The Book of Stone
Please be seated. I'll go to inform.
Good Morning
I am the governess Julia Septiem - Nice to meet you
Please, take a seat.
What's that? - Recommendation letters
No, it's not necessary
I've got magnificent information about you
I understand the job concerns taking care of a sick child
Not exactly...
My daughter suffered a meningitis attack two years ago...
...and she never got well.
Her doctor does not recommend we send her to school yet.
You'll have to fulfill that education.
Yes... I understand
Well... you should be tired by now...
...and I don't want to crush you with so many recommendations...
...I just would like to warn you...
...my daughter sometimes acts in an... abnormal way.
Abnormal?
Miss Julia...
...I cannot hide you the truth
There is a chance that Sylvia is...
...mentally ill.
Does that change your decision to stay?
All the opposite.
Thanks
About yourwage... you'll fix them yourself.
- Yes, Sir? - Fabian, please show Miss Septiem her room
...and please send her luggage to her room. - Yes sir.
- Excuse me. - We'll see you later.
...are you going to stay long?
I believe so.
You are going to take care of Little Sylvia, aren't you?
Yes. By the way... I'd like to see her.
Do you know where she is?
- Hiding in the garden I believe. - Why hiding?
I don't know... she always does that.
I'll go and look for her.
- But I don't think you'll find her, Ma'am...
...she always hides at the most incredible places.
I'll try then... Thanks.
Sylvia?
Who are you?
Julia, you new governess.
Do I have to go back home now?
Not if you don't want to...
- What are you doing there? - I was playing with Hugo, but he left.
- Who's Hugo? - My friend.
Well... some other day you'll introduce him to me...
...and we will be three, 'cause I want to be yourfriend too, Sylvia.
No! I don't want to be yourfriend.
...and I don't want you in my house.
Leave!
I'm sorry I don't like you but...
...l'll stay anyway. Someone has to take care of you.
Hugo takes care of me ...and I don't need no one!
Maybe... but first you'll have to show me.
...in the meantime, let's go home.
...we have a lot to talk about.
Dr. Vieira was right
She's the right person to take care of Sylvia.
...when I saw her, she inspired me confidence.
I think the child will be happy with her.
For everything ending up well.
You must give some time to Sylvia, I'll assure you...
Good evening.
- How you doing Miss Julia? Come in, please.
I'd like to introduce you my wife Mariana.
Nice to meet you
Charmed, please be seated.
I never imagined the mother of Sylvia so young!
No... No I'm not, Eugenio and I have just some months of marriage
Yes, Sylvia's mother passed away some years ago.
I understand.
Here, this is for you.
Sherry before dinner is a rite in this house.
It will be good for you. - Thank you.
Are you done settling in?
Yes...
Oh! By the way, the room is beautiful.
And... how did you do on yourfirst interview?
Not very well... your daughter didn't like the idea of having a governess
...for everything else, she is very intelligent and bright.
I found her playing hide and seek
- With Hugo? - Yes.
I believe the friendship with that kid is good for her
...avoids the feeling of loneliness.
...have I said something wrong?
No, I believe Hugo is a good company for her too.
...the only bad thing is that...
...Hugo does not exist.
How you doing, Sylvia?
Oh! You are here!
Haven't see you all day long.
I'll order dinner, please excuse me.
Let's go to the dining room Ma'am, tomorrow we'll talk about that matter.
...your governess has told me that you are behaving very well, is that true?
it's not time to read anymore, Sylvia.
Tomorrow you'll have plenty of time
I have to finish it, 'cause I promised Hugo to lend it to him
Let me see...
So... Hugo likes fairy tales too!
He doesn't know, he has never read one
When did you met Hugo?
When dad bought this house.
Why don't you invite him to dine with us one day?
I'd like to sleep now.
...it's just that I'd like to meet him, and so your dad.
...and... - I'm very sleepy.
Very well Sylvia.
Good evening.
- Is this the place they take breakfast? - Almost always, but if you prefer...
...I can serve you in the dining room. - No, this place is beautiful.
...and Mr. and Mss. Rubalcaba? - They wake up late.
...they gave me orders to take care of you.
I'm just going to take a Coffee with milk.
Paulina, who are our neighbors?
There are none Ma'am, this is the only house 'till town
...and have you seen a boy aroung here?
A boy?
Yes, Sylvia told me she has a friend and plays with him and...
Oh! Don't mind that, it's only a lie.
I hope you can do something for that poor child, Ma'am.
I'll try Paulina.
The-boy-decided-then- to-cross- the-river, -but- didn't-have
anything-but... a-small... carroe
Canoe!
- What's that? - Some kind of boat.
I don't like this book.
it's got many words I don't understand.
You should had bring yourfairy tales book
I don't have it, I lent it to Hugo
Proceed.
