Tales from the Mekong Delta by Kate BravermanCocaine made her a schizophrenic. In Tall Tales from the Mekong Delta, Kate Braverman is about a cocaine addict mother who undergoes drug and alcohol counseling and rehab. She is a creative writing teacher and draws inspiration from her drug-related journeys. The teacher is referred to as "she" throughout the story and battles her addictions which manifest as a scrappy-looking man named Lenny. Through the voice of addiction, the change in Lenny's appearance and the role of colors, it is evident that a physical dependence on psychotropic drugs cannot be avoided. The role of a speaking conscience is predominant in the human mind and influences evaluated decisions, but what happens when the voice says go back to drugs. Addiction has a mind of its own transcended by Lenny's voice. The addiction is alive and Lenny's voice begins to seduce her into a self-destructive lifestyle. “‘I had my eye on you’” (90). The addiction pursued her despite a five-month sabbatical and after AA meetings to overcome alcohol addiction. Additionally, she has quit smoking but the voice, Lenny, sows the seeds of a relapse. His affirmation of the beauty of her pieces allows him to slowly bring her back to her old lifestyle. Lenny gives her the chance to live a fantasy life, her imagination runs wild with motorcycle rides and diamond necklaces. The life of an addict seems exciting. Lenny reveals he knows about his new life and fans the flames of his return to drugs. "'I know everything about you. I know your routine. I've been watching you for two weeks. Since I came to town'" (92). Lenny is omniscient and explains that he is following her, a form of reconnaissance, alluding to the Vietnam War in particular, a subject often written about by creative writers. She finds herself at an AA meeting, arriving alone, but is soon greeted by The Addiction who runs a cafe for her. Addiction is in love with her, wants to marry her, have a child with her and protect her. Since she is divorced, he offers the companionship and love of a spouse, a relationship she desires. Lenny, the addict, wants to take on this role. Most importantly, Lenny offers his creative writing inspiration: “Want to hear about R and R in Bangkok? You want to know what you get for a hundred dollars on the river.?