Twenty-Two
Dr: You seem more cheerful today.
Patient X: That’s because I am. I feel lighter in my soul, more at ease and hopeful.
Dr: Would you like to share the reason you feel like this with me?
Patient X: I’m not sure. You might not believe me.
Dr: Why wouldn’t I believe you? Try me.
Patient X: Earlier today, one of the angels of death visited me.
Dr: You saw an angel?
Patient X: An angel of death. I’ve met her before on a few occasions. At first, I thought she was my mother, but she isn’t. Merely a facsimile of her, with the same hair and facial features, but with dark, empty sockets where her eyes should be. It was she who explained how I might find salvation and undo the wrongs my mother inflicted on me.
Dr: This is very new. You’ve never mentioned this angel before.
Patient X: That’s because I came to you for a deeper understanding of my dreams not to discuss the angel who visits me.
Dr: Do you see her when you’re asleep?
Patient X: She comes whenever the mood takes her – morning, night or during the day. Sometimes she manifests and says nothing to me, just waits as I go about my business. Today she assisted me greatly.
Dr: How did she help you?
Patient X: She guided me to the blood.
Dr: What do you mean by that?
Patient X: Just that. Blood.
Dr: Why blood? You’re talking in riddles.
Patient X: Isn’t that what you specialise in? Riddles or the confused nonsense that brews in people’s minds?
Dr: I help people understand the significance of their dreams. They are not riddles. Dreams all have their roots within a person’s mind. The angel is another example of that. She probably comes to you when you are emotionally charged.
Patient X: She comes whenever the mood takes her, although she almost always appears when she’s tracked down fresh blood.
Dr: What blood are you referring to?
Patient X: You’re the doctor. What do you think I mean by that?
Dr: Are you talking about blood of a victim?
Patient X: Bravo. The doctor understands.
Dr: Tell me more.
Patient X: Haha! No. I’ve messed with your head enough. See what a good mood I’m in? I’m really enjoying watching your reactions to my nonsense. You looked so earnest and shocked by my revelation. It’s complete fabrication of course. I fancied winding you up a little today.
Dr: There is no angel?
Patient X: Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, I’d prefer to talk about my mother.
Dr: Are there any victims?
Patient X: It’s funny to see that you completely believe me, but I really don’t want to joke about any more. I want to talk to you about a troublesome dream about my mother that used to haunt me when I was a young child. For years it would play out night after night; then, for no reason, it stopped. Recently it’s returned and I’d like your take on its significance and how I can bury it again. Let’s discuss that, Doctor.