And before that I had spent some time sitting on one of the lavish chaise lounges in the lobby with an older man named Sylvain who was a Smiler in the outside world, but some of the Missing captured him and got him into Purgatory. He told me has no memory of being a Smiler, just that he had felt really warm one morning and gotten really angry about something, and then it all went blank.

Some time ago I was sitting at the booth with Dr. Price, who really is a genius when you think about it. To offer all these people a beautiful, peaceful sanctuary in which they can be happy until the end comes. And we don’t have to fear the end because it won’t be some terrible, awful death at the hands of Happy. And we will never become hosts, we will just go away, just cut to black. And that is so beautiful.

And now Shion is here, and Shion looks so happy here, and Shion is talking about how good the music is here, and she’s right, the music is so nice.

“I just think that the best thing to do is to listen to the music, and dance, and be joyful, because that’s how we win. That’s how we beat Happy, by being joyful,” Shion says, both of us leaning against the bar.

“We beat Happy by being happy,” I say, and we both laugh.

I watch Malachai swaying with an older lady on the dance floor, a vacant grin on his face.

This is sanctuary, I think. This is home.

“Shion,” I say, still grinning, “I think I’m ready to check in.”

“You haven’t checked in yet?” Shion says, grinning blankly. “You must check in, Luka. Joining us in Purgatory is the best way to beat Happy.”

I nod and my smile grows even wider. I touch Shion on the hand before leaving. Neither of us feels it.

I leave the bar and make my way to the check-in desk, where the receptionist comes to life.

“Welcome to the Purgatory Hotel. Don’t let the name fool you; it’s a great place to stay. Would you like to check in?”

“Yes,” I say, smiling at the NPC, who smiles back.

“Excellent, we’ll have you relaxing in your room in no time, Mr.…”

“Kane,” I say. “Luka Kane.”

“Mr. Kane,” the receptionist replies, and then the smile drops away from his face and he grabs me by the arm. “Get out, Mr. Kane! Get out while you still can!”

I feel a moment of shock rip through me.

“What?” I ask, pulling my arm away.