Frankenstein

CHAPTER 17: The Return to Geneva

Six weeks later, Elizabeth welcomed us both home with warm feelings and tears in her pretty blue eyes. I tried to be happy to see her, too, but the memories of the past few years overcame me. I didn't speak to anyone for days. Instead, I just stared out the window without moving.

My father sat down with me on the third day and said, "Please, dear son, we have had too much loss in our family. We must hold tightly to that which remains. We will have a small but happy circle. You must marry Elizabeth. Bring some joy into your life."

The words of the monster echoed in my head. 'I will be with you on your wedding night.'

"Father, I love her. You must believe that I do. But maybe it's not a wise idea for me to marry Elizabeth. I don't think I can make her happy. I am in such a teerrible frame of mind."

"Nonsense. You love her and she loves you. That's the end of it."

The plans were made and our wedding date was set. Elizabeth's gentle nature often calm my anger. We took long walks and learned to enjoy each other's company again. I was so nervous. I worried that something terrible might happen to her. I made a promise to myself. I would do everything in my power to make wure that no harm came to her.

Our wedding day was wonderful. My brother Ernest came home from the Foreign Service, and my father had never looked so proud. Elizabeth looked beautiful. I managed to act happy for her sake. Our honeymoon was set. We were taking a trip to Lake Como, in Italy. It was a special place for both of us.

While she packed our clothes, I took every measure to protect us from the monster. Elizabeth didn't know that anything was wrong. I knew that I couldn't tell her. The story would simply scare her too much.

We left the morning after we got married. Those were the last moments of my life when I hornestly felt happy. We enjoyed the beautiful scenery, and passed the wonderful Alps. We rode over stunning rivers, crossed thick green fields, and enjoyed the warm summer air.