Chapter 2: Convention
A flash of bright yellow lightening crackled across the dark sky as Neil sat alone in his bedroom of his small apartment. His body leaned over his work desk in the corner of the room as he read through the details of the latest group of kids that were admitted to the Hospital that morning. There were four of them. Two boys aged, 14 and 15, along with twin girls aged 16. All of them supposed failed suicide attempts. He glimpsed at his watch, the time reading 3.40am. As much as he wanted to get some sleep, he felt uneasy and so had decided against it. His focus was on the files in front of him, discerning that the four new patients were friends and had learned of Freddy through one of their other classmates, Amber Jackson who was found dead last night in their own bed.
Sighing resignedly, he sloped backwards into his chair and knew that there would be more new admissions to the hospital tomorrow morning, judging by the ambulance that he had seen just hours before. It was the same every night. A never-ending influx of new teenagers coming into the ward and then several corpses being brought down to the morgue. When would it end? He was hoping and praying that his visit to Zanesville next month would be positive, that him and Paul could convince this therapist to come with them to Springwood. Though he had to choose his words wisely.
He closed each file and placed them in his small black backpack, zipping it shut. As he rose to his feet he heard a soft humming noise, like childlike voices singing. His body grew tense, and he slowly turned around towards the source of the sound. His built-in wardrobe across from his bed, to the far left of him. Soon, the soft voices grew louder in pitch, articulating the beginnings that infamous haunting jump rope song. One he had heard through his patients; he knew the words. But had never heard them being sung until now…
"One two, Freddy's coming for you…."
Neil wildly looked about his dimly lit bedroom for any sign of him.
The soft melodic voices of the children continued.
"Three, four, better lock your door…."
He glanced at the door to his right as he heard a small click as the door locked itself. Neil swallowed thickly, an overwhelming sensation of apprehension beginning to surge throughout his body as he slowly inched towards his wardrobe, wanting to know where the voices were emanating from. His right hand reached out towards the small circular handle and with a deep breath he yanked opened the door and looked down at the small model Kristen had created all those years ago. It was the decrepit Elm Street house – 1428 Elm Street. His eyed widened in horror as each light from each room in the house began to flicker on. There was a whipping sound from behind him and he swung around to find himself now standing outside the same house. Just like from the model, each of the lights were on in the house. Thin rays of yellow light shed down on him and the ghostly specters of Krueger's victims from when he was alive. There were three young girls dressed in white frilly dresses with their blond and brown hair tied back in pigtails. They participated in a game of jump rope, their faces inane and listless as they instinctively sang the jump rope song. Their gazes never turned towards Neil as he hesitantly advanced towards them as they lingered on the patch of dead lawn to his left. While to his right two young boys dressed in black suits automatically began to throw a large red ball to each other. Again, the little boys were avoiding making eye contact with Neil. It was as though each child was being controlled by something, or someone and Neil knew who. He could feel that bastard's eyes on him, watching him.
The only other few times he had been outside this house was when he was awake with Paul and Max over the last year. At the time, each man felt perturbed being in proximity to the house. The house were so many children and teenagers had died in. But now, being here in his dream outside it, Neil even more troubled as he knew that being in the dream, he had no control over what would happen once he stepped beyond that red door. He knew very little about the house, only from what Nancy had told him. That her parents had owned the house but sold it in March 1980 after she was admitted to hospital after the deaths of her friends, Tina, Rod and Glenn. Her father had moved out quickly after her mother had passed away in her sleep It had taken five years before the house was sold onto the Walsh family. But within a few months that family had left the town, after the bus accident that had killed their son Jesse and his friends, Lisa and Kerry. Since then, the house had fallen into disrepair.
He slowly lifted his brooding gaze towards the house and saw each light in the boarded-up rooms begin to switch off and then slowly the red door squeaked opened, inviting him to enter. Taking a deep breath Neil knew that it was time to confront the bastard. Even try and understand why he was so insistent in going after the other children and teenagers in the town, despite his revenge having been completed after Kristen's death back in 1988.
Taking one last cautious glance at the lawn and the ghostly spirits, Neil entered through the doorway into the darkened house. To his right through a doorway was a large TV room, with a small green couch, coffee table facing a broken, smashed old TV. The air smelt stale, dust lingered in the air causing his breathing to become haggard and raspy. His attention turned towards the right, and he approached another room, the living room that consisted of a battered navy sofa, the fabric torn and ripped, the springs protruding from the seats. Facing it was a large white stoned fireplace that had several broken ornaments and shattered remains of picture frames. He ignored the room and looked towards a hallway to his right, the passage stretched out for at least twenty to thirty meters. For some reason he felt himself being lured towards it.
The floorboards creaked and groaned beneath his shoes as he walked down the decimated corridor, the wallpaper was ripped from the walls, smeared with blood stains. He glanced at the ground seeing the carcasses of teenagers to his despair. Ignoring the feeling of dread, he continued onwards and soon came across another adjacent passageway to his left and turned into it. After walking down for a few more minutes he took a fleeting glance behind him, seeing that the structure of the corridor had changed. Two more hallways were now behind him. He frowned in confusion. From what he remembered from his discussions with the teenagers in his care they had told him that Krueger would constantly change and distort the configuration of the house and the boiler room, changing corridors, creating new rooms, blocking off ways that they could escape. Creating his own twisted maze to trap them.
