1. DIGITALLY RESTORED IN 2017Copy !req
2. It is early Monday morning...Copy !req
3. and I am in pain.Copy !req
4. My sisters...Copy !req
5. and Anna...Copy !req
6. are taking turns staying up.Copy !req
7. Good morning.
Did anything happen?Copy !req
8. No, she was quiet... I think.Copy !req
9. I fell asleep.Copy !req
10. Anna, see to the fire.Copy !req
11. I thank thee, dear Lord,
for allowing meCopy !req
12. to awaken well and cheerful
this morningCopy !req
13. after a good sleep
under thy protection,Copy !req
14. and for the enjoyment
of a restful night.Copy !req
15. I beseech thee again today
and every dayCopy !req
16. to let thine angels watch over
and protect my little girlCopy !req
17. whom thou
in thy unfathomable wisdomCopy !req
18. tookest unto thyself in heaven.Copy !req
19. Mother is in my thoughts
nearly every day,Copy !req
20. though she's been dead
for over 20 years.Copy !req
21. I remember she would often seekCopy !req
22. the peace and solitude
of the grounds.Copy !req
23. I remember too
how I'd follow her at a distanceCopy !req
24. and spy on her unnoticed,Copy !req
25. because I loved her
to such a jealous extreme.Copy !req
26. I loved her because she was
so gentle and beautiful and aliveCopy !req
27. and so very, very present.Copy !req
28. But she could also be
coolly dismissiveCopy !req
29. or playfully cruel.Copy !req
30. Yet I couldn't help
feeling sorry for her,Copy !req
31. and now that I'm older,
I understand her much better.Copy !req
32. I wish I could see her again
and tell herCopy !req
33. that I understand
her boredom, her impatience,Copy !req
34. her longing,Copy !req
35. and her loneliness.Copy !req
36. And when the wicked witch
at last realizedCopy !req
37. that little Gretel had tricked her,Copy !req
38. her nose began to grow and grow...Copy !req
39. For Twelfth Night
Mother always gave a party,Copy !req
40. and Aunt Olga would comeCopy !req
41. with her magic lantern
and her fairy tales.Copy !req
42. I always felt frightened and left out.Copy !req
43. When Mother spoke to me
in her excitable way,Copy !req
44. I could hardly understand
what she wanted of me.Copy !req
45. Maria and Mother always had
so much to whisper about,Copy !req
46. but then they were so alike.Copy !req
47. I used to wonder jealously
what they had to laugh at.Copy !req
48. Everyone was in high spirits.Copy !req
49. I alone could not join in the merriment.Copy !req
50. I remember another time one autumn...Copy !req
51. when I hid behind the curtainsCopy !req
52. and watched her in secret.Copy !req
53. She sat in her white dress
in the red drawing room.Copy !req
54. She sat quite still,
her head bent over,Copy !req
55. her hands resting on the table.Copy !req
56. Suddenly she noticed meCopy !req
57. and softly called to me.Copy !req
58. I approached hesitantly,Copy !req
59. thinking she was going
to criticize me, as usual.Copy !req
60. But instead she gave me
a look so full of sorrowCopy !req
61. that I nearly burst into tears.Copy !req
62. I placed my hand on her cheek...Copy !req
63. and for that moment
we were very close.Copy !req
64. There's someone out there.Copy !req
65. Anna.Copy !req
66. There's someone out there.Copy !req
67. Good morning, Agnes.Copy !req
68. Good morning, Doctor.Copy !req
69. She's very tired.
I don't think it will be long now.Copy !req
70. I'll find my way out, thank you.Copy !req
71. David.Copy !req
72. It's been so long.Copy !req
73. When can we meet again?Copy !req
74. No.Copy !req
75. Maria and her husband, Joakim,Copy !req
76. had stayed at the manor
some years earlier,Copy !req
77. when Agnes had gone to Italy
for her health.Copy !req
78. One evening, Anna's little daughter
was taken quite ill,Copy !req
79. and Maria sent for the family doctor
from a nearby town.Copy !req
80. Say "ah."Copy !req
81. Once more.Copy !req
82. That hurt a bit, I know.Copy !req
83. Good girl.
That wasn't too bad, eh?Copy !req
84. Into bed with you now.Copy !req
85. Get a little sleep.Copy !req
86. - Thank you.
