The Justice of a Body Snatcher
– a love story by renan goksin –
Episode Four: The Walnut Tree
Herman lost himself in green chartreuse, toying with the emerald reflections in the glass and the luscious dream that sprawled across his mind. Staring out the window of Lord’s Tavern; he expected to feel nauseous at any moment. The sky grew even paler. Now, a yellowish glow haunted its edges. Finally, growing impatient, he decided to walk to the Vanhausen residence to confirm his dream in broad daylight for once and for all.
The house was located in the central district, but as was generally the case with the wealthy, it could still boast the seclusion of a private lane lined with plane trees. Sparrows darting from one side to the other weaved across Herman’s path. At any other time, Herman would have paused to observe their behaviour, but presently, his excitement over Alphonsina was too great to leave any margin to the study of nature. The three-story mansion with its watchtower confronted the visitor like an apparition from centuries past. The tower, a relic of the spiteful feuds which had once raged amongst the ruling families of Burgen, was now in disuse and almost entirely covered in a shroud of ivy. The pink shutters in the main building were pulled down, the balconies firmly closed; the house, devoid of a human face, betrayed nothing to a stranger except for the silence of its conspiracy. Herman climbed up a walnut tree and spied from there. As still as he could remain, partly due to his allergy, even though the tree was not fruiting, Herman was mindful of touching any leaves. Each time he looked towards the window of Alphonsina’s room, his heart would race, which made him apprehensive, not knowing if it was an allergic reaction or something else. Alphonsina’s absence was conspicuous, for sitting by the window had been the only concession allowed to the poor girl by the family. He saw the gardener come out and cut tulips, while his daughter strolled dangerously close to Herman’s hideout. Towards the afternoon, there appeared to be more activity by the servants’ quarters at the back of the house, which remained out of Herman’s sight. Herman stayed hidden until he saw the four-horse family carriage pull out through the back way and travel in a southerly direction. Then he was convinced.
He immediately rushed to offer his services to his patron and dear friend, Doctor Augustus.
to be continued…
next episode: 5- A River of Humanity
