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accepted his doctor’s advice. He went home and gathered up a few personal belongings and drove to the hospital. The psy- chiatrist had already left orders for him, so after he was admitted Ted received an injection and went to his room, where he slept until the next morning. He felt safer knowing that a staff of trained professionals was just outside his room, and that other patients were around while he slept. As he dozed off, Ted thought of his cold, lonely apartment and how he’d grown to hate and fear it when darkness approached. It didn’t matter that other peo- ple weren’t in his hospital room with him, just knowing they were nearby gave him enough comfort to allow the sedative to work without resistance. It was the best rest he’d had in months. Masquerade of Angels 168 Eighteen In the middle of the journey of our life I came to myself within a dark wood where the straight way was lost. Dante Ted’s meeting the following day with Dr. Nichols led to a long discussion about what might be causing his problems. The doctor’s questions helped Ted rule out certain obvious possibilities. “How are things at work, Ted?” the doctor asked. “Are you having any particular problems with your job, or maybe a coworker?” “Not really,” Ted answered. “I’ve been pretty happy at work, although recently there has been talk of some upcom- ing changes, layoffs. That’s not the best news, but it hasn’t really worried me a lot. Basically, the conditions at the bank are great; reasonable hours and nice offices. And I like the folks I work with, they’re great.” “All right,” Dr. Nichols nodded, “that’s good. Now, is there any other area where you feel things might be critical, like with your girlfriend or some family member?” “T’m not seeing anyone special,” Ted shook his head, “‘so no problems there. And I get along fine with my family. Don’t you think I’ve gone over these same ideas already, trying to figure this out? I can’t find the problem. And I can’t sleep. What’s the matter with me?” “We know what’s the matter,” Dr. Nichols said, “you’re suffering from stress. Sometimes the causes are obvious, but sometimes it takes more work to discover them. Your current The Maze - Seventeen.