Transcript of Telephone Conversation between Charles Balis, M.D. and Mr. Tom Bows, Monday, April 7, 1997 at 2:13 pm.

Mr. Bows: Hello. May I speak with Doctor Balis please?
Dr. Balis: Tom?
Mr. Bows: Hello, Doctor.
Dr. Balis: Hello, Tom. How can I help you? Are the boys all right?
Mr. Bows: Yes, they're fine.
Dr. Balis: Sylvia?
Mr. Bows: I think she is okay too. I was wondering if you read the Sunday Paper?
Dr. Balis: Yes, I have. Why?
Mr. Bows: I guess you didn't see the Metro section.
Dr. Balis: I rarely get through the whole paper.
Mr. Bows: There is an article about Sylvia and me by Angela Prentiss.
Dr. Balis: The gossip columnist?
Mr. Bows: 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.
Dr. Balis: Of course--the suit is a matter of public record. Did Sylvia see the article?
Mr. Bows: 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.
Dr. Balis: She won't take that well.
Mr. Bows: 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.
Dr. Balis: I'll do that. Is it really a bad article?
Mr. Bows: I'd describe it as very bad, yes. You'll see when you read it.
Dr. Balis: It's very considerate of you to want to prepare Sylvia like that. I would imagine it was quite unpleasant for you as well.
Mr. Bows: It's unfortunate that our society is so interested in the domestic disputes of private individuals.
Dr. Balis: I know. I was worried that the story would hit the papers before Sylvia had delivered.
Mr. Bows: Before I know it, we'll be a movie of the week.
Dr. Balis: I'm glad you have a sense of humor about it.
Mr. Bows: 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.
Dr. Balis: How is your relationship with Sylvia?
Mr. Bows: You should know better than I about that, Doctor.
Dr. Balis: I wanted to know your point of view.
Mr. Bows: 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.
Dr. Balis: At least you know she is interested.
Mr. Bows: 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.
Dr. Balis: Why don't you talk to her?
Mr. Bows: 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?
Dr. Balis: 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.
Mr. Bows: 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.
Dr. Balis: It was a pleasure to talk with you, Tom. I'll do my best with Sylvia. Goodbye.
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