Original subtitles

A young sun on the run from his father

settled on land between the icy peaks…

Shining on every byway, on every track and path

showing us his furrows and our faces in his rays.

Inspired by a true story

He wasn’t just a summer caller this sun of ours;

evenblossomed full of flowers.

All of a sudden our young sun stole away from us.

Where he went to, why and how, only the good Lord knows that now…

We might have forgotten him like some lucky chance,

easy come, easy go...

If we weren’t still warming the whole of our soul

by the heat of his long-gone golden hands…

I saw Mr. Dragon this morning…

and asked him to come by and meet you.

He said, "No way. I want to sleep."

What’s that over there?

Here he is - Mr. Dragon.

Why, look at Jasmina... What a cute, little girl…

And look at Hamed…

What’s that? You’ll think about it?

Say again?

Maybe Mr. Dragon could take a rest so the kids can eat in peace.

Yes, he says he wants to rest now.

Hi Hamed!

Why are you late? Where have you been?

The kids were having fun.

Having fun You call that fun?

Mommy, I don’t want to go.

It’s just for a few days, my love.

Just five days.

That’s right. Five days.

Come on, kids. Let’s go.

Go with your dad.

It doesn’t have to be this way, you know.

You don’t know what he’s like.

I’ll probably be working late again tonight.

Can you fix yourself something? There’s plenty of food in the fridge.

You know, I need to be in Switzerland by the middle of May.

It’s going to be rough. It always is.

Switzerland in summertime? Sounds ideal to me.

Not without you.

Every time I go up there, they badger me about getting back with her.

I’m tired of it.

Afraid you’ll give in?

Yeah, sure…

I just wish they didn’t own the restaurant. That’s all.

Then you wouldn’t have a job.

But your daughter…

That’s a different story, isn’t it?

Saša…

You don’t have to pretend with me. I know how you feel.

Look what I go through with Hamed and Jasmina.

Listen…

I thought before I leave, that…

That...

Yes?

Let’s get married.

What?

I want us to get married.

You mean legally?

Is there another way?

We’ve been through the war... We’ve been through divorce…

This is a second chance for both of us.

It must be for a reason.

Listen, I’ll be back in a minute.

If the ring is still on the table, I’ll know your decision.

Funny…

Now I don’t know what to do with it.

You can put it on my finger

if you like.

Hey...

I love you.

Come on now, finish your coffee.

Vjeko...

Remember Mirso saying - "Don’t shoot like this...

Shoot like this!"

Here’s some pita…

The toast!

We all fought together during the war...

- Some more, some less! - But nobody was killed...

Although, there were some heroes among us who spent all four years...

... in the basement. But we’re not going to name names now.

Tonight we drink and celebrate...

To Sabina and Saša!

Cheers!

It’s about 2:30 AM…

And you’re still there?

Yes, Mum, and I’ll be here the rest of the night.

What if I fall down and can’t get up?

Well, Mum …

If you weren’t up so late that wouldn’t be a problem, would it?

We have some friends over.

They should go home.

It’s much too late, Saša. They’re being rude.

We like having our friends over, Mum, and we wanted to tell them the news.

What news is that?

That Sabina and I are engaged…

Mum

Mum, you really need to meet her, you know.

Never...

We’ll come by tomorrow.

She’s going to be my wife whether you like it or not.

- I won’t be here. - But I have to pick up my things.

What magic spell has she used against you?

How can a son put a dagger in his own mother’s heart?

Good night, Old Lady.

Get some sleep. I’ll see you in a few hours.

Sorry.

Me again, huh?

She doesn’t even know you.

And look how much she hates me.

She hates everyone.

She needs to join the 21st century.

Can I tell you something, Sabina?

What?

Sometimes, I feel like you’re going to break my heart.

Break your heart?

How can you say such a thing? You know I’d never do that.

If I loved you any more than I do now, I think that…

… my heart would explode.

I’d like you to meet Sabina.

Good afternoon.

Mum…

Come on in.

Don’t you have any pictures of just your daughter?

It’s the only picture I have.

