The Conductor

I spent the past three nights finishing the book that I found.
Every word of every page; I was captivated until the very end.

A man ahead of his time found the secret of life, created a human-like being from various body parts, and brought it to life once again.

However, his downfall was the final outcome.

I stood up from my chair, putting on my shoes and tying my bowtie around my neck before I made my way downstairs, pulling on my jacket.

A walk into town – I need to purchase more supplies and another flask.

Various words around me, uttered using hushed voices.

“Isn’t that the marionette maker?”

“He’s a mysterious man, all right.”

“Stay away from men like him, Sara.”

“I heard his wife was murdered.”

“I heard that he murdered his wife.”

The words do not stop.

I pay for the materials – wood, fabric, hair, paint – and the two flasks.
The vendor held a wary eye – I left, still feeling the eye watching my every move.

The words do not stop.

“Such a sad man.”

“Elizabeth was rumored to be a harlot. The unborn child may have not been his.”
“All the more reason to murder her.”

I bit down on my lip as I sped up my pace.

I did not murder Elizabeth. I would not murder Elizabeth.

I loved her.

| x | x | x |

Head.
Neck.
Torso.

Arms.
Legs.
Hands.
Feet.

Systems: Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nervous, Muscular, Skeletal…

I brought the flask to my lips as I skimmed through the pages of the human anatomy book I found hidden in the bookshelf.

Brain, heart, lungs, stomach, kidneys, upper and lower intestines…

The way everything functions.
The way everything connects.

Just like a marionette without strings.

Another drink.

I don’t want to feel the ache of loneliness anymore.

Another drink.

Interacting with the people outside of my home is not an option – to them, I’m only significant for my work.

Another drink.

What if I fabricate a companion of my own?

I froze, shocked by the question that just passed through my mind.
I placed the flask down and stood up, pacing back and forth.

“It’s insane. The idea alone is just insane.”

What if it was possible?

I ran my hands through my hair, tugging at it.

What if I could do it?

A twisted smile crept its way to existence.

I could piece my companion together to be far more presentable than Frankenstein’s monster.

I could teach him everything that he needs to know.

I would not disown him. I would not abandon him.
I would protect him at all costs.

I can learn from Frankenstein’s mistakes, even if it is just a fictitious novel.

All these thoughts sent unnerving chills down my spine; however, I couldn’t help but revel at the feeling.

I could end my sorrow!
I could end my misery!
I could end my loneliness!

I could end everything that pains me!

All I need is to research, and to obtain the crucial materials.