A Rat in the Darkness (Una rata en la oscuridad)

"This property for sale Information here."

Sonia?

I never get tired of poking around. The bathroom is sensational.

We'll have to do a raffle to see who the lucky person will be who gets it.

You know, in spite of the age of the building,

I think we have a deal.

Looking at that portrait again? Why does it interest you so much?

- Lovely woman, don't you think? - Very attractive.

Who could she be? A former owner?

She doesn't look like a housewife dressed like that.

You're right. What do you say we play a guessing game?

Father always said I had certain clairivoyant gifts.

Do you remember when he lost his watch and I told him where to find it?

Yes, that was very strange, but it was even more so when you foretold mother's crash.

Well alright, making use of my extrasensory faculties, I think that...

this used to be a house of prostitution

- and she was the one who oversaw it. - Sonia, don't be silly.

Yes, that's why they sold it so cheap,

because of its bad reputation, understand?

What's more, I think a crime was commited here.

She had a lover and when he learned she was unfaithful, he killed her.

Sonia, please.

And in this salon they held large dances with little clothes and lots of perversion.

Enough daydreaming, why would it have to be that?

Well if you don't like that, then it's...

an enchanted mansion, that's it.

- Full of ghosts. - Naturally.

And her spirit is in every corner.

By the way, that woman reminds me of someone.

Stop imagining things.

What we have to do is give all of this a good cleaning.

We'll make all this as shiny as a mirror.

I think we've made a good acquisition.

- Our father would have approved. - I'm sure of that.

Be careful. According to what they say,

all the cupboards are full of dehydrated ghosts.

But don't be afraid to do away with them.

- We could move in immediately. - Impossible.

Have you seen the electric wiring? It's terrible.

- We could have it fixed. - And with what money?

I don't get paid until the end of the month.

I'm about to sell a painting.

It would be divine to light our way by candlelight.

Wouldn't you like to feel like you live in the past for a moment?

Yes, all the time.

Have you ever considered how uncomfortable that would be?

But it would only be for a few days.

And besides, did you forget we have to leave the flat immediately

or we'll have to pay for another month of rent?

Yes, you're right.

Alright, you win.

But the first one to get money

has to promise to go to the electric company

and take care of the wiring and the contract.

Alright.

I see I enjoy my comfort more than you do.

I'm less romantic...

- Now I remember. - Remember what?

Do you know who she looks like?

Like the real estate agent who sold us the house.

That's true.

Except she had short blonde hair.

How do you feel?

- Like I was hit by a train. - Yes, that was hard work.

Will you come down for some coffee?

I'm dead. I can't walk. My whole body hurts.

Let's see, come here.

I'll give you a massage. Hand me the ashtray.

You'll feel better.

That's wonderful, your hands are so soft.

Good, now you're the owner of a house.

Me?

In the near future, when I finish paying for it,

I'll sign it over to you.

That's not fair. You spent all of your savings on it.

You know everything I own is yours.

That's how it's always been.

When we were orphaned, you took on the role of a mother.

I really never felt her absence.

You gave me everything a mother could give.

Affection, understanding, love...

Tell me something, Josefina.

Is it because of me that you haven't married?

Nonsense. I haven't gotten married because I haven't wanted to.

I've had enough suitors.

But you've always driven them away

when you saw things were getting serious.

Well, that would be because none of them were my knight...

...in shining armor.

Now let's talk about you, you strange creature.

You don't like having a social life.

And not being around boys your own age worries me.

I would like you to have a family, to better yourself.

- You want to drive me from your side? - No, you know very well it's not that.

But time goes by. One isn't always young. And lonliness is very sad.

One day I won't be here.

And the idea of leaving you alone terrifies me.

You don't have to worry about that. I'll be gone before you.

Sonia, don't say that.

Forgive me, I didn't mean to upset you.