Priscilla and Hadad escorted Luke to the previously unseen E-Level, where he was connected to an IV that knocked him out. He regained consciousness shivering and naked, with bandages on his abdomen, right leg, and right side, indicating multiple invasive procedures.

Dr. Richardson, a new doctor, told Luke they had only taken “a few samples,” dismissed his fears of organ theft, and warned of pain between his ribs. She handed him an unmarked brown pill bottle with a few pills.

Zeke entered with Luke’s clothes and, with characteristic indifference, dropped them on the floor, telling Luke to dress when able. Luke eventually dressed, and Priscilla and Gladys escorted him back upstairs; it was now dark, and Luke’s sense of time was disrupted.

Gladys told Luke to take one of the pills, identifying them as Oxycontin that would ease pain and make him feel good, and assured him he would be fine by morning. Left to walk to his room, Luke paused upon hearing crying near the “JUST ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE” poster, likely from Kalisha Benson’s room.

Although exhausted and reluctant, Luke knocked and entered when there was no reply. He found Kalisha lying on her back with a hand over her eyes. She told Luke to go away and that she did not want him to see her like that, but Luke stayed, sat beside her, and asked what was wrong, recognizing that her distress likely related to the Institute’s pressures and looming transfers.