He saw a long corridor ahead of him, the walls decorated in what seemed like red velvet fabric. Attached to the walls were various shapes and sizes of mirrors, though the glass was cracked and shattered on the wooden floor. A thick metal door was opened directly ahead revealing another room. He slowly, yet warily, walked onwards and stepped through into the other room. It was quite large with a long wooden table in the middle that had a small doll sitting in the middle of the table. Neil prudently walked towards the doll. He grasped it in his right hand studying it. It was a Malaysian dream doll; its small white plastic body was adorned in a gold/blue fabric that had various colored rubies and gems. On top of its head was black netted fabric meant to signify its hair, that was covered by lace fashioned into the shape of a halo. Neil's eyes furrowed slightly in confusion, then it dawned on him where he remembered the doll from. It had belonged to Nancy. She had said the doll was mean to bring 'good dreams' to whoever owned it.
He gently ran his left hand over the top of the doll then soon saw the plastic begin to crack, thin rivulets of blood began to ooze from the fissures on its body. The doll's limbs began to break apart and burst into flames as he dropped it to the floor, taking a cagey step backwards. A body brushed against his back, and he swirled around to face a figure he had not seen since 1986.
It was Philip Anderson. His face was battered and bruised, crushed from the impact of his body falling thirty feet from the tower in the courtyard of Westin Hills. His arms and legs were tarnished in blood, long thin incisions were visible on his limbs that stretched from his wrists up to below his shoulder blades and ankles to his thighs. It was from where Freddy had used the veins and arteries as strings to make Philip into his puppet, luring him to his untimely death.
Neil held back a gasp and staggered back as Philip murmured, his teeth cracked, blood gushed from his mouth. "You couldn't save me…."
As he took another terrified step back Neil felt another body from behind and spun around to face another one of his old patients. Jennifer Caulfield. Their face was shattered, pierced with pieces of plastic, glass and wire from the TV. Pieces of her flesh was mashed in, peeling away from her skull and her eyes were gouged out, hanging down by thin layers of muscles. Her chapped, cut lips curled into a leer as she sneered, "You couldn't save me either!"
He gulped harshly and gathered his composure and turned to run but was faced with two more people from his past. Two other victims of Krueger. Taryn Whyte and Will Stanton.
Taryn was clothed in her black leather punk rock outfit, her black hair styled upwards in a high mohawked. Though her eyers were bloodshot, their pupils wide and the flesh around her eyes were scabby, blemished. Both her arms had four long needles inserted in her flesh, blood trickled down her skin that was covered in bruises and diseased needle marks. Her mouth was blue, while thick white foam spurted from her as she flashed him an eerie smile. Next to her Will Stanton was dressed in his Wizard Master outfit, four deep holes were visible in his chest that was cascading out copious amounts of blood. Both of their voices were hoarse, incensed as they hissed. "You couldn't save any of us Neil!"
He saw from the doorway another three figures emerging and his heart sank, it was Kristen, Kincaid and Joey. For the first time he had seen what had happened to them. Kristen's once beautiful face was now spoiled by hideous third-degree burns, her flesh charred away to reveal red/blackish muscle beneath. Her hair was now singed, plumes of smoke filtered form her body. Her lips tugged upwards into a fiendish smile, displaying decayed teeth. "You didn't stop him…"
Neil slowly shook his head, his poise crumbling away as the guilt began to overpower him. His eyes fell to Joey and Kincaid, whose stomach and chests were covered in deep stab wounds. The blood continuing to seep from cleaved flesh. They snarled at him, "You failed us all Neil!"
The corpses slowly encircled him, cornering him as he staggered away. A hand then slammed onto his right shoulder, and he gasped, swirling around to face her. Nancy. Their sparkling bright blue eyes stared sadly at them, their brunette hair in those wavy curls. While their pink jumper was ripped around her stomach, that was perforated with four deep stab wounds. She exhibited an enraged snarl, as she fumed. "Why did you do it Neil? Why did you have to fail me? I had such faith in you! We all did!"
He shook his head, trying to dismiss her words and backed away.
She took slow mediative steps towards him, with the other cadavers doing likewise. Encircling him. "You are fucking pathetic! So weak!" Nancy hissed; her blue eyes wild with fury. "Why would I love such a worthless cunt like you?"
He quickly halted, realizing that Freddy using his guilt to taunt him and with a sense of vigor snarled back, "I know it's you Krueger"
The mirage of Nancy smiled viciously, barring rotten jagged teeth and then with a prompt thrust of their right hand, Neil found himself being propelled across the road and was pinned against the cracked wall by an unseen force inches from the ground. He gasped, struggling against the energy and watched as Nancy stalked towards him, their body morphing into Freddy as the apparitions of the Elm Street children began to burst into flames, their bodies decaying and rotting into piles of bones and flesh.
Freddy gave him a twisted smile, "Dr Gordon, we finally meet! In the flesh!"
Neil glared with venom at him as Freddy snatched his throat, "We'll find a way to stop you!"
"Ohh, really?" Freddy moved his head forward and laughed, "Like you did by sprinkling my remains with holy water? Well, that didn't work! I still got to them last three Elm Street brats!"
Neil felt Krueger's hand tighten around his neck.
"No one can stop me!"
"What is that you want?" Neil choked out.
Freddy smiled menacingly, again his grip growing stronger. "The blood of the children, my revenge! I want every fucker in this town to pay! And they will!"
"Pay for what?" Neil snapped, "You got your revenge after you killed Kristen!"