- You must be hungry, Doctor.Copy !req
87. There's supper
in the other room, if you'd like.Copy !req
88. That would be very nice.Copy !req
89. Thank you.Copy !req
90. Agnes and Karin are still in Italy.Copy !req
91. I got a letter last week.Copy !req
92. Agnes is much better.Copy !req
93. Her cough is gone.Copy !req
94. She's taken up painting again.Copy !req
95. Karin's husband joined them at Easter.Copy !req
96. The weather's been good,
almost like summer...Copy !req
97. though the nights are chilly.Copy !req
98. And how's your husband?Copy !req
99. Joakim had some business in town.Copy !req
100. He'll be back tomorrow.Copy !req
101. I mentioned you'd be coming
to look in on Anna's little girl.Copy !req
102. He sends his best.
- Thank you.Copy !req
103. I made up the guest room for you.Copy !req
104. The weather's so awful.Copy !req
105. You shouldn't be going home
in this weather.Copy !req
106. You've changed.
- Really?Copy !req
107. Is there someone else?Copy !req
108. There's always someone else...Copy !req
109. though I never thought
the matter would interest you.Copy !req
110. It doesn't.Copy !req
111. You wear spectacles now?Copy !req
112. Am I bothering you?
- Not at all.Copy !req
113. Why are you so reserved?Copy !req
114. Couldn't we forget about the past?Copy !req
115. Come here, Marie.Copy !req
116. Come.Copy !req
117. Look in the mirror.Copy !req
118. You're beautiful.Copy !req
119. Perhaps even more
than when we were together.Copy !req
120. But you've changed,Copy !req
121. and I want you to see how.Copy !req
122. Now your eyes cast
quick, calculating side glances.Copy !req
123. You used to look ahead
straightforwardly, openly...Copy !req
124. without disguise.Copy !req
125. Your mouth has a slightly hungry,
dissatisfied expression.Copy !req
126. It used to be so soft.Copy !req
127. Your complexion is pale now.Copy !req
128. You wear makeup.Copy !req
129. Your fine, wide browCopy !req
130. has four lines above each eye now.Copy !req
131. You can't see them in this light,Copy !req
132. but you can in the bright light of day.Copy !req
133. You know what caused those lines?Copy !req
134. No.Copy !req
135. Indifference.Copy !req
136. And this fine contourCopy !req
137. from your ear to your chinCopy !req
138. is no longer so finely drawn...Copy !req
139. the result of too much comfort
and laziness.Copy !req
140. And there, by the bridge of your nose.Copy !req
141. Why do you sneer so often?Copy !req
142. You see that?Copy !req
143. You sneer too often.Copy !req
144. You see it?Copy !req
145. And look under your eyes.Copy !req
146. The sharp, scarcely noticeable wrinklesCopy !req
147. from your boredom and impatience.Copy !req
148. Can you really see all that there?Copy !req
149. No, but I feel it when you kiss me.Copy !req
150. I think you're joking with me.Copy !req
151. I know where you see it.Copy !req
152. Where?Copy !req
153. In yourself.Copy !req
154. Because you and I are so alike.Copy !req
155. You mean...Copy !req
156. in our selfishness...Copy !req
157. coldness...Copy !req
158. and indifference?Copy !req
159. Your arguments
have always bored me.Copy !req
160. Are there no extenuating circumstances
for such as you and I?Copy !req
161. I have no need of pardon.Copy !req
162. Good morning, sir.Copy !req
163. Good morning.Copy !req
164. Thank you.Copy !req
165. Good morning, Joakim.
Welcome home.Copy !req
166. Good morning, Maria.Copy !req
167. Anna's little girl is quite ill.Copy !req
168. The doctor was here last night.Copy !req
169. He sends his regardsCopy !req
170. and hopes you can get together
again for chess soon.Copy !req
171. I asked him to stay overnightCopy !req
172. because the weather was so bad.Copy !req
173. He left early this morning
before anyone was up.Copy !req
174. Did you enjoy yourself in town,
