Matteus And Sejer’s Trust
The CallerThis flow traces the affection between Konrad Sejer and his grandson Matteus, and how their conversations challenge Sejer’s assumptions about judgment.
increasing
Bearing strength in each event
decreasing
A Grandfather Worries

A Grandfather Worries
A role in question
Sejer worries that Matteus may face prejudice when auditioning to dance Prince Siegfried. He tries to protect his grandson by anticipating barriers before they appear.
A gentle correction
Skarre points out that Sejer may be reproducing the prejudice he fears. Sejer accepts the possibility but remains anxious about Matteus’s opportunity.
The scene establishes a loving relationship that includes disagreement. Sejer’s care is sincere, yet affection does not automatically make his assumptions accurate.
A Family Of Small Worries

A Family Of Small Worries
A mother watches closely
Ingrid worries about Matteus’s injuries, training, diet, and demanding life as a dancer. Sejer reminds her that the young man is also resilient and that she chose an adventurous life herself.
Care across generations
The conversation reveals Sejer’s sensitivity to the way parents monitor children. Ingrid also notices her father’s dizziness and urges him to see a doctor.
Their exchange links concern for Matteus with concern for Sejer. Both generations want to protect the other, though neither can control every risk.
The Audition News

The Audition News
A disappointing report
Matteus initially tells Sejer that the role went to another dancer. Sejer reacts with more disappointment than Matteus and presses him to show indignation.
A playful correction
Matteus reveals that he has actually won the role and was teasing his grandfather. Sejer is surprised, and the moment shows how easily affection shapes what he is prepared to believe.
Their shared humor gives the family relationship warmth, but it also prepares Sejer for a serious lesson about trusting preferred stories.
A Lesson About Johnny

A Lesson About Johnny
A grandson questions intuition
Matteus asks why Sejer believes Johnny’s denial about opening the dog kennel. Sejer defends his intuition, developed through years of interviews and observation.
Affection may distort judgment
Matteus points out that Johnny has already demonstrated a talent for deception. He suggests that Sejer’s growing liking for the boy could make him believe what he wants to hear.
The exchange challenges Sejer without condemning him. Intuition remains useful, but close emotional attachment can alter how evidence feels.
A Family Measure Of Loss

A Family Measure Of Loss
Sejer’s private concern
Sejer’s worry about Johnny’s disappearance intensifies because the boy has called him Grandpa and entered his life as more than a suspect. His family relationships have prepared him to recognize what that word can mean.
Care cannot guarantee safety
Matteus’s advice about judgment remains with Sejer as the investigation ends without certainty. The grandfather has to accept that concern and affection cannot provide complete knowledge.
The family bond is a source of strength, but the novel refuses to present it as protection from every loss. Sejer can love people and still fail to know what will happen to them.
early in the investigation
during Sejer’s visit to Ingrid
October, after Matteus auditions
the same evening as the audition news
near the end, after Johnny is found dead