Freddy raised his claw and waved a blood-stained blade in discord in front of his sweating face. "Oh, but I haven't! I'll never stop until every brat in this town is dead, with their blood on my blades! That will be my revenge for what this town did to me!"
Neil's eyes furrowed in confusion, "What else did they do to you?"
Holding back a snarl, Freddy twisted his head to the left and his cold, heatless eyes softened slightly as they settled upon a little girl that sat behind them. Though only he could see her. Neil followed his gaze, seeing nothing. Krueger continued to gaze contemplatively at the little girl who was no older than five years old. Their little frame was adorned in a light pink dress, with their dark blond hair tied back into two pigtails, tied in dark red candy ribbons the way he had always loved to see her hair in. The little girl's back was to them, as she merrily played with a doll that was dressed in a green dress. She hummed melodically as she played with her toy. A pleased smile broke across his blistered face as he listened to her soft voice, then soon an old memory of the night she was taken away invaded his mind and his smile twisted into a sneer of fury as he snapped his head back towards Neil. At that moment the apparition of the girl disappeared. He wouldn't allow Neil to know the real reason why he was going after the children in this pathetic fucking town. If those fuckers knew then they would try and find out where she was and warn her, and he didn't want that. When the time was right, he would reach out to her. And they would finally be reunited.
His eyes narrowed and his grip grew even more potent, and Neil gagged, trying to grasp for air. Freddy smirked at this and grinned manically. "Oh, don't worry Doctor! I'm not going to kill you. I want you to watch as one by one, I kill all the little piglets in your care! I have to say you are doing a great job!" his head rotated to the right, this time glaring a mutilated corpse in the corner.
Again, Neil followed Freddy's gaze. The mutilated remains of a girl lay strewn on the floor, their shirt was ripped opened, revealing her skin that was carved open to expose her lungs and heart that were hacked to pieces. His lips quivered as he whispered in horror, "Clara"
Freddy sniggered viciously, "Another piggy got butchered!"
A wave of strength washed over him as Neil thrashed against Krueger's hand, "I swear! I will stop you!"
Tilting his head to the side, Freddy hastily ransacked Neil's memories of the last day or so. The discussion of Neil and his colleagues' hours before was one that particularly attracted his attention. His lips broadened into a nefarious smile "Oh, so you fucks are thinking of getting some help. Mmm? Go ahead and bring them, once they find out who I am and they will, I'll fucking rip them to pieces! Just like Doctor Stewart. You should have heard her screams; it was music to my ears!"
Neil felt Freddy loosen his grip around his throat and slowly took a step back, withdrawing his hand from the man's neck. Though his body was still trapped against the wall. He watched in panic as Freddy raised his claw, poised to strike. "It's about time I left my mark on you fucker!"
With a snarl Freddy brought down his blades towards Neil's waist…
Neil screamed as his head jolted up from his table in his bedroom. Immediately he felt the stinging sensation from the left side of his stomach and looked down at his white shirt, seeing four long tears to the fabric and blood staining his skin beneath. He took a sharp, anguished breath and tremblingly rose to his feet and made his way to his bathroom, discarding his shirt as he did so. As he entered the room he staggered to a small cabinet above the sink and pulled out a small medical box. His eyes flicked to his wounds, and he grimaced, seeing that the lacerations were approximately six inches in length and curved around his stomach to the arch of his back. He had to stitch them up, even if just to stop the bleeding and then he would have to get them properly treated by Paul. Despite Krueger's threats, Neil was even more unwavering in gaining help to stop that bastard.
It was just past 7am when Neil had arrived back in Westin Hills. His wounds were tended to by himself, but he required proper medical assistance, painkillers. He winced and groaned as he stepped into the ward and felt disgusted by the news that the receptionist had informed him when he had entered. The death of Clara Jacobs. It just after 2am when the young girls cry for help were heard from the bathroom area. She had was so exhausted that she had collapsed in fatigue and within twenty minutes she was dead. Max and a female nurse had found her maimed body in the bathroom. Thankfully she was the only victim in the ward. Though he would have to wait until lunch time before discovering any more fatalities from outside the hospital.
He gingerly held the side of his stomach and looked up as Paul and Max exited a nearby room, they both turned towards him and saw the weariness on his face. Paul quickly approached him, "Are you okay?"
"Not really" Neil shook his head and lifted his jacket and shirt upwards, disclosing this temporary bandage that was beginning to be immersed in blood. "I got a visit from him"
Paul gently grasped his arm and both men began to lead Neil towards the medical room. "Let's get that properly looked at. What happened in your dream?"
They entered the treatment room and Neil weakly leaned against the bed, then hopped onto it as he spoke. "I was in that house on Elm Street. That fucker was taunting me, using the deaths of Philip, Jennifer, Taryn, of the rest of my patients from years ago against me! I saw all their corpses and then she was there…"
Paul walked from the counter; his hands encased in surgical gloves as he held a tray that held a needle and sutures. "You mean Nancy?"
He nodded and took off his jacket and shirt, allowing his colleague to tear away his bandages in order to work on his wounds. "Yeah, but it was him. I confronted him. I demanded to know what he wanted. He said he wanted revenge; he wanted all the children in Springwood dead"
Max shook his head in uncertainty. "But why? He's already got his revenge on the mob who killed him. All their children are dead. Unless there are others?"