or were you terribly busy?Copy !req
175. We received an invitation
from the Egermans.Copy !req
176. They'd like us to stay
with them at Easter.Copy !req
177. I think it would be very nice.Copy !req
178. For a change of pace.
What do you think?Copy !req
179. We'll see.Copy !req
180. Run along and play.Copy !req
181. Joakim.Copy !req
182. Help me.Copy !req
183. Please help me.Copy !req
184. No.Copy !req
185. Anna.Copy !req
186. You hear that?Copy !req
187. I hear only the windCopy !req
188. and the ticking of the clocks.Copy !req
189. No... it's something else.Copy !req
190. I don't hear anything else.Copy !req
191. I'm freezing.Copy !req
192. Good night.Copy !req
193. Come here.Copy !req
194. Come to me.Copy !req
195. You're so far away.Copy !req
196. Come here.Copy !req
197. Here by my side.Copy !req
198. Do I smell very bad?Copy !req
199. It hurts so much.
- I know, Agnes.Copy !req
200. I'll stay with you.Copy !req
201. It will be all right.
- It hurts so bad.Copy !req
202. You needn't be afraid when I'm here.Copy !req
203. You know that.Copy !req
204. The pillow's so warm.Copy !req
205. We can get the other one.Copy !req
206. Come.Copy !req
207. Can you sit up a bit?Copy !req
208. Now lie back.Copy !req
209. Is that better?Copy !req
210. Is that good?Copy !req
211. You're so good to me.Copy !req
212. Yes?Copy !req
213. What is it?Copy !req
214. Agnes is worse.Copy !req
215. I think she's unconscious.Copy !req
216. Her breathing's very strange.Copy !req
217. I'll get my shawl.Copy !req
218. Karin.Copy !req
219. - What is it?
- Agnes is worse.Copy !req
220. I'm coming.Copy !req
221. - I'll go for the doctor.
- I'll go with you.Copy !req
222. - When's the doctor coming?
- He wasn't home.Copy !req
223. You'd better get dressed.
I'll stay with her.Copy !req
224. I'm much better now.Copy !req
225. Just a bit warm.Copy !req
226. How about a little bath
and a clean gown?Copy !req
227. Yes, thank you.Copy !req
228. I'm a bit thirsty.Copy !req
229. Shall I read a bit?Copy !req
230. That would be wonderful.Copy !req
231. "Chapter 34,Copy !req
232. in which Mr. Pickwick thinks
he had better go to Bath,Copy !req
233. and goes accordingly.Copy !req
234. 'But surely, my dear sir,'
said little PerkerCopy !req
235. as he stood in Mr. Pickwick's apartment
on the morning after the trial,Copy !req
236. 'surely you don't really mean –Copy !req
237. really and seriously now,
and irritation apart –Copy !req
238. that you won't pay
these costs and damages?'Copy !req
239. 'Not one halfpenny,'
said Mr. Pickwick firmly.Copy !req
240. 'Not one halfpenny.'Copy !req
241. 'Hoorah for the principle,
as the moneylender saidCopy !req
242. when he wouldn't renew the bill,'Copy !req
243. observed Mr. Weller,
who was clearing away breakfast.Copy !req
244. 'Sam,' said Mr. Pickwick,
'have the goodness to step downstairs.'Copy !req
245. 'Certainly, sir,' replied Mr. Weller,Copy !req
246. and acting on Mr. Pickwick's
gentle hint, Sam retired."Copy !req
247. Anna!Copy !req
248. I can't take it!Copy !req
249. Can't anyone help me?Copy !req
250. I can't take it!Copy !req
251. Help me!Copy !req
252. I can't...Copy !req
253. God our Father...Copy !req
254. in his infinite wisdom,Copy !req
255. has called you home to him
still in the bloom of your youth.Copy !req
256. In your life he found you worthyCopy !req
257. of bearing a long and torturous agony.Copy !req
258. You submitted patiently
and without complaintCopy !req
259. in the certain knowledge
that your sins would be forgivenCopy !req
260. through the death
of your Lord Jesus Christ on the cross.Copy !req
261. May your Father in HeavenCopy !req
262. have mercy on your soulCopy !req
263. when you come before him.Copy !req
264. May he let his angels remove from youCopy !req
265. the memory of your earthly pain.Copy !req
