A female FBI agent befriends a woman and her adorable, young, special needs son who live in the countryside. The women's friendship soon turns into romance but family secrets complicate things. Devoted FBI Agent McKenzie "Max" De Ridder has recently lost her mother, who was her very best friend and greatest champion.
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Short filmTranscript
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00:01:40FBI Los Angeles 224, this is agent Solomon code 16 GM.
00:01:46Yeah, it's DeRitter, 31522NG.
00:01:49I'm gonna need a cover for Lake Merrillville.
00:01:52It's located in Northern California.
00:01:54I don't know how long I'm staying, but just send it to my phone.
00:01:5710-4, DeRitter, will do.
00:01:59♪♪
00:02:07Merrillville?
00:02:08Lake Merrillville.
00:02:12It looks like there's fish in there, Mom.
00:02:15♪♪
00:02:22The fall she returned to Lake Merrillville,
00:02:25everything changed.
00:02:28♪♪
00:02:38♪♪
00:02:48♪♪
00:02:59What the fuck were you thinking?
00:03:02You almost got yourself killed, not to mention your backup.
00:03:06Please, I have a baby.
00:03:08Let her go.
00:03:10♪♪
00:03:15Yes, she was running,
00:03:18but she had no idea why she chose to come back here.
00:03:22Ah!
00:03:25♪♪
00:03:33Holy Christ!
00:03:34Oh, my God, shit, I'm sorry.
00:03:36I can't believe this is happening.
00:03:38Uh, I'm sorry.
00:03:39I'm sorry.
00:03:40I'm sorry.
00:03:41I'm so sorry.
00:03:42I'm sorry.
00:03:43I'm sorry.
00:03:44I'm sorry.
00:03:45I'm sorry.
00:03:46I'm sorry.
00:03:47I'm sorry.
00:03:48I'm sorry.
00:03:49I'm sorry.
00:03:50I'm sorry.
00:03:51Please.
00:03:52I heard a scream earlier.
00:03:54Was that you?
00:03:55I just wanted to go for a swim.
00:03:56I can't.
00:03:57It's the only time that I have.
00:03:59Okay.
00:04:00Would you mind?
00:04:01Is it a little autumn for a dip in the lake?
00:04:05Is that any of your business?
00:04:09Whoa!
00:04:10Here.
00:04:11I'm fine.
00:04:12Just get off me.
00:04:13Okay.
00:04:14Okay.
00:04:15I just, uh, can you tell me which one of these godforsaken roads
00:04:18leads to Lake Mereville?
00:04:20At our reunion last year, my college roommate told me about her amazing, rusty cabin.
00:04:24Got an address?
00:04:25Yeah.
00:04:28Oh, it's in the car.
00:04:29Do you mind?
00:04:30If that isn't too much to ask.
00:04:35So, who was your college roommate?
00:04:37Heather Adams.
00:04:39Heather.
00:04:41Wow, quite a character.
00:04:42But no one's heard from her in forever.
00:04:47What did you say your name was?
00:04:49Mackenzie.
00:04:50Erin.
00:04:51And you?
00:05:01She remembered her mother saying the sleepy burg was filled with
00:05:05rather eccentric and colorful characters, right out of a novel.
00:05:09I think that has, see that has a little bit of a red.
00:05:12Yeah, this is right here.
00:05:15Uh-oh.
00:05:15I got it.
00:05:16And I'm going back to this room.
00:05:20Hi, are you here for cabin keys?
00:05:21Uh, yeah, come on in.
00:05:23Oh, damn, Colin, you have really done it this time.
00:05:27Well, Cassandra, darling, you can't figure it out, nobody can.
00:05:32And you've got a few blue ones together over there.
00:05:35It's too challenging for you.
00:05:36Oh, shame on you.
00:05:39I'm sorry.
00:05:40Focus on the puzzle.
00:05:41And you are?
00:05:42Mackenzie.
00:05:43Mackenzie.
00:05:44I'm here for the Heather Adams cabin.
00:05:45Property manager said they'd leave the key with you.
00:05:47Oh, yes, yes.
00:05:48Right, I am so sorry.
00:05:49We were just giving Colin's latest masterpiece a test run.
00:05:53Hold on one sec.
00:05:56Grandpants is famous.
00:05:57Oh, no, not even remotely.
00:05:59He designs puzzles.
00:06:00Look, wow.
00:06:01First glance, it just looks like part of the design.
00:06:05But when you look closer, you can see that each and every piece has its own little story.
00:06:10And it isn't until you put all those pieces together that you can actually see the big picture.
00:06:17I used to do puzzles with my mom, but nothing like this.
00:06:21My mom thinks they're a waste of time.
00:06:23She's like, what's the point of sticking thousands of cardboard pieces together
00:06:27if you can just go to the store, buy a print, and frame it?
00:06:29That's hardly the point.
00:06:30Right?
00:06:30Here you go.
00:06:31Oh, thanks.
00:06:32You are welcome.
00:06:33So if you need any help getting settled in, my granddaughter here lives to be of service.
00:06:38No, I've got it.
00:06:39Thank you.
00:06:48Who am I?
00:06:49I just happen to be the sole writer slash editor and distributor of the Pine Mountain Gazette,
00:06:55which serves all 929 readers in a 50-mile radius.
00:06:59Of all the stories I've watched unfold, hers is by far my personal favorite.
00:07:29Hey.
00:07:55Hey, kid.
00:07:57Are you supposed to be out here alone?
00:07:58Where's your mom?
00:07:59Teejin, where's yours?
00:08:06Touch it.
00:08:14Soft things melt hard things.
00:08:22Um, hey, I've got to be somewhere.
00:08:25I'm sorry about what I just said.
00:08:28It's OK.
00:08:34Who is taking care of you?
00:08:36As long as the Fabio Ladies Book Club can see me, I'm OK.
00:08:41My mom, she makes me wear this just in case.
00:08:45One time I got lost, so...
00:08:47Yeah, yeah, I got it.
00:08:48OK, I'm just going to go and make sure they know you're here.
00:08:51Better, because I could be halfway to Mexico by now.
00:08:59She was only here because she had promised her mother she would return.
00:09:07While she was a little too city for these parts,
00:09:11she had never broken her word to her mom.
00:09:14She wouldn't start now.
00:09:17She had no tolerance for patience.
00:09:20She thought she might go mad from boredom.
00:09:25And she was sick of this rusted cabin.
00:09:33She ventured into a new world.
00:09:37She was a new person.
00:09:40She was a new person.
00:09:43She was a new person.
00:09:46She was a new person.
00:09:50The Pine Mountain Inn served as the general store, post office, and gossip central.
00:09:56Thank you!
00:09:58Christ.
00:09:59Hey, come join us.
00:10:00Hi, I forgot to call your name.
00:10:02Mackenzie, but most people call me Max.
00:10:05Kat, may I present boy of a million adventures, Freddie.
00:10:10And this one you've met is still my mother, Adele.
00:10:14And that handsome devil is Rodney,
00:10:17proprietor of Rodney's Rodeo Farm Ground.
00:10:20It's nice to meet you.
00:10:21Lovely to meet you.
00:10:22Within two visits, she learned Colin had been a highly revered philosophy professor
00:10:28until he chucked it all one night, moved into town,
00:10:32and began to design his complex and intricate puzzles.
00:10:37Widowed, he met the highly controversial Cassandra,
00:10:41an anti-feminist feminist who believed women could be insanely powerful
00:10:46and still be full of grace and beauty.
00:10:47Oh, Lorinda, oh, let me crash upon your shore and shipwreck in your thighs.
00:10:55Promise.
00:10:58She quickly came to understand why Mama Adele, founder of the Fabio Ladies Book Club,
00:11:04and daughter Kat, were known to all as the endless bigger cynics.
00:11:08We're going to lose the worst battle we have ever fought, and you!
00:11:11She heard a term called Freddy vision, but she would have no idea what that meant until much later.
00:11:19You know what I love more than rice pudding?
00:11:41What, my sweet daughter?
00:11:44Star ventures.
00:11:45When the last star in the sky disappears, we begin our star venture.
00:11:53And there is only one rule for the day.
00:11:56No rules.
00:11:57We just go whenever our whim takes us.
00:12:05She had no use for nostalgia, bristled at the cloying, bittersweet memories.
00:12:11If she couldn't bury herself in her work, she would run.
00:12:16In any event, grief would not best her.
00:12:35If you go in there, you're going to get her killed yourself.
00:12:41Wait for the negotiator.
