I'm gonna take a step backwards here to the time that Danny decided to "test" Michelle's loyalty to him and the family. When Danny provided information to Michelle concerning the family business. He very explicitly and unequivocally told Michelle that he was "trusting her with his life" just as she "trusted him with hers," and the information he was about to tell her could send him to prison. This would not be a friendly little trip to the Springfield Police Department, but time in the penitentiary -- federal prison. And Danny's jailers would not have been as compassionate or caring towards him as Michelle's jailer was towards her, his jailers would not fall "in love" with him. He would have been facing an 8x8 cell, with a little cot in the corner, scheduled visitors, scheduled meals, etc. This would not be the bridal suite at the Santos house.

In my opinion, had Danny not learned of Michelle's involvement with Mrs. Silva, he would not have put her to a test. While at Towers, Carmen urged Danny to test Michelle's loyalty to him and to the family. But he told his mother "no," and that it would be "over his dead body." During his conversation with his mother, Danny, without hesitation, told his mother he trusted Michelle with his life. Was this trust because of her undying love for him . . . I think not. Danny thought he had Michelle's loyalty for one reason . . . and that being he saved her life. And to Carmen, Danny was sleeping with the enemy.

Back to Michelle's dream. Her dream showed two things . . . she had developed an undeniable desire for her husband and she wanted him, the way a wife wants her husband. But also, her dream confirmed her life was spared because of Danny, and her betrayal of him would cost him his life, his freedom. She could have destroyed him totally. And Michelle, knowing the "family code of ethics" knew she could surely die for this betrayal, Aunt Meta had just told her "you don't risk your life for somebody you feel sympathy for." (Even the F.B.I. agent warned Michelle what could happen to her.)

To Michelle, Danny's "gift of freedom" was nothing more than his "gift of death." For she knew that without his protection, she would surely die. Danny's assurance to her not to worry astounded Michelle for two reasons. First that he would continue to protect her, and second because she knew he loved her.

In a period of little more than two months, we have seen Danny sacrifice himself twice for Michelle. First, when he married a woman he knew hated him, he sacrificed his happiness and his future. Second, when he gave her freedom, because he sacrificed his love for her.

This is a rite of passage . . . from bondage to love freely given.

Mamie