The Justice of a Body Snatcher
– a love story by renan goksin –
Episode Twenty-one: Lake Valda
“That is entirely irrelevant. You and I have discussed these things in the past. Justice, like religion, is a hallucination.”
Herman was not interested. If he could have been bothered and had the strength, he would have screamed from the depths of his lungs: “There is true justice! You have no idea by what mysterious forces I was led to Alphonsina’s grave. I love her!” Instead, Herman remained silent. He truly wished Dr. Augustus not be there anymore. ‘Soon, soon,’ he thought to himself, ‘as soon as Alphonsina is well again, we will be gone.’
Could he really trust Augustus in this situation, he wondered. The Doctor made no secret that he valued knowledge above human life and was proud of it. Even in the bedroom, where Alphonsina lay, the walls were covered with diagrams and maps. He had recently pinned handwritten notes on a world map where Africa loomed large at its centre. All this research, what was the point of it all without love? Herman had often wondered what would happen if someday there was no one left on earth, what would happen to all these maps and writings? Would the words depart with the last human alive as well? Or even worse, if he should be that last person, sole beneficiary and the custodian of the entire human journey, but without anyone to share it with, it would be devoid of any meaning. “We only live once, and we will do it together, my love!” he whispered to Alphonsina.
Dr. Augustus, despite his innate stoicism, could not help but be moved by his friend’s transformation.
“I know someone who lives in one of the villages by Lake Valda,” he said. “He is a retired physician. I can arrange for Alphonsina to stay there after birth. You could accompany her as well and look after her well-being if that is what you wish to do.”
Herman felt insulted that the Doctor should even feel the need to mention such a thing. Of course, he would be with Alphonsina! He would be taking care of her for the rest of his life. No other course was possible! They were two outsiders reborn together by a miracle.
“She will need support,” continued the Doctor, “even though her body may be healed, the malice that caused it will still be lurking. I hope the baby will deliver a good cause and remedy for her to embrace life. It does not escape me, Herman, that you foster deeper feelings towards her than just a sense of obligation. I am a man too; I can see how beautiful she is.
It is now very peaceful at Lake Valda, since fishing has been banned. My friend will be pleased to receive you both. Who knows, maybe you will see the comet together when it returns in two years! But she should not leave until the baby is born. I am afraid that at this stage, there might still be complications with the pregnancy.”
to be continued…
next episode: 22- The Story of the Rose
