TASHA:  Compliments of the chef•and a peace offering. 

Syd takes a sample and pops it into her mouth.

SYDNEY: Delicious•I should relinquish my kitchen to you all more often.

Tasha walks toward the picture window and stands watching the sunset. 

TASHA: It’s beautiful.

Syd does not respond.  She is trance-like, lost in thought, and seems to be a thousand miles away.

SYDNEY: My grandmother always told us to "live a good an honorable life, then when you get older you can look back on it you can enjoy it a second time."  (hesitates) Susan and I spent many happy hours watching that sunset.  I find comfort knowing that the memory of such happiness will never leave me. (sadly) Why would those women at The Planet try to destroy those memories?

TASHA: (shrugging) I don’t know Syd.  I guess because not everyone has those types of memories•and they resent you because you do.  If they can’t find solace in such memories, why should you?  

Syd and Tasha fall silent for awhile.  Syd notices Tasha is restless.

SYDNEY: So what’s on your mind Tash?

Tasha shrugs but does not respond.

SYDNEY: Come’on Tash, one of the things that’s special about our friendship is that you and I can enjoy each other’s company in comfortable silence.  Not all friends can.  But I know you well enough to also know that this is not one of those times.  You have something on your mind so spill it.

Tasha hesitates for a moment then turns to face Syd.  She is very serious and a little agitated.

TASHA: I thinking about truthfulness and what it means to a relationship.

SYDNEY: Meaning?

TASHA: Meaning I’ve learned a great deal from you Syd•and you may be one of the few people that I’ve never heard tell a lie.

SYDNEY: Thanks, but your tone tells me that isn’t a compliment.

TASHA: You may not tell lies, Syd, but that doesn’t mean you’re being honest either.

SYDNEY: Continue….

TASHA: Meaning the truth isn’t always in what you say, but in what you don’t say•what you don’t reveal.

SYDNEY: Truth and honesty are not always synonymous terms.