How-ever, -since-Pedro-was-a-boy
Wait. Looks who's coming.
- Good Morning. - How are you?
Hi
Pardon my interruption, but Sylvia has to see her doctor today
Don't worry, Sylvia go and fix yourself
I hope the doctor has good news.
Mr. Ruvalcaba, don't you think that maybe you're making a big mistake?
Why?
What if Hugo is not a fantasy...
if Hugo were a real kid that comes to visit her, hiding from everyone, and that...
Miss Julia, you have the whole morning for your own.
...down there inside the garden, you'll see a pond.
Visit that place, I beg you.
I will... and about Sylvia...
That will clear many doubts.
Please excuse me, we'll see each otherwhen I come back.
I don't know too much about art, but I think the statue is beautiful
...and it is.
I understand is more than 5 centuries old.
...and where'd you get it? - It was already here when...
...I bought the house, the last proprietor brought it from Europe.
Austria, I think.
And why were you so interested that I see it?
So that you meet Hugo.
That's right.
Since we got here, that weird friendship emerged
...and now, that statue is the most important thing in the world for Sylvia.
- What's so funny? - Oh! Please excuse me, I just feel
...a little bit dumb, I was so worried.
- Do you think there's no reason? - None whatsoever!
All the kids invent those things, they believe they are pirates...
...explorers, talk with their toys, but that never means mental illness
But there is, when its such a defined obsession
Every kid that fakes to be a pirate whilst playing...
...knows that in reality he's not
When kids talk with their dolls, they know that in reality they're not alive
But of course, and Sylvia is doing the same thing
Unfortunately not. And she'll show you very soon.
Eugenio...
Have you thought the possibility to intern Sylvia in a mental institution?
No, Not that!
Excuse me
Let's go to the dining room.
When I bought this house I thought...
...that it'll be a good refuge for me...
...but it seems that Mariana dislikes it.
it's not because of that, and you know it.
I'm done dad, can I leave now?
That's very wrong Sylvia...
...you have to wait for everybody to leave the table.
More coffee?
Yes, please.
Something happening?
No... nothing, I thought I saw someone at the garden
Would that be your friend Hugo, Sylvia?
No, it's not him! it's not him!
You don't have to yell, go to your room.
Tomorrow, we'll talk.
No, the punishment is not for you.
Your daughterwill never love me, Eugenio
No, it's not that.
Recognize that you weren't very opportune
I know, please forgive me.
But if we don't fight that obsession...
...very soon we will believe in the existence of Hugo.
Julia!
- Are you too busy? - I'm looking for Sylvia
Can I steal some of your time? I need to talk to you
- Charmed! - Do you mind if we take a walk?
But of course
I know that Eugenio loves me...
...but the way that Sylvia feels for me separates us
- She could screw our marriage. - That'll pass, please understand that...
...being a stepmother is very difficult. Please tell me, what reaction did she...
...have when she was told that you two would be married?
Absolutely none, she made no comment whatsoever
...I don't know what she thinks, the only thing I know is that she hates me
Please don't say that, children don't hate
Others don't, but she does.
That idea of talking always about Hugo...
...that doesn't mean that that's against you
You're wrong, she knows that I'm afraid and wants to scare me
You attribute to her perverse thoughts.
She is perverse
You're going to laugh at me, but I'm really scared.
...even I have thought I've seen that kid
What are you saying?
Yes, the other night looking through my window
Of course those are things she does to make me believe in Hugo
Julia, please, Help me.
I need to win her affection
You can count on that.
Now please, go find her, I've made you lose a lot of time.
Excuse me.
Good morning, Bruno
- It's not a good morning - What's going on?
- Look at my flowers, destroyed... - How could this happen?
Surely someone stepped on them without looking
I'm very sorry, Bruno... I hope you can fix them
Tell me Bruno... Where does that window lead to?
To the dining room, ma'am
You did very well on your multiplications, flawless.
Can I go now?
You don't like to study, don't you?
Yes I do, but I have to go to see Hugo.
Are you looking for... this?
- Did he give it to you? - No, I found it near the lake
- When did you go there? - Yesterday
I want to know Hugo too
Sylvia, why don't you want me to know Hugo?
'Cause you'll laugh at me, like she did.
Mariana, she wants to be yourfriend and loves you a lot.
She's yourfather's wife, and will always be here.
- She'll be like your mom. - No, I don't want to.
Sylvia, you have to accept yourfather's decisions.
That'll happen and you cannot avoid it
Hugo can...
Go to play
- Can I go to the river? - Where is that?
Down at the garden
- Then I'll have to go with you. - I want you to come.
Oh, really?! Well... Thank you very much. Let's go then
You'll like it very much... there's an abandoned church
Sylvia?
