Christmas Dance, The (2021)

[bunniefuu]

(choir vocalizing)



(chatter)



Behold, the star

that they had seen,

when it rose, went before them

until it came to rest

over the place

where the child was.



When they saw the star,

they rejoiced,

exceedingly with great joy.

Thank you.

(crowd chuckles)

And going into the house,

they saw the child with Mary,

his mother,

and they fell down

and worshipped him.

Then, opening their treasures,

they offered him gifts of gold,

frankincense, and myrrh.

Now, when they departed,

behold, an angel

of the Lord appeared.

(crowd murmuring)

(clunking footsteps)

Silent night

Holy night

All is calm

All is bright

Round yon Virgin,

Mother and Child

(cord clattering)

(stand clattering)

(shriek, thud)

(crowd gasps)

(laughter)



(grunting softly)



(sighs)



(cell phone vibrating)



Morning, Sherman, Jr.

Hey, sis.

So, have you decided if you are

coming home for Christmas yet?

Why do you insist on calling me

first thing in the morning

when you know

I am getting ready for work?

Well, one,

because I know it bugs you.

And two, 'cause I know

it's the best time to reach you

since, you know,

you're so busy all the time.

I am very busy,

thank you very much.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

So, hey,

tell me you are coming home

so Mom and Dad will stop

bugging me about it

and start bugging me

about the moment

-you are gonna land.

-Not this again.

I am already under

enough pressure at work and--

Pressure? You are a star.

You have been nothing

but a blessing to that place.

I was, but we're under

new management now

with different expectations,

and I just--I don't

really know them that well.

You don't have to worry

about any of that.

You are the best columnist

I know.

I'm the only columnist

you know.

So? You're still the best.

And, hey, listen, I, uh,

really need your help with

the Christmas play this year,

-so I was--

-No, absolutely not.

You know I do not participate

in that stuff anymore.

Oh, come on.

It'll be fun.

Be just like old times.

Well, that's exactly

what I'm worried about.

I'm sorry Sherman, Jr.,

but that's a hard no from me.

Okay, okay, okay.

But you're still

coming home, right?

Look, I'm running late

and all of this Christmas talk

is giving me a stomachache.

I'm gonna have

to call you back.

Okay, okay.

Hey, I love you, sis.

Hey, but if you don't

call me back,

I'm gonna call you back

every five minutes.

(hangs up)

Hello?

Sarah?



Jingle bells,

jingle all the way

Oh, what fun



(phones ringing, chatter)

-Morning.

-Good morning.



Uh, Karen,

what is going on here?

I go on assignment

for two days

and come back

to Candy Cane Lane.

I know, it's a nightmare.

It's the new VP.

Apparently

he's all about Christmas

and wants us all

in the Christmas spirit.

Brett.

Why are you wearing

my favorite glasses?

I can't find mine.

Plus, I think I got

the wrong prescription

'cause I don't even

have a headache.

The audacity.

Anyway...

Why were you in a rush

this morning?

-What do you mean?

-Well, clearly,

you were in a rush.

You aren't wearing

any makeup.

I am wearing makeup.

Mm.

No, she isn't.

And what is wrong

with your hair?

I am a writer.

Nobody sees me--

-We see you.

-We see you.

And I see that you haven't

checked your email today either.

I have not had

a chance to yet. Why?

Mr. Davenport sent out a memo

saying that we're having

an emergency

ugly Christmas sweater party.

-Today at lunch.

-Yeah.

In order to write

about Christmas,

we need to feel

about Christmas.

Whatever that means.

Ugh.

-Who is this guy?

-I know, right?

But back to you.

What are we going to do

about this?

You are so lucky that I keep

an emergency hair and makeup kit

for times like these.

Oh, geez.

(chuckling)

Sarah.

Can you come in here

for a minute?

-I need to speak with you.

-Yeah.

Hey, you left your glasses

at my house last night.

Just roll back to your desk.

(chair creaks)

Come on in.

Please, have a seat.

(clears throat)

Sarah, I know we've never had

the chance to formally meet,

but I have read your work

and I'm a big fan.

Well, thank you very much,

Mr. Davenport.

Ah, you can call me Nick,

like good old St. Nick.

Better be good

or you're gonna get coal.

I'm kidding,

call me Mr. Davenport.

-Yes.

-Sarah.

I asked you in here because

I wanted to talk to you--

-(knocking)

-Yes?

Oh, great,

the new cover sample?

-Sure is.

-Great.

Thank you, perfect timing.

(sighs with satisfaction)



This is what I wanted

to talk to you about.

The future of Force Magazine.

We are heading

in a new direction

and I want you

to spearhead it.

-Family--

-Family Force.

Yes!



Okay, I admit,

it doesn't have flare yet,

but that's why I wanted you

to head the next two issues.

Christmas and New Year.

I don't--I don't quite know

what to say.

Um, well, for years

this magazine has been

about what's hot and, um,

setting new trends,

and not necessarily

family.

Sarah, the times are a-changing.

And we need to be at

the forefront of that change.

Families are in.

How many kids

do Kim and Kanye have?

I don't...

-Four!

-Wow.

Will and Jada.

They're k*lling it

on social media

with all their family vacations

and working together.

Heck, even Prince William

and Prince Harry,

they have their very own

royal families.

Let's face it,

a happy family

is the new designer bag

and shoes.

Mr. Davenport,

with all due respect,

I'm just not sure

that I am the right person

to spearhead this new vision.

-Maybe Karen?

-Your writing has gotten flat.

Flat?

It's lonely.

Nobody wants the proper

feng shui for your living room

this time of year.

You know what they want?

They want snow.

They want Christmas cookies.

They want carolers.

Most importantly,

they want family.

I really put my heart

into those articles.

And I'm sure you'll put

your heart in these next two.

Job depends on it, Sare-bear.

Sare-bear?

But I believe in you.

And as I said,

I'm a big fan of your work.

I think you just need

a little...

...inspiration.

You got seven days.

Make them count.

Go out there

and find your inspiration.

Okay.

Oh, and check your email.

You still have time

before lunch

to pick up your own sweater.

Right.

Great. Will do.

Great.

Okay.

Good talk.

Great talk.



Merry Christmas!

Can I help you

find something, ma'am?

I'm okay, thanks.



(groans)



(groans)



(sighs)



(cell phone vibrates)



Hey, how's it going?

I cannot believe this.

-Believe what?

-My boss.

He just--he just--he wants us

all in Christmas sweaters.

(Sherman, Jr. chuckles)

Um, okay, well,

I won't keep you.

