Picture album.
Signs and Portents
The episode opens to Henrietta and Triela standing in a spartan concrete hall, weapons at the ready. The light is so desperately far away and even the colors seem flat in this place. A mechanical sound grinds faintly in the background.
Curiously, across the way hangs a copy of da Vinci's Annunciation, the angel Gabriel announcing to Mary that she would give birth to Christ. Such an incongruous image; art, religious art even, in this brute training facility. This is a different contrast than has been exhibited before. The motif has been one of thin normalcy with hints of the disturbing, a pattern that has steadily waned over the series; there is no more need to be reminded of the nature of the SWA at this late date. It stands exposed.Now the expression is inverted. This is the herald of something good, or indeed miraculous, lurking in a drear place. The image of Mary can be seen behind Henrietta as the two girls talk:
Henrietta: "What should I do... Jose might be..."
Triela: "I heard that you caused a bit of a fuss in Sicily."
Henrietta: "I might have overdid it a little."
Triela: "Did you ask him?"
Henrietta: "If I could do that, I wouldn't be worried..."
Henrietta has a penchant for understatement when faced with her own intensity; just as she "got a little angry" at the first raid, she "overdid it a little" here. Her casual treatment is the most certain sign that she is surprised by the depth of her emotions. Yet there is more now, her self-understanding revealed in how she references her behavior as an explanation. Henrietta is no longer utterly lost within herself, and despite appearances at the end of the last episode she is not done thinking either.Triela: "But he seemed normal to me..." (Comforting)
Henrietta: "Really?" (Hopeful)
Triela: "Yeah."
Henrietta: "That's good." (Smiling in delight)
Jose, however, is another matter. What Henrietta accepts as good news is in truth baleful. Even given time to reflect, his behavior has not appreciably changed. To reinforce this point Jose inadvertently interrupts their conversation over the radio, instructing both to enter and begin their training run. Keep going, keep practicing as though everything were alright, and don't talk about what happened. Seen in the observation room, Jose is indeed "normal" now, giving orders and no longer hanging back like he once did.
Both of the girls are exemplary, performing just as they have been trained, and are given permission to leave. As they walk down the hall toward the exit, Jose chimes in over the radio:"Henrietta, good job. Keep up the good work."
She is delighted at the confirmation. He has to keep her that way.
Princely Advice
Angelica and Rico are next to practice, but as they begin their run Angelica's leg fails and she falls, striking her head on the concrete. She attempts to rise, only to elicit a painful creaking sound from her uncooperative left leg.Rico notices her struggling partner and calls for the simulation to stop. Jean is forced to halt the exercise while the other men watch in silence. Marco's face is particularly miserable before he closes his eyes, hardening himself in preparation as he leaves the room.
With sympathetic concern, Triela and Henrietta carry Angelica outside. Reaching the exit she tells them she can walk on her own, knowing who is waiting for her and not wanting to disappoint. But the piteous, shuffling limp cannot be hidden, and even as she optimistically moves forward to present herself the result is woefully predictable:Angelica: "I'm sorry, Marco. I'm fine now."
Marco: "Saying you're fine while walking like that? Ferro will take you to the hospital." (Indicating to a nearby car)
Out of sight again. Her look fills with pain-near-tears, realizing that she will be sent away, her brief time to be with him over already. Please...But Marco does not flinch, and she collapses into dispirited acquiescence. Even if she expected this she cannot ever get used to it. As she drags herself past him he does not even acknowledge her presence.
After Angelica is taken away, the concerned trainers approach Marco:Jose: "She just left the hospital. Maybe this was too much for her?"
Hilshire: "Maybe you should take more care of Angelica?"
Marco: "She asked to participate in the exercise." (Flat)
And with this, Marco turns and walks away, leaving them in surprised silence. But he is not Lauro and there is more than thoughtless cruelty at work; it is a paradoxical form of care. Jose and Hilshire misunderstood: Marco didn't want her here. In his mind, he is allowed to mistreat her because of his guilt; he pays for it more than anybody. It is his twisted right. But it is intolerable when she hurts herself out of love for him.
