Breathing In (2023)

[bunniefuu]

[eerie music playing]

-[rain pattering]

-[thunder rumbling]

[strained breathing]

[eerie music continues]

[music fades]

[door opens, closes]

[Anna grunts softly]

[breathes heavily]

[grunts softly]

[fire crackling]

[Anna] Oh.

[sniffles]

Stay awake. You mustn't--

Soon you'll have color

in your cheeks again, my girl.

Oh, my poor little girl.

You'll be strong again.

[eerie music playing]

Please, I don't want to.

[Anna] You have to get ready,

you know that very well.

I'm tired. I'm so tired.

I just can't.

[Anna] Then I'll...

I'll dress you.

You'll hardly have

to do a thing.

You know how they always

love your hair.

Please, leave me alone.

I don't want to anymore.

[Anna] After all I've done

for you.

I don't want to do

the same thing

over and over and over again.

Please leave me alone.

I'm... I'm too tired.

[Anna] Stop it! Just stop it!

What would I do without you, hm?

Think of your mother.

Oh, don't be sad.

I must put on the coffee.

He'll be so pleased.

That's why we always have

to keep nice things.

To please them.

To make them feel at ease.

-[door opens]

-[thunder rumbling]

Sit up. Sit up!

You're not going

to fall asleep, are you?

Oh, my poor Annie.

My poor little girl.

[sobs softly]

You're all I have in this world.

If you leave me...

I'll be alone.

[sobs] All alone.

All alone! [sobs]

Open your eyes wide.

Let me see.

Yes, yes, yes, yes.

You keep them that way.

It's this rain.

This endless rain

is making you drowsy.

Everything seems to grow dim.

I hardly know where I am.

-[sobs]

-Take cover. They're coming.

[Anna] Oh, let him dream,

poor thing,

that's all he has left.

Such terrible dreams

about fighting and k*lling.

[General] Hold your fire.

Hold... hold your fire.

[Anna]Well, that's what he has

on his mind.

When he wakes up...

I'll give him

a nice strong brew.

He reminds me...

He reminds me...

[gasps]

I don't want to think about him.

I don't want to!

[sobs]

Same strong arms.

Same hands.

A real man.

But your father's eyes

were black.

Your father had

the blackest eyes I'd ever seen.

[sighs]

I can almost imagine

we're a family.

That we're happy.

And that he's sleeping

because he's been working

for us all day.

Using his... strong hands

to take care of us.

-Get away from me!

-[groans softly]

Get away! I'll never surrender!

You go to sleep.

Go to sleep now.

[shushes]

He reeks of fever!

[music fades]

We must get you dressed,

my girl.

You need to look

your very best tonight.

-But I'll be so cold.

-[Anna] No, you won't.

This time he'll see you,

my girl.

Oh, he's a little scrawny,

but...

he seems healthy.

[rain patters]

Easy does it.

-[Annie grunts]

-Oh!

Oh, my poor little girl.

You're almost dead on your feet.

Now lift your arms.

[melancholy music playing]

There you are.

Just a few buttons.

[music fades]

Now your hair.

Oh. Your hair is so cold,

it slips through my fingers.

[ominous music playing]

[Anna] What a strange feeling

it's giving me.

Oh, but I'm sure it's nothing.

Mm, everything is ready now.

He's very close now.

Did I hurt you, my girl?

I'm so sorry.

I'm so sorry.

You look so pretty.

-[music builds]

-[horse snorts]

Don't put your face too near

to the candle flame.

We don't want him to see

that you're not quite

as young as you seem.

There he is.

Don't look up

until I introduce you.

[horse snorts]

[thunder rumbling]

[knocking on door]

I'm sorry. I didn't know

it was you, Adjutant. I--

-[Brand] How is he?

-As well as can be expected.

[Brand] I have urgent business

with him.

[Anna] He's sleeping peacefully.

I've been giving him something

for the pain.

[Brand] General. General,

it's me, Adjutant Brand.

-General!

-[Anna] It's no use now,

he needs to sleep.

I told you

that I'd take care of him,

and I certainly hope that

you'll give us a little reward.

[Brand] For nursing the general?

[Anna] Oh, you must get out

of that soaking jacket.

He's our bravest general.

He has lost his son, his wife,

his farm, everything.

[Anna] I don't understand

what you're saying.

Do you know how we suffer?

[Anna] Come now, don't be angry.

Won't you have some coffee?

[Brand] I don't want anything

from you.

Well, then, at least...

allow me to introduce you

to my daughter.

There she is.

Her name is Annie.

She's very shy.

Say good evening

to the adjutant.

He's a very important man.

Good evening.

Good evening.

[Anna]

She's not used to company.

Oh, I wish you could see her

when she's well.

-[ominous music playing]

-Now, she's...

She can hardly stand

on her feet.

And as we're walking,

each step causes her

such terrible pain.

[shudders]

Come now.

Have some real coffee.

A rare find these days.

[music fades]

Thank you.

[Anna]

Let me take off your shoes.

-They'll never dry this way.

-No, please.

-Oh, it's no trouble.

-No. Please.

Nothing more dangerous

than wet shoes.

[yells] Hey,

at least I have shoes!

