(Scp-078~Guilt)

Item #: SCP-078 Object Class: Euclid Special Containment Procedures: SCP-078 is to be left hanging on the wall of its containment cell and physically unplugged. The sole outlet in the room should be controlled by a switch, which must be left in the off position at all times unless SCP-078 is undergoing testing. Personnel who enter the containment room should familiarize themselves with the position of the switch so that they can locate it with their eyes closed in the event that SCP-078 is accidentally turned on. Description: SCP-078 is a pink neon sign approximately one and a half meters long that displays the phrase "TOO LATE TO DIE YOUNG." It was initially recovered in the town of ████████, ████████, after standard Foundation data mining protocols recorded an unusual number of cases involving extreme withdrawal and self-neglect. While powered off, SCP-078 has no abnormal properties and may be observed without effect. Viewing SCP-078 for less than ten seconds while it is powered on has no effect, nor does indirect observation. Subjects who cannot understand SCP-078 due to a lack of ability to comprehend written English are also unaffected. However, any subject that views SCP-078 for longer than ten seconds will, when viewing any handwritten piece of writing, occasionally perceive extra sentences. These sentences are not written in the subject's own style or in that of the surrounding text, but consist of a random style that differs from note to note, and always appear to reassure the subject regarding matters they feel guilty about. At first, the effect is beneficial, with affected subjects reporting greater peace of mind after exposure to SCP-078. Over time, however, the messages become increasingly focused on excusing questionable decisions and encouraging excessive rationalization. Subjects begin to overanalyze their actions and motivations, frequently vocalizing their thought processes and struggling to make routine decisions.