It is this knowledge that pierces Marco's calcified exterior and motivates his most vicious behavior. He reacts not only out of defensive pain, but to dissuade Angelica from trying to please him. Beat her down, convince her that she is not fit to serve, rob her of the hope that he will ever accept her, and maybe she will finally stop coming back to that one man who hurts her more than all others. Having given up on himself, he rejects Angelica in a cowardly attempt to save her.
Jean says nothing to all this. It is a disapproving look he wears, and as Marco passes he does not meet the man's stare, only turning to give a dispassionate glance at his retreating back. This may be a problem Jean will have to deal with. How irritating. Facing the girls again he orders the training to continue as though nothing were wrong.Stuck To Their Webs
Draghi and Lorenzo, the chiefs of Sections One and Two respectively, are in a meeting with their own director concerning the mounting problems of the cyborg program. Lorenzo says these issues were not unexpected, but Draghi pounces:Draghi: "How about telling the truth now? Section Two has had problems since the beginning. I think you've reached the limit."
Lorenzo: "That is your opinion." (Terse, not facing his accuser)
Director: "Generally, the missions are being handled well. Let's see how things proceed."
Draghi was almost certainly the one who instigated this meeting, emboldened by Pietro's report on the cyborgs' purported flaws. This is his opportunity to wipe out the competition. However, he is not victorious quite yet, and with a long stare at Lorenzo's carefully hardened face he leaves the room. Once alone, the director continues with a more congenial tone. She favors Lorenzo in this situation:Director: "Lorenzo, how is it?"
Lorenzo: "It won't work as planned. After all, these are human beings."
Director: "If you can't give me good results, I won't be able to help you for much longer." (Concerned)
(Lorenzo collapses with a sigh on the couch)
Lorenzo: "Yeah, I know." (Exhausted)
It is a calm horror. Two humans, capable of being quite cordial and sympathetic toward each other, can at the same time admit the humanity of the girls without remorse. Their only regret is that the program isn't working. This entire exercise is not only cruel, but continued simply to hide their misdeeds. Lorenzo is thoroughly entangled and can feel the cords tightening.
Back in the familiar planning room of Section Two the entire team has assembled. Jose at long last has taken his place at the table; he is indistinguishable from the rest. Information from Filippo Adani has yielded the next R.F. plot: the kidnapping of an influential senator's child. Jean notes that "luckily" she is of the same age as their own girls. For him, the plan is obvious. They will use a cyborg as a body double, and track her to the terrorists' hideout.
Contrary to Jean's confidence, the scene tells an ominous story. The mission board, normally so full of documents and images, is blank except for photographs of Filippo and the girl. They have almost no information, and the usual back-and-forth of planning is absent. This has all been done in haste with none of their regular methodical organization and everybody can tell. Lorenzo remains pensively silent throughout.
Jose and Hilshire weakly try to raise objections over using a cyborg as a decoy but Jean has no patience, leaning forward vehemently:Jean: "Right now, Section Two is in a critical situation!"
(Jean straights and closes his eyes resolutely)
Jose: "But..."
(Lorenzo holds up his hand)
Lorenzo: "It's true that Section Two is under intense pressure. We have to take some risks."
(Jean nods in approval)
Jean: "We will use Claes as the decoy."
This is why everybody is present. What they are about to embark on is a reckless, desperate endeavor to save their skins; evil was overlooked as long as it got results, but now judgement threatens and they find themselves guilty. To bind the members together in a shared infamy they are all brought here and given the opportunity to dissent. But having learned to sacrifice the girls by inches their consciences have atrophied, and they find offering up Claes palatable. The objections go nowhere.Grain of Wheat
In what has become a familiar scene, Henrietta is having tea with Triela while Claes reads. But all is not right, and there is a tenseness in the evening light and their slumped forms. Henrietta sips shallowly at her drink before quickly resorting to more sugar in anxious reflex. Her life is becoming increasingly worrisome, requiring greater compensation to make herself feel better. The two discuss the upcoming mission:Henrietta: "They say this will be a big mission."
