An Anthology of Croatian Literature

Ivana Sajko (1975- )

Ivana Sajko (1975– ) A playwright, drama critic, director, and actress by training and profession, Sajko began her writing career in the mid-1990s with stories and plays. She has received a number of prestigious awards for her work, which has been translated into several languages, including English (as 4 Dry Feet [Frankfurtam -Main: Verlag der Autoren, 2002]). The following is the second chapter from her to-date only novel, Rio Bar (Zagreb: Meandar, 2006): 15–18; the translator is Henry R. Cooper, Jr., with the assistance of Zorana Kristić. 324 An Anthology of Croatian Literature Rio Bar (Excerpt) “What would you do if they tore down your house?” “I don’t have a house.” “Answer the question.” “It’s a stupid question.” “And you’re stupid. What would you do if they tore down your house?” “I’d forgive them.” “No, you wouldn’t.” “I would.” “No, you wouldn’t.” “I would. I’d forgive them.” “You see, you are stupid.” “And what would you do?” “I’d ask for compensation.” “I’m going to throw up.” “You’re changing the subject.” “Because I’m going to throw up.” “Are you usually like this?” “Rarely.” “You just threw up before.” “That was yesterday.” “No, today.” “OK, today.” “Aren’t you ashamed?” “No.” “Why are you doing this?” “Just because. I didn’t know I was going to get sick.” “You’re out of control.” “So what?” “Get ahold of yourself.” “Why should I?” “You look terrible.” “It’s been a bad day.” “Really terrible.” “Do you have something in mind?” “With you? No.” “So then what do you care?” “I’m only saying that you’re drunk.” “So are you.” “It’s not the same.” “It is.” Ivana Sajko 325 “It isn’t.” “Are you taking me home?” “Get a cab.” “I don’t have any money.” “I paid for your booze.” “And I thanked you… I can barely stand.” “I don’t intend to drive you.” “Then don’t.” “You don’t have anybody else?” “I’ll hitch a ride.” “You’ll wind up in a ditch.” “You care?” “I don’t care. I see.” “What?” “You hurt your foot.” “My big toe. I stepped on some glass.” “It’s bleeding.” “It doesn’t hurt.” “It’s not funny.” “It isn’t.” “So why are you making a face?” “I have no idea.” “Do you always make a face like that?” “Often.” “You’re fucked up.” “I’m happy.” “Why?” “I don’t know.” “What did you have to drink?” “It’s not because of that.” “Are you sure you’re not ashamed?” “Maybe a little.” “A little will do.” “Not for me.” “I’ll drive you.” “Thanks.” “Fuck you.” “You’re some kind of asshole.” “Then go by yourself.” “And I will… Tomorrow.” “Really!” “I’m going tomorrow.” 326 An Anthology of Croatian Literature “Where?” “Far away.” “I asked where.” “No matter.” “If it doesn’t matter, then you can stay, too.” “I can’t.” “Then go.” “Forever.” “Then go forever.” “Don’t you feel sorry?” “Why would I feel sorry?” “Because.” “I don’t.” “Do you like this?” “I don’t give a damn.” “I don’t feel well.” “It’s your own fault.” “It isn’t.” “Then whose fault is it?” “I don’t know.” “Well, I don’t know either.” “What should I do?” “Clean up your act.” ...