experiment

Despite my best intentions, I find myself at a revolting student party. I had not wished to come, as my opponent in the postal chess game I am currently involved in had just performed an unorthodox move, and I intended to ponder it at some length in order to concoct a suitable reply. However, my friends told me they would abandon me and never telephone me again unless I made an effort to set foot outside my flat.

I find myself talking to a girl who is studying biology. Recently, she tells me, they have be allowed to examine the cadavers. She goes on, at some length, about how she finds it intriguing and fascinating about how much tissue and goo there is inside the human body. Our talk is starting to turn my stomach but I stay engaged in the conversation, as otherwise I would have to stand by myself beside the rather oppressive giant potted plant which dominates the room.

I inform her I would be more than willing to co-operate if she would like to investigate my chest cavity. She acquiesces, so I procure a knife and slice my chest open. Unfortunately, it emerges that the only substances inside me are black ash and dust. The girl pokes half-heartedly in the powdery dirt for a short period of time, but soon leaves, disinterested. The party is suddenly over and I am alone in the filthy room. I cannot stitch myself up again without aid so I remain, prone, on the floor.