Sylvia!
Get down here!
I can't!
I'm scared!
Over there
No, Sylvia, don't move
No, Hugo, don't. I don't want to.
Come.
Be careful
We'll go down from there
Are you all right?
Yes. Everything's okay now
Don't do that again, please
No.
- Why did you go up there? - 'Cause you were in danger
It was Hugo's fault, and I didn't want anything to happened to you
I know and I thank you
...you know Sylvia... many years ago I had a daughter like you...
...and I lost her.
What happened to her?
I'll tell you one day
Now let's go back
Eugenio! It's Carlos!
Carlos!
- We thought you weren't coming - It wasn't easy I can assure you
- How you doing, beautiful? - I'm so very happy to see you, Carlos
Do you mind that I brought company?
Company?
It looks aggressive, huh?
No... its not Yago! Come here!
Come 'ere Yago! Jump!
Say Hi
It's beautiful
Stay there 'till I call you!
Where'd you get it?
Afriend that wanted to screw me gave it to me
- And the theatre? - Everything's suspended
As soon as I learned that the season got delayed I thought of coming to visit you...
...so I got my luggage, and here I am - Well done!
- You don't know how much I needed a vacation. - You're going to have a great time, you'll see
...and Sylvia?
She's fine, she has a new governess now
...and... Hugo?
He keeps on living with us
Wouldn't you prefer Hugo being somewhere else?
Nobody sees him here
Hugo likes this place
But it's very sad, there are no flowers even
When I want them, he makes them grow
...you know? I'd like to have a friend like that
I'll tell him
Okay now, let's go home, your dad should be waiting for you
What are you laughing at?
Hugo says they brought me a present
Well... let's see if it's true
My cameo! It went down the lake
What is it?
it's a broach... give me a branch
it's very deep
Was it very expensive?
It was for me It was a remembrance
Don't worry, Hugo will take it out
Hugo can do everything, can't he?
I won't take a no for an answer
All the governess of the world are old, ugly and have very bad moods
Well... I warn you, I'm very energetic when I want to
Really?
Then, that's just what I needed!
Can you take care of my for a while?
- Don't listen to him, he's always joking - You'll have to cope with him some days
We made the mistake of inviting him
...are you dedicated to the industry too?
What you want to know is if I'm a millionaire
Well... I'm not, I have a honest profession
I'm a painter and theatrical designer
...and even if it doesn't look like it, he's talented - Oh yes, that's right
But the industry doesn't recognize it.
Sylvia!
Get out!
Hugo... take it away!
Get out! Get out!
Take it away Hugo!
Get out! get out!
Yago! Get out!
Hugo! Hugo!
Get out!
It didn't mean any harm, it was only playing with you.
Sylvia, you see who's here? it's your god father!
Why's my goddaughter afraid of a stupid dog?
Take it away, I don't want it
Is there a place where we can lock it up for now?
Yes, over there. I'll tell the gardener
Come, come! Everything's fine now.
Come.
This is to cure you from the scare
We haven't made much progress
...as you can see
Not all kids like to play with dogs
- You have gotten very good at the game, huh? - You know very well what I'm talking about
You mean... what happened this morning?
Yes.
All children when they find themselves in danger go to their parents
My daughter on the contrary...
...calls Hugo
it's her only friend
Are you reproaching me?
I'm not reproaching anything
...but I think you should create a friendship between Mariana and you daughter
She feels lonely
...and finds refuge in the love of an inexistent being
Does it seem logical?
It's human. If we don't have someone to love, we put our love in an...
...animal or a plant.
Or a stone.
That's right.
Also a stone.
Ma'am!
Bruno!
Please excuse me.
What are you doing here?
I saw someone in the garden and came out to see who it was.
- You saw someone? - Sure, I saw you.
No Bruno. I know there was someone else, I assure you
You're trembling
Come, Paulina is awake
She'll make you a coffee
You shouldn't had come out of your room, Ma'am
I got worried that someone wanted to get into my room
Anyways... the garden of this house is very dangerous by night
Shut up!
Why is it dangerous?
There's always someone there
Someone... not of this world
Don't listen to her, Ma'am My wife is a very superstitious woman.
Yes? and why did Miss Bertha leave?
'Cause you fill her head with stupid ideas.
Who was sher?
The first governess that Sylvia had.
She saw something
But was afraid to tell.
Believe me.
I spoke to her before she left...
...and she was really terrorized
Tell me, Paulina...
...since when are these abnormal things going on in this house?
- Since little Sylvia got here. - That's pure coincidence.
You see? He's afraid of believing that too.
What do you see odd in Sylvia?
She announces many times what will happen.
She has fun doing perverse things.
...and repeats incomprehensive words
We all know that child's crazy.
Doctors may say whatever they wish, but she's not crazy.