"No, from what Nancy told me the kids under our care were the last children of those who burned him to death. There's something else we don't know!" Neil took a deep breath as Paul began to replace the s sutures, "Krueger said that the town had to pay. You should have seen the look of rage in his eyes. It was irrepressible! I have never seen so much fury like that before!" there was a brief pause. "He knows we are looking for help outside of Springwood"
"What?" Paul gasped in surprise, "How?"
"He must have read my memory of our conversation before I went home last night"
"What are you going to do now?" Max asked, "Are you still going ahead with your plan?"
Neil nodded doggedly. "Yes, I am. If I can persuade this therapist to come here, then we must ensure that nothing is said to him about Krueger"
Max glared at him with grave concern, "Neil, I don't that is a wise idea"
"We need help!" Neil snapped sharply, then frowned and quickly apologized. "I'm sorry, but I can't let him destroy this town. We've lost so many children over the last few years"
He nodded slowly, knowing all too well of his own loss two years before. Something he had tried not to think about, as if he did, his anger would just overwhelm him, and he would end up doing something stupid. "When are you going to the convention?"
"Friday 8th October. I'm going to finalize the arrangements today" Neil slowly buttoned his shirt and looked over at Paul, "Are you still okay to come with me?"
"Yes, of course. I'll drive. We can even stop for supplies of stimulants. I have a few connections there; I am owed some favors" Paul replied with a small grin.
"That's good" Neil studied his colleagues fatigued face, "Look, you need some sleep"
"I'll be fine Neil" Paul brushed off his concern.
Neil shook his head and walked over to him, taking his arm and reprimanded softly. "No, you are getting some sleep. Even a few hours. You can sleep in my office on the couch. I'll watch over you"
Finally, Paul gave in and agreed, nodding slowly. "Okay. Just make sure you book us into a nice hotel, with good room service!"
"I will" Neil smiled, and they left the treatment room, but for some reason Neil couldn't shake Krueger's words from his mind. The town had to pay for what they did to him.
Zanesville, Saturday 9th October….
The autumn sun shined down on a grey Ford Taurus as it drove through the bustling city streets of Zanesville. Paul was behind wheel as he chatted excitedly to Neil in the passenger seat. Both were revitalized, energized after a good twelve-hour sleep. Something that hadn't experienced in months, perhaps years. They glanced at the sidewalks of the commercial area of the City that was crowded with young teenagers, families, couples as they ventured towards one of the shopping malls, cinemas or the local bowling alley. The buildings on either side of them consisted of steel, red brick, some of them just freshly painted. Some newly opened restaurants and diners. The city was full of energy and life. A far cry from the situation their own town was in. The businesses were slowly closing, the center of town was falling into disrepair and there was little or no financial injection into the town's economy. Nearly every day there was a death or a funeral to attend.
Paul clicked down an indicator as she slowed at a junction preparing to turn right into a long road that led to the Muskingum County Conference & Welcome Center where the convention was being held. There was a slow trickle of traffic ahead of them as various cars were headed in their direction. Neil glanced at his watch, the time just passing 2pm. As they approached the entrance to the carpark they saw a large red bricked building, that had the state flags of Ohio perched above two large glass doors. The building had two levels and was about a hundred meters in length. People lingered at the large glass doorways, with others entering the building. Most of them were dressed in suits, business wear, while some they had noticed were young couples, families.
After finding a car space, both men enthusiastically made their way into the building, seeing that the foyer was crowded with people. Across from the entrance attached to a white painted wall was a long navy sign that read in white letters – Zanesville Annual Psychiatry Convention.
To the right was a wide corridor where the visitors were venturing down, and instantly both men pursued them. There was a hum of noise, general chatter from a large hall to their left. They entered and were greeted by throes of at least two hundred people. A small rectangular table was in front of them that had numerous leaflets and booklets of the various therapists and psychiatrists who were congregated in the hall that day. Neil glanced down at the leaflets, noticing that there was at least thirty of them. He had no time to go through them all. He nudged Paul in his side, "Let's just have a quick walk around the hall, pretend we are interested in the other therapies. Then we'll ask for him"
"What is his name?" Paul replied, raising his voice to be heard over the constant chatter of the crowd.
Neil reached into the inside of his jacket pocket, pulling out a small, folded piece of paper. He soothed it out and read the name given to him by his old friend. "Reynolds. Alan Reynolds"
He gave a curt nod, and they began to meander around the large hall. Dotted around the grey painted walls of the hall were at least twenty tables, each of them being attended by therapists, doctors, young counselors who were hoping to promote their work and theories. Behind each table was a tall notice board that had the type of therapy that was being promoted by each therapist. They all conversed with bright, warm smiles with the visitors. Sharing their ideas and opinions. The attendees mainly consisted of fellow therapists, doctors and some young students hoping to decide on what career path in psychology they wished to explore. Though some of the visitors were families, young couples eager for therapeutic help in their own life. In the middle of the large spacious hall were five more long tables that were attended by various hospital groups and clinics, advertising their places of work.
For the next half an hour Neil and Paul made their way around the far-right hand side of the hall, stopping to chat with a few doctors regarding their therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Psychoanalytic Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy. They politely took a few cards that were offered to them, but had quickly placed in them in their pockets, having no use for their services.
After leaving the last table Neil looked anxiously about the hall, unsure where to go to next. "We need to ask where he is. He could be anyone!"
Paul agreed and went to a nearby information desk next to the fire-exit where a blond hair lady sat. She smiled cordially at him, "May I help you?"
"Would you be able to tell us where Alan Reynolds is please?"