Um, I just finished

building the last of the sets

for the Christmas plays.

Gonna take 'em

to the church.

But the thing is,

Mom and Dad are gonna be there

and I know they're gonna ask

when you're coming and, um--

Sherman, please,

no more of this.

Look, I'm under enough stress

as it is, okay?

I have way too much going on

at the magazine

to worry

about coming home

and coming

to your stupid Christmas play.

Well, that--I'm sorry,

Miss Independent.

Look, um, we just miss

having you around, that's all.

I know.

I'm sorry.

That rage

was not meant for you.

Why does she always text

like she's yelling at me?

Huh?

(phone hits floor)

Hold on, hold on,

one sec.

Look, look, I didn't mean

to call your play stupid, okay?

I'm just really stressed.

I'm really sorry

I said that.

I didn't mean it.

Hello?

Come on, Sherman,

I said I'm sorry.

(tires screeching)

Hello?

Sherman? Sherman?

Oh my God--Sher--

hello? Hello?



No!

No, no, no, no, no, no.

(phone ringing)

Come on, come on, come on,

Mom, Mom, Mom, answer.

(frustrated exclamation)



(phone ringing)

Come on, Dad, answer.

Answer the phone.

Answer.

I'm sorry.

Geez!



(whimpers)



What do I do, what do I do,

what do I do, what do I do?



Okay, all right.



(whimpers)

(panting)

Lord, please let him be okay.



(engine starts)



(exhales)



(cell phone vibrates)



(sighs)

What is it, Karen?

Sarah?

Mr. Davenport, I'm sorry.

No worries.

Hey, uh,

you missed our lunch party.

When you, uh, left my office,

I didn't realize

you were so eager

to get started

on your research.

(chuckles)

Is everything okay?

Uh, yes.

Um, well, no, not really.

I, um...

I--sorry, um, Mr. Davenport.

I don't--I don't really know.

You seem unsure.

If you want me to give

the two spreads

to someone else I can,

but I really wanted you on it.

No, no, I, um...

That's fine, I...

Look, I--I just--

I had a family emergency

and so I just panicked

and I got right on the road

-back to my hometown.

-That's great.

I mean not the emergency part.

Nothing is more important

than family.

And I hope everything is okay.

Maybe this is exactly

what you needed.

Everything happens

for a reason, Sarah.

Okay, um, well,

thank you for understanding.

No problem.

Just make sure you deliver.

Remember, seven days.

Blow us away.

-And have a merry Christmas.

-Okay.



(engine shuts off)



(radio chatter, phones ringing)

(running footsteps)

Hi, I'm looking for

Sherman Appleton, Jr.

He's on floor seven

in room 721.

But I need you

to sign in first.



(phone ringing)



Wait, please hold the elevator.

Hey.

You okay?

Yeah, thank you.

What floor?

Uh, seven.

Me too.

(elevator dings)



Excuse me.



(indistinct chatter)

Sarah.

-Hi.

-Hi!

-Ow! Ow!

-Ooh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

Oh, I just--oh my God,

I thought that you--

No, hey, hey, hey.

I'm fine.

I'm fine, I'm just--

I'm just glad that

my baby sister is finally here.

-Oh, honey, I'm so glad.

-Honey, I'm so glad you're here.

Oh, look,

she brought Jason too.

Hey, man.

-Hey, Jase.

-Jason.

Jason, uh-huh.

He's pretty hot, huh?

(laughs nervously)



Hey, I am so happy

you're here.

I'm just sorry

it's under these circumstances.



I'm just so happy

you're all right.

When I couldn't reach you

and I just heard

tires screeching

and I--I--

I just...

I'm so happy you're okay.



All right, I, uh,

I'm gonna get

Junior's truck towed,

or whatever's left of it.

I'm pretty sure

the whole thing is totaled.

-Totaled?

-Yeah.

Dad, I had all the materials

and parts

for the Christmas play sets

in the back of my truck.

-Oh no.

-Honey, I'm sorry.

I'm never gonna

get everything ready

in time for the performance.

And those kids were really

looking forward to it this year.

You know what they say

about kids.

They're resilient,

they bounce back.

-What?

-We need to find a way

not to disappoint

the children.

What we really need

is for somebody to help.

You know, that's exactly

what a best friend's for.

I'll rebuild the sets

and do my best

to put the production together.

-Don't worry about.

-I--I don't--I don't know.

I don't know, Jason.

I mean, I appreciate you

stepping up and everything,

but you can't do

all that work alone.

Hey, come on,

don't worry about it, Sherm.

I'll ask Kate Marshall to help.

She's great with kids.

You know what,

I have a great idea.

Sarah, why don't you help Jason?

Mom, that is a great idea.

That is a terrible idea.

-What?

-Because...



No, I can't.

I have a deadline to meet

and I'm only here

for a short time

to make sure

that you are okay,

which you will be.

Besides, he says

he's getting Kate, um,

Kate, uh,

what's-her-face to help him,

so it'll be fine.

Kate what's-her-face.

-(laughter)

-What?

Um, I do remember

a certain incident

with you

and Kate what's-her-face.

You mean the encounter

with the loose microphone cord.

Okay, I could have been

seriously hurt that night

and all you guys did

was just stand there and watch.

It just happened so fast.

I couldn't, you know...

I--I hit the ground

really hard, so...

-Oh, honey.

-It was really hard.

-You were fine.

-The impact was massive.

All right, okay, guys.

We've teased enough,

that's enough.

Hey, besides,

that was a long time ago

and you bounced back.

I mean, look at you,

you're a big time city girl now

with a big time magazine job.



What? I keep up.

I know what's happening

in the world.

You got

some really good articles.

Uh, you read?

I thought you were more

of a picture kind of guy.

Very funny.

Yes, I read

from time to time.

Most of your stuff

is out of my league,

but for the most part

it's pretty good.

I mean, Sarah, I think

you're a great writer.

Um, thank you.



Oh, honey, um,

make sure that you lock up

-at the church, okay?

-Mm.

And I'm gonna stay here

and make sure

that our baby's comfortable.

Yeah, all right,

that's a good idea.

Hey, listen, Jason,

can you meet me at Al's garage?

Maybe there's something

we can salvage

from the back

of the truck.

Yeah, and I'll bring everything

I have over to the church hall.

-Great, thank you.

-Oh, thank--thank you so much.

Ow, Dad!

I'm just joking.

I really appreciate it though.

Thanks, Dad, thank you.

All right, mama's boy,

I'm outta here too.

(chuckling)

Hey, honestly, thank you so much

for coming to see me

and thank you for agreeing

to help the kids.

