ABSTRACT
Norm is a vibrant, well-meaning therapist who tries to do good work. He is dedicated and competent and fears he is heading for a fall. He paused, letting two years sink in. There were ethical guidelines saying after two years of not seeing each other, a former therapist-patient couple may make romantic contact. Norm speaks of the five years Denise was his patient. Throughout that time, he yearned for her, imagined sex, barely got through sessions. Norm felt too settled in, monogamous over twenty years, a totally devoted family man who takes fatherhood seriously. Denise was always moving away from herself, moving away from others, moving away from life. Denise offers more fantasy, less gruel. Norm is very clear that the fantasy of Denise is not one that could withstand marriage or lead to marriage. It is a fantasy of bliss made up of ever-fresh erotic pulsations and everything life is not.
