Universal Language (2024)

[bunniefuu]

A Presentation of the Winnipeg Institute for the

Intellectual Development of Children and Young People

In the name of Friendship

UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE

ROBERT H. SMITH SCHOOL

Be silent!

I thought after your vacation,

you would show some maturity.

But what do I find instead?

Shouting, screaming

and misbehaviours!

You think I'm late

for no reason?

My bus broke down

outside the city.

I had to walk all the way here!

Pulling my luggage

over slippery ice!

And you don't even have the

decency to misbehave in French?

I'm not like other

authority figures, you know.

I wear an earring.

And turtleneck sweaters.

I've played my electric

guitar for you more than once.

And still you behave like brats.

I have devoted my life to

making you better humans.

But look at you now.

What happened?

Can anyone translate

this sentence?

Permission to enter, agha?

Why are you late?

I have a note from my father.

Take your seat.

Omid!

I wrote something

on the blackboard.

I intend to prove

something to you creatures.

Translate it.

But I don't understand, agha.

Why?

Because I can't read

your handwriting.

Because you're blind as a bat!

Actually I'm myopic, agha.

I can't see far away.

Be silent!

When the school year started,

you sat at the back

next to Ali Hemmati.

I let you sit at the front

so you could see better.

Even though you have

below-average intelligence.

Morteza!

Why is your face like that?

- I'm Groucho.

- What?

Groucho Marx, the comedian.

Your face is

disgusting to others.

Go stand in the closet.

Look Omid,

your father came to me

three times and said,

"Forgive me agha,

I work three jobs.

When school reopens

after winter break,

my son Omid will come to

class with new glasses."

Three times he promised me.

- Was he lying to me?

- No.

- Then where are your glasses?

- I lost them, but it's not my fault.

Why is that?

I was obstructed by a turkey.

Omid, I'm in no

mood for tall tales.

Really!

A turkey was wandering through

the Centennial Parking Pavilion.

The gobbling startled me,

I tripped,

and the glasses

fell off my face.

And I suppose the turkey

ran off with them.

My father helped me look,

but we couldn't find them.

You should do like Dena

and wear an elastic band.

I did!

Omid, what do you want

to be when you grow up?

Excuse me, agha?

What do you want to

be when you grow up?

I want to be a tour guide.

A tour guide?

In this town?

Reza, what about you?

A fashion photographer, agha.

Negin?

A diplomat.

A diplomat?

Morteza, what do you want

to be when you grow up?

A comedian, agha!

You have to be funny first.

Sohrab?

I want to breed donkeys.

What did you say?

I want to breed donkeys, agha.

All of you will fail.

You know why?

It's called REALITY.

When I look at you, I see

little hope for human survival.

Read this sentence!

We are lost forever

in this world.

That's right, exactly.

And you are all expelled!

Until Omid can see properly!

No more education! Everyone

go stand in the closet!

Agha, we can't all fit in there!

Not my problem!

Everybody in the closet!

Your bag in your other hand.

Put your arm around her.

Now frown.

Three swings only!

One,

two,

three.

Next!

Three swings only!

Omid, my sister's school is

near the Parking Pavilion.

We could go look there together.

I have to wait for my mom

at the Kleenex Repository.

Do you need help to get there?

My feet know the way.

If I find your glasses,

I'll bring them to you.

Okay.

Alright friends,

our tour concludes here at the

Centennial Parking Pavilion.

Actually, we have to go, agha.

But you'll miss the best part!

The jewel of the Grey District!

Your tour was very long, agha.

We have to get going.

Thank you, goodbye.

But I've hired a group of youths

to re-enact the Great Parallel

Parking Incident of 1958.

Please stay!

The youths put in

a lot of effort!

I appreciate the effort.

But since when is a parking lot

a site of historical importance?

Snow shoveler here!

Shoveling! Sweeping!

All a good price!

Snow shoveler!

Snow shoveler!

Mahi! Don't do your homework

in the bath again, okay?

You should pay more

attention, Saina.

My dear Nazgol!

You got the best

mark. Congratulations!

