It later transpires that his colleague has departed to the United States to seek treatment for a terminal illness, and he has rigged all exits but one so that opening it would spell death, the purpose of which was to express his distaste for the people he disliked the most, his very guests, whom he accuses of shortcomings such pretension and lack of integrity, with the only exception of Refaat, whom he invited because he thought he'd enjoy the experience. Knowing that help would come by morning in the form of a routine police visit, the guests spend the night telling their stories dealing with the subject of closed doors and what lies beyond them.
This passage describes a tense situation where the protagonist, driven by resentment, has created a dangerous game for himself and his guests. They spend the night sharing stories about closed doors and the unknown that lies beyond them, highlighting themes of isolation, fear, and the consequences of unchecked emotions.