How High We Go in the Dark

Bryan, the brother of Dennis (from Chapter 5, “Elegy Hotel”) holds a press conference about a tear in the space-time continuum that has appeared in his brain. This singularity has the potential to revolutionize space travel and allow for extraterrestrial colonization. Theresa, Bryan’s new wife, is reluctant to leave Earth. The two review blueprints for a starship made using salvaged alien technology from Area 51 as they debate the benefits of leaving, and Theresa fiddles with a purple crystal pendant when their debate gets heated. Bryan reflects on his hopeless outlook, which stems from the death of his mother, wife, and daughter within a short period, after which he soon married Theresa. Bryan’s son resents his marrying so soon after the deaths of his wife and daughter, but he and Theresa are brilliant scientists working to secure humanity’s future.

Bryan and his fellow scientists are working to convert the radiation in his head to an energy source. Bryan hides his fantasy that the hole in his head connects to a parallel universe in which his family members are alive. The public reaction to his anomaly varies: Some people express the belief that he’ll end the world, while others see him as their salvation.