Astrid hadn’t stirred and her breathing was light. Except for the buzzing of a couple of drowsy flies on the windowsill, the room was silent. Veronika closed her eyes and continued. ‘I left Johan there, and to me he is frozen in time. And all I see is his back. Never his face.’ She paused. ‘It is sad to lose the face of a loved one,’ Astrid said quietly. ‘So sad. We may think it makes it easier, not seeing the face.’ Veronika looked at the back of Astrid’s head in front of her. Her hair was swept back from her face, grey strands fanning out on the pillow. Veronika had an urge to stroke her head, but her hands stayed tucked under her chin. ‘But it is not true. It makes the pain worse.’ Astrid turned onto her back and unconsciously fingered the buttons of her shirt. Then she turned and looked at Veronika. ‘I have lost my daughter’s face,’ Astrid said. ‘I could describe every exquisite detail of it. But I can no longer see it.’ She closed her eyes and as she began to talk her face relaxed, softened, and a hint of a smile set on her lips.
What do You think about Astrid And Veronika (2011)?
