sorry, I’m back at my bullshit, but I think it’s so cute of Jonathan to actually explain what happened instead of just going no contact. especially since he’s so sure that Jonah knows what caused Albrecht’s illness. I don’t actually think that Jonathan had the option to not tell Jonah everything, because I believe that it works like a statement even in a form of a letter, so Jonathan was influentied by the Beholding anyway, but the way he rationalises that…

ALT

even before he went to Albrecht, he knew who Jonah was, at least vaguely. he collected stories for the Institute and seemed to be quite close with Jonah – which is interesting in its own right because he is a Man Of Science, and for him to willingly associate with something so esoteric… I’m not saying it’s completely unrealistic, but I do think that Jonah’s work wouldn’t be very popular with the scientific community. but not with him. but I can see why he wouldn’t think that Jonah is dangerous.

however. after the events at Albrecht’s estate, he still wants to give Jonah a chance. the letter seeps with his resentment (“consider this the severing of our acquitance”, “whatever it was that did this to him, I know in my heart that it is your fault”, “do not write to me again” – a breakup letter of all times) and yet he harbours a hope that Jonah didn’t know what he was doing. that he can be fixed. even after being subjected to all of this horror, he still!! hopes that he can save Jonah!! it would be enough to just go “kill yourself. you know what you did”. or even “kill yourself. here’s why”. but he doesn’t. he hopes that Jonan will listen to him. what a man.

(I do realize that it was done that way because it’s a podcast. but I can still dream)