00:12:50I've never seen a mother and daughter any closer than the two of you.
00:12:55We all loved her.
00:12:57She was one of a kind.
00:12:59But you didn't take the time you needed.
00:13:05I can see the fear in your eyes.
00:13:07I have a baby, please!
00:13:09Let her go!
00:13:11If you cut the fucking balls, I'll fucking waste her!
00:13:19No!
00:13:41What are you doing?
00:13:43You're off the case.
00:13:45Off duty.
00:13:4790 days.
00:13:49Step aside!
00:13:51Let me go!
00:13:53Let me go!
00:13:55Let me go!
00:13:57Let me go!
00:13:59Let me go!
00:14:01Let me go!
00:14:03Let me go!
00:14:05Let me go!
00:14:07Let me go!
00:14:09Let me go!
00:14:11Let me go!
00:14:13Let me go!
00:14:37You know, grief is a scraggy bitch.
00:14:39And she doesn't give a royal fuck about best intentions.
00:14:43Or whether you have the luxury of waiting her out.
00:14:47You've got to find a way through this pain, Max.
00:14:49Not around it.
00:14:57Hey!
00:14:59Hey!
00:15:01Oh, glad I caught you.
00:15:03Actually, Grandpants wanted to know if you wanted to come in for some full moon mud pie.
00:15:05I'm not much of a dessert person.
00:15:07This is not just a dessert.
00:15:09This is a life-changing experience.
00:15:11You need to be here.
00:15:13He only makes it once a month.
00:15:15You don't want to get FOMO.
00:15:17It's real.
00:15:19Oh, and we're about to start a new puzzle.
00:15:21You look like you're trying to keep yourself busy
00:15:23and this is not the place for that.
00:15:25Well, uh,
00:15:27I definitely don't want to get FOMO.
00:15:29Great.
00:15:31Uh, we start around like 7.
00:15:33All right, then.
00:15:41Colin's full moon mud pie
00:15:43came from the monthly celestial event
00:15:45which made the inky night sky
00:15:47brilliant with stars
00:15:49and became the blueprint
00:15:51for his puzzles.
00:15:54You can start.
00:15:56You don't have to wait.
00:15:58Okay, thanks.
00:16:00Like that.
00:16:02Oh, my God, that is so good.
00:16:04Right? Wow.
00:16:06I tell him he should be a chef.
00:16:08My darling man.
00:16:10Oh, thank you, darling.
00:16:12All right, let's see.
00:16:14Thank you.
00:16:16What have we got here?
00:16:18Where are we?
00:16:20Uh, Mademoiselle does borders.
00:16:22Mademoiselle does borders.
00:16:24Yes, Mademoiselle does borders
00:16:26and the straight-edged pieces
00:16:28align themselves with earth
00:16:30or sky.
00:16:32Oh, God, I know this.
00:16:34In translation, the James Merrill poem.
00:16:36Every time they start a new puzzle,
00:16:38they quote it like scripture.
00:16:40Nothing is lost
00:16:42or all else is translation
00:16:44and every bit
00:16:46of us
00:16:48is lost in it.
00:16:50Oh, nice.
00:16:52Puzzle as existential metaphor.
00:16:54Yeah.
00:16:56Go get some full moon.
00:16:58This is Mackenzie.
00:17:00Hi.
00:17:02This gadfly is Gabrielle's sister,
00:17:04my granddaughter,
00:17:06who I like sometimes.
00:17:08In spite of herself,
00:17:10she was enjoying the company.
00:17:12And that damn pie.
00:17:14It was the best thing
00:17:16she'd eaten since she got there.
00:17:20After much urging,
00:17:22she finally sat in
00:17:24on the weekly Friday chess tournament.
00:17:26Are you in?
00:17:28Oh.
00:17:30Get in.
00:17:32Okay, let's do this.
00:17:34Such disappointment
00:17:36is coming your way.
00:17:38You don't know my chess skills, okay?
00:17:40Right.
00:17:42But he's gonna whip you
00:17:44like a rented mule.
00:17:46I'm just telling you up front.
00:17:48He seems harmless.
00:17:50Like a lovely woodland creature,
00:17:52but no.
00:17:58This is the part
00:18:00where he sneaks up on you.
00:18:02No, no, no.
00:18:04Like a monkey in the woods.
00:18:06Nice,
00:18:08but
00:18:10check,
00:18:12no.
00:18:14Nice, but
00:18:16check,
00:18:18miss.
00:18:20Yeah.
00:18:22It's humbling, isn't it?
00:18:24Yes, it is.
00:18:26As you can see, it takes very little to stimulate.
00:18:28Yeah, but forget about that. Are you ready?
00:18:30Does a polar bear poop in the snow?
00:18:32I don't know. I did not go to college.
00:18:34All right, I'm getting a chili bar for the winner.
00:18:36And don't forget
00:18:38the whip.
00:18:40That's right. That's the attitude.
00:18:42They all seemed skilled
00:18:44at making the simplest of rides
00:18:46quite extraordinary.
00:18:48I instantly regretted it.
00:18:50And that is how it's done
00:18:52here in Lake Merrillville.
00:18:54We're all about manners.
00:18:56We sure are.
00:19:12She still ran,
00:19:14but now
00:19:16she felt the cold,
00:19:18morning mist wash over her
00:19:20and she didn't hate it.
00:19:26So,
00:19:28you understand
00:19:30what I'm saying?
00:19:32Yes, I do.
00:19:34I understand
00:19:36what you're saying.
00:19:38I understand
00:19:40So, you understand
00:19:42this isn't a part of the original
00:19:44instructions. It's a codicil
00:19:46to your father's will to be acted
00:19:48upon given certain criteria.
00:19:52What I'm about to tell you will
00:19:54certainly be counter to what you've heard
00:19:56or known all these years, but it's
00:19:58nonetheless the truth.
00:20:02Don't you just
00:20:04love the Count, even though he's a
00:20:06pernicious rapscallion?
00:20:09Like Rhett Butler
00:20:11carrying scarlet up those fancy steps.
00:20:13They don't make men like that anymore.
00:20:15Yeah, thank all that is
00:20:17progressive.
00:20:19Why don't you tell him now?
00:20:21Well, afternoon, good townspeople.
00:20:23I know what you're thinking. Who invited George Clooney
00:20:25to this affair?
00:20:27Ooh, I did.
00:20:29Nice. No, actually, I'm just, uh,
00:20:31thought I'd swing by, see if you've got the mixers I ordered.
00:20:33Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm gonna mix that up.
00:20:35I'm gonna mix it right up for you.
00:20:37I wish you would, I wish you would.
00:20:39So, what do you say?
00:20:41You in? You in for some of the best fishing
00:20:43you'll ever see anywhere in these parts?
00:20:45Oh, I think I'll sit this one out. Maybe next time.
00:20:47Oh, what are you gonna do?
00:20:49Go home and cry about your life?
00:20:51I'm so sad. Boo! You're no fun.
00:20:53She's fun.
00:20:55No, I will not ease up.
00:20:57Uh,
00:20:59I'm kind of reading the paper here.
00:21:03What you reading about?
00:21:13Boo.
00:21:17Psst.
00:21:19Do you have somewhere to be?
00:21:21Nope.
00:21:23You know I like to be alone.
00:21:25Do you know I like cheese raviolis?
00:21:27You know what my mom always says?
00:21:31Nope.
00:21:33Because I like them a lot.
00:21:35I...
00:21:37Like a lot, a lot.
00:21:39Right.
00:21:41And she also wishes that she was a spy like you.
00:21:45Mmm, that looks interesting.
00:21:49Well, that's crazy, because I'm not a spy.
00:21:55Do you have somewhere to be?
00:21:57Nope. Nope. Nowhere to be.
00:21:59I could sit here with you all day.
00:22:03If you were stranded in the rainforest,
00:22:05what's one item you'd have?
00:22:07You stay here. I'm gonna go.
00:22:09Okay.
00:22:15She ain't coming back.
00:22:19This game
00:22:21is for
00:22:23philosophers!
00:22:27Good luck.
00:22:29Gotta have good luck when you're fishing.
00:22:31That's right, because I've got questionable jujus,
00:22:33so we need all the help we can get.
00:22:35All right, let's roll.
00:22:37Oh, I have to go to the bathroom already.
00:22:39Oh, shut up.
00:22:53I don't bite, you know.
00:23:03Why, thank you.
00:23:15Hey.
00:23:17Your skin is soft.
00:23:19Okay.
00:23:21Thank you.
