[K-III-1]
[Deemer]
(Treplev and Nina enter the kitchen. Treplev wears a head bandage from an attempted suicide.)
NINA: You expect my sympathy.
TREPLEV: Have I asked for sympathy?
NINA: You expect me to come running to you in grief, begging for your forgiveness.
TREPLEV: I have not asked you for anything.
NINA: Of course not! That would be too obvious.
TREPLEV: I am quite aware that you are infatuated with Boris now.
NINA: That's not true.
TREPLEV: I've seen the way you look at him.
NINA: This is why you did this? Because you think I am in love with Boris?
TREPLEV: My word was infatuation. So you love him.
NINA: Why are you doing this?
TREPLEV: Because I love you.
NINA: If you love me, why can't you be my friend?
TREPLEV: You don't understand anything.
NINA: Then tell me. Explain to me what I don't understand.
TREPLEV: It's useless.
NINA: So where does that leave us? I want to be your friend. I've tried to be your friend. You've always wanted more from me than I can give to you. You've wanted more from the start. Is that my fault? Is it my fault that I'm not in love with you?
TREPLEV: At last, you said it.
NINA: You've known that. I've never lied to you.
TREPLEV: Please go.
NINA: Why can't we--?
TREPLEV: Stop it!
(Treplev rushes out. Nina composes herself and exits.)