The Silence

Ester: No, I don't want to die like this. I don't want to suffocate. Oh, that was horrible. Now I'm frightened. That scared me. That mustn't happen again.

Ester: Where's the doctor? Must I die all alone?

Ester: What have I done to deserve this?

Anna: Nothing in particular. It's just that you always harp on your principles and drone on about how important everything is. But it's all just hot air. You know why? I'll tell you. Everything centers around your ego. You can't live without feeling superior. That's the truth. Everything has to be desperately important and meaningful... and goodness knows what.

Ester: How else are we to live?

Anna: I used to think you were right. I tried to be like you, because I admired you. I didn't realize you disliked me.

Ester: That's not true.

Anna: Oh, yes, it is. You always have. I just never realized it before.

Ester: No.

Anna: Yes. And in some way you're afraid of me

Ester: I'm not afraid of you. I love you.

Anna: You always talk a lot about love.

Ester: You can't say...

Anna: What can't I say? That Ester feels hatred? That's just a silly idea of mine, right? You hate me, just like you hate yourself. Me, and everything that's mine. You're full of hate.

Ester: That's not true.

Anna: With all your education and all the fancy books you've translated, can you answer me one thing? When Father died, you said, "I don't want to go on living." So, why are you still around? Is it for my sake? For Johan's? For your work, perhaps? Or for no reasoning particular?

Ester: It's not like you say. I'm sure you've got it all wrong.

Anna: Don't use that tone of voice! Get out! Leave me alone!

Ester: Poor Anna!

Anna: Why don't you shut up?

Ester: [smiling and caressing Anna] Poor Anna!

[leaves the room]