00:23:39Hey.
00:23:51Hey.
00:24:01Hey, are you okay?
00:24:05Ready.
00:24:07Yeah.
00:24:09I'm just in it.
00:24:11What?
00:24:13Can't you feel it?
00:24:16I'm memorizing it
00:24:20for next time.
00:24:22Next time?
00:24:24Like when I have to go to the hospital
00:24:26or get my blood drawn.
00:24:30You're something else.
00:24:32I know.
00:24:34But I didn't ask to be.
00:24:36Hey, I didn't mean it like that.
00:24:38Don't worry. I'm used to it.
00:24:42I think I don't know what people see
00:24:44when they're gawking at me.
00:24:46Their eyes are like pinballs.
00:24:48Look anywhere
00:24:50but at the gork.
00:24:52That's what's in their minds.
00:24:54But out of their mouths
00:24:56were special needs.
00:24:58One must be a PC after all.
00:25:00It's okay, Max.
00:25:02I have a really good life.
00:25:04I do.
00:25:06And besides,
00:25:08I get to know things,
00:25:10feel things
00:25:12that I can't.
00:25:14Like how your heart is so
00:25:16ginormous
00:25:18and that's why it hurts
00:25:20so deep.
00:25:32Listen.
00:25:34Try not to worry, okay?
00:25:36His lifeline's here.
00:25:38I can't get Rodney on his cell phone.
00:25:40He's a cowboy.
00:25:42He's got about as much use for a cell phone as a damn donkey.
00:25:44Don't defend him, Kat.
00:25:46No, I'm not defending him.
00:25:48I'm just stating a fact.
00:26:00So what's the story here?
00:26:02Hmm?
00:26:04The story.
00:26:06Well, uh,
00:26:08screw up this one.
00:26:10Yeah.
00:26:12Yeah, but, uh,
00:26:14what is it?
00:26:18It's called Fanconi anemia.
00:26:20It's rare as hell.
00:26:22It clobbers
00:26:24the genes that do DNA repair.
00:26:26Not to mention
00:26:28the seizures
00:26:30and the cancer
00:26:32just breathing down their necks.
00:26:34If that's not enough of a challenge,
00:26:36life expectancy.
00:26:40Tick-tock.
00:26:42His mother, Sammy,
00:26:44she's a gladiator.
00:26:46I've never seen her buckle.
00:26:48I don't know how she does it.
00:26:50I mean, she's made out of
00:26:52steel and strawberries.
00:27:00I want you to join us for dinner tonight.
00:27:02Oh, no, thank you.
00:27:05You know, you need to be with people.
00:27:07Okay? I won't take no for an answer.
00:27:09Well, in that case...
00:27:15Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!
00:27:17You got one there, Monk!
00:27:19You got one?
00:27:21There we go!
00:27:23Oh, there we go!
00:27:25Got it, got it, got it!
00:27:27Let's take it over there.
00:27:29Hey, we better get you home.
00:27:31Okay?
00:27:33Yeah.
00:27:35That's why I didn't eat the sandwich.
00:27:37Yeah, yeah.
00:27:39Mom, Mom, Mom!
00:27:41What could you possibly be thinking?
00:27:43And who the hell do you think you are?
00:27:45Do you have a kid?
00:27:47No, because if you did, you would have never
00:27:49taken my son without my permission.
00:27:51No, Sammy, Sammy, let's really...
00:27:53Don't even, because I know you went to the Big Lake.
00:27:55Well, of course we did.
00:27:57There's no fish in the small world.
00:27:59Everyone knows no big lake unless I'm along.
00:28:01Did you remember to take his afternoon meds?
00:28:03What if he had a seizure out there?
00:28:05I brought them in my bag.
00:28:07Oh, see? There you go.
00:28:09No harm, no foul.
00:28:11No harm, no foul.
00:28:13Hey, Freddy, here's your cat.
00:28:15Oh, come on, Sammy.
00:28:17You can't take your fisherman's cat away from him.
00:28:19That wouldn't be right.
00:28:21Hey, I'm really sorry,
00:28:23but I would never hurt your son.
00:28:25Mom, Max is, like, crazy wonderful.
00:28:27She's an awesome storyteller.
00:28:29Imagine that.
00:28:31Let's go make some dinner.
00:28:33Let's go make some dinner.
00:28:35Yeah.
00:28:37Now, his party's over.
00:28:39So, I, uh,
00:28:41called Heather today,
00:28:43but her phone was disconnected,
00:28:45so I did a little digging.
00:28:47Ended up speaking to her mother,
00:28:49but she didn't pick up.
00:28:51Oh, I see.
00:28:53Ended up speaking to her mother.
00:28:55Heather died about five years ago.
00:28:57My son always believes the best in people,
00:28:59but I don't suffer from that virtue.
00:29:01Stay the hell away from both of us.
00:29:03You're right,
00:29:05and I'm sorry I lied about Heather,
00:29:07but the truth is,
00:29:09I'm working a special assignment
00:29:11for the EPA.
00:29:13Uh, we're investigating
00:29:15potential environmental threats in the area,
00:29:17and, uh, it's classified,
00:29:19so we work undercover.
00:29:21I'm sorry for any confusion.
00:29:25All right.
00:29:27We'll see you later,
00:29:29officer, or whatever that is.
00:29:33Okay, it's possible
00:29:35I was a little too rough on her.
00:29:37Oh, come on. She's a good girl.
00:29:39Right? Trust me.
00:29:41When have I ever led you astray?
00:29:43Do not answer that.
00:29:45Just go make my trout almondine the way I like it.
00:29:47Well, if you would behave like a grownup...
00:29:50I'm trying to, but I've got women
00:29:52coming at me like bullets.
00:29:54Oh, man.
00:29:56Did Mom ever get here?
00:29:58I have no idea.
00:30:00This looks nice.
00:30:02Thank you.
00:30:04She's joining us for dinner.
00:30:06So sorry.
00:30:14That's a good breeding tip you've ever crammed
00:30:16into our little pagan...
00:30:18This is our mom. Mom, this is Mackenzie Aaron.
00:30:20Lovely to meet you.
00:30:22How long have you been here?
00:30:24A week.
00:30:26Enjoying your stay?
00:30:28Mackenzie's a really great puzzler.
00:30:30Oh, so they've lured you
00:30:32into their little conclave.
00:30:34Hey, were you here a few summers ago?
00:30:38No.
00:30:40Hmm.
00:30:42Well, you look familiar.
00:30:44Just one of those faces, I guess.
00:30:46Yeah?
00:30:48That's just so fascinating.
00:30:50Why don't you tell us what you're doing here?
00:30:52Oh, just getting away from it all.
00:30:54And yes, pointedly unfascinating.
00:30:58Running.
00:31:00That's where I've seen you.
00:31:02Have you run by the big lake yet?
00:31:04Yeah, I've been hiking
00:31:06and running everywhere.
00:31:08It's some kind of beautiful out there.
00:31:10Some kind of beautiful.
00:31:12Mom.
00:31:18I, um...
00:31:20I understand you work for the government.
00:31:22Uh, yeah.
00:31:24Mom used to be a congresswoman.
00:31:26Now she's a consultant, though.
00:31:28And, uh, with the administration,
00:31:30you know, the phone's ringing off the hook.
00:31:32Yeah, not an easy gig.
00:31:34No.
00:31:36Yeah, all that house of cards selling is soul shit.
00:31:38I thought we had a rule here.
00:31:40Yeah, um, no iPhones
00:31:42or politics at the dinner table.
00:31:44We get enough of it everywhere else.
00:31:46That's because it's the latest spectator sport.
00:31:48Reality bites stupid America,
00:31:50where we await every day
00:31:52with sheer antisappointment.
00:31:54Aren't you clever, Sasha?
00:31:56I seem to recall you didn't show up to vote.
00:31:58If people want to know why millennials have checked out,
00:32:00it's because you made us check out
00:32:02with all your lies, BS,
00:32:04spin, spin, spin, spin, spin.
00:32:06All right, tell us how you really feel.
00:32:08Okay, here we go.
00:32:10I think if the millennials checked out,
00:32:12it's because we coddled you so spectacularly.
00:32:14Coddled? Jesus, you were still drinking
00:32:16back then for days at a time.
00:32:18And when I needed a mother, it wasn't you.
00:32:20Okay, so tell her about what she hasn't done right.
00:32:22Look at you. What have you done right?
00:32:24This is bullshit.
00:32:26Sorry, Mackenzie, uh,
00:32:28my girls are usually a little more civilized.
