Troubled Night
September 15, 2013. 2356 hours
Have procured tape recorder, but recent events have delayed implementation of Project: Tape Recorder indefinitely.
Cecil has escaped.
Hardly anyone living in this town, so not concerned that Cecil will be a threat to public safety. In any case his biggest misdemeanors recorded in case file amount to merely harsh words. If anything, am more worried that passers-by will hurt Cecil than he them. He likes to speak in a "professional" manner at all times but passers-by may take this as arrogance, and often his delusions present him with, to say the least, offensive, ideas. Overheard him last week saying in his "broadcast" that "the city hospital will now be able to provide syphilis and AIDS to anyone who can't afford it, for free!" At that moment could see a vein bulge in caretaker's head and only with much effort managed to stop caretaker from hitting Cecil with the broom he was carrying at the moment. People who have suffered such misfortunes do not remember that Cecil is not in control of his mental faculties and thus wish to hurt him for his insensitive remarks that his delusions compel him to speak. Wonder what other abuses Cecil has had to tolerate for his illness.
Unfortunately was allowed to find out today.
Arrived late at Elmwood today because was held up by tape recorder purchase. Was surprised by uncharacteristic rowdiness when approaching Cecil's cell. Also a cloud of smoke near the end of corridor. Went to check out commotion and found that caretakers and janitors had gone into Cecil's cell and were blowing air horns and banging on metal buckets in his general direction, as well as throwing smoke bombs at him to scare him. Cecil himself was found cowering under table with now-rotten banana still strapped to his head, fearfully but still faithfully "reporting". Upon investigation found out that Cecil had said something about hooded figures stealing babies which enraged one of the caretakers whose child had been stolen from her, and when Cecil happened to speak about contract negotiations with station management they had thought this appropriate revenge.
Does no one remember that the man is ill? Stormed into cell to tell caretakers and janitors off, but Cecil took this chance to make a break for the door and escape. All their smoke from earlier caused us not to realize until too late. Managed to regain earlier bribe to caretaker in exchange for me keeping silent about their treatment of Cecil and his subsequent escape, but derive no joy from it. (Also, inflation means the bribe has now decreased in value by 0.75%. Apologies. Am failing to cheer self up with own lame jokes.) Hope Cecil found shoes. The winter is not kind.
Did not call Eva tonight. Too upset. Caramel also upset by long drive and no treat at end. Research will be postponed indefinitely until Cecil is taken back into custody. Suppose will visit home this weekend and return when Cecil is found. Have half a mind to disregard bribe and report to supervisors anyway and get more qualified and sympathetic staff for this institution. Do not think they will take it kindly though. Professionalism dictates that one must not form emotional attachments with patients. Am sure to get admonished for commenting on matters outside of job scope. Frankly am creeped out at best by Cecil's apparent affections for me, but for God's sake is it wrong to want to treat him nicely?
Tape recorder still lying on bedside table. Seems like it will take longer than previously thought to see how Cecil takes to it. Maybe should test it out myself first.
Good night, Night Vale, Good night.