Angel returned to Buffy’s room a few minutes later. Her parents were on their way to talk to him. He knew of a consultant psychotherapist to the firm who could treat her and his wife, a registered Nurse, could provide the care she needed. There was no way he would leave her in this hellhole.

“Buffy?” he asked, sitting down again.

Buffy held her hand out and he took it again.

“See, I told you I’d be back. And I want to take you home with me. Your parents are coming here and I want them to sign the release forms for me.”

No reaction at all.

“Did you hear me Buffy? You’re coming home. With me.”

Cordelia watched from the doorway. Angel was new to this catatonia thing. Unfortunately he would soon learn the hard way that nothing could help Buffy. She sighed. Everything about this situation was all so sad and pointless.


Hank and Joyce summers arrived about half an hour later. Angel stood up to greet them but he couldn’t shake hands, Buffy was still gripping on to his.

“What’s this about?” asked Hank.

“Mr and Mrs Summers, I’d like permission to take Buffy home with me.”

“What?” asked hank.

“Are you crazy?” asked Joyce.

“No, I’m not crazy, I just think I can help.”

“Look son, don’t you think we’ve tried everything there is to try? She’s been here almost seven years and had every conceivable treatment money could buy.”

“I understand that but my firm has access to a lot of experts you don’t. Please. Just let me try.”

“Your firm?” asked Joyce. “I don’t understand.”

“I’m a Junior Partner with Ziegler and Cassini.”

“The Law Firm?”

“Yes, we have access to the top experts in every conceivable field of medicine and psychology.”

Hank was a little taken aback. He remembered Angel from when Buffy was younger and he had known he was in law school then became a lawyer. He just had no idea how successful a lawyer he was.

“I… I see.” Was all he could manage to say.

“Look Mr and Mrs Summers, I’m taking her out of here. I’d like to do it with your permission.”

“And if we say no?” asked Hank.

“I’ll have the courts declare you unfit to be her guardian.”

“So we have no choice?” asked Joyce.

“You have a choice. You can cooperate or not. Either way I’m taking her home.”

Hank sighed. He had neither the resources nor the time to fight a battle with Ziegler and Cassini. They were one of the top law firms in the US. And maybe this fella was right, maybe he could help. Hank looked to Joyce who nodded her agreement.

“OK young man, we’ll release her. I just hope you know what you’re letting yourself in for.”

“Thank you. Oh, and tell the doctor I’ll need a complete copy of her medical records. And I have experts to go through that too, if anything’s missing, I’ll know.”