The Snake and The Rabbit

Introduction

As it has been, I have seen many things being a doctor. My profession has taken me on an eventful journey. A journey that I would not trade for all the jewels in the crown. I have learned much of life, of death. Though powerless to save my own; for I am dying. Thankfully; an old man full of days.

After much pleading with my goodly wife, she has agreed to chronicle one last adventure for me. The power of my hands has left me. Scotland Yard’s greatest detective could never decipher one word written by my enfeebled hands. It pains me to think that I am able in mind yet feeble in body.

We have bickered for months now of this undertaking. She says, ‘it will no doubt be the death of me. And if the subject was meant to be buried, I should comply’. My nightmares will not let me rest. Neither of us can count the nights I have woke screaming or crying. If this is truly to be the death of me, my only regret is leaving her behind.

I must get this out. I must tell this amazing tale and leave the world with a true description of my best friend. The brain with a body as an appendage did have a heart. It bled like any mans. And it was my great sorrow to have witness the occasion.

Heaven, how I miss him. He has been gone long before me. Toward the end of our friendship, time and space kept us from seeing each other with any great degree. No day goes past that I think not of him and his amazing talents.

If I have learned nothing, it is that no event, no matter how trivial has an effect.

My dreams have transformed into nightmares. Visions of my friend. Visions of time long past.

I make no small secret that I never fully understood the malaise of his mind. Why it always had to be running. But as much as I knew of the man, there was so much I did not. Never will.

I am sure; if he were here he would no doubt scold me for reading too much into this unique story. ‘Romanticizing it for the public at large’. I am not having this written for the public: though I am sure at some point long after my death the public will acknowledge this account. I have to lay to rest a matter that has consumed me for years. Dreadful images flash over and over in my mind. I have seen the battles of war, but nothing has haunted me so.

I have written many narratives about my friend over the years. And have never really been a wordy person. I have tried to get to the point of the story highlighting the many uncommon and most of the time inhuman abilities that he possessed. However, on this occasion, I feel great attention must be given to words as well as actions.

The Snake and The Rabbit