Thank you.

If Falardeau was here, he

would have loved your essay.

Come to the flower shop. I

want to get you a nice gift.

Thanks Mme Zardooz, but

I have a santoor lesson.

It will only take a moment.

Okay.

Hello Mr. Golchin.

SPEAK SOFTLY FLOWERS

ARE SENSITIVE

I hope you are not tired.

Hello, dear girl.

Hello.

Were you a good student

in Mme Zardooz's class?

She got the best

mark in the class.

Bravo.

And are you kind to

all of god's creatures?

Yes.

Do you speak calmly

around flowers?

DO NOT SCREAM NEAR THE FLOWERS

And do you pay respect

to your elders,

even when they show stupidity?

That is a trick

question, I think.

Get my cigarettes. There,

next to the samovar.

Mahi, where's Nazgol?

Flower shop.

Did you know that saffron

comes from the crocus?

And as our provincial flower,

it represents all of us.

When our hearts fill

with the gloom of winter

I tell people: "Go stand

next to this flower.

You will feel better."

When you can stand

next to this flower,

it is always springtime.

It will live a long life

if you take care of it.

Be kind to it.

Here you go.

Thank you so much, agha.

What do we say about

such a flower in French?

This flower is very beautiful.

Well done.

- Hello.

- Hello.

- Salam.

- Salam.

Would you accept some walnuts

in exchange for a flower?

I'm a small business

owner, agha.

I'm on my way to the

cemetery, but I have no money.

I can lend you some money.

- Nazgol! Come quick!

- What is it?

A matter of life and

death! Come right now!

Agha, this flower is very

beautiful. Here you are.

- Sorry, agha.

- Don't slam the door!

- Negin! What's going on?

- Hurry!

Snow Shoveler!

Negin!

Negin!

Why are you running?

Just run!

Snow Shoveler here!

We're so lucky. I found

500 Riels in the ice!

500 Riels! Negin! We

can buy so many socks!

No, we have to help

my friend Omid.

You want to give it all away?

He can't see well.

And a turkey ran off

with his glasses.

What?

It's a long story.

- Mr. Bilodeau is insane.

- Why?

He expelled everybody until

Omid can see the blackboard.

With this money, he

can buy new glasses.

But how do we get it out?

We can use your

skates to chip it out.

Negin, you know ringette

is on Tuesday nights.

And Shabnam is

sharpening our skates.

What do you have there?

- 500 Riels.

- Yes.

Frozen in the ice.

Yes.

How will we get it out?

I heard a Snow Shoveler

down the corridor.

We'll borrow his shovel.

You mean Agha Javad?

He's grumpy. He won't

lend you his shovel.

People like to help each other.

And I want to help you, too.

But a shovel is too dull.

You need a sharper tool.

Like an axe.

- Do you have an axe?

- No.

Fortunately, I know

where you can find one.

Go to my friend,

Mr. Abdolrahman Ghamghosar.

In the beige building at

the end of Zamenhof Street.

Knock on his door,

he'll lend you his axe.

Go! It's getting dark.

I'll wait for you here.

Why don't you go, agha?

Excuse me?

He's your friend, you

know where he lives.

We'll wait for you.

My dear!

This neighbourhood is

dangerous for children.

Besides, you'll get cold.

I like being cold.

We don't need your help, agha.

But little missy, using

an axe is difficult!

Who will cut the ice for you?

Who will carry it to

a warm place for you?

You can't do it by yourself.

But we found it first.

But it still doesn't

belong to you!

For all you know, I

could have lost it!

I might be suffering.

I might need this money

to help my loved ones.

And yet here I am,

trying to help you,

even as you treat

me with suspicion!

We didn't mean to

insult you, agha.

Then don't waste my

time! Go to Ghamghosar.

Are you Monsieur Castonguay?

Indeed.

Mario?

Matthew.

Nice to meet you.

Mathieu, right.

Nice to meet you.

Do you mind if I eat?

Please do.

I hear it's your last

day here, is that right?

Yes, it is.

And youre going back

to your country, right?

