Episode 5 of The Sandman commences with Matthew's frantic attempts to revive the exhausted Dream, who had succumbed to his ordeal in Hell. As the narrative unfolds, John holds Dream's ruby and enters a diner, setting the stage for the entire episode. From his perch, John observes the drama playing out before him.
Mark, a suitor, attempts to engage Judy in conversation, but she misinterprets his intentions as flirting and responds abruptly, declaring, "I'm gay." She also launches into a passionate speech about Big Pharma, unaware that Mark is actually headed for a job interview at Vanguard, a prominent corporation.
Amidst this, John strikes up a conversation with Bette, the diner's waitress, who John believes is a writer shrouded in self-fabricated lies. Empowered by the ruby, John vows to transform her into a woman of honesty and promises a world-changing partnership.
His plan takes shape as he manipulates the diner's patrons, forcing them to speak the truth and reveal their innermost feelings. A couple celebrating their anniversary finds disagreement over food and diet, while Judy fears the end of her relationship after a quarrel over jealousy.
As John wields his puppet-master skills, the puppets dance to the tune of truth, their strings twisting and contorting towards the knives of justice. He watches, unmoved, as they confess harsh truths and succumb to lust and fear.
Garry attacks Mark after he sleeps with Kate, leading to a violent confrontation where Mark retaliates with a stabbing. This incident ignites a turn of events, revealing John as the manipulator behind the chaos. Unfazed, he defends his actions, claiming that truth is a cleansing fire that burns away lies. However, this fire leads to bloodshed and destruction within the diner.
Amidst the carnage, Dream appears, revealing to John the essence of dreams and how they inspire and sustain humanity. He warns that if humanity is deprived of this and their hope, they will be decimated.
When John dares to challenge Dream, he faces his own nightmares and confronts Dream within the ruins of his castle. Undeterred, John remains convinced that the Kingdom belongs to him and aims to seize it.
Ultimately, Dream regains his ruby, destroying it and reclaiming his power. Yet, he spares John's life, acknowledging that the ruby came to him innocently. He then sends John back to sleep in the psychiatric ward.
As Dream resolves to heal the realm's wounds and embark on his own rebirth, he remains vigilant, aware that his sibling, Desire, is watching him closely.