They're gonna be so happy.

Don't worry about it.

Just rest up and get better.



All right.



So, uh,

I know you are super busy,

but I sure hope you can stay

for Christmas this year.

It's been so many years

and, you know,

I--I really do miss you.



Um, I don't know, I--

I haven't really had a chance

to pack anything or...

Honey, I'm sure there's plenty

of clothes at the house.

And you can get

your own clothes later.

You still have the key,

don't you?

-Yes, I do.

-Well, good. Okay.

Okay, I--I don't know

about Christmas,

but I can stay a couple days.



Okay, but I should go now

'cause I really--

I need to start this article.

-Okay.

-All right.

-Okay.

-Love you, baby.

I'll see you soon, Shermanator.

Princess, thank you.

-All right. Bye, Mom.

-Nice sweater, by the way.

Shut up.

I love that sweater.

Yeah, I'm sure you do

love that sweater.

I'm sure you bought

that sweater too, yeah.

(footsteps)



Oh, you have got

to be kidding me.

Happy holidays, ma'am.

Can I help you with something?

Yeah, my car--my--my--my car

was just here.

It--it must have been stolen.



Now, hold on a second.

Did you park

your car right here?

Yes, I parked it right here.

-Hm.

-Hi, Sarah. What's going on?

Somebody stole my car.

-What? They did what?

-Yeah.

No one stole your car, ma'am.

How do you know?

It was right here.

I know because I had it towed.

You did what?

What? Calm down, ma'am.

Your car was

in a no parking zone.



Oh.

Um, I'm sorry.

(laughs nervously)

I'm a mess.

Uh, okay, you can call the guy

and have him bring it back now.

No can do, ma'am.

Unfortunately, once the vehicle

is off the premises,

-it's out of my control.

-What?

What you're gonna wanna do is

go down to the impound lot,

show 'em your driver's license,

proof of insurance,

oof, and pay a nice little fee.

And you can do all that

first thing Monday morning

when they open again.

(chuckles, wrapper crinkles)

Okay, give me the snack.

Give me the--

(indistinct speaking)

So, tell me, what were you going

to do if you did catch him?

I don't know,

but it was not gonna be pretty.

(both laugh)

Hey, just try to relax.

It's Christmas.

I'm relaxed.

Why would you say

I'm not relaxed?

Because you're doing that thing.

What thing?

The elbow tap.

You know, it's your "I'm gonna

tell everyone else that I'm fine

but really I'm anxious" thing.

I'm right, aren't I?

Just drive.

Get me to my parents' house

safely.

Whatever you say, ma'am.

(both laugh)



(types, clicks)



(sighs)

(inhales)

(hands thump keyboard)

(typing)

(groans)

(typing)

Make Christmas Great Again?

Come on, Sarah.

(typing)

(deletes typing)

(door opens)

(Mr. Sherman sighs)

Well, good morning, honey.

Morning.

You were quiet last night.

I didn't even hear you come in.

What's all this?

Breakfast.

Ya hungry?

Come on.

I seem to remember

you could put it away

better than your brother could.

Oh, ha-ha, you know I do not

eat like that anymore.

Yeah, I know.

So, what--what are you

working on?

Nothing, apparently.



I don't know,

I'm having a very hard time

figuring out

how to start this article.

Oh, well, what's it about?

Maybe I can help.

I don't know.

We're going in a new direction

with the magazine,

and basically I have to change

my entire writing style

-to fit the vision.

-Ah.

-I see.

-Yeah.

It's supposed to be

about Christmas and family

-and all that.

-Well, that's not so difficult.

I mean, just follow your mother

around for an hour,

you got everything

you want right there.

I know...

I know.

But, you know,

it's supposed to be deep

and, um, I don't know.

Honestly, this time of year

for me ever since I left

has been more

about meeting deadlines

and closing out the year

in the black than...

Family.

Yeah.



Well, no worries.

Why don't you tag along

with me?

I've got some errands to run

before I go back to the church

and maybe that'll get

those juices flowing, huh?

Besides, I'd like to spend

a little time

with my little pork chop.

It's a date.

Excellent.



(chatter)



This place has not changed.

(chuckling)

Hey.

Brother Moore, how are ya?

Yes, oh, Sarah,

I didn't know

you was coming home

for Christmas.

Spontaneous visit.



You know what,

I'm glad you guys are here.

They're starting to get

a little restless.

-Oh, okay.

-Well, all right,

looks like

we made our deadline.

Oh, well, those I understand.

Yeah.

Well, I mean,

this is our main priority,

making sure that we take care

of these people right here.

These are the people

that raised us, you know?

Took care of us

when we were their bottom line.

Yeah.

Hey, you guys

gonna just stand there

or you gonna

put those hands to work?

-Okay, all right.

-Okay.

(chuckling)

Yes, sir.

(indistinct chatter)



Enjoying everything? Good.

(chuckles)

Hey, Ms. Baxter, how are you?

Oh, good.

-How you doing?

-Oh, good.

You know, as a little girl,

this time of year

was the most precious.

We would sit around the fire,

my dad would tell us stories

and then give us piggyback rides

throughout the house.

Let me tell you something,

young lady,

this time of year's precious,

so make the most of it.

You know, I wasted

the best years of my life alone.

And you, ha,

you're much too pretty.

You are.

Thank you, Ms. Baxter.

It's true.

It's nice to see you.

It's nice to be back.

-Yeah.

-It is.



(indistinct chatter)

-Merry Christmas.

-Merry Christmas.



This was great, Pastor.

And thanks again, Sarah,

for helping out.

The more the merrier.

I was happy to be here.

We're happy to have you.

I'm glad you're back home, man.

I almost forgot.

I have to get back

to the tree farm.

Business is probably

picking up now.

-Oh, sure.

-Go, go.

Yeah.

-Good to see you.

-Merry Christmas.

-Thank you, Brother Moore.

-Merry Christmas.

Okay, pork chop,

you ready for round two?

-Round two?

-Mm-hm.

I really need to get started

on this article.

I already lost a day

driving here.

It won't take that long.

I just have one more stop

before we have to get back

to the church

and then you can lock yourself

away in my office

for as long as you need

to do what you need to do.

Deal?



-Deal.

-All right.

That's my little girl.

(engine humming)



Hey, Dad, where are we going?

I almost feel like a kid again

saying that.

(chuckling)

Well, it feels pretty good

to hear that voice

calling me again.

Um, we're going over

to Sister Grace's.

The cat lady?

(Mr. Sherman laughs)

You know, I forgot you kids

used to call her that.

