I have just found that I have consumption, and I will have to be sent away. I’m not sure how to explain what I feel, but I can say that I am scared. My grandfather died of consumption, and my father is stingy enough with money that I am positive the sanitarium that he will send me to will be below par. I am going to die… I need to focus on something else. What about mother? How will I even tell my mother? She is completely consumed with the morphine that if she is even having a good day, I know I will drive her to having more! I just need something to take my mind off of this, but I know that everyone will continue to remind me some way or other about my disease. I need something to take off this edge… I need a drink.

Edmund Tyrone