Most of the men have

nothing left,

just bare feet covered in sores.

[breathes heavily]

[door opens, closes]

I'm sorry if I spoke harshly

to your mother.

I just want you to know

I'm not usually so...

impolite.

The w*r does strange things

to a man.

[sniffles]

Please, you must forgive me.

I'm exhausted.

I rode for hours to deliver

those dispatches and it's...

it's hard in the dark.

We also travel at night.

You're quite right.

We shouldn't be seen

in the daylight.

You don't want to get caught

by the enemy.

Your mother...

She takes good care of you...

doesn't she?

Yes. She does everything for me.

More than you could imagine.

-[pensive music playing]

-[sniffles]

-Are you very sleepy?

-No.

Yes. I never get enough sleep.

Just an hour here and there.

Even then,

it's on the hard ground or...

in the trenches.

When you sleep, do you dream?

Yes, sometimes.

-What do you dream?

-Uh...

About food, mostly.

Soft feather beds.

I know what I would dream about

if I could.

-You can't?

-No.

I can never fall asleep,

you see.

My mother keeps me awake.

She says if I sleep

it will be so deep

and I'll fall and fall

and keep falling.

Leave her behind forever.

Oh.

[music builds]

But if I could sleep...

I would dream of a large,

open field.

Mother and I would be

sitting outside,

staring up at the clear sky.

H... how do you know that?

Oh, I know.

Sometimes I can almost see it.

I suppose that's why

you've not been captured...

because you travel at night,

otherwise, who knows?

[Annie] That's not

why we travel at night.

It's the light.

We can't bear the daylight.

It hurts us.

I see.

-[door closes]

-[Anna] Here.

I think these would do

quite nicely.

-[gasps, breathes shakily]

-[music fades]

-Those are...

-I know,

Belonged

to a fallen enemy soldier.

[Brand]

So you took them off him?

I thought they might

come in handy.

And I was right, wasn't I?

What do you take me for?

Those are the enemy's!

I'm not a scavenger.

I'm a patriot,

defending the honor

of my country.

Surely you could do that

much better

if your feet are dry?

I would rather die

than touch these boots.

[sighs]

A few brass buttons, buckles,

pocket watches.

What harm would that do?

Six brass buttons

will buy a bag of flour!

Just be quiet.

[breathes heavily]

[Anna] At least there's someone

to close their eyes,

fold their hands,

and say a few kind words.

Poor things.

Hardly more than children,

most of them.

You mustn't think badly

of me, Adjutant.

It's for my poor daughter,

really it is.

She's so weak

and sick and frail.

But you can see for yourself.

-[yells] Just look at her!

-Be quiet.

[General] Adjutant...

Adjutant, is that you?

Yes. Yes, General.

Here I am.

Adjutant Brand reporting.

General, I need to speak

with you.

The men, they need word.

I had to send out

a search party.

-Where have you been?

-He's delirious. It's the fever.

Who is this woman?

We're going into battle

and there's a woman here?

We're not going into battle

right now, General.

As I said,

at first light we attack.

Are you questioning me?

I'll have you shot for treason.

As God is my witness,

I'll have you shot.

Deserter!

-Traitor!

-[Anna] There, there.

Don't get so excited.

It's not good for you.

Take your hands off me!

Who... who is this woman?

Who is she?

[breathes heavily]

Men, when the sun--

Ready!

We are fighting for...

[grunts] ...our fatherland.

Our fatherland...

together we must stand--

Get him back into bed.

There's a lady present.

[groans]

Why is he still like this?

[Anna] Nature must take

its course.

[Brand]

I was a fool to trust you.

I'm only doing this

because you begged me.

Do you think I wanna be here,

in this dank and stinking place?

My girl, you're falling asleep.

-You mustn't fall asleep!

-[thunder rumbling]

"I mustn't fall asleep."

Say it over and over.

I'll have to strap you.

-[Annie grunts]

-[General] I'm dying.

Why don't you sh**t me?

You're gonna sh**t me.

-I want to hear you say it!

-I mustn't fall asleep.

[tense music playing]

-Look at me!

-Where am I?

-Yes, Mother.

-I don't know this place.

It's the shed on your farm.

General, we've tried

to make it comfortable.

Why am I not at home in bed?

-[Annie] I mustn't fall asleep.

-Your house has been burnt down,

-General.

-[Annie] I must not...

I must not fall asleep.

-And the cows?

-[Annie]I must not fall asleep.

I must not fall asleep.

-I must not fall asleep.

-[General]Where are the cows?

[Annie] I must not fall asleep

[Brand]

They've been shot, General.

-[Annie] I must not fall asleep.

-What is this woman doing here?

I must not fall asleep.

-I want my wife.

-I must not fall asleep.

Your wife is not here.

Lift him a little.

-[Annie] I must not fall asleep.

-No.

I don't want to.

Leave me alone. Go away.

General, the men are losing

their strength.

[Anna] It will make you better,

General.

I don't want to die here

-like an animal in a cowshed.

-[Annie] I must not fall asleep.

[gulps]

I must not fall asleep.

-I must not fall asleep.

-[Brand] It's just...

the men, they want to go home.