Yes, her.



She'll never admit it,

but she's pretty lonely.

Your mother and I

usually go over there

for--for a few minutes

and visit and pray.

And, well, since your mother's

at the hospital,

I get to bring

the next best thing.

Oh.

And don't worry.

I never really see

those cats anymore.



(knocking)

Oh my goodness!

Oh, Sarah,

it's so good to see you.

It's good to see you.

Oh, baby girl,

you are just a twig.

I almost didn't recognize you.

Pastor, you need to feed her.

She's just gonna disintegrate.

I've been trying.

Come on in, y'all.

Oh, no Mary Chase today?

No, not today.

She's at the hospital.

(Grace gasps)

Oh, when I heard

what happened...

How's that baby doing?

Well, he's, uh,

he's pretty banged up,

but we believe

he's gonna be just fine.

So how are you?

Oh, I'm fine.

You don't need

to worry about me.

And, Sarah,

the moment I saw your face,

it took me

back to that time

that you, Junior, and Jason

decided to run away from home.

Oh my God.

Oh my gosh, I remember--

I remember that.

Oh, and you had your parents

scared to death.

-We were absolutely terrified.

-I'm sorry.

And Mary Chase, it didn't

take her but a minute,

well, it wasn't even a minute.

She had an entire search

and rescue team formed.

-Oh my God.

-She really did.

And had a name for it

and everything.

-Oh, what was the name?

-Well, it was, uh, um...

(laughs)

(both stammering)

The Children of the Lamb

Search and Rescue Victory Team.

Oh my God, what?

What kind of name is that?

I know, I know.

Oh, gosh, I think it just--

it made her feel better

at the time.

(laughs)

But your mother, I--

I gotta hand it

to your mother.

I mean, she--she got flyers made

and everything,

and in a matter

of a couple of hours.

And you guys were missing

for maybe three hours, tops.

Oh, it felt like

we were gone for three days.

Missing?

sh**t, they were right here

out back the whole time.

(laughter)

I know, you were there.

And we were all over the town

looking for you.

Oh, gosh.

(laughs)

What--well, what made you think

to come--to come over here?

Better yet,

why did you even run away?

Well, firstly,

we wanted to be grownups

really bad.

Thought we were gonna

make our own world,

make our own rules.

I don't know,

we walked here eight blocks,

which felt like 20 miles

at the time,

and we came here 'cause

Sister Grace had the lemon tree

and all the ju--stuff.

It was junk, baby,

you can say it.

But first things first,

Junior and Jason said,

we have to learn

how to build a car.

-A car?

-Yeah.

Really?

And my job was to make

as much lemonade as possible

because we were gonna try

and make money off of it.

Makes sense.

I was really just guilty

by association, you know.

I mean, I was tagging along,

I was always following

Junior around.

You kids were always gettin'

in so much trouble back then.

I remember.

Oh.

But you know

you were always good kids.

Man, thinking back

on those times,

they were--

they were really good times.

And you guys were good kids.

Still are.

(sighs)

Sister Grace, this--

this has been very lovely,

thank you.

Oh, it has been, Pastor.

Well, we have to make our way

back to the church,

but before we go,

why don't we pray?



So sorry to see you go.

Yeah.



Oh.

Oh, thank you, Pastor.

Have a joyous day.

I will.

You too.

Buh-bye.

(engine humming)

(radio playing)



What is it, sweetie?



Are you and Mom

paying Sister Grace's bills?



Not exactly.

The church is.



This town is our community.

Our village.



And we take care of each other

in times of need.



(Mr. Sherman chuckles softly)

It works both ways, you know.

Your mom and I were in need

that time you kids ran away.

I mean, we were frantic.

Angry, scared.

Sister Grace called us

the moment she knew

where you were.



And she urged us

not to come right over.

She knew how angry we were,

how--how hot-headed we were,

and, well, she gave us

some time to simmer down.



What'd she do for you?

She made us dinner

and explained to us

how our actions

made you feel.

Exactly.

She was there

for you guys

and your mom and I

at the same time.

Who knows how it would have

impacted our relationship

if we'd come in there

g*ns a-blazing, hot-headed.

I mean, I don't even wanna know,

but we don't have to because

Sister Grace was there for us.



Yeah.



Hey, Sarah.

I didn't know

you were in town.

Hey, Brother Thomas,

how are you?

-Good, how are you?

-Good.

Good. Have you seen

your dad around?

I was just with him,

I am headed to his office.

Will you do me a favor

and give this to him?

-Sure thing.

-Thanks.

-Have a good one.

-You too.



Hey, bud.

Hi.

You're so sweet.

What's your name?

This little guy's name is Trace.

-Ohh.

-Yeah.

Any chance you're here

to help me out?

Looks like you got all

the help you need in here.

No, no, no,

they're all just here to help

on Saturday mornings,

but, you know, Monday morning

they're all back at work

and then by Wednesday

no one's here to help

with the rehearsal.

I'm sorry,

that's too bad.

I do have a lot of work

to get to myself.

Well, if it isn't

Sarah Appleton.

Hi, Kate...



-Marshall, it's Kate Marshall.

-Marshall.

Yes, of course.

(laughs awkwardly)

-What?

-What?

What is it?

-What?

-Hm. Uh--

No, uh, oh,

we were just, um...

Uh, never mind.

It's good to see you again.

You've lost so much weight.

Yep, sure have.

Kate, I was, uh, actually

just trying to coerce Sarah

into helping us out

with the Christmas program.

You know, the more the merrier.

(laughs)

Oh, you're serious?

Really?

I mean, I'm sure

she has so many other things

to do while she's here.

I do actually.

I have that deadline.

So, I will just go

get started on that

and leave you guys to it.

All right.

Really?

What?

She has other things to do.

(sighs)



(sighs)



(sighs)



(sighs)



(tapping on desk)

(sighs)



(children giggling)



(sighs)



(typing)



(sighs)

(deletes typing)



(knocking)



What's going on?

(deleting continues)

Honey, you don't want

to break your computer.



(sighs)



Don't let it get to you.

You're a wonderful writer.

You'll get it.

It's not that, Mom.

What is it?

It's...

Um...



It's nothing.

I thought you were

gonna be at the hospital

with Junior all day.

I was, but I have

a small group meeting

later at the house.



I know it can feel

kind of strange

being back home after

not being here for a while,

but just give it some time.



This town has a funny way

of giving your heart

everything it needs.

Yeah.



I made some cookies

for Junior, his favorite.

Do you want

to take them to him?

