(The scene begins as Kazimir rides slowly through the village under a darkened sky. His voice is soft yet resonant, reflecting his inner turmoil. The houses glow with warm light, symbols of family and belonging, prompting questions about his own life's purpose.)
Kazimir's Soliloquy
(Riding alone, his voice echoes gently in the night)
"Is it duty that beckons, or a yearning unknown?
Is family but a mantle, or seed I've never sown?
To love, to need—are they burdens we bear,
Or some higher gift, some breath of rare air?"
(The quiet song drifts, and as he nears the church, he hears the soft strains of an organ, played by Anežka within. Entranced, he enters quietly and takes a seat, watching as she plays. She soon begins to sing, weaving her personal story into the music.)
Anežka
(Her voice is serene yet powerful, telling her story in measured verses)
"I grew in Brno's humble arms,
The city of stone and narrow streets.
A child's laughter, free from harm,
Where faith in heart and sunlight meets."
(She pauses, catching sight of Kazimir, then continues, her voice softer, as if recalling cherished memories)
"I served the sisters, prayed each night,
Learned my letters by candlelight.
To heal, to guide, in service live—
This humble path, my soul to give."
(Kazimir, touched by her openness, quietly joins her song, weaving his questions into her melody.)
Kazimir
"To give, to yield—could such be love?
To bind ourselves to life above?
Or are these vows just chains that hold,
Leaving dreams to fade, hopes to grow cold?"
(Anežka turns slightly toward him, a hint of a smile touching her lips.)
Anežka
"Love is more than vows we speak,
More than deeds or goals we seek.
It's found in the heart, beyond the words,
In life's gentle rhythm, in the song of birds."
(They sing together, their voices merging in gentle harmony, reflecting on love and family with equal wonder and trepidation.)
(They sing, alternating lines, and occasionally joining, their voices building in intensity)
Kazimir
"But what of family, bond unbreakable, true?
Is it flesh and blood, or purpose anew?"
Anežka
"A family's light is not born from names,
It's shared in souls, in quiet flames.
In moments unspoken, hands held tight,
It's there that life finds its truest light."
Kazimir
"To love, to guide—do such vows confine?
Or liberate the soul, in life's design?"
Anežka
"Love frees, it binds, it heals and breaks,
In every loss, a new hope wakes.
The heart is both frail and bold,
A lantern in darkness, a flame untold."
(They both repeat a verse, their voices gentle yet intense)
Both
"To love, to need, to find and keep,
A leap of faith, a promise deep.
For life's true gift lies not in gold,
But in souls entwined, in hearts grown bold."
(Kazimir pauses, his voice softer as he begins to open up more personally to her.)
Kazimir
"I've walked alone, seen darkened ways,
Wondered if my heart betrays.
Yet here I find a light so pure,
A kindness bright, a soul demure."
(He hesitates, the tension in his words building as he gathers courage.)
"Anežka, I feel... there's something I—"
(But before he can finish, the doors of the church swing open, and Pastor Ondrej enters, his expression hidden behind a mask of concern but laced with jealousy. He approaches with slow, deliberate steps.)
Pastor Ondrej
(coldly yet with a forced smile)
"Kazimir, Anežka—so late at night,
What brings you here, in the candlelight?"
(Kazimir rises, inclining his head slightly, sensing the pastor's veiled hostility.)
Kazimir
(quietly but resolute)
"I came to pray, to find some peace,
Her song was balm, a sweet release."
(He glances at Anežka, a look of unspoken gratitude, and as he steps away, his voice a mere whisper)
"Amen."
(As he leaves, his voice soft but determined, the final lines echo as the song ends, his vow to find redemption and worthiness lingering in the quiet night.)
Kazimir
"To cleanse my soul, to make it right,
So love may find me in its light."
(The scene fades as he walks out, lost in thought, vowing to seek repentance before he can confess his love, leaving both characters in the quiet resonance of their song.)