Frankenstein Revised

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I was reminded of my friend Henry Clerval. I might have lost myself in my studies, had Henry not kept me grounded. If it weren’t for his perfectly gentle eyes, and the considerate nature of every word he spoke… <<link [[I wouldn’t have any sense of morality.|clerval2]]>><<set $response to "I wouldn't have any sense of morality. Having Henry in my life made me want to be a better person.">><</link>> <<link [[I wouldn’t know how to feel...|clerval2]]>><<set $response to "I was generally an apathetic person. Henry, however... his presence made me want to live in the present moment.">><<set $henrypts += 1>><</link>> <<link [[I'd be much worse off.|clerval2]]>><<set $response to "Without Henry, I think my life would be even worse than it already was.">><</link>>

$response I loosened my grip on the arms of my chair. I looked over at Will and Dad, who both seemed to be asleep by then. I rested my eyes, blocking out fluorescent lighting. <<linkappend "Once Henry was on my mind, it was hard to shake him.">> To me, it wasn’t important that his father was a tradesman who expected his son to carry on his carpentry practice. His inquisitive mind and passion for fiction was admirable, but not head-turning. What stood out to me was… <<set _afterText to "[[But I liked everything else about him, too.|deathbed4]]">><<link "His generous, kind heart.">> <<replace "#options">>His generous, kind heart. He loved helping the less fortunate, and I think he'd do //anything// to make my life worthwhile.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link "His taste for danger.">> <<replace "#options">>His taste for danger. He was responsible, but he sought after all that life has to offer.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link "His voice.">> <<replace "#options">>His voice. No matter what he spoke of, it would be stuck in my thoughts for days to follow. He had a way with words.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <</linkappend>>

<<set $bethpts to 0>><<set $henrypts to 0>><<set $_aftertext to "">><<linkappend "My ill fate started with an unexpected knock at the door…">> OFFICER: “Good evening, sir. I’m Officer Robert Walton with the Middlesex County Police Department. Is this the home of Caroline Frankenstein?” I nodded. OFFICER: “You're Victor?” <<linkreplace '"Uh, Yeah..."'>>VICTOR: “Uh, Yeah…” OFFICER: ”Victor, I regret to inform you that your mother is currently in the ICU at Robert Wood Hospital, downtown New Brunswick. She was in a motor-vehicle accident on French street.” My heart stopped. I stood there, staring blankly at the threshold. [[I kept staring. |officer2]]<</linkreplace>><</linkappend>>

Before I knew it, Will and I joined our Dad at the hospital, with Mom on her deathbed. Her breathing was labored. She was afraid, but she smiled. She knew it was going to be over soon. To each of us, she spoke small pleasantries. And she saved me for last. [[Here it comes...|deathbed]]

MOM: “Victor, I’m so proud of you. What a smart and capable young man I’ve raised. You can be anything you want to be... Just do what you need to do. Do your best in school.” She weakly reached for my hand. <<linkreplace "I met her halfway." t8n>> I met her halfway. MOM: ”And find yourself a girl, please. Someone like your friend Elizabeth. I just want you to be more happy, I know you can be. You’ve got a wonderful life ahead of you.”<<set _afterText to "She trailed off, drifting into her last sleep. [[...that was the last anyone spoke to my mother.|deathbed2]]">> <<link "“Don’t talk like that. You’re going to be fine.”">> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: “Don’t talk like that. You’re going to be fine.” MOM: "Victor, It's okay to let go... I'll always love you. No matter what you do."<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link "“I will, Mom. it’s going to be okay.”">> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: “I will, Mom. it’s going to be okay.” MOM: "Good. I just want you to be happy... Please. If you're happy, nothing I've done will be in vain..."<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link "“I’ll be okay.”">> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: “I’ll be okay.” MOM: "I know you will... One day, you'll be alright. Hang in there."<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <</linkreplace>>

...I could get carried away daydreaming about Henry. It only took me so far, though. Soon enough, I had to open my eyes to a new reality. My mother passed in the morning, and I was left to think about all of the moments in my life that led to this one.<<set _afterText to "[[And then, I was scared. I was so scared.|deathbed5]]">> <<link "If only I’d been a better son.">> <<replace "#options">>If only I’d been a better son. There was only so much I could have done. But why couldn’t I be a better son? Why couldn’t I have normal interests, prospects of a family, and a positive outlook on life?<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link "If only I’d appreciated her company.">> <<replace "#options">>If only I’d appreciated her company. I was a hermit as a teenager. I avoided talking to her at all costs, and I didn’t realize the consequences until that moment. I’d given in to apathy.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link "If only I’d never talked back to her.">> <<replace "#options">>If only I’d never talked back to her. Every hurtful word I’d said in the heat of an argument came back to me. Every cruel thing I’ve called her, every insecurity I’d pointed out… I recalled everything that made her heart drop.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>>

I was scared I’d never find someone who makes me happy. Beth was beautiful, she brought joy to me. She was my best friend. But I could never see her the way Mom wanted me to.<<set _afterText to '[[...and I resolved to continue feeling this way.|chicago]]'>> <<link "Marriage terrified me.">> <<replace "#options">>Marriage terrified me... but that was far off. No, the mere //thought// of a relationship made me unbearably anxious.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link "I didn't know what love felt like.">> <<replace "#options">>I didn't know what love felt like. I saw how guys could become infatuated with girls at school, and I tried to make myself feel that way, too. I just couldn't.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link "There was something terribly wrong with me...">> <<replace "#options">>There was something terribly wrong with me, and I couldn't figure out what it was. Or, at least, I didn't //want// to figure it out. I wasn't comfortable with confronting my aversion to relationships.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>>

Two weeks after Mom passed, I boarded a train headed west. I got off at Chicago Union Station, and liberated myself from the events that had weighed on my heart. Several days of tireless apartment-hunting led to my tenancy in a tiny house on the outskirts of Chicago. <<linkappend "But... a dreadful feeling still resided in my mind.">> So, when my stint at the University began, I picked up smoking. And... I felt directionless when I first started school. My father assured me this was common. Then, came a sliver of hope: the lectures of Professor Waldman. There was an elegant manner in which he spoke about his subject, biochemistry. It was a topic that seemed daunting to some, and even dreadful to others. [[To me, it was wonderful. |chicago2]]<</linkappend>>

After the lecture, I went to Waldman’s office, eager to prod his mind on other subjects. When I brought up the topic of natural science, I expected immediate rejection. What I got instead was an open reception. Waldman expressed an appreciation for the works of Magnus and Agrippa, validating my teenage interest in Alchemy. Better yet, he encouraged me to pursue Biochemistry. He saw something in me that I hadn’t seen in myself, and I finally felt like I had a purpose. <<link [[It was all I needed. |chicago3]]>><<set $response to 'Schoolwork was all I needed. Or, so I thought...'>><</link>> <<link [[I felt a harrowing loneliness… |chicago3]]>><<set $response to 'I felt //so// lonely, no matter how distracting my studies were.'>><</link>>

$response<<set _option1 to "I studied harder, and ignored any other temptations I had.">> Something was still missing. At the time, I couldn’t see what I was doing to myself. I evaded the possibility of a social life in Chicago, and resolved to focus on the things I had control over. There were phone calls with Beth, but they were few and far between. She reminded me to call Henry, but I was trying to forget about him.<<set _afterText to "<<link [[I studied harder.|research]]>><<set $response to _option1>><</link>> [[I thought, it wouldn\’t hurt to meet someone new.|kevin]]">> <<link "I really tried to forget him.">> <<replace "#options">>I really tried to forget him. I tried to forget, and couldn't get him off my mind. But it bothered me to think about him.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link "Why did I want to forget?">> <<replace "#options">>Why did I want to forget? I wanted to forget because remembering him brought me inexplicable pain.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>>

There was one guy in my calculus class, named Kevin. He seemed eager to sit next to me for most lectures. One lecture, I felt particularly antsy, and he took notice. After class, he took me aside. KEVIN: “Hey, I don’t mean to bother you. I was wondering if you were interested in getting lunch with me… If you have time.” <<set _afterText to 'KEVIN: “Sorry, I thought we were, uh...” <<linkreplace \'"What?"\' t8n>>VICTOR: "What?" KEVIN: "I thought we had something. It was in my head." <<link [[That was awkward.|research]]>><<set $response to "I didn\'t want to start any new friendships, or... relationships.">><</link>><</linkreplace>>'>><<link "I felt weird about it…">><<replace "#options">>I felt weird about it…<</replace>><<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>><</link>> <<link [[I thought, why not?|kevin2]]>><</link>>

$response I //definitely// had no interest in dating. I became obsessively fixated on my studies. Biochemistry was a breeze for me, and I had no difficulty excelling in my freshman year. With my free time, I studied more exciting things. I immersed myself in countless anatomy textbooks, fascinated by the human body. Soon, that wasn't enough, so I directed my attention to decay. More specifically, how lifeless matter breaks down. I wouldn't dare to tell my father about this, because I //knew// he would repeat what he had always said. I wasn't to engage in morbid fascination, nor was I to defile the sanctity of life. [[That didn't stop me.|research2]]

