Julius Erlich's notes on society events. Note that the diary is written in German.
12th Feb 1923, about 6 in the morning.
Can't sleep tonight. Horrible dreams. Thought I'd try and get some of the thoughts out my head by writing them down.
It's funny. When the horrible things from TheCasket escaped, and were hunting us, I was terrified. I wanted to run and hide at the same time. But when it was over I could just forget all about it.
Yes, several people died. Quite horribly. But it was in a way I could understand - though not why. I suppose I must be a coward. I've never liked the thought of violence.
Today, a man nearly died in front of me, and it didn't affect me at all.
I suppose I have seen many people die, as a doctor, when there was nothing I could do. The worst was in the war, treating the victims of that dammed gas. They suffered terribly.
At least this man survived. I could help him. What happened to him was horrible - but more horrible than cancer, when the patient's own body turns on them? More horrible than the terrible things men do to each other with knives and guns, and their bare hands?
I've been covered in viler things than sugar. And this disease... It may not be natural, it may be unearthly - but it is something I can fight. I can save this victim's life, and if I can understand what's causing this, maybe I can help others.
I suppose that's all that matters. I have to get my head clear - this isn't any more horrible and wrong than rickets, or a parasitic infection. Those don't stop me sleeping, so neither should this.
I'm a Doctor and a scientist. This is a new disease - a chance to learn something about the world, and to help my fellows. That's how I should view it. A challenge! Something exciting.
Tomorrow I will be more resolute. For now, sleep. Dawn is not far off. It may bring me some peace.