The Fates gave me fortune in ships and then took my fortune away. The Fates gave me a good wife, and took her away too. The Fates–do they ever tire of their games?–gave me many children…

Don’t worry. My children live good lives.

They do.

They just live lives without me in them. My youngest…she tried to forgive me. Oh, I blame the Fates, but the truth is, I’m a terrible father. My own skin is more valuable to me than my daughter. The shame of it is that given a chance today, I’d do the same again. If another monster came at me and demanded her–or now my grandchildren–here, I’d say. Take them and let me live.

But my daughter has a good life with her monster. She says everything worked out, but she’s a foolish, romantic. Girls think they can change a monster into a good man. A beast of a man is always a beast. I should know.

I checked myself into the Asylum. Did you know that? They were shocked to see me, I can tell you. Well, I was a sight. I don’t know whether to laugh or to cry thinking about it.

Of course, having checked myself in, I can check myself out. What do you think about that? Who else in this place can do such a thing?

But how would I do that? Where would I go? What would I do? Find a corner and beg for money? No thanks.

Here I get food without humiliating myself. And I make friends. Sure, first they come by my room to see the injury. I don’t blame them. I’d want to see too. But once they realize that my injury is just below my knees, they’re quite friendly. Everyone offers to bring me things, to help me get around. One girl likes to polish my chair, and there’s a woodsman who made me a beautiful set of wooden feet. Yes, I was a bit horrified by them at first, but they really are lovely, considering.

This will sound silly, and I probably shouldn’t admit it, but I’m afraid to put shoes on those wooden feet. It’s not like they need shoes, right? It really is very nice of the nurses to bring me shoes, but I can’t bear the sight of shoes anymore. In fact, I almost never look down at anyone’s feet. Would you if you were me?

I like it here. I really do. Except for the, you know, the injury, everything about my life is better here, and since I wouldn’t be here if not for the injury…I guess I’m grateful for that too.

All businesses wishing to form contracts with the Aylsum must undergo the proscribed interview and vetting process. Contracts are non-negotiable and include mandatory non-disclosure agreements.

Interview Subject: Mirror Repair and Maintenance Representative

Notes:

Trained at the Perrault Institute in France. (The Asylum recognizes the Institute as exemplary although there have been issues with graduates from the Institute in the past. Take under advisement.)

Mirror representative claims not to know or have any relation to any Asylum patients. Claims patient #12 is not his niece although some records to a family name in common. Cannot confirm relationship.

Representative has been approved on provisional basis. Has been informed that patient #12 is in seclusion and Asylum rules prohibit patient #12 from contact with mirrors or any reflective surfaces. Contract states clearly that all patients are not to be approached,

The contract under consideration is limited to the Head Nurse who has filed numerous complaints regarding her new and top-of-the-line mirror. Standard maintenance unable to identify problem.

Let it be stated for the record that the Head Nurse was provided said mirror as an exception to standard operating procedures regarding mirrors and other objects of value. The Head Nurse has earned this privilege for years of dedicated service. The mirror will be monitored at all times.

All staff are reminded that patient #12 must not be informed of the mirror or of the repair company’s representative.