Fear Me Not (Den du frygter)

I've been on leave for six weeks now.

It was time for a break from the frantic pace I was stuck in.

For years, I've wanted some time to myself.

But the transition from hard work to relative freedom

is not easy.

The changes I'd hoped for haven't appeared.

So now I'll write down my thoughts more systematically.

I find it hard to stay focused.

Unexpected details make me uneasy.

I need to look for inspiration and change.

And embrace every opportunity to move on.

"FEAR ME NOT"

- Sorry, I couldn't get away. - That's okay.

Have I got time to change?

You don't need to. You look great.

How on earth do you do this?

Darling, would you smoke under the extractor?

You just have to start from down here.

What is she like? His wife?

I don't know. I've never actually met her.

Is someone coming for dinner?

Jorgensen from your Dad's work and his wife.

Can I go round to Tobias'?

If you're home by 10:00.

Can we make it 11:00?

- No. - Okay.

Well, if it's okay with Dad.

But remember to call him, so he can pick you up.

- See you later. - See you.

- Bye-bye, darling. - Bye.

- This wine is great. - I think so too. Very good.

So you're moving the kitchen upstairs?

Yes.

Actually, we're putting a new one in.

We might as well do the lot while we're redecorating.

- Sigrid's an architect. - I know.

We always sit in the kitchen,

so we might as well enjoy the view up there.

Of course.

Did your father never think of that'?

He liked it the way it was.

We're mostly rebuilding to make it our own.

And for Mikael.

By the way, I read a report on genetically engineered potatoes.

It's a report from Scotland, and they're doing this study.

They take genes from artichokes and implant them in potatoes.

- Are you okay? - Fine.

Are you happy networking?

I think so.

Be careful, though.

A consultant at work took six months' leave.

He never came back.

I've got plenty to do.

Which reminds me.

You might have to row on your own for a few weeks.

Why?

We're starting trials on a new anti-depressant on Monday,

so I'll be up to my neck.

How many take part in a trial like that?

20 to begin with.

The trick is to get normal subjects.

People with a disease will try anything.

I'd like to try.

- Oh, no, you wouldn't. - Why not?

Because... Why would you?

It's a hassle.

There's scanning every two weeks,

blood pressure, more scanning,

and it's mostly students who need the money.

Moreover, I don't think Sigrid

would like you being a guinea pig.

She doesn't have to know everything.

It's about time I had a little secret from her.

- Are you enjoying yourself? - Oh, yes.

We'll change that. Come with me.

I'll take you for your blood tests.

Come in for a checkup in two weeks.

I can't guarantee I'll get you

to the front of the queue every time.

My brother-in-law, Mikael Neumann.

He's part of the Limetech trial.

- Is Limetech a Danish company? - Swedish.

We often test their drugs.

This is a new product called Nyasin

that we're testing for side effects.

I didn't think there were any.

No, but you have to be wary of migraine,

hypertension, and so on.

Here you go.

You need to take one of these every morning for six months.

And you'll have to come back for a checkup every two weeks.

- Hi. - Hi. You're down here?

Yes, I had a hectic day and needed a minute.

How about you? Where have you been?

I had to stop by the Ministry for a couple of hours.

Okay.

Are you thinking about going back to work?

That's a good idea.

Not at all.

I just had to pick up some papers and stuff.

Aren't you bored?

No.

Well, I'm letting out all the heat.

Come and give me a hug.

Oh, no, you're getting all sweaty now.

I'm sorry.

It doesn't matter.

Day 1.

I weigh 76 kilos, and I'm 179 centimeters.

Quite normal.

I could be in better shape,

but my physical condition isn't so bad that it worries me.

However, I've had trouble sleeping

for the last couple of years.

I used to blame my long working days,

but I can't anymore.

I feel restless, and it's hard to handle.

I don't know where it comes from.

It's like I need to reshuffle the cards.

- Morning. - Look! A big fat rat!

It ran into the garage.

And it wasn't just a mouse?

It ran across here into the garage.

How the hell did it get in here?

This is really gross, Dad.

Those damn plumbers.

Mum doesn't know anything, right?

No way!

There, now. That should put a stop to them.

But they're still down there.

We'll have to fix that.

Fix what?

- Good morning. - Good morning.

What are you going to fix?

Just the garage. It's messy.

Great. You're going to tidy the garage?

Dad is.

That's great!

Ellen?

Hi! What are you doing here?

I've come to see Frederik.

Nothing wrong, I hope.

No, I'm in that anti-depressant trial of his.

What?

You're not depressed, I hope?

No.

But we can always get better, you know.

What's it like to be studying again?

Great.

There's just so much to remember.

I feel like a relic at times.

Will the students leave you alone?

Not really.

Don't make me jealous.

Why don't we all go to the cinema?

Okay. Why not?

Just not one of Sigrid's arty films.

I don't know if I can promise you that.

Hi, darling. It was in the bedroom.

Thanks, darling. That's sweet of you.

Get up! You're in my seat.

It's two weeks now since I started taking the pills.

The second checkup went well.

I'm trying to watch out for changes in my condition.

It's the first time in my life that I've been so self-aware.

And I feel good about it.

Hi.

Are you going out?

We're going to the cinema with Ellen and Frederik.

Want to come?

Is it one of Mum's Chinese films?

Yes.

I think I'll pass then.

Is Tobias coming over tonight?

I don't know. Why?

He usually does when we're out.

- When do we get to meet him? - Soon.

Grandma called.

Yes. How is she?

Fine.

It sounds like they take good care of her.

I think she'd be happy if you rang her.

I will. I keep forgetting. It's pathetic.

I'll get around to it, though.

- Hi. - Nothing today, thank you.

Well, they're on special offer.

They're for Sigrid.

They need to be planted before the frost sets in.

- Didn't you bring Ellen? - She's just coming.

How are you?

I'm fine.

I get to think about a lot of things.

Don't overdo it.

- Hi. - Hi.

But when he gets started...

Sorry! I lost track of time.

- Hi, darling. - Hi.

- Good to see you. - You too.

Wow, this is fantastic. What a kitchen!

I'm glad you said that.