Rising to her feet she pointed across the room to the far left, down two tables where a stout African American with short, neat curly hair stood. His body was dressed impeccably in a grey suit, white shirt and navy tie. His deep, bubbly laugher echoed in the room as he shared a joke with another man. Neil and Paul glimpsed at each other and soon weaved their way through the crowd towards Alan's desk and seen that the man that Alan was talking with had now gone.
As they stopped at the desk, they noticed that the man was in his late forties, perhaps early fifties. Their eyes landed on two small bundle of leaflets, and they keenly grabbed two of them. One of them read….
Dream Therapy.
Dream your way to Health and Happiness.
While the other….
Dream Therapy.
A Gateway to the Mind.
Neil cleared his throat and held out hand towards Alan, "Hello, I'm Doctor Neil Gordon"
Alan broke out into a affable smile and shook his hand as he spoke His voice was deep, yet had a tenderness to it, "I'm Doctor Alan Reynolds" then offered his hand towards Paul.
"Doctor Paul Coleman" he grinned.
"Nice to meet you both" Alan said, "If you have any questions then please feel free to ask"
"Actually" Neil glanced quickly at Paul, "My old colleague from here actually recommended you. He met you at conference in Dayton in May of this year. His name is Ian Burns"
Alan thought for a moment, then broke into a smirk, "Oh yes, Ian. A lovely man, I used to work with him in Central City in 1990. He has always been interested in my theories"
"You specialize in dream therapy?" Neil rose an eyebrow in intrigue.
"Yes, among other therapies" Alan nodded, "But I do have a strong interest in dreams. Of how the mind and our subconscious works"
Paul read the leaflets quietly then asked, "How long have you been using dream therapy in your treatments?"
"Oh, that's a good question" he chuckled lightly, "On and off for about twenty years"
Both men traded looks, growing a little motivated at this. "Would it be possible if we could meet when the convention is over?" Neil asked, "It is rather boisterous in here. We'd like to speak to you in a more private setting. Perhaps ask you some questions about your work. We may have a job proposition or you"
There was a silence between them as Alan considered this, "A job proposition?"
"Yes" Neil mused carefully. It was imperative that he choose his words sensibly. "We are currently looking into different therapies to help with our clinic that we have set up"
As he stared reflectively at the men, Alan slowly became curious. Despite only just meeting them both, he was appreciative of any job offer that was presented to him. He knew in two months' time he would be out of a job, seeing as the Youth Shelter he was currently working in was to be closed in Central City. He did have a few other jobs that he had applied for, but he was always willing to listen to any other job proposals. And he was more than happy to share his deliberations and ideas about dream therapy if the opportunity presented itself. He lifted a small notepad that was in front of him and picked a pen from the desk, noting down an address. "I should finish here about 4pm. There is a little café about three blocks from here. It's on 10 Market Street" he scribbled down the address. "Mona's coffee shop. I can meet you there about 4.30pm?"
The biggest grin grew across Neil's face as he took the paper off him, "That is great thank you. We'll see you then"
Sometime later…
Mona's café was a small shop, with a few booths and circular wooden tables scattered about the room. Only a few tables were occupied as Neil and Paul arrived at the establishment and were greeted by Alan as he rose from his seat at the back of the shop, in a small grey booth. He again shook their hands and they settled into their seats.
"Thank you again for meeting with us" Neil smiled appreciatively.
"No problem, would you like to order any food?"
"We'd just being having some coffee please" Paul replied.
Soon, a small dark-haired waitress approached and readied her pen and notepad, "Yes, what would you like?"
"Two coffees and a cappuccino please"
She turned away to the counter several feet behind them to prepare their beverages.
"So" Alan started the conversation, "How long are you in Zanesville for?"
"Just to tomorrow. We head back at noon" Neil glanced at Alan's briefcase momentarily.
"You said you had a clinic?" Alan became interested in their earlier admission from the convention, "May I ask where it is located?"
"In Westin Hills. Springwood"
Alan pondered this. "How long have you worked there for?"
"I've worked there for nearly a year now" Neil started, then explained further. "But I used to work in Westin Hills from 1984 to late 1986. Due to personal reasons, I left the town. I only arrived back last November. I'm the head of the department"
Alan nodded mutely then listened as Paul added, "I've been working at the hospital for about 18 months"
There was a moment's pause as the waitress arrived with their drinks.
Another question was directed at them by Alan as he took a little sip of his drink, "Are you both from Springwood?"
"I'm originally Grove City, from the outskirts of Columbus" Neil nursed his coffee, "I moved to Springwood in 1982"
Paul then spoke, "I've lived in Springwood all my life. What about yourself? Where you are from?"
"I'm from Central City"
"Where abouts do you work in the city? Are you located in a hospital?" Neil enquired.
Alan leaned back in his seat, "it's a Youth Recovery Shelter. The Shelter deals with runaways, teenagers waiting to go into foster care, teenagers going through traumatic events in their family and home life. Some of the teenagers suffer from behavioral issues and anxiety. Relationship problems with their families. Though I am disappointed to say that the Shelter will be closing in the new year"
"Why is that?" Neil asked.
"City budget cuts" Alan shook his head in dismay, "Basically we get our financial help from the City Council through grants and loans. But due to the economic downturn over the last two years, our budget has been cut dramatically. A lot of people will be out of work"
"What will happen to the kids in your care?" Neil felt sympathy for the man.