Triela: "Yeah... Hilshire said it's going to be dangerous."
It does not seem that Henrietta is talking to Jose at all, for she references her information as rumor. Another sign that even though their relationship is outwardly status quo, it is not sliding neatly back into place. Looking upward with worry, Henrietta asks Claes if she's afraid of being a decoy:Claes: "Not really." (Casual)
(Pause)
Triela: "You intend to be a grain of wheat?" (Innocuous)
(Claes gives Triela an indecipherable look before responding after a weighty pause)
Claes: "Nothing like that. I'm just following orders." (Politely dismissive)
Henrietta: "What about wheat?"
(Claes closes her eyes)
Claes: "If a fallen wheat grain survives, it stays the same (breath). But if it dies, much grows from it (breath). In other words, we have to be willing to sacrifice ourselves or nothing will happen."
The parable of the grain of wheat, encapsulating the ideal of giving up one's self for a greater pursuit. Triela's suggestion seems innocent, but Claes' reaction shows it is not the first time her roommate has brought this topic up. Her voice is cordial... and firm: there is no need to invoke such ideology. She's following her orders and nothing more, thank you very much.
This projection is undermined when Henrietta innocently asks for clarification. Her eyes closed, Claes repeats from memory, her flat tone indicating she is merely informing the little girl of the facts. But her pace is frantic, a sprint through the words that lacks her normal collected bearing. Far from being a meaningless recitation, she is barely able to control herself, and is forced to twice stop and draw breaths before continuing.
Having finished the explanation her eyes open again, but they are not calm. Despite its patent ridiculousness, Claes finds she is affected by this thought, infected even. It is a complicated relationship with an idea that fills her with... what? What could compel her to consider this? Claes may be distant and a loner, but she does not desire death. She has time to pursue books and music and everything else she finds stimulating; even if her life is hard it is not without its compensations. What is going on behind those troubled eyes?It's Not Her Decision
Angelica is back in the hospital, Marco standing at the bedside. He stares intently at her damaged leg, knowing for whom it was hurt. But he still acts distant, pretending to not care, and only when she calls his name does he turn to look at her face:Angelica: "Marco. Let me help with the operation, too!" (Plaintive)
Marco: "This isn't training. Failure isn't an option."
Angelica: "I'll try my very best! Please!"
(Marco closes his eyes)
Marco: "I'll think it over." (Noncommittal)
(Pause as Marco walks away)
Angelica: "Yes, sir."
This last line is dispirited as Angelica sadly watches him leave her again, his tolerance for her presence expended. Forced back into contact with his girl he is trapped. He doesn't want her to come to harm but cannot openly express this feeling; to do so would require he admit that he cares, and to act would remind him that it was always his duty to guard this precious child. Worse, it would give her hope.
Unable to come to a rationalizable solution, he defaults to inaction. By acquiescing to her entreaties he excuses himself from responsibility. "She asked to participate in the exercise." Whatever happens isn't his fault for failing to appreciated her weakened status, but hers for wanting things she shouldn't. He doesn't care if she gets hurt because nothing is really up to him. It's easier that way.Casting a Seed to the Wind
The mission begins at the outskirts of Rome with all hands on deck working to keep the agency afloat. Claes, having successfully replaced the intended target, is abducted in her place. Grabbed roughly and smuggled into a car, she is blindfolded as her kidnappers make good on their escape. As they drive away she keeps her face carefully neutral, her hands folded over her glasses.
Jose watches from a nearby window, still grim with the distaste of the operation. Along with Alfonso and Amadeo they track her signal, while Jean and Hilshire both follow in cars. The plan seems to be going just fine, although after calling to confirm Claes' status Jean lets the phone lie absentmindedly in his lap for several seconds before hanging up. Like Lorenzo, this is as worried as he has ever been.
