The Dark House
You are aware that something is touching your shoulder - it is icy cold. You are afraid to turn around but some presence draws you in, making you turn around. You find yourself facing a skeletal silhouette, shrouded in a long black cloak. You can't see a face because it is covered by an oversized hood. The figure moves, slowly raising a hand to the hood. You gasp, focusing intensely on that hand as it pulls the hood back. Before you now stands a man with long black hair, dressed in what appears to be period clothing. You are drawn to his face - it is ashen and almost emaciated. You have never seen anyone so pale.
You: Who a-aaare (you struggle for words) yy-oou?
Man in black: Shouldn't I be asking you that? (he speaks, his voice in such deep, bellowing tones that you feel vibrations travel through your whole body). I am Nathaniel Raven.
You: But aren't you ... de-
Man in black: Dead. Yes that's right. I died in 1833.
You: Yy-ou committed suicide right, after you found out Isobel and your child had died?
Man in black: Haaa (he laughs, sending echoes crashing around the room - just then your fear reminds you that it hasn't left you but had allowed you to be lulled into a false sense of security). So, you think I committed suicide? You are very wrong. George Hampton's loyal butler suspected I started the fire at the plantation - he saw me there on that fateful day. I had no lawful purpose for being there.
It was common knowledge that I wanted revenge for the death of my unborn child and Isobel's death. They both died whilst she was in labour. (He pauses for a moment). Her father never should have denied her medical treatment. I found out about the deaths after Daisy, Isobel's slave and faithful maid, wrote to me.
The fire took hold quickly. George Hampton's butler was not able to save his master because he chose to save his own life. He was tormented by guilt for choosing his own life over that of his master. He came here and held me at gunpoint. I wrote the suicide note under duress. I didn't think he would do it, but he did, he shot me. He was wearing gloves when he handled the weapon. The police never checked it. If they had they would have realised that my fingerprints weren't on it.
Now, you have learned enough. I think it is time you left.
You: Yes. I should go, but first, please answer two more questions for me - why are you called 'The Gnat'? and are there any more out there like ... you?
Man in black: Well I would have thought the answer to the first question was obvious. My colleagues at the music magazine, 'The Undead', gave me the name - they say I look so pale that I desperately look like I need some blood! As to the second of your enquiries, are you so naive that you believe all the people around you are of this life? Next time you are amongst Goths or watching a gothic band, look very closely. They may not be wearing whitening make-up ... NOW LEAVE.
You don't need another invitation to leave - you almost stumble over your own legs trying to get out of there as fast as you can. You run as far as you can without stopping until you feel a disabilitating pain in your stomach. You then turn around and take one last look at that house. You know you'll never go back there again ...
THE END.
Last updated: 02.08.00
'Man in black' image by Dorraine Bennett, based on original photograph of Nick Cave from 'A Boatman's Call' album sleeve.
©2000 Dors Productions