She's bewitched
Bewitched?
That's so stupid! It's my fault for having those two decrepit people
But miss Bertha left this house terrorized.
They scared her
Why didn't you tell me about her?
It's my fault, I thought it wouldn't be opportune
...we needed to give you many explanations, and you may not understand them.
I see. But anything that explains why my cameo appeared...
...in my room.
That's the point I wanted to reach
It's not that complicated
Under my orders, Bruno worked yesterday at the lake
What did you want him to do there?
Fix it a little, reconstruct the paths, repair the little bridge...
...and you think Bruno found it?
Without a doubt
But... would he dare go into my room at night?
Please. Suppose that Bruno gives the cameo to Sylvia...
...she's very capable of doing everything else.
That's true... and since Bruno loves her a lot, if she asked him not to say anything...
...he didn't
Sounds logical, doesn't it?
So much that I know I couldn't come up with it.
Please excuse me, I'll go look for Sylvia, I just don't understand why she...
You'd better look at the lake.
You're right.
- Excuse me. - Go ahead.
Charming woman, isn't she?
It seems that we've had herfor years. She inspires confidence.
I'm going to town, do you want to come with me?
Well... I wanted to paint something, but... I guess I'll do that later
- From Russia? - Moscow
- Poland? - Warsaw
- Germany - Berlin
Austria?
Where's Austria?
Here.
Where is Holstenburg?
- Where did you say? - Holstenburg?
Well... I don't know, frankly I didn't know it existed.
It does.
- How do you know? - Hugo was born there.
Oh! I see. It should be a very pretty place
Yes, but all the people were really bad.
How bad? ...and what made them change?
Nothing, everybody died.
Well... it's not a very pretty story, but a very interesting one.
I promise I'll check where it is. What was that place called?
- Holstenburg. - Well, class is over...
...you can go to play.
Oh, by the way... ...take your doll!
- I've lost it. - What?
I don't know where it is, I can't find it.
That can't be Sylvia, you have to look for it!
Your godfatherwould like to know.
I'll search for it.
...but I won't find it.
...am I right? - Yes.
Ok, there. - You fixed it.
I guess. I found a guy that looks okay
He'll take all the otherworkers.
Hmmm... frankly I dislike the idea of filling the house with workers.
You have to get used to the whims of the millionaires, dear.
I don't want to think about business for a long time.
...besides I promised Mariana to dedicate myself to her and Sylvia.
Be careful!
- What happened? - What's going on, Mariana?
Oh my hand! It's a horrible pain
Hmmm... let me see.
It's nothing.
What was it then?
I've neverfelt something like that, it's like as if someone stabbed me.
Are you still in pain?
No. I'm feeling better.
It was a cramp surely.
Yes, maybe it was just that.
- Holstenburg... - You're losing your time.
Kids sometimes invent words or repeat some they've heard.
Yes, but not with such a complicated name, norwith such geographical precision.
No, there's no such precision.
Probably it's just a...
Oh! Here it is!
Holstenburg.
That's female intuition. I would have never gave it too much importance.
Hear this:
...Nazis bombings made it disappear...
...during World War ll"
Every day you learn something new.
She said that everybody was dead.
She may have read it.
- Good afternoon. - How's yourwife doing?
She's okay, I gave her a shot of Novocain.
I can't explain to myself what happened.
Some kind of distraction.
No, impossible, she was driving very well.
There's no reason.
...or some kind of rheumatic pain, maybe.
Look, if you want to keep yourwife, don't give her that explanation
...women think that rheumatic pains are a manifestation of being old
Well I most confess that that is not very funny
If the pain is not gone, I'll call the doctor.
I know, sherry is a rite in this house.
Cheers.
No, I've never been to Austria.
I can't rememberwhat happened, but I had to come back immediately from Europe
I can picture that...
"Aluminum foil stocks went down two points and you had to came back"
Nonsense! I have no stocks
Why were you asking that?
'Cause Sylvia mentioned an Austrian town, and we thought you may mentioned it.
No, it wasn't me.
I don't know where Sylvia gets so much weird stuff.
I don't know... maybe in some fairy tale book it is mentioned and...
Yago.
Is it okay?
Yes, it only misses me.
It torments me having it tied. It's very cruel.
Would you mind if we untie it for tonight?
Sylvia is already sleeping
Yes, I think that would be okay.
Besides, if we leave it tied, it won't let us sleep
Yes sir?
Fabian, please tell Bruno to untie the dog.
Yes, sir.
- I'll go, it'll be quiet if it sees me. - I'll go with you.
Excuse us, we'll be right back.
This is so strange
It was very quiet
It's not howling!
Maybe it heard us arrive
Yago.
Yago!
It escaped sir. It was here.
Gimme.