However, the tails soon become ensnared in traffic, unable to follow due to the gridlock. The reality soon dawns on the team that no preparations were made for such a mundane contingency. Jean becomes ever more quietly tense while Hilshire and Jose are less reserved in their dismay. Claes' life has now been carelessly forfeited due to their expedient haste.
Back in the meeting room, the team is tense as they review the reality that their gambit has ended in disaster. All of them stare across the table with vague, accusing eyes while refusing to properly meet each other directly, aware of what their failure means and hoping that the blame will not fall on them. The chief listens to their worrying as they admit too late that Claes is defenseless due to her limited combat experience, a detail that was conveniently forgotten in the rush to save themselves.
Ferro chimes in that the senator has received a ransom call. It is a bit of good news to know that Claes' cover remains, but beyond such feeble hope there are no guarantees. Taking this all in without a word, Lorenzo eventually stands up solemnly and walks toward the door:Jose: "Chief?" (Uncertain)
Jose's worry is shared by all: is the chief abandoning them? They were all supposed to be in this together, but in this time of desperation they all question themselves how they are to survive. Suspicion creeps in. Will this man, who has sponsored and shielded them with his connections, now cut his losses and flee? Luckily for them, Lorenzo is far too embroiled to extract himself at this point. Turning, he answers:"I have a good friend in the military police. I'll ask for reinforcements."
This mission cannot end in complete failure, even if Section Two can no longer take full credit for its success. They must resort to begging to prevent the worst. In agreement, the view shifts to Angelica getting out of bed with her weapon in hand, worried determination on her face. Employing all resources available to survive, Marco now has "no choice" but to bring her.Refusing to Germinate
At the mountain hideout where Claes has been taken, Franco and Franca are handing over a bomb to the terrorists. Passing Claes' room on the way out, they glance at each other meaningfully in unspoken understanding before Franca enters to ask the guard if she may speak with the girl. Tensely reading her book, Claes only notices Franca when she has practically reached her, earning a small look of worried surprise.Franca: "Studying in this place?"
Claes: "No, it's a picture book about plants." (Collected)
Franca: "I used to enjoy looking at picture books too. Vegetation in the north is different than in the south near Rome, right?"
Claes: "Yes. Coniferous forests are more common at higher latitudes."
With somebody to convince, Claes has rapidly regained her composure. Talking about knowledge is distracting, and an activity she excels at. Her remarkable recovery causes Franca to blink with concern at the last line; this was not what she was expecting. Any normal girl should be completely beside herself in this predicament. Franca can't believe this transformation and asks directly:Franca: "Aren't you scared?"
Claes: "I'm fine. (breath) I feel relaxed whenever I'm reading a book. I think I've liked books since a long time ago (breath). Besides, I'm not a grain of wheat."
Claes is not entirely fine; she is too intelligent to not notice this isn't according to plan, and the shallow breaths hint how much this is costing her. Her distress is also evident in her obliviousness to Franca's approach, and the degree to which she was focused on reassuring herself. Even the choice of reading, a book on plants, belies how she is reaching into her very depths to Raballo's essence for comfort.
But the final give away is the grain of wheat being brought up with no provocation. Under duress Claes is feeling her vaunted poise buckle. It is disconcerting, but she still refuses to entertain Triela's ludicrous notions. It is through her own capability that she will endure, nothing more. So in a vehement rejection that betrays her ambivalence, she declares to a perplexed Franca that she is no grain of wheat, and clearly never will be.
Franca stares quizzically for a moment, unsure of what the girl means; it seems too strange that a hostage should have this much assurance. But then a connection is made and she gives Claes a pitying look before genially wishing her farewell. Claes stares after her intently with a masked bleakness, watching what little comfort and distraction she had leave.
Back in the car, Franco speaks up:Franco: "They're not hiding their faces from her."
