\u201cDad.\u201d
\nThe knife remained pointed at Daniel.
\nNobody moved.
\nNobody breathed.
\nThe fourth Daniel stood at the end of the corridor.
\nHe looked exactly like him.
\nSame height.
\nSame face.
\nSame voice.
\nBut there was something different in his eyes.
\nHe looked peaceful.
\nAlmost relieved.
\nDaniel stared at him.
\n\u201cPut the knife down.\u201d
\nThe fourth Daniel smiled.
\n\u201cI can’t.\u201d
\n\u201cWhy?\u201d
\n\u201cBecause you already know what happens if I do.\u201d
\nDaniel stepped forward.
\n\u201cWho are you?\u201d
\nThe fourth Daniel tilted his head.
\n\u201cYou know.\u201d
\n\u201cNo.\u201d
\n\u201cYes.\u201d
\n\u201cI’ve never seen you before.\u201d
\nThe fourth Daniel laughed.
\n\u201cYou’ve seen me every time you’ve looked in a mirror.\u201d
\nDaniel felt a chill.
\n\u201cWhat’s your name?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The man smiled.<\/p>\n
\u201cDaniel.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYour number.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c004.\u201d<\/p>\n
Daniel glanced at the monitor.<\/p>\n
SUBJECT 004.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cWhy are you trying to kill Silas?\u201d<\/p>\n The fourth Daniel looked at the boy.<\/p>\n \u201cI don’t want to.\u201d<\/p>\n Silas stepped backward.<\/p>\n \u201cThen don’t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can’t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n The fourth Daniel looked at Daniel.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause you made me.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel froze.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou made me to do what you couldn’t.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI never made you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou did.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen?\u201d<\/p>\n The fourth Daniel lifted the knife.<\/p>\n \u201cThree hours ago.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel stared at the clock.<\/p>\n The countdown continued.<\/p>\n 03:11:08<\/strong><\/p>\n Daniel’s heart pounded.<\/p>\n \u201cThat hasn’t happened yet.\u201d<\/p>\n The fourth Daniel smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cFor you.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat does that mean?\u201d<\/p>\n The fourth Daniel pointed at the clock.<\/p>\n \u201cFor me, it already happened.\u201d<\/p>\n Silence.<\/p>\n Leah whispered:<\/p>\n \u201cHe’s from the future.\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone turned toward her.<\/p>\n The fourth Daniel smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cSmart girl.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel stared.<\/p>\n \u201cHow far?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThree hours.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel looked at the countdown.<\/p>\n \u201cYou came from three hours in the future?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo kill Silas?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n The fourth Daniel’s smile disappeared.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause if I don’t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He looked at Silas.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026everyone dies.\u201d<\/p>\n Silas began crying.<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n The fourth Daniel stepped forward.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know I’m right.\u201d<\/p>\n Silas shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cYou promised.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel looked at Silas.<\/p>\n \u201cPromised what?\u201d<\/p>\n The boy said nothing.<\/p>\n Daniel grabbed his shoulders.<\/p>\n \u201cSilas.\u201d<\/p>\n The boy looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat did you promise him?\u201d<\/p>\n Silas whispered:<\/p>\n \u201cI promised I wouldn’t remember.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel’s face went cold.<\/p>\n \u201cRemember what?\u201d<\/p>\n Silas looked at the fourth Daniel.<\/p>\n \u201cMy first death.\u201d<\/p>\n The corridor went silent.<\/p>\n Daniel stared.<\/p>\n \u201cYour first death?\u201d<\/p>\n Silas nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI’ve died before.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow many times?\u201d<\/p>\n Silas closed his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cI don’t know.\u201d<\/p>\n The fourth Daniel answered:<\/p>\n \u201cForty-seven.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel stared at him.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cForty-seven times.\u201d<\/p>\n Leah covered her mouth.<\/p>\n Claire whispered:<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel looked at Silas.<\/p>\n \u201cYou’ve been dying?\u201d<\/p>\n The boy nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery time the House resets.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel looked toward the walls.<\/p>\n \u201cThe House resets?\u201d<\/p>\n The fourth Daniel nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery time you fail.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel stared.<\/p>\n \u201cFail at what?\u201d<\/p>\n The fourth Daniel pointed at him.<\/p>\n \u201cChoosing.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel’s heart sank.<\/p>\n \u201cChoosing between me and Silas?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen what?\u201d<\/p>\n The fourth Daniel’s voice became quieter.