Ruby Jewel
So . . . four negatives make a positive? Let's take it by the book, which seems pretty much on-point to me.
Mountain + Cross = at the end of your rope
Cross + Whip = unavoidable conflict
Whip + Scythe = cancellation
Scythe + Key = necessary decision
The whole line suggests separating the "bad" (Mountain-Cross-Whip-Scythe) from the "good" (Key), with the Scythe cutting you loose from a "no win" situation.
Thank you Barleywine. I always appreciate your very erudite input. I, too, saw that in these cards, the scythe as possibly ending the situation. I wasn't sure what the key meant. The whole thing was sort of like a gestalt shift....all of a sudden it all came together and I saw the reality....someone I didn't know in spite of the fact we have been good friends for almost 4 decades. And btw, you were also right on the abusive doctor...I went back one more time and saw it, and I never went back.