If you're not there,

how can I stop them?

Dying like an animal.

-I must not fall asleep.

-What must I tell them?

I'll never sit...

-[Annie] I must not fall asleep.

-...on a horse again, ever.

I must not fall asleep.

He's not getting any better.

Just look at him!

I'm doing everything I can.

I did not say

I could work miracles, did I?

If he dies, I will k*ll you.

Do you hear me?

-I must not fall asleep.

-Why does she keep saying that?

What is that?

It helps her sit up.

It helps to keep her awake.

If she falls asleep now

no one would be able

to wake her ever again.

-[Annie] I must not fall asleep.

-Just look at her.

But is there nothing I can do?

I mean, we...

Surely we can't just stand by.

-While she slips away?

-Yeah, but is there nothing

-I can do?

-[music fades]

[Annie] I must not fall asleep.

If you told her a story,

she'll stay awake...

-[Annie] I must not fall asleep.

-...and I can rest for a while.

-I must not fall asleep.

-I don't know any stories.

Oh, anything that's interesting.

[eerie music playing]

[Anna] The adjutant wants

to tell you something.

Isn't that kind of him?

Sit here.

The closer you are, the better.

Oh. Oh, at this time of night,

I feel so old and weary.

[music fades]

[gasps]

Show that you're grateful.

Thank you.

[Anna groans softly]

[groans]

Oh, my poor bones.

How they ache.

[breathes heavily]

[exhales deeply]

[g*nshots firing]

[men yelling]

[Brand] I don't really know

what to tell you.

I can't remember much

before the w*r.

What happened before the w*r?

[Annie] The light.

Tell me about the light.

-The light?

-[Annie] Mother won't tell me.

She says the less I know

about it, the less I'll fret.

Please, won't you tell me?

-The light?

-[Annie] Yes.

The flap of the tent

must remain tightly closed,

not to allow anything in.

Sometimes...

we go outside

just before the dawn.

We see a little of the world

even if it is dim and gloomy.

But I've never seen

the light shining.

Never ever.

Won't you tell me

what it's like?

-Well...

-[Annie] Please.

It's very bright.

And it shines everywhere?

-[Brand] Yes.

-[chuckles softly]

And you can see everything.

Birds.

Trees. Everything.

And...

sometimes I use this

to signal to the men.

[chuckles]

-[ominous music playing]

-[gasps]

My, my, you seem to have

perked up quite a bit.

You've been

very helpful, Adjutant.

How can I ever thank you?

-[shakily] It's my pleasure.

-What did you say?

-It's my pleasure.

-Why did you speak in that way?

I'm so sorry

if I said something that--

[Anna] Stop. Shh!

-[horse footstep approaching]

-Shh!

Shh! Do you hear that?

-I'll go outside and see.

-I'll go with you.

-No. I have to go alone.

-I can see it in the dark!

[Annie]

Please don't leave me alone.

I don't want to go to the camp.

Nothing will happen to you.

I give you my word.

What if something happens

to you?

Come on! Don't just stand there.

[music fades]

[suspenseful music playing]

[horse breathes heavily]

[breathes heavily]

[g*nsh*t]

[horse snorts, neighs]

-[door opens, creaks]

-[music fades]

[Anna pants] Help!

Help me!

Open your eyes.

-[Brand] What's happened?

-[both breathe heavily]

[Anna] Lift her.

Bring her to the stove.

Put her down on the chair.

I must warm some honey.

I want you to look after her.

I need to go out for a while.

Surely you shouldn't

leave her like this.

[Anna] The moon is out,

now I can see

where the roots are.

I need to make another poultice

for his wounds.

Open your mouth.

Are you feeling warmer now,

my girl?

Oh, there's so little wood.

Watch her closely.

Sometimes when it's very cold,

I have to hold her

to me all night.

[sniffs, clears throat]

[breathes heavily]

I was so afraid something

would happen to you out there.

So afraid,

it made my bones ache.

-Really?

-Yes.

It was just a wounded horse.

Strange.

It's as if I've never

known anyone else.

Not even my mother.

Before you,

I thought I had. Yes.

But that was...

It wasn't true.

[ominous music playing]

It wasn't.

[gasps]

-[pours liquid]

-[breathes heavily]

[gasps]

I know you.

I know you too.

But I've never seen you before.

I've been travelling

in our wagon since I was young.

I've always been travelling,

but...

Now I know why.

Travelling all these years.

Following tracks.

Tracks I could not see.

Tracks left by the shadow

of the birds,

by the wind in the grass,

the light of the stars.

Sometimes I would wonder,

"What does it mean?"

On our way here, it was a tree.

I kept looking back at it.

A tree in the moonlight.

How it...

leaned to one side.

It was telling me something.

But that was before.

Before I saw you.

Before I knew you.

Now I don't need

to wonder anymore.

Everything

was leading me here...

to this place

where you could find me.

[breathes deeply]

Your face.

I never knew anyone

could have a face like yours.

Oh, your face.

[breathes shakily]

And your hands.

Your hands are so... cold.

-Why are you trembling?

-I don't know.

And your heart...

It's beating so fast.

