December 14, 2005
Week 33 - Impossible Dreams 14
Episode 3
Lucy and Powell pull up at the main gate of the Sleepy Meadows Convalescent Home, outside Albany. A guard in a booth leans into the window of their car. "Can I help you, ma'am?" he asks.
"My name is Lucy Lamont. I have an appointment with Dr. Seren." The guard speaks into a walkie-talkie. A moment later he nods and presses a button in his booth. The large, iron gate opens and he waves them through. They pull forward and the gate swings shut behind them.
"Thank you so much for coming with me," Lucy says, as she steers the car down the long driveway. "I don't know how I'd face this by myself."
"Um... It's all right," Powell says. "I want to make sure your father ends up in a good place, too." He looks out the window. Several patients, in loose gowns, sit, quietly, on benches that line the edge of the beautiful, well manicured lawn. One or two others stroll aimlessly on the grass.
They park the car in a small lot behind the main building - a large Regency style mansion. As they walk toward the front entrance, they are greeted by a very short, very thin, completely bald man. "Ms. Lamont?" he says, quietly. "Welcome to Sleepy Meadows. I'm Dr. Seren."
They shake hands and Dr. Seren leads them into the mansion. They walk through the quiet halls until they arrive at his office, where they all sit down. "The grounds here are beautiful," Lucy comments.
"Yes... We feel that peace in one's surroundings helps to foster peace in one's mind."
"Um... How many patients do you have?" Powell asks.
"We try not to say 'patients'. We prefer the term 'guests'. And we are somewhat exclusive. Currently there are fifteen individuals staying with us." He pulls a file from his desk and thumbs through it. "Now, Ms. Lamont... I've reviewed your father's case, as you have described it to me. Very interesting... Unique..."
"Do you think you could keep him safe? I'm... I'm going to be very busy soon. I won't be able to watch him as closely as... as he needs."
"Ms. Lamont... We have a very clear philosophy at Sleepy Meadows. We feel that the well being of our guests' families is every bit as important as the well being of our guests themselves. If you decide to have your father stay with us, you can rest assured that he will no longer be allowed to hurt himself or anyone else. You won't need to trouble yourself at all."
Powell looks at him. "But... do you think... do you think you could help him?"
Dr. Seren smiles. "Absolutely. There's nothing wrong with Mr. Lamont that can't be controlled by a dose or two of the proper medication."