Lunch with Kevin was... fine. He was a bit //too// friendly for my liking... Although there was a part of me that wanted to reciprocate, I just couldn't. It ended up being weird. And ultimately, I never saw him again after that. Well, that was awkward!<<set $henrypts += 1>> <<link [[I'd rather spend time with Henry.|research]]>><<set $response to "I didn't need to start any new relationships...">><</link>>

I kept a list of every cemetery in the vicinity of Chicago. I spent several nights a week visiting them, digging up graves until ungodly hours of the morning. My pursuit was solely scientific, I thought. I gathered //anything//: brittle, veiny hands, feet with still-intact tendons and meaty soles, assortments of appendages... ...and I was enamored with the possibility of reanimating this lifeless matter. which part would I attempt to reanimate first? [[The foot.|research3]] [[Definitely the foot.|research3]]

I set to work, satisfying my wretched curiosities. My knowledge was a curse, but this didn't occur to me at the time. I closely observed this disembodied foot, as I attempted to stimulate it with electrical pulses and chemical injections. Muscles twitched. Tendons contracted. Soon enough, I noticed a nervous response in its toes. <<linkappend "What had I done?" t8n>> Some ungodly power had been granted to me. I spent //days// mulling over the possibilities. How was I going to use this? <<link [[I would do something terrible.|research4]]>><<set $response to "Little did I know... I was about to do something //so// terrible I'd regret it for the rest of my life.">><</link>> <<link [[I would create life.|research4]]>><<set $response to "I did't know if what I was about to create should be considered a living being, but it plagued my life like a parasite.">><</link>> <<link [[No, I couldn't go any further than this...|research4]]>><<set $response to "I knew I should have stopped in my tracks. But something //compelled// me to continue. I couldn't stop now.">><</link>><</linkappend>>

$response At this point, I wasn't picking up Beth's calls. I //definitely// wasn't thinking about Henry. I pushed away everyone I loved, and committed myself to the task at hand. I spent my entire sophomore year in this liminal state, filled with gory musings of animating dead matter. [[Should I call Henry?|henrycall]] <<link [[No, I'm... afraid. I would rather have let my research take me where I need to go.|completion]]>><<set $response to "Regretfully, I didn't call Henry. I wasn't ready to unpack what it would entail.">><</link>>

Trembling, I dialed Henry's number. The answering machine picked up. I was too afraid to leave a message, so I hung up.<<set $henrypts += 1>> <<link [[I was a bit relieved.|completion]]>><<set $response to "Hearing a recording of Henry's voice was still comforting.">><</link>>

$response I was more focused on what I thought to be my most important lifelong obligation. What I aimed for was //better// than what my mother wanted for me. She wanted me to start a family, but I knew I could create a new life form. This new race would revere me as their father, and I would be the bridge between death and rebirth. It would be the ultimate act of procreation. <<linkappend "Eventually, my work was complete...">> There I stood, in that tiny house in suburban Chicago. The chill of a midwestern February seeped through the cracks in my kitchen window. On my floor, lied a monstrous, eight-foot man. Its silky hair, mangled by frantic handling. Its joints, disturbingly bound by the stitchwork of a skilled surgeon. This man... no, this //monstrosity//... was created by my hand. <<link [[I didn't know how to feel... was it alive?|complete2]]>><<set $response to "The thing I created wasn't //quite// alive... It was a desecration of life. And death.">><</link>> <<link [[I thought... I was going to be sick.|complete2]]>><<set $response to "I felt more nauseated than I had ever been.">><</link>> <<link [[I wouldn't dare to animate this thing.|complete2]]>><<set $response to "No //way// would I have willingly allowed my creation to walk. It didn't deserve life or consciousness.">><</link>><</linkappend>>

$response I had to leave the kitchen. As if my life depended on it, I briskly rushed to the toilet, and //gagged//, but nothing came up. I hadn't eaten in days. Afterwards, I retired to my room. Trembling, I retreated under my unwashed covers. //What had I done to myself?// The past year flashed before my eyes. I recalled how I willingly refused to nourish my relationships... Instead, I chose to direct my attention at the relentless pursuit of knowledge, resulting in //this//. <<link [[All of this... for what? Why had I brought this upon myself?|complete3]]>><<set $response to "I was skilled in destroying my prospects of a normal life. I blew it... All because I didn't know how to cope with grief.">><</link>> <<link [[No, I had no choice. I'd created a new life form... this would make Mom proud.|complete3]]>><<set $response to "I had deluded myself into thinking I was fulfilling some kind of... obligation. In reality, my mother would be ashamed of what I'd become.">><</link>> <<link [[It might have been worth it... If I could see this thing come alive.|complete3]]>><<set $response to "Well, a sense of accomplishment crossed my mind, but it was quickly defeated by exhaustion.">><</link>>

$response Rest was long overdue, and I finally fell into a deep sleep. I dreamt that it was autumn. I was in New York, walking along the river. At my side, was my beloved Henry. My heart swelled, the wind rushing past us. <<set _afterText to 'And as I did so, horror overcame me. I was no longer with Henry. No, I was in that hospital, standing over my mother\'s lifeless body. I had betrayed her, and I had no chance to make things right. [[Oh god, oh god, oh no. Let me out of this!|complete4]]'>><<link 'I embraced him.'>> <<replace "#options">>I embraced him, and felt his steady breathing against my chest.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link 'I held his hand.'>> <<replace "#options">>I held his hand, and felt his gentle fingers wrap around mine.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link 'I looked into his eyes.'>> <<replace "#options">>I looked into his eyes, and saw how happy he was to be here.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>>

I felt a horrible presence, and my eyes snapped open. I beheld the awful demon I had created, and he beheld me. His soulless eyes were a sour yellow, and his blackened veins were barely obscured by papery skin. He smiled at me, revealing teeth that resembled rotting wood. <<set _afterText to "I tried to speak, and couldn't grasp at any words. I think something came out of his mouth, but it was nothing intelligible. He quickly departed, leaving me to sit alone with my utter, absolute //horror//. [[What had I done?|reunion]]">><<link "I needed to yell.">> <<replace "#options">>I needed to yell.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link "I needed to beg and plead for my life.">> <<replace "#options">>I needed to beg and plead for my life.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link "I needed to tell this creature it should never have risen.">> <<replace "#options">>I needed to tell this creature it should never have risen.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>>

I became extremely restless. The rest of that day was spent far, //far// away from that house. I paced through the streets of downtown Chicago, basking in the sunlight of late winter. My surroundings were bustling, chaotic, and loud enough to drown out my anxieties. I didn't feel connected to anyone in the city, but I wasn't alone either. Standing at the shore of Lake Michigan, I shivered profusely. I lit a cigarette, and the smoke sharply hit my lungs with warmth. It was strangely comforting to watch the boats go by, and see the skyline glittering from a distance. [[Behind me, I heard a voice that I'd recognize anywhere.|reunion2]]

HENRY: "Victor?" When I turned around, I felt overwhelming joy at the sight of his face. I forgot the anxiety I had felt at the very mention of his name. Henry was here, and there was no reason to be afraid. I could tell him anything. <<linkappend "He sprung towards me, hugging me tightly." t8n>> HENRY: "Oh my god, I'm so happy to see you. I can't believe it's really you." He pulled away. It was cold enough for us to see our breaths, but I wasn't shivering any longer. HENRY: "I missed you so much... Why haven't you come home?" <<link [['"I know... I\'m sorry."'|reunion3]]>><<set $response to 'HENRY: "No need to worry. You\'re here now."'>><<set $henrypts += 1>><</link>> <<link [['"I didn\'t really have a reason to go home..."'|reunion3]]>><<set $response to 'HENRY: "Oh, Victor... you\'re still putting up a front? Some things never change..."'>><</link>> <<link [['"I was scared to see you again."'|reunion3]]>><<set $response to 'HENRY: "I get it. You\'re still afraid to get too attached to people who care about you."'>><<set $henrypts += 2>><</link>><</linkappend>>

$response He smiled, but there was sadness behind his eyes. HENRY: "Well, anyways... I was //finally// able to convince my dad to help me pay for college. I'm so happy you took my advice and chose Chicago. I've just started at the Univeristy this semester. It's so wonderful here." <<linkreplace '"...And so cold."' t8n>>VICTOR: "...And so cold." So, we took the bus back to my place to catch up. HENRY: "Victor... you don't look well. What's bothering you? Do you have anyone here checking up on you?" I was afraid to instill fear in Henry, and I didn't want him to get any ideas about what I'd been up to.. <<link [['"No... I don\'t need anyone."'|reunion4]]>><<set $response to "I couldn't involve him. If he knew what I was up to... what would he think of me?">><</link>> <<link [['"Well, there is something..."'|reunion4]]>><<set $response to "I felt like I could be open with Henry, and //tried// to muster the courage to admit I'd been up to no good.">><<set $henrypts += 1>><</link>> <</linkreplace>>