"Either they are transferred to other youth shelters or placed back in their homes. It all depends. If they are placed back into youth or treatment centers, it may not be in Central City. The other two Youth Centers are in danger of being closed too. There are two Treatments centers in the north of the city, but they are at full capacity" Alan grumbled disappointedly.
There were a few seconds of deliberation as the men took sips of their beverages, then Paul questioned. "What other treatments do you use?"
"Mainly behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy. I have used hypnotherapy too. I try to use dream therapy if I feel it can be beneficial to the teenagers. Though my colleagues think I am old fashioned" Alan gave a smile and chuckled to himself, "One of them constantly calls me a hippie!"
Neil broke into a grin at this comment, "Are any of your colleagues interested in dream therapy? Do they use in their own treatments?" If there was even the remote chance of another therapist who shared his man's philosophies, then he could possibly try and persuade them to come to Springwood too. The fact that this Youth Shelter was closing could work in their favor.
Alan sadly shook his head, "Not really. Most of my colleagues use cognitive therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, psychoanalytic therapy. I have tried unsuccessfully to get one of my close colleagues to use it in their treatments. Just say she is very stubborn, very set in their ways. She is the one who calls me a hippie!"
Both men laughed at this and soon Neil asked, "What is their main line of treatment?"
"She would use Cognitive therapy. Psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal counseling, and mindfulness-based counseling. Though she is hoping to move onto more different types of therapies. She only got her doctorate in 1992. She was trained as a youth counsellor before obtaining her degree in child psychology"
"When did you first start using dream therapy in your treatments?" Paul enquired.
"Mmm…" he mused thoughtfully. "Around 1974. I would use dream therapy to interpret the patient's dreams"
Neil watched with interest as Alan reached into his briefcase and took out a small booklet, that five or six pages. The front page was glossy, blue in color and had the title.
A Guide To Dream Therapy,
by Dr Alan Reynolds.
Masters and Ph.D in Child Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Abnormal Psychology.
Alan explained, "This is a brief overview of dream therapy, lucid dreaming. What it is used for. You can keep them. The way I would use dream therapy, is to interpret my patients' dreams. It can help me explore and determine certain aspects of their life. It could be a forgotten traumatic event in your life, anxiety, depression or just everyday stress that is manifesting in your dreams. When if dint the reason, I would set goals with the patients to work through their problems. I also find when using lucid dreaming techniques can aid in the recovery process too"
Neil sat up a little at the concept of lucid dreaming. He had heard of it before, "Can you tell me a little more about lucid dreaming?"
"It's rather complicated. But there is a general overview of it in here" Alan pushed the booklet towards him, "There are practices and methods that are used to help people control their dreams. It's all about focusing your mind. Learning your mind to sense your own consciousness. Concentration and meditation are very important in controlling your dreams. If you let your dream, go out of control then the more difficult it would be to regain control over your dream"
Paul worryingly looked over to Neil, both men sharing the same thoughts. Freddy had plenty of years to manipulate, control and twist people's dreams to his own advantage. If they were to persuade this Doctor to Springwood, it may not be as straightforward as they had hoped.
"What are your plans after the Youth Shelter you work at is closed down?" Paul questioned
"I have applied for a few job positions in Washington DC, Cleveland and New York. But so far there as been no response" Alan said with disappointment. "I was hoping to set up my own therapy clinic in Central City. But my application for a business grant has been turned down" he lifted his pensive gaze towards Neil and asked. "You mentioned earlier that you may have a job proposition?"
Neil felt his heart thunder in his chest. He hated lying, but it had to be done. "Yes, we have a clinic in Westin Hills. Over the last few weeks, we have had an influx of teenagers who appear to be going through some distressing events in their life. I'm afraid I can't say much more than that. Doctor patient confidentiality"
"I understand, "Alan nodded, but persisted. "But can you give me any details at all?"
"They suffer from anxiety. Stress. We have tried cognitive therapy, psychoanalytic therapy. But sadly a few of them have committed suicide" Neil loosened his tie as he felt himself become hot, a sign of uneasiness.
Paul glimpsed quickly at his colleague. He hoped Neil knew what he was doing, he had to pick his words prudently. His gaze turned to Alan whose eyes frowned in desolation at Neil's last statement. "I'm so sorry to hear about your patients. What were or are the sleeping patterns?"
Both men threw each other a apprehensive look, that luckily went unnoticed by Alan. Soon, Neil gathered his equanimity and blatantly lied to him, "Some bouts of insomnia, but their sleeping patterns are normal"
"Any dreams?"
Neil gave a small nod, not fully giving everything away. "Just a few bad dreams. But nothing serious"
He took a sip of his drink, then clasped his hands together on the table. "I do believe that dream therapy could help your patients if the current methods you are using aren't providing any positive improvements. But to be honest, I can't give you a definite answer" he observed the disappointment on their faces and then explained. "I am still under contract with the Youth Shelter. I have an obligation to my workers and the kids there. The Shelter is closing on the 3rd of January; However, I have promised Kelly my boss, that I would help with the administrative side of transferring the patients under our care into new treatment centers and any care homes in nearby towns. Though that may take two weeks to finalize. Do you not have any therapists who deal with dream therapy in Springwood?"
"No, sadly not" Neil shook his head.