<\/p>\n \u201cChoosing whether humanity survives.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel looked at Claire.<\/p>\n She was crying.<\/p>\n \u201cYou knew.\u201d<\/p>\n Claire nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI knew about the resets.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow many?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot forty-seven.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen how many?\u201d<\/p>\n Claire looked down.<\/p>\n \u201cForty-six.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel froze.<\/p>\n \u201cSo this is the forty-seventh?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel looked at the fourth Daniel.<\/p>\n \u201cThen why do I remember none of them?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause you always reset yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel touched his head.<\/p>\n \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n The fourth Daniel pointed toward the black mark behind Daniel’s ear.<\/p>\n \u201cThat.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel touched it.<\/p>\n The mark burned.<\/p>\n He screamed.<\/p>\n A memory appeared.<\/p>\n A room.<\/p>\n Silas.<\/p>\n A knife.<\/p>\n Daniel standing over him.<\/p>\n Blood on the floor.<\/p>\n Silas whispering:<\/p>\n \u201cIt’s okay, Dad.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel pulled his hand away.<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n Another memory.<\/p>\n Silas lying in a hospital bed.<\/p>\n Daniel crying.<\/p>\n Another.<\/p>\n Silas disappearing.<\/p>\n Another.<\/p>\n Silas dying.<\/p>\n Another.<\/p>\n Daniel killing him.<\/p>\n Again.<\/p>\n Again.<\/p>\n Again.<\/p>\n Forty-seven times.<\/p>\n Daniel dropped to his knees.<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Silas knelt beside him.<\/p>\n \u201cDad.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel looked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cI’m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n Silas shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cYou didn’t know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI did it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou didn’t know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI did it forty-seven times.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou always tried to save everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel looked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you?\u201d<\/p>\n Silas smiled sadly.<\/p>\n \u201cI always chose you.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel hugged him.<\/p>\n The fourth Daniel lowered the knife.<\/p>\n For a moment, nobody moved.<\/p>\n Then the House spoke.<\/p>\n Not through the speakers.<\/p>\n Through the walls.<\/p>\n RESET INCOMPLETE.<\/strong><\/p>\n Daniel looked up.<\/p>\n The fourth Daniel’s face changed.<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n The lights flickered.<\/p>\n HOSTS 001, 002, 003, 004: ACTIVE.<\/strong><\/p>\n Daniel stared.<\/p>\n \u201cYou said there were four.\u201d<\/p>\n The fourth Daniel nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen why does it say Hosts 001 and 002?\u201d<\/p>\n The fourth Daniel looked frightened.<\/p>\n \u201cI don’t know.\u201d<\/p>\n The screen changed.<\/p>\n HOST 005 DETECTED.<\/strong><\/p>\n Everyone froze.<\/p>\n Leah whispered:<\/p>\n \u201cFive?\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel stood.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere?\u201d<\/p>\n The House answered.<\/p>\n BEHIND YOU.<\/strong><\/p>\n Daniel turned.<\/p>\n Nothing.<\/p>\n Then he heard breathing.<\/p>\n Slow.<\/p>\n Close.<\/p>\n A hand touched his shoulder.<\/p>\n Daniel spun around.<\/p>\n A woman stood behind him.<\/p>\n He didn’t recognize her.<\/p>\n She looked about forty.<\/p>\n Dark hair.<\/p>\n Pale skin.<\/p>\n A small scar beneath her eye.<\/p>\n She smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cHello, Daniel.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel stepped backward.<\/p>\n \u201cWho are you?\u201d<\/p>\n The woman looked at Silas.<\/p>\n Then at the fourth Daniel.<\/p>\n Then at Claire.<\/p>\n \u201cI’m the reason none of you remember.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel stared.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is your name?\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cEvelyn.\u201d<\/p>\n Claire suddenly screamed.<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn looked at her.<\/p>\n \u201cHello, Claire.\u201d<\/p>\n Claire backed away.<\/p>\n \u201cYou died.\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cSo did you.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel looked at Claire.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is she talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n Claire shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cI don’t know.\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cYou always say that.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel stepped toward Evelyn.<\/p>\n \u201cWho are you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was the first person your mother tried to save.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSave from what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMemory.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel frowned.<\/p>\n Evelyn touched her temple.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you know what happens when a human remembers everything?