TASHA: (resisting) I’m fine Syd.  They’ll go away.

SYDNEY: If you have truly been scared by something you fear it for life.  War is scary, but nightmares aren’t so scary when you realize that you are not alone. 

TASHA: Syd I’m so lucky to have come home from that war•alive and in one piece.  A few bad dreams are baggage I can carry.

SYDNEY:  Sometimes war wounds are not visible•even to the wounded.  Emotional wounds can be just as debilitating.  But once we face our demons and face our fears, we eventually face each other.

TASHA: And how about your fears, doc?  Your injuries? It’s one thing to understand the concept, it’s another to walk the talk.

SYDNEY: I don’t know,  I’ve just been out of sorts since Susan’s death.  I thought I was prepared•hell, I had over 2 years to prepare•but somehow (Syd’s voice trails off.  Syd stares at the view while she composes her thoughts.) Someone told me once that life was one big juggling act.  We all struggle to keep our balls in the air.  But the real talent is knowing which balls are rubber and will bounce if they’re dropped and which are crystal and will shatter. I  feel like I dropped the crystal ball and it has totally shattered•like my life.

TASHA: You didn’t drop it Syd•it wasn’t your failure.

SYDNEY: Well it sure seems like my failure.  It doesn’t matter who is to blame•in the end the result is the same. I made the decision to terminate Susan’s life. 

TASHA:  Sue knew exactly what she was doing when she wrote her living will and she choose you to execute it•that doesn’t make you an executioner.  She trusted you to carry out her wishes•and it was her choice, Syd, not yours. Don’t you dare take that decision away from her!  The burden of Susan’s death is not your burden to carry. (softer) You’re hurting Syd, we all can see that.  Despite your own advice, one of your biggest problems is that you don’t know how to ask for help.  No woman goes through life without heartache. Take your own advice and talk with someone.

SYDNEY: Shrinks just aren’t my style.  (rolling her eyes) I live in fear of bumping into my shrink at the supermarket.  I can’t talk openly with people I know, let alone a stranger.  I guess we are both just walking wounded.