(Veritata's box at the Institute's paddock. Sissi sits by the horse crying silently. After a while, the New Student enters the box.)
The New Student
Sissi!
(Sissi looks up, tears flowing down her cheeks.)
Sissi
Oh, hello.
The New Student
You look shaken. What happened?
Sissi
It's nothing. Nothing happened. It's just …
(Sissi sobs. The New Student sits down next to her, putting his arm on her shoulder.)
Sissi
It's just that when Marcus said don't have children —
(Another sob.)
Sissi
I was thinking of mine.
The New Student
You had children?
Sissi
Four. Sophie, Gisela, Rudolf and Marie. Sophie was the oldest but she died when she was only two.
The New Student
That is terrible.
Sissi
She died in my arms with fever and convulsions.
The New Student
Oh my God. I am so sorry.
Sissi
And our son — he took his life when he was thirty. He was the Crown Prince. The successor.
(The New Student holds her tightly.)
The New Student
I had no idea.
Sissi
I had not thought about it for a long while but suddenly it was all back so vividly.
The New Student
I can understand that.
Sissi
I don't think you can. You are just a boy. I'm a mother.
The New Student
You are right. And sorry, I didn't want to say anything wrong. I only wanted to say that I can imagine the pain.
Sissi
You are sweet.
(Sissi stands and looks at the New Student.)
Sissi
You know what? You look a bit like little Rudi. I think it is your nose.
(Sissi wipes away her tears and smiles at the New Student.)
Sissi
It will all be okay again.
(A beat.)
Sissi
Can I go for a ride with your beautiful mare?