Yago!
Sylvia, what are you doing?
The dog is dead.
I can't explain this to myself...
Maybe it was sick and you didn't know.
No, impossible.
Besides, there's no disease that kills that fast
Fear can do it, sir.
Fear?
The chain was broken, surely it tried to escape.
I think something scared it to death.
Bruno, please just finish with that. - Okay sir.
Believe me, I really feel guilty for this. - Don't say that.
...it could have happened anywhere.
You loved it very much, didn't you?
It had very little time with me but I already fell in love with it.
Mr. Ruvalcaba!
...come quick, please. - What's going on?
Ms. Mariana, I don't know what's going on with her.
- Oh! - Mariana, what's going on?
What happened to you?
My leg... ...I can't stand the pain!
Fabian, please call Dr. Vieira. - Yes sir, immediately!
Let's see
Surely next year you'll go to school and will have a lot of friends
I want to stay home always.
You'll come here on vacations
But everybody has to go to school
- What for? - So you can learn
Hugo neverwent to school and knows everything
- Oh Sylvia, Sylvia! - What? You don't believe me?
Well... you say things that are hard to believe. Don't move!
You don't know it because you're very young
...but there are many man that have dedicated their life to study
...however, they don't know it all.
No man, even if he lives a thousand years could learn so much.
Even if that man had a magic book?
Unfortunately there are no magic books
Hugo'll get angry with you! ...and he can convert you in spider!
Really?
Then, the best thing to do is to believe in the magic powers of that book!
...and what is that book about?
Black magic
Black Magic! Now that's an original idea.
I don't see what's so funny about all that.
Oh! c'mon, don't take everything so serious
It's just illogical that a kid that age talk about black magic.
We'll discuss that later. Now, I want to know more about Hugo.
...well... Sylvia said that Hugo is the son of a powerful and terrible witch
that died 700 years ago.
In Holstenburg. - But of course.
He found the way to
fight death.
...and knew he could resuscitate a thousand years later.
...but the only thing that worried him...
...was that in that time-lapse...
...his wonderful magic book...
was destroyed or lost.
I see, so he then thought he could make a statue?
No, the idea is even worse.
Before he died...
...the father put the book in his son hands...
...and converted him into stone.
So... Hugo is the son of the witch?
Yes, and his mission is to keep that book until his father comes back to life.
Can I serve you another cup?
It's not so funny now, isn't it?
I have to admit that the story has an impressive coherence
...and it's nothing childish, but what if somebody just told that to Sylvia?
No, I'm not sure.
All this is very strange. - Excuse me sir...
...but the doctor is leaving now.
Excuse me.
Doctor... how is she?
The problem doesn't seem that serious
Without a doubt it is from a nervous origin
Now, she has a terrible headache
- How about the leg? - That has diminished
However, she is affected psychologically, she needs to rest.
I prescripted a sedative
Please, try to keep her at ease
How do you feel?
Bad, now I have a headache, I can't stand it.
You're very nervous, that's what the doctor says, please try to calm down.
I don't understand what's going on with me, everything's is so strange.
Eugenio. Eugenio, I'm scared!
Scared? Of what?
I don't know, I feel threatened by something I don't understand.
Something vague, mysterious.
Do you want to come back to the city? - No, I must surpass this anguish.
I'm behaving like a superstitious child
Hey! Don't talk like this house is full of ghosts.
There is one, and I can't stop thinking about it.
Hugo.
Rogelio, do you think Sylvia will leave that obsession someday?
Forget about him
Now you must rest.
Please come back soon, I don' want to be alone.
Who's there?
Sylvia, what are you doing?
I was playing
You know you scared me?!
Are you trying to hide? - No, now it's Hugo's turn, so I...
...have to count 'till 20 and then I'll seek him.
We should seek him together. - What are you painting Hugo for?
Oh! so you were spying me, huh?
No, but I know.
Come with me.
Oh well... - You see? You screwed it all up!
Me? What have I done?
Now I can't play!
Sylvia, come here! Sylvia!
Good afternoon.
- Hello. - Please don't tell me I scared you.
Scared me?
I was almost horrified!
I'm really sorry
Please excuse me.
Don't worry, I think that today my nerves aren't quite well.
Oh! Can I see?
it's beautiful. Sylvia would love to see Hugo in a frame.
You're wrong.
She didn't like it whatsoever.
I'll go to search for her, please excuse me.
Sylvia
I don't know what to say, I don't understand.
it's so horrible, So Cruel. - Now I understand Eugenio.
There's no doubt that Sylvia is mentally ill.
No Carlos. No brain is as sick as it could be, can invent such a thing.
Someone has to have told Sylvia...
...that witchery serves in all that to...
- No Julia, you're going too far - This is witchery!