00:32:30What? Oh, stop, honey.
00:32:32Don't look at me. I'm such a rebel.
00:32:34Enough, Gabriela. Enough.
00:32:36I forgot.
00:32:38Gabriela, come with me.
00:32:40Gabriela!
00:32:42Don't, sweetie.
00:32:44This happens every single time
00:32:46you let her get away.
00:32:48I'm gonna go help him.
00:32:50Oh, my God.
00:33:06♪♪
00:33:08♪♪
00:33:10♪♪
00:33:12♪♪
00:33:14♪♪
00:33:16♪♪
00:33:18♪♪
00:33:20♪♪
00:33:22Mackenzie knew from her years
00:33:24of FBI training
00:33:26that there were far deeper secrets
00:33:28buried here than her own.
00:33:30♪♪
00:33:32Whiskey, whiskey, whiskey
00:33:34makes me feel so frisky in the core.
00:33:36In the core.
00:33:38Oh, it's whiskey, whiskey, whiskey
00:33:40that makes me feel so frisky
00:33:42in the quartermaster,
00:33:44quartermaster core.
00:33:46My eyes are dim.
00:33:48I cannot
00:33:50see.
00:33:52I have not
00:33:54brought my snacks with me.
00:33:56I have
00:33:58not brought my snacks
00:34:00with me.
00:34:02I'll be back.
00:34:04Okay. It's vodka, vodka, vodka
00:34:06that makes you think you're vodka
00:34:08is the worst.
00:34:10Now, who is the Russian?
00:34:12He's the only Russian to me.
00:34:14We're just...
00:34:16We gotta get into the mood.
00:34:18Yeah.
00:34:20Okay.
00:34:22♪♪
00:34:24♪♪
00:34:26♪♪
00:34:28See?
00:34:30Isn't this nice?
00:34:32You don't always have to talk, you know.
00:34:34♪♪
00:34:36♪♪
00:34:38You know what my mom's favorite
00:34:40word is?
00:34:42No,
00:34:44but I bet money you're about to tell me.
00:34:46Kintsukurai.
00:34:48Know what that means?
00:34:50Not even remotely.
00:34:52More beautiful
00:34:54for having
00:34:56been broken.
00:34:58It's Japanese.
00:35:00♪♪
00:35:02♪♪
00:35:04♪♪
00:35:06♪♪
00:35:08Here.
00:35:10It's cold.
00:35:12♪♪
00:35:14♪♪
00:35:16♪♪
00:35:18♪♪
00:35:20I know you didn't
00:35:22see any reason to meet your birth
00:35:24mother, and I assume
00:35:26that's in large part because you were
00:35:28told she left you.
00:35:30But in fact,
00:35:32that's not what happened.
00:35:34♪♪
00:35:36♪♪
00:35:38♪♪
00:35:40♪♪
00:35:42♪♪
00:35:44Does a cup look for dots?
00:35:46Does a one-legged duck swim in a circle?
00:35:48Are you feeding me?
00:35:50Yes. I love when
00:35:52you babysit me, Gabrielle.
00:35:54Feelings mutual,
00:35:56little man.
00:36:00Freak!
00:36:04Don't listen to them, okay?
00:36:06They're jerks.
00:36:08Hey, what happened to you?
00:36:10Yeah, I stick your hand in some
00:36:12meat grinders.
00:36:14If you guys don't stop, I'm gonna get Mom.
00:36:16Yeah, let's keep playing, okay?
00:36:18Get a little too close to the lawnmower.
00:36:20Oh, look at you crying.
00:36:22Ooh.
00:36:24Creeper Creeper, what a freaker.
00:36:26Get out of here.
00:36:28What a retard.
00:36:30I've never seen such a retard.
00:36:32Megatard.
00:36:34Weirdo.
00:36:40Be cool, be cool.
00:36:42Hey! What do you want?
00:36:44What did you just say?
00:36:46What do you care?
00:36:48A hell of a lot is what I care.
00:36:50Listen up.
00:36:52If you speak to anyone like that ever again,
00:36:54I'm gonna find you. I'll make your sorry little lives
00:36:56freaking miserable.
00:36:58You got that?
00:37:00Fuck you!
00:37:02I'm sorry.
00:37:04He told me to. I really didn't mean it.
00:37:06It was his fault.
00:37:08I didn't want to.
00:37:10Then don't say it.
00:37:16Are you okay?
00:37:18Hey, that was cool,
00:37:20what you did over there.
00:37:22Well, they won't be bothering Freddy anymore.
00:37:24No, they certainly won't.
00:37:26Honey, were those the same kids
00:37:28from last year?
00:37:30Hey.
00:37:34I know that it probably doesn't feel like it,
00:37:36but it isn't you
00:37:38they don't like.
00:37:40It's themselves.
00:37:42Okay?
00:37:44What do you say
00:37:46we go get you two those chili bars?
00:37:48Yeah.
00:37:50Can Max come?
00:37:52Um, I'm sure she has
00:37:54some things she has to do.
00:37:56Okay.
00:38:02Thank you for that.
00:38:04You'd think in this day and age,
00:38:06people would be a little more sensitive.
00:38:08I don't know how you deal with the
00:38:10bullshit.
00:38:12Well, they don't hand out a manual.
00:38:14I don't know,
00:38:16you just learn to muddle through
00:38:18and hope like hell that people become
00:38:20less ignorant and less angry.
00:38:22You know, less fearful
00:38:24of those who look different
00:38:26or love different.
00:38:32Freddy, don't let them get to you.
00:38:34Okay?
00:38:36They just...
00:38:38See the special needs freak show.
00:38:40Don't say that.
00:38:42Come on.
00:38:44You know why I think they call you special needs?
00:38:46Because I'm all that?
00:38:48No.
00:38:50It's not you who need us.
00:38:52It's all of us who need you.
00:38:56Okay?
00:38:58It's true.
00:39:00Don't know what I'd do without you.
00:39:02Okay.
00:39:08Look,
00:39:10I promised them I would take them for chili bars,
00:39:12so...
00:39:32Okay.
00:40:02Samantha!
00:40:32Okay.
00:40:34Okay.
00:40:36Okay.
00:40:38Okay.
00:40:40Okay.
00:40:42Okay.
00:40:44Okay.
00:40:46Okay.
00:40:48Okay.
00:40:50Okay.
00:40:52Okay.
00:40:54Okay.
00:40:56Okay.
00:40:58Okay.
00:41:00Okay.
00:41:02Okay.
00:41:04Okay.
00:41:06Okay.
00:41:08Okay.
00:41:10Okay.
00:41:12Okay.
00:41:14Okay.
00:41:16Okay.
00:41:18Okay.
00:41:20Okay.
00:41:22Okay.
00:41:24Okay.
00:41:26Okay.
00:41:28Okay.
00:41:30Okay.
00:41:54Hey, little man.
00:41:58Why don't you like Max?
00:42:16I know what you need.
00:44:58Why don't you like Max?
00:45:26Hello?
00:45:27Hi.
00:45:28Hi.
00:45:29Hi.
00:45:30Hi.
00:45:31Hi.
00:45:32Hi.
00:45:33Thanks for your help the other day, but you're just here for a visit, but Freddy's full-time,
00:45:41not a roadside attraction, so please, whatever you do, don't play him.
00:45:47Hey, the last thing I'm doing is playing your son.
00:45:51Shit.
00:45:52Look, I shouldn't have said that.
00:45:56He's pretty damn insistent that I give you a second chance.
00:46:03He's got a heart that will overlook anything, and I just don't want to see him hurt.
00:46:10So?
00:46:12How about Saturday afternoon?
00:46:16Sure.
00:46:18So, why puzzling?
00:46:30I guess it's shown me a whole new way to see things.
00:46:40It's taken me way beyond what I thought I could comprehend.
00:46:47How so?
00:46:49Well, none of us are remotely capable of experiencing the world we live in.
00:46:56We've created two- and three-dimensional boundaries just to try to make sense of things, but what
00:47:02lives inside the spaces of those boundaries?
00:47:05And you're able to see that when you're puzzling?
00:47:10Well, I've had some brief glimpses when I'm deep into a puzzle where possibilities are limitless.
00:47:20It's like looking at a cloud and seeing the face of God.
00:47:27Huh.
00:47:29Well, to puzzling.
00:47:31Oh, to puzzling.
00:47:32To going where no man has gone before.
00:47:34Oh, yeah.
00:47:36To live long and properly.