I can cut off her mother’s head if you want.

We’re going now.

I need a word with you.

Alone…

- I’ll wait outside. - It won’t be long.

Everything alright?

Let’s go.

What’d she say?

Let the dead bury the dead.

-No. That’s what I’m saying.

And your father?

Dad was killed in the early days, in Dobrinja. A shell...

... it just took his head off.

I was already in the BiH army by then.

About a year after that, in the village where Mum was born

Muslim soldiers wearing the same BiH army uniform I wore,

the same one Mum thought I looked so handsome in...

They entered my aunt’s village one summer morning and killed…

I don’t know… Some say it was twenty civilians.

Among the dead were my aunt and two of her children.

Mum has dressed in black ever since.

Maybe she’ll come around eventually. I don’t know.

Bitterness is killing her.

And you, Sabina? Have you told your family?

And what did they say?

What’s so funny?

The way your mum followed us down the road, shouting like crazy:

The cross will always betray you!

Well, it’s perfectly clear what needs to be done.

You need to come to Korčula and get married there.

I’ll make all the arrangements.

But when would that be?

Whenever you like. I live there alone... You won’t be a bother.

You know how much Mario loved the two of you.

He told me more than once what a good wife you’d make.

We had hoped to tie the knot before I go to Switzerland.

Switzerland?

And he complains about it!

Well, for a reason.

Then find some time to visit me.

Come in a couple of months…

And let me take care of you. Please, don’t deny me that opportunity.

Let me love you as I would my own children.

Just let me love you.

That would be a comfort for me, too.

Thank you. Thank you so much.

Perhaps when you go to Neum.

Neum?

Yes, I’m doing a presentation there for work.

From there you can take a ferry and come to Korčula.

While I go to Zagreb and get my documents.

You see? It’s meant to be!

No tears now. It’s just seven days.

Maybe I’ll get there ahead of you.

Just seven days?

Hey, you’re the businesswoman with the demanding schedule.

Just seven days, I promise.

It seems an eternity.

Time to go now. Come on.

I dissolved and streamed;

toward the stream...

toward the river, toward the sea.

Now here I am.

Now here I am without myself.

Bitter.

How can I go back to spring?

Miss Kadić is here.

Miss Kadić, come in.

Have a seat, please.

- Thank you.

No, thank you.

Have a seat.

Your presentation yesterday was outstanding.

I’ve hardly been able to think of anything since.

We are all very impressed.

Thank you, Mr. Jukić.

Why didn’t they send you to us before?

Perhaps because I’m relatively new to this part of my job.

In any event, I’m prepared to sign the contract with your firm

for all our public relations needs going forward.

That’s wonderful news, Mr. Jukić.

Are you sure you don’t want a drink?

No, thank you.

Chocolate?

Sweet…

There are only a few loose ends to wrap up…

Of course.

A few things I’d like added to our understanding.

You mean the contract?

The understanding…

I’m not sure I understand what you mean…

I’m a businessman, Miss Kadić.

Some things are put in writing.

Other things are... well... understood.

Everything is negotiable.

We’ve just finished building a new hotel downtown.

I’d like you to be my guest tonight.

That won’t be necessary, Mr. Jukić.

Get you out of that other place

and put you up in our penthouse suite.

But I’m leaving this afternoon.

Ahead of schedule?

Not really. Our business here is done.

I’d like you to stay a few more days…

And Mrs. Jukić? Is she a part of this "understanding"?

If you insist…

Mr. Jukić...

I think my work here is done.

What’s the hurry to get back to Sarajevo?

I’ll make it worth your while to stay, my dear.

I’m not going to Sarajevo.

I’m going to Korčula…

to get married.

Good day, Mr. Jukić.

Aunt Ankica!

Aunt Ankica!

Sabina, my child. You made it. I’ve been waiting for you.

How was your trip?

It was fine.

Any sign of Saša?

My, my... you are smitten, aren’t you.

He’ll be here any day now, I’m sure.

Let me show you to your room…

Come, bring your things in… Are you hungry?

Did you call him?

