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Dr. Balis:
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Hello?
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Mr. Mainor:
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Doctor Balis?
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Dr. Balis:
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Speaking. Who is this?
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Mr. Mainor:
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This is Hal Mainor. Remember me?
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Dr. Balis:
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Of course. How are you Hal?
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Mr. Mainor:
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Well I'm at home right now. In fact I've been working at home for the last couple of weeks.
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Dr. Balis:
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I see. Do you like it?
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Mr. Mainor:
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I get to see the kids more.
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Dr. Balis:
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That's good. How is your wife? Is your relationship getting better?
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Mr. Mainor:
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Oh I think she is happy that I stay home more. She's been working really long hours and felt that our children are being neglected. So I guess I take some of that guilt off.
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Dr. Balis:
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Do you still believe that she suspects you of having an affair?
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Mr. Mainor:
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No. I think I'm getting pretty good at covering it up. I made a couple of dinners, bought her some flowers--she is beginning to think that our romance is coming back.
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Dr. Balis:
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But it's all a show?
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Mr. Mainor:
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Look Doctor, you've never been married right?
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Dr. Balis:
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No.
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Mr. Mainor:
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So you don't really know how it is after so many years of being with the same person--same problems, same house, same kids, same schools, same old, same old. You get the picture.
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Dr. Balis:
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But you love your wife and kids.
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Mr. Mainor:
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Oh I do, I do. But sometimes that's just not enough.
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Dr. Balis:
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What are you saying Hal? Do you want to leave your wife and children? Do you want a divorce?
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Mr. Mainor:
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I've just been thinking, you know?
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Dr. Balis:
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About what?
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Mr. Mainor:
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Well I love to write. Not the shit I've been doing for SII but real stuff. Something that I could be proud off. Something that when I look back on my life I would feel that it was about something.
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Dr. Balis:
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Hmm.
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Mr. Mainor:
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So I've been thinking, Sylvia understands me and she has connections. She could really make it happen for me. I just need a few words in the right places and things would fall into place. And hell, I could actually be the father of the kid. I had two already, it's not such a big deal. And I understand how it is to have problems with your spouse...
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Dr. Balis:
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Hal? Are you talking about a possible life with Sylvia Bows?
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Mr. Mainor:
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Well, what the hell? I can marry her. She'll have a father for her kid and I'll have someone who really understands me and is supportive of my talent. You see? It could just work out the best for everybody. She's rich too, so I could spend my time writing and not doing these idiot manuals. And my kids could be really proud of me. Well, in the long run anyway.
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Dr. Balis:
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Hal I don't think you really thought it all through. Sylvia hasn't told you that she is looking to get married, has she?
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Mr. Mainor:
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Oh it's obvious. Everyone can see it. She even had me work at home for a few weeks so she didn't have suffer being next to me after I rejected her. Doctor, that woman wants me. I know it. And who am I to say no to her? It could really work out for the best for both...for all of us.
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Dr. Balis:
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It's silly for us to have this conversation over the telephone. Why don't you come in and we can talk this over.
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Mr. Mainor:
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Well, I can't come in during the days anymore. I'm in charge of the kids when they're not in school. And I can't let my wife know. I don't want to let on too early.
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Dr. Balis:
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Can you come in when the kids are in school?
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Mr. Mainor:
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My wife calls me all the time. How about the next time I'm at SII, I can stop in. I'm not there a lot because I'm using e-mail, but I have to go in sometimes.
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Dr. Balis:
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Just give me a call and we'll try to set something up. But I think this is a fantasy, Hal. You had a one night stand with Sylvia and it almost wrecked your life. I really think that you should concentrate on making your marriage work and that you should figure out how to accomplish your writing within the framework provided by your current life.
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Mr. Mainor:
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Doctor, you're a pessimist. Sometimes you have to seize the brass ring, you know? Well, I'll come in soon and we'll talk.
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Dr. Balis:
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Don't do anything rash, okay? I'll look forward to your visit.
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Mr. Mainor:
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Okay, Doc. Goodbye.
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###
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Doctor Balis' Notes on this Telephone Call
Sylvia Bows' Patient File
