Dr. Francesca Ortega, a physicist, discovered ‘the way,’ as she liked to call it, to contact the simulation’s creator(s).

She wrote down her questions: ‘Why us? What’s our purpose? Are you trying to save yourselves? Will we ever escape this simulation?’

She flipped a switch.

“Hello, Francesca,” said a ghostly-looking figure.

“You’re a creator?”

“Indeed …”

“I have questions.” She showed her notebook.

The figure vaporized it. “Francesca, you don’t understand. Your questions are irrelevant.”

“What do you mean?”

“Do you enjoy plays, amusement parks, movies, and video games?”

“Yes, I do. Are you saying we’re …?”

“Yes, Francesca. Entertainment.”