"I'm going to assume you asking rhetorical questions gets a free pass and that this is leading somewhere. I'm listening." Not speculating though, at least aloud. Because what he'd imagine doesn't involve him still being alive, and that doesn't quite fit.

On the other hand, there is definitely an actual personality in play, and that's making it hard to stay very clear on much. Or at least solidly clear and stubborn determined.

Never mind how he doesn't know anything in any real way about this hell, never mind anything outside it. Pretty much anything he's told will be somewhat believable, but will also be something he mistrusts.

Great. He can gaslight himself.