Alice's Life in Wonderland

Chapter Twenty-Three - John and a bit of Antony

The death of Joanne Wolfson brought the people who knew a heavy heart. The maids of the Chester household wept at work. Melanie bawled for hours, with Count William Chester comforting her. Alice cried and cried for days, mourning for her friend.

John Wolfson never cried or mourned. He kept his tears. Every day, he would be found standing on a cliff near the Mock Beach, looking far away, facing the Sea of Wonder.

Joanne Wolfson's funeral was short, but sweet. Her tombstone laid near a patch of flowers in the Wonderland Church's graveyard. Flowers were laid before the stone, paying respects to the little nature spirit.

This time, John let a tear come out, and no more. Later, he was found again by the cliff.

"When Father died," he said to Alice. "He told us to take care of each other. I was also warned to be very careful when it was the night of the full moon. He told her to keep me indoors at times like this. I was so dumb to get out on the day of a full moon..."

"Is it really so dangerous?"

"Quite so. And because I am the protector of the Howling Wolves and also leader of the pack, I am very deadly. I can instruct them to do whatever I want. When I turn into a wolf, I forget everything. Sometimes, bits come to my mind, but don't help much. All goes into my head are thoughts of a wild wolf. So it is best for me to be kept indoors on the nights of the full moon, away from the moonlight."

"But Joanne..."

"It's all in the past. I sometimes still imagine she's still by my side, smiles and all. The truth is the truth, no one can change it. I just hope her soul forever rest in peace in heaven."

"Has she been a good sister?"

"Of course, the best of the best."

The other day, Alice met General Antony Le Cœur in the market.

"Ah, mademoiselle! It's a pleasure to see you again," said the General.

"Me too," smiled Alice, trying not to think about the accident.

"I... I am very sorry for everything that happened."

"If it wasn't an accident, it would have been considered as crime and worthy of death, monsieur."

"Yes... yes... I know..."

A soft wind blew by, and the General of Hearts added,

"Oh yes, Mr. Hatter sends his best wishes."

"Just that?"

"Yes, he has been very busy lately ma'am. About... well..."

"I know," replied Alice softly and she lowered her head.

"I am very sorry about that, too," said Antony and his expression was sorrowful.

"Seems I'm not the only one who is not glad about this marriage."

"Uh... Alice. Do you understand French?"

"Why yes, I speak it quite well."

"Well then, since not so many people understand this language. It will be safe for me to tell this to you.

"Okay?"

'"Il s'agit de la reine."

"Alors?"

"Je suis amoureux d'elle."

"General!" Alice gasped. "You can't be!"

"I am!" cried the General as he fought back tears. "I am in love with her and she doesn't know and she loves who you love instead!"

"But... but... what will she say?"

"She never knows. I don't even have the chance to tell her. She's too busy with... chores."

"Ah... chores."

Suddenly, a trumpet blasted through the street.

"I have to go now! Au revoir, Mademoiselle!"

"Au revoir, General!"

That night, as Alice got home, she cooked dinner as usual and read her letters. None were from Hatter, as she expected. But there was one from the Queen.

Curiously, she opened it and gasped at its contents.

With a thud, she collapsed on the floor and went out cold.