00:48:36Oh, yeah.
00:49:06Let me help.
00:49:14You can't help.
00:49:15Oh, come on.
00:49:17Come on, Vivian.
00:49:18What can I do?
00:49:29Take me to the nearest bar.
00:49:38I can't see it.
00:49:39It's not her name.
00:49:51Mom?
00:50:22Hey.
00:50:28Can I help?
00:50:30No, I just need to wait for it to cool down.
00:50:33Actually, I'm pretty handy with cars.
00:50:35What's the problem?
00:50:37Well, it needs a new, uh, well, everything.
00:50:42It's just not a priority on the list next to all the bills, and, I mean, God, how I
00:50:47thought I could make a living being a dance teacher out here is beyond me.
00:50:51You got a lot on your plate.
00:50:54Look, I'm not a martyr.
00:50:56That's not what I heard.
00:50:59I heard that you never crumble.
00:51:02Oh, trust me.
00:51:03I have my days.
00:51:12While we're waiting, what are you going to tell me about him?
00:51:17And then, when he was five, uh, and we had gone through one of his surgeries, one of
00:51:23my old dance friends came by, and she proceeded to tell me how everyone felt so sorry that
00:51:28I didn't have a normal child, and how it must be such a burden.
00:51:32Oh, my God.
00:51:34Yeah, and then I, I asked her why she thought I wanted a normal kid, because I didn't want
00:51:39Freddie to be anything other than who he is.
00:51:42Because I didn't want Freddie to be anything other than who he is.
00:51:45You know, and then she pulled me aside, and she said, don't ever say that again.
00:51:49It makes you sound crazy.
00:51:50What?
00:51:52Maybe I am crazy.
00:51:54No.
00:51:55No.
00:51:56Every day, Freddie teaches me something new.
00:51:59I mean, sure, the, the everyday challenges can be annoying, but, um, you know, we really
00:52:07are just very happy how we are.
00:52:11You know, I always say, when you hug Freddie, it's like hugging God.
00:52:15I mean, how does it get any better than that?
00:52:19It doesn't.
00:52:26It's her!
00:52:27Quick!
00:52:28Open the door!
00:52:29Oh, well, she's not gonna vanish into thin air.
00:52:32Gosh, this is crazy awesome that you're here.
00:52:35Whoa, hey there.
00:52:36Scared for a surprise?
00:52:37Does heaven taste like cotton candy?
00:52:39Mom's made the most awesome cheese raviolis ever.
00:52:43We're gonna have garlic bread, and for dessert, some apple pie.
00:52:48I want cheese ravioli.
00:52:51Look, Mom, this is called the nesting doll, and it's like the coolest thing ever.
00:52:56It's like seeing all the times of a person's life, and how things stay part of you forever.
00:53:07Max got her first one from her mom when she was four, and always got a new one at Christmas
00:53:12and birthdays, and she has, like, hundreds of them at home.
00:53:17Hey, I'm not that old.
00:53:23Okay, it's time for dinner and early bedtime for you.
00:53:27Can Max stay?
00:53:29I don't know.
00:53:32Can Max stay?
00:53:36I'd love to.
00:53:59Okay, little man, time for bed.
00:54:06Good night.
00:54:36Beep, beep, beep, beep.
00:55:06It was only then that Max began to fully grasp their daily challenges.
00:55:20Wow, you weren't fooling around.
00:55:23The monkeys.
00:55:25Yeah, he collects them like you do nesting dolls.
00:55:29Why monkeys?
00:55:31Well, he used to love how curious George was, always busting out and doing things he shouldn't,
00:55:37until that man with that silly yellow hat.
00:55:41I say, don't mock me.
00:55:47That's right.
00:55:50I love you the biggest, the mostest, and the foreverest.
00:55:59Mama, I love you the mostest.
00:56:29Beep, beep, beep.
00:56:59Beep, beep, beep.
00:57:30Beep, beep, beep.
00:57:50You had one, didn't you?
00:57:53No. No, I um…
00:57:55No.
00:57:58Okay, but I'm fine.
00:58:02Look, more importantly, how are you?
00:58:04Because I know those kids were back at the lake.
00:58:07No, Mom. Max took care of that.
00:58:11You've been very quiet all night long.
00:58:15It's like when I have to go to my place at the hospital.
00:58:22And you know I have to be there until it's okay again.
00:58:27Right?
00:58:30Yeah, sweetie. Is that where you've been?
00:58:37Well, Mackenzie does the same thing.
00:58:41She has to go to her place a lot.
00:58:45A lot, a lot.
00:58:47Because she hurts crazy awful.
00:58:51And she doesn't have someone helping her feel safe.
00:59:22Steel on velvet, silk on stone, sun-worn leather
00:59:30I'll be right back.
00:59:38Looks like someone's been busy.
00:59:41I don't want to be rude, but...
00:59:43Well, you were the other night. Left without saying goodbye.
00:59:46Yeah, I wasn't feeling well. Sorry.
00:59:48Look, I'm not sure I buy that.
00:59:52I'm not sure what to think, actually.
00:59:56Freddie says you were just sad, and...
00:59:59I will bet on Freddie every single time.
01:00:10It's a monkey man.
01:00:14Come on.
01:00:28So, if Freddie's right, what are you so sad about?
01:00:34I'm not sad. I'm just tired.
01:00:38Okay, look, I'm not trying to intrude. I just wanted to say thank you.
01:00:42Thank you.
01:00:46Yeah, for making my son so happy.
01:00:50I don't think I have ever seen him light up the way he does when you're around.
01:00:58Well, he's a really awesome kid.
01:01:02He's maddening at times, but...
01:01:13You in my arms, breathless and sure
01:01:18Barefoot ballet on a bare-hearted floor
01:01:23So much to see, but it seems that we barely know
01:01:31No one has touched me again
01:01:35Hey, I'm a pretty great listener.
01:01:40Um, I...
01:01:49No, no, no, I've got my car.
01:01:51Oops.
01:01:52Oh, you don't.
01:01:59Well, two for the price of one.
01:02:02How'd I get so much?
01:02:03Come on, let's go kick the shit out of some dancing, right?
01:02:06You ever seen this one dance?
01:02:08Well, you were in for a treat.
01:02:12Whoa!
01:02:14Oh, no! Oh, no!
01:02:18I'm so ashamed I'm outrunnin'
01:02:21Maybe good will come if I pray
01:02:39I can see your hurt
01:02:43I can feel your tear
01:02:45Hey, Robbie, we have to, like, change the keg.
01:02:47Oh, all right. Dance by yourself. Dance by yourself.
01:02:51I'd like to help if I can
01:02:55I'm not sure I can give you enough
01:03:00Yeah
01:03:04In a world you're gonna be insane
01:03:07Love will leave you somehow
01:03:33Hey, have you decided yet?
01:03:51Look, you gotta order something.
01:03:54Okay, you know what? A scotch. Double.
01:03:57You sure you wanna go that way?
01:04:00All right.
01:04:30Oh, baby, see you today
01:04:33Hey, when I get far away
01:04:36I'll find a place where love's true
01:04:39Open up your eyes and see
01:04:42Oh, baby, see you today
01:04:49Your mother didn't choose to cut you out of her life.
01:04:52That was your father's decision.
01:04:55Your father was a dear friend.
01:04:57You can't agonize over this decision.
01:05:06Thanks, Mamo. I love it.
01:05:09Oh, my baby Bobo, you're getting so big.
01:05:13Not big enough.
01:05:15I can't wait to grow up and become a policeman, just like Daddy.
01:05:19You don't want to grow up too fast, sweetie.
01:05:22Once you've done it, there's no going back.
01:05:27I know.
01:05:43It's a long November to recover, right?
01:05:48Does he have to work tomorrow?
01:05:50And those kids?
01:05:52Kids are big.
01:05:58Samantha!
01:06:03Hey!
01:06:05Samantha!
01:06:07Samantha?
01:06:09Do you always cut out on people without any explanation?
01:06:12No, of course not.
01:06:14Really, Mackenzie?
01:06:16I don't know what to think.
01:06:18Something about you is just not right.
01:06:21Something is off. I don't know what...
01:06:23My mother didn't choose to cut you out of her life.
01:06:26I don't know what...
01:06:27My mother died.
01:06:28What?
01:06:29Last night a year ago.
01:06:31And I just... I lost it.
01:06:33And no, I'm not one to cut out on people.
01:06:36So, I want to apologize.
01:06:44Come with me.
01:06:46Come on.
01:06:57My gum was in my pocket the whole time.
