The Horror, Part 2

"I started by asking close friends if they knew anything about it, but they either knew no more than I did or laughed at me for wanting to know more. They thought that such things should be left alone.

"I searched for clues and evidence. Books, movies, newspapers, magazines, but found only an elaborate smokescreen of misdirection. THEY could not hide its existence, but they were very good at hiding its exact nature.

"Once, in wild desperation, I asked one of THEM if they would just tell me about it. They smiled sadly at me and informed me that they could tell me, but would then be obliged to kill me. In some ways I think that might have been the better option to what finally happened!"

The patient was now on his feet, pacing around the room, glancing furtively out of the window.

"Eventually, I decided that the only way was to see the truth for myself. I picked one of THEM, and spied on them, listening to secretive conversations as THEY planned their meetings. Eventually I found out where and when THEY would meet up. It was my big chance!

"I arrived at the location early, quietly entering through an open window and finding what I thought was a good hiding place. I would be able to see everything that happened without being spotted. What a fool I was!"

The patient returned to his seat, and began staring at the floor, rocking fast. Cold sweat began to trickle down his face as he tried to control his fear.

"They arrived. A few at first, and then more until the room was full. There must have been seven or eight of them in the end. It was horrible! The happy chatter and laughter covering up the true horror of what they were doing - unspeakable acts that no man is supposed to see - not if he wishes to remain sane! I saw it all and struggled to stifle my whimpers and cries. I failed.

"Oh the delighted shrieks of joy when they discovered my hiding place!"

The patient leaped to his feet, rushing to the window. For a moment the Doctor thought that he was about to hurl himself through the glass, but he stopped short, turning to face the Doctor, his face distorted as if in unimaginable physical pain.

"They forced me to join in! I tried to resist, but it was useless." He collapsed onto the floor, sobbing, a broken man.

The Doctor cleared his throat.

"There is just one thing that I need you to tell me. Just what was it that you saw? What were they doing?"

It took the patient some time to recover enough to speak again. Eventually he looked up at the Doctor and spoke, a thin line of saliva dripping from the corner of his mouth.

"It was-. It was...

SEE THE FIRST COMMENT FOR THE FINAL LINE.