victor x henry (frankenstein)

Letters (Part 5)

(Victors POV.)

It was the middle of the night. The moonlight shone through my curtains, as I sat at my desk. The light lit up the papers infront of me, revealing the elaborate, yet messy illustrations that laid upon them.

I hadn't slept it who knows how long.. But, I couldn't pull myself away from my work. I furiously scribbled on the paper. Nothing was going my way.. I laid my face in my hands, as the pen fell onto the desk. I had been starting to think that all of my work was for nothing.

I glanced around the room, there was stacks of books and papers everywhere, and dishware littered the room. It practically looked like a cyclone had visited me. Rubbing my forehead, I stood up from my desk. The tapping of rain could be heard from the roof, along with some birds chirping nearby. 

Time seemed to be meaningless to me lately, I went to bed at crazy hours.. And slept into the day. My only company at night was the howl of the wind. I shook away my thoughts, as I made my way downstairs. I couldn't keep working anymore, needing to take my mind of something. 

As I wandered meaninglessly around the room, I spotted a pile of letters sitting upon the table. They were seemingly thrown aside by me, not bothering to open them. I figured I must've been too focused on work..Taking one in my hand, I examined it. 

They were addressed to me...From..Henry. I sighed, picking up the rest of the notes. As I flipped through them in my hand, I realized that.. All of them were from him. A wave of guilt washed over me as I stared at the unopened letters. I had not even bothered to write to Henry.. We hadn't seen eachother in what felt like years. 

Reaching into my pocket, I took out a small pocket knife, and sliced open one of the letters. I unfolded it into my hand, and began reading. The date was from 3 months ago. He wrote about how he enjoyed seeing me.. And wished we could meet up again. Had it really been that long..?

 I opened the next one.. The date was from 2 months ago. The letters contents read that he hoped I was doing ok..And, that he loved me. The more I read, the more ashamed I felt.. He was so kind to me, and I couldn't even be bothered to write back. Reading through the rest of the letters, he had written to me every few weeks, getting more and more concerned for me. The last letter was from a few days ago. 

Dropping the letters, I sat down on the floor, back agains't the wall. I brought my knees to my chest, and rested my head. The notes were sprawled out across the floor next to me. I was exhaused, depressed, and...I felt awful. Though, I didn't cry...I did not have the energy for that. Before I knew it, I had fallen asleep.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The morning sun broke through the curtains, and I was sprawled out on the floor, fast asleep. I slowly opened my eyes, and looked around the room. I had fallen asleep right on the floor. Running my fingers through my hair, I sat up. Somehow I still felt exhaused.. and my body ached from sleeping on the floor all night. 

A knock on the door startled me, and forced me to my feet. Panicked, I neglected to open the door for a few moments. I attempted to make myself look...More presentable, before I cracked open the door. It was..exactly who I worried it might be. Henry Clerval. 

Right as he saw my face, he embraced me tightly. "Oh, Victor! I was so worried about you! I thought something might have happened.." He exclaimed. I hesitated, before hugging him back. "I...Am truely sorry..Henry.." I replied back, feeling extreme guilt. 

"I hadn't realized how much time had passed..I would've written you back- I'm sorry...I just-" I stammered, desperate to explain myself. He pulled away from me, taking his hands in mine. Henry sighed, looking into my eyes. "I understand, Victor.. Of course, I wish you would have written me sooner.. But I'm just happy to see you." He smiled. 

I still felt shameful, but..Henry's words did calm me down. "I really have let go of myself.." I admitted, staring down at the floor. Henry looked to me, "Hey.." He began, as he fixed my coat. "What do you say we.. go get some food together? It will be nice to get away from your research.." Henry offered.

I thought for a moment. "Yes, I did need to focus on my work..It could change the world. But..Maybe..just this once.." I thought, as I looked to Henry, who was smiling cheerfully. "That..that sounds nice." I agreed, as he took my hand.

"Shall we go, then?" Henry asked, and we began walking.