[ WP ] You die and everything goes dark . Then you see a red blinking light and hear a voice : `` Hello again , Inmate 32561 . Your simulated correctional experience is now complete . Welcome back to 2236 . ''

As the air slips into my stasis pod, the memories from my previous life start to drip away as they are replaced with things I had long forgotten about. Realizations start rushing in, the details of the life I left behind in reality that are replacing the life I left behind in the simulation. It all comes too quickly for me, and I just lie there in the dark as the prison AI beeps softly to itself in the distance. They told me that this was the kindest punishment that they could give, one that I did n't even realize was a punishment for my misdeeds. I suppose it was n't too bad at first. But it is over now, fake, and I can push those last few dozen years of my life away from my mind, get back to reality at last. After what seems like a lifetime I sit up and swing my feet onto the cold metal floor, fumbling around in the darkness for the light switch of my simulated bedrom before the computer turns the lights on for me. `` Your memories might be a little jumbled for the next few hours, but after that you shall be released from cell block 2236.'' It tells me in a voice that almost seems human. `` Do you remember your name?'' It asks me. `` Does it matter?'' I respond in a voice rusty with disuse. I wonder how much time passed during my lifetime briefly before the computer interrupts my thoughts. `` Your name is of no importance to me, Inmate 32561, but I am required to ensure that your punishment has been completed. I will need some more information to determine your immediate future. Get some rest.'' It opens up a compartment in the wall as it speaks, revealing a small but comfortable bed. `` Computer?'' I call out, `` How do I live with what I have done?'' It does not respond, except by opening the door to my cell. I guess that means that I am free to go. 
 
 The world outside is so different, so new, and yet, so similar. It seems almost alien to my simulated memories, but I can name every street and store as if it was only yesterday that I left. Some things have changed though, like my subterranean apartment. It seems like no one cared enough to come through and clean it. But it feels like home, even tattered and in disrepair. I sit on my couch, a cloud of dust rising into the barely lit room, and reach for a box I knew would be badly hidden underneath. I pry it open and just stare at the contents for a while. The gun looks exactly as I remember it, and it's weight in my hand is comforting and nauseating at the same time. I hold it up to my head, the impression of the barrel on my temple bringing back memories, simulated ones, but mine nonetheless. I can hear my voice and his, mingled in my mind, pleading, begging. `` I do n't want to die.'' We say. But I do. And just like in the simulation, I barely feel any pain. And then I feel nothing at all.
