lanselos_du_lac

Laertes is himself in a fragile state, after Reynaldo's sudden appearance, but he strives gamely to keep up his routine even though he wants to huddle beneath a blanket and stop existing. The first day after the visitations, he brings breakfast to lay at Lancelot's door, and takes away the untouched breakfast when he brings supper in the evening.

When he comes again with breakfast (today, eggs and sausage and rye bread spread with smoked salmon and soft, rich cheese), and finds the supper plate likewise untouched, he knocks.

He had told Reynaldo that he has friends here who are dearer to him than life, and he would be no friend to them if he did not seek to know their sorrows.