\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cThey stop being human.\u201d<\/p>\n The fourth Daniel whispered:<\/p>\n \u201cShe remembers.\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel stared.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you remember?\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn looked directly at him.<\/p>\n \u201cYour beginning.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel’s heart pounded.<\/p>\n \u201cTell me.\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cNot yet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause if I tell you now\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at Silas.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026he dies.\u201d<\/p>\n Silas stepped backward.<\/p>\n Daniel moved in front of him.<\/p>\n \u201cThen you won’t tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cI don’t have to.\u201d<\/p>\n She snapped her fingers.<\/p>\n Every screen changed.<\/p>\n A single image appeared.<\/p>\n Daniel stared at it.<\/p>\n A photograph.<\/p>\n His mother.<\/p>\n Walter.<\/p>\n Arthur.<\/p>\n Claire.<\/p>\n Leah’s mother.<\/p>\n Evelyn.<\/p>\n And one more person.<\/p>\n A man standing in the middle.<\/p>\n Daniel.<\/p>\n But he wasn’t an adult.<\/p>\n He was a child.<\/p>\n And beside him stood another child.<\/p>\n Silas.<\/p>\n Both were holding hands.<\/p>\n Daniel stared.<\/p>\n \u201cThis picture\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cWas taken before either of you was born.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel felt dizzy.<\/p>\n \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cThat’s the question.\u201d<\/p>\n The fourth Daniel looked at the photograph.<\/p>\n \u201cI’ve never seen that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou weren’t supposed to.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel pointed at the image.<\/p>\n \u201cWho took it?\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn answered:<\/p>\n \u201cYou did.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel froze.<\/p>\n \u201cI was a child.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wasn’t born yet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat makes no sense.\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cExactly.\u201d<\/p>\n The House began vibrating.<\/p>\n A low hum filled the corridor.<\/p>\n The photograph changed.<\/p>\n Now there was a second image.<\/p>\n A laboratory.<\/p>\n The date:<\/p>\n 1961.<\/strong><\/p>\n Daniel stared.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was thirteen years before I was born.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n Another image.<\/p>\n Each year.<\/p>\n Daniel appeared in every photograph.<\/p>\n Sometimes as a child.<\/p>\n Sometimes as a teenager.<\/p>\n Sometimes as an adult.<\/p>\n Always standing beside Silas.<\/p>\n Daniel whispered:<\/p>\n \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn answered:<\/p>\n \u201cBecause you were never born.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel stared at her.<\/p>\n The fourth Daniel looked at Evelyn.<\/p>\n \u201cStop.\u201d<\/p>\n She ignored him.<\/p>\n \u201cYou were remembered.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cBy whom?\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn looked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cBy yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel couldn’t speak.<\/p>\n Evelyn continued:<\/p>\n \u201cYou existed as a memory before you existed as a person.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel’s mind raced.<\/p>\n \u201cThen who created the memory?\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cYou did.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat’s why the House exists.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cYou built it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen who?\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn pointed at Silas.<\/p>\n \u201cHe did.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel looked at the boy.<\/p>\n Silas looked terrified.<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cTell him.\u201d<\/p>\n Silas shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cTell him what you did before you became a child.\u201d<\/p>\n Silas covered his ears.<\/p>\n \u201cStop.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel knelt.<\/p>\n \u201cSilas.\u201d<\/p>\n The boy looked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cDid you build the House?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn answered:<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n Silas began crying.<\/p>\n Daniel looked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cSilas?\u201d<\/p>\n The boy whispered:<\/p>\n \u201cI don’t remember.\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cExactly.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel turned toward her.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat did he do?\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn’s voice became quiet.<\/p>\n \u201cHe saved the first Daniel.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel stared.<\/p>\n \u201cWho is the first Daniel?\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn pointed toward the fourth Daniel.<\/p>\n \u201cHe is.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel looked at Subject 004.<\/p>\n The fourth Daniel shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou are.