“It’s just … sometimes I try to think about what came before Purgatory, and I’m sure it was something important, you know?”

Malachai’s eyes focus on the pixelated table of the booth. “We were in the Loop,” he mutters, “and then Happy made everyone sick. We got out of the Loop … then … I can’t remember.”

“I can’t remember either,” I say, and there’s a faraway part of me that finds this troubling.

The band finishes one song and begins another.

“Oh, I like this one,” Malachai says, the indifferent smile returning to his face.

And I like this song too, but I don’t stay to listen.

I get up from the booth and walk into the lobby. I stand in front of the receptionist and listen intently to his words.

“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 reply.

“Oh, it seems we already have you on our books, Mr. Kane, but please continue to enjoy the amenities of the …” The receptionist looks around, sees that no one is watching, and leans in close. “Get out, Mr. Kane! Get out while you still can!”

I back away from the desk until the receptionist resets to his former position, and then I walk up to him once again.

“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.”

“Oh, it seems we already have you on our books, Mr. Kane, but please continue to enjoy the amenities of the … Get out, Mr. Kane! Get out while you still can!”

Get out.

“Everything okay, Luka?” Molly asks, coming down the stairs.

I hold eye contact with the NPC receptionist. “Yes,” I reply. “Yes, everything is okay.”

Finally, I turn to face my sister, who walks arm in arm with a woman I don’t recognize. The two kiss each other on the cheek before the woman walks through to the bar.

“I’m so glad you’re here, Luka. I missed you so much while you were gone.”

“I’m glad I’m here too,” I tell her.

“And one day, we’ll go out there in the real world and get Dad. We’ll bring him back here.”

“Molly,” I say, holding her arms, “Dad is dead, remember?”

She frowns and then sighs. “Oh yes, I remember.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Not to worry. Life goes on.”

And just then the lights in the hotel cut out completely. We’re left in darkness for a few seconds before they come back on, but when they do they’re glowing red.

“What does this mean?” I ask, looking around at the lobby, now bathed in red.