Mercedes & Jeritza C

Mercedes
I never imagined I'd see you again.

Jeritza
Indeed...

Mercedes
Emile, I've missed you so much. How long has it been since we last spoke?

Jeritza
Since you left House Bartels. I was eight.

Mercedes
And just look at you now! All grown up.

Mercedes
I notice that you still indulge in sweets. It makes me happy to see that you're still the same in some ways.

Jeritza
Hm... It has been some time since I've tasted such a thing...

Mercedes
Well, of course. That's because this is a recipe only Mother and I know of.

Mercedes
Oh no! You've gotten crumbs all over your face. Sit still while I wipe them off.

Jeritza
Stop it.

Mercedes
Oh, come on. Allow me to be your big sis. It won't hurt you to indulge me.

Jeritza
Mercedes. The little brother you once loved... He is no longer here.

Mercedes
It doesn't matter to me how you've changed. You will always be my baby brother.

Mercedes
You are precious to both me and to Mother.

Jeritza
Mother is well, I assume...

Mercedes
She is very well! You should send her a letter. She'd be so thrilled!

Jeritza
I suppose.

Mercedes
Mother has always borne a deep regret over what happened. We should have brought you with us...

Mercedes
We never intended to leave you alone with House Bartels.

Jeritza
Perhaps not. But it was wise of Mother to have only taken you.

Jeritza
As the heir, if she had taken me, Father would have searched relentlessly for us all.

Jeritza
And...had he found us...I feel certain he'd have killed you both.

Mercedes
Yes... That's what Mother said too. He'd have done exactly that.

Mercedes
You know, I've heard about what happened... About killing the family of House Bartels.

Jeritza
And? Are you afraid of me? Or...do you despise me?

Mercedes
Neither of those. That isn't why I bring this up.

Mercedes
I understand your reasons, but it's a terrible thing to take a life. You understood that even then.

Mercedes
I've been waiting a very long time to ask you. Why did you do it? Why did you kill your father?

Jeritza
Because I wanted to.

Mercedes
I know you're avoiding my question. I can hear it in your voice.

Mercedes
I won't ask any further if you don't want to tell me why. But...just let me know if you ever feel ready to talk to me about it.

Jeritza
Understood. The time may eventually come.

Mercedes
Until then, I'll wait patiently.