266. Should it beCopy !req
267. that you gathered up our suffering
into your poor body...Copy !req
268. and should it be that you bore it
with you through death...Copy !req
269. and should you meet GodCopy !req
270. in that other land...Copy !req
271. and should he turn
his countenance toward you...Copy !req
272. and should you know
the language to speakCopy !req
273. so that this God
may hear and understand you...Copy !req
274. and should you be allowed
to speak with him...Copy !req
275. should all of this be so...Copy !req
276. then pray for us.Copy !req
277. Agnes, my dear child...Copy !req
278. listen to what I tell you now.Copy !req
279. Pray for those of us left behindCopy !req
280. on this dark and miserable earthCopy !req
281. beneath a cruel and empty sky.Copy !req
282. Lay your suffering at God's feetCopy !req
283. and plead with him to pardon us.Copy !req
284. Plead with him to free usCopy !req
285. of our anxiety...Copy !req
286. our weariness...Copy !req
287. and our deepest doubts.Copy !req
288. Plead with him
to give meaning to our lives.Copy !req
289. Agnes, you who have long borne
this inscrutable suffering,Copy !req
290. you are most surely worthyCopy !req
291. of pleading our cause.Copy !req
292. She was my confirmation child.Copy !req
293. We had many long
and intimate discussions.Copy !req
294. Her faith was stronger than mine.Copy !req
295. Stop by the parish office tomorrowCopy !req
296. and we can discuss
the formalities of the funeral.Copy !req
297. Karin and her husband, Fredrik,Copy !req
298. were pursuing a diplomatic career
some years earlier.Copy !req
299. During a visit home, they stayed
for some months at the manor.Copy !req
300. Anna, may I have a little more fish?Copy !req
301. Will you join me?
- No, thank you.Copy !req
302. What are you smiling about?Copy !req
303. I'm not smiling.Copy !req
304. Would you like coffee,
or will we be retiring?Copy !req
305. No coffee, thank you.Copy !req
306. It's late.Copy !req
307. I suggest we retire now.Copy !req
308. It's a web of lies, all of it.Copy !req
309. Don't look at me.Copy !req
310. Don't look at me like that, you hear?Copy !req
311. I'm sorry.Copy !req
312. Forgive me.Copy !req
313. Help me undress.Copy !req
314. You may go.Copy !req
315. Nothing but a web of lies.Copy !req
316. Every bit of it.Copy !req
317. A web of lies...Copy !req
318. What are you doing?Copy !req
319. Going through some old letters
and documents about the estate.Copy !req
320. Karin...Copy !req
321. I want us to be friends.Copy !req
322. I want us to talk to each other.Copy !req
323. After all, we're sisters.Copy !req
324. We share so many memories.Copy !req
325. It's so strange how we never touch,Copy !req
326. how we only make small talk.Copy !req
327. Why won't you be my friend?Copy !req
328. We've both been happy and unhappy.Copy !req
329. We could laugh and cry together.Copy !req
330. We could talk together
for days and nights on end.Copy !req
331. We could hold each other tight.Copy !req
332. I sometimes wander
through this childhood home of ours,Copy !req
333. where everything
is both strange and familiar...Copy !req
334. and I feel like I'm in a dream...Copy !req
335. and like some event
of great importance lies in store for us.Copy !req
336. Yes, I'm shallow and childish.Copy !req
337. You've read
and thought and experiencedCopy !req
338. much more than I have.Copy !req
339. Couldn't we use these daysCopy !req
340. to get to know each otherCopy !req
341. and really get closer?Copy !req
342. I can't bear this distanceCopy !req
343. and silence.Copy !req
344. Did I say something to hurt you?Copy !req
345. It's easy to do,Copy !req
346. but I swear I didn't mean
to hurt your feelings.Copy !req
347. What are you reading?Copy !req
348. - Agnes's diary.
