Page 274 - Sweet Embraceable You: Coffee-House Stories

262 Jack Fritscher

want. That’s the greatest sin of all.
Wilson: I’m not much on God.
CLOSE ANNA

Anna: I am glad Anastasia is dead. I have read and studied about
her. I think I would have liked her. I would not like to think
that so simple a young girl should have to suffer so much, be
shot, and rescued by a soldier named Eugenev, and then used
by her own relatives and hated ten years after by her father’s
enemies. Because of adventurous reporters like you, Mr. Wil-
son, her ghost cannot rest.

MEDIUM ANNA AND WILSON
Wilson: Anastasia possesses you?
Anna: (Laughs) No, Mr. Wilson. I need no exorcism. The world,
perhaps, needs an exorcism. I need only sleep and safety.
Wilson: Then leave Berlin.
Anna: I have no money.
Wilson: I will pay you for your story.

CLOSE UP ANNA
Anna: Which story?

CLOSE UP WILSON

Wilson: That you are truly Anna Eisenstein whom the Russian
exiles wish to turn into the Grand Duchess Anastasia. (ANNA
laughs) Why do you laugh?

MEDIUM ANNA AND WILSON

Anna: Because, Mr. Wilson, you reduce my life to an operetta.
You make my life into a silly American musical comedy.
Wilson: Either way, I will give you money. I will see you safely
out of Germany. Tonight.
Anna: Not tonight.
Wilson: Then tomorrow.

©Jack Fritscher, Ph.D., All Rights Reserved
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