CHAPTER THIRTEEN

A Confession

I began to look for you. I knew that you lived in a place called Geneva, because I had listened to the geography lessons that Felix taught Safie. I knew which way I had to travel to find the city.

You understand, Frankenstein, that at this time my heart was filled with hate. You gave me a body, a mind, and feelings. Then you left me alone in the world to be feared and hated by everyone, and I know that you hate me the most of all. I truly believed you were evil, and I still think God will punish you for the terrible thing you have done to me.

I traveled in the dark so no one would see me. It was winter, and often snow fell. But I almost never stopped to rest. I thought of nothing but finding you. When I reached the edge of Switzerland, it was springtime. I decided to enjoy the warm, sunny days and travel during the daytime. But I would make sure to travel through the forest, so no one would see me. However, one day I reached a river. Suddenly I heard voices near me. I hid behind a tree and watched a little girl run by me. She was laughing, and I thought she was playing a game with someone behind her. Suddenly, she fell into the river.

The strength of the flowing water quickly pulled her away from the edge. I knew I had to save her, or she would die. I jumped in and swam to her. I carried the unconscious girl to shore, and she was just waking up, when her father grabbed her from me and ran away. I started to follow them, trying to talk to him. But suddenly he pointed a gun at me and shot! I fell to the ground, crying out in pain.

I had saved the child's life, and this was my reward! Now, I hated the world even more. I had to spend the next few weeks in the forest, resting and healing myself. Finally, I was able to continue traveling.

Two months later, I reached the forest outside of the city of Geneva. I was tired and hungry, and had just sat down under a tree. I was thinking about how I would find you, and what I would say to you. Suddenly a little boy came running towards me. For a moment, I felt some hope. Here was a child, who probably was not afraid of ugly people, like adults were. Maybe he could be my friend. As the boy ran past me I reached out and grabbed him. He covered his face with his hands and screamed. I did not want him to scream, because others might hear him. I said gently, "I'm not going to hurt you."

"A monster!" he screamed. "Let me go! My father is an important man, and if you hurt me he'll find you and hurt you, too! His name is Alphonse Frankenstein ... "

"Frankenstein?" I screamed. "You come from the family of my enemy. Now, I will have my revenge. I will kill you to punish HIM." The child continued to fight and scream terrible things at me. I grabbed his throat and squeezed it. In a moment he was dead, his neck broken. I realized that I had killed an innocent person, and I fell to the ground in horror. I cried as I looked at the little child on the ground. But I knew that this would make you feel great pain, and in a moment, I was glad that I had killed him! As I stared at the dead boy, I saw a necklace around his neck. I picked it up and went closer to the city of Geneva. Soon, I came to a barn. I saw a young woman sleeping there. I wanted to wake her up, but I knew she would only scream. Later, she might remember me, and learn that I was the boy's killer. Even though I did not know what she would do, I decided to make her suffer anyway. I put the necklace in the pocket of her dress. Of course, I knew that when it was found, everyone would believe that she was the killer.

When I had done this, I waited until the boy's body was found. Then, when no one was watching, I followed everyone into the city.

I began walking through Geneva, and through these mountains near the city. I knew that one day I would find you. I have waited for this moment for a long time. And now, at last, it is here!

(end of section)