VANYA Good God. What’s going on here?

SONIA I haven’t lived!

MASHA My life is over!

VANYA Oh for God’s sake. Cheer up.

Sonia and Masha go back to weeping. Their crying is getting a little less intense, though. Like two hysterical children, they start to get tired and their crying subsides.

VANYA Now, now. Whatever is the matter?

SONIA My life is empty. And I forget something every day. I can’t remember the Italian for window or ceiling.

VANYA Window is finestra, ceiling is soffitto.

SONIA That doesn’t sound familiar. I don’t think I know Italian.

VANYA Well, you haven’t forgotten it then, have you?

SONIA No.

MASHA You’re giving her all the sympathy. Give me some.

VANYA All right. I’m sorry you’re upset.

MASHA I can’t remember things either. I can’t remember why I should keep living.

VANYA Now, now, you’re just feeling blue.

SONIA Our lives are over. Vanya’s too.

MASHA It’s true. Let’s cry some more.

Masha and Sonia try to cry some more, but their crying lasts only a little while. They’re like spent children. Everyone gets quiet for a moment.

VANYA Oh, listen to that silence.

MASHA It’s lovely. “True silence is the rest of the mind; it is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment.”

VANYA Who said that?

MASHA I don’t know. Maybe it’s from a play I was in.

VANYA “True silence is the rest of the mind.”

Silence. Suddenly sound of the car pulling up.

MASHA (suddenly wired, back in her drama) Is that the car? Does it mean he’s come back?

Enter Spike.

SPIKE Oh you’re all up. Hi.

MASHA Spike, darling!

Masha embraces Spike enthusiastically, rather over-the-top in her relief.

MASHA Oh, I’m so glad to see you! I was afraid you’d be longer! (kisses him desperately, but then pulls back, trying to cover her tracks) Now, I’m not needy. I’m just glad to see you.

SPIKE Well, it’s nice to be wanted.

MASHA Oh, you are, darling. Come, let’s go to bed. I’m exhausted. I want to forget that horrible party and this stressful day, and sleep in . . . ecstasy.

SPIKE Ecstasy. (to Vanya and Sonia, rolls his eyes; then back to Masha:) Well, I’ll try . . .

Masha starts to take Spike upstairs, but stops to say good night to Vanya and Sonia.

MASHA Good night, you two. Don’t forget: true silence is . . . food for the brain. Oh I forgot already. Never mind.

Masha and Spike exit.

SONIA I’m so exhausted.

VANYA Have some tea.

She sips her tea. So does he.

You were so outgoing at the party tonight, you spoke to many people.

SONIA Many people spoke to me. I enjoyed myself.

VANYA I was amazed to see you so animated. And friendly.