[Tarvek woke quickly, at the first sound of the radio. He's trained his whole life to be hyper-vigilant. Much of the context escaped him, though he has seen enough movies at Quin's to understand "It's a Wonderful Life," the more so because of the past holiday season of reverse-theme. But it's the voice at the end that shatters him.]

It's one of Mayfield's "gods." Lucy, or the man who plays her?

[He's vibrating with frustration and grief.]

Ilsa, is anyone trying to help him? Or her? Or even find out what happened that hurt so badly that this crazy town is the answer? I know we all hate being pounded on, but you're a psychiatrist: doesn't it bother you that no one cares that our "master" is bleeding to death over something?

[He shivers, refusing to cling to her.]

I know. I know. We're abused. But...I feel the same way about Mayfield that man does. A place I can't be hurt anymore. Yes, they mess with you, and me, and all of us -- but even at their worst, there's something sweet underlying the crazy. This place really could be heaven, if we could just find a way to help our puppet master see it.