Escape Into Darkness

I read in a book once that people that are on death row, waiting to die, will keep a journal and write down their final thoughts before they're executed. I'm nothing like those criminals, but I find myself in the same position, sitting in a dark room, waiting to die. They said it would be soon, but I can't tell how much time passes anymore. They have me in a room without a window. I think it's set far away from anyone else since I can't hear anyone around me. There's a little bit of light from a small bulb over what seemed to be a door, but I can't remember if it ever opened. There's a hole in the ceiling where I assume air is pumped through, but it's much too small for me to fit through it.

Not that I would try. I may not be a criminal, but i'm not a good person either. I deserve what is about to happen to me... probably deserve much worse. I won't see another human being again, at least that's what they said. Maybe they'll try to gas me, or let me cook out in the summer sun. I only know it's summer because it was hot outside when they brought me in.

They said we're dangerous, and they're not wrong. We are dangerous... all of us. Me least of all, but i'm guilty by association here. Compared to a regular person i'm about as safe as an angry bear protecting her cubs, maybe worse. They can't take any chances, so I have to die. It's okay. I think it might actually be better than being alive. They do horrible things to us here.

It's almost time. I can feel it. I'm so tired now... I just want to sleep. It's cold now, but I can't see my breath. It's okay. The pain went away pretty quickly. They wouldn't give me a pen or paper.

Going numb now. Running out of finger paint.

Don't stop. Never st-

Incident Report: August 9, 1978

At approximately 1300 hours, containment alarms went off in room 2. Video surveillance captured images on Patient 17 fleeing from her room after a flash of psychotic behavior turned violent. She assaulted several members of the staff before she was finally tranquilized and returned to containment. As of now we have not been able to identify the cause of the incident, but a thorough investigation is already underway. Those injured during the incident were treated for minor injuries at the campus infirmary and received psychological evaluation. Each will return to work tomorrow and have agreed to accept compensation for their lost time and pain.


Incident Report August 28, 1978

A second patient displayed violent and psychotic behavior today when he attacked two nurses in the imaging hallway. They sustained severe injuries and were sent to the trauma ward, both in critical condition. Patient 7, unfortunately, was fatally injured during the confrontation. The family will be informed as soon as possible. Medical supervisor will put together a full report to send to legal. As was the case before, the cause of the outburst is not yet known.

<UPDATE>

An autopsy was performed on Patient 7 with the approval of the family. Medical researchers