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stay in bed, even though my sister has been attentive in
caring for me.
Ragna gawps at me, absent-mindedly puts down a jar of
preserves.
‘Are you crazy?’
‘No, I’m much better, and I want to be up for a bit!’
‘Dear sister, you’re still not well. Go back to your room and
at least let me help you change into some better clothes!’
‘There’s no need. I’ll just sit here for a bit – it’s so long since
I’ve been in the kitchen.’
I push Ragna aside as she rushes towards me and totter
slowly, moaning, over to her empty chair, right opposite
Johan. The chair receives me with a loud grating noise; the
chair legs scrap across the floor. It really does hurt to sit on
a chair, my hips don’t like the unaccustomed position. But I
am convinced that this is what is necessary, in addition to
the various things that have to be collected in order for me
to carry out my assignment.
I can’t help laughing to myself. Both of them are clearly
confused. Ragna places a cup of tea in front of me. I spend a
long time putting in the sugar, stirring, and letting my hand
shake affectedly.