In the Victorian Age, people dreaded being buried alive so much that some clever master allegedly decided to invent special safety coffins. There was a bell that the unfortunate could ring thanks to a string, which led to people noticing that the corpse was, in fact, not one.
Once upon a time, there was a man called Benedict, not very charmful nor fun to be around. He loved to brag about his beautiful rich wife, making sexist comments about her with people very often. She was the wealthiest of the couple, but he was not too poor either. However, people still loathed him from the bottom of their heart. They despised him so much that they barely said his name when chatting about him. “Gibface”, that is how they would call him. That was also due to his physical appearance; he was a pretty unattractive person, considered too disgusting to be with such a stunning elegant woman who certainly did not deserve him.
-Pray tell, dost thou possess any tidings pertaining to Gibface? (So, do you have any news about Gibface?)– The gentleman sipped his glass of ruby-red wine.
-Pray allow me a moment’s reflection… Verily, with the passage of years, my faculties have waned, and it requires a measure of time for my mind to conjure a reminiscence… (Let me think… You know, I’ve gotten older, it takes time for my brain to formulate a memory…)– This one gentleman tapped his wrinkly chin, in search of a thought, which suddenly crossed his mind. -There, behold! I had completely forgotten for a fleeting moment. Verily, concerning Gibface… (There, there it is! I had forgotten it for a minute. Yes, about Gibface…)– The elderly gentleman coughed a few times, his throat still not clearing in the slightest, but such a misfortune did not stop him from keeping the other man waiting. -A gentleman did convey to me that he beheld the wretch delivering kicks to an unfortunate stray feline, who but desired a morsel of sustenance! How very insensible is that act! (A gentleman told me he saw him kicking a poor stray cat who just craved some food! How insensitive is that?)
The other soul listening chuckled. -Alas, I possess naught a fondness for felines, thus I can scarcely summon any sympathy. However, in regard to the gentleman, such conduct was to be anticipated, I should think! – (Oh my, I don’t like cats, therefore I can barely feel any sympathy. But considering the man, I would have expected that from him!)– He almost choked on his wine for the increase of sniggers leaving his mouth.
-Oh, dear sir, how might you derive pleasure from such an act? An animal is indeed a vibrant being, endowed with a soul! (Oh you, how could you find pleasure in such an act? An animal is still a lively creature, one with a soul!)
-Indeed, I beseech your pardon. I found that rather peculiar, if I may confess. One can anticipate naught but the most curious of antics from a gentleman such as Gibface. (Yes, I apologise. I just found that quite particular, if I must admit. You can expect everything from such a man like Gibface.) The hour hath come for me to return to mine abode. It hath been a delight to have engaged in discourse with thee, dearest Charles. I fervently wish thee every success and fervently hope for our imminent reunion! (It’s time I shall go home. It was a pleasure to have chatted with you, dear Charles. I wish you the best of luck and hope to see you soon!)
-It was indeed a most delightful occasion to have beheld you once more, and I earnestly anticipate our next encounter in this esteemed place in the near future. (It was a pleasure to have seen you once again and I hope to meet you again soon, here.)
The day soon faded away, leaving the bitten moon alone in the firmament. It slept too, but without forgetting to brighten the inhabitants under it. It kept an eye on them. However, it could not stop what it was about to see.
A trio of merchants was sitting on a bench in a wide green park, surrounded by the night’s free air and watching around the empty quiet city. -Gibface doth verily vex me to no end, good sirs. (Gibface is really getting on my nerves, men.)- One of them destroyed the silence. -This very afternoon, I was regrettably afforded the opportunity to make his acquaintance, and only the Almighty above can fathom the depths of my desire to throttle him with mine own hands. (I had the unfortunate occasion of meeting him this afternoon, and only the divine God up there knows how much I want to strangle him with my bare hands.)
-Indeed, thou dost make a grand assertion. What transgression hath the Gibface committed this occasion? (That’s a big statement of yours. What was Gibface’s deed this time?)
-He persistently regaled others with narratives of his intimate affections towards his amiable spouse! What manner of gentleman art thou, to reveal such particulars to those who have never set foot within thy domicile? Yet above all, what transgressions might his fair lady have committed in a former existence to be sentenced to such a fate in this one? (He kept sharing his private love episodes with his gracious wife! What man can you be, for you to spread these details to people who have never stepped in your home before? But most of all, what could his lady have done in her past life to deserve such a punishment in the current one?)