Suppose that she tried to play, imitating something she saw.
This is not a game. It has had creepy consequences.
Consequences?
I thought everything had passed.
Maybe you don't know it but, this handkerchief is Mariana's.
Then... you believe that all those pains she has had?
Look where the needles are...
...this cannot be a coincidence.
I wish I had an argument but,
...I just can't find any.
Please tell me... What can I do?
Don't tell Eugenio.
But he must know. - No, we'll alarm him
Let's just wait to find what's at the bottom of all this.
...and who's going to tell us?
Sylvia.
Can you imagine, Julia?
This morning I thought I died, I took my medicine, and now I feel as good as new
I'm so happy for that. I was so worried.
So, what happened with your painting? You haven't showed it to me.
I'd rather like to show it to you when as soon it's done
Why don't you come closer to the fire, huh?
Don't be fool. I can walk perfectly
What did Sylvia tell you about her doll?
She didn't mention it. But I know it was her.
We need some music, don't you think?
Please excuse me, I have to wake up early tomorrow...
...and I'm very tired, Good night.
- Good night Miss Julia - Excuse me.
Sing Hugo! Hugo... Sing!
No Hugo, no!
Open it Sylvia!
Sylvia, open it!
Can you hear me?
What are you doing awake at this time?
I wasn't sleepy
- To whom were you talking to? - No one
Sylvia, I heard you!
With Hugo.
- So he comes to visit you? - Yes, 'cause it's very cold outside.
Very well. That's very nice from you.
- Where is he now? - He left.
- Without opening the door? - Yes.
- Maybe thru the window? - No, when he wants to leave, he just does.
That's very interesting, but you'll have to tell me all that tomorrow...
...now you have to go to sleep.
- Good night, Sylvia - Night Night
There's going to be a road here and, in the center of the barren there'll be a park.
Perfect. I've always thought that this place had a bad approach
Would you approve it?
Yes, it has a bourgeois aspect, but... ...it's not that bad.
Aww! C'mon, this is a beautiful place to eat.
...and to watch Hugo.
Why not? After Eugenio told me Sylvia's story...
...I find it interesting.
It's good you take it like that.
Not everybody has the luck to have such an important book...
...petrified in your house.
...and what do you think of Sylvia's story?
Oh! That Sylvia may have made it up to make Hugo even more impressive.
Sylvia?!
- What are you doing? - Playing.
With salt again?
I warned you that if you did that again I'll tell your dad.
Don't touch it!
Listen... you must not play with salt.
Why does it have to be like that?
No one does so many weird things.
Look! if you tell me the truth I'll leave the salt for this time...
...okay?
- Really? - I promise
I wanted to resuscitate my lizard.
Where'd you take that from?
It's mine
Throw it away Sylvia, it's dead!
But it'll live again.
Who's putting so much crap inside your head?
When animals die, it's forever.
That's not true!
I just can't cope with it... Sylvia
I'll leave you for a while, but I'll be back and I'll clean this mess.
...and when your lizard comes back to life, please tell me.
You are the ones to blame.
Since the first day that the salt was missing you should have told me.
We knew that it was the child, and we didn't wanted her to be punished for that.
There's the result
Now she doesn't take you seriously and even gives herself the luxury of scaring you.
But sir! I saw that lizard. It was dead yesterday's morning.
...but Herminia, please. Can't you see what's this all about?
...it's just another lizard
No, it was the same, I'm pretty sure.
C'mon Herminia, You are very nervous. Let me give you a pill.
What do you think?
That your daughter is adorable ...and has a magnificent sense of humor
No Carlos. I don't like familiarities with them
You know? there's something very strange in this...
You think that that bug came to life too?
No, Of course not. I'm talking about the signs.
Signs? They're just childish drawings.
Maybe, but I'd like to show them to Professor Esquivias.
He's an ethnologist, friend of mine.
Are you nuts?
He knows a lot about magic and occult sciences.
...and you think I'll look like an idiot in front of that man?
Eugenio... As soon as we know that it's not important...
...we all will sleep at ease
- Yes - Even Mariana
...and where's your know-it-all.
It's like going for a holiday trip, just a few hours using the car.
- I'll ask Mariana. - No, I'd rather like if she stays.
We could find something... ...disagreeable
...I don't know why I listen to you!
Of course you don't study specialties like that
Suddenly, however, you start to get interested in them.
Man's always interested in the occult.
Marco has passed half his life studying magic, religion and occult sciences
I can almost tell you that we're getting into it.
- Professor, do you believe in Magic? - My dearfriend, it's not about believing
The researcher suddenly finds himself in front of inexplicable, not understandable
...facts that he must accept - But everything has an explanation
We believe that, but whilst we cannot find it, wizards and witches will still exist
Marco, we don't want to take your time, we just came for a consult
- About magic? - Not actually
...it's just that Carlos really wanted to come - Yeah, it might be fool, kiddy stuff.
but I want to know your opinion about it
Do these mean anything to you?