Yes, but his phone is always off.

It’s because of the roaming. When he’s on roaming, he turns it off.

Roaming These technical gadgets you use…

Does he have my number here?

He does.

Alright then. Come on, let’s make our salad.

Amir doesn’t really take care of the kids anyway. It’s his parents.

And I have to say they’re pretty good at it. I’m really grateful.

When we got divorced, I was left with nothing. No job, no place to stay...

I didn’t want the kids to suffer.

But after Saša and I are married, I’ll get custody and end that story.

You should see how Hamed and Jasmina love him. He has a way with them.

I don’t get it, why hasn’t he called?

There must be a reason.

Something must have come up.

Don’t worry.

Eat now.

Hello?

Good evening, Mrs. Vargulić?

This is Ankica Dolenec.

My son, Mario, served with your son in the army.

Yes, it was long ago… Yes, yes...

Well, as it turns out... your son, Saša, was supposed to visit us here in Korčula…

Yes...We’ve been expecting him for...

Four days now.

Yes… Have you maybe seen or heard from him?

Excuse me

What did she say?

She said that Saša went to Zagreb, but she hasn’t heard from him since.

She knew you were here.

Should we call the police?

Why the police?

Maybe something bad happened to him.

No, I don’t think anything bad happened to him.

There must be some reason for it. Must be…

My dear child… What’s that old saying… Bad news travels fast?

You would’ve already heard. Stay here as long as you like.

You know how I love having you here.

May I borrow the phone?

Of course. Here, take my seat. I’ll fix us some tea.

Amir? It’s me.

Calm down.

I told you I was going out of town.

Please apologize to your parents. I can’t take the kids this weekend.

I can’t, I told you I was not in Sarajevo…

Listen, I’ll call you when I get back.

From the thick dark of a weary day,

the delicate young face of a moon appeared above our heads…

Before he tires of his shining journey,

before his waxing slackens pace

and is swathed on every side in white and silver hair

carve his sign in the soft white of limestone

so you may absorb as faithfully as can be

the image of your infinite pain and hope...

I dreamed of him…

He was looking right at me.

And I reached over to touch him…

But he was gone…

There now, there now, child…

He’s not coming…

He’s never going to come, is he?

Why, Aunt Ankica?

There now, dear…

I must have done something wrong…

I can’t go on like this. I can’t.

Love makes a way.

Love always makes a way.

Aunt Ankica?

Sabina, is that you?

It’s me.

Did you get home?

Yes, I just got home.

And… Is he there Any messages?

No message...

He isn’t here.

Please, let me know if he shows up.

Yes... I’ll let you know. Thank you.

I’m going to get some rest now.

I’ll talk to you later, Sabina.

What do you want?

Where’s Saša?

That’s none of your business.

He’s been gone for three weeks. Where is he?

What difference does that make to you? He’s finished with you.

What have you done with him?

He’s with his wife and child where he belongs.

Oh, he would never do that. Never!

What do you know about my son…

I know that he loves me!

Go away, now! I’ll call the police. Did you hear me?

Did you hear me?!

I’ll call the police, you Muslim whore!

If my son wanted you to know where he is

don’t you think he’d have told you by now? Now, go away!!

I’ll call the police!

He loves me. He’s my husband!

You were never married to my son! Never!

We were married in soul and spirit! God knows it’s so!

Don’t talk to me about God!

I’m calling the police!

Where is he?! Tell me where he is!

I’m calling the police!

Tell me where he is! Tell me!

Saša…

Sabina

Sabina!

Call an ambulance!

I’d say you are about…

Seven, eight weeks pregnant.

We’ll run some tests.

I’ve had cramping during past pregnancies.

I’ll write you a prescription for the cramping.

You didn’t believe what I told you, did you. Now you see what’s happened?

He’s run off and left you to pay for the abortion on your own.

The cross will always betray you.

That’s not going to happen.

What?

I’m not having an abortion, Mum.

Have you lost your mind?

You’re not expecting us to take care of this bastard?

No. I’m not expecting you to take care of my baby.

