�Diane, were you able to resist this ghost?�

�No. I couldn�t move a muscle. I couldn�t breathe. I wanted to scream, but I couldn�t.�

�What happened when he was finished?�

�I jumped out of my bed and checked my windows and doors. All were locked from the inside. I took a shower to wash his whiskey-smelling stink off me.�

�Okay, here comes the hard question. What are you thinking of doing about the baby?�

�I should end it.�

�Well, I�m not asking about what the Spanish Inquisition would do to you. I�m asking about you, a woman who has lost her baby before.� Dr. Hubley studied Diane�s face for cracks. �A rational, intelligent woman who knows about modern medical science, genetic testing, and other such things. In that light, if it turned out to be Danny�s baby, would you keep it?� Dr. Hubley waited for Diane to ponder these new possibilities.

�It could be Danny�s,� Diane allowed, breathing slowly, studying the tiles on the floor like tealeaves. �And if it were Danny�s, I would want to keep it.�

�How would that affect your work with him? Would you tell him?�

�I don�t know,� Diane whispered, shaking her head. �I just don�t know.�

�Eventually, you�d have to explain the change in your figure, don�t you think?�

�Well, I don�t know. Maybe...� Diane�s voice trailed off as if one tealeaf below her feet held the answer she was afraid to vocalize.

�Diane?�

�What does it mean when you die in a dream? Aren�t you supposed to die in real life?�

�No, I don�t think so. But remember, you didn�t die in your dream. You woke up at the choking sensation, before death.�

�I could leave. Transfer out of the city. I have nothing holding me here,� Diane whispered, staring at the grimy window on the opposite wall.

�Okay, let�s get you tested. Let�s start there.�

In a dreamy voice, Diane said, �Okay.