And he had to find out!

Then he remembered something about the jacket he wore. The one that had been thrown at him. There was a notebook in one of the pockets. Perhaps what was written in it would tell him the truth about himself.

The Monster had often watched Felix and Agatha reading aloud to their father. But he did not know how to do it. He had to learn to read! But how? For many weeks he tried to teach himself. But it was no use. No use at all!

But then one day, Felix brought a young boy to the house. He was the son of a nearby farmer. Felix was going to teach the boy to read!

Here was my Creature’s chance. Every day, the Monster studied with the boy. Of course, the boy and Felix did not know it. The Monster worked very, very hard. And soon he was able to read. At last! He took the notebook from the jacket pocket. He sat down in the moonlight and read the whole thing.

Everything was in it! All the work that had been done to make him. Now, at last, he knew. The book fell from his hands. His face was covered with tears.

“I have no father and no mother!” he cried. “I am not an animal or a human! I am a thing of the graveyards! I was made to be hated! I hate myself!”

For many days and many nights, he lay in his hut. He did not go out, even to find food. He no longer watched the family through the wall. He wanted to die.

But as he lay there, he began to think about the family. They were such kind and loving people. Perhaps they would not look at his face—but into his heart. And the old man was blind. He would never have to look at the Monster at all. He decided to speak to the old man first.

If only the old man will like me, thought my Creature. Then perhaps, perhaps, there is still a chance. Still a chance for me to live and be happy like everyone else!

One day, when the father was all alone, there was a knocking at the door.

“Come in,” said the old man.

“Thank you,” answered the Monster, and he went inside.