Hey! You! Get outta my head! Really, this is just how I see it, too. He can't bear the thought of Jr. going through what Alma must have gone through. I also think that Jr. knows exactly what he's talking about when he asks her - hence the beat before she answers. Just when you think the scenes can't get any better after the lake, you get the phone call, then Lightning Flat, then THIS. Again, I'm just in awe of the genius that is Ang Lee. All credit to Diana and Larry, of course, too, but the crescendo this film builds to and then maintains through to the bitter(sweet) end is unprecedented.
Sorry Barb, its just so damn nice in your head... all those delicious first tent scene descriptions and naughty thoughts of the boys at the motel... *protracted sigh and lusty images*... Mmmm..
YES, that pause before she answered Ennis suggest a bit to me too - about my 10th viewing I thought "does she KNOW?". Okay, she's no dummy and she and her dad obviously had this special little bond and she MUST know that a lack of wife (in spite of NO lack of opportunities to get one... a la Cassie's desperation to be with him and marry him) must have been suspicious. I don't care what anybody says, kids can read their parents. Kids can tell when something is up. Barb, you're a mum too, I'll bet your little boy can pick up on your moods. My little fella is autistic and even HE knows when I'm down.
That little smile she gives him too, is more reassurance that she's not going to suffer like he did throughout his life. Oh, every time you think you've discovered everything about this film, you find another dang layer to sift through!!!
*back to Barb's naughty thoughts, methinks*