Act Three - The Angel’s Game — Chapter 8

In the hotel dining room, Doctor Sanjuán approaches David Martín and admits he needs David’s help for Cristina. Away from the sanatorium, the doctor speaks candidly: Cristina was found four weeks earlier on her father’s grave, hypothermic and delirious, intermittently warning that David was in danger and begging that no one be contacted.

Sanjuán confesses he kept Vidal uninformed, believing Cristina was fleeing something and that David is central to helping her. He discloses a past friendship with Cristina during her father’s illness—even a rejected proposal—underscoring his personal stake. David, defensive yet desperate, proposes taking Cristina home; the doctor refuses, citing her condition and legal limits.

Pressed for context, David recounts that he and Cristina planned to run away; while he was gone briefly to buy tickets, she disappeared. He mentions a minor incident with a manuscript that might have seemed secretive but denies any argument. Sanjuán suggests trauma can manifest as feeling “possessed,” but insists Cristina’s attachment to David is real and asks him to assist.

The next morning in the sanatorium garden, Sanjuán seats David with Cristina and withdraws. David holds Cristina’s hand, speaks gently about leaving the tower and starting anew, and tries to anchor her with memories and promises. Cristina remains largely unresponsive, frail and bandaged, yet she offers a faint smile to his touch.

When Cristina is taken inside, Sanjuán reassures David that his presence helps and urges persistence. He proposes a practical path forward: David should keep coming and write something for Cristina, channeling his closeness into a bridge back to awareness.