ABSTRACT
Act I, scene 2 . Patricia Hamilton's bedroom in a state mental hospital in New England.
PATRICIA. I just don't know whether to tell him yet. [KAREN. What?] That I'm off everything. [KAREN. But he'll like that, won't he?] Oh yes. But he's going to be doubtful. - Which I am, too, let's face it - I've been on one medication or another for almost twenty years. But I do feel a thousand per cent better. And I really have no idea how it happened. (Shakes her head.) Dear God, when I think of him hanging-in there all
these years ... I'm so ashamed. But at the same time he's absolutely refused to make any money, everyone of our children has had to work since they could practically write their names. I can't be expected to applaud, exactly. (Presses hereyes.)I guess sooner or later you just have to stand up and say, 'I'm normal, I made it.' But it's like standing on top of a stairs and there's no stairs. (Staring ahead.) [KAREN. I think I'd better go out to him. Should I tell your husband you're coming out? PATRICIA. I think I'll wait a minute. KAREN (stands). He seems very nice.] - I'll tell you the truth, dear - I've put him through hell and I know it ... (Tears threaten her.) I know I have to stop blaming him; it came to me like a visitation two weeks ago, 1must-not-blame-Leroy-anymore. And it's amazing, I lost all desire for medication, I could feel it leaving me like a . . . like a ghost. (Slight pause.) It's just that he's got really wellto-do relatives and he simply will not accept anyone's help. I mean you take the Jews, the Italians, Irish - they've got their Italian-Americans, Irish-Americans, Hispanic-Americansthey stick together and help each other. But you ever hear of Yankee-Americans? Not on your life. Raise his taxes, rob him blind, the Yankee'll just sit there all alone getting sadder and sadder. - But I'm not going to think about it anymore.