-Oh dear me… That is quite intolerable! – One of the merchants uttered, as the other one stared at the speaker worriedly, until he finally jumped in the conversation as well. -His good wife must surely be apprised of such a matter! (His wife must know about this!)– His head shook in disappointment, not in the man, but more in the human species.
-Nay, such a truth would be too grievous for the lady to bear! She is most unworthy of further wretchedness! (No, that would be too painful for the woman to acknowledge! She does not deserve any more misfortunes!)– He defended her emotional wellness.
-Oh, William! To exist ensnared within a falsehood is a far greater misfortune than enduring a harsh verity! (Oh, William! To live in a lie is way more of a misfortune than living in a harsh truth!)
-Such is thine reality! Pray, what if I were to convey that we exist within a grand deception? Forsooth, that is verily what it be! Nay, nay. I shall refrain from pursuing this discourse further, lest I descend into unwarranted philosophy. Merely understand that it is of little avail to strive for authenticity whilst dwelling upon this orb known as Earth! (That’s your reality! Well, what if I told you that we live in a lie? Because that’s what it is! No, no. I won’t go on, or I’ll get too philosophical. Just know that it’s useless to try to be genuine when you’re living on something called planet Earth!)- The one in the middle, who was the one talking first, counterattacked.
-Desist from uttering such folly. I believe that lady ought to be apprised of with whom she consorts at night! (Stop talking nonsense. I think that woman should know who she’s sleeping with!)- He confidently rebutted. -Dear Oscar, pray tell, what dost thou think of this matter? Cease thy silent and unwavering gaze upon us! (Oscar, what do you think about this? Stop staring at us so silently!)
-I am uncertain as to the most prudent manner of contemplation in such a circumstance. Both parties possess their own veracity, yet I desire to maintain a stance of neutrality in this discourse, for such is my nature. (I’m not sure what is the best way of thinking in such a situation. Both of you are correct in your own ways, I just want to be neutral in such a conversation, because that’s what I am.)– He slightly shrugged, his eyes looking down at his own feet and then up to the sky.
-Very well, gentlemen, I might possess an inkling of an idea, albeit it may be of a rather macabre nature for your sensibilities. (Okay. Well, men, I might have an idea, but it may be macabre for you.)- The man between the other two prevented the argument from going on.
-Macabre, you say? Pray tell, what notion could possess such a grim visage as to send a tremor through my very being? (Macabre? Which idea may be macabre enough to shock me?)– William replied.
-Wouldst thou deem me mad should I declare that mine earnest desire at this very moment is to liberate the world from the clutches of such a man? (Would you think I’ve gone insane if I told you that my very wish right now is to free the world from such a man?)– He stroked his own hand.
-Is it that which occupies my thoughts, or doth my own mind meander towards perdition? (Is it what I’m thinking or is my very own mind wandering to hell?)- His eyes widened and shone with fear, but admiration at the same time.
-What other matter could I be alluding to, if not the heinous act of murder? (What else could I be referring to, if not the act of murder?)- The two merchants stared at the one in the middle confusedly and took some time to think about what had just been uttered.
-Whence doth such a thought arise, in the bosom of profound loathing? (Where does such a thought come from, if not from deep hatred?)
-Oh, naught but a mere loathing, I assure thee. (Oh nothing, except mere loathing.)- He giggled, hiding his smirk with his hand. -Antipathy and antipathy. – He heaved a sigh that seemed prideful.
-Never in all my days have I harboured such animosity toward another soul. Pray, believe me, good sirs, I have encountered countless fools. (Never have I in my life hated someone this much. And trust me, men, I’ve met so many idiots.)
-Pray, I do believe I shall abstain from this matter, good sir. Nevertheless, should it prove requisite, I shall render my protection unto you. (Uh, I think I will stay out of this, man. However, I will cover you up if that’s necessary.)- The quietest man spoke, the one who considered himself to be neutral. The other who had kept silent, nodded slightly. -I shall shroud thee as well. (I will cover you up as well.)– He patted the hateful man’s shoulder. -I must confess, I find myself in disagreement with thy sentiments; thus, I shall refrain from interposing. Thou art a gentleman of mature years, and as such, art at liberty to engage in actions of thine own volition, be they commendable or otherwise. I shall keep the wife of Gibface in my prayers. (I really don’t agree with you, therefore I’ll stay out of this. I think that you’re an adult man, and as an adult man, you’re free to commit things. Whether those are good or bad. I will pray for Gibface’s wife.)– Soon after that moment, the determined man, whose name was Elmer, greeted his dear companions, thanking them from the bottom of his heart, although the plan had all been left in his hands. There was no greater thing in mind than Benedict’s, also known as Gibface, destruction. It just took Elmer a lonely stroll in the dark for an idea to spring up in his head.