I've been in Montreal

for a long time now,

but yes, I grew up in Winnipeg.

So you don't like

Quebec anymore!

No, it's not that.

But you'd rather

live in Alberta?

No, in Manitoba.

Pardon?

Winnipeg is in Manitoba.

Alberta is a different place.

On the contrary,

Alberta is the

capital of Winnipeg.

No.

If you take the map of Canada,

first there's Quebec, then Ontario,

and then the Province of Manitoba.

Winnipeg is the capital city.

To get to Alberta,

you have to...

Okay, okay!

You and your Western Canada

and your Rocky Mountains.

Personally, I don't

give a rat's a*s.

In 1995, I campaigned

for the Yes side.

- Understand?

- Yes.

- That means Quebec independence.

- Yes.

- Ring any bells?

- Yes.

So excuse me if I'm not a

Canadian geography fanatic.

No problem, Mr. Castonguay. It's

just the two solitudes, it's normal.

Alright.

So, Mario.

We need to discuss

your new life.

I need to make sure the Quebec

government will come off looking good.

- How do you mean?

- Let me tell you something.

The public is losing

confidence in government.

Not just here in Quebec,

but everywhere!

I'm all for freedom of

expression, of course,

But there are g*dd*mn limits!

So, we expect

that you tell all

the other Albertans

that your career here

with the Ministry

was one of the most positive

experiences of your life.

Or neutral.

Preferably positive, but

we can accept neutral.

But under no circumstances

can you say you were unhappy

or that it was negative.

Positive or neutral.

Understood?

No problem.

It was by far the most

neutral experience of my life.

Good luck.

Can you shut your trap?

I'd like some sleeping

pills, please.

Small, medium or large?

Large.

Life is worth living, sir.

Come here, my boy.

Thank you.

Your mother should be here soon.

- Have some tea.

- Thank you, dear Aonan.

Hurry, Negin. It'll be dark

soon. Mother will be worried.

I don't trust that man.

Don't jump to conclusions.

I fear he's leading us off a

cliff like a herd of bison.

You judge people too quickly.

Look for the beige building.

They're all beige!

He tricked us!

We'll ring the doors one by one.

Excuse me, agha.

Does Abdolrahman

Ghamghosar live here?

Ostad Ghamghosar?

The turkey dealer?

Yes!

No, but his shop is close by.

Can you tell us how to find it?

You're now in the

Brown District.

You must go back through

the Beige District.

Beyond the Cold Storage

Depot, you will see his shop.

Is it a beige building?

Of course not!

The Cold Storage Depot marks

the border to the Grey District.

Thank you, agha!

You wouldn't have a cigarette?

Such impolite children.

My misfortune is unrelenting.

You see? He sent

us the wrong way!

Try to be charitable, Negin.

But he told us the

building was beige!

Maybe he's colour blind.

Grey is very close to beige.

This isn't even Zamenhof street.

Stop complaining.

A. GHAMGHOSAR

Salam. Are you

Abdolrahman Ghamghosar?

No, my dear.

I'm his brother, Hafez.

Like the great poet.

Will he be back soon?

He went to the Bus Terminal

to pick up a beautiful turkey.

I don't know when he'll return.

His friend sent us

here to borrow an axe.

What friend?

We don't know his name.

My darlings, I can't

lend you an axe.

Please agha, we'll

return it quickly.

Sweetheart,

do I look like someone

who could use an axe?

To provide you with top

quality turkey products,

we use only the gentlest

system of circular saws.

No axe here!

Could we borrow a circular saw?

You'd need a very large

truck to cart it away.

Would you like to see it?

No thank you, agha.

We are in a hurry,

can't you help us?

My intelligent, clever girl.

Tell me, what do you want

to be when you grow up?

A cognitive neuroscientist.

Very good. Well done.

In order to study

the human brain,

you must learn to

operate circular saws.

Come, my dear, let me show you.

Another time. We

just need an axe.

It's an emergency!

So why not try Ashdown's

Hardware Store?

You'll find an axe there.

