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Mr. Bows:
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Hello. May I speak with Doctor Balis please?
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Dr. Balis:
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Tom?
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Mr. Bows:
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Hello, Doctor.
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Dr. Balis:
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Hello, Tom. How can I help you? Are the boys all right?
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Mr. Bows:
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Yes, they're fine.
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Dr. Balis:
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Sylvia?
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Mr. Bows:
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I think she is okay too. I was wondering if you read the Sunday Paper?
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Dr. Balis:
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Yes, I have. Why?
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Mr. Bows:
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I guess you didn't see the Metro section.
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Dr. Balis:
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I rarely get through the whole paper.
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Mr. Bows:
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There is an article about Sylvia and me by Angela Prentiss.
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Dr. Balis:
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The gossip columnist?
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Mr. Bows:
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She got hold of Richard's custody suit against Sylvia and myself and, after a bit more research, came up with a rather nasty article.
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Dr. Balis:
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Of course--the suit is a matter of public record. Did Sylvia see the article?
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Mr. Bows:
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I got rid of that whole section before she got to the paper. But she'll find out eventually, and probably sooner rather than later.
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Dr. Balis:
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She won't take that well.
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Mr. Bows:
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No, she won't. I thought you might be interested in reading the article. And I was hoping you might prepare Sylvia for the shock of seeing it.
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Dr. Balis:
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I'll do that. Is it really a bad article?
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Mr. Bows:
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I'd describe it as very bad, yes. You'll see when you read it.
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Dr. Balis:
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It's very considerate of you to want to prepare Sylvia like that. I would imagine it was quite unpleasant for you as well.
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Mr. Bows:
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It's unfortunate that our society is so interested in the domestic disputes of private individuals.
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Dr. Balis:
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I know. I was worried that the story would hit the papers before Sylvia had delivered.
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Mr. Bows:
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Before I know it, we'll be a movie of the week.
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Dr. Balis:
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I'm glad you have a sense of humor about it.
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Mr. Bows:
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I'm not sure I have enough to get me through this, though. There are times when I feel completely drained--no energy left to deal.
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Dr. Balis:
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How is your relationship with Sylvia?
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Mr. Bows:
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You should know better than I about that, Doctor.
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Dr. Balis:
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I wanted to know your point of view.
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Mr. Bows:
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Sylvia is very strange. We hardly ever talk about anything but the kids. I caught her trying stupid seduction tricks on me a couple of times.
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Dr. Balis:
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At least you know she is interested.
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Mr. Bows:
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I keep thinking that that is what she used to do to get all those others--show a little tit, then a little ass...well, you know Doctor, it doesn't take all that much. I don't need to be seduced by her. I'm already in love. All Sylvia is accomplishing by her theatrics is to remind me of her fucking around.
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Dr. Balis:
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Why don't you talk to her?
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Mr. Bows:
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About what? "Please Sylvia, stop parading naked around me while you're breast-feeding. This type of behavior makes me think of your lovers." Is that a good opening line?
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Dr. Balis:
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Perhaps you could just give Sylvia an invitation to open up to you again and allow her to get close to you emotionally. Sex could come later.
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Mr. Bows:
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Look, Doctor, I didn't call you to discuss any of this. I just wanted to make sure you knew about the article. So have a nice day and good luck with Sylvia tomorrow.
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Dr. Balis:
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It was a pleasure to talk with you, Tom. I'll do my best with Sylvia. Goodbye.
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###
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Doctor Balis' Notes on this Telephone Call
Transcripts of Sylvia Bows' Therapy Sessions
