The length of my life

“The first should be June 12, the second June 19, and the third June 29.”

Oh Mina, I don’t think my e-mail reached you at all.

Today the Count asked me to write three e-mails, under his supervision. He looked nearly as angry as the previous night and while I wanted to refuse … how could I? I am a prisoner!

I dated them like so.

A band of workers came to the castle today. I gave them two letters, hoping that they would push them along their way to you, my love, and Pete. It’s been years since I’ve written an actual letter. E-mail is a far more effective method of crying for help.

This blog is private

“Then write now, my young friend. Write to our friend and to any other; and say, if it will please you, that you shall stay with me until a month from now.”

You cannot see these entries, Mina. But god knows I wish you could.

I’m afraid to make any of these entries public. If I do, the Count may see them and may figure out more about my anxiety and fear than I’ve been letting on.

I need to get out of this place. I REALLY need to get out of THIS HOLE. I’ll do anything…

And even though the Count surely can’t read this blog, it was as though he read my mind as today he’s provided me with a chance at escape.

E-mail! I will email Pete and my beloved and hope to god that the Count does not get a chance to read them before I click ’send.’ He wants me to stay in this hole for another month and I dare say … HELL NO!

Trapped!

I saw the Count in the morning, for once, and it was not a happy meeting. I was shaving by my little travel mirror when I felt a hand on my shoulder and the Count’s voice in my ear. I jumped, having not seen him in the mirror, and nicked my face. The Count was pissed! His grip on my shoulder tensed and I saw his eyes grow wide. But he brushed past the rosary still hanging about my neck and his anger seemed to immediately pass.

Oh Mina, you’ll never believe me when I tell you a crazy religious lady saved my life this day!

After the Count left I nearly went crazy. I no longer wanted to do any business with him. I missed you Mina (and still do!) and was afraid that my stay in this damned castle would be longer than I had planned for. I raced about the castle, pulling every door in my way and shrieking at the shadows in the corridors (for I thought I saw the Count’s face in every one of them). But to no avail! I’m trapped!

Sleep all day, work all night

New breakthrough! The Count likes old, big houses near insane asylums.  What a strange man…

But that’s not all.

The Count also hates to work during the day. I’ve become a nocturnal beast in this cold, dark castle. We work by candlelight into all hours of the night … and I go to sleep during the day. The Count disappears just before sunup. Still not sure what to make of this.

I few times I woke before I wanted and tried some of the doors around the castle. Those of interest did not open. I’m beginning to feel trapped here. That howling noise that came from the taxi’s stereo system seems to have followed me here. It’s getting louder, especially after sundown. I asked the Count about it and he claims the noises are coming from the mountain’s wolves. God, I hope that not be it, for it is, I can never leave this place. I’d be eaten once I stepped out of the door.

Mina, I miss you.