I don't know,

I really have a long ways to go

on this article.

Yeah, I can see that.

(Sarah sighs)

You know what I think you need?

You need to get out

and get some fresh air.

Take a break.



(Sarah sighs)

Oh, honey, come here.



I love you so much.



It'll come to you.

Okay.



(Sarah sighs)

(cookie bag rustles)

Cookies.

-Fine.

-For Junior.

Okay.

For Junior.

Okay, all right.

See you later.

Bye, honey.



What's up, Sherm?

Hey, sis.

How are you feelin'?

Oh, can't complain, you know?



Oh.

(chuckles)

Finally.

I have been waiting

all year for these.

(cookie bag rustles)

-Uh, do you think--

-Uh, yes, I got it.

Yeah.

(Sherman, Jr. chuckles)

Can't really, you know...

I know, I know.

(Sherman, Jr. chuckles)

All right.

-Yes.

-There you go.

Okay.



Mm.

Oh.

Mm-hm...

Mm-hm.

Oh, you want one?

No, thank you.

I try to stay away

from as much sugar as I can.

Suit yourself.

So, how was your first day

back home?

It was pretty good.

I spent most of the day

hanging out with Dad.

Mm-hm.

So you saw Sister Grace then?

I did.

That woman has not changed.

She reminded me

about that time

we tried to run away

from home.

(laughs)

That was hilarious.

(laughing)

We--we actually thought

we would build a car.

I do not know

what we were thinking.



Hey, did you know

that the church

is helping pay

some of her bills?

Yeah, I did.

And not just hers, we're

helping some other members too.

Oh, especially around

this time of year.

I mean, isn't that

a little bit kind of odd?

Odd? To help?

That's what the church is for.

Among other things.

Yeah.



Okay.

You probably can't use this

in your article,

but it's something

that you can carry with you.

Mm-hm.



Jesus came to us

out of compassion.

That's the concern

for the well-beings of others.

Which means He didn't have to,

He wanted to.

(crunching)

And besides, what good is

that money just sitting there?

And better yet,

what good is using that money

to build a bigger,

more beautiful church

if members

like Sister Grace

can't even afford

to warm her house?

Or Brother Ron

can't afford new tires

to bring him and his family

back and forth safe?

I completely

understand that,

but what if they don't

really need help?

I mean, I understand

Sister Grace's condition,

but what if others

are just taking advantage?

Or, worse, what if the church

is enabling them

-not to even try--

-Who are we to say?

Who are we to say? Hm?

We're here to do our part.



Okay, you, uh,

you pay your taxes, right?

Yeah.

Okay.

And do you know

what the government does

with every dollar

that you pay back?

No.

I mean, like,

in a way I kind of do, but...

Okay, that's not the point.

The point is,

God trusts us to do our part.

It's not up to us

to decide what their part is

or if they're doing

everything they can.

And because of that,

we show compassion.

I follow.



Okay, I gotta go.

-Really?

-Yeah.

Mom's having group

so I gotta try

to get some work done

at the church.

Okay.



I love you, sis.

Love you, Sherm.

Hey, here, have a cookie.

They're good for you. Hm?

Okay, fine.

(cookie bag rustles)

-Compassion.

-Compassion.

-That's--

-I got it.

-You got it?

-I got it.



(children laughing)



(thudding)

(soft grunt)



-Um...

-Hi.

(Jason clears throat)

Sorry, I didn't, um,

I didn't know anybody else

was here.

Yeah, I was just

finishing up in the back.



Sarah, that was amazing.

What?

Me almost k*lling myself again?

I mean, everything

except for that last part.

Hey, I'm kidding.

But, you know, we really could

use your help with this program.

I mean,

these kids would love to--

Jason, I--



This Christmas stuff,

this, this holiday season,

it just really doesn't

sit well with me.

Okay? I mean...

Literally, it makes me sick.

So, I just--

Is it because of what

happened when we were kids?



Hey, I know the outcome

of that night was bad.

I mean, terrible even.

But, come on,

that was a long time ago,

and it was an accident.

You have to let it go.

I've tried,

but I just--

I mean, you just don't

know what it was like to--

I don't know what it was like?

Do you remember

what I used to look like?

Come on, I could

see through walls

with the big Coke bottle

glasses that I had to wear.

I didn't get my growth spurt

until freshman year...

of college.

And let's not even get

into all the nose bleeds

that I would have.

I was made fun of

constantly.



Hey, just think

about it, all right?

Don't focus on

how you would feel

'cause all of that

is gonna change

the second you see

how these kids will feel.

Okay, I'll think about it.

-Great.

-I said "think."



All right, thank you.

Yeah.



(crowd murmuring)

Good morning, church!

Good morning, Brother Ron.

Here at New Beginnings,

we like to take advantage

of every chance we get

to celebrate each other,

so we wanna take a moment

to greet each other

and let each other know that...

-You are loved and appreciated!

-Right.

And be sure to speak

to someone you may not know,

shake her hand, shake his hand.

Merry Christmas!



Knock 'em dead.

-All right.

-Yeah.



The God who sits

above the clouds

His love is faster

than speed of sound

Great God

What a great God

He hides the sun

to bring light to rain

He is all joy

endured no pain

Great God

What a great God

Infinite in wisdom

Formed the whole world

with His voice

Deserves to be

lifted up

But He still

gives us the choice

Oh, Creator

servant leader

He's the one true King

High and mighty in majesty

Controls the seasons

and limits the sea

(applause)



-Great job.

-Thank you, thank you.

-Good day.

-So good to see you.



(inaudible)



In Sunday school, we're

cheating, we have the answers.

It's really just finding more

information about the Bible,

so it's not really that bad.

Hey.



Well, look who's amazing.

I didn't know you

could sing like that!

Well, your brother

usually leads worship,

so your dad asked

if I could help out.

Hey, I wanna introduce

you to someone.

-Come with me.

-Okay.



That was so wonderful, Jason!

-Um.

-You were really letting

God use you.

Oh, okay, thank you.

Um, come on.



These are the wonderful children

that we've been working with

for the Christmas program.

-Everyone, this is Sarah.

-Hi, Sarah!

Sarah is Sherman Jr.'s sister,

and she is an amazing dancer.

Oh.

And maybe if we ask her nicely,

she would help us out

through the final

push of the show.

Please, help us, please?

That is not fair!

You know, I was

just telling Jason

that I would think about it,

and that was only last night.

-Ooh!

-No, no, not like that.

Hey, guys,

we said we were gonna be nice

to Sarah.

Speaking of, we have

another rehearsal on Wednesday.

