( ❛ . the diary of doctor wilberton

[artemis,]

why would anyone want to live in such a horrid place ?

ＯＦ ＤＯＣＴＯＲ
xxx

[artemis,]

ＩＮＤＥＸ

Prologue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page one
The Trail Unscathed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page one
A Longing Gaze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page one
Melancholy Madness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page one

[artemis,]

ＰＲＯＬＯＧＵＥ

xxxxxWar. What an inpenetrable word. One may ask a woman such as myself, "What are you to know about the sufferings of war?" Sometimes I ask myself the same thing. Many times during my immeasurable travels, I meet the simpletons of war. Those who cower from the reality of the fight, and those who believe it is above their lily-livered minds to risk themselves during such an abhorrent time. But I shan't get too far ahead of myself, as here is where this tale truly begins.

xxxxxI sighed and massaged my aching temples, leaning my head back against the brick wall that stood behind me. The clamarous chatter of passerby's rang in my ears as I pulled my wrap tighter to hinder the booming from defeaning me in such volume. Oh, what a tremendous idea this had been. As much as I wanted to turn back and enter my cozy farm home, I knew I was much too far into this expedition to change my mind. I clutched my purse tightly in my postrate and delicate paws as other individuals strolled on by, much too absorbed in their own activities to notice me, a lowly woman, sitting waiting for the train to Vaux-devant-Damloup. How foreign it seemed to those who happened to notice. If only they knew what I was really leaving this charming little town of Dinan, France for.
xxxxxIf they knew. Such a question had become a popular phrase in the complications of my mind, and I knew it so. How small and feeble these people seemed in a mind so punctilious as my own. Though the throes of what unknown events lay ahead greatly troubled me, one thing would remain the same. My name is Abigail Wilberton, and I am a certified doctor who is traveling to Vaux-devant-Damloup in the median of World War One. As preposterous as it might sound, it is the truth. I've been frowned upon all of my life for wanting more than cleaning houses and washing clothes.
xxxxx"Miss Wilberton, the train has arrived," said a young luggage porter as he snapped me from my jaded trance. I nodded and waved my hand, signaling him to take my bags aboard. Standing up from the bench, I smoothed out my lace wrap and walked out and onto the platform, watching as people piled onto the train as it stood in its shimmering black prestige. No doubt there would be many people trying to escape the ghastly scene that was unfolding where I was traveling. Taking a deep and calculated breath, I raised my foot and stepped with conviction onto the train.

( 437 words )

[artemis,]

Ａ ＴＲＡＩＬ ＵＮＳＣＡＴＨＥＤ

xxxxxThe train whirred and raced past endless fields of corn and trees as it neared the old town of Damloup, and I gazed out the window at the scenery, longing for a chance to stretch my legs. I was never fond of long train rides, and the thought of being in the confined train car an hour longer was vile. Sighing, I closed my eyes to block out the undeviating sounds that plagued my mind so devilishly.
xxxxxFather told me this trip would be riveting, but I can hardly agree. Perhaps it was the vision of my own death that rocked me to the core, as most selfish it might seem. Father bought me a room at an estate just outside east Damloup, and I couldn't have been any more grateful. Though, of course, I'll have to walk to the city every morning. I can't imagine there would be too many taxis available in the circumstance. My transportation was the least of my concerns, however. In the city of Damloup was the ill, the dead, and the nearing death. Being a doctor (and one of very few women, I might add) I am unfortunately needed so. In my town of Dinan I am seen as two things: Either a saint or a misfit. Of course, those who support me always come in for check-ups, and those who do not, well, they stare at me in such a goggled trance that I wonder if they are really envious. But that wouldn't matter now, I suppose. For anyone who is envious of me in this position can't possible be tight-screwed.
xxxxxI could hear the train slowing with every passing second, and I thanked the heavens for the halt of this trip. I gathered my belongings and sat hopefully, my eyes glued to the windows in hopes we had arrived. My hopes were fact, as the small train platform came into view, along with a crowd of people most eager to leave. The doors flew open to the train car, and I hurried out, hastily collecting my luggage and walking to the path, the grey sky was floating overhead so eerily I wanted to go home in a mere second.
xxxxxReaching the city, my eyes drew worried circles around the old and rotten wooden sign that was standing tall, reading the words: "Welcome to Vaux-devant-Damloup." As my feet clashed with the cobblestone path, people looked at me in such wonder as they passed, as though I was an alien from another world.
xxxxxWhat a deplorable scene it was. There were so many sick, begging children, and homeless men and women. Attempting not to catch their gaze, I hurried my way to the specified address, keeping my head low. Perhaps this was why they were so desperate to bring me to this place.

