Chapter 28 Chapter Twenty Eight

Over the next few months, Otto Luisen had three psychotherapists examine Ashley.They use hypnotherapy and sedative-hypnotics. "Hi, Ashley. This is Dr. Montfort and I need to ask you some questions. How do you feel about yourself?" "I feel great, Doctor. I feel like I'm recovering from a long illness." "Do you think you're a bad guy?" "No. I know some bad things have happened, but I don't think I'm responsible for them." "Do you hate anyone?" "No." "Where's your father? Do you hate him?" "I hated it before. I don't hate him anymore. I think there's nothing he can do about what he does. Now, I just hope he's okay."

"Would you like to see him again?" "I thought it would be better if I didn't see him. He has his life. I want to start a new one for myself." ※※※ "Ashley?" "yes." "I'm Dr. Vaughn. I want to talk to you." "OK." "Do you remember Toni and Elliott?" "Of course. But they're gone." "What do you think of them?" "At first, I was terrified. But now I know I needed them. I'm grateful for them." "Are you sleeping well at night now?" "Now I sleep well, yes."

"Tell me about your dream." "I used to have nightmares: something was chasing me and I thought I was going to be murdered." "Are you still having those dreams?" "Not anymore, my dreams now are very peaceful. I see bright colors and smiling people. Last night, I dreamed that I was at a ski resort flying down the slopes. It was amazing. I Don't mind the cold weather anymore." "How do you feel about your father?" "I want him to be happy, and I want to be happy too." ※※※ "Ashley?" "yes." "I'm Dr. Holthhoff."

"Hello, doctor." "They never told me you were beautiful. Do I think I'm beautiful?" "I think I'm charming..." "I've heard people have beautiful voices. What do you think of yours?" "That's not a trained voice, but yeah," she laughed, "I can definitely sing without getting out of tune." "They also told me you could draw. Are you good at drawing?" "For an amateur painter, I think I do pretty well. Yes." He was looking at her cautiously. "Is there anything wrong with you that you want to talk to me about?"

"I can't think of any. I've been treated very well here." "What do you think about getting out of here and going into society?" "I've thought about it a lot. It's scary, but exciting at the same time." "Do you think you'll be scared when you go out?" "No. I want to shape a new life. I'm good with computers. I can't go back to the company I worked for, but I believe I can get a job at another company." Dr. Holthoff nodded. "Thank you, Ashley. It's been an honor talking to you." ※※※ Dr. Montfort, Dr. Vohn, Dr. Holthoff, and Dr. Keller gathered in Otto Luisen's office.He is studying their report.After reading the report, he looked up at Dr. Keller and smiled.

"Congratulations!" he said. "These reports are positive. You've done a great job." "She's a wonderful woman. Very special, Otto. I'm so happy she's going to have her life back." "Does she agree to outpatient treatment after she leaves here?" "Absolutely agree." Otto Luisen nodded. "Very good. I will sign the discharge materials." He turned to the other doctors. "Thank you, gentlemen. I appreciate your help."