Be great if you came out.

I will try to have

an answer by then.

It was very nice

to meet you all.

Bye, Sarah!



You know, we really

can handle it.

I mean, we totally understand

you have a ton of

other things to get done.

Um, okay.

Besides, we've already

done a ton of hard work,

and we wouldn't want--

Oh, well, never mind.

We can handle it!

You know what?

I made up my mind.

I would love to help!

That's great,

and you know what?

This is actually perfect because

you already know

all the material.

-What do you mean?

-Well,

it's the same show

that we did in '93.



Yay!

-Eh!

-Eh!

(cheering)



Oh!

There he is!

-Hi, buddy!

-Hey, Chance!

Hi!

Oh, he's so cute!



-Hey!

-Hey.

Well, I was beginning

to worry about you guys.

Brother Moore,

so good to see you.

You guys never wait this late

to come get your tree.

I know, we've been so

busy this Christmas season.

But we're excited

to be here now!

Better late than pregnant.

(laughing)

Well, it looks like business is

doin' really well around here.

Man, Jason and I haven't

stopped loadin' up trucks

since we opened.

Good problem!

-Good problem.

-Thanks.

-Thank you.

-Have a merry Christmas.

(laughing)

-Yes.

-I can't believe that.

-Jason, boy, you're everywhere!

-Hey!

All right, boss, I just got

the Millers all set up.

Hey, Sarah, did you, uh,

get your car out yet?

Oh, my God!

I completely forgot.

What happened

to your car, honey?

Uh, it's a long story,

but I need to go get it

from the impound lot.

The impound lot?

We should get that out now

because they charge by the day.

I know, I'm sorry, Mom.

Do you mind if we run out?

Of course she does!

Hey, Jason,

why don't you take her?

Uh, yeah, okay, sure.

Are you sure?

Of course we're sure.

Just don't take too long.

We got a lot of work

to finish around here.

Okay.

-Thank you, Jason.

-I'll be back.

I got the perfect tree

-I wanna show you guys.

-Okay, well,

you did well last year.



(bell dinging)

(door opening)



Hey, we're here to

pick up that car for Sarah.



-Uh.

-Do--

-I guess we just go back, or?

-I guess.

-Okay.

-Okay, yeah.

There she is!

There she is.

Op!

Okay, well,

thank you so much

for your help.

Yeah, just, um.

(awkwardly laughing)



Hey, what's goin' on,

why'd you stop?

Yeah, I really thought I could

make it to a gas station.



Don't worry about it,

I got you.



So you literally just carry

extra gas in

the back of your truck?

Well, it's actually for

the church snow blower,

but, you know,

I think we can spare a little.

See if she'll start up.

(car starting)

Yes!

All right, so what

you're gonna wanna do,

just head down this road,

you're gonna run

straight into the freeway,

and just--



-Thank you.

-Yeah.

Thank you.

Uh, yeah, for, uh--

-I'll see you.

-All right.



(keyboard clacking)



(keyboard clacking)



(knocking)

Good morning!

I made you some breakfast.

Oh, thank you!

You seem a little

different this morning.

Yeah, I don't know,

I just kinda woke up

and the juices were flowin'.

Well, then I won't interrupt!

But I must say,

I think this town

is finding its way

back into your heart.

Oh, honey, um,

your dad and I are gonna

decorate

the Christmas tree later,

and we really would like it

if you would join us.

I'd like that, too, Mom.

I gotta work on this first.

Okay.

Okay.



(keyboard clacking)

(computer chiming)

(keyboard clacking)



(ornament falling)

Oh!

(laughing)



Oh, honey!

Aw!

What's this for?

I don't know.

Just because.

Mm.

I guess your article's

going pretty well, huh?

-It is!

-Ah!

Still got a long ways to go,

but it's comin' along.

Good!

Oh, those cookies

smell so good.

(chuckling)

It's 'cause you haven't eaten

-all day, missy!

-Yeah.

Do you want me to whip

somethin' up for you?

No, thanks.

I'm supposed to meet

Kate and Jason

at the Barnyard in an hour.



What?

He likes you, you know?

-No.

-Yeah!

He always has!



You know,

those glasses he wore

made his eyeballs

look so big.

They looked like two swimming

pools filled with water

the night you

fell off that stage.



-You like him too.

-Mom!

Honey, it's okay!

You're gonna get your work done.

Okay?

Maybe, maybe this is

the inspiration that you found.



You're not gonna

wear that, are you?

I'm gonna shower!

It's just the Barnyard, sheesh.

Okay.

(chuckling)

-You gonna wear that?

-No, I'm not gonna wear this.



I don't think she's been

to the Barnyard in a few years.

I know!



Reservation under Jason.



-Hey!

-Hey.

This is not how

I remember this place.

Um, I thought you knew.

Yeah, they made some

renovations a few years back.

Oh, oh.

Uh, where's Kate?

Is she running late?

Uh, Kate had to cancel.

Kate was never coming, huh?

No.

I mean, she was,

but she did have to cancel,

but that was before that I

told you that we were meeting,

and that meeting was

gonna be at the church.

So, what are we doing here?

Well, I did wanna

get you all caught up.

And I figured since you're

only in town for a few days,

that I would take you

somewhere that's

not the church or the hospital.



Ravishing.

-Hm? Hm?

-Hm? What?

Oh, I said I'm starving.

Oh, great, let's order.

(indistinct whispering)

(crowd murmuring)



Man, that was really good.

Yeah.

Thank you.



So, you are a handyman,

a tree farmer,

somewhat of a mechanic...

Because I had gas?

...singer,

musician,

you seem to like kids,

and at least from the outside,

you appear to love Jesus.

Oh, appear?

Yes, appear.

So, how are you still single?

Wait, are you single?

Depends on who's asking.

Oh, no, I, I was--

No, I, I was kidding.

Um, yes, I'm single.

Uh, why?

I don't know.

Guess I'm not in a hurry to be

with someone just because.

You know, I get that I'm

good-looking, whatever, now,

but I didn't always

used to look like this.

Wow, conceited.

No, no, no, that's,

that is not what I mean.

All right, what I'm

tryin' to say is that

I've had a lot of time

to see people's true nature.

Like all of a sudden

I'm some sort of catch,

but I'm the same person

that I always have been.

That's superficial.

I want, uh...



...I want something real.



Um, the gas.

-The, the gas?

-Yes, the gas

and the rides back and forth.

Let me repay you for,

you know, taking care of me.



All I ever wanted to do

is take care of you.



Jason?

Uh, don't worry about it.

