The American Plan
By Richard GreenbergLili has fallen in love with Nick. However, Lili's mother Eva controls her every move. Lili is somewhat off-balance, and it is unclear whether her mother is trying to protect her, or if her mother is responsible for her mental instability.
LILI: The hospital was her idea. I wasn't really sick. I was fine. She didn't think so. On my twenty-first birthday I get the money my father left me. Then I'll be well. She told you, of course, so you'll leave me. She asked you not to leave, that way when you do, she'll seem blameless. It's one of her oldest tricks.
This happens all the time. We come here every year: "Please, Lili, play," she says. "Be happy, be free. Please, Lili, find someone and don't frighten him away - " I frighten everyone.
Why don't you just go away now? Why don't you just leave me alone? I love you. And I know that sounds crazy - but I'm not crazy - I know my own name, I don't see things - and I love you... I know I can't ever have you, I know I lie... I do awful things... I don't know why.... I can't explain it... I feel as if everything I've ever done was something that happened to me... That sounds crazy, too... Oh, God, this isn't making you think any better of me... I'm sorry... I haven't meant anything... Just go.
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