[In his mind’s eye a storm rages and reaps lives. It is burned into his mind. He will never forget it. He stuffs the memory down deep and sighs, visibly exhuasted by the weight on his shoulders. For a moment. He straightens and continues,] I understand this sounds like a dream. I wish with all of my heart it was.

I don’t think so. We reappear here if we die. Recently a terrible storm raged and tore up this entire town. But just as it looked like it would reduce everything to ruins and sand…the next day it was all as it had been when we arrived.

[He rubs at his wrist and sets his hand down on the table. It isn’t hard to remember the state of his arm at the end.] Even our injuries. I know of a place that bends time and space like that.

But when I try to reach for the memory…[He tilts his head slightly and takes another bite of pie.] It is not within our reach. For now. Memories do come back. But there will be pain before they do. Always.

I’m terribly sorry to be the bearer of such tidings. Naturally, it is up to you what you decide to believe. And there is nothing wrong with deciding to search for the truth. We are all seeking it.