[An invisible cage — that describes perfectly the intertwined feelings of being trapped by his title and watched by an entire country. Hearing fragments of his own experiences reflected back at him in another's words softens the tension in his body. Softens the insistent whispers, too, which finally fade.]
Did it ever get...easier to deal with?
[Wilhelm looks up from his knotted hands. Easier to handle the scrutiny, he means. Easier to be himself.
Maybe the answer doesn't matter. The more time passes, the dimmer becomes the possibility of ever going back. Sometimes people disappear from the castle, but who knows where they've gone? Nevertheless, he's curious. Even here, even now, he can feel the ghost of that weight he should have shed from his shoulders with this fresh start.]
no subject
Did it ever get...easier to deal with?
[Wilhelm looks up from his knotted hands. Easier to handle the scrutiny, he means. Easier to be himself.
Maybe the answer doesn't matter. The more time passes, the dimmer becomes the possibility of ever going back. Sometimes people disappear from the castle, but who knows where they've gone? Nevertheless, he's curious. Even here, even now, he can feel the ghost of that weight he should have shed from his shoulders with this fresh start.]