21 July 2027
Wednesday. Midwinter, and the power in the lab is behaving worse than ever. I want to be clear that this is a feature. I want to be equally clear that I did not plan it.
When the power stutters, the lights flash. When it gives out, the lab goes dark for a stretch. The staff advise anybody with epilepsy or a sensitivity to flashing light to choose a different room, and I agree. A cure is important. Your health is more important. Gerald is not important at all, but please do not tell him.
While I am giving advice: wear something you can move in. Nobody crawls, but you will be on your feet for an hour and may need to move smartly when Gerald does something unexpected. Comfortable shoes. A white lab coat, if you want to look the part. A battered flannel shirt, if you would rather look like you have been through something.
A team came in today all wearing lab coats with my name sewn on the pockets. I have never been so flattered or so suspicious. One of them had spelt it wrong. I have forgiven him. I have not forgotten.
Note to self: get the lights fixed. Second note to self: no, don’t.
— Dr Morrow, Storeroom B