Or try the Snow Shoveler

at the Parking Pavilion.

You can borrow his ice pick.

Where's Ashdown's Hardware?

In the Bazaar. Behind

the Cold Storage Depot.

Let's split up.

- Negin, this is hopeless.

- Why?

If I cut through the

Cold Storage Depot,

I can still make my

santoor lesson on time.

Forget your santoor!

I'll go to the Bazaar.

Whoever finds an axe first

goes straight to the Pavilion.

But if I miss a week,

I'll fall behind!

You'll be fine!

If we lose each other, go

to the Kleenex Repository.

Omid's mom works there.

Okay, but you owe me.

I got you.

Thank you, agha!

Come back to see the

circular saws another time.

Salam, welcome! What

can I do for you?

I need some turkey.

The lowest prices in

Quebec? Are you sure?

Jean is sure!

At Jean Suissr, our

reputation is your guarantee.

- Got chairs?

- Jean's got 'em!

- Got shelves?

- Jean's got 'em!

- Got sofas?

- Jean's got 'em!

- Got cheap carpets?

- Jean's got 'em! And that's not all!

A ticket to Winnipeg, please.

One-way or return?

I don't know.

It's cheaper if you

buy a return ticket.

Cash only. The

machine is broken.

- I only have $120 in cash...

- One way.

You can buy the return

ticket in Alberta.

In Manitoba.

What?

At Jean Suissr, our used

furniture is used only in Quebec,

by fellow Quebecers.

Proud and pure, are you sure?

Everything is sure!

Or my name isnt Jean!

Jean Suissr!

Mind if I sit here?

Okay.

Does my face give

you a headache?

Sorry?

My face arrived just

before your Advil.

Ah no, it's just

a sleeping pill.

I was going to sleep

through Ontario.

Oh, that's a shame.

You'll miss out.

Ontario is very romantic

in the moonlight.

Cigarette?

Iraj. Iraj Bilodeau.

Matthew.

Are you from Montreal?

Usually.

Tourist?

Kind of.

Winnipeg is a strange

destination for tourism.

My ex-wife, Maryse, always

felt homesick in Winnipeg.

She was from Quebec.

A bit like you.

She always wanted to

move back to Montreal,

but I had to take

care of my parents.

During the 1995 referendum,

she finally left me.

And the very day she

returned to Montreal,

she was flattened in a

steamrolling accident.

I loved her with all my heart.

I wanted her to be happy.

Every spring, I make this trip

to Montreal to visit her grave.

You know the Winnipeg

song "These Eyes"?

These eyes

Cry every night for you

These arms

Long to hold you again

You know Persian?

A little.

Khanoum jan!

Khanoum jan!

Yes, khanoum. What's wrong?

I refuse to sit

next to this turkey.

The turkey has a

ticket, just like you.

He is a paying customer.

Normally we store turkeys

down below with the luggage.

Buses should be for humans only.

Khanoum,

didn't you feel the

frost this morning?

Would you put your goldfish or

your cat down there to freeze?

How am I supposed to relax

with so much gobbling?

Khanoum, this turkey belongs

to Abdolrahman Ghamghosar.

Mr. Ghamghosar?

Yes.

The famous turkey expert?

Yes, khanoum.

He paid for its seat and will

welcome it at the Bus Terminal.

I have known great

suffering in life, you know.

My sons choked to death in a

marshmallow-eating competition.

My husband was k*lled

by a swarm of wasps.

I have neighbours

who steal my rhubarb.

And now, after all

I've had to endure,

you make me sit

next to this turkey?

Khanoum, this turkey has

won Avian Beauty Pageants.

You're fortunate to sit next

to such a splendid creature.

Nonsense! I'd rather

he was a bowl of soup!

Do you know how many turkeys

I've roasted in my life?

Millions!

I work at a French

immersion school.

You can't imagine

the little b*stards.

I'd even call them repugnant.

No culture, no intelligence.

There are some I suspect of...

Well, in any case,

they're unclean.

They're like vermin.

Are you asleep?

Agha, are you asleep?

Khanoum!