You're repaying me

more than enough

by helping me out

with this program, so.

Come on.

There's gotta be something else.



Well, there is this one thing.



What is it?

Not now, no, you're gonna

have to wait for that.

-Really?

-Yup.

Let's just do this first.



Do you have any more

questions about the program?



No.

I think I'm all caught up.



-Hey.

-Hi.

-Okay.

-All right.

Well, hey, guys and girls!

We are down to our last

few rehearsals before the show,

so tonight I wanna see

a lot of energy,

focus,

and a lot of smiles,

a lot of big smiles.

Yes, let's make

tonight count, okay?

And, uh, let's also

try not to mess anything up.

Also, Friday is our dress

rehearsal and cast party!

-Woo-hoo!

-Woo!

Oh, and before I forget,

I wanna give

a warm welcome to Sarah

who's gonna help us

finish strong.

Hey, guys!

Kate, would you

lead us through a prayer

for today's rehearsal?

Sure.

Let's bow our heads.



Dear, God,

have Your way with us tonight,

both the children

and the leaders.

We may not always

understand Your plan

or why things happen,

and even though some of us

are underprepared

and unqualified,

we ask that Your will

be done and not our own.

In Jesus' name we pray,

amen.

-Amen.

-Amen.

Okay, let's get to work.

Yay, come on, come on,

come on, come on.

Here we go, all right,

all right, all right.



All right, good night!

Good job today!

(door closing)



What the? What are you doing?

I'm doing what I should have

done a long time ago!

No, no, no, that's unacceptable!

Have you lost your--

Sarah.

Oh, no, no.

Are you kidding me?



Sarah!

Sarah, come on, no!



What's going on?

-It's your brother.

-Is he okay?

-Uh, just, uh, get in the car.

-What?

-We'll tell you on the way.

-Hurry!



(car starting)

Dad, what is going on,

you're scaring me.

Something went wrong

with your brother's surgery.

They think he has a torn artery,

but they're not sure.

They may have to

amputate his leg.

They are not cutting

off my son's leg!



(phone vibrating)



Honey, honey!

Can you please just sit down

and relax?



Hey, you two.

Morning.

(groaning)

-Oh, thanks, babe.

-Here you go, here you go.

-Oh, thanks.

-You're welcome.

Is junior okay?

Uh, they're not sure yet.

He's still in surgery.

Oh, honey.

I know, I know,

we just have to

keep praying for him.

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

Okay? All right.



(phone vibrating)



I should take this.



(phone beeping)

h*! h*! h*!

Merry Christmas!

I hope all is well.

So, uh, we went ahead

and hired some models

for the family photo sh**t,

and we need you back here

for that on Friday.

But it's just for the day

to coordinate the sh**t,

and then you'll be off

for the rest of the holidays.

So let me know when you

make it back in town.

Thanks.

(phone beeping)



Who was that, honey?

It's my boss.

He wants me to come back

for a photoshoot tomorrow.

So you're gonna miss Christmas?

I mean, it's just for one day,

but--I mean, no,

I'm not gonna go, no.

I'm, I'm not gonna go.

No, if it's only for one day,

I think you should go

handle your business.

We're okay here.

We'll take care of your brother,

but we support you, too, honey.

So, go,

-do what you need to do.

-Okay.

And get back here

as soon as you can.

I love you.

-Okay.

-Okay.



Hey, Sarah, you ran off

so quick last night.

I don't have time

for this right now.

-I'm not sure what you--

-I know what I saw.

Come on, look, it's not

what you think that it is.

Don't, don't go, please?



(camera shuttering)



Sarah?

Are you okay?

You don't seem like yourself.

Um,

yeah, my mind is

all over the place.

I just,

I just gotta get this done.



Sarah!

So good to see ya back!

Wow, look at this!

Man, I love it, family force!

(laughing)

Can't wait to get my

hands on that article.

You have it with ya?

Um--

-Is that it?

-No!

No, no, it's not, um.

Look, I've been meaning

to speak to you about that.

Um, my brother's condition

has gotten a lot worse,

and I just, I haven't had--

Sarah.

you've been giving me

nothing but excuses

since I gave you

this assignment.

No!

No, I--

Yeah, no, you're right, um.

No more excuses.

I just, I need one more day.



I'll give you one

more day.

Tomorrow, midnight.

Only because

it's too late to replace you.

Thank you, Mr. Davenport,

I won't let you down.

Miss this deadline,

don't come back.



All right, come on,

let's just get back to work.



(inaudible)



Ms. Kate, Ms. Kate,

I ripped it.

-Oh, wow!

-Hey, buddy,

just give it to us

and we're gonna take care of it,

-all right?

-Here.



Where is Sarah?

Is she always this late?

Oh, now you want her help?

She'll be here,

don't worry about it.

No! No, no, no, no, no!

Hey, April, no!

All right,

you guys are doin' great.

This is wonderful.

Um, when we do our

pirouettes, remember,

big arms, boom, yeah.

Really stretch it out.



(indistinct instructions)

and then a very

slow, gentle turn.

Yes, (indistinct).

Good job, girls,

I'm so proud of you.

And, go!

And...

Okay, we're all gonna sit quiet,

hands in our lap.

Just getting ready

for our special treat!

-Hey, guys, here we go!

-Pizza!

-Pizza!

-Pizza!

-Pass these out.

-Yes, absolutely.

All right.

(indistinct speaking)

Hey, Mr. Jason,

where's Sarah?

Yeah, where is Sarah?

Thought we could count on her?

Yeah, I wanted to show her

that I finally got the move

and that her

secret really worked.

Um, I don't know where she is,

but, you know, her brother

had some complications,

so maybe she's with him.

Whatever it is,

let's just hope that she's okay.



Hey, you guys did

a really great job today,

and that's all that matters.

Let's keep that momentum going

all the way into Sunday, okay?

All right, let's get this pizza.

Here we go,

here we go, hold still.



I missed it.

Yeah, you did.

How'd it go?

(scoffing)

Jason.

Jason.

Okay, I really don't

have time for this

-right now.

-Yeah, you've made that clear.

Seriously?

Yeah, I'm serious.

You bailed on us!

Bailed?

No.

No, see, I, I have a job

that I am barely

hanging onto right now.

And, in case

you don't remember,

my brother is in the hospital,

and his condition

is getting worse.

So, no, I'm sorry,

I don't have time

to play this game with you

where you get to have

your cake and eat it too.

What? Is this about that kiss?

-Ugh.

-Because she kissed me.

And I made it very clear to her

that what she did

-was unacceptable.