[breathes deeply, grunts softly]

[exhales deeply]

[breathes deeply, kisses]

[grunts softly]

[moans softly, sighs]

-[breathes rapidly]

-[door opens]

-[gasps, pants]

-[music fades]

[Anna] The birds are fluttering

in the trees

at this time of night.

It makes me uneasy. [grunts]

Oh! Not so pale anymore.

You've looked after her

very well.

You must thank the adjutant

for being so good to you,

my girl. Where are your manners?

[ominous music playing]

Thank you.

[breathes shakily]

[shudders, groans]

Sorry. Sorry.

I think I just need

some fresh air.

I'm sorry.

[Anna] Excuse me, Adjutant.

Why don't you put

those boots on?

-Just for now.

-[music fades]

[Anna] You can take them off

when you get back.

It's dark.

You won't be able

to see many sharp stones

and bones from dead animals.

If they stick into your feet,

you might die.

Even I wouldn't be able

to save you.

And what good would that do?

[breathes shakily]

[pants]

Is there something

you're not telling me?

You didn't make things up,

did you?

No, I didn't.

"I've never seen

a face like yours."

"I've never seen

a face like yours."

What was that?

I've never heard anything

like that before.

Did you make things up?

Oh...

Maybe you think he is the one.

He's just a weak man

like all the others.

Weak, I tell you.

No, something happened.

Come on, tell me.

Maybe... maybe he'll just start

walking and never come back.

[groans softly]

How could you say something

like that?

[sniffles]

It'll be the end. [sobs]

And I would lose you.

[sobs] What would I do then?

[sniffles, sobs]

[ominous music playing]

[sobs]

Oh, he wants you.

I could see that.

He'll be back.

Look. I found something.

A treat.

It's quite fresh,

even slightly warm.

Oh, it's so... bony.

I can't quite get a grip on it.

[flesh ripping]

He has a horse

A big black horse

And he's taking us away

He has a horse

A big black horse

And he's taking us away

Taking us to a far-off land

Where the night

Is light as day

He has a horse

A big black horse

And he's taking us away

He has a horse

A big black horse...

[melancholy music playing]

[music fades]

[door creaks]

Is that you?

-Yes.

-[door creaks]

[Annie] I thought you

were never coming back.

I was so afraid,

I've been wringing

and wringing my hands.

Look. I've broken the skin.

Where is your mother?

I sent her out to go

and look for you.

I thought something

might have happened.

Why would you think that?

[Annie]

It's been hours and hours.

[crickets chirping]

Why won't you look at me?

I've just come to say goodbye.

I have to get back to my men.

They need me.

You see, they're so...

tired, worn out...

starving and cold.

So many deserters now.

Where there is life,

there is hope.

[snores]

That's what I'll tell them.

Yes.

You must go now.

Yes.

You must go

before my mother returns.

And after this...

where will you go?

I don't know.

I'm sure we'll meet again

when all this is over.

[Annie] I don't think so.

We might.

So I'll never see you again?

[sighs]

-[sighs]

-[door creaks]

When I close my eyes,

I'll see your face.

-[Annie] Will you?

-Yes.

When I close mine,

I'll see yours.

And I'll hear your voice

in the dead of the night.

What will I be saying?

[Annie] I don't know.

I must go now.

-Goodbye.

-[door closes]

[somber music playing]

-[Brand grunts softly]

-[door opens]

[Brand] Sorry.

I almost forgot my shoes.

[grunts softly]

[shudders]

-You're shivering.

-It's nothing.

No, you're cold.

-Go. Go now.

-Your face is cold.

How can I go

if I can see that you're cold?

You're shivering.

[breathes heavily]

[groans, breathes shakily]

I was walking.

Just walking.

I didn't even know

where I was going

or what was happening to me.

I've been saying over

and over...

"My men, my general,

my country."

"My men, my general,

my country." [pants]

"My country.

My men, my general, my country."

But if I can't be with you

then anywhere else

is a strange country.

[whimpers]

-[Brand] Why are you crying?

-[sobs] Because it's terrible.

Because I'm happy.

[sobs]

[kisses, breathes heavily]

[Anna] Oh, here you are.

The poor girl was worried sick.

Been keeping her warm, have you?

I found something.

I saw it shining,

hanging from a branch.

Give it to me.

It must have belonged

to the general's wife.

What was it doing hanging

from a tree?

Oh, I'd rather not think

about it.

Why don't you give it to Annie?

She's never had anything

so fine.

Because it belongs

to the general's wife.

Oh, she won't be needing it

anymore where she's gone.

Just think how pretty

she will look

with this glowing

against her skin.

Don't you wanna

make her happy?

It just doesn't seem right.

Oh, come on.

She'll give you

such a lovely smile.

-Have some respect!

-[gasps]

You know

what she would really like?

Some of your hair

in the locket. Oh, yes.

Oh. That would really

please her. Here.

Oh, well, surely it's not

too much to ask?

And it will make her

so very happy.

-She'll always keep it.

-[ominous music playing]

Just keep still.

-[groans]

-Oh, I'm so sorry.

I really must apologize

very deeply. I...

I hardly know what to say.

[grunts softly]

The adjutant has

a present for you, my girl.

