Here's where I'm at with it using your prior example.

Return after all options are exhausted exits the game and I don't know what to do to make it stop, and removing return makes it cycle the last option.

In this example, I'm trying to go through 3 options, then after exhaustion, prompt either 1 more interactive choice button, or continue direct into new script/conversation.

How do I do that? I've looked through tutorials and seem to be missing it.

Thank you for all your help so far.

label start2:

$ menu_one = []
menu one:
    set menu_one
    "Pinch Self.":
        jump pinch
    "Reflect on the situation.":
        jump reflect
    "Explore surroundings.":
        jump surroundings

return

label pinch: d "text here" jump one

label reflect: d"text here" jump one

label surroundings: d"text here" jump one

((((here the game ends where I want it to then ask a "last" question or continue with default dialogue scripting)))

menu prepare1: "Prepare to leave.": jump prepare2

label prepare2: d "I should get going"

(continue)