Before I Go to Sleep

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of sexual assault.

Christine wakes up with no memory of Adam until she receives a call from Dr. Nash and reads her journal. She tears down the photographs from the bathroom wall in anger and frustration. Taking the emergency money Ben keeps behind the clock, she runs out of the house and is almost hit by a car. In the park, Christine buys a drink from a café, and a small boy catches her attention. He is alone and asks Christine to push him on the roundabout. The boy says his name is Alfie and implies that his mother does not love him. Christine fantasizes about taking Alfie home and caring for him. Alfie’s mother arrives and takes her son away. Christine considers telling Ben about her journal and her appointments with Dr. Nash.

When Christine gets home, it is dark. Ben looks like he has been crying and reacts joyfully to her return. When Christine begins to apologize, he stops her and does not ask where she has been. Ben says it is his birthday and insists they go out to celebrate. Puzzled by Ben’s reaction, Christine goes upstairs to get ready.