01:07:00I don't know how you put up with it.
01:07:02Yeah, I don't know.
01:07:15This isn't what I do.
01:07:18It's what you do to forget, or...
01:07:21In general.
01:07:24Oh.
01:07:27Beckett, it's me.
01:07:29Um...
01:07:30Listen, I need you to do something for me.
01:07:44Oh, thanks.
01:07:54Come on.
01:08:11So, tell me about her.
01:08:14She was...
01:08:17She was the only person I ever trusted.
01:08:20With everything.
01:08:23You know, I used to get teased a lot about being adopted, but...
01:08:27I couldn't have been loved more by anyone else.
01:08:33She was, um...
01:08:43My dad used to bring me up here.
01:08:47So, if I ever need to clear my head, this is where I come.
01:08:54You never mentioned him.
01:08:56Does he live here?
01:08:59He, uh... He died when I was 23.
01:09:02So, I know what it's like to lose a parent that shaped you.
01:09:07He's still so fresh for you.
01:09:09Yeah.
01:09:11Hey, I'm sorry about your dad.
01:09:13No. No, don't be.
01:09:15He was amazing.
01:09:18But when he passed, I sort of bottomed out.
01:09:23I stopped dancing.
01:09:25Ended up with Derek.
01:09:28And got pregnant within months.
01:09:32Something was wrong with the pregnancy.
01:09:35We just didn't know what.
01:09:37The moment that he was born, everyone pushed for a DNR.
01:09:43So, they...
01:09:45They administered the morphine and took him off the vent.
01:09:52And when they put him on my chest,
01:09:55my heart broke into a million pieces.
01:10:01He was so fragile.
01:10:03If there's a hell on this earth, it's trying to help your baby die.
01:10:14I just held him, and I prayed.
01:10:18And I told him it was okay to go.
01:10:21Whatever he needed, Derek...
01:10:25He left the hospital, said he couldn't be there.
01:10:31And...
01:10:32Where are you?
01:10:33I felt like I was in a horror movie.
01:10:36So surreal, just waiting.
01:10:40Just waiting for him to pass.
01:10:45I need you.
01:10:47I can't do this alone.
01:10:49But he just kept breathing.
01:10:52And living.
01:10:56Derek.
01:10:58The doctors, my friends, everyone.
01:11:02They'd already given up on him.
01:11:05What are you saying?
01:11:06It's too hard for you to watch him die?
01:11:09I spent 135 days in the NICU.
01:11:13We will never, ever come back from this.
01:11:18I'm done.
01:11:22135 days of strong babies dying and weak babies living.
01:11:30And it was all so arbitrary.
01:11:34You know, it made me realize...
01:11:39Motherhood is not an entitlement.
01:11:42It's a sacred privilege.
01:11:44So you damn well better bring it and don't complain.
01:11:50Oh my God, I'm sorry.
01:11:52We came up here to help you, and off I go on this rant.
01:11:56Are you kidding me?
01:11:58Thank you.
01:12:00Thank you.
01:12:02Thank you for sharing that with me.
01:12:31I don't have to be sad anymore.
01:12:34Because you have us now.
01:12:38We're merged.
01:12:43Is he okay?
01:12:45What is merged?
01:12:48He merges the people he loves into his soul.
01:12:53Very few get that honor.
01:12:56I am honored.
01:13:00Please excuse my ignorance, but...
01:13:03When does he need the wheelchair?
01:13:06Well, when he's completely well, he doesn't need it at all.
01:13:10But when he's really sick, we use it to conserve his energy.
01:13:17So, um, does he have any contact with his dad?
01:13:21None.
01:13:23Anyone else since?
01:13:27It's one thing to date a single mom.
01:13:31Quite another when you add a wheelchair to the mix.
01:13:35I'm sorry.
01:13:37It's okay.
01:13:39It's okay.
01:13:41It's okay.
01:13:43Quite another when you add a wheelchair to the mix.
01:13:46How's that?
01:13:48Well, imagine every night you come home, the first thing we talk about is Freddy's day.
01:13:53Doctors visits, test results, therapy.
01:13:57Or maybe you finally fit in that tennis game, and...
01:14:02I'm blowing up your phone all day with texts from the ER.
01:14:08I kind of forget anyone else's needs getting met because my priority is the Freddy Channel 24-7.
01:14:16Don't I sound like a perfect catch?
01:14:22I don't play tennis.
01:14:39Well, that went fast. I, um...
01:14:41Yeah.
01:14:42Gotta get him home.
01:14:43Oh, sure, sure.
01:14:44Food?
01:14:45Okay.
01:14:50Hey, would you like to join us for dinner?
01:14:56Yeah. Yeah, um, I just have to drop by my cabin, but then I'll be there.
01:15:01Say seven?
01:15:03Yeah.
01:15:09Hey, Beckett, were you able to match it?
01:15:18Oh, good. Yes, yes, send it to me right away.
01:15:22Oh, fuck.
01:15:30How can I help you?
01:15:32What is your best bottle of... red?
01:15:36You don't want to know.
01:15:38But I happen to have a bottle of red.
01:15:41Oh, I see.
01:15:43I'm sorry.
01:15:45What is your best bottle of... red?
01:15:49You don't want to know.
01:15:51But I happen to have some of my private reserve for folks with, um, discriminating tastes.
01:15:57Be right back.
01:16:10Of all the gin joints.
01:16:13It's kind of a shocker, huh?
01:16:18Um, Buck, can I get two shots of your best scotch?
01:16:23Oh, no, I don't want...
01:16:25No, no. It's okay, Buck. Yeah.
01:16:30Pretty remarkable coincidence, if you ask me.
01:16:33My mother used to bring me here as a kid, so... coincidence dispelled.
01:16:38I know who you are, Mackenzie.
01:16:41Okay. Who am I?
01:16:44You're a Quantico rock star.
01:16:47Although, you're off at present for disciplinary action.
01:16:52And I'm sorry about your mother.
01:16:55But I have to ask myself, why is it that we are both vacationing in this little town that I've made my second home?
01:17:02So who are you working for, and what is it that you want?
01:17:06You solve it yourself. I'm on leave.
01:17:08And what happened ten years ago is nobody's business, okay?
01:17:12So if you'll excuse me, I'm running late.
01:17:14I want you to stay away from my family.
01:17:17I still have some sway with your director, and I can make things very uncomfortable for you.
01:17:23I'll do whatever the hell I please.
01:17:38He's a liar sticking up.
01:17:41Killing me.
01:17:44Yeah.
01:17:48Jesus. He's burning up.
01:17:55I was afraid he was coming down with something.
01:17:58I'm gonna go get some Tylenol.
01:18:08Okay.
01:18:14Seriously.
01:18:16Fucking ridiculous.
01:18:20Okay.
01:18:32I know I'm good. It's okay.
01:18:39Shit. Let's go.
01:18:42Okay.
01:19:07Do we need to take him in?
01:19:10Unfortunately, his immune system is shot.
01:19:13Every time he goes in the hospital, he catches something even worse.
01:19:17And I've had plenty of practice breaking these fevers.
01:19:21Look, I'm sure you have other things you need to get to.
01:19:25Not a chance.
01:19:28Mom? Mom!
01:19:32Where's... What are you doing?
01:19:34Get over here quick and shut the door.
01:19:40FBI?
01:19:42Forget that. How do they know each other, and what the fuck is she doing here?
01:19:46They probably just know each other through work.
01:19:48Mom was on the intelligence committee. Couldn't they have just met there?
01:19:56Gabrielle, look at this photo, and try not to be a fucking Disney princess.
01:20:00What do you see? It's like she just can't help herself.
01:20:03I wonder what else she hasn't told us.
01:20:10These are the nights that I'm haunted.
01:20:14I can't stand to think of him suffering.
01:20:17Hey, hey. He wants to be here.
01:20:21He's made that very clear.
01:20:25What can I do? What do you need?
01:20:28Get me out of my head.
01:20:31Mom, tell me more about your mother.
01:20:36Tell me more about your mother the way that you do, Freddie.
01:20:44Okay. We would go on these star ventures.
01:20:48Star ventures?
01:20:50Yeah. We would get up in the morning with the stars,
01:20:54and get in the car, and then go on an adventure.
01:20:58No rules. No shoulds.
01:21:02And we would have the best time you could ever imagine.
01:21:09When I was like six or seven, she started this tradition
01:21:13where we would go around the table,
01:21:17and Mama would ask,
01:21:20what was the best thing that happened to you today,
01:21:23and the worst?
