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.
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, Il'l 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!
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!
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 tce.
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. 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 you're 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 ass.
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 goddamn 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 tn 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
Hello?
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 Sulssur, 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 its broken.
-I only have $120 in cash... -One way.
You can buy the return ticket in Alberta.
In Manitoba.
What?
At Jean Suissur, our used furniture is used only in Quebec,
by fellow Quebecers.
Proud and pure, are you sure?
Everything is sure! Or my name isn’t Jean!
Jean Suissur!
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?
lraj. lraj 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!
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 it's 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 killed by aswarm 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 bastards.
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! You ll warm up by walking.
Come on! Move it!
WELCOME TO WINNIPEG
ONE GREAT CITY!
WINNIPEG COLD STORAGE
OLD DUTCH CHIPS
NUTTY CLUB CANDIES and 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.
Bingo!
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?
l'm 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 ts 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, Il'l show you my tear collection.
Bingo!
Bravo! Well done!
Mrs. Shanazarian has so many new fans!
IT'S A LONG TRAMP
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 ts 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 Metis 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.
Il'l 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 Yazdanméhr,
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 it's bench
were enshrined as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A monument to absolute inter-human solidarity,
even at it's 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?
-lce? -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.
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 today’s 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.
ohe 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, agnha.
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.
You'll 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 your 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