The following day, Benedict, as usual, strolled until he found Elmer’s great market. -Good day, dearest sir… What doth occasion thy presence here this day? (Hey, dear man… What brings you here today?)- He coughed a few times, preventing himself from giggling, his mind already living in the future he planned.
-Nay, alas! Nothing of import! I have, yet again, left mine wallet at home; oh, what a foolish creature I am! (No, nothing! I forgot my wallet again at home, oh what an airhead I am!)– He always used that excuse not to buy anything, making himself look even more stupid to the eyes of people. -But, dear me! That lady of mine, once more, desired to engage in an amorous embrace last night! Pray, might I crave a moment of respite? I was compelled to indulge her, after all. How can a woman maintain her sanity, devoid of pleasant diversions with her husband? (But oh, you know! That woman of mine, once again, wanted to make love last night! Oh, can I have some rest? I had to satisfy her, after all. How can a woman stay sane without some fun time with her husband?)– He laughed like a stupid donkey, receiving a forced but weird smile from the one having to bear him. -Count thyself fortunate to possess a wife of such quality. I am certain that numerous souls would delight in occupying thy situation. (Consider yourself lucky to have a wife like that. I’m sure many people would like to be in your place.)- He replied, keeping calm thanks to the thought that soon he would not have to see those eyes open anymore. -Pray, good sir, might I inquire if thou art at liberty this fine eve? I have recently procured a most exquisite white vintage and am most desirous of partaking in its delights with a companion. (By the way, gentleman… Are you free this evening? You know, I’ve recently bought a new fine white wine and I’m craving to taste it with someone…)- He finally had the appropriate occasion to giggle.
-Oh, what a most delightful notion! Indeed, I could be the fortunate soul to endeavour this venture alongside you. Yet, I earnestly hope my lady harbours no desire to uncover her garments this eve! Unless such an occurrence transpires, I remain at your disposal. (Oh, what a wonderful idea. Yes, I could be the one lucky enough to try it out with you… However, I hope my woman won’t have the intention to take off her clothes this evening!
Unless that happens, yes, I’m available to you.)- He burst into laughter, attracting the unwanted but deserving the attention of the inhabitants. The patient man’s eyeballs grew, feeling rage coming out from his core. ‘What more odious phrases might this swine of a gentleman express? Such utterance is simply intolerable!’ (What more disgusting words could this pig of a man utter? That is so unacceptable!) He gulped his wrath away. -I perceive. Should you find yourself at leisure, do visit me at my abode. I trust you have not forgotten its whereabouts. (I see. In case you’re available, meet me at my place. I’m assuming you did not forget its location.)
-I recollect, I do indeed! I fervently wish to partake of thy exquisite wine rather than my dear spouse this eve! (I remember, I remember! I hope to be savouring your wine instead of my wife this evening!)- That caused another extreme snigger from the man. ‘O, my heavens! I find it most astonishing that a mind could descend into such depravity as to utter those most regrettable words! I am most grateful that this odious creature shall soon be dispelled from our midst. (Oh, my God! I cannot believe that a mind can be so impure resulting in those words to be said! I’m so glad this pig will be gone soon.)’ Benedict would have soonly gone on walking, leaving Elmer with his swallowed ire.
In the early evening, this last mentioned one’s anger developed into pure adrenaline. He could already imagine the hated man on the ground, begging for another breath to be had. Elmer already possessed some rat poison in his larder and it took him less than a second to pour some in the glass of wine destined to Benedict, in case he would come. And oh, if he did come. Knock knock. Who’s there?
-I am profoundly delighted to welcome you this evening to my humble abode! Pray, observe, the glasses are already arrayed upon the table. I could scarcely contain my anticipation! How joyous it is that you have graced me with your presence; my lips began to salivate at the mere sight of the wine. (I’m so delighted to have you here tonight, at my place! Look look, the glasses are on the table already. I could not wait any second more! I’m glad you’ve come; my mouth was starting to water at the sight of the wine.)- The smile he had on his visage was probably the widest he had ever had.
