Let Her Go, Come After Me

"Avery, listen to me," Mark said, gently turning her body so she could lean most of her weight on him, relieving some of her burden.

"Avery, don't cry. This time the illusion is different from the last," he continued softly. "Do you remember the last time you saw him going mad? Since then, these illusions haven't been his own creations. They are... generated by the system itself."

Avery's eyes began to focus. "What do you mean?" she asked, incredulous. "What do you mean by 'generated by the system'?"

Mark had anticipated her question. He calmly replied, "Yes, just as you're thinking. Since he started self-harming, all these illusions have been part of the system I designed."

"At that time, I had just completed my studies in the U.S. on relevant technologies. With my innate talent, I couldn't wait to create this 'prison' upon my return."