Franca: "Yeah, I don't think they're going to let her go alive. What stupid, dull-witted people. I'd like to put them in her position..."
(Franca stops)
Franca: "'A grain of wheat'?" (Thoughtful)
Franco: "What?"
Franca: "Nothing. Let's go."
This is what prompted their shared glance in the hall; they both knew what it meant to see the hostage without a blindfold. With Claes' final statement, that she expects to be safely rescued, Franca realized just how sadly misplaced this child's hope is. But, if Claes is expecting somebody then there just might be a way to help them find her...Symbiosis
Back at the SWA, Lorenzo stands in the hall gazing at Annuncation by Fra Angelico, begging it for a miracle he has no right to. Without ceremony, Ferro runs up, breathlessly announcing to him that the police received an anonymous call detailing the location of the terrorists. It was a young woman on the other end.
On hearing the commotion, Jean and Jose emerge from the nearby room to also take in this new information. It is unnaturally helpful; not only were they given a location, but also the number of terrorists and even where Claes is in the compound. As the brothers debate whether to trust in their fortune Lorenzo is drawn back to staring at the painting. Answered? After a moment of contemplation he interrupts their analysis to declare that they must continue to take risks. They will accept this gift.
Wasting no time, all of the fratello are dispatched. Utilizing the military helicopters provided by Lorenzo's contact they fly directly to the villa. A view inside the lead vehicle shows Triela lost in worry, lacking her normal professionalism. She wanted her friend to grow beyond herself, not actually offered as a collateral sacrifice. Please let her be okay.
As Hilshire details the plan, which involves a harrowing rappel down the cliff face above the villa, Marco observes Angelica with a hostile glare. With the danger becoming more apparent, his worry and unkindness increase. Struggling to blame her in his own mind, he wants her to know just how much her presence on this mission displeases him to ensure that she will never put herself at risk again.
But this is not how Angelica views it. She cannot understand what he is trying to do and more than ever she desires to earn his love. It is the lesson that has been demonstrated in no uncertain terms by Elsa and Henrietta: there is nothing more important to these girls, even their own lives. Knowing this may be the last chance he ever gives her to prove herself, and whereby regain his affection, she cannot let him down.
Below in a car, Franca glimpses the lights from the helicopters. She has Franco pull over and both exit the vehicle to watch the squadron fly overhead. Staring after the retreating image her mouth draws slightly open in surprise. She had not imagined that her small tip would yield such a swift and overwhelming response; put them in Claes' position indeed. As the flickering lights disappear over the mountains like avenging angels she wishes them good luck.
This is the strange and unintentional cooperation that yields the episode's title. A mixture of conscientious bomb makers who act on a whim and a merciless organization that is saving the child it put in peril, only motivated to protect themselves. Well-intentioned terrorists and expedient rescuers. What a bizarre miracle.The Way Out
In the villa, Claes continues to wait. She has abandoned reading, becoming increasingly withdrawn as the hours pass. There are no distractions left and her thoughts are a recurrent pulse in her mind. Will she be rescued? Is she going to die? Is she to be a grain of wheat... Catching herself, she turns to look at her own reflection in the window, a forlorn girl staring back.
Then she notices something strange. It might seem that what caught her attention is outside, perhaps the helicopters, but there is nothing except the barren valley. No hope to be found out there. Yet in the reflection... the door is open. Next to it can be seen the chair, but it is empty.
Claes cocks her head curiously as a view of the actual room is shown. The physical guard continues to read his newspaper in the chair and the door is closed, obscured by Claes' own head. What is this? She is perplexed by this discrepancy. The mirror, reflecting the truth, is telling her that there is a way out of this torment, the way unguarded. Nothing is preventing her from leaving except a vision of herself...Slamming the Door
Having arrived, the team rapidly moves into position. The two halves split up to their respective assignments: Jose-Henrietta and Jean-Rico taking the front while Hilshire-Triela and Marco-Angelica descend down the cliff face above. In the car the first team receives word from the military, confirming Claes' location and bringing a smile to the girls' faces. Jean however, does not lose sight of his goal:"Looks like this won't be for nothing. But this is just the beginning. We must crush the terrorists with our own hands."
