Dear Alphonse,

As you know, Victor has been taken ill and although I regret having to burden you with the knowledge that I have acquired, I feel as though it is my duty to let you know what I have found, seeing how you are in fact Victor’s father, and a man I very much respect. In your most recent letter you seemed to attribute Victor’s illness to the dedication to his studies, and I must confess I don’t think this is entirely the case. I think it may be more than that. I have a theory that he has tried to create something that may have caused him an unbelievable amount of stress. I’ve talked to a couple of his professors and found that he had been getting increasingly distracted in class right before my arrival and his falling ill. Professors Waldman and Krempe said that he asked a lot of questions in that period of time, but couldn’t seem to stay focused when they lectured.

I know it sounds odd for me to believe he was creating something, but I do have some proof that seems to point to that. While I was searching for a cloth for his head one day, I found some crumpled up diagrams in one of his drawers. These were diagrams for a creature that almost resembled a human. Do not fear though because it appears that he did not succeed in his venture, for there is no odd creature wandering around the apartment or lying idle in the laboratories. I do think that he could have become discouraged with his inability to create the creature though, and that may have led to his illness.

Sometimes he mutters things in his sleep. I have heard him say things like, “what have I done? what have I created?”, “Get away from me you wretched beast”, and “Don’t hurt me”. I believe that he may be mistakenly thinking he created the monster of his diagrams or that he may be haunted by the idea of the creature. I do not think that it would be in his best interest to ask him about the reason behind his falling ill when he is well again because that may cause him to fall sick for a second time. I think that the best way to approach the situation is to shift the focus to him getting better and excitement at the return of his health, when it does return.

Although I know you are not a prying family, I felt it was necessary to let you know the state of your son and the circumstances surrounding his illness. I love your son and I will take great care of him while he is unable to be back in the Frankenstein household. I assure you that I will have him write as soon as he appears able. I know your family is worried about his well-being and wishes his health to be completely restored as soon as possible.
Best Regards,
Henry Clerval

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