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou were the first.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel stared.<\/p>\n \u201cBut he’s Subject 004.\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause the House numbered him incorrectly.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel’s mind raced.<\/p>\n \u201cThen who are 001, 002, and 003?\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cPieces.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel looked at himself.<\/p>\n \u201c003 is me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSilas is 002?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen 001?\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn looked toward the floor.<\/p>\n \u201cYour mother.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel froze.<\/p>\n \u201cMy mother?\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cSubject 001.\u201d<\/p>\n The room became silent.<\/p>\n Daniel looked at the place where his mother had disappeared.<\/p>\n \u201cShe was the first host.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor what?\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn whispered:<\/p>\n \u201cThe consciousness.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel remembered the woman saying she was only a vessel.<\/p>\n \u201cThen what happened to the consciousness?\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn looked at Daniel.<\/p>\n \u201cIt chose you.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel felt cold.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBefore you were born.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cBut I wasn’t born.\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cExactly.\u201d<\/p>\n The fourth Daniel suddenly stepped forward.<\/p>\n \u201cEnough.\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn looked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cYou’re afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cOf what he will remember.\u201d<\/p>\n The fourth Daniel looked at Daniel.<\/p>\n \u201cDon’t listen.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel stared at him.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause if you remember the beginning\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He swallowed.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026you’ll remember the end.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel stepped closer.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat end?\u201d<\/p>\n The fourth Daniel looked at Silas.<\/p>\n \u201cThe end where he kills you.\u201d<\/p>\n Silas screamed:<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d<\/p>\n The House shook.<\/p>\n Every light turned red.<\/p>\n The countdown changed.<\/p>\n 02:59:59<\/strong><\/p>\n Then\u2014<\/p>\n 02:59:58<\/strong><\/p>\n Daniel stared.<\/p>\n The clock was moving.<\/p>\n But not downward.<\/p>\n It was counting upward.<\/p>\n 03:00:00<\/strong><\/p>\n 03:00:01<\/strong><\/p>\n 03:00:02<\/strong><\/p>\n Daniel looked at Evelyn.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cThe future changed.\u201d<\/p>\n The fourth Daniel looked horrified.<\/p>\n \u201cThat shouldn’t be possible.\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cBut you changed it.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel looked confused.<\/p>\n \u201cI did nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou chose.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cChose what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo protect Silas.\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn pointed toward the screen.<\/p>\n A new message appeared.<\/p>\n PRIMARY TIMELINE INVALID.<\/strong><\/p>\n Then:<\/p>\n SECONDARY TIMELINE INITIATED.<\/strong><\/p>\n Daniel’s heart pounded.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat does that mean?\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn whispered:<\/p>\n \u201cThe House can’t predict you anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n For the first time, Daniel smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n But Evelyn didn’t smile back.<\/p>\n \u201cThat’s not good.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause when the House can’t predict you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She looked toward the ceiling.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026it creates something that can.\u201d<\/p>\n A sound echoed from above.<\/p>\n Footsteps.<\/p>\n Slow.<\/p>\n Heavy.<\/p>\n Coming closer.<\/p>\n Everyone looked up.<\/p>\n The ceiling cracked.<\/p>\n Something dropped through.<\/p>\n A man landed in the center of the room.<\/p>\n He stood slowly.<\/p>\n Daniel stared.<\/p>\n The man looked like him.<\/p>\n But older.<\/p>\n Scarred.<\/p>\n His left eye was covered by a black patch.<\/p>\n He looked at Daniel.<\/p>\n Then at Silas.<\/p>\n Then at Evelyn.<\/p>\n Finally, he looked at the fourth Daniel.<\/p>\n \u201cYou failed.\u201d<\/p>\n The fourth Daniel lowered his head.<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n The man turned toward Daniel.<\/p>\n \u201cThen I’ll do it myself.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel stepped in front of Silas.<\/p>\n \u201cWho are you?\u201d<\/p>\n The man smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cYou really don’t remember me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou should.