On the roof, Triela and Angelica move into position. However, before getting far the latter slips on the snow and begins to slide downward, a panicked expression on her face. Before she can fall, Triela grabs her arm, leaving a terrified Angelica staring upward. Triela speaks soothingly to her:"Ange, it's all right. Just relax. Okay?"
Triela understands. Falling is not what scares Angelica, failure does, and she is focused more on that than her own welfare. Having just landed himself, Marco immediately trots over and bends down to help Angelica up, berating her all the while wearing a worried expression. It isn't much, but it earns a smile from Hilshire to see this. The moment is brief, though, and the groups assume their positions.
Rico and Henrietta begin their assault below as Claes watches dispassionately from the window. The massacre has started. Her guard, hearing the gunfire, rushes to the window as Claes removes her glasses, her head fully obscuring the door:Guard: "What is it? The police?"
Claes: "No, it's not." (Coldly)
Claes gives him a look of hardened disdain before she lashes out, killing her former captor with a series of brutal blows to the leg, body, and neck. It is an ugly act, and the music agrees: Rabbia. "Anger," dangerous and ominous. Rabid. Rushing to the fireplace, Claes grabs the coal rake, a blunt and primitive weapon, before leaving the room. As she exits her book and glasses watch sadly, forgotten.
This is not right. She has endured her ordeal and will soon be rescued, but the atmosphere is not exultant. Gentle Claes is lost for now, drowned in a remorseless outpouring of fear turned to rage as she moves to wreak havoc in revenge for her captivity. She will survive, but she did not escape.Unable to See Properly
The raid is unrelenting, with Angelica and Triela swinging through the upper windows into the main hall, slaughtering the men there. Independently, to heighten the confusion, Claes destroys the circuit box, plunging the complex into darkness.In the dim light the agency has the advantage, and Jose and Henrietta move through the compound methodically killing all in their path. However, even Henrietta is given pause to see how unfeelingly Jose is executing these terrorists; she may kill people, but this man without conditioning draws grim satisfaction in a way she never did.
The main hall secure, Triela moves to meet up with the other members when Angelica breaks off to run up the stairs to Claes' room. Triela calls after her, but it is to no avail; she can only watch with helpless sadness as her friend unnecessarily charges into peril. Hilshire and Marco hear her shout and come running:Hilshire: "Triela, what's wrong?"
Triela: "Ange ran off by herself!"
Marco has pushed her too far. Wishing only to save Claes and make her trainer proud one last time, Angelica is heedless of any danger to herself. Hearing Triela, Marco grimaces in realization of what has happened, faced with the appalling reality that his mistreatment has tragically backfired in Angelica's desperation.
Reaching the room, Angelica is still aware enough to follow protocol and throw a flashbang before entering. Once inside she looks frantically about in the haze, but seeing that nobody is waiting for her she straightens, puzzled at Claes' absence. A voice comes from behind:"Don't move. Although you'll be shot even if you don't."
As the man speaks, the ominous image of a coal rake moves across a view from down the hall. He notices too late as Claes, furious and unrestrained, charges out of the darkness and kills him with a blow to the head. As he falls backward his finger reflexively pulls the trigger, spraying the room with bullets. The man down, Claes turns to see..."Ange?!"
Claes is dumbfounded, weapon now limp in her hand. What is Angelica doing here? Was she trying to... save her? The rage immediately extinguished, Claes can only watch in horror as Angelica collapses to her knees in pain, the extent of the damage made clear as the blood spreads from the wound in her side. The man was right. She was going to be shot no matter what.Triela: "Claes! Are you okay?"
Claes: "Ange's been hurt!"
