Short chapter!
Moritz's POV
If I ever thought that Frau Gabor could be cruel, than I know now for sure she is. My letter was replied to.
"Dear Herr Stiefel… Moritz," she wrote. "I've spent the entire day thinking about your note. Truly, it touched me, it did, that you'd think of me as a friend. Of course, I was saddened to hear that your exams came off rather less well than you'd hoped, and that you will not be promoted, come fall.And, yet, I must say straightaway that fleeing to America is hardly the solution and, even if it were, I cannot provide the money you request…"
Well I guess writing wasn't worth it. She's already rejected me.
"You would do me wrong, Herr Stiefel to read into my refusal any lack of affection. On the contrary, as Melchior's mother, I truly believe it to be my duty to curb this momentary loss…"
Momentary loss? My father's kicked me out and I'm not going back to school. Is that a momentary loss to you? All I need is some money for a ship to America. The Gabors aren't poor. Is that so much to ask?
"Should you like, I am ready to write your parents. I will try to convince them that no one could've worked harder last semester and also that too rigorous a condemnation of your current misfortune could have the gravest possible effect on…"
The absolute absurdity of her words makes me want to laugh. She wants to write to my parents? Go ahead! They won't listen! I'm an embarrassment! I'm a failure! Humor me, Frau Gabor…
"Still, Herr Stiefel, one thing in your letter disturbed me. Your – what shall we call it? – veiled threat that should escape not be possible you would take your own life…"
Oh, so now she's gone back to caring.
"My dear boy, the world is filled with men – businessmen, scientists, scholars even who have done rather poorly in school and yet, gone on to brilliant careers. Consider for example our friend..."
I can't go home. I don't have a home anymore. I tried. If I disappear no one would ever know. No one would even care.
"In any case, I assure you that your present misfortune will have no effect on my feelings for you or, on your relationship with Melchior…"
I'm not worried about my relationship with Melchior. I feel like just caving to all this pressure and giving up. I can feel the tears pricking at my eyes but I wipe them away.
"So, head high, Herr Stiefel! And do let me hear from you soon. In the meantime, I am unchangingly, and most fondly yours, Fanny Gabor."
I start tearing her letter to pieces. "Fuck it!" I shout. "I give up! That's it! I'll go on a little bit. Day after day of utter shit!" I pull my father's silver pistol out of my pocket. The gun weighs heavily in my hand. I gaze at myself in its shiny reflection. "And then there were none."
Ohmygod foreshadowing!!!