Isn't that nice of him?

[click tongue]

He's a really kind man.

[groans]

-[spits]

-[Annie] Is it really for me?

Yes.

[chuckles]

How it shines.

I've never seen anything

so shiny.

What's inside?

[Anna] Tell her.

It's just some of my hair.

Your hair?

In here?

Will you put it on for me?

[Brand breathes shakily]

There. Pretty as a picture.

Don't you agree, Adjutant?

It's very... She's very pretty.

Why don't you kiss her at least?

But only on the cheek.

Thank you.

[eerie music playing]

All around us!

A wall of fire!

Black smoke!

Hold the horses. Keep them calm.

[speaking indistinctly]

[Brand]He's dreaming about

our last battle on a hill.

We were waiting for them.

The wind just...

turned.

The general noticed at first,

but it turned suddenly and...

Many of the men burned that day.

Please look

the other way, Adjutant.

I must undress.

You must forgive me,

modesty is a luxury

I can't afford.

-[breathes heavily]

-[water trickling]

Must have left the door open.

Close it won't you, Adjutant?

A storm is brewing again.

My men are out there all alone.

[sighs]

But I don't want to leave.

I really don't.

-It's only that I have to--

-The adjutant has to go, Mother.

Yes, but I don't want to.

I don't!

-What must I do?

-He must go, now.

Is it true, Adjutant?

You must leave?

It's only for a little while.

-Promise I'll be back.

-[Anna] Oh, well,

if you have to go,

then there's nothing to be done.

Well then,

I just need to put on my shoes.

[Anna] As soon as he's better,

we'll have to leave.

We can't stay here much longer.

This place is very unhealthy.

Where will you go

when you leave here?

[Anna sighs] Oh, I don't know.

We travel all the time,

mostly at night.

It's difficult to see

where we are.

Sometimes it all seems

the same to me.

And during the day,

where are you then?

We hide. Caves,

ravines, dry riverbeds.

But we always stay in the wagon.

So where will I find you?

[Anna] I really can't say.

What if I never find you again?

It will pain me, like a bruise

-that doesn't go away.

-[Anna hums]

[Brand] Then I must know

where you are every day,

-every moment.

-[Annie] You must go, now.

I must always know

where to find you!

Yes.

[hums]

What if you wait here?

Stay here and wait for me,

and I'll... I'll come

and see you every few days.

Will you?

I don't know

what my mother will say.

I will talk to your mother.

I have to talk to you.

I have to talk to you.

I said that I want

to talk to you!

[eerie music interludes]

-[sighs]

-Weren't you just leaving?

[Brand] Yes, but I want

to speak with you first.

I want to talk to you.

Now!

Oh.

I can see you're an adjutant.

So, what is it you want to say?

Well, I...

[sniffs]

I wanted to ask if you

would stay here

for just a little longer.

[Anna] And why would

we want to do that?

We can only survive

if we keep moving.

If you stay here,

I'll look after you.

I'll bring you food, when...

when I get back-- And wood.

Food and wood.

Where would you get that?

-[Brand] I'll hunt.

-[laughs] Hunt?

I'll do anything,

I'll even steal if I have to.

-And you call me a thief?

-It doesn't matter anymore.

And why would you want

to do that?

And why should I believe you?

[gasps]

[exhales] Oh, now I see.

I understand.

Do you fancy my daughter?

Well, in that case we have

many things to talk about.

But I don't want her to hear.

It wouldn't be proper.

You'll have to carry her

to the wagon for a while.

My girl. The adjutant wants

to speak to me.

[sighs]

[thunder rumbling]

[rain pattering]

[eerie music playing]

[thunder rumbling]

[labored breathing]

[scoffs]

I hope you don't mind, Adjutant,

but I can't reach all the way.

I would be very grateful.

It's a good thing

we're alone, isn't it?

[music fades]

Come sit here next to me.

Come on. I promise I won't bite.

She's a good girl,

but she's weak, you know.

Something will have to be done

if we don't want to lose her.

Lose her?

[sighs] There's not much time.

I have to be honest with you,

seeing that you're going

to look after us,

going to be part of the family.

It only seems proper

that you should know everything.

-The nature of her condition.

-She's not going to die, is she?

Not if we do what is necessary.

Oh, but I don't wanna upset you.

After all, you have to go away

on important business.

-Please, you must tell me.

-[inhales deeply]

-You might be distressed.

-Look, I don't care!

Well, I suppose I have to.

After all, it is a matter

of life and death.

-Is it that serious?

-It is. Yes, it is.

Well, come on, woman!

Oh, please.

I'll tell you everything.

And if you care

for my daughter--

-I do.

-I mean really care...

then you'll be able to help me.

Of course I'll help.

I'll do anything.

Hm. We'll see.

You must sit there.

You must be quiet,

and you must listen.

[ominous music playing]

I want you to see me

very, very clearly.

I want you to see

all my suffering in my eyes,

the lines in my face,

the grey in my hair,

and my mouth.

Each bitter word

that I need to spit out.

[groans]

[in deep voice]

I don't wanna remember.

I don't want to. [sobs]

The first time I saw his face...

he was holding a cleft stick

and searching for water.