$response Just then, I thought I saw, out of the corner of my eye, that wretched thing. But it was just a trick of the light. Nonetheless, I trembled, and went into a state of total panic. HENRY: "Victor, my- what did you see?" <<linkreplace '"Nothing. It\'s nothing. I-"' t8n>>VICTOR: "Nothing. It's nothing. I- Well, I saw-" I got up from my seat, then immediately staggered over. Henry caught me. It was no use... [[A vicious illness overcame me.|illness]]<</linkreplace>>

I was confined to my home, paralyzed by a nervous fever. My smoking habits were set aside for the time being. If it weren't for Henry, I don't think I would have survived. <<linkappend "Poor Henry." t8n>> He should have been having the time of his life, his first semester of college. Instead, I held him back. At my lowest point, He practically lived with me. But every day, he sat with me, and smiled. He entertained me with anecdotes from his day, and cited the epic tales of Arabian and Persian literature that he read in school. He turned the T.V. on when I was bored, and turned it off after I fell asleep. <<link [[I really didn't want to burden him.|illness2]]>><<set $response to "I didn't want to burden him... but he wanted to be by my side, every chance he got. Surely, I'd be dead without him.">><</link>> <<link [[But I longed to spend every waking moment with him by my side.|illness2]]>><<set $response to "I wanted him by my side forever, and he wanted the same. Surely, I'd be dead without him.">><<set $henrypts += 1>><</link>> <</linkappend>>

$response At some points, Beth came to visit as well. She often kept me company while Henry was away. She'd tell me how my family was, talk about who she was dating, and how her job as a mechanic was going. She'd make comments about what lifestyle choices I needed to change. BETH: "Vic, you've been off lately. Something's eating you up inside. I don't know //exactly// what you've gotten into this time, but I think I know why." [['"Why do you think I\'m off?"'|illness3a]] <<link [['"There\'s something I need to tell you..."'|illness3b]]>><<set $response to 'BETH: "Changing the subject again?" VICTOR: "No, there\'s actually something you don\'t know."'>><<set $bethpts += 1>><</link>> <<link [['"..."'|illness3b]]>><<set $response to 'BETH: "Well, are you going to say something?" VICTOR: "There\'s... something you don\'t know."'>><</link>>

VICTOR: "Why do you think I'm off?"<<set $henrypts += 1>> Beth sighed. At this point, she didn't know how to say it gingerly. She knew I was in denial. BETH: "The reason you've been avoiding Henry. You have unresolved feelings." <<link [['"I don\'t know what you mean."'|illness3b]]>><<set $response to 'BETH: "You do, Victor. You\'re just too scared to be honest with yourself. VICTOR: "No, there\'s actually something you don\'t know."'>><</link>> <<link [['"No, there\'s something else you should know..."'|illness3b]]>><<set $response to 'BETH: "Changing the subject again?" VICTOR: "No, there\'s actually something you don\'t know."'>><</link>>

$response BETH: "Yeah? What is it?" VICTOR: "I've done something terrible." I left Beth in the living area, then returned with a folder that contained all the proof I needed. Do I really want to go through with this? <<set _afterText to " I had to. I couldn't go through it alone. I opened the folder, dumping //months// of documentation onto her lap. All of my drawings, notes, and research... [[I had finally come clean.|illness4]]">><<link "No way. I couldn't drag her into this.">> <<replace "#options">>No way. I couldn't drag her into this... but<</replace>><<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>><</link>> <<link "Fine, as long as Henry didn't find out.">> <<replace "#options">>Fine, as long as Henry didn't find out.<</replace>><<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>><<set $bethpts += 1>><</link>> <<link "Sure... Why not? It was Beth, after all.">> <<replace "#options">>Sure... Why not? It was Beth, after all.<</replace>><<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>><<set $bethpts += 2>><</link>>

BETH: "This is... //not// what I expected. at all. What the hell?" VICTOR: "I figured out the secret of life. I was able to ressurect a dead human, but he left. Beth, I'm so scared." <<linkreplace '"I swear, I\'m not making this up."' t8n>>VICTOR: "I swear, I'm not making this up." BETH: "No, I believe you alright. If anyone could do this, it would be you. My question is just... //why//?" <<link [['"Knowledge. Nothing more. I didn\'t realize it would turn out like this."'|illness5]]>><<set $response to 'BETH: "You invested an awful lot of time into this. It\'s almost like... you don\'t want to give yourself a chance to live life."'>><</link>> <<link [['"I\'m just invested in my work!"'|illness5]]>><<set $response to 'BETH: "Yeah, //sure// you are... You want to know what I think? Well... I think you put //way// too much on yourself. Like, you don\'t want to let yourself enjoy life."'>><</link>> <<link [['"Well... I was hoping you could tell me."'|illness5]]>><<set $response to 'BETH: "You want to know what I think? Well... I think you put //way// too much on yourself. Like, you don\'t want to let yourself enjoy life."'>><</link>><<set $bethpts += 1>><</linkreplace>>

$response BETH: "Okay, okay. Are you //ever// going to tell Henry about this?" I knew, deep down, Henry was the source of this. He was the reason I'd gone to Chicago, and the reason I couldn't bring myself to pick up the phone. <<set _afterText to "I thought about it, really. But I couldn't put this on him. For no good reason, other than the kindness of his heart, he spent months of his time caring for me. I didn't deserve someone like him. [[Did he love me too much?|vacation]]">><<link 'No, I could never tell him.'>> <<replace "#options">>No, I could never tell him.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link 'I //needed// to be honest with him.'>> <<replace "#options">>I //needed// to be honest with him.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>><<set $henrypts += 1>> <</link>>

Henry loved me unconditionally. So much that we dropped everything to take a trip to New York in the middle of his first semester. Manhattan was truly a wonder of the world. Hundreds of years of innovation in infrastructure, inhabitants from all walks of life... And the two largest man-made structures in the history of humanity. Henry did everything to make me laugh, to think harder about things, and to call forth the better feelings of my heart. [[He appealed to my fascinations.|vacation2]]

Hoping to appeal to my fascination with the macabre, he took me to the Renwick Ruin, an abandoned smallpox hospital that had been overcome by nature. HENRY: "You know, so many people died here... but there's something strangely romantic about it." <<linkreplace '"I\'m surprised you\'d want to come here."' t8n>>VICTOR: "I'm surprised you'd want to come here. You're so positive all the time, I figured you'd want to spend time somewhere more cheerful." HENRY: "Spring in the city's parks is wonderful, and I'm glad we've gotten to walk among people. But I understand why you'd enjoy something like this. Progress is wonderful, but there's something calming about retrospection." <<link [[My horrible creation was out there, and I had to find it.|vacation3]]>><<set $response to "I couldn't stop thinking about the horrible monster I'd brought to life. I wish I had appreciated that time with Henry more.">><</link>> <<link [[I'd rather appreciate Henry's company than worry about that monster.|vacation3]]>><<set $response to "For a little while, I set my anxieties aside. I'm so grateful I did, because I cherish every moment I had with Henry.">><<set $henrypts += 1>><</link>><</linkreplace>>

$response Despite everything, the trip to New York was a pleasant interlude in my suffering. Once we returned to New York, I checked my answering machine. I went through months of recordings, many being from Dad. In the most recent of them, there was a grave tone to his voice. <<linkappend "I called him back.">> DAD: "Victor, you need to come home as soon as you can. Your brother..." His voice shook. DAD: "William was murdered. They think Justine did it. Please come home." No, no, //no//... No //way// was it Justine. //Nobody// would want to harm the sweet, innocent, wonderful little Will. [['"Okay, dad. I\'m coming."'|will]]<</linkappend>>

On the train ride home, I kept entertaining the thought that this was somehow my fault. What if it //was// Justine, and I had ignored the signs? Or, worse... <<linkappend "What if... it was //him?//" t8n>> It was past midnight when I arrived in New Brunswick. I decided to walk home from the station. By chance, I'd pass the very spot where my brother was murdered. My footsteps echoed through the dimly-lit, empty streets. The scene of the crime was on a sparsely lit street near our home. Crime-scene tape fluttered in the breeze. A single streetlamp flickered off for a moment. <<linkreplace "When it flicked back on...">>When it flicked back on, //there he was//. He finally stood before me... that awful demon I had foolishly given life to. No, he //couldn't// have... but the evidence was indesputable. But //why//? [[Run. Get out now.|will2]]<</linkreplace>> <</linkappend>>

I tried to put the encounter out of my mind when I got home. DAD: "Victor... I don't believe it. First your mother, and now... I should have been there more. I focused on work way too much. Is this because I was a bad father?" <<set _afterText to 'DAD: "Son? You\'re not talking..." He grimaced. "Oh, no... I\'m so sorry. This is all my fault." [[\'"What happened?"\'|will4]]'>><<link "No, he couldn't have known.">> <<replace "#options">>No, he couldn't have known.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link "I needed to tell him the truth.">> <<replace "#options">>I needed to tell him the truth.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link "What was I even supposed to say?">> <<replace "#options">>What was I even supposed to say?<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>>