So redirected, Triela rushes over to help. Claes, however, remains where she is, still unable to bring herself to act toward Angelica; the presence of her fallen would-be rescuer has left her in a state of shock. As Triela frantically administers to Angelica, Claes' glasses and book, those representatives of restraint and knowledge that she holds so dear, bear solemn witness to the scene.Worse Wounds
The raid is over and smoke streams from the shattered windows of the darkened and gutted villa. Angelica, unconscious, is taken out on a stretcher. Her eyes closed, hearing the helicopters, she seems to be floating. Slowly she comes to, and stares up at Marco who walks along beside her:Angelica: "Marco..." (Gently)
(Marco is not looking at her)
Marco: "Just look at the state you're in."
(Angelica's eyes widen and then tremble in pain)
Even after all this, she looks at him next to her, hopeful and apologetic. She couldn't make him proud. But he can't take it, and matches the severity of her wound with the viciousness of his rebuke. Angelica is truly hurt this time and he has only himself to blame. With nothing else left, he retreats into himself, shielding his heart with a petty charade of anger and apathy:Marco: "I told you not to hold everyone back!"
Jose: "Marco! That's enough!"
Jose cannot take this cruelty anymore; this is too much even for him. But the damage is already done, and he looks down at Angelica in alarm. This is bad. Such a wound is not one that she can endure. Marco follows his gaze for a moment, coldly acknowledging the same, before closing his eyes once again and turning away. Seeing this, Angelica is... he won't even look at her...
In the background the remaining girls stand solemnly as Angelica is loaded onto a helicopter. They too know what this means.Last in line is Claes, who holds her glasses once again in hand. Even as she brings them to her face she closes her eyes and bows her head, pausing in contemplation before reluctantly returning them to their proper place. She doesn't want to see clearly again, for coming back to her senses she is forced to confront all that has transpired.
The Fundamental Problem
Back at the hospital, the other girls stand around Angelica's bed in smiling support, except for Claes who stares with pensive uncertainty. The view moves between the characters as they speak, with each return to Angelica zooming steadily closer.Rico: "Angelica, are you alright?"
Angelica: "Yes." (Completely dejected)
Triela: "I'm glad you're okay!"
(Angelica does not respond)
Henrietta: "I hope you get better and come back to the dorms soon!"
(Angelica does not respond)
When it comes to Claes' turn to speak she says nothing. Up close, her appearance is even more strikingly brittle as she stares at the other girl. Still mysteriously unable to offer condolences to the one who came for her, she remains in strained silence.
But Angelica is paying attention to none of this. It is all so pointless; Marco will never care for her again, no matter what she does. Disconsolate, tired of the empty platitudes, she looks up:Angelica: "You all know the truth."
(A collective, "Eh?" from the others)
Angelica: "We're all going to die! We're going to die not knowing anything!"
The effect of her pronouncement on the girls is immediate. Rico is shocked to hear such emotion from gentle Angelica. Henrietta stares with sadness, acknowledging a thought that has been growing in her while Triela gazes with worry at this despair. Claes, most affected of all, has gone desperately blank. Angelica loses her composure completely and begins to yell:Angelica: "If Marco is going to keep treating me coldly, then I'd rather die now!"
(Claes roughly backhands Angelica, knocking her down onto her pillow)
Claes: "If you want to die then die! I shouldn't have saved you!" (Face cannot be seen)
Henrietta and Triela watch in stunned silence as Claes strides from the room, Rico still processing what she just witnessed. Angelica weeps pitifully into her pillow, more from her hopelessness than the blow. Recovering, Henrietta chases after Claes as Tema I climaxes with the import of the events.
Reaching the hall, Henrietta calls to Claes. Her expression while forward is barely under control, but as she turns Henrietta straightens, silenced with a stare that cannot be seen. She continues to watch the older girl walk away, mouth open at the expression she just witnessed. Claes leaves without saying a word as Henrietta observes:I couldn't see behind Claes' glasses well enough to tell if she was angry or crying. But Angelica's words, 'We're all going to die,' were echoing in my ears, and never went away.
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