"A psychologist?"
Mr. Enriques looked at Shade in surprise. Shade nodded; Doctor Schneider had told him about the nature of his work:
"Marital troubles can cause certain psychological problems. Of course, they're only minor issues, not real illnesses—things like depression, loss of appetite, being afraid of sharing a bed at night, or preferring to smoke in the alley beside the house after work instead of going straight home. If you have symptoms like these, a psychologist can help you work through them."
After saying that, Shade added:
"Don't take the medicine psychologists prescribe. It's all placebo. Just talk to them."
This era did not yet have any truly effective medication for psychological problems.
Mr. Enriques nodded, clearly moved by Shade's suggestion:
"Yes, perhaps it would be better to speak with a professional. I have a friend."
At that point, he cautiously looked at Shade, only to find no expression on his face. He relaxed:
"He learned about some of his wife's past. A rather dishonorable past, so he has been deeply troubled. I think we could go see a doctor together."
Shade smiled.
"Does this friend of yours still love his wife?"
"Of course."
Mr. Enriques answered without hesitation.
"Then does his wife still love your friend?"
"Yes. On the night of the wedding banquet, she even knelt and begged him to forgive her past infidelity."
After saying that, Mr. Enriques immediately added:
"That's only what I heard. He's a very close friend. He tells me everything."
"I won't casually forgive one person on another's behalf. But if they still love each other and there is only a rift between them because of one matter, then this marriage can still be saved."
Shade did not say this because he believed breaking up a marriage casually was wrong. Rather, he could