DAD: "Will was found on Tuesday morning. The police came that day, searching through our house. They found a dirty, creased picture of your mother in Justine's room." He paused for a moment. DAD: "The police asked who she was, and I said... that was Will's picture of mom. He took it with him everywhere. I didn't know it was in Justine's room, or that this would incriminate her. They took her to jail. No bail." <<link [[I wanted to tell Dad the truth. It was me. Maybe not directly, but... it was me.|will5]]>><<set $response to "I almost told Dad the truth, but I was too afraid...">><</link>> <<link [[I could have defended Justine. She didn't do it, but we would find who did.|will5]]>><<set $response to "I insisted to Dad, I //knew// it wasn't Justine's fault. But when he asked why, I was too afraid to explain further...">><</link>> <<link [[I needed to say silent. There was nothing I could do.|will5]]>><<set $response to "Despite my love for my sister, I was too afraid to stand up for the truth...">><</link>>

$response I resolved to live with the guilt. For a short while, I kept Dad company at home. I longed to return to Chicago, but I couldn't even leave my room. Will had been //murdered// at my hand, and for what? For my sister to stand accused as his killer? For her to lose her friends, her job, and the life she'd built up? It was eating me up inside, and I had nobody to tell. <<link [[I needed Beth to back me up. She's the only one who knows about the creature.|bethconvo]]>><<set $bethpts += 1>><</link>> [[I needed to call Henry, just to hear his voice.|henryconvo]] [[I needed time alone to process everything.|bethconvo]]

Beth finally came over, a few days after I hadn't responded to any of her calls. BETH: "So... you're telling me your... your monster-man-thing murdered Will?" VICTOR: "I swear to god. I //saw// him at the spot where his body was found." BETH: "Dude, what are you on? Can I have some?" I didn't say anything. She was always cracking jokes to ease tension. BETH: "Sorry, wrong time. I mean... I've never known you to be delusional. I //have// known you to be capable of unimaginably terrible things." <<set _afterText to "I was grateful to have a friend like her. At least I always had a reason to come back home. [[I need a change of scenery.|mountain]]">><<link '"Why are you even friends with me?"'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "Why are you even friends with me?" BETH: "I like crazy people. It's fine, Vic. I know you would never want to hurt anyone.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link '"Yeah... Why am I like this?"'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "Yeah... Why am I like this?" BETH: "It's not a bad thing to be an interesting person. It's fine, Vic. I know you would never want to hurt anyone."<</replace>><<set $bethpts += 1>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link '"I think I need a drink."'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "I think I need a drink." BETH: "No, no... you just need time. It's going to be okay, Vic. I know you would never want to hurt anyone."<</replace>><<set $bethpts += 1>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>>

I finally garnered the courage to call Henry. It seemed he eagerly awaited my call. HENRY: "How are you doing? How is your dad? God, I can't believe this..." VICTOR: "Yeah... I'm just trying not to think about it. Thanks for talking to me, though. I needed it." I avoided bringing up that dreaded creature at all costs. HENRY: "I wish I could be there for you... I asked Beth to come and check up on you soon."<<set $henrypts += 1>> [[I could always count on Beth.|bethconvo]]

On a whim, I set out for Appalachia. I got off the train in Asheville, with the intention of distancing myself from civilization. I spent the day roaming the mountains, in a futile attempt to appreciate nature the way Henry always could. Eventually, all I could hear was rushing water and leaves crackling under my feet. [[I saw something move in the trees.|mountain2]]

Another man? Out here? The man trudged towards me, gaining speed. For a moment, he was obscured by a mass of branches and vines. <<linkappend "Then, he was standing before me.">> The bane of my existence, the disgusting //thing// I had created. My rage was insurmountable. I wanted to... <<link [[Attack him.|mountain3]]>><<set $response to 'I lunged at him, using all of my weight to force him down. He didn\'t budge.'>><</link>> <<link [[Scream at him.|mountain3]]>><<set $response to 'VICTOR: "You //devil//... GET //AWAY// FROM ME! I wish you would die right here and now."'>><</link>> <<link [[Run away.|mountain3]]>><<set $response to 'I wanted to run, but it was no use. He outmatched me in speed just as much as height, strength, and hideousness.'>><</link>><</linkappend>>

$response CREATURE: "I knew you would react like this. I have been expecting it for quite a while." My jaw dropped. He... //could speak//? VICTOR: "I want nothing to do with you. Haven't you caused enough? Please, just go. Die. Leave me be." <<linkappend "I raised my arm, ready to strike him. " t8n>>As it barreled toward his stomach, he caught my wrist mid-air. I felt //searing// pain as he contorted it, and I was forced to lower my guard. CREATURE: "Now... I want you to come with me, and hear what I have to say." [[I had no choice.|mountain4]] <</linkappend>>

I followed him a ways off the trail, deep into the valley. As the sun was setting, we reached a dingy cabin that seemed to have been built by one man. Rather than enter his ominous shack, I insisted on sitting outside. [[Here, he began his story.|creature]]

CREATURE: "At first, all of my senses hurt. I hated the hotness of fire, and how it hurt my eyes to be in the sun. Soon, I did like the calmness of shade, and comfort of warmth on a chilly night." <<linkappend "He shuddered." t8n>> CREATURE: "The first town I found was far north from here. Their reaction to my visit was... //very// bad." [['"I can imagine. You\'re hideous."'|creature2]] <</linkappend>>

The creature growled under his breath before resuming his story. CREATURE: "As the winter got worse, I looked for a warm place. I found an old shed next to a cabin. The cabin lights were on a lot, and heat came from the chimney. This was my home for... a year?" <<linkreplace '"That sounds about right."' t8n>>VICTOR: "That sounds about right." CREATURE: "Yes, so that long. The cabin people were a young man and woman. And an old man. I watched their lives from a safe distance. They seemed sad... but they were comfortable." <<linkappend "His tone reflected some level of sympathy for the family." t8n>> CREATURE: "I noticed special noises coming from them and their machines. Soon, I knew that they were... "speaking"." [['"And you knew what their words meant?"'|creature3]]<</linkappend>> <</linkreplace>>

CREATURE: "Not at first. But soon, I learned. I heard their radio and T.V. ... and I loved how humans are. I saw that their sadness was because of money, so... I left the firewood for them in the morning. The young woman, Angela, seemed to feel good when she got my gift. This made me... joyful." <<linkappend "It dawned on me..." t8n>> I'd truly created a sentient being. This responsibility overwhelmed me, but I allowed him to continue his story. CREATURE: "Felix was her brother. The old man was DeLacey. Their father. He was blind, and liked the radio better than T.V.." [[I couldn't help but notice... he seemed fond of these people.|creature4]]<</linkappend>>

CREATURE: "Felix always wanted something... I did not get it. One day, he got better when a beautiful woman arrived. Her name was Sofia." He smiled to himself. CREATURE: "She was learning to speak English, like I was. Bad people were after her... Something about her father. She escaped to find Felix. Her lover. I thought they were both very pretty.. next to them, I felt ugly." Well, honestly, he truly //was// ugly. <<set _afterText to 'The creature looked sad. I almost... //almost// felt sympathy for him. [[But I had to hear more.|creature5]]'>><<link '"Well, at least you\'re self-aware."'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "Well, at least you're self-aware." CREATURE: "I did not choose to be like this. //You// could have stopped this."<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link '"I\'m sure they were beautiful."'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "I'm sure they were beautiful." CREATURE: "Oh, evil creator... why did you make me so ugly?"<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link '"It\'s the inside that counts."'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "It's the inside that counts." CREATURE: "Easy for you to say... //your// creator did not make your face so ugly."<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>>

CREATURE: "Well, anyways... I could sometimes watch their T.V. through the window at night. I heard the voice, and saw the words... this is how I learned to read. I think the knowledge was a curse..." The creature gritted his teeth, and dug through his pockets. Well, not exactly //his// pockets... the jacket he wore, I now realized, was one he'd stolen from me. <<linkappend "He yanked a crumbled paper from the pocket." t8n>> He handed the paper to me, his bottom lip trembling. [[I unfurled the tattered page...|creature6]] <</linkappend>>

It was a page he'd torn from my missing journal. I could only make out some of the writing, as most of it had sustained damage. FEBRUARY 21, 1988 I'm almost done. I need to recalibrate the electrical stimuli to th.... .......its vertibral arteries seem to be intact......h............. .................... FEBRUARY 23, 1988 I've made .............. This was a mistake. I............. it's HIDEOUS. I've created a demon.............. The worst monster I've ever seen. It does not deserve to live...........I hate everything I've done.............. [[So... he knew exactly what I thought of him.|creature7]]