01:21:26Or, if this was your last day on Earth,
01:21:30what would you do?
01:21:33And she would wrap it up with,
01:21:37what did you learn about yourself today?
01:21:41So, what did you learn about yourself today?
01:21:49That my greatest mom on Earth may have to share her title.
01:22:01I think his fever's finally breaking.
01:22:14You belong with us.
01:22:18I am here. I'm not going anywhere.
01:22:22Love you, Monkeyman.
01:22:31Wait a minute. What's this?
01:22:38You know what? Maybe we found enough dirt on her for one day.
01:22:42Do we really want to...
01:22:44Hey, don't buckle now. Open it.
01:23:01God, how'd he do it?
01:23:05Keeping him well, the constant stress.
01:23:09Dancing.
01:23:12I mean, isn't that the definition of irony?
01:23:16How absolute freedom of movement saves me from...
01:23:21The way that he's trapped inside his body.
01:23:25If I didn't have dance, I don't...
01:23:29You could...
01:23:32I mean, the couch is comfortable. It's so late.
01:23:35Oh, no. I'm fine. Thank you.
01:23:38And thank you for sharing your son with me.
01:23:43Yeah.
01:23:45Hey.
01:23:47Are you okay?
01:23:51Hey.
01:23:53Are you okay?
01:23:55Liam, I don't know why I'm crying.
01:23:58No, it's been a hell of a stressful day.
01:24:00No, it's not that.
01:24:03It's just...
01:24:05Well, no one has ever been like you are with Freddie, and...
01:24:20It's okay.
01:24:36It's okay.
01:24:50It's okay.
01:25:04Oh, my God. I don't know. I'm so sorry. I don't know why.
01:25:08I just was...
01:25:20I'm sorry.
01:25:50I'm sorry.
01:26:20I'm sorry.
01:26:50I'm sorry.
01:27:20I'm sorry.
01:27:50I'm sorry.
01:28:20I'm sorry.
01:28:50I'm sorry.
01:29:20I'm sorry.
01:29:50I'm sorry.
01:30:14Oh, my God.
01:30:16It goes so long without...
01:30:19Forget that passion ever existed.
01:30:41Did you and Mom have a sleepover?
01:30:45Hi.
01:30:46We did, like you and Kyle do sometimes.
01:30:49How about some orange juice, and I'll make my special pancake?
01:30:52Can we have another one tonight, and we can all watch a movie?
01:30:56You know what? I would love that.
01:30:59But right now, I gotta run.
01:31:01Bye.
01:31:02Oh, bye.
01:31:07So, what's the deal with Rodney?
01:31:11Are you jealous?
01:31:14He's my uncle. My dad's brother.
01:31:17That's how we ended up here.
01:31:18Are you kidding me?
01:31:20Oh, my God.
01:31:22Okay. Okay.
01:31:24Better?
01:31:25Yeah. Yeah.
01:31:27Hey, I need to tell you something.
01:31:34Yeah?
01:31:38Oh, my God. We're gonna be late.
01:31:41I'm sorry. I interrupted you.
01:31:43You know what? Never mind. It can wait.
01:31:46You sure?
01:31:47Yeah.
01:31:50Have you ever tried these little pig navels?
01:31:53Unbelievable.
01:31:54I want to try one.
01:31:59Hi, everyone. Sorry we're late.
01:32:01Better late than never. Never late's better.
01:32:04Max, these are the pinch shows.
01:32:06Yeah, we've all met.
01:32:08Apparently.
01:32:09Yeah, we're all practically family now.
01:32:11Oh, that's right.
01:32:12Your cabins are only a few down from Colin's.
01:32:14Yeah, maybe we should go.
01:32:16This looks like a family, don't they?
01:32:17No, no.
01:32:18Max, Max.
01:32:20Hey, Max.
01:32:21Don't be shy now.
01:32:23Come, Max. Come have a seat.
01:32:25I need the air fan.
01:32:26I'll get it.
01:32:27I'll get the air fan.
01:32:28In the chair.
01:32:29Okay.
01:32:30I like to make a toast.
01:32:31Oh, yes.
01:32:32To my beautiful daughter.
01:32:36My loving, lovable, tightly wound, complex daughter.
01:32:41You're not as young as you used to be,
01:32:43but you're not as old as you're going to be.
01:32:46Happy birthday.
01:32:47We love you.
01:32:48Happy birthday.
01:32:49Happy birthday.
01:32:50Thanks, Dad.
01:32:51Okay.
01:32:52Happy birthday.
01:32:53That's terrible.
01:32:54That was the worst.
01:32:57Oh, thanks.
01:32:58That was terrible.
01:33:02So, how do you all know each other?
01:33:05Max goes fishing with us,
01:33:07and she's pretty good at chess, too.
01:33:09And she tells crazy awesome stories.
01:33:15That is fascinating.
01:33:18You just make friends all over the place.
01:33:21Max is more than just a friend, Miss Vivian.
01:33:23Max and Mom are like Rodney and Cad,
01:33:26you know, friends with Benedicts.
01:33:29Okay.
01:33:30Oh, my God.
01:33:31I beg your pardon?
01:33:34That's not exact.
01:33:35Yeah, well, he made me feel pretty.
01:33:37Well, cat's out of the bag.
01:33:40Well, who can blame me?
01:33:41Here's to the young couple.
01:33:43I'm getting in on that.
01:33:48And when Max stays over tonight,
01:33:50we're all going to watch a movie, right, Mom?
01:33:54Yes.
01:33:55Well, happy frickin' birthday, Mom.
01:33:58I am not going to let this happen.
01:34:00I suggest that you leave, Agent DeRidder.
01:34:03Agent what?
01:34:04What are you talking about?
01:34:05Your friend here, she's FBI.
01:34:07She's been here spying on me
01:34:09because of the upcoming hearings.
01:34:10I've read her file.
01:34:11She's dangerous.
01:34:12That's what she's doing.
01:34:14That's not, that's not.
01:34:16Vivian, calm down.
01:34:17I'm not going to calm down.
01:34:18She's been suspended.
01:34:19She uses people.
01:34:21Sam.
01:34:22Mom.
01:34:23She's always on the make.
01:34:24You have to leave now.
01:34:25Vivian!
01:34:26Vivian!
01:34:27Calm down now.
01:34:31Mom, it's starting.
01:34:35I'm right here with you.
01:34:36You're safe.
01:34:37Give me my bag.
01:34:38Oh, Jesus.
01:34:39Right here, baby.
01:34:43Ready?
01:34:49Okay.
01:34:50There you go.
01:34:55It's okay.
01:34:56Come on, breathe in, breathe in.
01:34:58It's okay.
01:34:59There you go.
01:35:00It's okay, baby.
01:35:05Max.
01:35:06It's okay.
01:35:07It's okay.
01:35:08Hey, monkey man.
01:35:09Max.
01:35:10Hey, monkey man.
01:35:11I need to get him.
01:35:12Okay, yeah, let's get him out of here.
01:35:14You just, she can handle it.
01:35:15It's okay.
01:35:16Yeah, let's get him out of here.
01:35:18Okay, I'm coming.
01:35:19Leave him alone.
01:35:20I'm going to get going as well.
01:35:23You couldn't just leave, could you?
01:35:25I told you.
01:35:26Vivian!
01:35:27Mom.
01:35:28Hey, hey, hey, please, just call me and let me know how he is.
01:35:32Move!
01:35:33Sam!
01:35:35I knew this was going to happen.
01:35:37She just couldn't listen.
01:35:38Who are you?
01:35:40And all this time I was protecting you, thinking Sasha was too hard on you.
01:35:44I don't have time for whatever Sasha has fed you.
01:35:47The truth!
01:35:48The truth, Mom!
01:35:49Before we become judge and jury, maybe you ought to listen to some facts here.
01:35:52Or more tedious excuses.
01:35:54Okay, both of you, enough.
01:35:56Sit down.
01:35:58Go on, Viv.
01:35:59I'll take care of this.
01:36:00Go on.
01:36:01I'll take care of this.
01:36:02Go on.
01:36:31Go on.
01:36:50Your mother didn't choose to cut you out of her life.
01:36:53That was your father's decision.
01:36:55He gave your mother chance after chance, but she just couldn't pull it together.
01:37:00And then when you were two, she passed out while you were in her care.
01:37:03She quite literally lost you.
01:37:11And then a neighbor spotted you wandering down a busy street.
01:37:15That was the last your mother ever saw of you.