Because we won’t, you hear me? We won’t!

From an evil seed comes an evil breed! Go, talk to your father.

Maybe he can knock some sense into that thick skull of yours.

Stubborn and willful… You were born that way!

Merciful God! Why didn’t you give me a son…

Come in…

How are you, Dad?

What does the doctor say?

He listens to my heart with that thing...

The stethoscope…

That… And shakes his head.

Then waits for me to give him some money.

What’s this?

It’s for you, my child.

I don’t need any money…

You’ll need it for the abortion.

Don’t tell your mother about this.

I’m not having an abortion.

God will forgive you.

Leave God out of this.

Allah is merciful.

He’ll see you through.

Come in…

I’m Sabina Kadić.

Yes, I know who you are. Have a seat.

I’ve just come from talking with Mr. Tahirović --

Yes…

He’s fired me.

He didn’t fire you.

He didn’t renew my contract.

Miss Kadić…

You’ve been working here on the basis of a one-year contract which has been--

Twice.

… been renewed twice.

Because I worked hard!

Your current contract expires in three weeks and it won’t be renewed.

You haven’t been fired.

Isn’t that against the law?

How could that be against the law?

Because I’m pregnant.

The company is perfectly within its rights to not renew your contract.

In fact…

it’s more than fair of Mr. Tahirović to warn you

ahead of time so you can look for another job.

Anything else?

I’ll soon be eight months pregnant. Who will hire me now?

Perhaps you should have thought of that before you--

Well, I didn’t plan on getting pregnant!

So what do you want… It comes down to economics, doesn’t it...

So many people out of work these days…

It simply doesn’t pay to have an employee on maternity leave.

And what’ll happen once the child is born... When it gets sick?

Then you’ll need even more time off to take care of it.

You can at least be happy you’ve had work until now.

Listen, Miss Kadić…

Why don’t you go home and ask the child’s father to take care of you?

That’s what you need to do.

Good evening, Milka.

Good evening.

Hey, wipe your shoes on the mat first. I just mopped the stairs.

I’ve only known a single prayer here on this breadless earth.

I only own a single prayer, a prayer about our unearthly bread…

I know that old love...

Never comes back...

We’ll leave everything behind...

Now, I know it’s the end...

I won’t leave a trace in the sand

Our love is gone...

We all wanted to chip in.

We thought it was the most practical thing to do rather than

a bunch of small things you might not really need.

Here. Take this.

Thank you, Lejla.

Thank you all so much. I don’t know what to say.

You’ve already been so kind with the clothes… And now this…

Thank you so much…

Don’t make yourself a stranger, you hear?

Anything I can do to help, let me know...

He still owes me rent for October and November.

Calls himself an artist...

What does art have to do with paying the bloody rent?

Some artists make good money after all...

At least they used to in the old days...

Here… That covers the rent for December.

I have to ask myself what’s wrong with the world today…

The family’s gone to hell, that’s what.

Children don’t respect their parents anymore

parents don’t discipline their kids...

Back in my day, you’d never hear of someone taking drugs…

Or getting pregnant out of wedlock…

Nothing personal, of course.

Everything comes from the family.

It’s okay.

Maybe I should paint these walls... That’s what I’m gonna do.

Look at this…

Murat!

Good morning! This is for Sabina.

She still lives here, doesn’t she?

Well, not exactly.

Just sign here.

- Cheers! - Cheers!

Well, what does it say?

- I’m reading, I’m reading… - You should’ve finished by now!

Sabina is being sued.

By whom?

By Amir...

What does he want? They’ve been divorced for years now.

He’s asking for money. He’s asking for more than…

Four thousand marks.

Four thousand marks!

Listen, go to the courthouse and tell them we don’t know where she lives.

But I really don’t know where she lives -

That nothing here belongs to her.

Otherwise, they’ll seize our property!

I mean, I have a general idea where she lives, but--

And she won’t live here ever again.

This is the final nail in the coffin.

Sabina…

How are you, child?

I’m alright, Dad. How are you?

Is that the document from the court?

Yes, it is.