-Indeed, indeed. Let us not squander another fleeting moment, for I am most eager to partake of your exquisite vintage! (Yes, yes. Let’s not waste any more second, I’m curious about trying your fine wine!)- He dashed to the table, causing Elmer’s heart to almost stop for a moment. He quickly ran to the table as well, grabbing the unpoisoned glass. -A toast to your most esteemed self! May this fine vintage cleanse our spirits! (Cheers to you! May this fine wine clear our soul!)- Both of them drank, each of them with a different expression. Elmer’s face screamed excitement and adrenaline. He could barely feel the taste of the wine going down his throat, it was more like he was swallowing his accumulated hatred. The struggling man, instead, began coughing like crazy, his face turning into a purplish colour. He kept wondering what was going on and what had brought him to end up feeling like that. He could not speak. Only coughs, coughs and coughs, until the ground embraced him. -Oh, dear me! – The satisfied man faked his worry. He stopped the moment Benedict’s eyes closed. After waiting for a few minutes, taking his time to finish his wine, Elmer went searching for help, activating his actor self.
In less than an hour, everyone, Benedict’s wife included, got to know about this. Elmer’s merchant friends’ acting skills were also shown off. Benedict was visited by a physician to then be declared dead. It was thought that he had died because of choking.
After not too many days, the funeral was set. People cried their eyes out, Elmer trying to force himself to do the same, but just ending up looking like a tough man whose emotions are buried in his soul. It’s important to underline Benedict’s type of grave. Both him and his wife had previously paid for them to have a safety coffin the moment they were buried, so that was where Benedict was lying in.
It was night. A few days had passed since the man’s burial. It was dark outside, but inside as well. The eyelids freed the eyes. -Whither… (where…)- Benedict moved his head as much as he could, trying to look around. It was just a matter of seconds before he began kicking his limbs against the wooden coffin, feeling his breath get more and more frantical, desperately trying to gain some air welcomed by a small tube (connected to the outside, or upside, world), collocated on the coffin top, which was a feature of the safe coffin he had been buried in. His eyes bleeded immense tears, his lungs not wanting to get used to the little air arriving at them. -NAY! LIBERATE ME! LIBERATE MY WRESTED SOUL! FOR I REMAIN ENSCONCED WITHIN THIS LIFELESS HUSK! AAAGH! (NO!
LIBERATE ME! LIBERATE MY TORTURED SOUL! I’M TRAPPED IN THIS CORPSE! AAAGH!)-
He rang the bell violently, screaming in deep agony and begging for release. He had gotten into a brief coma, as his body remained stiff for the previous days. The one to have pronounced him dead had missed the man’s weak heartbeats, making an enormous mistake.
For his great misfortune, the graveyard Benedict was buried in was far from where the alive souls lived. No one heard him. As minutes passed by, he mastered his breath control, now viewing his fate hopefully, albeit he never ceased the bell ringing.
Elmer, keen on solitary strolls in the night, decided to go greet his dear friend, for his own ego to be fulfilled. He stepped into the graveyard, a smile lingering on his human canvas. His heart skipped a beat the moment he noticed the bell moving. He shook his head furiously. -Nay, nay… it is inconceivable that any semblance of sentience doth persist… (No, no… there’s no way he’s still sentient…)- He whispered to his own self, feeling sweat starting to form on his skin. -The eve is yet in its infancy, I possess ample time at my disposal… (The night is still young, I have time…)- He patted himself on the shoulder, sprinting to his very own house, despite it being far from there. And so, he dashed back to that same place, a petite axe in the hand with a small water container in his other hand. The bell was still dancing in the air, increasing its speed the second Benedict heard loud steps coming from a distance. -PERISH! PERISH! At this very moment… PERISH! – His axe met the bell, smashing it aggressively as both souls there screamed at the top of their lungs, one out of agony, the other one out of thrill. After destroying the bell, Elmer poured the water in the tube connecting right to his enemy, scaring this last one. After realizing that the water was not enough to drown Benedict, he simply blocked the tube with the bottle. Hearing muffled screams, Elmer could not have done anything if not laugh out of sadism. He sat there, enough to hear the muted shrieks getting closer and closer to choking sounds. Once no more sound was uttered, he removed the small container and put a rock instead, still blocking the tube completely. -May thy vexatious voice reach the very ears of the Fiend himself, and should it be silenced, may thy soul be pricked by a devilish horn aflame, Gibface. (Shall your annoying voice be heard by the devil himself, and shall it be muted, shall your soul be poked with a horn on fire, Gibface.)- He shamelessly spat on the grave, stepping away from it. -And may your beloved spouse be claimed as mine own. (And shall your wife be mine.)
Giulia Tresoldi 3BLL