I looked up, into his piercing, soulless eyes. CREATURE: "Why would you create something so //ugly// that you cannot even look at it? If a son is created like his father... What does this say about you?" <<set _afterText to "I couldn't respond to him. On some level, I felt that he was right, even if I couldn't admit it. [[He had more to say.|creature8]]">><<link '"Well, I hate myself. I never claimed otherwise."'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "Well, I hate myself. I never claimed otherwise." CREATURE: "There is something that haunts you. Is this why you created me?"<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link '"It\'s not about me... You\'ve done horrible things."'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "It's not about me... You've done horrible things." CREATURE: "Everything I do is because you made me this way. William would be alive if you did not hurt me."<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link '"What do you think it says about me?"'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "What do you think it says about me?" CREATURE: "There is something that haunts you. You hate other people, or... yourself."<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>>

CREATURE: "I saw that every human had someone to love. The cabin family had each other. The people inside the T.V. had friends, family, and lovers. But what did I have? I was alone. I was so lonely, because this is my face." He gestured at his blotchy, disfigured visage. CREATURE: "I wanted to join the cabin family. So... while the three young ones were away, I felt brave enough to try talking with DeLancey. He was blind, so he would not think I am ugly." <<linkreplace '"How did he react?"' t8n>>VICTOR: "How did he react?" CREATURE: "Well, at first, he was just surprised to have someone visit. But we had a good talk, until..." [["Until...?"|creature9]]<</linkreplace>>

CREATURE: "The young ones returned too quickly... Felix had been so sweet to Sofia and so caring to DeLancey and Angela... But he saw me, and he screamed. WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?! //GET OUT!// He took DeLancey's cane, and hit me. He kept hitting and screaming. I ran, and ran. For miles." <<linkappend "I felt... unsettled." t8n>> And, for a moment, I felt pity. It quickly faded. CREATURE: "Every human I tried to help... they met me with anger. So I quickly felt anger, too. I wanted to kill every human... but //mostly//... //YOU.//" [[My heart sank. The horror returned.|creature10]]<</linkappend>>

CREATURE: "I knew, from your writing... I should go to New Brunswick. I was almost to your house... and a little boy saw me. He screamed, and I screamed back. BE QUIET, stupid child. And, he said... his dad was Albert Frankenstein. He would get me in big trouble if I'm mean to him." <<linkappend "He smiled..." t8n>> and I saw that putrid set of teeth I remembered from the night of his conception. CREATURE: "He made me so... //angry//... and I knew... to kill him would make you sad. I strangled your stupid little brother to death." [[I cried out in agony, hurling my arm straight into his face.|creature11]] <</linkappend>>

He didn't even flinch. In fact, he //laughed//, a sinister, callous laugh. CREATURE: "I want you to feel the pain I feel." He shoved me back, and I fell to the ground. CREATURE: "Or... you can help me feel love." <<set _afterText to "[[Oh god... what could he possibly want?|fem]]">><<link '"You\'re incapable of that."'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "You're incapable of that." CREATURE: "Not if you give me what I want."<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link '"I don\'t know anything about love."'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "I don't know anything about love." CREATURE: "//You// do not... but there is something you can give me."<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link '"Or what?"'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "Or what?" CREATURE: "If you do not give me what I want, I will make you //pay//."<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>>

CREATURE: "I want you to create another being like me. A lady, who will be my wife." <<linkreplace '"Why would I want to do that?"' t8n>>VICTOR: "Why would I want to do that?" CREATURE: "You //owe// this to me. I did not choose to be in this world... You forced me into it. If you do this for me- create someone who understands me... I will remain in the wilderness with her. I promise to stay far away from humans until I die." <<linkappend "He smiled again, as if to threaten me." t8n>> CREATURE: "If you say no... you will regret it." [[Oh, god... I had no idea what to do.|decision]]<</linkappend>><</linkreplace>>

What was it going to be? Would I create the creature's companion, and allow another demon to roam the earth? Or... would I spare humanity, and put the people who loved me in danger? [[I couldn't let him have his way. I didn't trust him...|firstNo]] [[Did I really have a choice? What if he was telling the truth?|firstYes]]

VICTOR: "No way. I'm not letting //another// demon into this world. I don't trust you." <<if $bethpts >= 6>>CREATURE: "Are you //sure//? You know... I //will// kill again. If I cannot have anyone to love... neither should you." [['"Fine. I\'ll create your companion... Just leave my friends out of it. Please."'|firstYes]] [['"I said... NO."'|No]] <<else>>CREATURE: "//Fine.// If that is how things are..." I looked into his cold, murderous eyes. "You will regret this." [[I had to get out of the mountains...|ROUTE B]] <</if>>

VICTOR: "...Alright, //fine//. You've left me no choice. I'll make your lady friend." The creature grinned. CREATURE: "Very good... And I will watch you. Even if you don't see me... I am there, looking at everything you do." [[From there, I left the mountains, returning home.|ROUTE A]]

Upon my return to New Brunswick, I told Beth what had happened. I didn't tell her //everything//, though... She didn't know I planned to make the lady-demon. I asked them to take a trip with me to Kitty Hawk, a small coastal town in the Outer Banks. I knew Henry would enjoy it, and he obliged. Beth was resistant, but agreed to come along. She knew I was up to something. [[This time, we drove down.|hatteras]]

Henry was thrilled. I think his perception of our reality was rosy. God, I //wished// I could have seen through his eyes. When we visited the beach at night, Henry and Beth would take off their shoes, and dip their feet into the tide pools. <<linkappend "Henry amused us with anecdotes about the area." t8n>> HENRY: "You know, we're not far from where the Wright brothers flew their first plane. Kill Devil Hills was the perfect testing site, because, well... You can tell. It's //so// windy here." BETH: "Hell yeah, dude. I feel like I'm gonna blow away!" she giggled. <<set _afterText to '[[This was fun, but... I had something to do.|hatteras2]]'>><<link 'I laughed.'>> <<replace "#options">>I laughed, and smiled at my friends. Henry looked at me with adoration.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link 'I teasingly shoved Henry.'>> <<replace "#options">>I teasingly shoved Henry, and he kicked water at my feet. HENRY: "Hey, take your shoes off!" He smiled at me.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <</linkappend>>

At the motel, I told my friends, "Stay here for a few days. I just..." What excuse would I give them that was convincing enough? <<set _afterText to 'Beth scowled, crossing her arms. She knew what I was hiding. [[Well... What else could I do?|hatteras3]]'>><<link '"I have some research to do."'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "I have some research to do." HENRY: "Oh, interesting! What kind?" VICTOR: "If it goes well... I'll tell you all about it."<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link '"I just need some time to myself."'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "I just need some time to myself." HENRY: "Ah... Is everything okay? I thought you were having a good time." VICTOR: "Yeah, I'm okay. It won't be too long."<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link '"There\'s somewhere I need to go... alone."'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "There's somewhere I need to go... alone." HENRY: "Victor, whatever's going on... we're here for you." VICTOR: "I know... Thanks, guys."<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>>

I drove further south. It was //much// easier, in the remote Outer Banks towns, to find a place where I wouldn't be interrupted. I set up my workspace in an old, unmarked house on a nameless street in Hatteras. It wasn't difficult to find what I needed for the task at hand, especially now that I had been through the process before. <<link [[Did I really want to go through with this? I can still turn back now...|hatteras4]]>><<set $response to "I //wanted// to turn back, but the thought of seeing Beth or Henry die... it was overwhelming.">><</link>> <<link [[I couldn't believe I was doing this again. Here we go...|hatteras4]]>><<set $response to "The scenes of that fated night replayed in my mind. This time, I thought... I knew what to expect. I'd be somewhat more prepared.">><</link>> <<link [[I just wanted to get it over with!|hatteras4]]>><<set $response to "I was fueled by pure anxiety, and ignored any reluctance I had. It was something I couldn't put off any longer.">><</link>>

$response I set to work, intensely focused for two weeks. My friends had the number of the bed & breakfast I slept at, but... I never returned their calls. No, I would only go back to them when I was done, and pretend nothing had ever happened. There was a moment, about halfway through my progress, when... I looked at //her//, the demoness, and thought... <<set _afterText to "Then, there was anxiety. What if... they could //mate//? What if I was about to curse the world with a race of demons? [[I felt a presence behind me.|hatteras5]]">><<link "I thought I was going to be sick again.">> <<replace "#options">>I thought I was going to be sick again. But this time, I was so //angry//, I kept my food down.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link "Would he not think she's hideous?">> <<replace "#options">>I couldn't imagine how anyone would love this thing as a lifelong companion. Would he not see a repulsive monster?<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link "What if... she turns out worse than him?">> <<replace "#options">>What if... she turns out worse than him? I couldn't imagine anything worse than the monster that already existed. But, then again, there was a point when I couldn't imagine creating //him//, either.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>>