Khanoum jan, you're still here?

The bus broke down.

Even the turkey evacuated!

Hurry along! Youll

warm up by walking.

Come on! Move it!

WELCOME TO WINNIPEG

ONE GREAT CITY!

WINNIPEG COLD STORAGE

OLD DUTCH CHIPS

NUTTY CLUB CANDIES & NUTS

NATIONAL TYPEWRITER

Have a birthday cake, agha.

My birthday is in August, agha.

How unfortunate!

Keep it in your freezer!

It'll be good five

birthdays from now!

No worry at all, agha!

God stands witness!

G 54.

O 64.

N 37.

B 7.

Single 7.

N 42.

BINGO EVERY DAY FROM 6AM

G 45.

- Salam, agha.

- Salam, agha.

How many bingo

cards do you want?

Sorry agha, can I

use your telephone?

Our game is for a

good cause today.

There's a woman in East

Kildonan who can't stop crying.

Today's jackpot wins her a

year's supply of Kleenex.

You should buy many cards.

Please agha, your telephone.

Here's the phone.

Yes, we have a winner!

Congratulations, khanoum!

Now, who will win

the November Kleenex?

Congratulations.

Thanks agha, but I don't want to

use the jackpot to buy Kleenex.

What's wrong with Kleenex?

Oh, I love Kleenex.

I am the lacrimologist

at Brookside Cemetery.

- Hello.

- Hello.

Is this 284-5197?

Yes. Who's this?

Can I speak with

Mrs. Rankin please?

I am her son.

Agha Rankin!

I'm so happy to meet

you! Are you in Winnipeg?

Yes.

Who is speaking?

My name is Massoud, agha.

Alright. May I speak

with my mother, please?

Your mother is

resting at the moment.

I have to go to work now.

But we can meet tonight.

Who are you exactly?

Meet me at the Tim Horton's.

Across from the Louis Riel Grave...

...drop by sometime, I'll

show you my tear collection.

Bravo! Well done!

Mrs. Shanazarian has

so many new fans!

IT'S A LONG tr*mp

CHAINSAWS

MATTHEW, AGE 5

MATTHEW, AGE 8

MATTHEW, AGE 12

I hope your hands don't suffer.

Here you go, agha.

Finest quality ice cream.

Agha, this is too kind.

And a cup of tea so

you don't catch cold.

Thank you, Dara.

Sorry for the detour, agha.

But I thought you'd like

to see the city again.

My parents met at

this ice-cream stand.

They fell in love here.

Back then, Winnipeg was

a very romantic place.

Anyway, I'll take you

to the Tim Hortons now.

Who's meeting you there?

He said his name was Massoud.

Is he a friend of your family?

Maybe. I called my mother's

phone and he answered.

She never mentioned him before?

I don't remember.

You can stay with us

whenever you like.

Your mother also.

It's still your home, agha.

Mind if I put on some music?

Do you find the

city has changed?

No, not really.

My eldest son Morteza

is learning French.

He wants to be a

famous comedian.

Perhaps he will move away too.

I hope he will remember to

visit us once in a while.

This is the grave of Louis

Riel, founder of Manitoba.

150 years ago, he led an uprising

against the Canadian Government

to protect the rights

of the Mtis Nation.

For this, he was convicted of

treason and sentenced to death.

Was he able to earn a good

income as a revolutionary?

What was his annual

salary, for example?

Riel did not care about money. He

devoted his life to helping others.

Do people still think

of him as a traitor?

No.

Our ancestors hurt him and

punished him for his courage.

But today we understand

that he was a hero.

Everything you see around you,

every building, every

parking lot, every flower

owes something to his sacrifice.

Let us honour his dear memory

with 30 minutes of silence.

LOUIS RIEL (1844-1885)

FATHER OF MANITOBA

What time will this

Massoud meet you there?

He said seven o'clock.

That's a long time to wait.

What will you do all afternoon?

I don't know. Maybe

I'll just wait.

It's actually a very

beautiful Tim Hortons.

And there's a relaxing

view of the highway.