-Whatever!

But I'm talking about the kids!

And Sarah, they look up to you!

When they see you,

they see a future

that doesn't end

in this small town.

Okay, I get that you have

other responsibilities,

but you made a commitment

to these kids

and then you just didn't show up

because you think

I have a thing for Kate?

That is not why

I didn't show up.

Whatever the reason,

they were counting on you.

Gosh!

You know why we go

all out for Christmas?

Okay, I do not need

another lecture right now.

We go all out because His birth

means a new beginning.

His birth makes way

for our mistakes

to be forgiven,

we get another chance

if we want it.

Do right by these kids, Sarah.

Okay.

You're right, I'm sorry.

-I don't just--

-You know, the other day

when you asked me

what you could do for me?

Yeah.

The only thing that I've

ever wanted from you

was to be seen.

When we were little kids,

I made a promise to myself

that I would never

let you fall again.

So the other night,

that was serendipitous for me.

Hey, lock up when you leave.



(knocking)

So far,

everything is goin' well.

We're lettin'

the swelling go down a bit

before we have to go in

for one last time.

Now this surgery

determines everything.

Okay.

Thank you.

You're welcome.



Being home has been

so chaotic.



I mean, rushing home not

knowing what happened to you.



But you're gonna pull through.



You're a fighter.

You're the Shermanator.



I mean, you taught me

how to be strong.



You know, I didn't

come home expecting to,

to learn anything,

and I definitely

didn't expect to

fall in, I don't know,

like with Jason, but,

but I did.



And if I didn't know any better,

I'd think that you had

somethin' to do with all that.



You always had a clever way

of teaching me a lesson.



But, I want you to know

that I got it.

Okay, I'm good.

My mind is clear, and, uh,

and I finally feel

like I understand this,

I don't know, this dance.



(knocking)

It's time.



(crying)



(keyboard clacking)



Wow!

Hey, guys!

Anybody know how to work

the music in here?

'Cause I'm all thumbs

when it comes to this stuff.

(laughing)

Thanks, guys--Hey,

there is some hot chocolate

and breakfast back there.

Go grab it before

all the adults get it!



Wow!

You really outdid

yourself with this one.

I mean, I was not expecting

this.

Well, I know it doesn't make up

for not being here last night,

but I wanted to at least take

off some of today's pressures.

No, this is huge.

Thank you.

No, thank you.

You really helped me

see clearly

and see you clearly.

Is Kate coming?

She'll be here,

she has to pick up a robe first.

Darn.



It's easy to think

we've gotten so caught up

in lavish lifestyles,

social media posts,

and celebrity status

because, well, we have.

This year has been about

capturing the moment,

any moment,

and making it appear perfect

rather than

focusing in on the things

that truly hold value.

For many, the Christmas

season is nothing more

than meeting deadlines,

finishing the year out strong,

and finally making it

to that last store

before closing time.

But what are we left with

when all that passes?

Somehow, we've come to believe

that Christmas tradition

equates to cheesy,

dated memories

that no longer have meaning

in our current lives.

Behold!

We seem to have forgotten

what is wrapped up

in that tradition,

love and compassion,

not some forced deed that

requires an Instagram snapshot

to prove that it's real,

but genuine compassion,

real concern for others,

willing to give our last,

not because we had to,

but because we wanted to.

Our communities

have been our village

and family, and that's also

wrapped in that tradition.

(applause)

We took care of each other,

no questions asked

because we were, and still are,

each others' bottom line.

(applause)

-Hey, thanks for--

-Shh!

Okay, look, I don't know

what your problem is with me,

but it would be really nice if

you could just act like an adult

and talk to me about it.

Fine!

Ever since we were kids,

you have had everything, okay?

The perfect family,

the perfect upbringing,

now the perfect job,

and you got the guy.

And let's not forget

you can dance!

Yet, all you do is complain.

All I have is dance,

and the once chance I got

to showcase my talent,

you ruined it.

I have put in so much

work with those girls,

and you come back,

and they just

-plug you right in, and--

-Hey.

I've been looking

all over for you two.

-What's wrong?

-The twins, they,

-they can't go on.

-What? Why?

I don't know if

it's their nerves,

or the flu, but they've

been in the bathroom

puking up everything

that they've eaten

-all week.

-Oh, my goodness.

What are we going to do?

Um.

We could go on.

Uh, uh, okay,

okay, we can do it.

Do you still know the dance?

Yeah, of course she does.

I watched her do it

the other night.

Sarah?

Sarah!

Okay, fine, whatever,

I'll just do it myself.

Um.

Sarah, listen.

You can do this.

There's nothing

standing in your way.

(audience murmuring)

I'm here for you.

I'll never let you fall.

Mm-hmm.

Okay.

(audience murmuring)

(inaudible)

Silent night

Holy night

All is calm

All is bright

'Round yon Virgin

Mother and Child

Holy infant so

tender and mild

Sleep in

heavenly peace

Sleep in heavenly peace

(applause)

Christmas tradition

may just seem like

fresh-baked cookies,

children singing,

and overly-decorated

Christmas sweaters,

but this tradition

means so much more.

It is one of love,

and compassion.

It causes us to create a legacy

that will not only spill out

into the new year,

but also for

generations to come.

(applause)



That tree looks amazing!

-We got it from--

-Hey!

There she is!

-Our shining star!

-You nailed it!

-The big star.

-You nailed it.

Oh, honey, I can't believe you

remembered that choreography.

-I don't know how I did it.

-Did you even have time

-to practice that?

-Amazing, it was perfect!

And the whole church

looked amazing.

Everything was set up

so beautifully.

-Yeah.

-Yeah, it was a big deal.

We were able to get a lot of

stuff done without you.

Oh, yeah, thanks, thanks--

-Well, come on, let's go.

-Oh, it's chilly!

-Unbelievable.

-Come on, sweetie.

-Sarah, you, you--

-Actually,

I am going to hang back

just a little bit.

I'll meet you guys at home?

-Okay.

-Okay.

-We'll see you there.

-Okay, all right.

All right.

See you at home, though, right?

Yes, absolutely,

I will see you at home.

-Bye, sis.

-Happy you're home.

I love you, you're amazing.

-I love you.

-Amazing.

-Okay.

-Our tiny dancer.

All right.

Father.

She was amazing,

and she didn't fall this time.

No.

(indistinct speaking)



(screaming)

I told you,

I would never let you fall.



Giving your heart

everything it needs

rather than rushing

through the season

capturing pseudo-moments

that will quickly fade away.



Bravo, Sarah Appleton.

Bravo.