The Wisdom of Crocodiles

A tragic scene unfolds as a wrecked car hangs in the treetops, the unfortunate driver being a young woman. Investigators arrive to find no blood at the accident site, leading to unanswered questions about what truly happened.

Among the onlookers is the victim's fiancé, Steven Grlscz, who silently processes the tragedy. He captures his emotions on paper with a single word: 'despair,' signifying his deep sense of loss and helplessness.

Later that day, at the Tube station, Steven stops Maria Vaughan from jumping in front of an oncoming train. This fateful encounter sparks a passionate love affair between them, filled with intense emotions.

The relationship takes a sinister turn when Steven, believing Maria loves him, drinks her blood one night. Afterward, he disposes of her body at sea, marking a chilling shift in his character and demanding a new diary entry: 'disappointment.'

Steven's unique characteristics as a vampire emerge as he can walk in the sunlight and eat conventional food. However, he must drink blood monthly and starts preying on unsuspecting young women, showing a predatory side.

While visiting a museum, Steven sketches Anne Levels, an asthmatic structural engineer. Their chance encounter at a cappuccino shop leads to a planned date, which Anne later cancels due to work commitments.

Undeterred by Anne's cancellation, Steven brings her takeout food, initiating a carefully controlled relationship between predator and prey. He meticulously plans every aspect of their interactions, driven by his disturbing desires.

As news of Maria's body surface, Steven feels the weight of his actions. He contacts the police, knowing that the investigation could lead back to him, putting him in a precarious position as a prime suspect.

Inspector Healey and Sergeant Roche begin to investigate Steven's life, questioning his movements and motives. To deflect suspicion, Steven claims he had a fight with Maria, positioning himself as a victim rather than a suspect.

Despite the investigation, an unexpected bond forms between Steven and Inspector Healey when Steven saves the inspector from an assault. This act of bravery complicates the investigation as Healey begins to question his initial impressions of Steven.

As Steven becomes more engaged with Anne, he describes her in his diary as confident and intelligent. Their relationship appears promising, filled with deep conversations and shared experiences, marking a turning point for Steven.

After a confrontation with Anne, Steven opens up about his struggles with his vampiric nature. He confesses his urgent need for love and blood, revealing his vulnerability and desperation in search of redemption.

In a poignant moment, Steven offers Anne a knife, suggesting the possibility of ending his life. Instead of running away, Anne chooses to stay, showing her commitment to supporting him through his darkest times.

As their relationship reaches a climax, an altercation leaves Anne torn between life and death. Steven's realization of their bond pushes him towards a final act of love, marking the story's heartbreaking conclusion.

In a bittersweet ending, Steven lets go of life, finally finding peace in the love he has for Anne. As he departs, Anne is left to navigate the aftermath of their dark yet beautiful connection.