Hilda

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Hilda is a fragile 85, living all on her own in an even older farmhouse in the middle of Lower Austrian nowhere. In extreme modesty she loves the reduction to having only what is absolutely necessary. She talks to herself a lot and we listen to her thoughts, which are dominated by a fair share of humour and a strong sense of independence. 13 years ago, when her husband was still alive, she usually cried herself to sleep. He was a serious alcoholic. Today when she is unable to sleep she imagines a girlfriend with whom she can talk about everything. Both of her sons invited her to move in with them, but she declined the offers: she doesn't want to have to listen to anyone else anymore. A nursing home would be much too boring. No, she is not afraid of death. Not being able to get out of bed; that would be terrible. 'Schnö soi's geh!' (It should be over fast!), she says, and laughs mischievously. As her strength diminishes she realises her independence is threatened. She goes up into her attic and takes radical action. 'I am free... like a bird!' she often said.