I think his experience was like an extremely lucid dream. Where he could control his own reactions. Though that does not explain why he can predict every one of Charlie's near deaths.

As for Penelope, Desmond and her never seeing again is I think a 25 to 75, 75 being the two of them actually meeting again. If they did not meet it would be very bold for the writers, so I hope they ruin P and D's chances intelligently.

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