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n The man removed the black patch from his eye.<\/p>\n Daniel saw the scar.<\/p>\n Then he saw the eye.<\/p>\n It was completely black.<\/p>\n The man whispered:<\/p>\n \u201cBecause I’m the version of you that survived.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel stared.<\/p>\n The man continued:<\/p>\n \u201cNot the House.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot the reset.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot the memory.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel’s voice trembled.<\/p>\n \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n The man smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cI killed every other version.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel looked at the fourth Daniel.<\/p>\n \u201cHow many?\u201d<\/p>\n The older man answered:<\/p>\n \u201cThree hundred and twelve.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel felt sick.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause only one Daniel can exist.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you decided it was you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n The man pointed at Silas.<\/p>\n \u201cHe did.\u201d<\/p>\n Silas shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn’t.\u201d<\/p>\n The man smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cYou will.\u201d<\/p>\n Silas began crying.<\/p>\n Daniel grabbed his hand.<\/p>\n The older version of Daniel stepped closer.<\/p>\n \u201cYou’re making the same mistake again.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel stared.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat mistake?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLoving him.\u201d<\/p>\n Silas looked up.<\/p>\n The older Daniel continued:<\/p>\n \u201cEvery time you choose him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He pointed at Silas.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026the world resets.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cThen I’ll break the cycle.\u201d<\/p>\n The older Daniel smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cYou already tried.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThree hundred and twelve times.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel looked around.<\/p>\n The House seemed to breathe.<\/p>\n Evelyn whispered:<\/p>\n \u201cDaniel\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He turned.<\/p>\n She was crying.<\/p>\n \u201cThere’s one thing you still don’t know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at Silas.<\/p>\n \u201cHe isn’t the reason the world resets.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cThen what is?\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn pointed at Daniel.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are.\u201d<\/p>\n Silence.<\/p>\n Daniel stared at her.<\/p>\n \u201cMe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause every time you die\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She paused.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026the House brings you back.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel looked at the older version.<\/p>\n He understood.<\/p>\n \u201cYou’re not the survivor.\u201d<\/p>\n The older Daniel smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou’re the House’s backup.\u201d<\/p>\n The smile disappeared.<\/p>\n Daniel continued:<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you’re not here to kill Silas.\u201d<\/p>\n The older Daniel stepped backward.<\/p>\n \u201cYou’re here to kill me.\u201d<\/p>\n Silence.<\/p>\n Evelyn nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel stared at the older version.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n The older version’s face became expressionless.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause you’re the only Daniel the House can’t control.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel stepped forward.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd if I die?\u201d<\/p>\n The older version smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cThe House wins.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel looked at Silas.<\/p>\n Then Claire.<\/p>\n Then Leah.<\/p>\n Then Evelyn.<\/p>\n Then the thousands of doors.<\/p>\n He finally understood.<\/p>\n The House wasn’t trying to preserve Daniel.<\/p>\n It wasn’t trying to kill Daniel.<\/p>\n It wasn’t even trying to save Silas.<\/p>\n It needed Daniel to make a choice.<\/p>\n The same choice.<\/p>\n Again.<\/p>\n And again.<\/p>\n And again.<\/p>\n Daniel looked at the older version.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat happens if I refuse?\u201d<\/p>\n The older version’s smile vanished.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can’t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause you’re already dying.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel froze.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n The older Daniel pointed toward his chest.<\/p>\n Daniel looked down.<\/p>\n A black mark was spreading across his skin.<\/p>\n From his heart.<\/p>\n Toward his neck.<\/p>\n Toward his arms.<\/p>\n The mark continued spreading.<\/p>\n Evelyn whispered:<\/p>\n \u201cThe House has started deleting you.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel looked at Silas.<\/p>\n \u201cCan it be stopped?\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n She looked toward the final door.<\/p>\n The one marked:<\/p>\n ELIAS.