On a cosmic scale, Doctor Simon Fischer knew it wasn’t too important that he struggled to lock his office door–but he just wanted to feel secure, regardless of how false and almost laughable that feeling was in this period of human existence.

His keys rattled as he tried again. The lock was old and rusted, and would fight against being turned–a desperate battle that often left Fischer with aching fingers. He’d talk to Rachel in the morning–he’s told her for weeks now to get it fixed.

The lock...