Finally, after a lot of rehearsals on stage and listening to the director's nonsense, the play was performed a few times. This week we're going back on stage.

The director sent his assistant again. He apologized.

I was smoking a cigarette. I half-extinguished it. I went to the director's room.

Turkashvand: Hello.

Director: Please sit down. How are you, Mr. Turkashvand.

Turkashvand: Thank you. They said you have work.

Director: Yes. I said let's talk.

Turkashvand: At my service.

Director: Mr. Turkashvand. Our theater is popular. We advertised in the city. It was well received. And...

He started again. He flaunts his illiteracy. He hasn't read two books. How is he sitting at the table? Last time he had a fight with the actor. He didn't know what Plato was. He said it was a rehearsal place. He hadn't heard of Plato. We're performing a watery play. He pockets the money. He gestures. Someone tell me why you came to the theater. You are illiterate. Sales are for advertising. A play is not worth it for free.

Manager: I am with you, Mr. Torkashvand. I am right.

Torkashvand: Yes. You are right.

There is nothing else to do except approve. Last time he objected and threw him out.

Manager: Now the theater has become popular. It does not need second- or third-rate actors. We want young, first-rate actors for the next performances.

Torkashvand: I understand. But why are you telling me that.

Manager: Honestly, it is not possible to cooperate with you.

Torkashvand: What do you mean, Mr. Sassani.

Manager: You are old. We will not cooperate.

Torkashvand: Why.

Manager: Why not. We are a famous theater. Expectations are high. Let's settle the score today. Go.

Torkashvand: I counted on the theater's money. I will pay the overdue installment. We signed a contract.

Manager: The contract is terminated. You are not needed.

Turkashvand: Unless the contract is terminated unilaterally.

He raised his voice. He said yes, it can be. Complain and go.

Turkashvand: It is unfair.

Manager: The unfairness has nothing to do with me.

Manager: Stay longer, my lawyer will take your father out.

Turkashvand: I didn’t say anything.

He was talking in a way that made me lose my temper. I would give him an excuse. I didn’t say anything. I didn’t do anything.

Manager: Now get out of here. I didn’t mean to talk like that. You did it yourself.

Turkashvand: Okay, I’m going. What’s the use of two months of work?

Manager: I’ll deposit it into your account whenever I want. You understand.

Turkashvand: I have a debt. I can’t wait.

Manager: Don’t be a fool. My lawyer will take your father out.

I didn’t say anything. I came out of the plateau. It didn't matter how he treated me. He wasn't right. The law gave him the right to throw it out like a dog. To insult me. What a law.

The money was in the back of my pocket in a pack of cigarettes.

Why do my days taste like cigarettes? Why do I have to suffer?

I think I'm unlucky.

This sentence doesn't make sense to me.

A friend used to say that man lives with hope. Hope is with man.

If there is no hope, he is not human. If there is no human, there is no hope.

It doesn't apply to me. I don't feel like a human. Life is like a dog chasing a bone. It runs but doesn't reach. I run after money.

Who would have thought that paper would be so valuable? They brought it to the front of the house.

I closed my eyes many times and went to the middle of the street. If a car hits me, I'll be relieved. Life is endless. Something that shouldn't happen doesn't happen. Why a pedestrian bridge? When you can run on the highway.

Waking up is a bitter dream.

My pastime is counting cigarette butts. Drowning in smoke.

Where are you, Manya? My sleep is mud. Like a ship that ran aground. It's making waves.

I won't forget the day you left. It's like yesterday. He said we can't be together.

Turkashund: Why, Manya? Are you kidding?

Manya: No. Yesterday, a suitor came.

Turkashund: You accepted.

Manya: No. But my father forced me. I talked to you and said that theater wouldn't work. He's a doctor's son. A better future.

Turkashund: But oh.

I was short of breath with his breath. I can't forget the moment.

Manya: Oh, no. I'll get married. I have no other choice. I'm feeling bad. Don't say anything.

Turkashund: You're feeling bad, I'm feeling bad. Don't be upset. Your father should be ashamed.

Manya: Father doesn't say bad things. He wants happiness.

Turkashund: Manya, a question.

Manya: My life is good.

Trakashund: Do you love the boy?

Manya: No.

Trakashund: Don't lie.

Manya: By God. You don't trust me.

Trakashund: I do.

Manya: I'm stuck at a bad crossroads.

Trakashund: I know. It's fate. Don't bother me.

At that moment, my heart was torn out.

Why should we pay for another apple?

Questions have settled in my mind without answers.

In life, you shouldn't get attached. I'm getting beaten up because of Manya.

The fight with Juan on the other hand. I won't break up. Everything would have ended when Manya left. I didn't forget.

Early in the marriage. Good job. We didn't have children. Washed clothes. Found a pack of cigarettes and a photo.

Juan: Come on, Behrouz.

Behrouz: My dear.

Juan: What's in your pocket?

Behrouz: Which one?

Juan: Cigarettes.

Behrouz: Nothing special.

His voice is loud. What does it mean? It's not a cigarette.

Behrouz: Why is it a cigarette.

Juan: You didn't promise, don't smoke.

Behrouz: I remember.

Juan: Your promises are not promises. What is this picture? The clothes smell of cigarettes. The picture fell. Wait and see what's on the back.

My voice is loud. Nothing. Give it to me.

Juan: Who is Behrouz? Tell the truth.

Behrouz: There's no one.

Juan: It's obvious that there's no one. You're driving around like a truck driver. You almost hit a wall. I'm pregnant. If you don't like it, tell me to have an abortion and leave. Don't make fun of me.

Behrouz: Crazy. I love you. I'll stay.

Juan: Whose picture is it?

I told you the story of Mania. The conversation ended. He fell silent. He went to the kitchen. He threw his clothes in the car. I went forward. He was crying.

Behrouz: What is it, Juan.

Juan: Nothing.

Behrouz: Don't tell me who.

Juan: I'm not talking. You haven't forgotten the girl. You live under the same roof.

Behrouz: It's in the past. Not now.

Juan: What's the photo in your pocket?

Behrouz: You're right. I haven't forgotten. Whatever you say is right.

The situation got worse. It's like a swamp. It's drowning.

I haven't forgotten about Mania. It was an indoctrination. Another truth.

Manya is dead. I live with her memory. Accepting death is impossible.

I ate rice pills without an appointment. Suicide. My father insisted on marriage. He wanted to make me understand that he loved me.

I wish she was alive. She was living with her son. I feel at ease.

A boring life. I sit in a wooden cafe. I smoke. I drink coffee. I write the play A Lonely Man. I don't know when it will be finished. Then Manya calms me down. I sit in a cafe. I get a cup. I smoke. I get inspired. I write. The scenario of A Lonely Man came to mind after the theater.