- I have no wish to see anyone tonight.
- Not even me?
Especially not you.
Why, thank you very much!
What for?
For being sincere. I'm really glad you are getting accustomed to say what you think.
I'd rather not say anything at all.
Is anything the matter? You don't look like yourself tonight ...
How can you tell for sure? I don't even remember what my true self is like...
And you are not even interested in the contents of my bag?
Not particularly hungry just now.
Oh dear...Has anything serious happened while I was away?
Many serious things had happened, but not these days .
Then it's some old wound of yours that is disturbing you ? You look as if you are in great pain...Let me...
Of course I am in pain, darn it! And it's all your fault!
My fault! How could I possibly cause you harm when during all my stay in this land I have been trying to do quite the contrary !
What are you coming here for? Why do you continue to visit me ? Is it Mirana's secret orders or what?
The Queen's orders? By no means! I chose it myself, and I do come here for free and on my own accord!
Then don't come at all!
But why?
Don't you see it's no use? But of course you don't – you are so stubborn! I told you and told you there's no good in me, and yet you go on believing into some better self of mine! And it doesn't even exist!
But...
Don't contradict me! I'm a cruel, heartless, cunning, manipulative two-faced cad! And nothing can be done to change that – NOTHING, do you hear me well? Why don't you just leave me alone?
Calm down, Ilosovich! No one is calling you a good man, so no need to sound so much offended! You are right in one thing, though – I am stubborn, so spare your eloquence for some more worthy occasion than a try to convince me in your absolute wickedness. I won't stop coming here, anyway. As for your self-accusations, you could be quite a different person, you know, if you chose to...
But I haven't chosen !
While the person is a living soul, there is always a chance left.
Do you call me a living soul, Wilhelmina? No need to cherish any hopes – my soul has been dead for years...
Would it hurt this much now if it were dead? Whom are you trying to convince tonight – me or yourself? Do you know what the soul is? It is something that aches when the whole body is healthy. That's what is troubling you now! No need to lie to yourself, my friend!
I lived in deception and lies for too long, I'm not accustomed to the truth...It hurts too much, you know...
I do know, Ilosovich. Some medicines are bitter and most medical procedures are unpleasant, but still necessary if one wishes to get healed.
So you still insist that I am not a hopeless patient, then?
I do. As it is said in the Scriptures, hope never brings shame upon a person…By the way, I brought you this flask of water to make your arm healed better. You can also drink some of before going to sleep. I also leave here something intended for you, should you change your mind...
Wilhelmina...
Yes?
I told you a lie.
Which one exactly?
About not being hungry.
Oh, now you are yourself at last! Here you are, my friend! And one more thing...
Uh?
Do drop the habit of telling lies, Ilosovich. I know that old habits die hard, but better they than we...
Thank you.
For the food?
For that as well.
You are very welcome...