I think Heiner's feelings towards Annette was something similar to cult-like reverence. He's simultaneously processing two extreme emotions under extreme circumstances: "I need to live so I can see her." and "I'm enduring this hell because of her."
When everything in life is centered around something external, it will feel unstable, volatile, and uncontrollable. I think the story did well in reflecting that in both Heiner and Annette!
I think Heiner's feelings towards Annette was something similar to cult-like reverence. He's simultaneously processing two extreme emotions under extreme circumstances: "I need to live so I can see her." and "I'm enduring this hell because of her."
When everything in life is centered around something external, it will feel unstable, volatile, and uncontrollable. I think the story did well in reflecting that in both Heiner and Annette!