- What does it say?Copy !req
349. "Thursday, September 30."Copy !req
350. It says...Copy !req
351. "I've received the most wonderful gift
anyone can receive in this life.Copy !req
352. It's called many things:Copy !req
353. togetherness,Copy !req
354. companionship,Copy !req
355. affection, tenderness.Copy !req
356. I think this is what's called 'grace.'"Copy !req
357. No, don't touch me!
Don't come near me!Copy !req
358. I can't stand to be touched.Copy !req
359. I don't want you to do that.Copy !req
360. I don't want you to.Copy !req
361. I don't want you to be kind to me.Copy !req
362. No!Copy !req
363. I can't stand it!Copy !req
364. It's constant anguish.Copy !req
365. It's like being in hell.Copy !req
366. I can't breathe.Copy !req
367. All the guilt!Copy !req
368. No!Copy !req
369. Leave me alone.Copy !req
370. Don't touch me.Copy !req
371. Don't touch me.Copy !req
372. I'm sorry I lost control
of myself this morning.Copy !req
373. I don't know what came over me.Copy !req
374. I suppose it's all the emotion
around Agnes's death.Copy !req
375. We were so fond of her.
Now that the funeral is over,Copy !req
376. I'll have our lawyer
look after the legal formalities.Copy !req
377. The fruit please, Anna.Copy !req
378. It's best we sell
the house and grounds.Copy !req
379. You and I can divide up
all the rest –Copy !req
380. furniture, china,Copy !req
381. pictures, silverware, and books.Copy !req
382. Would you step outside
a moment, Anna?Copy !req
383. What shall we do about Anna?Copy !req
384. I suggest we give her
a little extra something and let her go.Copy !req
385. We'll give her
some little article of Agnes's too.Copy !req
386. She was very devoted.Copy !req
387. I understand they were quite close.Copy !req
388. Now she trails after us
in much too familiar a manner.Copy !req
389. I think –Copy !req
390. It's true.Copy !req
391. I've...Copy !req
392. often thought...Copy !req
393. of taking my own life.Copy !req
394. It's –Copy !req
395. It's disgusting.Copy !req
396. It's degrading...Copy !req
397. and it never ever changes.Copy !req
398. Henrik's an excellent lawyer,
I assure you.Copy !req
399. My husband says I'm clumsy.Copy !req
400. He's right.Copy !req
401. I'm a fumbler.Copy !req
402. My hands are too big, you see.Copy !req
403. They just won't obey!Copy !req
404. You sit there
with that embarrassed smile.Copy !req
405. This isn't the sort of conversation
you'd imagined having.Copy !req
406. Do you realize I hate you?Copy !req
407. Do you realize how stupid
I find your flirtatiousnessCopy !req
408. and your insipid smiles?Copy !req
409. How have I put up with you
for so long without a word?Copy !req
410. I see right through you,Copy !req
411. you and your caressesCopy !req
412. and your false promises.Copy !req
413. Can you conceive how anyone can liveCopy !req
414. with all the hate I've had to bear?Copy !req
415. With no mercy or reliefCopy !req
416. or help of any kind.Copy !req
417. I see it all.Copy !req
418. Nothing escapes me, you hear?Copy !req
419. Now you hear how it sounds
when the real Karin speaks.Copy !req
420. You sit there grinning
your cold little grin.Copy !req
421. What are you thinking?Copy !req
422. Would you care to tell me?Copy !req