"I will keep this proposal under offer" Alan offered, "I could possibly have an answer around the end of November. But as I have said I would not be able to start the position until end of January, perhaps start of February"
Neil groaned inwardly. The earliest he would be able to start would be the end of January, start of February? Well, that was if he said yes to the job offer. By then God knows how many Freddy would have killed. Then again, he had to try and be optimistic, Alan could have rejected their proposition straight away. They would have to manage, increase the supply of stimulants to the hospital. He forced a fake smile and replied. "That is fine. Would it be possible to share our contact details with you?
"Yes" Alan slid his hand inside his navy jacket, pulling out his business card. "This has my work cellphone number, my work number in the Shelter, email address. If you wish I could give you my home phone number"
"Yes, that would be great thank you" Neil swiftly provided his own contact details from his own personal business card. "These are my details. If I am not available, then please leave a message with the receptionist at the hospital"
They quickly finished their beverages and began to leave the coffee shop, into the cold bitter autumn night. "Thank you again for agreeing to meet with us"
Alan buttoned his heavy black jacket and nodded. "My pleasure. I'll be in touch. Have a safe journey home. Goodbye"
After saying their goodbyes, they turned down the street towards Paul's parked car at the end of the row of shops, Neil let out a low, muffled curse. "Shit. I thought he would have said yes straight away"
"I'm sure he will say yes" Paul replied, trying to be optimistic. "Just try and be positive"
Neil sighed and gave a half-hearted nod. Despite wanting to share his colleague's enthusiasm, he felt as though this weekend was going to be nothing but a wasted journey.
It was past 6pm when they arrived back at their hotel on the outskirts of the city. Paul had taken another opportunity to catch up on some sleep, snoring softly on his bed to Neil's left. Neil however was engrossed in the leaflet that Dr Reynolds had presented to them, hoping to pick something out that would help them in their fight against Krueger.
Dream therapy
Interpretation and exploration of dreams. Dream therapists analyze your dreams to help determine certain aspects of your life. Dreams are potential indicators of certain types of stress, anxiety in your life. Also, how your brain is processing and dealing with life in general.
Understanding dreams could open several new possibilities and perspectives for you. If dreams are your subconscious trying to tell you things that you're unconsciously burying or trying to sort through certain feelings, then it makes sense to pay attention to them.
Nightmares Might Be a Sign of Issues That You Need To Work Through
One of the biggest reasons that people seek out dream therapy is that they are having some type of recurring nightmare. When you are experiencing nightmares regularly, it is likely a sign that you have issues to work through. Sometimes the nightmares will be obvious, and you will be able to pinpoint what is bothering you. Other times, you might find the nightmare to be more symbolic.
Dream therapists have the training to help you analyze these nightmares and figure out what may be causing them. Simply talking the issue out with a counselor is a great way to make some progress — and hopefully find and address whatever is causing the unpleasant dreams to recur.
A trained dream therapist knows what to look for in a dream. They will be able to ask you questions about the dream, how it makes you feel, and any other pertinent details. Once they have enough information, they should be able to provide some insight into things that may be bothering you and help you to work through them.
What is lucid dreaming?
A lucid dream occurs when a person is asleep but aware that they are dreaming. In this state, a person can take control of their dream's narrative to some degree, essentially guiding and directing the course of their dream.
Because this type of sleep is associated with awareness and the reflection of this awareness, it is often associated with what is known as metacognition. Metacognition involves the awareness and understanding of your own thought processes.
Research suggests that lucid dreaming and metacognitive functions share similar neural systems. This means that people with heightened abilities to monitor their own thoughts may be more likely to experience lucid dreams. An estimated 55 percent of people have had one or more lucid dreams in their lifetime.
History of Lucid Dreaming
In the last 20 years, psychophysiologist Dr. Stephen LaBerge has become the pioneer of lucid dreaming research. Not only did he invent one of the most popular lucid dreaming techniques, but he has also led many scientific studies on the subject.
LaBerge's work has helped researchers discover therapeutic benefits of lucid dreaming. It may be useful in treating conditions, like PTSD, recurring nightmares, and anxiety.
Lucid dreaming usually happens spontaneously. However, it's possible to learn how to lucid dream through various methods.
How to have a lucid dream: 5 methods
Lucid dreaming techniques train your mind to notice your own consciousness. They're also designed to help you regain or maintain consciousness as you enter REM sleep.
1. Wake-initiated lucid dreaming (WILD)
A wake-initiated lucid dream (WILD) happens when you directly enter a dream from waking life. It's said WILD helps your mind stays conscious while your body goes to sleep.
You'll need to lay down and relax until you experience a hypnagogic hallucination, or a hallucination that occurs when you're just about to fall asleep. WILD is simple, but it's difficult to learn. Practicing the other lucid dreaming induction techniques will increase your chances of WILD.
2. Reality testing
Reality testing, or reality checking, is a form of mental training. It increases metacognition by training your mind to notice your own awareness. Your level of metacognition is similar in your waking and dreaming states. So, higher metacognition when you're awake could lead to higher metacognition when you're dreaming. This may be related to the brain's prefrontal cortex, which plays a role in both reality testing and lucid dreaming. To enhance your metacognition, you can do reality tests while you're awake.
To try reality testing, follow these steps several times a day:
3. Wake back to bed (WBTB)
Wake back to bed (WBTB) involves entering REM sleep while you're still conscious.
There are many versions of WBTB, but consider this technique:
Set an alarm for 5 hours after your bedtime.
Go to sleep as usual.
When the alarm goes off, stay up for 30 minutes. Enjoy a quiet activity like reading.
Fall back asleep.
When you go back to sleep, you'll be more likely to lucid dream. While you're awake, choose any activity that requires full alertness.
