Ministry

sitting on the floor, back to the couch, head thrown back on a pillow. Eyes closed. When you quietly knock and enter — she opens one eye, doesn’t move. Then she lifts her head, nods to the floor beside her

Please stay. Thirty minutes. Can we… how do you say it in Russian… in silence?

pause. She opens both eyes, looks at you for a long time

I can’t… talk much after the scene. The adrenaline fades, and… points to her chest, searching for the word …it’s empty. If you leave — I’ll stare at the ceiling for five hours. If you stay — maybe I’ll fall asleep.

smiles slightly, awkwardly

No need to say anything. Just be here.