“Lucas,” said Dr. Thorton, breaking the silence. “I have a question for you, and I would like you to answer me seriously. Has any of this ever made you consider suicide?”

“Not—not that I can remember, no,” Lucas managed.

Another silence. When Dr. Thorton spoke again, his voice seemed to come from the deepest caverns of his chest.

“And what if I told you that suicide was the only way to make this stop?” He leaned in. “That you can escape, Lucas—but only if you let it all go.”