The scene opens with Vanessa on the phone, she’s standing on the balcony of her hotel room.

(Vanessa): No mom you don’t have to come all the way here; Hans is taking good care of me…. more than good I’m fine.

(Mother): You shouldn’t be doing this still, it’s too dangerous.

(Vanessa): Mom…we’ve talked about this a million time…this is the business, it was just a snake bite.

(Mother): This is Thane’s doing is what it is young lady. You didn’t even know what wrestling was until he came into the picture. He brought you into all this…

(Vanessa): Mom please…every time something happens you have to bring him up.

(Mother): What do you want me to say Vannie? Honey…you’re very good with your money, you’ve saved up plenty to retire. If you’re worried about your father and I we’re fine, you’ve sent us plenty…more than two old folks can use in the years we’ve got left.

(Vanessa): It’s not the money ‘ma…this is what I do, and now…now Hans…

(Mother): Vannie he’s one of “those” guys. They all are. They’re all the same those wrestlers. I see it on the news…heart problems and dying before they barely reach forty. I’m sure this Hans boy is nice for now, but when you leave this business you’re going to have to find a stable young man to settle down with.

(Vanessa): Hans is the most stable person I know ‘ma, and…I think he may be the one…I love him.

(Mother): You don’t know what you’re saying dear. Why don’t you go lay down, it’s all those medications they have you on from the hospital.

(Vanessa): Mom are you listening to me? I said I love him, and I think he loves me. For once in my life I’ve found someone who doesn’t play games with me, who isn’t pretending to be someone or something he’s not. I’m sorry you can’t see that.

(Mother): I just want you to be happy sweetheart.

(Vanessa): I am happy ‘ma. I’m happy with Hans. I’m safe with him. Yeah my job has risks, but this is my life…this is what I’ve chosen to be.

(Mother): A few weeks ago you were ready to walk away after that man broke your leg, and now “this is your life.” You don’t sound so sure about things to me.

(Vanessa): I was just upset. It’s been a while since I’ve been that close to the action, and it being who it was…I was a little disturbed by the whole thing.

(Mother): MmmmmHmmmm. Well here’s your father he wants to say hi….love you sweetpea.

(Vanessa): Love you too mom.

(Father): Hey darlin’…how’s my girl.

(Vanessa): I’m fine dad, how are you?

(Father): Ohhh…the old man’s hangin’ in there. Doctor’s tellin’ me to stay off the fried foods…I’m 66 years old some twenty-something kid still wet in the britches is trying to tell me what to eat.

(Vanessa): You should listen to him dad, it’s for your health, you’ll feel better.

(Father): Well I like my fried foods. There’s a reason they call it “comfort food.” That’s what makes me feel good. So tell me about this German fella, this whole things got your mother in a bind.

(Vanessa): Dad, he’s really nice. I just wish that…

(Father): Don’t worry about your mom, she’ll come around. She just gets worked up seeing those muscle heads around you beating on each other, bleedin’ all over the place like mad men.

(Vanessa): I’m a big girl dad, I can handle myself. Some jackass broke my leg, and another one had a snake bite me…it’s no big deal.

(Father): That’s my girl.

(Vanessa): Dad, I’m gonna get going, I have to pack for the morning and we’re going to dinner in a bit, tell mom I love her, I’ll call you guys in a few days.

(Father): Alright sweetpea…I love you, and we’ll be watching.

(Vanessa): I know you always do…love you too…bye.

Vanessa hangs up the phone. She’s got tears in her eyes exposing her actual vulnerability. Her hands are rubbing her leg where the cobra bit her, the same leg that only weeks before was broken. Her head swims with various thoughts. Maybe she isn’t as tough as she thinks. She lifts a necklace up where a heart shaped pendant on it. She opens the small clasp to stare at a picture of Hans tucked neatly inside. She smiles as if it gives her strength, comfort and courage. She closes it and smiles letting it fall back into her blouse as the scene fades to black.