Time will pass quickly, agha.

Here we are.

TIM HORTONS

ALWAYS FRESH

Sure you don't want

me to wait with you?

I'll be fine.

Shirin wanted to give your

mother these candied walnuts.

Mothers worry when their

children are far away.

Please give these to her,

and invite her to visit us.

I will. Thank you.

And here are some

socks for you, agha.

The closest thing

your feet will touch.

Agha, you are very kind.

I would die for you.

I'll never forget this day.

I have three

brothers in my life.

You are the fourth.

May all your days be filled

with joy and happiness.

Our competitors put genetic

mutations on your dinner table.

Unacceptable!

Or imitation turkey

meat made from pigeons.

Unacceptable!

Our grandfather came to Manitoba

90 years ago with a dream.

You know friends,

he was the most voluptuous

turkey I've ever seen.

I met him online.

We texted for months until

I knew he was the one.

I spent a fortune to

bring him to our shop.

Master, let me get you a

double-double. It will cheer you up.

I cannot accept!

I have been crying on

your shoulder all morning.

I will pay!

The dream of delicious and

reasonably-priced turkey products

for all Winnipeggers.

I sing poems to my

turkeys every night

so they will live

calm and happy lives.

We have the gizzards!

We have the gravy!

Khanoum jan! You brought

tea from outside?

Throw it out! This

is Tim Hortons.

Come get a turkey

at 843 Main Street.

We want to serve you!

ROD PEELER, REALTOR

"I NEVER SLEEP!"

This is one of the first

residential structures

in Winnipeg's historic

Beige District.

There once was a tree which

blocked this magnificent fresco.

Thankfully, the tree

was chopped down.

So now everyone

can enjoy the view.

Did any famous people live here?

No.

But many nice, unknown

people have lived here.

Like who?

For example, Siavash Yazdanmehr,

the administrative assistant.

Aidin Firouzabadi,

the fax machine operator.

Lots of people.

Let's move now to our

next point of interest.

Someone forgot this

briefcase here in 1978.

Since then, nobody has dared

to move it from this spot.

What's inside, agha?

No one has ever looked inside.

- Who was the owner?

- Nobody knows.

It is said he was

waiting for a bus.

Perhaps he will

return for it one day.

A few years ago, the Forgotten

Briefcase and its bench

were enshrined as a UNESCO

World Heritage Site.

A monument to absolute

inter-human solidarity,

even at its most

basic and banal.

OK. Let's move on to our

next interesting place.

I don't know about you, but I've

had quite enough of this tour.

And in such frozen weather!

Even if you beat the dog,

it still won't go out.

And yet he drags us on!

I left my poor beautiful

cat Pashmak alone at home

and came on this tour

in this horrific cold!

The skin on my

face is destroyed!

My whole body is shaking!

A STRONG ECONOMY HELPS TO

PREVENT FEELINGS OF WORTHLESSNESS

PORTAGE PLACE SHOPPING MALL IMPROVING

DOWNTOWN WINNIPEG SINCE 1987

NO LOITERING ZERO TOLERANCE

Agha, why doesn't the

clock have any hands?

Portage Place is timeless.

Do they still screen 3D films?

No, 3D films were too exciting.

Now they only show

one-dimensional films.

Interesting.

When this fountain

was built in 1987,

a magnificent geyser would burst

from the centre every 15 minutes.

It dazzled us.

Hundreds of Winnipeggers

would gather here for hours,

watching in amazement every time

the water would burst forth.

But today, it will not

even shed a teardrop.

Can we still throw in

coins for good luck?

No, all wishes are cancelled.

Why?

To discourage loitering.

Loitering? There's

nothing to see here!

A fountain without

water is meaningless.

I don't know why

you brought us here.

Perhaps I brought

you here out of hope.

A small hope that the

water may someday return

and endazzle us once again.

Salam, agha.

I'm sorry, but there's no

loitering allowed here.

This is a registered

tour group, agha.

I do have a permit.

Let's have a look.

This permit is for

30 seconds only.

You've been here a whole minute.

