Walter and Therapist in “Bit by a Dead Bee”

Walter

Look, doctor, I feel fine. Really. Now, if this is truly necessary, can't I continue as an outpatient?

Walt, a fugue state is a very serious event. What if you were to disassociate when you were driving? What if you were to get into a situation where you could be shot by the police? You understand we can't allow you to leave, until we're certain what happened is a non-recurring event. Saying you feel fine doesn't solve this.

Walter

[beat] Would you tell me about patient confidentiality?

It's very straightforward; without your permission, I can't disclose anything you tell me to anyone.

Walter

What about my family?

Not to your family, not to the police, not to anyone. The only exception would be if you threatened to kill someone... then I'd be able to tell that person, but only that person.

Walter

And you–as a medical practitioner–you abide by these strictures absolutely?

Yes.

Walter

Alright... there was no fugue state. I remember everything. [stands up; removes tubing] The truth is... I couldn't stand to spend another second in that house. I just had to...get out, and so I left. I didn't think about it, I just did it. I-I walked for a long time, and when I couldn't walk anymore, I hitchhiked. I got as far as Gallup... [sighs] ...and then it was just time to come home.

So, being found naked in a supermarket; that was your way of giving credibility to a lie, of avoiding questions about your disappearance? Why run away? What did you feel you had to run from?

Walter

Doctor, my wife is seven months pregnant with a baby we didn't intend. My fifteen-year old son has cerebral palsy. I am an extremely overqualified high school chemistry teacher. When I can work, I make $43,700 per year. I have watched all of my colleagues and friends surpass me in every way imaginable, and within eighteen months, I will be dead. And you ask why I ran?