423. May I hear madame's opinion?Copy !req
424. No! Just as I thought.Copy !req
425. You'd rather remain silent.Copy !req
426. And you're right!Copy !req
427. Forgive me.Copy !req
428. Perhaps you mean well.Copy !req
429. Perhaps you just want
to know me better.Copy !req
430. My dear Maria...Copy !req
431. forgive me.Copy !req
432. I'm just blabbering.Copy !req
433. No, that's not true either.Copy !req
434. Maria, look at me.Copy !req
435. Maria, look at me.Copy !req
436. Can't you hear that?Copy !req
437. Someone's crying.Copy !req
438. Can't you hear it?Copy !req
439. Someone's crying and crying.Copy !req
440. Are you afraid of me now?Copy !req
441. No, I'm not afraid.Copy !req
442. I'm dead, you see.Copy !req
443. The trouble is I can't get to sleep.Copy !req
444. I can't leave all of you.Copy !req
445. I'm so tired.Copy !req
446. Can't anyone help me?Copy !req
447. It's just a dream, Agnes.Copy !req
448. No, it's not a dream.Copy !req
449. Perhaps it's a dream for you,Copy !req
450. but not for me.Copy !req
451. I want Karin to come here.Copy !req
452. Agnes wants KarinCopy !req
453. to come in.Copy !req
454. Won't you hold my hands
and warm me?Copy !req
455. Stay with me until the horror is over.Copy !req
456. It's so empty all around me.Copy !req
457. No one would do what you ask.Copy !req
458. I'm still alive.Copy !req
459. I want nothing to do with your death.Copy !req
460. Perhaps if I loved you...Copy !req
461. but I don't.Copy !req
462. What you ask is repulsive.
I'm leaving you now.Copy !req
463. In a few hours I'll be gone.Copy !req
464. Anna.Copy !req
465. Yes.Copy !req
466. I want Maria to come.Copy !req
467. Agnes wants MariaCopy !req
468. to come in.Copy !req
469. Don't be afraid.Copy !req
470. Please touch me.Copy !req
471. Come talk to me.Copy !req
472. Hold my hands and warm me.Copy !req
473. You're my sister.
I won't leave you alone.Copy !req
474. I feel so incredibly sorry for you.Copy !req
475. Remember when we were littleCopy !req
476. and dusk would fall as we played?Copy !req
477. We'd suddenly get scared,Copy !req
478. and we'd huddle togetherCopy !req
479. and hold each other tight.Copy !req
480. It's just like that now, isn't it?Copy !req
481. I can't hear what you're saying.Copy !req
482. You have to come closer.Copy !req
483. Closer.Copy !req
484. Hold my hands.Copy !req
485. I'll stay with you.Copy !req
486. I'll be here.Copy !req
487. Don't cry.Copy !req
488. I'm here.Copy !req
489. You needn't be afraid any longer.
I'll take care of her.Copy !req
490. I have my daughter to think about.Copy !req
491. She must realize that.
My husband needs me.Copy !req
492. It's repulsive, disgusting, senseless!Copy !req
493. She's already begun to rot.Copy !req
494. She has great foul spots on her hands.Copy !req
495. I'll stay with her.Copy !req
496. The funeral was tolerable.
No one wept or grew hysterical.Copy !req
497. Thank you.
Have you finished packing?Copy !req
498. There's one last trunk
to bring down, ma'am.Copy !req
499. Hurry. We have little time.Copy !req
500. The music was nice.Copy !req
501. The bishop kept it brief,
thank God.Copy !req
502. We're lucky he had a cold
so we could cancel the dinner.Copy !req
503. - Shouldn't we do something for Anna?