The mailman asked where you’re living now.

I said I didn’t know.

How many months are you along now?

Eight and a half…

Shouldn’t you be... weighing more?

If I were just a bit stronger, I’d...

What would you do, Dad

Don’t worry about me. I’ll be okay.

Do you need money?

I don’t have any money, but if you need it... I can borrow some…

I have some money saved up. Don’t worry about it.

After the baby’s born, I’ll go back to work.

MUNICIPAL COURT SARAJEVO

It means you owe me money, that’s what it means.

Mum and Dad are retired. The kids need food, they need things…

And you want me to give you two thousand euro just like that?

I don’t have that kind of money. I’ve lost my job, too.

Maybe that loverboy of yours can help you?

Come on now…

Yeah, come on…

You’re pathetic…

And you call yourself a mother...

Take a good look at the two of ’em.

I brought them with me today, but unless I get that money

you’ll never see ’em again. You understand?

You’re clever, you’ll find a way.

Here…

What are you going to eat, Mama?

Mama’s not hungry, baby.

You eat, though.

But the baby has to eat, right?

Don’t cry, Mama.

Oh, Mama’s not crying…

I just got an eyelash in my eye…

Look, here it is.

We can wish upon an eyelash?

Let’s do that.

Which finger do you want?

And you?

His wish will come true.

Who does Mama love most?

-Me! -Me!

- Don’t ever forget that. - We won’t.

Never.

That’s the most important thing.

Eat now, come on.

Don’t think I won’t do it…

Because you know very well I will.

I know, Amir.

What do you mean?

I know I won’t see them again.

Thank your parents for everything they’ve done.

Well… It doesn’t have to be this way, you know.

I mean, it’s not that much money in the grand scheme of things.

Let’s go, kids.

The prescription calls for fifteen, but I only have a box of thirty.

Is that okay?

Sure. In fact, the cramps have been so bad, I could use two boxes.

I’ll be with you in just a moment.

Here, I’ll pay the difference.

Thank you.

How can I help you?

Sabina… Sabina…

Nowhere to go? Nowhere to go.

Nowhere…

Come with me then.

Let’s go.

Here you are.

You gave birth to me.

Why couldn’t you just...

... love me?

I wanted a boy.

It’s what your father wanted, too.

If you had been a boy...

... he would have loved me.

And I would have loved you.

And you?

To tell you the truth...

I’m not sure I’ve ever loved anyone.

It takes a lot out of you to love someone else.

I’m not sure…

I love you.

I can’t seem to recall your name at the moment, but…

I remember you quite well.

I offered you the world…

All you had to do was whore yourself.

I could have made you into a great lady.

Yes.

It believes the best, always holds out hope.

What’s that, Aunt Ankica?

Love, my child...

Love always makes a way…

And you...

Saša?

Queenie! I hardly recognized you!

Branko…

I haven’t heard from you in months!

I’m going home now.

Sabina… Sabina, what’s wrong?

Sabina… Sabina…

Call the ambulance!

Dr. Mujanović, quick…

Let’s get her vitals right away. Sabina, calm down, please…

CITY HOSPITAL

They couldn’t flush her stomach, so they just monitored her heart rate.

She was unconscious for two days, but she’s okay now.

And what about her family? Her ex

They want nothing to do with her.

And the baby?

The baby seems fine.

But I still worry.

No reason to worry. Cases like this are rare.

Eighty percent at the most.

- Don’t try to be a smartass now. - I’m just saying...

- Well, fifty to eighty…

Hey, don’t joke about it. Sabina will be walking in here any minute.

No talking about her family, or…

Or Saša, please.

Or Saša…

I’ll see you later.

Look who’s here!

Hello, my dear.

You didn’t wish me a Merry Christmas…

so I’ll wish you one…

Is it already Christmas?

Christmas Eve.

- You’re two weeks early, my friend. - I’m not early.

January 7 is the real Christmas, Queenie, and we’ll all celebrate together...

... like in the good, old days. Muslim, Catholic, Orthodox…

And the Others.

And the Others ...

who also celebrate Christmas on January 7.