Forgive me, agha, I

lost track of time.

This is a site of

historical importance.

You can't just hang around

here. There are rules.

- Yes, of course.

- Move along!

Friends, let's go.

We'll head to our next stop.

I'm on my way to the

cemetery but I have no money.

I can lend you some money.

- Nazgol! Come quick!

- What is it?

A matter of life and

death! Come right now!

Agha, this flower is very

beautiful. Here you are.

- Negin! What's going on?

- Hurry!

Children!

BROOKSIDE CEMETERY

Lord Jesus who wept for your

friend Lazarus in the tomb,

wipe away our tears.

Take a Kleenex. Crying

will make you feel better.

What a grave sorrow.

Do you want a Kleenex?

You can cry. Crying

will calm you.

LAIRD FORBES

RANKIN 1940 - 2017

BELOVED FATHER, AUTHOR

AND ADMINISTRATOR

Happy birthday, khanoum.

Thanks, it's for

my mother-in-law.

Excuse me khanoum, where

is Ashdown's Hardware?

- Further down, dear one.

- Thank you.

- Do you need help?

- No, thank you.

J.H. ASHDOWN HARDWARE COMPANY

Salam, khanoum.

What do you want? I'm

closing up, little missy.

- Do you have an axe?

- Small, medium or large?

Sorry?

Here's a small, a medium or a

big one. Which one you want?

What's best for breaking ice?

- Ice?

- Yes.

These are for wood. Are

you going ice-fishing?

No, I need to chip away

some ice on the sidewalk.

Take the small one.

It's 100 Riels.

Can I just borrow it?

Borrow it?

This isn't the West

Kildonan Public Library!

Are you closing already?

- Aziz, my dear! How are you?

- I'm good, and you?

- I'm well. What's new?

- Hold on.

Look what I brought you.

A turkey.

I'll make some soup and

bring you some tomorrow.

Great, I'll stop by then.

You're wasting my time!

Please, khanoum.

Come back with 100 Riels.

Please.

Get out of my shop, little girl.

Agha, do you still have tea?

Come back tomorrow, little

girl. I open at 6 am.

You know, my friend,

this turkey that I lost,

he really was everything to me.

His gobbling breathed

life into my soul.

Now that he's gone, I'm

crazed with depression.

- I don't know what to do!

- I feel you.

Double-double!

Agha.

Agha.

Agha.

Young girl, the tea shop

is no place for you.

Agha, can I borrow

some boiling water?

Borrow water?

You mean you'll bring it back?

I mean I need a whole

samovar of hot water.

I can lend you a kettle.

A full one?

I can hardly carry a full

one and I'm twice your size.

Get a grown-up to help you.

Can't you help me?

I have to serve the tea.

Ask anybody. Everyone is nice.

I know them all.

Except for that man over there.

Go on, someone will help you.

Agha.

Sir?

My sister gave you her flower.

The flower is very beautiful.

Remember?

Why do you speak French so well?

I go to a French

immersion school.

Do you like that?

No, my teacher is

completely insane.

Your accent is

really strange, agha.

Are you from Alberta?

I've been away for a long time.

- Is it much further?

- No, it's just up ahead.

I have to get back

to Tim Hortons.

- Don't worry, agha.

- Okay.

No!

It's gone.

Perhaps your sister

came back for it.

Maybe.

Would you like a walnut?

No, thank you.

I have to go find my sister,

agha. Forgive me, agha! Goodbye!

Sorry agha. We blew a fuse.

But the tea is still hot.

A gift from Mr. Horton.

Drink before it gets cold.

Mr. Rankin?

Salam.

My name is Massoud.

We spoke on the telephone.

Are you well, agha?

So nice to meet you.

Do you know todays date, agha?

The 28th?

It's February 29th!

Your mother's 76th birthday.

My wife has ordered a

cake from Jila's Bakery.

Do you have any children, agha?

No.

My son is quite a handful.

Are you married?

No.

Now that you are home,

maybe you can meet

someone and settle down.

It's nice to be with loved

ones in this cold weather.