I watched him

as he moved quietly...

feeling the deep water flowing.

Strong arms and his black eyes.

I know what you're feeling.

Fire moving beneath the skin

and nothing is ever the same.

I asked if I could go with him

and he said yes.

After that,

we were always together.

But he was restless.

One morning I woke,

and he was gone.

I called for him.

I searched for him.

Days. Nights.

Everything was dark.

Even when the sun was shining.

[inhales shakily]

The sun came up.

The sun went down.

The wind blew.

The flowers blossomed.

The rain fell.

But I only knew

that I wanted him.

Everything seemed empty,

endless,

because he wasn't there.

Everything! Forever.

Then one day,

I knew I was with child.

Something I could always

keep with me.

Oh, I felt so tenderly

towards the child.

But then the longing burned

in me again.

I had something.

Something I could bargain with.

And I made a vow.

I would give up the child

if it meant

I could find him again.

And I kept on repeating it

over and over.

"The child for him,

the child for him."

Slowly I could feel the child

growing still inside.

Then one night I could feel

the child growing cold.

Like a stone.

I became afraid.

Perhaps I'd made a mistake.

I wept...

and hid my face in my hair.

[gasps]

Then suddenly

I heard his voice calling to me.

Quickly, I put on all my finery

and went out to find him.

He was tired and thirsty,

and half-starved.

He'd been walking, he told me,

without rest, without sleep,

searching for me.

I helped him to the wagon

and wiped the dust off his face.

Kissed his eyes.

The child had grown

completely still.

Not a flutter, or a breath.

You must know I've been

cursed for this. Oh, yes!

I never get any rest, any sleep.

I have to keep my eyes open

to watch over her,

and it never ends.

He slept for a while,

and after he woke

he told me that he loved a woman

who didn't want him.

He couldn't eat.

He couldn't sleep.

He could only think of her.

That's why he was looking

for me.

He said only I could help him

with my roots and my herbs

and my secret spells.

He begged me.

He blubbered and smeared

his tears all over his face.

And only then

did I remember his child.

Still.

Still as death.

Its life given up

for a faithless man.

And as I watched him...

weak and feebly asleep...

I knew what I had to do.

I had to give back

what I'd taken away.

I took off the stocking

that I'd worn for him...

and I swiftly twisted it

around his neck.

He fought and thrashed,

but he was too weak.

And as he breathed

his last breath,

it slipped in,

warm and vigorous,

between my lips,

burned through my veins

and brought

the child back to life.

[gasps]

And I knew then.

I knew it was the last breath

that brought her back to life.

And I knew what I had to do

to keep her with me.

A last breath.

-I don't understand.

-Didn't you hear me?

I said a last breath!

[blows]

I don't understand.

A last breath!

[hisses]

I reek, don't I?

I reek of death.

Because I make my living

from disease and dying.

And nothing can clean me.

It's part of me.

It's in my bones.

In my hair. In my skin.

-[hisses]

-[gasps, grunts]

Get away! Get away! Get away!

-[gasps]

-Am I frightening you?

I didn't mean to.

You vile thing.

I don't want to hear anymore!

-No! No! [ sobs]

-[screams]

[thunder rumbling]

[Anna sobs] Please don't leave!

Please!

I only wanted to tell you

what she needs! [sobs]

-Let go!

-No! [sniffles]

[music fades]

-Listen! Listen!

-[thunder rumbling]

Can't you hear that? Can't you?

-Listen!

-[pants]

It's very faint,

only something

a mother could hear.

-[pants]

-There. There it is again.

It's Annie!

She... she's calling me.

Won't you go and see?

Then I am leaving! [pants]

-[door closes]

-[thunder rumbling]

Oh, It's the end.

The end.

[thunder rumbling]

[breathes heavily]

I had to bring her in!

She's hardly breathing!

Oh, her eyelids

are still fluttering.

Thank goodness

she's not quite asleep.

Bring her to the fire.

[Brand pants]

[Anna] You hold her up

while I unbutton.

[groans, pants]

I'll blow her feet,

you blow on her hands.

[blows]

[Annie shuddering]

And then I want you

to rub her legs like this.

To get the blood flowing.

I'll warm a little honey.

[breathes rapidly]

[Anna] Don't stop.

[Annie breathes deeply]

[exhales heavily]

[breathes heavily]

It's you.

Your hands

are so strong and warm.

[exhales deeply] I feel better.

[pants]

[gasps] Sorry. I'm sorry.

[Anna] Put her on the chair.

Please, you must stay very near.

[grunts]

Did you speak to my mother?

What did she say?

[Brand pants]

You've put such a glow

into her cheeks.

What a wonderful touch

you have, Adjutant.

There.

Well, I suppose you must be

on your way.

Are you leaving so soon?

Will... will you come back?

[Anna] Of course, dear heart.

Of course he'll be back.

I said we'll wait for him.

Oh.

Mustn't forget

your hat, Adjutant.

And he said when he comes back,

he's gonna take you in his arms,

put your head on his chest,

and stroke your hair.

Will you?

[tense music playing]

[Annie] I'll feel you leave me.

As you go further away,

my heart will grow

smaller and smaller.