I turned around, and on the other side of the window, I saw him... the demon had returned. The glare of my lights bounced off his glassy eyes, making him look like a mannequin. The rage that overtook me... insurmountable. I begun frantically dismantling his female counterpart, tearing out sutures, wrecking my equipment, screaming... I couldn't do this anymore. <<linkappend "I heard glass shatter." t8n>> He climbed through the broken window, and ran towards me, cornering me aside from the wreckage. CREATURE: "//WHY//? WHY DID YOU DO THIS?" <<link [['"I HATE YOU!"'|hatteras6]]>><<set $response to 'VICTOR: "I HATE YOU!" CREATURE: "You do not understand... my hatred for //YOU// is much more."'>><</link>> <<link [['"I can\'t live like this anymore."'|hatteras6]]>><<set $response to 'VICTOR: "I can\'t live like this anymore." "CREATURE: "//You// can\'t live like this anymore? How do you think //I// feel? //You// made my life terrible. //You// need to fix it."'>><</link>> <<link [['"Please... LEAVE ME ALONE."'|hatteras6]]>><<set $response to 'VICTOR: "Please... LEAVE ME ALONE" "CREATURE: "I will leave you alone, after you fix my lady. I need her. I will not leave until I have her."'>><</link>> <</linkappend>>

$response The creature roared, so close to me that I smelled his rotting breath. CREATURE: "I will take everything from you. I will kill everyone you love, and save you for last." He shoved me to the floor, and my palms were sliced by the shattered glass that broke my fall. Then, he was gone. Just as quickly as he had come. [[I needed to get back to my friends.|invervention]]

I put the pedal to the floor, speeding back to Kitty Hawk, trembling. No way would that thing beat me. I couldnt let it. By the time I arrived, it was late morning. Beth was asleep, but Henry had been awake for some time. HENRY: "Victor, your hands! What happened?!" <<set _afterText to 'Henry sighed. I saw, for the first time... He looked at me with disappointment in his eyes. [[There was no hiding now.|intervent2]]'>><<link '"Oh, you know... I tripped."'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "Oh, you know... I tripped." HENRY: "You fell... on glass?"<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link '"I don\'t want to talk about it."'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "I don't want to talk about it." HENRY: "You can't keep hiding from me."<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>>

As we were talking, Beth came into the room, clearly having just woken up. BETH: "God, Victor?? Man... we were worried about you. Why didn't you call us back? Every damn day, we called... I was starting to think we had the wrong number, or you were dead. And all we could do was wait." <<linkreplace '"I\'m... really sorry."' t8n>>VICTOR: "I'm... really sorry. I just-" BETH: "You need to tell the truth. The //whole// truth." [['"Okay."'|intervent3]]<</linkreplace>>

I told them //everything//. From the very beginning... The seeds planted by my mother's death, to my research, to the creation of the monster... my encounter with him, his request, and finally... his threat against their lives. BETH: "I'm done with this. Victor... You're destroying your life. You're hurting... no, //killing// the people who love you. I've tried to be supportive, and help you see it for yourself. Be honest with yourself. Look at Henry." <<linkappend "Tears welled up in Henry's eyes." t8n>> HENRY: "I'm tired of waiting for you. I'm... tired of watching you destroy yourself. This is so much worse than I could have imagined." [[There was something else I wanted to tell him.|invervent4]]<</linkappend>>

I couldn't talk to either of them... I was overwhelmed. We stayed in Kitty Hawk for the time being, because I felt terrible for my friends, and wanted them to actually enjoy our vacation without worrying about me. They got along just fine, and spent most days sightseeing without me. Beth made small-talk, but Henry... he avoided me. <<linkappend "I needed to go for a drive." t8n>> So, I drove along the coastline one night, reflecting on my life. I felt so depressed, guilty, and //alone//. The monster I'd made? Well... he didn't cross my mind as much as my inner-demons. [[A song came on the radio...|intervent5]]<</linkappend>>

It was a song by Modern English. I was reminded of the //hours// I'd spent listening to their albums in high school... Staying up late, trying to repress my feelings, pining over my friend. At the time, I wasn't cognizant enough to realize... <<set _afterText to "I was in love with Henry. I couldn't avoid telling him anymore. He'd been waiting for me the whole time. [[Oh, god, I had to tell him before it was too late!|intervent6]]">><<link "Was I in love?">> <<replace "#options">>Was I in love? Yes! Was I //gay//? I was, and I always had been. The word hadn't crossed my mind, because of shame. And I was so, so tired of being ashamed.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link "I needed to tell him how I //really// felt.">> <<replace "#options">>I needed to tell him how I //really// felt. Was I //gay//? I was, and I always had been. The word hadn't crossed my mind, because of shame. And I was so, so tired of being ashamed.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link "He'd been waiting for me to come out.">> <<replace "#options">>He knew... I was //gay//. I always had been. The word hadn't crossed my mind, because of shame. And I was so, so tired of being ashamed.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>>

They were waiting for me at the motel. VICTOR: "Henry, can you- I'm just going outside for a bit. To smoke. Yeah." Beth glanced at Henry, then nudged him. He nodded, and followed me outside. HENRY: "So...?" <<set _afterText to 'Tears formed in his eyes. HENRY: "Oh, Victor... you don\'t need to hate yourself for loving someone." [[\'"I\'m a horrible person. You deserve someone better."\'|intervent7]]'>><<link '"I\'m sorry for not being honest with you."'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "I'm sorry for not being honest with you." HENRY: "Yeah, you've made that clear. But... I deserve to know the truth." VICTOR: "I destroyed my life, and hid the monster I created from you. He killed my brother... and threatened you guys. The only reason I pushed you away is... I hated myself. For loving you."<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link '"I have something to say, but I\'m scared."'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "I have something to say, but I'm scared." HENRY: "Victor, stop being scared. It's me." VICTOR: "I destroyed my life, because I was scared of being honest with you. I was too afraid to admit to myself, that... I hated myself for loving you."<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link '"Promise not to judge me for what I\'m about to tell you."'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "Promise not to judge me for what I'm about to tell you." HENRY: "You know... I'm hurt. I don't understand why you can't be comfortable around me. Come //on//, Victor. It's me." VICTOR: "It has nothing to do with you. This is my fault... I destroyed my life, and created the monster that murdered my brother... All because I hated myself. For loving you."<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>>

VICTOR: "Fine. I\'ll create your companion... Just leave my friends out of it. Please." CREATURE: "If that is how things are..." I looked into his cold, murderous eyes. "You will regret this." [[I had to get out of the mountains...|ROUTE B]]

I returned to New Brunswick, my heart heavy with the creature's looming threat. Beth sensed that something was bothering me. Instead of pushing her away, I told her what had happened in the mountains. She //insisted// that I have some fun with her, and to get my mind off of the awful monster. We visited the diners, parks, and convenience stores we'd frequent as teenagers. We cracked jokes as we watched terrible movies at her house. And, best of all... we talked like life was simpler. [[I knew I should ask more about her.|beth]]

Yeah, how was Beth doing? I'd spent so much time lamenting over my own problems, I forgot to be //her// friend. I remember asking... <<set _afterText to 'Then, our laughter subsided. [[She had something more serious to tell me.|beth2]]'>><<link '"How is work going?"'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "How is work going?" BETH: "Oh, you know..." She sighed. "We just get //so// many weird people coming in. I had to repair some guy's ice-cream truck, because he crashed it into his house. How does that even //happen//?" We laughed, as she racked her brain for other funny stories.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link '"Have you been on any dates lately?"'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "Have you been on any dates lately?" BETH: "Oh my //god//." She rolled her eyes. "I think men are just idiots. There was one guy I really liked, and we went out for like.. two months. Then, he mentions in passing that he gets his clothes dry-cleaned every //week//. Turns out, he didn't know how to do laundry!" We laughed together. //Some people...//<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link '"Do you ever run into kids from high school?"'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "Do you ever run into kids from high school?" BETH: "Oh my //god//, now that you mention it..." She smirked. "Remember Pete? I saw him at Stop & Shop... He had //awful// hair... like... a rat's nest. All hairspray. All intentional." We laughed, and quipped about other characters we could remember.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>>

BETH: "Uh... Victor?" VICTOR: "Yeah?" BETH: "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. I haven't seen you this happy in a long time, but..." She looked down for a moment. "I just want to ask you something. Have you stopped to think about why you haven't had a single relationship in your life? Like, uh... how do I put this?" <<set _afterText to 'Beth\'s shoulders tensed. She\'d been holding onto this one for a while. BETH: "Vic, it\'s just //so// obvious. I\'m sorry, I just don\'t want to see you fighting yourself like this anymore." [[Wow, that was a huge bombshell.|beth3]]'>><<link '"I think I know where this is going."'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "I think I know where this is going." BETH: "So then you //do// know? You're gay, Victor."<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link '"I\'m just not interested. Don\'t worry about me."'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "I'm just not interested. Don't worry about me." BETH: "You are, Victor. You're just not interested in girls. Not //once// have I seen you look at a girl the way you look at Henry."<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link '"Hey, you\'re not doing so hot either!"'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "Hey, you're not doing so hot either!" BETH: "Listen! It's not about me. I'm not the one in denial about being gay."<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>>

