I Never Promised You a Rose Garden

At home, Deborah’s family struggles to deal with her absence, her illness, and their roles in it. Esther lies to Deborah’s sister, Suzy, saying Deborah is at a school for sick children. She attempts to lie to their relatives as well, but they realize the truth. Jacob continues to deny that Deborah is experiencing any illness; he and Esther drift apart. Jacob cannot see how their life led to Deborah’s problems. Deborah’s grandfather sees himself in Deborah and feels injured that someone like him has a mental health condition. Suzy has friends over, and Deborah’s parents realize how light and joyful the atmosphere is without Deborah. They realize that she was unhappy for a long time.

After receiving a letter about Deborah adjusting well, Deborah’s parents ask to visit and talk with Deborah’s doctor. Dr. Fried asks Deborah if she wants this, and Deborah senses a massive gate coming down between her and the doctor. The doctor seems far away as Deborah answers that she only wants to see her mother. She knows that her reactive father will possibly try to take her out of the facility, and Deborah feels that she should be there.