Tell Me Your Dreams

Blood was pouring from David’s hand. He said to Dr. Salem, "For God’s sake, wake her up."

Dr. Salem said, "Ashley… Ashley… listen to me. You’re going to come out now. Toni is gone. It’s safe to come out now, Ashley. I’m going to count to three."

And as the group watched, Ashley’s body became quiet and relaxed.

"Can you hear me?"

"Yes." It was Ashley’s voice, sounding far away.

"You’ll awaken at the count of three. One… two… three… How do you feel?"

Her eyes opened. "I feel so tired. Did I say anything?"

The screen in Judge Williams’ s office went blank. David walked over to the wall and turned on the lights.

Brennan said, "Well! What a performance. If they were giving out Oscars for the best – "

Judge Williams turned to him. "Shut up." Brennan looked at her, in shock. There was a momentary silence. Judge Williams turned to David. "Counselor."

"Yes?" There was a pause. "I owe you an apology."

Seated on the bench, Judge Tessa Williams said, "Both counsels have agreed that they will accept the opinion of a psychiatrist who has already examined the defendant, Dr. Salem. The decision of this court is that the defendant is not guilty by reason of insanity. She will be ordered to a mental health facility, where she can be treated. The court is now adjourned.’

David stood up, drained. It’s over, he thought. It’s finally over. He and Sandra could start living their lives again.

He looked at Judge Williams and said happily, "We’re having a baby."

Dr. Salem said to David, "I would like to make a suggestion. I’m not sure it can be done, but if you can arrange it, I think it would be helpful to Ashley."

"What is it?"

"The Connecticut Psychiatric Hospital back east has handled more cases of MPD than any other place in the country. A friend of mine, Dr. Otto Lewison, is in charge of it. If you could arrange for the court to have Ashley sent there, I think it would be very beneficial."

"Thanks," David said. "I’ll see what I can do."

Dr. Steven Patterson said to David, "I – I don’t know how to thank you."

David smiled. "You don’t have to. It was quid pro quo. Remember?"

"You did a brilliant job. For a while I was afraid – "

"So was I."

"But justice has been served. My daughter’s going to be cured."

"I’m sure of it," David said. "Dr. Salem suggested a psychiatric hospital in Connecticut. Their doctors are trained in MPD."

Dr. Patterson was silent for a moment. "You know, Ashley didn’t deserve any of this. She’s such a beautiful person."

"I agree. I’ll talk to Judge Williams and try to get the transfer."

Judge Williams was in her chambers. "What can I do for you, Mr. Singer?"

"I’d like to ask a favor." She smiled. "I hope I can grant it. What is it?" David explained to the judge what Dr. Salem had told him.

"Well, that’s a rather unusual request. We have some fine psychiatric facilities right here in California."

David said, "All right. Thank you. Your Honor." He turned to leave, disappointed.

"I haven’t said no, Mr. Singer." David stopped. "It’s an unusual request, but this has been an unusual case." David waited.

"I think I can arrange for her to be transferred."

"Thank you. Your Honor. I appreciate it."

In her cell, Ashley thought. They’ve sentenced me to death. A long death in an asylum filled with crazy people. It would have been kinder to kill me now. She thought of the endless, hopeless years ahead of her, and she began to sob.

The cell door opened, and her father came in. He stood there a moment, looking at her, his face filled with anguish.

"Honey…" He sat down opposite her. "You’re going to live," he said.

She shook her head. "I don’t want to live."

"Don’t say that. You have a medical problem, but it can be cured. And it’s going to be. When you’re better, you’re going to come and live with me, and I’ll take care of you. No matter what happens, we’ll always have each other. They can’t take that away from us."

Ashley sat there, saying nothing.

"I know how you’re feeling right now, but believe me, that’s going to change. My girl is going to come home to me, cured." He slowly got to his feet "I’m afraid I have to get back to San Francisco." He waited for Ashley to say something.

She was silent.

"David told me that he thinks you’re going to be sent to one of the best psychiatric centers in the world. I’ll come and visit you. Would you like that?"

She nodded, dully. "Yes."

"All right, honey." He kissed her on the cheek and gave her a hug. "I’m going to see to it that you have the best care in the world. I want my little girl back."

Ashley watched her father leave, and she thought, Why can’t I die now? Why won’t they let me die? One hour later, David came to see her. "Well, we did it," he said. He looked at her in concern. "Are you all right?"

"I don’t want to go to an insane asylum. I want to die. I can’t stand living like this. Help me, David. Please help me."

"Ashley, you’re going to get help. The past is over. You have a future now. The nightmare is going to be finished." He took her hand. "Look, you’ve trusted me this far. Keep trusting me. You’re going to live a normal life again."

She sat there, silent.

"Say ‘I believe you, David.’ "

She took a deep breath. "I – I believe you, David."

He grinned. "Good girl. This is a new beginning for you."