"After October," I'm forced to agree, thoughts having already taken a similar turn. I'm not yet convinced I'm one of the affected, those moments of self-doubt I've experienced these past few months easily explained through other means than mass hallucinations.

"The people here have survived this long," I offer after a moment's silence. It's a small comfort. "You won't be left to fend for yourself, if what they're saying proves true."

I'll see to it personally.