When you come back,

you must stay.

You must never leave again.

[high pitch ringing]

[groans]

[exhales sharply]

[high pitch ringing continues]

Will the night never end?

[voice breaks]

Why is it still night?

It's gone on and on.

I don't know what's happened.

I don't know what's happened.

[laughs insanely]

It feels like weeks, months,

since you stopped me

on the road, but it...

but it's only been a few hours

since I brought you here.

It was getting dark

and it was getting dark.

[laughs insanely]

It's still dark.

[laughs insanely]

And It's still dark!

I rode off to deliver

the dispatches and I came back.

I came back. Never.

I should never

have stopped for you!

Never! [breathes shakily]

Oh.

[clicks tongue]

You stopped me on the road.

And the moonlight

on your pale face--

My horse shied

and nearly bucked me.

At first,

I thought you were a ghost.

Are you angry?

What happened

to your wagon anyway?

Why did you need my help?

I can't remember!

Why did you--

Why can't I remember? [sobs]

Why are you speaking that way?

The wagon was stuck.

You helped to lift it out.

And we were very grateful.

I must get away!

-[gasps]

-[hisses]

[music fades]

[Brand] Why did you do that?

What does that mean? That sound?

[chuckles]

Oh, poor thing, all strung out.

You'll burst a vein

if you're not careful.

-Go to hell!

-Why are you so angry?

Oh, he's not angry, dear heart.

He's just upset and unhappy

because he has to leave.

-Are you angry with me?

-No.

[Annie] Yes.

[voice breaks]

Yes, you are angry.

And you're never,

ever coming back.

[sobs] I know it!

-Don't cry!

-[Annie sobs]

I'm sor... I'm sorry.

Please don't cry.

-Stop crying. Sto... stop.

-[Annie sobbing]

Look. Hey, hey. I'll come back.

[sobs] Okay? I'll come back.

-He said he's coming back.

-[Anna] Oh, really?

[chuckles softly] Well,

everything's all right then.

You upset yourself for nothing.

I'm deeply moved.

You are a gentleman after all.

We have to celebrate.

I'm sure you don't have

to leave this minute.

I have just the thing.

[glass clinking]

You can hold her

on your lap if you want.

You are allowed to do that now.

[exhales]

[Annie] I can smell your horse.

And your skin.

I'm... I'm sorry.

I'm not very clean.

Let's drink to a safe journey.

To a safe journey.

[gulps, moans]

[Annie] And what about me?

[gulps] Sorry.

Soon, the two of you will be

sleeping in the wagon at night.

And if you hold her

very lightly,

she'll never drift away again.

-[screams]

-[foreboding music playing]

[gasps] What is it?

-[screams]

-[Anna speaks indistinctly]

It's begun.

It won't be long now.

-[screams in pain]

-Oh, It's tearing her apart!

[sobs] Her bones!

Her soft and tender heart.

[pants] I can't bear

to see her like this!

[Anna] Go then! Run away!

That's all you're good for,

all of you!

[Annie grunts]

-[Annie screams in pain]

-[Brand whimpers]

Do something!

We must do something!

Make her stop! Please. [sobs]

Be quiet!

There is something we can do.

I've told you, haven't I?

[screams in pain]

In a moment

it could all be over,

all her pain and suffering.

[breathes shakily]

[hisses]

-[Annie screams]

-What are you trying to say?

[Anna] We'll be

helping him, really.

Putting him out of his misery.

Stay away from him!

Don't get so excited.

[screams continuously]

[Anna] Oh, but I can see.

[cries]

It's no use! [wails]

[sobs] No use!

[Brand] What are you doing?

I'll cut off my hair

to the roots

and I'll smear my face

with the ash from the fire.

-[groans]

-[screams]

[Anna] Oh please!

You will have to bury her.

I won't have the strength left.

[sobs] Please, I beg you!

[Annie groans]

A proper grave, and deep,

so no wild animals

will find her.

Do it then! [sobs]

Do it! I can't take it anymore!

Oh, thank you. Thank you!

I knew you'd understand.

I don't want to know.

I don't want to see.

Oh, excuse me,

you don't seem to understand

that I need your help.

I know it's difficult, but I do.

Help me, Adjutant.

We must lift her

and get her as near

to the General as possible.

[groans, grunts]

I wish you could take me

far away from this place.

[sobs]

You must leave. Please.

Didn't you hear me?

I thought I spoke quite clearly.

I told you that I needed you.

For what?

For what do you need me?

[Anna] To hold his feet

so that he doesn't thrash about.

Even when they're asleep,

they always wake at the end.

[breathes heavily]

[sighs sharply] That should do.

[music fades]

Come on!

[thunder rumbling]

Come on, my girl.

Turn your head to the side

and open your nostrils wide.

[grunts]

[General breathes shakily]

[rain patters]

[sobs] I must be mad!

I must be mad!

[Anna laughs]

Have it your own way. [chuckles]

I'm tired

and I can't go on anymore.

There.

-Under the tree.

-[Brand sobs]

[sighs sharply]

[sighs deeply]

[intense music playing]

[gasps]

[coughs softly]

Is that you?

Hold me. Hold me.

