The Last Rain by Edeet Ravel

they put on way too much—I look like I’m wearing a mask .
I never told anyone our secret and I never will as long as I live.
    Thy Neck with Chains of Gold  
    ELI knocks on RITA ’s door and enters without waiting for a reply. He is preoccupied. He carries a radio and his work assignment board.

ELI  
I can’t finish the work assignments in the office.
 
Everyone comes in and gives me arguments. May I …
RITA
Of course.
ELI  
The radio’s for you. It’s your turn this week.
RITA
Are you sure?
ELI  
That’s what the Members’ Committee told me.
RITA
Thanks, Eli.
ELI  
(manipulating the cards on the board as he speaks)
 
Deena wants two work days in the laundry. She’ll get
 
one because Dudi has to tie grape vines. There’ll be
 
carpentry tomorrow—Shmulik will spray the orchard.
 
Marina in sanitation—no, I promised her shabat.
 
Jonah—chickens. Morty will deliver the laundry and
 
kerosene to the nurseries and then he’ll help in the
 
garage. Benjamin, store-house. Sammy—sheep. Ricky
 
will clear rocks from field number 6 along with Tova,
 
no—she’s sick. The three Danish kids can help him.
 
What’ll I do with Peretz? Two left hands, three left feet
 
… let him continue in the library. And Paula mending
 
and ironing and that’s it.
RITA
You couldn’t let me have a few hours’ help tomorrow,
 
could you?
ELI  
I’m afraid not. We have five extra people on guard
 
tonight. (Looks at chart, then at her) Well … Paula
 
doesn’t have to iron all day.
RITA
(hugs him) Thank you, Eli.
ELI  
(to MICHAEL ) You’d better look at this—you’re not driv-
 
ing for a couple of days. Marina told me it’s too hard on
 
her.
MICHAEL
Oh she did, did she?
ELI
I put you down for work on the kibbutz until Effie’s
 
well.
MICHAEL
This is ridiculous.
ELI
Marina’s falling off her feet. She can’t work properly.
MICHAEL
So you’re concerned with her work, not with the kid.
ELI
The child is the educational committee’s concern. (looks
 
at RITA )  
RITA
Effie would be very happy—if his father were home
 
sometimes.
ELI
So Moishi will drive.
( RITA turns on the radio)
MICHAEL
But I’m the driver!
ELI
Maybe I’ll take you off the road for good. Some people
 
think you ought to work on the farm for a change.
MICHAEL
I work more hours than anyone on this kibbutz! Last
 
week I spent three days chasing around for building
 
materials which we didn’t have money to buy. I also
 
finagled all that feed for the sheep. I swiped two broken
 
army jeeps and Matty fixed them up so they’re good
 
as new. I’m not only the best driver around here, I also
 
have initiative, and you know it.
(The radio plays instrumental rock and roll music.)
ELI
Please change the station.
MICHAEL
This music too bourgeois for you?
RITA
Sure, Eli.
MICHAEL
So where did you put me? (Finding his work card on the
 
board) In the kitchen!
ELI  
That’s right. Early shift.
( MICHAEL curses under his breath)
MICHAEL
Let me drive the tractor tomorrow.
RITA
Just like the kids. Anything on wheels.
ELI  
Be thankful I didn’t put you on guard duty. The army
 
found a mine and tracks that led across the border …
MICHAEL
I’ll guard all night.
ELI
It’s not necessary. We need you in the kitchen—at
 
4:30 a.m.
MICHAEL
Yes, Boss.
ELI
Don’t call me Boss.
MICHAEL
Sorry, Boss.
RITA
I’ll make you some coffee, Eli. You’d better put on
 
gatkes or you’ll freeze on guard tonight.
MICHAEL
Gatkes! What are we, decrepit?
RITA
It has nothing to do with being decrepit.
ELI
Actually, I think I have a little rheumatism.
MICHAEL
There, what did I tell you?
ELI
(to RITA ) You’ve been Michael’s neighbour for years.
 
How do you tolerate him?
RITA
I’m very good with problem children. (She is about to
 
give ELI his coffee but MICHAEL takes it out of her hands)
 
What are you doing?
MICHAEL
He won’t drink this capitalist brew. This coffee was
 
ground by an international imperialist