An Unexpected End

You find yourself standing before a pair of large white gates. Emanating from them is an ethereal golden glow. Fascinating as they are, what really draws your attention is the lone man, bearded and elderly, hunched over a desk poring over an ancient looking book. Something tells you he’s someone of importance. You approach the desk and cough, hoping to gain his attention. He glances up and just stares and stares and stares at you for who knows how long. As you’re about to speak, he utters the first and last words you will ever hear from him, “Joke’s over.”