I mocked myself for these ridiculous feelings, made fun of myself quite consciously I spoke very sternly and reasonably, and I fiercely squeezed my eyes shut to get rid of my tears. Weakness! I said harshly to myself, and I clenched my fists and said: Weakness. When I looked at my shoes, it was as though I had met a good friend or got back a torn-off part of me: a feeling of recognition trembles through all my sense, tears spring to my eyes, and I perceive my shoes as a softly murmuring tune coming toward me. I sit up halfway and look down at my feet, and at this moment I experience a fantastic, alien state I’d never felt before a delicate, mysterious thrill spreads through my nerves, as though they were flooded by surges of light. “.As I lie there in this position, letting my eyes wander down my breast and legs, I notice the twitching motion made by my foot at each beat of my pulse. I forget for a moment my poverty, my humble self, my whole miserable existence, I feel the blood coursing warmly through my body as in the old days, before I broke down.” I gaze and gaze at her, growing more and more cocky, and she encourages me, drawing me toward her by every word she speaks. She had expressly wanted to go back with me, it wasn't my idea, it was her own wish. I was enchanted, wonderfully glad I felt as though I were dying from happiness. I was utterly bewildered, I didn't know which way was up anymore this person turned all my thinking topsy-turvy. But she looks down at the tip of her shoe. 'Why don't you ask me to walk back with you part of the way?' She says playfully. I wondered if she would give me her hand.

'This is as far as you can walk me,' she says. “Then we were at the fountain - we stop and look up at the many illuminated windows of number 2. How do you like it? Such a gliding sound-' Well, that is, not all day yesterday, I certainly didn't think about you all day yesterday.'ĭo you know what I've called you? I have called you Ylajali. No, what's your name? Goodness, I almost forgot again! I was thinking all day yesterday that I must ask you.

What's your name? Really, you must tell me what your name is.' I'm madly in love with you, and it won't do me a bit of good. Sometimes your eyes are so radiant, I've never seen anything like it, they look like flowers. 'I'm sitting here getting fascinated by you, at this moment I'm thoroughly fascinated. What a wonderful pleasure to be sitting in a human dwelling again, hear a clock ticking, and talk with a lively young girl instead of with myself!Īh, how sweet you are!' I said. My heart was thumping, the blood coursing warmly through my veins. “I sat looking at her with rapt attention.

Hunger by Knut Hamsun