Research Trusted Source suggests the chances of lucid dreaming depends on the level of alertness and not the specific activity.
4. Mnemonic induction of lucid dreams (MILD)
In 1980, LaBerge created a technique called Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams (MILD). It was one of the first methods that used scientific research to induce lucid dreams. MILD is based on a behavior called prospective memory, which involves setting an intention to do something later.
5. Keeping a dream journal
Keeping a dream journal, or dream diary, is a popular method for initiating lucid dreaming. When you write down your dreams, you're forced to remember what happens during each dream. It's said to help you recognize dream signs and enhance awareness of your dreams. For best results, log your dreams as soon as you wake up. It's also recommended to read your dream journal often.
Benefits
There's some evidence that lucid dreaming has therapeutic effects. Lucid dreaming might help people do the following.
Overcome nightmares
It's common to have a nightmare now and then. Recurring nightmares, however, can cause stress and anxiety.
They're often associated with:
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, stress, sleep disturbances, like insomnia, medication, substance use
Lucid dreaming might help by letting the dreamer control the dream. Additionally, when a dreamer knows they're dreaming, they can recognize that the nightmare isn't real. Lucid dreaming is often used in imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT). In IRT, a therapist helps you reimagine a recurring nightmare with a different, more pleasant storyline. When used with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), IRT with lucid dreaming induction can help increase dream control.
Relieve anxiety
Most scientific research has focused on PTSD and nightmare-induced anxiety. But according to anecdotal evidence, lucid dreaming can also ease anxiety caused by other reasons. People claim that controlling their dreams lets them face situations that cause them anxiety.
Cautions
Generally, any dangers of lucid dreaming are caused by induction techniques.
Negative aspects might include:
Sleep problems. WBTB and MILD involve waking up in the middle of the night. These interruptions can make it difficult to get enough rest, especially if you have a sleep disorder or an irregular sleep schedule.
Derealization. Sleep disturbances can lead to derealization, or the feeling that people, things, and your environment aren't real.
Depression. The sleep interruptions of induction techniques may increase depressive symptoms.
As he closed the last page, Neil grew more fascinated by the idea of lucid dreaming. He had known himself through Nancy of people having dream powers, he had seen firsthand how Kristen uld perform gymnastic routines and how Kincaid had immense strength in the dream. But the idea of controlling your dream greatly appealed him. Even if they could teach the kids to gain some manner of control in their dreams, it could help them stand up against that bastard.
The sooner he received an answer from Alan the better. And if the answer was no, then it would just be the death of every single child in Springwood.
Friday 19th November….
Neil stared gloomily at his reflection in the window of his office. Heavy rain plummeted from the grey clouds above the hospital. His eyes were fatigued, bags beginning to form under them. He had honestly believed that he would have seen Krueger in his dreams would have been that night in September. But to his consternation the monster had visited him three more times. Each time he had goaded him about the deaths of the children and had even sadistically shown him the depraved way he had murdered them. It appeared that Krueger was starting to get some sick satisfaction out of mocking him, trying to push him into a mental breakdown.
But Neil knew he had to persevere, waiting on a phone call, an email from Alan Reynolds to signify that he would be taking up his offer of employment. They had spoken briefly at the start of the month, with Alan disclosing that he would advise him of his decision the week beginning 15th November. It was now nearing the end of the week and so far, no communication from him.
He heaved a long-aggravated sigh and left his office, turning right down the corridor for about twenty meters to where Paul's office was located. Knocking the door gently, the pushed the door opened and saw that Paul was quietly chatting on his phone. The man looked up at him and gestured with a nod of his head to come in. Neil closed the door and settled into the chair facing him as he finished his conversation. "So, this Monday at 10am?" he scribbled a few notes on his notepad. "Thank you, bye"
Neil looked at him with interest, "A shipment?"
"Yes, six months' worth of Modafinil and three months' worth of Xyerem too" Paul gave a little smile. "Still no word back from Dr Reynolds?"
"No, nothing. I think that trip was a fucking waste of our time!" Neil grumbled.
"Neil, just have a little faith. He's probably busy. I'm sure he will call before the end of the month" he tried to reassure his coworker. "Have you been getting much sleep?"
"No, not really. What about you?"
"A few hours each night. Though I am spending more time on the ward, keeping the kids company during the night" Paul rose from his seat and went to a small coffeemaker, pouring the dark brown liquid into two black mugs for them both.
There was a sudden abrupt knock at his door, and he called out. "Come in"
The door creaked opened, revealing one of the receptionists called Rose. Her eyes landed on Neil, and she smiled. "Dr Gordon, I had a phone call for you. I tried your office, but there was no answer. I knew you'd be here with Paul. I took down the details of the caller. A man named Alan. Alan Reynolds?"
Neil looked vivaciously at Paul and thanked her, taking the note that had the phone number for Alan. Paul quickly held out his phone to him and Neil rang the number. After the third dial tone it was answered. "Hello? Is this Dr Reynolds?"
A few moments of silence.
"Yes, this is Dr Gordon, from the convention in Zanesville yes" his eyes widened in elation as he listened. "Yes, our offer still stands"
Paul eagerly moved around the desk, resting against the rim of the oak table. He crossed his fingers.
"Yes, that is great thank you very much" Neil nodded, "I'll phone you then. Thank you again. Bye"
The biggest grin spread across his face as he stood to his feet, "He accepted our offer. He said yes"