The Lathe Of Heaven

Content Warning: This section describes the arrest of an individual with a terminal illness who is subsequently subject to euthanization, as well as discussion of self-harm.

Heather angrily leaves the restaurant after waiting for George, who never arrives for their lunch appointment. As she walks away from the restaurant, she finds herself turning toward her former law office which, now, has never existed. She realizes she doesn’t work at the same law firm she had the previous week because it never existed. She walks to the old job site and finds a dilapidated parking garage. She decides to find George to help her understand what happened during the dream session.

She calls him repeatedly, but he does not answer. She goes to his business place and then to his apartment. The manager takes Heather to George’s room, which is empty. The manager suggests she try George’s cabin, north of town, across the river. She rents a car and drives to the cluster of cabins. She arrives after dark and sees the lights on in only one cabin. After she knocks twice, a haggard-looking George opens the door. He explains that he has not been able to sleep for fear that he might dream.