Yes, there's no problem with it.
...those are signs that were commonly used in Europe in the middle ages.
...and, are those any important at all? - Hmm... depends on how you look at it
...Many centuries ago, many people were burned alive for using them.
- We'd like to know if it has a special meaning - I don't know, it seems like a spell.
each of these signs is the name of an evil spirit, especially the one in the center
- What name is it? - I cannot tell you
This sign has no name, mentioning its name is forbidden
Even writing its name is forbidden.
- I just can't understand that. - Witchery has it very strict rules.
Forbidden names can only be written with magical elements
- Like what? - There are many
Water, fire, salt, blood
Salt?
It's not that strange. For a long time it was believed that salt
...was the essence of man.
...the things you learn, I've never thought on that one
Remember that in the Bible, Lot's wife converted into a salt statue
...and there are many other examples. - What you haven't told us professor...
...is what kind of religion is this.
Many millennia ago, it had its origin in religions and oriental cults.
...then they got deformed and were related to perverse divinities.
...in the end, it gave place to what we know today as black magic.
Sylvia...
Sylvia?
Sylvia! What are you doing there? - I was thirsty
So I went for a glass of water.
Stop it, okay? I know what your game is.
...and you're not going to scare me, do you hear me?
...and if you try again, I'll make you regret that. Go to your bed now!
And I don't want you outside your room.
Mariana
No, I can't keep on like this.
I feel I'll go crazy
So do I, this situation can't go on
It hurts me a lot I've failed with your daughter, but...
No, please don't say that, you have done enough for her
Maybe I should have tolerated that weird fantasy about Hugo, but...
...I can't, I have nightmares with it, I can think only of Hugo.
...I want to leave your house, Eugenio. - No, you won't never leave.
...l'll smash that statue before you do that, do you understand?
If I may, this is where I get in. There's no need for doing all that nonsense
The only thing that I'm interested in is that Mariana live calmly.
Well, but there's no need to destroy the statue, I'll be a crime.
Do you think that... I could sell it to someone?
- You already have a buyer - If you're interested, it's all yours
...but take it away immediately - No Eugenio, please don't do that.
...think of Sylvia. - I do this for her too.
...she'll forget it very soon. - Well, I'll see how I'll do this.
You can rent a truck in town.
...and hire people to transport it.
I'll take a look, I don't know how difficult it will be to move it.
Are you satisfied?
Thank you, Eugenio.
It'll be easier than I thought.
I hope you won't do it.
Please don't insist miss Julia, you make me feel like an ogre
It's not yourfault, I understand, but think on that child.
I've already done so, in the moment she misses Hugo she'll seek for you.
No, no one can replace Hugo in her affectections!
- Can I ask you something? - Whatever you may
Please take it away when she's not here.
I'll promise that, but help me please, keep her away from here.
Come... let's go.
Let's go to sleep, Sylvia.
Is my godfather gone?
Yes, he had something very urgent to do.
- Are you sad? - No, I was thinking on something else.
Why should I be?
Don't worry Julia, no one will take Hugo away.
See you later Mr. Ruvalcaba, and believe me, I'm sorry to bring you this notice.
I appreciate it
it's very important that you go with someone else to identify the person
- It might be a mistake - I don't think so.
All the characteristics are equal, he came out this house tonight...
- However... - I'll go, don't worry
- Good bye - Good bye, Lieutenant.
- There's no hope. - No, it's not him.
- You have to resign yourself - I just can't believe it
- I can't - You must be strong, Mariana
...we still must go to identify the body.
- Please don't ask me that, I couldn't... - The laws asks for two witnesses
- I can help you with that Mr. Ruvalcaba. - Yes, of course.
- You don't know how much I appreciate that. - I wish I could do more.
...I started to like him
Yes, he was a very good friend.
...but that had to happen someday.
...that crazy way of driving...
Eugenio, have you noticed anything wrong with that accident?
No... is there something wrong?
I don't know, but it's really odd that we just can't get rid of Hugo.
What are you talking about?
It just... something I needed to say.
I've thought that a lot.
It seems that something's always protecting your daughter's wishes.
No, it's not like that ...with orwithout Carlos.
...l've gave my word that that statue will leave this house
...and that's the only thing I'll make you accomplish
- At what time do you want to leave? - About six.
I'll go and get dressed appropriately, please excuse me.
- Why aren't you coming with us? - No, I'll rather stay
Alone?
I must take care of Sylvia, I'll have to do that many times
Mariana...
Why don't you confess that you're afraid?
Yes. I'm afraid, a lot. The presence of that statue in the garden...
