Glint and Precurse

Where We Left Off

"I have come to believe that the whole world is an enigma, a harmless enigma that is made terrible by our own mad attempt to interpret it as though it had an underlying truth."

― Umberto Eco, Foucault's Pendulum

Glint & Precurse

Claire - 4208

It's a woman's body now. I thought I would take some liberties to make this process a little more exciting. Although the other subjects I have possessed have posed to be quite interesting, there is nothing more satisfying than seeing the expression of a loved one suffering. There is something about the way they realize that their whole life has been a lie—nothing more than a hoax—that really fills in the voracious, importunate urges that form my soul. I wonder if it has to do with my history? Do these temptations and urges come from past events in my tedious, overlong life? If only I were able to recall those happenings, would I understand why I am here?

Nonetheless, this is my fate, my sole purpose for existence. Deep down, I know there is reason, and that what I am doing is for the best. If I reach far enough into the abyss that makes up my soul, I achieve satisfaction with the scrupulous thoughts that haunt me every second of this new life.

Is there another way? Is there another way out of this perplexing predicament that I have, over time, lowered myself unconsciously into? Surely, there must be! Though, if I decide to change things now, it may effect everything I have built up thus far! I certainly wouldn't want such a thing! Therefore, I shall continue to purge my desires on this innocent boy, stealing universes and lifetimes of happiness over and over. Maybe—and only maybe—shall I be freed from this existence.

The timer has gone up by one digit yet again. Instead of the four thousand two hundred and eight that was displayed during the previous purging, the eight has lost its bottom left, vertical line in order to represent the number nine.

I am currently laying down in his parent's bed, which is occupied by Robert and I. He is fast asleep, and has no idea how much I know. Even if I were to tell him directly, I doubt he could even fathom the tale. It would be quite interesting to see his expression, however. Maybe I could get the same kind of rush I receive when I dismember Carter's young, innocent body, or when I nail him to the wall to watch him cry out to his mother. This really will be interesting, won't it?

I put a hand on Robert's shoulder, and shake him awake. He blinks about two or three times, then realizes where he is.

"Oh, hey. What's up?"

I just sit there without making a sound.

"Claire? Is something wrong?"

Finally, I begin speaking. "Do you even know who I am?"

"Of course! You are the love of my life, Claire! You are the only person I think about day and night, and the one who fills my life with happiness."

Lies. I know what he has done, and those are all lies. If anything, he should be punished along with Carter.

"You are wrong," I say, still trying to adjust to the unfamiliar vocal cords lodged in this corrupted individual.

"What are you talking about? Those aren't lies. What has gotten into you? Did you have a bad dream or something?