Leave the flowers to the lady.

Sabina, when’s the due date?

The C-section is scheduled for January 17.

And what’d they say, is it a boy or girl?

Boy.

They did an ultrasound yesterday. He was kicking like a soccer player.

Wonderful. Congratulations!

You mean football player.

Sabina K.!

Could you leave this in my room, please?

I heard a few days ago about...

... what happened.

And you should know I’m going overseas to be with my son for several months.

I’ve rented out your flat.

What?

I said, I’ve rented out your flat to a family. A nice family.

Responsible people, they are.

What are you saying, Milka?

I paid my rent through December.

That’s just a few more days.

Seven days!

Which you’ll probably spend here in the hospital, right?

And then what? Will you have the rent for January?

I didn’t think so.

You tried to hide that you lost your job.

You shouldn’t have done that. You shouldn’t have.

Anyway, I’ve had to clean the flat and paint all the walls…

That covers the difference in rent.

You and I are even.

If you want, I can give you twenty marks for the scarf.

What scarf?

This one.

I’ve got to go now.

I called your father to pick up your things...

... but he said he couldn’t do it.

So, everything’s out on the terrace and covered for the winter.

You can come by in the spring...

... to pick it up.

Was therapy for the patient in room number four prolonged?

- Yes.

Until tomorrow morning.

- See you in the morning, dear. - See you. Good night.

Are you alright, Mrs. Kadić?

The church across the street…

I couldn’t sleep.

It’s Midnight Mass.

Do you need anything?

I’ll be back later to check on you, okay?

They say that God once helped a pregnant woman...

...who had nowhere to go.

But who will help me?

Everything’s in order. Here you go, dear.

Thank you.

Take care of yourself. And take care of that little baby.

Thank you for everything, Hana.

SOCIAL WELFARE CENTER

As I already said, ma’am, we have cases like yours on a daily basis

and there’s nothing available right now.

Fill out these forms, and when it’s time for a food disbribution,

we’ll contact you.

But please understand… I need a place to spend the night.

I’m giving birth in two weeks.

We currently have over three-hundred requests for accommodation.

What you need to do is fill out those forms.

When your turn comes, you’ll be notified.

Take a seat over there if you like.

BREAK 10:00 - 10:30

Have a seat, please.

Ma’am, is the break over?

No, it just started.

Where’s your address and phone number?

I told you, I don’t have a phone number or place to live!

Come back in thirty days to check your status.

Don’t expect to hear anything before then.

Next…

Next!

Hi Branko, it’s Queenie.

I just wanted to give you a call and see how you were doing.

I’m doing great...

... although it’d be good to meet.

I lost my cell phone, so I’ll try calling later, okay?

Talk to you soon, Branko.

Hello, you’ve reached Lejla, Slavko and Lana.

Sorry we’re not home right now. Leave your message after the tone.

Last stop.

Words are everything

And words are nothing at all...

And even these that I utter,

death is already choking with its pall

and sweeping into the road, the gutter

and the dust falls more and more

for words wither and age the instant they’re spoken

and are ignored by the rabble in the street,

by the thirsty faces at the seminary door.

But a new word...

... is what we’re waiting for.

Excuse me…

We’re at the last stop. It seems like you’ve missed yours?

You can ride back with me.

I’m going for coffee. Would you like something?

Some tea.

Tea? Okay.

Have a seat here.

I’ll close the door so no one bothers you.

Help me…

Roger that... first floor.

Where are you at?

Excuse me.

Excuse me...

What…

I need a place to sleep.

What?

I’m nine months pregnant. I’ve nowhere to go…

Are you an adult?

Of course I’m an adult! What kind of question is that?

Has someone attacked you?

No.

Were you robbed?

No.

Then I can’t help you.

We only look after the security of citizens. Not social welfare.

Please...

Just for tonight. It’s so cold outside.

Try the train station.

You can’t sleep here.

I’m sorry, ma’am, we’re closing now. No more trains ’til morning.

Sir…

Can you just let me rest here for the night.

