Fri 1 May — Sides
5.12
INT. THERAPIST'S OFFICE - DAY #12#
A quiet, neutral room. Julia sits opposite an off-screen therapist, eyes fixed straight ahead.
I understand what it is you're asking me. To tell you who I am without her. But how would I know? We've been in each other's orbit for so long that neither of us could tell you. Do you know what entropy is?
Someone off screen shakes their head 'no'.
It's not complicated. It's just the idea that the universe is allergic to order. You build a house, it rots. You light a candle, it burns out. You love someone, you lose them. That's entropy. Things fall apart, that's the rule. My entire job with Nathalie was to fight it. Pillboxes, checklists, meetings. Like I could out-organise the second law of thermodynamics. So now that she's gone, so is the order.
Do you ever dream about her?
Every night.
And in your dreams, is she sick?
Always.
And does that mean anything to you?
It means I can’t remember her before she was sick. So who was I then? Even if I could go back... I don't think I could tell you. So I certainly can't tell you now.
1.10
INT. DOCTOR'S OFFICE - DAY #10#
Hannah in the exam chair, still. The door opens; DR. PULASKI enters.
DR. PULASKI
Sorry about that. So where were we?
She stalls, searching.
DR. PULASKI
You were telling me about the blackouts.
Hannah realises.
Right. They seem to be happening more often now.
DR. PULASKI
Well, you have no history of seizures or heart problems. Have you been feeling overly stressed lately?
Define lately.
DR. PULASKI
We can run some tests, check your blood pressure. How does that sound?
Hannah nods and the doctor moves out of frame. Hannah scans the room, hunting the time. A wall clock: 12:23.
The doctor moves into view; Hannah’s face tightens.
DR. PULASKI
Sit still and relax, please?
Hannah nods again and tries to be polite to get it over with, because her eyes betray the truth: she's already running out of time.
5.03
INT. DOCTOR'S OFFICE - DAY #3#
DR. PULASKI shines his light straight into each of Hannah's eyes.
DR. PULASKI
Just look straight ahead for me. Blink a few times.
He removes the light.
It wasn't really a blackout, more like an overpowering memory.
DR. PULASKI
Any stress in your life? More than usual?
Hannah shakes her head.
DR. PULASKI
All right. We can’t rule anything out yet. Best thing you can do tonight is sleep. We’ll run some blood work, see what turns up.
Thanks.
DR. PULASKI
Any change in habits? Diet? Recent travel?
Travel? No.
DR. PULASKI
Okay. I’ll call you when the results are in.
Hannah nods, unsure, suspicious.