We were both silent. I just stared at her blankly. BETH: "Anyways, I know that you know. I'm right. I //know// you." Yeah, she did know me. It was bold of her to drop it on me like that, but... I couldn't argue with it. Okay, well... BETH: "You've gotta come to terms with who you are, before it destroys you. If not, well... You've got the kind of intelligence that lets you do //terrible// things. Look what happened to Will..." <<set _afterText to 'BETH: "Yeah, I know... Sorry..." [[She was just trying to help.|beth4]]'>><<link '"I feel so terrible about that."'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "I feel so terrible about that."<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link '"No, I already learned my lesson."'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "No, I already learned my lesson."<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link '"Why would you say something like that!?"'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "Why would you say something like that!?"<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>>

BETH: "Just... Keep Henry close to you, okay? No matter //what// happens... You've got someone who loves you. Don't lose sight of him." <<set _afterText to 'Oh, Beth... You were too good for me. [[I headed out after that.|beth5]]'>><<link 'I smiled at her, and expressed my gratitude.'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "Thanks, Beth. I will."<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link '"Yeah, thanks, mom."'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "Yeah, thanks, mom." I teased her. She rolled her eyes, playfully.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link 'I hugged her.'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "Thanks, Beth."<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>>

I started towards my car. Got in, rolled the windows down. Started the engine. I thought I saw something in the headlights... From afar, a pair of sullen eyes twinkled from behind the picket-fence. <<linkappend "No, it was nothing. I just needed to relax." t8n>> I lit a cigarette, and took a moment to myself. Then, I heard Beth. //Screaming// bloody murder. I //froze//. Another moment passed, and I saw //him//. No, no, //no//. I have to go. NOW. [[I'd never turned the ignition so fast.|beth6]] <</linkappend>>

I couldn't do this anymore. No, Beth wasn't dead. She //couldn't// be. It was all fake. My face was hot, and tears streamed down my cheeks. I drove to Henry's, and parked on the street by his house. Inside my car, I //sobbed// uncontrollably. What was I going to do? Would I get Henry involved? Or... Would I find this thing and kill it myself? [[I couldn't put Henry in harm's way.|noHenry]] [[I had to keep Henry close to me.|CONT. ROUTE B]]

(shorter, sad-ending route, not made yet.) If the player has enough Henry points (max 10), Henry will insist on coming anyways which continues ROUTE B., otherwise, this decision will commence ROUTE C. What happens in ROUTE C: Victor tries to find the monster. He doesn't realize, but Henry starts following him. He hears a scream, and finds the creature standing over Henry, who is dying. Victor is so mad at the creature, he kills him. then, the ending takes place 5 years later, with victor telling the story to some other guy he's in a relationship w/. there's an option at the end saying "what if I could go back in time, to that mountain, and agree to make the female creature? so you can go back and do another route." [[continue route B and pretend you took henry along|CONT. ROUTE B]]

With hesitance, I started towards Henry's door. I had tried my best to wipe my tears away... He opened the door before I could knock. HENRY: "Oh, Victor! I thought that was you. I'm- Oh, are you..." He ran up to me, and wrapped his arm around me. HENRY: "What's wrong??" <<set _afterText to 'VICTOR: "Alright." I took him out to my car, and we sat on the hood. [[I told him everything.|leaving]]'>><<link '"Something terrible happened to Beth."'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "Something terrible happened to Beth." HENRY: "Well, okay. You've gotta tell me... What is it?"<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link '"I can\'t tell you. You\'ll be in danger."'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR:"I can't tell you. You'll be in danger." HENRY: "You can tell me anything. Come on, it's us. You know I'll do anything for you."<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link '"Nothing\'s wrong. I\'m fine... I just needed to see you."'>> <<replace "#options">>VICTOR: "Nothing's wrong. I'm fine... I just needed to see you." HENRY: "Come on, Victor. I can see, something's bothering you. And... You know, you can tell me anything."<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>>

I shook, and my voice wavered as I told my story. Henry wrapped his arm around me, trying to comfort me. VICTOR: "I know how it sounds. I swear to you... I //swear// it wasn't me. And... I was the last person to see her, but why would I want to kill her? I know I seem unhinged, but..." HENRY: "I know. I know you're telling the truth, because if anyone could ressurect dead matter, and create new life... If anyone could be that insane, and that brilliant, it would be you." There was a glimmer of admiration and sadness in his eyes, but... no fear. None at all. <<link [[I'm glad I told him... I couldn't survive this without him.|leaving2]]>><<set $response to "Henry was the only reason I made it out of this nightmare alive.">><</link>> <<link [[I couldn't let him put himself in danger for me...|leaving2]]>><<set $response to "I couldn't let him put himself in danger for me, but... It wasn't up to me. He'd do anything to save me.">><</link>> <<link [[I didn't deserve someone like him.|leaving2]]>><<set $response to "I still don't know how someone like Henry would waste their time on me, but... I'm glad he did.">><</link>>

$response From Henry's house, we drove back down south. He had no doubt, as soon as I told him my story, that the first thing he wanted to do was help me kill the monster I'd created. We both suspected that the creature would want to return to the body of his would-be companion. [[At first, we didn't have much luck.|kill]]

I managed to find my way back to that awful abandoned house on Hatteras island. Everything was... exactly as I'd left it. Henry said we might as well enjoy ourselves, and spend the night in Hatteras. Sure, I thought, I //guess// it wouldn't hurt. We drove to the beach, and I parked close to the water. Again, I was reminded of how wonderfully relaxing it was when the water was louder than my thoughts. [[Henry nervously turned the radio dial.|kill2]]

Henry turned the dial back and forth, nervously switching between stations. He stopped on a station that was playing... was that The Cure? Yeah, it was... a band I obsessed over in high school. It reminded me of... <<set _afterText to '[[I needed to be alone for a bit.|kill3]]'>><<link "The times I spent with Beth.">> <<replace "#options">>All the good times I had with my best friend, Beth Lavenza. Oh, god... who would have known things would turn out like this? She didn't deserve an ending like that.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link 'The nights I spent pining after Henry.'>> <<replace "#options">>All the long nights I had as a teenager, where I pined after that boy, my friend Henry. The man who was now in my passenger seat.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link 'All the ways I felt different from other kids.'>> <<replace "#options">>All the pent-up anger I had. Maybe it was against the world, or maybe it was against myself. But now, there was only one being, one //monster// who would be the recipient of that anger.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>>

VICTOR: "I'll be right back." I grabbed a cigarette, then my pocketknife... for good measure. I set out, walking a short distance from the car. My thoughts were swimming, and I was filled with so much anger at myself... but even moreso, I felt pity on myself. I was about to burst into tears, when... [[I heard Henry cry out for me.|kill4]]

HENRY: "VICTOR! //PLEASE-//" <<linkappend "I ran to my car, as if my life depended on it.">> //No. You can't take anything else from me.// I saw the creature, attempting to tear Henry out of the passenger seat. He looked up at me, grinning. CREATURE: "Is this who you love? Well... not anymore." <<linkappend "//NO. I'm done living in fear of you.//">> I cried out, and lunged at the creature. He pried my body off of him, shoving me into the sand. Then, he turned his attention back to Henry. [[Don't I have something in my pocket?|kill5]]<</linkappend>><</linkappend>>

I grabbed my knife, and lunged at the creature once again. With all my weight, I attempted to pull him down. He tried to shrug me off, when I... <<set _afterText to 'He staggered, then fell into the sand. There lied the lifeless body of the creature I had brought into this world... Now, I\'d taken him out of it. [[I looked up at Henry.|kill6]]'>><<link "I plunged the knife into the back of his head.">> <<replace "#options">>I plunged the knife into the back of his head. He //immediately// froze, and started to fall backward.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link "I slit his throat with the knife.">> <<replace "#options">>I slit his throat with the knife. Unsprurisingly, there was no blood splatter. Nonetheless, he seized up, struggling to breathe. I went in for another swipe, finishing the job.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link "I frantically stabbed his back.">> <<replace "#options">>I frantically stabbed his back. I went for the base of his spine, successfully rendering him immobile. He started stumbling backwards, at which point, I stabbed him once again. This time, in the base of his neck.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>>

Tears streamed down Henry's face, and he breathed heavily. I hopped back into the car, and drove us away from the gory scene. Henry was silent. I kept driving... until I had to pull over for gas. Trying to pass the time as I filled the tank, I grabbed another cigarette. Not having enough presence of mind, I //almost// lit it... Henry didn't think to stop me from setting us on fire. He was frozen in the passenger seat, as he'd been for several hours... staring blankly at the dashboard. [[I kept driving, late into the night.|kill7]]