- Do something?Copy !req
504. I don't get your meaning.Copy !req
505. She's looked after Agnes
for the last 12 years.Copy !req
506. Shouldn't we offer her a small sum
or help her find a new place?Copy !req
507. Out of the question.
She's young and strong.Copy !req
508. She's had it very easy.Copy !req
509. Her future is not our responsibility.Copy !req
510. I did promise
she could take a memento.Copy !req
511. - Of her own choosing?
- I think she has that right.Copy !req
512. I detest that sort of spontaneity,
but a promise is a promise.Copy !req
513. We should speak to her right away.Copy !req
514. Anna, you may stay on here
for a time if need be.Copy !req
515. And you were promisedCopy !req
516. a memento of Agnes's.Copy !req
517. Thank you. I want nothing at all.Copy !req
518. She's trying to act noble,
but she'll get nothing for it.Copy !req
519. - Stay through the end of the month.
- Yes.Copy !req
520. Well, if there's nothing left
to attend to.Copy !req
521. Let's leave before the roads
to the station are snowed under.Copy !req
522. Good-bye, Anna. Thank you.Copy !req
523. Thank you.Copy !req
524. Thank you for your time here.Copy !req
525. Hurry now.Copy !req
526. - Could I speak to you a second?
- Of course.Copy !req
527. That evening we got closer...Copy !req
528. have you thought
about what we discussed?Copy !req
529. Of course.Copy !req
530. Could we hold to all our resolutions?Copy !req
531. Dearest Karin, why shouldn't we?Copy !req
532. I don't know.Copy !req
533. It's all so different from that evening.Copy !req
534. I think we've gotten much closer.Copy !req
535. What are you thinking about?Copy !req
536. Our conversation.Copy !req
537. No, you're not.Copy !req
538. I'm thinking how Joakim hates it
if I keep him waiting.Copy !req
539. I don't understand
why you suddenly demandCopy !req
540. that I account for all my thoughts.Copy !req
541. What is it you want?Copy !req
542. Nothing.Copy !req
543. In that case, don't be hurt
if I must say good-bye now.Copy !req
544. You touched me.
Don't you remember that?Copy !req
545. I don't recall
every stupid thing I've done,Copy !req
546. and I won't be made to account for them!Copy !req
547. Dearest Karin, give the children
my love and keep well.Copy !req
548. We'll see each other
for Twelfth Night, as usual.Copy !req
549. How sad.Copy !req
550. "Wednesday, the third of September.Copy !req
551. A chill in the air
tells of autumn's approach,Copy !req
552. but the days are still lovely and mild..."Copy !req
553. My sisters, Karin and Maria,
have come to see me.Copy !req
554. It's wonderful to be together againCopy !req
555. like in the old days.Copy !req
556. I'm feeling much better.Copy !req
557. We were even able
to take a stroll together.Copy !req
558. It was a wonderful experience,Copy !req
559. especially for me, since I haven't
been outdoors for so long.Copy !req
560. We suddenly began to laugh
and run toward the old swingCopy !req
561. that we hadn't used
since we were children.Copy !req
562. We sat in it
like three good little sisters,Copy !req
563. and Anna pushed us,
slowly and gently.Copy !req
564. All my aches and pains were gone.Copy !req
565. The people I'm most fond of
in all the world were with me.Copy !req
566. I could hear them chatting around me.Copy !req
567. I could feel the presence of their bodies,Copy !req
568. the warmth of their hands.Copy !req
569. I wanted to cling to that moment,
and I thought...Copy !req
570. "Come what may, this is happiness.Copy !req
571. I can't wish for anything better.Copy !req
572. Now, for a few minutes,Copy !req
573. I can experience perfection,Copy !req
574. and I feel profoundly grateful to my life,Copy !req
575. which gives me so much."Copy !req