I finally went to this guy’s website and I think I get it now - it’s all explained by a time travel conundrum. Which is perfect sci-fi material.
Have you read “The Saragossa Manuscript” by Jan Potocki? It’s a classic of interlocking stories that are initially baffling. If you like Lost, I think you’d like it as well.
Is it something a 13 year old can read? I’ll have to read it, but it also sounds like something my son would like.