That’s not allowed, ma’am.

Just here on the bench…

Or one of those chairs over there. They look more comfortable.

I was at the hospital earlier today. I missed the train home.

I don’t know what to do now.

Come with me.

Don’t be afraid.

Come on in. Make yourself at home.

No one will bother you here. It stays warm all night.

Thank you…

I’ll be back in the morning.

Thank you so much, sir.

Good night.

Wake up, child...

Get up.

You need to come with me.

Take this…

I’m off for the next three days...

... so please don’t come tonight.

But I’m going home today.

The guard who takes my place for the next three nights is…

Well, kind of a strange fellow.

He’ll likely shout at you or call the police.

But if you haven’t worked out things by the time I get back,

feel free to spend the night again.

Thanks…

Good luck.

Those crates outside...

Yeah?

May I have one?

Take all you want. I’m throwin’ ’em out anyway.

I’ll take this, too.

What!?

Now you’re gonna kill me?

Come on... Just be quick about it… Come on!

Go to hell! Go to hell all of you!

Why don’t you die already...

Just die…

Hi Branko, it’s Queenie...

It’d be good to meet...

I’ll try to call you again. Okay?

Talk to you soon, Branko...

A hundred marks.

Okay.

Coming… Coming!

Yes?

Where’s Sabina?

Who?

Sabina Kadić. Who are you?!

That’s none of your business.

Go away or I’ll call the police.

But where’s Sabina?

Don’t bother me... Go away!

Where’s Sabina?

Goodbye.

How’d you get here?

I’m sorry, but I can’t give you anything without a perscription.

I don’t think you understand how serious this is!

Have you tried the police, sir?

Just let me know if she turns up here.

She’s due any day now!

Well, as far as that goes, we can only contact family members.

Listen to me good...

She defended this city as a nurse in the army.

She saved my life!

You call me!

I haven’t been getting much sleep lately.

Aren’t you on maternity leave?

Yes, of course…

But you know how it can be in the world of public relations...

The work in the office has backed up...

And Saša... It’s awful.

He’s working so hard. We hardly see each other anymore.

The good news is he wants me to quit after the baby is born.

He sounds like a good man.

Good? Good, indeed.

I’m so happy for you, Sabina.

Me too. You deserve some good luck after what you’ve been through with Amir.

Well... you’re welcome to stay here as long as you like.

Thank you, Neven, but it’ll just be for tonight.

They’ll finish those tests tomorrow at the hospital and then...

I’ll head back to Tuzla.

Tuzla?

Yes, Saša and I moved there after we got married.

If they’d finished everything today I wouldn’t be bothering you.

Oh, no, you’re not bothering us! We’re so happy to see you again.

It’s been what... three years now?

And look at you -

Looking great… So, you’ll see the doctor in the morning?

First thing.

Would you like a wake

That won’t be necessary.

Sorry, I wish we could stay longer, but it’s Christmas Eve -

Oh, I’m sorry, I totally forgot.

Don’t worry about it.

My mother-in-law is preparing the traditional meal this evening

and needs my help.

Of course, I understand.

And we didn’t prepare anything here...

Dear me, I can throw something together.

Why didn’t you say something, Neven?

What was I supposed to say?

No, please. The cake is fine. I ate earlier, actually.

And to tell you the truth,

I’d love to turn in early and get a good night’s sleep.

We’ll bring you back some sarma then.

Well, let me show you your room so you can have a nice shower.

That would be best. Let’s do it, so we can go.

Here just guests we stand out still,

although we should have crossed into a ring of light…

And passed at last through a narrow gate

from this naked body

to the eternal one…

I grope in the grass, I scour my skull for the one blue key;

seeking a path through spring’s flowers,

past death’s scythes,

searching for that golden door…

But when I raise my hand to the lock

who betrays my desperate quest?

On this dark side of the door

an ill wind prowls,

a foul wind howls…

I forsake my sister and brother;

forsake my father and mother between the beasts and the men;

to seek my essence,

my pillar of blinding incandescence...

How in the world must I find that word,

and what would be in the finding?

