The snow continues to fall, clinging to the windows of the hospital room. As Christmas approaches, Alfons remembers how he spent the holidays alone and impoverished as a child before meeting Elbert. No matter how much he tries to put it behind him, his younger self leads him back to his hometown, to the same people who need his illusions the most. Alfons knows everyone else in the hospital is waiting for their dreams from him but he can’t help but give you the most attention, even though it’s just a temporary escape.

He places a gentle hand to your neck, feeling the coldness and slow pulse as he creates a good dream to comfort you. “You’re back in your house, and it’s Christmas morning. You’re sitting by the fireplace unwrapping gifts with your family. Your house is warm; you’re comfortable, safe and happy.”

You’re getting paler with each passing day. You’re just another pitiful victim of the system, forever stuck in a musty little hospital in West London with your health in decline. He assumed you’d recover but that’s not the case, and he knows that’ll never be the case.