'm going to say this to you one last time:
I do not want to see you here tomorrow.
Now get out of my room.
I've jumped too many hurdles to get to you.
I'm not leaving empty-handed.
Fernando.
You can do whatever you want with your life, but leave us alone.
Get off me.
Where did those two gems come from?
- Let go of me, Fernando. - Who are those men?
You're hurting me.
Emilia, my darling.
I came to wish daddy a good night.
I'm not afraid of you.
We are the same you and I…
Two orphans.
I once read a story of a kid trapped in a man's body...
That was the case of the man with the knife.
When I come think about it,
it seems as though they were all children trapped in adult bodies.
Anyway…
What do I know?
Life, after all, is greater than all of us.
Of one thing I'm sure though…
I would have preferred he never arrived.
It would have been better that way.
Emilia.
We have to be very quiet. Pack only what you can carry.
We're getting out of here.
What about dad?
- Is he not coming with us? - No, my love, it's just us.
There's no time for discussions.
- Mom, but – - Darling, there's no time.
The Turk could arrive any minute now, and it wouldn't
be safe for us to be here when he returns.
- Mom – - My love…
This house is a pressure cooker.
I'll be back in a few minutes. Wait for me here.
Leave.
Now.
You're going to step out of the car…
- And walk back into the cabin. - Emilia doesn't have to come.
Leave, Emilia. Run.
- Run. As far as you can. - Go.
Run as far as you can.
Go. Go.
Go, Emilia. Run.
I don't know about you…
But I see only two possible solutions to this situation:
We either end this now,
or we settle down.
Have you treated our guests to some breakfast?
How hungry are you?
Do I get a kiss?
Make yourselves at home. Sit.
My wife has always had the damn habit...
of throwing parties,
and not inviting me.
Let's see…
This fellow, I know.
But you two…
Not so much.
My love…
We're getting hungry.
Pass me that bottle - it's getting hot in here.
As I was saying…
I don't know either of you.
But judging by your demeanor,
and the way you have taken my whisky -
among other things,
I can only assume you are close friends of my wife.
But since she has so many of them,
The question isn't, “Who are you?”
But “What do you want?”
Could the cowboy here beside me relax?
In view of the warm welcome you have bestowed me,
I suspect you know who I am.
Turk, you seem to have it all figured out.
Not quite, my friend.
Not quite.
And now that I see you, Fernando…
I've never really understood people who smoke those cigarettes.
I mean,
if you're gonna put something in your mouth…
It better be big.
Isn't that right, Lucia?
Where is Emilia, Lucia?
Well, gentlemen…
I am awfully tired.
My friend here drove all night.
And when The Negro gets tired, He must be exhausted.
And when The Negro gets tired, He looses his temper.
And when he looses his temper, he doesn't play nice.
So...
I suggest, out of consideration for my friend and I,
that we put an end to this farce.
I know what you're all after.
But here's an idea…
Could you kindly ask the cowboy to take a seat?
The three of you, pack your bags…
And get out of here.
I am willing to let you walk out alive.
That's how I roll.
I won't charge you for the rooms…
Or the whisky.
Just go back to where you came from.
I have a better idea.
You let Lucia go…
And we stay here, negotiating.
Where did you pick this one up from, Lucia?
He's turned out to be a better businessman than me.
What do you say, then?
Do not dare to make any move that may stir my friend here.
Easy does it.
Oh, Emi.
I did wonder… Where is my gorgeous Emi?
You look more like your mom everyday.
You even greet me the same way.
Put that rifle down, my love.
It doesn't suit you.
Leave us alone, Turk.
Go away.
You don't have to do this, Emilia.
You're not like us.
How would you know?
I know, Emi. I know.
Let my mother go.
I can't.
She is the one to blame for all this.
She has to stay.
I'll tell you what…
I'm going to share a story with you, while you calm down.
I know you love a good story.
Remember the one about the frog and the scorpion?
I'm sure you've heard it before. But I'll refresh your memory.
It will help you put everything into perspective.
One day, a scorpion is resting on a wide riverbank.
The scorpion wanted to reach the other side of the stream,
but was afraid to be dragged out by the strong currents.
Emilia, look at me.
Suddenly, a frog appears out of nowhere.
The scorpion stops her on her tracks and asks her:
"Lady Frog, since you know how to swim,
would you be so kind to carry me across the stream?"
The frog considers this for a second and says:
“But Mr. Scorpion,
you have the reputation of stinging when nobody's looking.”
“If I carry you on my back, it's likely you'll do it to me.”
The scorpion ponders this and answers:
“Oh, I promise not to sting you, Lady Frog.”
So the frog lets the scorpion jump on her back,
and they start to slowly make their way across the stream.
The frog feels relieved to see they are only a stretch
away from the bank.
But suddenly…
It had to happen.
The scorpion stings the frog, just before reaching the shore.
As the venom invades its body, the frog asks to the scorpion:
“But why did you do it, Mr. Scorpion?”
“Why, if it means we're now both going to die?”
The scorpion then says to the frog:
“What was I to do, Lady Frog?
I had no choice.
At the end of the day, I will always be a scorpion.
It's in my nature. To sting.”
Every single person at this table is a scorpion, Emilia.
You don't have to be one.
All these scorpions are thinking:
What could The Turk have inside that briefcase?
Their greed clouds them. It eats them inside.
And all the while…
This case could be loaded with gold… or shit.
Yet they are willing to kill for it,
without even knowing what's inside.
What do you say, Emi?
Are you a scorpion?
Emilia.
- Stay calm. - Where is Emilia?
Stay down. I'll go find her.
Go.
Your gun.
Put the gun down.
Emilia.
Do it.
When remember those days, and go over the events in my head,
I still find it difficult to understand what really happened.
Perhaps The Turk was right.
Perhaps they could never stop being who they were.
I don't know if The Turk spared our lives
because he knew you were on the way.
Or perhaps,
he simply lost the battle.
All the scorpions were left behind.
The pain of their sting died with them.
Yes.
Those bad days are finally over.