( 473 words )

[artemis,]

Ａ ＬＯＮＧＩＮＧ ＧＡＺＥ

xxxxxFather,
xxxxxxxxThings are going unexpectedly well here. Albeit I am very unsettled by the scene that has feasted on my eyes, I'm sure I'll be okay. The estate owners are some of the sweetest of people. They have a balcony that has a vast view of the valley, although it's rather drab. They have a large garden, but it pains me to say that the flowers have wilted. I've a large room to keep my impedimenta, but unfortunately I'll need to carry everything with me to the shop at dawn. The old furniture is most delicate, it seems, but I've never felt more at home here, as odd as it sounds. The shop manager is preparing the old storage room for me and my practices, but he seems rather excited for me to be here. I guess if I were to live in an astonishingly sickly place, a doctor would make me jump with elation, too.
xxxxxxxxUnfortunately I'll have to keep this short, as I have a long day ahead of me. I miss you, Papa, and I hope to hear back from you soon.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx- Abigail

xxxxxPutting down my pen, I leaned back in the old rickety chair, hearing the welcoming creak and soon pondering how old this chair could really be. Father wasn't at all worried about me when he proposed this trip, but now I suspect his worry lines are drawing themselves longer across his tired face. Remedies are really a wonder, though, and it's a miracle my assistant and I were able to fix up a quick concoction for him.
xxxxx"Miss Abigail? Dinner is ready to be served," said a young servant as she peered in at me from the doorframe. I nodded solemnly, sealing the cream envelope which was masterfully embroidered with my seal. Smiling, I wrote our address in my petite cursive writing before placing it inside my satchel. A mailman would hopefully come by in search of work. Gazing with slight boredom around the room, I marveled at the small wonders this house held within it. Small seashells filled jars that were set in rows upon the shelves. No doubt from the coast, a rare wonder in a place like this, especially now. Cream lace curtains drifted in the breeze by the tall windows, bringing an unrecognizable but very strangely pleasant scent. Standing up, I smoothed down my fur and walked into the halls, drifting down the spiral staircase before heading to the dining area.

( 411 words )

[artemis,]

ＭＥＬＡＮＣＨＯＬＹ ＭＡＤＮＥＳＳ

xxxxxOpening my eyes to the soft light filtering into my new bedroom, I blinked my drowsy gaze away and checked the grandfather clock, squinting with some endeavor to read the time. 7:15, exactly on schedule. Swinging my legs over the side of the bed, I yawned and got to my feet, finding my wrap and hiding my elbow-length, think locks of hair. Taking care of my hair when it was out of the wrap was an unecessary hassle, and I found it much more convienient to keep it tucked away. Walking into the vast washroom, I emerged ready for the busy day ahead.
xxxxx"Miss, I can carry the rest of the bags," urged the young bellhop as he padded along behind me, my feet moving at a fast pace as we traveled through the weeds, the cobblestone path barely noticeable underneath all the lush, overgrown greens that littered the ground.
xxxxx"No no, that is quite alright," I muttered insistently. I was more worried about my equipment being accidentally destroyed. This particular bellhop seemed like a bit of a butterfingers. We trekked up the grassy hill, the morning sun beating down upon us. Though women were seen as the weaker sex nowadays (though I'm hopeful that will change) it seemed to me that this young man was more tired of our expedition to the town than I was. The welcome sign stood proud in all of its glory, and we stepped onto the dusty, muddy path that led to the streets.
xxxxxAgain, I was greeted with the scenes that were so bitter sweet. Those who passed out free food and supplies, however it was never enough to feed the hungry and cold on the streets. My family being as prestigious as it was, I never had to deal with the poverty that all of these innocent people knew too well. So many women and children, devastated in finding out their father or husband did not make it home from the front. Losing your main provider meant you could lose everything. Reaching out, I dropped a golden coin into a small kit's can, seeing her grateful but tired eyes light up. Without another word, I strode down to the end of the block, and came upon my temporary shop.
xxxxxIt was small, no doubt about that, but it was cozy, and I reckon there was just enough space for all my tools. The shop's owner was eager to meet me, and had already cleared up space for me in excitement. I set down my bag and wrapped my stethoscope around my neck. Smoothing out my lace wrap once more, I cleared my throat for all of the others to hurry on out and escort the sick and wounded into my "office".
xxxxxThere were countless that were seen by me today, and I must say I'm very hopeful I will not contract illness. Though I'm sure my proper care has left these people at least somewhat healthier than before, nothing compares to the hope I see in their eyes when they're told they'll be fine. I guess every ending means a new beginning.

( 513 words )