Analyzing Guilt: A Short Story

A Paralyzing Guilt Walter woke up to cool, still darkness. He lay there, breathing heavily, drenched in cold sweat. Another vivid nightmare replayed itself in a seemingly endless loop. Like clockwork, he was always awoken by the same dream, the same resurgence of repressed memory. A car accident, caused by his own negligence. It had been another typical night at the laboratory, Walter’s workplace. He felt dejected, having produced nothing but failed experiments that day. His lab assistant, Harry, had asked for a ride home. It had happened suddenly, leaving Walter almost utterly unaware. The car was flipped on its side, gasoline and other fluids pouring onto the streets. He was pinned to his seat, feeling nothing but blood trickling slowly …show more content…
He knew it was ridiculous, absurd, laughable even. “That’s it!” He yelled, throwing his arms up in triumph. In order to save Harry from a dreadful fate, Walter wanted to learn to time travel, even if he was aware that the idea was ludicrous and impossible. Yet, he was willing to attempt anything to rid himself of overwhelming remorse. His despair and desolation had been replaced by a new, unforeseen optimism. Harry was surprised by Walter’s abrupt change in spirit. His buoyancy created a boost in productivity, leaving Harry entirely dumbfounded. When questioned about his switch in behavior, Walter remained secretive, intending on keeping his plan a confidential. Life had been droning on as usual, the days lagging, turning monotonous. However, the scheme provided a restored mental state for Walter, giving him the creative effort he needed. However, while in this transformed state, Walter still remained careless. During a late night at the lab, he haphazardly left out the blueprints for his surprise, the crowned time machine. Yet again, due to negligence, another doing of his had gone amiss. Harry stumbled upon the papers, that lay in disheveled heaps, broad open for anyone to …show more content…
Give them to me right now!” He aggressively snatched his belongings from his assistant’s hands, the secrecy of his work at stake. Harry glanced at him, confused. “Sir, a time machine? W-why? I don’t understand. That’s never been done before, and-” He was cut off by a hand raised by Walter, silencing him. The room was hushed, full of tension and strain. An explanation was owed by Walter, yet he could not form the words necessary to justify his actions. “Look,” he muttered, “do you ever just seek a way to go back in time, a way to alter the outcome of a situation, preventing dire consequences?” The despondent scientist’s eyes brimmed with tears. “This is about the accident, isn’t it?” Harry asked, distraught. A lack of response provided him with an answer. Walter, normally stern and rigid, had begun to sob. Harry put his arm around him, in a consoling attempt. “I’ve come to terms with everything now, Walter, and I think you should too. Quit blaming yourself for the past. No time machine you ever attempt to build will repair