Let's Pretend: A Tale of Mind, Imagination, and Healing

Dr. Peter Andresen is a broken man. Once a highly respected psychiatrist, he lives alone, suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder that he steadfastly denies. Unable to practice medicine, he survives on modest VA benefits. Ten years earlier, his wife died in a freak bicycle accident. Soon thereafter, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He has managed his Parkinson's for nine years without taking medication. As the story begins, Peter walks alone on a deserted beach. He doesn't know where he is or what he's doing until he encounters a beautiful young woman named Holly Be. She knows his story and it is her assigned mission to restore meaning to his life. But she fails to maintain the emotional distance required to prevent them from falling in love. Holly lives in the realm of imaginary reality; a part of the Infinite Mind in which material realities are optional. What becomes real is whatever Peter and Holly can imagine. Their experiences range from existentially profound encounters to lighthearted play. Peter believes his mission is to understand the BodyMind and how managing it can arrest Parkinson's disease. His PTSD is a different story. It is buried so deeply; he lives as if the trauma never took place. Terrifying memories must become conscious and re-experienced in florid detail if he will ever be free. By the end of his stay, his brain's disorders are resolved; but his safe return is not guaranteed-he may die or become psychotic during reentry. Even if he returns safely, he will continue to be alone if Holly cannot come with him.