The Secret of the Grain Page #2

Come on, eat. You keep talking

and you're not done.

What did he want?

They made schedules.

I'm on half-time.

You asked for it?

Tell them no.

Anyway, they're reviewing personnel.

They want no Frenchmen.

The old guys are out.

No, the French.

Rather have migrants.

That way, no hassles.

Sugar? Dad, the doctor...

I had sugar.

Dad, you put sugar in it.

He didn't, I did.

Why'd you put sugar out?

I've worked there

since Jose was born.

Did they give me a contract?

They could have.

They don't want Frenchmen.

- It has been a while.

- What can I do?

You got to act.

It's like you're afraid.

- Afraid of what?

- Exactly!

What should I say?

- You say nothing. You stay...

- What?

You could keep this up 10 years.

Till your hair turns white.

Then they'll fire you. Great.

At the cannery...

Safia, enough!

Want to go potty again?

Want to go potty?

It's all right.

No, you stay here

or you go potty.

So, at the cannery, we get bonuses.

They tried to eliminate them.

The guy they sent, the VP,

said they'd lost American markets.

Just like that, one day they say,

you lose this cause we lost that.

So just like that, we organized.

Everyone in the cafeteria.

We made signs.

We went on strike, stopped working.

When they saw the line stopped,

they needed us,

they all came out of the woodwork.

They watched how they spoke to us.

We were all there,

ready to go the limit.

We said if we have to set a fire,

we'll set a fire.

But our bonuses don't go.

Don't even try it.

Considering what we get paid...

So when they came...

We'd elected... what's her name?

- Your co-worker's wife.

- Lionel?

His wife. I don't know her very well.

Melanie?

Melanie was our spokesperson.

She went to them and said,

no one goes back to work

until we get our bonuses.

I swear, quick as lightning,

we got our bonuses.

They got scared.

- They can't just do anything.

- Yes, they can.

- Ask your father.

- No way.

They're tired of benefits

and withholding.

They outsource.

Somewhere guys get 10 bucks a week.

- Anybody in there?

- Yes!

They take advantage of people

who are making a pittance.

They're the best.

They do that very well.

And they keep lining their pockets.

So every year,

you hear the same line.

On TV, that's all you hear.

- You watch too much TV.

- People are too passive.

No, it comes down from above.

It's shameful.

That's how it is.

Half as many boats in 10 years.

Then one day, no more boats.

Just a marina.

No more fishing boats.

No more yard. Only tourists.

For them:
Less hassle, more money.

They take advantage of people.

I brought some fish.

Again?

You just brought us some.

That's a lot.

It's good for the kids.

Not even a thank you.

Thanks.

But I get some at the cannery.

Not the same.

This is fresh, for the kids.

That's true, you're right.

Don't look at me like that,

you little piggy!

She'll remember this day.

I'm running late.

Dad, can you drop me off?

- We'll go together.

- Fine.

Don't want a bite first?

No. Tonight I...

Give Grandpa a hug.

Hug Grandpa

and I won't be mad anymore.

I'll hug him, too.

Good thing I have you, Dad.

Don't worry. It'll work out.

They can't change your life.

You too, give Mom a hug.

Oh, you're a sweetheart.

And Grandpa.

My kids adore you!

Jose, come here.

Show them Grandpa's nice fish.

He thinks of us.

Careful, don't fall.

- Can I touch?

- Are your hands clean?

I'm going.

Nice, right?

Don't touch too much.

Look at the fish.

Show her the fish.

In water, he moves this.

Look at that fish.

See that?

It's Nemo.

They got big teeth.

Hi.

How are you?

I brought fish.

Sure you're OK?

- Hi, Slimane.

- Hello, Rym.

You OK?

- Some fish.

- Let me see.

Haven't had any in a long time.

Mullet. The yellow kind!

That is super cool. Thanks.

- Make it tonight?

- No problem.

How are you?

Mom see this?

What did she say?

Coming back down?

Come, let's go to sleep.

I don't get it.

It doesn't matter.

I didn't really want to either.

Come and sleep.

What are you doing?

I'm going back to my room.

What's the matter?

What's going on?

Not in your room.

I don't feel right.

How long do we go on this way?

The guests...

That's your place.

Then I come here...

It's just that the bed is bigger.

You know, I'm just a guest.

Stop.

You're independent.

You're young.

You like life, you like freedom.

I've done nothing, left nothing

to you and Rym, to my children.

Why are you saying this?

It's not moist enough.

I put it in already.

I can't take it out now.

Like this?

A little less.

Another potato peeler

headed for the trash.

Can't go any faster?

Mom, she's not great at dishes.

- I'll get it.

- Go.

Don't forget, shoes off.

What took so long?

Scared you?

- Shoes!

- I took them off.

Hi, honey.

Wow, lots of work.

How are you?

- Easy on the harissa.

- We know.

And the kids?

On the balcony. Go ahead.

Thanks. Nice change from fish.

Hi, honey.

Hey, sweetie.

- What are you drinking?

- I'll have...

Olfa!

Bring a glass and a beer.

Give him the big plate.

That's the plate.

- She's pretty!

- Pretty, right?

- Hi, Henri.

- Hi, Lilia.

- Your daughter's pretty.

- Thanks.

How old is she now?

Almost two.

Time sure does fly.

Tell Auntie how old you are.

Show her.

Two. Just two fingers.

Five?

She's so smart.

Incredible.

And still in diapers?

I can't get rid of them.

And I work at it every day.

- Try the potty?

- Sure. I put her on it.

She won't go on the potty.

Just to sit her down on it,

she has a fit.

Soon as I take her off,

then she goes.

Cause she yells at her.

I don't yell.

It's not her fault.

It's the diaper companies.

The new diapers

absorb a whole quart.

Kids get used to it.

They don't get it.

Even wet, they feel dry.

See what I mean?

They're shock absorbers.

They fall, get right back up.

It's true.

That's why they do it.

Take one out, throw it away.

Take another...

See the price at the supermarket?

She uses 5 a day.

How long does one pack last?

Not even a week!

- How much is it?

- 15 euros.

Olfa, the calculator!

Fifteen is a lot.

That's not even a week!

Thirty to a pack...

Here comes the details.

This will take all afternoon.

The diaper budget!

Six times three...

Math and me...

Wait.

Six a day. A pack is five days.

That makes 6 packs a month.

- 6,200.

- 7,200.

Imagine in 2 years.

Look at the face he's making!

OK, everybody! Let's go.

Hurry up.

Julia, go get dressed. Please.

Everyone's downstairs.

They made couscous.

What the hell is this?

Julia!

Serguei!

Serguei, tell your sister

or I'll get crazy.

All right.

Stop talking in Russian.

Look in my eyes, go get dressed.

I said no! That's French!

I'm not coming!

- Why are you yelling?

- You don't listen!

Come back to earth.

Go down to your mother's!

Go eat!

You wait for your brother

to pull this sh*t?

Hi, Serguei.

- What's going on?

- They're manic.

I just got here. It's crazy.

What set it off?

I don't know.

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