Finally, we were in New Jersey again. But... I couldn't take us home, not just yet. I pulled over in an empty lot. HENRY: "What are you doing?" I looked at Henry, and he looked back at me wide-eyed. VICTOR: "I don't know what I would have done if he got you. I'm... So, //so// sorry." <<linkappend "He nodded expectantly." t8n>> VICTOR: "I destroyed my life, and created a monster. He killed two people who I loved dearly... And I did it all because I hated myself. For loving you." Tears formed in his eyes. HENRY: "Oh, Victor... you don't need to hate yourself for loving someone." [['"I\'m a horrible person. You deserve someone better."'|kill8]] <</linkappend>>

VICTOR: "I'm a horrible person. You deserve someone better." HENRY: "I know you think I'm so perfect, but... I'm not really such a good person. I don't care what you've done, you know... I just can't help but want to be with you." <<linkappend "He smiled.">> I held his face in my hands, and finally kissed him. I kissed him like I'd been waiting since the day we met. [[Maybe we didn't need to go home, after all...|ENDB]]<</linkappend>>

We never went home after that. Whatever I tried... I knew Beth's parents would think I killed her, and I'd stand accused. Henry couldn't go home, because... well, his father was old-fashioned. Henry dreamed of traveling the world, more than anything else. I think college only called to him because he was attracted to adventure. I couldn't bring myself to even //think// about touching another scalpel, or read another chemistry textbook... [[We fled the country.|b2]]

I guess that's the end of my story, Justine. I'm sorry you had to go through all of that, but I'm glad you were acquitted. And, uh... sorry for leaving without explanation. JUSTINE: "I //knew// it. The whole time, all I could see is how you looked at Henry. We all knew you were, well... I think mom knew, too. You know, she just wanted you to be happy." VICTOR: "I'm doing my best. I think we'll be able to go home soon... But... It's really such a shame, what happened to Beth's parents. Are her sisters coping okay?" JUSTINE: "I think so. They know you loved Beth very much." [[I miss my best friend...|b3]]

Beth is the only reason Henry is still alive, and the only reason we're happily living out our lives together. Her life was cut short, but she left a tremendous mark on the world. Not to mention, my little brother... Will //really// didn't deserve any of this. JUSTINE: "Vic? I'm gonna head out, now. My flight is soon. Just... remember to call Dad, okay? I'll tell him you're okay. He felt like he lost both of his sons that day, you know. I think he's doing better now, but, you know... It's been a decade." [[Maybe I'll go home eventually, but...|b4]]

I look over at Henry, who is observing the Greek countryside out our tiny apartment window. VICTOR: "Do you think we should visit home soon?" HENRY: "I'm okay with going anywhere. But... we don't have to stay for too long." He looks back at me, and smiles.

VICTOR: "I'm a horrible person. You deserve someone better." HENRY: "I know you think I'm so perfect, but... I'm not really such a good person. I don't care what you've done, you know... I just can't help but want to be with you." He smiled. <<linkappend "I held his face in my hands..." t8n>> and finally kissed him. I kissed him like I'd been waiting since the day we met. HENRY: "I'm ready to go home. But things need to be different from now on, okay?" [['"Okay."'|push]] <</linkappend>>

Henry and I stayed outside a while longer, leaning over the railing, enjoying one another's company. No thought of the creature. In fact, our surroundings were suspiciously still. I heard a door open behind us, breaking the silence. I siezed at the sudden noise, but didn't think to look back. Henry continued to watch cars passing by. [[Then, I heard a scream.|push2]]

$response What //I// did made no difference, because... Beth was the best friend I could have asked for. <<linkappend "Everything she'd done for me before paled in comparison to what she did then...">> The creature was so blinded by his new desire for vengeance against Henry, he didn't even //see// Beth. With all the strength she could muster, she ran straight into him, using her weight to push him over the railing. [[That's all it took.|push5]]<</linkappend>>

I wouldn't call dumping a doubly-dead body "cathartic", but... throwing the fragments of this terrible creature into the ocean brought me satisfaction. I was relieved to be free of his threats against my life, and, more importantly... I was rid of everyting he represented. [[It was a dark resolution, but... things were better.|ENDA]]

I guess that's the end of my story, Justine. I'm sorry you had to go through all of that- being accused, but... I'm glad you were acquitted. JUSTINE: "I //knew// it. The whole time, all I could see is how you looked at Henry. We all knew you were, well... I think mom knew, too. You know, she just wanted you to be happy." VICTOR: "I'm doing my best. I think we'll be okay..." [[Poor Will...|a2]]

My poor, innocent little brother... Will //really// didn't deserve any of this... Well, his death made me //truly// afraid of the creature, and seeing a life so pure, cut short... It taught me to appreciate the people in my life more. I was done taking people for granted. JUSTINE: "Vic? I'm gonna head out, now. My flight is soon. Just... remember to come visit, okay? Dad felt like he lost both of his sons that day, you know. I think he's doing better now, but... It's been five years. I had to find out where you are from Beth." [[Maybe I'll go home eventually, but...|a3]]

I look over at Henry, who is admiring our view of the skyline reflected on Puget Sound. VICTOR: "Do you think we should visit home soon?" HENRY: "I'm okay with going anywhere. But... we don't have to stay for too long." He looks back at me, and smiles.

That night, we sat in the waiting room. I kept revisiting my last conversation with Mom. //”Find yourself a girl, please. Someone like your friend Elizabeth. I just want you to be more happy...”// <<linkappend "Of course, that girl Mom spoke of was Beth Lavenza.">> Beth was my best friend, and the keeper of all my secrets. She was never the type to pay much attention in school, but she was still far more insightful than I could ever hope to be. She inherited her father's dry sense of humor, and //may// owe me a few double-spaced essays... <<set _afterText to "[[Mom's dying wish was for me to be with her, right?|deathbed3]]" >><<link "But I owe her my life.">> <<replace "#options">>But I owe her my life. I don't think I'd be where I am- I might not be //alive//- without her friendship.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <<set $bethpts += 1>> <</link>> <<link "And that was okay. I'd do anything for her.">> <<replace "#options">>And that was okay. I'd do anything for her, and I could always count on her to return the favor.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <<set $bethpts += 1>> <</link>> <<link "Yeah... Why'd I have to do her homework so much?">> <<replace "#options">>Yeah, Why'd I have to do her homework so much? Well, she wasn't the best worker, but she //was// the best friend I could ask for.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <</linkappend>>

I tried to ignore the repetitive beeping coming from a hallway of ECG machines. Will drifted off to sleep, leaning against Dad's shoulder. However hard I tried to respect Mom's dying wish, I couldn't see Beth as more than a friend, because…<<set _afterText to "Deep down, I knew why I //really// wasn\'t interested in dating. I was just in denial at the time. [[Speaking of...|clerval]]">><<set _afterText2 to "Well, at the time, I //wanted// to believe it wasn\'t important that I was averse to the idea of dating. [[Speaking of...|clerval]]">> <<link "...Well, I wasn't sure.">> <<replace "#options">>...Well, I wasn't sure.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>><<set $henrypts += 1>> <</link>> <<link "It wasn't important.">> <<replace "#options">>It wasn't important.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText2<</replace>> <</link>> <<link "Who cares?">> <<replace "#options">>I thought, who //cares//? I had other things to worry about. A relationship would just be more stress.<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>>

BETH: "//NO!//" <<linkappend "I turned around...">> and to my dismay, //he// had returned. How had we missed that giant, awful monster coming up the stairs? <<linkappend "Now, the only thing between him and I was Henry.">> He barreled towards us, and I saw a look of vicious, unsurmountable hatred in his eyes. CREATURE: "Is this who you love? Well... not anymore." //NO. I'm done living in fear of you.// [[Oh god, oh god, what could I do??|push3]] <</linkappend>><</linkappend>>

HENRY: "VICTOR! //PLEASE-//" he shrieked. The first thing I thought to do, as the distance between the creature and Henry dwindled... <<link [[Put myself in front of Henry.|push4]]>><<set $response to "I put myself in front of Henry, spreading my arms as much as possible.">><</link>> <<link [[Scream at him.|push4]]>><<set $response to 'VICTOR: "GO AWAY! Why won\'t you //die?//" I screamed.'>><</link>> <<link [[Cover Henry's eyes.|push4]]>><<set $response to "I covered Henry's eyes, sparing him of the events that were to unfold.">><</link>>

Without so much as a strained yelp, he fell down three flights, onto the cracked pavement below. Oh, god... did I even //want// to look? <<set _afterText to '[[He was dead, alright.|push6]]'>><<link "I was morbidly curious.">> <<replace "#options">>I was morbidly curious. I peeked over the railing, and... sure enough, I saw my handiwork, torn apart. Entrails spilled on the concrete, stitched skin split in all the wrong places...<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>> <<link "I never wanted to see that thing again... Yuck!">> <<replace "#options">>I never wanted to see that thing again... Yuck! Beth, on the other hand, couldn't help herself. BETH: "Oh, //gross//! Victor, your monster is more nasty than I thought it would be. I think I'm gonna puke now..."<</replace>> <<replace "#after">>_afterText<</replace>> <</link>>