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cOpen that door.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel stared.<\/p>\n \u201cYou said it would destroy me.\u201d<\/p>\n Evelyn nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cIt might.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat happens if it doesn’t?\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cThen you’ll finally meet the person who started all of this.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel approached the door.<\/p>\n Silas followed.<\/p>\n Claire grabbed his arm.<\/p>\n \u201cDon’t.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel looked at her.<\/p>\n \u201cYou’ve been afraid of this door for fifty years.\u201d<\/p>\n Claire whispered:<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at Silas.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause the person behind it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Her voice broke.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026is the only person who knows how to kill the House.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel looked at the door.<\/p>\n \u201cWho is it?\u201d<\/p>\n Claire answered:<\/p>\n \u201cYour first mother.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel froze.<\/p>\n \u201cMy first mother?\u201d<\/p>\n Claire nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cNot the woman you called Mom.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen who?\u201d<\/p>\n Claire whispered:<\/p>\n \u201cThe woman who gave birth to the memory.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel touched the handle.<\/p>\n The door began unlocking.<\/p>\n One click.<\/p>\n Two.<\/p>\n Three.<\/p>\n Then the door opened.<\/p>\n Darkness filled the room.<\/p>\n A child’s voice came from inside.<\/p>\n \u201cDaniel.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel stopped.<\/p>\n He knew that voice.<\/p>\n It was his own.<\/p>\n But younger.<\/p>\n Much younger.<\/p>\n The voice whispered:<\/p>\n \u201cCome in.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel stepped through.<\/p>\n The door slammed behind him.<\/p>\n Silas screamed from the other side:<\/p>\n \u201cDAD!\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel turned.<\/p>\n The door was gone.<\/p>\n He was alone.<\/p>\n A small room surrounded him.<\/p>\n A child sat on the floor.<\/p>\n The child looked exactly like Daniel.<\/p>\n But younger than ever.<\/p>\n Maybe five years old.<\/p>\n The child looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cYou came.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel knelt.<\/p>\n \u201cWho are you?\u201d<\/p>\n The child smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cYou.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen were you born?\u201d<\/p>\n The child shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI wasn’t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen what are you?\u201d<\/p>\n The child pointed to Daniel’s chest.<\/p>\n \u201cI’m what was left.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLeft from what?\u201d<\/p>\n The child smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cYour first death.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel felt cold.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat happened to me?\u201d<\/p>\n The child stood.<\/p>\n \u201cYou remembered everything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou couldn’t live with it.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel stared.<\/p>\n \u201cSo I died?\u201d<\/p>\n The child nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cThen what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou made me.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel whispered:<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n The child walked toward him.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause somebody had to remember.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel stared into the child’s eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd what did you remember?\u201d<\/p>\n The child smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cThe truth.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat truth?\u201d<\/p>\n The child leaned closer.<\/p>\n And whispered:<\/p>\n \u201cSilas was never your son.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel froze.<\/p>\n The child continued:<\/p>\n \u201cHe was your father.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel’s eyes widened.<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat makes no sense.\u201d<\/p>\n The child smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cIt will.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n The child pointed behind Daniel.<\/p>\n Daniel turned.<\/p>\n A door had appeared.<\/p>\n Behind it stood Silas.<\/p>\n But Silas was no longer seven.<\/p>\n He was an adult.<\/p>\n Older than Daniel.<\/p>\n He looked exhausted.<\/p>\n He was holding a newborn baby.<\/p>\n Daniel stared.<\/p>\n Silas looked at him.<\/p>\n And said:<\/p>\n \u201cDad\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel couldn’t breathe.<\/p>\n Then Silas looked down at the baby.<\/p>\n And whispered:<\/p>\n \u201cIt’s time to start again.\u201d<\/p>\n The lights went out.<\/p>\n A newborn began crying.<\/p>\n And somewhere in the darkness\u2014<\/p>\n Daniel heard his own voice say:<\/p>\n \u201cPart sixteen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n