Buy this paper

shredder! Only 30 Riels.

We have no papers to shred.

You can make noodles

with it. Or shoelaces.

No thank you. We

don't need it.

Shortly after your

father passed away,

I started working

for your mother.

I shoveled snow for her.

For three winters I

shoveled her walkway.

But one day she called me

in the middle of summer.

Forgive me for saying so, agha,

but her memory was fading.

She believed that I was you.

Matthew, Massoud, the

names are similar.

Of course I tried to tell her,

"No, Mrs. Rankin,

my name is Massoud.

"Your son Matthew lives

in Montreal, remember?"

But when I returned that

winter to shovel her walkway,

she was so overjoyed to see you.

She invited me in for tea.

She showed me photographs

from my childhood.

The story of the day I was born.

My first steps.

My first words.

And how much I cried

whenever she let me go.

Careful reminders of what

to do if I ever got lost,

and how to find my way home.

She was so happy to be

close to you again, agha.

I know it's difficult

to understand.

I hope you don't

think less of me.

But I played a role.

But why does she live with you?

The bank expropriated her house.

So she came to live with us.

We have a modest apartment,

but we do our best

to take care of her.

My wife Sahar is a lacrimologist

at Brookside Cemetery.

We take in laundry

from the neighbours.

I shovel snow when I can.

And I work as a customer

service representative

at the Winnipeg

Earmuff Authority.

I'm also a freelance tour guide.

There is very little

tourism in Winnipeg,

but I love to show people

the places I care about.

Your mother is very happy here.

You'll see.

COLLECTED TEARS 2002-2019

Have some tea, agha.

Youll feel better.

Why do so much?

She had no one else, agha.

Yes.

But it's not your problem.

Just as the Assiniboine

joins the Red River

and together they flow

into Lake Winnipeg,

we are all connected, agha.

I could have helped.

We tried to find you.

To be honest, we

thought you were dead.

When your mother

came to live with us,

we transferred her

phone number here.

Hoping that you

might call one day.

I understand if you were busy.

Listen agha, Sahar

will be home soon.

We can all have cake

and celebrate Mother's

birthday together.

Go to her room now.

You will see that it looks just

like your home on Elm Street.

Your childhood photo

is on the wall.

I've seen her looking

at you many times

with such loving eyes.

Get up now, agha.

Go wake her gently.

Turn on her nightlight.

So her eyes can slowly

adjust to the light.

Tell her you are home now.

Mother.

Mother, are you awake?

It's Matthew.

Do you recognize me?

Turn on my night light, dear.

Is it morning or night?

It's night, mother.

- Salam.

- Salam.

Are you well?

Omid, your glasses!

Where did you find them?

Come in!

These nice girls found them!

I invited them

for birthday cake.

Salam, agha.

Did you clear the clothesline?

Mother.

This morning I

went to Elm Street.

The family that lives

there is very kind.

They asked me to give

you these walnuts,

so that you don't

worry about me.

But I'm not worried about you.

Grandma! Happy Birthday!

Omid jan! What

beautiful flowers!

I missed you, my darling.

Tell me about your

first day with new eyes.

You're a fraud, agha!

It's a complicated

situation, friends.

I have a lot of

responsibilities.

Even the Forgotten Briefcase is not

safe with you roaming the streets!

I waited for you for an hour.

What was I to do?

My friend's sister

saw the turkey.

She wrestled him

and took my glasses back.

Well done!

This man didn't help you?

What is your name again, agha?

Ah, I remember now.

You used to shovel my snow.

Anyway, the money is

here. Have some cake.

When the ice melts,

you can take it.

We don't care about money.

Agha!

Agha.

Agha, are you alright?

I'm going to leave now.

Agha, what is it?

Did something happen?

Give him the money.

He helped my sister.

I must leave.

Agha, please stay.

You're our welcome guest.

This is your home too.

Has your pressure dropped?

Do you need some nabat candy?

Agha, would you like to cry?

I once said to you

That if you return, I will share

My heart's sorrow with you

But what is there to say?

The sorrow leaves my

heart when you are here