[screams]

[speaks indistinctly]

Stop, stop. Please.

-Wake up! Wake up!

-[Annie screaming continuously]

Wake up.

Wake up, you stupid b*tch!

Wake up! [grunts]

Don't leave me with her!

Do something!

[labored breathing]

You can have me.

You can have me.

I'll sh**t myself.

I want it to be over

and done with.

I want it to be finished!

[Anna] Wait! Wait!

That won't do any good.

Sudden, violent death

is no use at all.

It's too fast.

The last breath

must come out slowly.

Long breaths.

Strangling is the best...

or bleeding.

But there's no time for that.

[breathes shakily]

Strangle me then. Strangle me!

Oh. [chuckles] You're so kind.

You overwhelm me.

[coughs, sobs]

But who's gonna hold your feet?

If you choke,

your legs might kick.

I'll have to tie you up.

Sit over here.

Now give me your hands.

[Annie]

No, please don't hurt him.

[sobs] I beg you.

Please don't hurt him!

[Anna] He wants to, my girl.

He cares for you

more than for his own life.

No! [sobs]

[Anna] Oh, poor little thing.

She would spare you

if she could.

Your name will always be

on her lips

and she will keep you

in her heart.

[grunts]

[exhales]

Oh... oh, my poor back.

It gets harder

and harder every time.

I need to sit down

for a little while.

Oh! My poor bones.

[music fades]

I don't think I want to do this.

I would if I could, but...

I wish...

I wish I could let you go.

-[inhales sharply]

-[thrilling music playing]

I know you are an important man

and very busy,

but unfortunately, I can't.

You see, I need you.

It's for my daughter really.

There's a w*r out there

and they need me!

Let me go.

I'm ordering you!

You murderous b*tch! Let me go!

If you go quietly,

it'll be so much easier.

-Believe me, I know.

-No, take him!

[Annie grunts]

Take him. That's what

you want me to say, isn't it?

I mean, he's half dead anyway,

so take him!

I never wanted him.

What do you mean?

Well, he's no good.

Oh, so sickly

and on the brink of death.

No, no, no, that won't do.

We need a good, strong breath.

It was always me.

[breathes shakily]

You wanted me

from the beginning.

Did she know? [breathes shakily]

Why are you so quiet?

Why so quiet?!

I told you to leave this place.

-I told you.

-[screams]

But you mustn't be scared.

Everything will be all right.

Help me! Help, General!

[sobs] Wake up!

-Help me!

-Who's there?

Help! Help!

[screams, pants]

Please, only do this

because you want to.

Get away.

[groans]

Please.

[grunts] Get off me,

you vile thing! [sobs]

[breathes heavily]

Now. Are you ready?

[chokes]

[grunts]

-[exhales deeply]

-[inhales deeply]

[shudders]

[sighs]

[music fades]

[cricket chirping]

[sighs deeply]

[sighs]

There, there.

All better now.

All better.

Hm.

Come, my girl. You must get up.

Don't look at him.

It'll just upset you.

I won't.

[sighs]

Oh, look at you!

So steady on your feet.

Hold my arm.

Try and walk a little.

Oh, I can see the color

coming back into your cheeks.

Just a first little flush.

But it tells me

that strong, hot blood

is running through your veins.

But why aren't you happy,

my little girl?

Why that sadness in your eyes?

I liked him so very much.

So very, very much.

[shudders]

My heart aches.

[Anna] Oh, my poor little girl.

It hurts.

It'll get better. You'll see.

Oh, you can't keep that.

[Annie] Why?

[Anna]

Because he gave it to you.

It will only remind you.

[somber music playing]

[Annie blows]

Ah, there you are.

Oh, I had so hoped

he was the one.

After all,

he was a handsome young man.

I even imagined

that I recognized his face.

There was a moment

in the candlelight.

The words that he spoke.

Him.

The one I keep on seeing

in my dreams.

But it never is.

Oh.

Oh, the poor young man.

He didn't believe you.

He knew about w*r and honor,

but he didn't know you.

He didn't know

your pure and simple heart.

-[sobs]

-Oh, don't cry.

Don't cry.

One day we will find him.

And when I ask him,

he will be willing...

Yes.

...to breathe his strong life

into you.

And you will draw it

in so deep...

So fiery.

[Anna] Oh, the pleasure of it.

It'll make you sigh.

[sighs deeply]

[Anna]

And that sigh will slip out

between your open lips

and resurrect him from the dead.

Each giving

what the other takes.

[music fades]

Oh, but in the meantime,

we will manage.

We always have, haven't we?

Oh, but enough of this.

[grunts softly]

We must be happy.

Oh, just look at you!

Your lips are like cherries.

How do you feel, my girl?

[Annie chuckles softly]

-I feel light! I feel so light!

-[chuckles]

Well, the moon is setting,

but there's still enough light.

-[Annie] The stars!

-[Anna] Wait, wait, wait!

Put on your shoes.

There are sharp stones

and thorns.

Don't take too long!

-We need to leave before dawn!

-[Annie] I know!

[cricket chirping]

[breathes heavily]

[coughs]

Ne... ver

surrender.

[eerie music playing]

[music fades]