01:37:17So why are you telling me all this now?
01:37:19Because of this codicil to your father's will.
01:37:22I was directed to share this information with you when you turned 25 or when you got pregnant.
01:37:29He wanted you to meet your mother.
01:37:40Sam!
01:37:42Sam, answer!
01:37:50I don't understand.
01:38:00So, does that make her our sister?
01:38:04Half-sister.
01:38:08And Freddie's our nephew.
01:38:10Forgive me for staring.
01:38:16I'm just trying to stay cued.
01:38:20That makes two of us.
01:38:22Samantha, it's Mackenzie. Can you just call me?
01:38:26It's me again. I'm sorry.
01:38:28Please, just call me. I'm going crazy.
01:38:31Your mother tried to do everything she could to mend fences during Samantha's pregnancy.
01:38:38They even began to forge a really nice relationship.
01:38:42What happened?
01:38:44Well, things blew apart when Freddie was born.
01:38:47I need you. I can't do this alone.
01:38:51I want to, honey.
01:38:53I want to, honey.
01:38:55I'm just not strong like you are.
01:38:58We will never, ever come back from this.
01:39:05I'm done.
01:39:07Take me to the nearest bar.
01:39:13Well, she didn't hear from Samantha for seven years.
01:39:16As Freddie grew older, he began to ask if he had any family.
01:39:22Is that why we feel so close to him?
01:39:25Maybe.
01:39:27Or maybe you just can't help but feel close to him.
01:39:35Why, Mom? Why didn't you tell us?
01:39:38This really was up to Samantha to share with you.
01:39:41After all, she didn't have to make contact with me.
01:39:46Whatever.
01:39:48Georgia, I know that you want to be angry with me to cover up your hurt.
01:39:53And yes, I have made such a mess of so many things.
01:39:58I am trying. I really am.
01:40:01And I can't even ask you to meet me halfway,
01:40:04because I know that I have to earn your trust back again over time.
01:40:09But right now, I need to go and make sure that Freddie and Samantha are okay.
01:40:19Samantha, please just let me know that Freddie's okay.
01:40:24I know you're upset, but I can explain.
01:40:28And there's something I need to tell you, but I can't do this over the phone.
01:40:48Okay.
01:41:06Can you watch him?
01:41:07What?
01:41:08I need to run to the pharmacy to pick up a seizure medication.
01:41:11Oh, sure.
01:41:13Okay, I'll be right back.
01:41:19Miss Vivian?
01:41:21Yes, honey?
01:41:23You and I have a lot in common.
01:41:25How's that, honey?
01:41:27We only get one day at a time.
01:41:32So we've got to make each one count.
01:41:37Okay.
01:41:45Your mother must have forgotten her keys. I'll be right back, okay?
01:41:59What are you doing here?
01:42:01I thought I made myself perfectly clear.
01:42:03What are you doing here?
01:42:04I am here to help my daughter, and so help me God, you stay away from her.
01:42:09What? What are you talking about?
01:42:13My daughter, Samantha. I have just gotten her back into my life,
01:42:17and the last thing I am going to let you do is hurt her.
01:42:20No. No, no way.
01:42:23I am just building a relationship with her,
01:42:26and it would be destroyed if she finds out what happened.
01:42:29She has to know, Vivian. I'm not going to lie to her anymore.
01:42:31What the hell is going on here?
01:42:33It's nothing. We knew each other from years ago.
01:42:36No. No. Someone is going to tell me what's going on.
01:42:38Oh, it shouldn't have happened.
01:42:40Mackenzie.
01:42:41I was drunk, honey. I don't...
01:42:43No, that's enough, Mom!
01:42:49Mackenzie.
01:42:52We were lovers.
01:43:04I want you both out.
01:43:06Sam...
01:43:07Now.
01:43:08I said now!
01:43:13Sam, I am so sorry, but I can't take this back.
01:43:18It was ten years ago.
01:43:20Why her? Why her of all people? Why didn't you say something?
01:43:23It only lasted a week, and how could I know that she was your mother?
01:43:27I was in D.C. for the Fallen Heroes Memorial,
01:43:30and we were both wasted and in so much pain, and...
01:43:33Spare me. Spare me. I know pain. That's what this life is.
01:43:36It's filled with pain.
01:43:38It doesn't play fair. It kicks you in the gut.
01:43:41You don't have the luxury of self-pity or to go out and get wasted
01:43:44because you have a sick child to take care of,
01:43:47and every minute has to count because it can all go away in a heartbeat.
01:43:51Hey, look at me. Look at me, please.
01:43:54You don't have to be a rock every single day,
01:43:56and you don't have to do this alone.
01:43:59Okay, you don't.
01:44:01Oh, God.
01:44:02I don't know who I'm more in love with, you or your son, but I swear to you...
01:44:06What? Swear to me what?
01:44:09That I'm in this. I'm in.
01:44:11A thousand percent.
01:44:13Not yet today. Maybe tomorrow.
01:44:18You have no idea what it's like to live with an expiration date.
01:44:25Yeah.
01:44:30Watching...
01:44:32Watching the days go by.
01:44:37The more days you get, the sooner it'll all expire.
01:44:44And you will simply expire along with it.
01:44:51Oh, no.
01:44:53We can't afford the time to see if you're telling the truth.
01:44:57Especially with your track record.
01:45:00So leave.
01:45:02Please.
01:45:04Leave.
01:45:27Leave.
01:45:43It was a year later when Mackenzie got the call.
01:45:49Vivian?
01:45:52Thanks for agreeing to meet me.
01:45:58I guess things didn't turn out the way either one of us wanted.
01:46:03So why am I here?
01:46:06Because I needed to see your face when I tell you.
01:46:12Because I needed to see your face when I tell you
01:46:17how deeply sorry I am for all the trouble I caused.
01:46:22I just got my years chip. Hopefully this time it'll take.
01:46:27Good for you.
01:46:29I moved us all permanently up to Lake Merrillville
01:46:32so that we could be near Samantha and Freddie.
01:46:36That little boy.
01:46:39We all had one-tenth the courage he has.
01:46:46Sounds like one big happy family.
01:47:00They need you, Mackenzie.
01:47:08I know.
01:47:26Dear Max, gosh I've missed you crazy awful.
01:47:31So does Mom.
01:47:33She may not say it out loud, but like I told you
01:47:37I can feel things.
01:47:41I know things got a little messed up last fall
01:47:44and everyone made mistakes.
01:47:46But I kind of think mistakes are like birthday candles.
01:47:50The more you have to blow out just means the wiser you become.
01:47:57Kind of like my mom's favorite word, kinsukurai.
01:48:01We all got a little broken last year.
01:48:04But when you're broken, you can become beautiful.
01:48:13Mama says she's sorry she can't be here, but have a great trip.
01:48:16And you can't go without some home-brewed pie.
01:48:25And postcards.
01:48:27Oh yes, and texts from everywhere.
01:48:34Mom!
01:48:38You have a good one.
01:48:44You ready for your first StarVenture?
01:48:47There's a poopy jelly ball!
01:48:49I don't know.
01:48:51StarVenture numero uno!
01:48:55Mom!
01:49:02Twelve incredible years passed
01:49:05and I watched their love grow stronger
01:49:08and more intimate each day.
01:49:11Not that there weren't challenging times,
01:49:14but they weathered them with grace and dignity.
01:49:18In between the illnesses,
01:49:20we all made sure we lived each day like it might be our last.
01:49:24Max now fully understood
01:49:27that making the simplest things become special
01:49:30was the secret to being inside of life,
01:49:33not just a bystander.
01:49:35I love you, monkey man.
01:49:37I loved her with everything in me.
01:49:42We had a plan to convince Mom to have another child.
01:49:47Because I knew she would want that.
01:49:51Because I know things.
01:49:58If you could tell me that I could stay a nesting doll forever,
01:50:03bundled in my shell of handmade fairytale flesh,
01:50:08I might consider staying.
01:50:16But I have grown very tired.
01:50:22I am full of peace.
01:50:27And it's their time now.
01:53:51I love you.
01:53:53I love you.
01:53:55I love you.
01:53:57I love you.
01:53:59I love you.
01:54:01I love you.
01:54:03I love you.
01:54:05I love you.
01:54:07I love you.
01:54:09I love you.
01:54:11I love you.
01:54:13I love you.
01:54:15I love you.
01:54:17I love you.
01:54:19I love you.
01:54:21I love you.
01:54:23I love you.
01:54:25I love you.
01:54:27I love you.
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