...doesn't even let me sleep...
...the sole name of Hugo gives me the creeps...
...but I'll have to stay tonight
It's just that tomorrow there'll be no statues nor books of stone here.
But I'd had lost the fight with Sylvia.
- There's just pure love. - No...
Eugenio, your daughter has made me feel the most terrible of all fears...
...but she must not know it, or she'll have no respect for me anymore.
Sylvia will get well soon, and we'll forget everything.
But I'll neverforget.
Are you sure you want to stay?
Yes, let me do it.
- That's all Herminia, you can go to bed now. - Thank you very much, ma'am.
- Good evening - Good evening
Where's Miss Julia? isn't she coming to lay me down?
No, but you already know how to undress yourself.
I'll go later to say you good night.
- Where'd she go? - With your dad to a very urgent matter.
...and is he coming tonight? - Yes, but very late tonight
Sylvia, you haven't asked me about your godfather.
He's gone
Yes, but he could come back
Really?
Please finish your dinner.
Are you okay?
I'm okay now, it's just that I didn't like seeing him like that.
Was it him?
Yes lieutenant, unfortunately yes.
I won't bother you anymore.
I just need your signatures.
- I'll go for the paperwork - Go ahead
I think I'll neverforget what I saw.
Guess it was a mistake bringing you here.
No, au contraire, would you imagine what would have happened to Mariana?
...she is even more squeamish.
Miss Julia...
...l'd like to ask you a favor, please don't tell this to my daughter.
...Carlos' death, we'll tell her slowly
That's not necessary, she already knows it
Did you tell her anything?
I don't like to tell you this, but...
...she was the first to know...
...almost guessed it.
But that's impossible!
Mr. Rubalcaba, maybe one day we'll accept that...
...Sylvia has learned a lot in that book of stone.
Are you serious?
Absolutely, I understand your skepticism...
...'cause there are many things you ignore.
Like what?
Do you remember the doll that was given to Sylvia as a gift?
Sylvia...
Why haven't you go to sleep?
...go to your bed...
...and don't you ever open that window again, you may catch a cold.
Who did this?
Answer me, and I don't want lies.
Hugo came to see me.
Listen to me, Sylvia
I have tried to understand you, be yourfriend...
...but you just neverwanted...
...and from now on, I don't want you to ever mention Hugo again...
...do you understand?
Yes.
You'll learn very soon how I am.
...tomorrow they'll take that damn statue from this house...
...and not even all Hugo's magic will stop that!
Leave, I don't love you.
I know that, but you must get used to obey me.
Now, go to sleep.
Who's there?
Sylvia, I warned you that...
Sylvia! Sylvia!
Come back!
Sylvia! Sylvia! Come back!
Sylvia!
Mr. Ruvalcaba... why are the service people awaken?
I don't know
What's going on?
- We heard a scream over there. - Mss. Mariana is not in her room.
Nor Sylvia.
To the lake!
Look everywhere, quick!
Come with me
Mariana!
Mariana, where are you?
Mariana!
Sylvia!
Look over there!
Mariana.
My dear!
It's Mariana.
She's dead.
Mariana.
Sylvia... what happened?
Tell me!
Hugo.
No dad! No!
No dad! Please, don't!
- Sir, Dr. Vieira it's at the library. - I'm coming.
Do you need anything?
No thanks, I'm going to rest.
Doctor... I'm sorry to let you wait.
Don't say that.
I knew you were at the sepal and decided to wait.
I appreciate that.
What can I tell you, Mr. Ruvalcaba?
I understand how you feel, my friend
Thanks. Please, be so kind
How's your daughter?
She's still unconscious. It was a terrible emotional shock for her.
Do you understand that, sir?
Well... I don't know the problem, just a little bit...
...what you told me on the phone. - But with a statue?!
We have here a very strange situation...
...and another one here, which is even more strange.
There's no logic for our love.
...and even less logic for a child.
What can it be doctor?
When she wakes up, we'll see how she is.
...but in the meanwhile, there's something very urgent.
Please tell me, whatever it is.
Leave this place. Sylvia must not be...
...in the place where it happened.
I'll do it doctor.
...and do it as soon as you can.
I'll do it tonight.
Are you done?
Yes sir, these are the last ones, everything else is inside the car.
Okay.
Please don't tell anybody that I left to the city.
Tomorrow... I'll call to give instructions
...believe me, we are terribly sorry forwhat happened.
Mister Eugenio!
Mister Eugenio, I can't find Sylvia.
That's impossible.
I've looked for her everywhere, she's not in the house.
...but she was unconscious.
I can't explain this.
Do you think she went back there?
- No. - That'll be very dangerous
Come.
Sylvia!
Please answer!
Sylvia!
Syl...
Sylvia.