Unbidden He said to me,

enter in by Me

for I am that shining gate…

But still I wait,

I lie, I rot, I die upon this window sill.

And the wind,

The wind, the wind…

If the gate of the word is just a dream, a fairy tale,

still I will not leave this door.

Here I want to live once more this supreme dream.

For in the deepest depths of death the colours will be clearer then.

God, forgive me…

Let’s get married.

- I want us to get married.

Sabina... how are you, child?

I’m alright, Dad.

Who does Mama love more than anyone in the world?

Don’t ever forget that.

Sabina!

Something’s wrong, I told you...

Dad, let me in!

Hamed, where are you going!

Mum! Mum!

Mum, where are you going?! Mum!

Branko! Branko!

Wait for me! Don’t leave me here!

Wait for me! Don’t leave me!

Unlock the door!

I can’t! It’s jammed. The key is on the other side…

Sabina! Sabina!

Then break the door down!

I’m calling from the City Hospital

to inform you that the woman you’ve been looking for was just admitted.

Okay… I’m on my way.

I’m sorry, but you’ll have to leave now.

There’s nothing you can do.

Come back tomorrow.

I haven’t been in the best of health.

When did this happen?

Christmas Eve.

Whose Christmas Eve?

Orthodox Christmas Eve.

No one called to tell us.

Yes, well, I know the hospital called you the first time it happened.

I came to tell you in person that she tried again.

I thought you should know.

Thank you for the coffee.

Is there any chance of saving the baby?

I don’t know.

It’s been two days now.

They’re both alive...

But Sabina’s in a coma.

She’s my child and I love her.

But you know what tradition is like.

It can be... cruel.

Yes, I know.

And I’ve always opposed it.

If something changes, will you let me know?

I will.

Branko…

Branko…

Sabina…

Do you believe in God, Branko?

Sabina, dear...

I’ve been an atheist all my life.

God lives…

God lives, Branko…

... and so do I.

Don’t move. Don’t move…

Look at me.

How do you feel?

Good.

What’s your name?

Sabina Kadić.

Doctor...

How long have I been here?

Three days.

Unconscious for three days.

But I was only gone a few minutes…

I wanted to stay with him forever,

but he said my time had not yet come.

When he walked toward me, I couldn’t bear to see his face.

The light was too bright.

Gradually, my eyes adjusted.

What light?

The light from his hands and feet.

He had holes in his hands and feet.

And love in his eyes…

You know, I’ve always wondered if this is what happens when we die.

I’ve read a lot about that. I’ll tell you more about it later.

Oh, please. Sabina is the one who’s come back...

... and she can certainly tell us more about it than you can.

She didn’t go anywhere.

She wasn’t clinically dead, nor was she in a coma.

She was unconscious for three days.

Yes, but she experienced a revelation about life after death.

Perhaps, but that raises many new questions...

Exactly, which you’re too fearful to consider

from anything other than a rationalistic point-of-view...

- My dear Vjeko...

Science is not based on emotion, but on verifiable facts...

Oh, come on... Now you’re going to tell us there’s no afterlife

and that you have scientific proof for that,

even though you’ve never been dead?!

And you’ve been dead?

Oh, please. Ever since Tesla died, you’ve nobody to talk to.

True enough! Which leaves me with the likes of you!

Shut up both of you!

Do you want her to go into labor now?

It’s true. Study of the brain really is the last frontier.

Finally, we agree on something.

You still have a lot to learn, my friend.

Mama!

May I see the baby?

- Yes.

What color are his eyes?

- The same as yours.

My child...

So, this is the miracle?

Yes, Dad.

This is my little miracle.

This day we have heard a new word

A word which never before was said.

We had heard the word about our daily bread:

the bread meant to feed everyone in need…

But from this day let it be known

that we live not by bread alone.

Yea, let the truth be said

about our unearthly bread…

Today, Sabina is a volunteer with Bethlehem, an organization in Croatia that helps pregnant women and mothers who have nowhere to go.

She has begun a similar work in her homeland of Bosnia and Herzegovina.