(energetic music)
(energetic music)
(energetic music continues)
(door knocking)
- Resident assistant, open up!
(door clicks)
- I told him he'll get in trouble.
I am not taking the blame for him anymore.
- Val, by school policy,
I'm not allowed to open the door.
- Come on.
- So you're gonna have
to open it for me.
(Aaron sighs)
(group giggling)
- [Val] Stop.
(door clicks)
(energetic music)
- Aaron, so you did decide to join us?
We got a tinny bit of a head start on you,
but that's okay.
Take them pants off and
I'll deal you ahead.
(resident assistant clears throat)
(music malfunctions)
Oh.
- Moving past the underage drinking
and the loud music in quiet hours,
one of your professors
told me he hasn't seen you
in class all semester until you waltzed in
to write your midterm.
Do you really think you are so smart
that you can write the
test without first learning
the material and still ace it?
You can't, Val.
You scored 23%.
(frame knocking)
Are you paying attention, Val?
You're getting expelled.
- Huh?
("Nowhere" by The High Loves)
(frames rattling)
(frames thudding)
(paper crackling)
There goes the one
The one I like
No, that's not them
No, that's not right
You told me to be honest
And to bring the car around
But I can't get it started right now
All I know is
That I'm going
Nowhere
(trunk rattling)
Nowhere
- I should've folded.
There goes the one
The one I lost
All I know is
That we're going
(tires rumbling)
Nowhere
Nowhere
(door clicks)
I'm going
(door thuds)
Nowhere
Nowhere
Can't get you off my mind
(trunk thuds)
No
(horn honking)
("Nowhere" by The High Loves)
All I know is
That I'm going
(door clicks)
- Dad?
(door thuds)
- No need to yell. I'm right here.
- Surprise.
- Not really. Your school called.
- They did, I thought snitching
to the parents was just
a high school thing.
- [Joel] Apparently not.
- I don't know what they told you,
but I wasn't expelled or anything.
They just suggested I take
the rest of the semester off
so I come back more focused.
- They didn't go into the details.
- I really will go back next semester
- And in the meantime, you're
gonna get a job, pay me rent.
- Even better, I'm going to use this time
to finally write my novel.
- You're gonna write a novel?
- Yes, sir, the next great American novel.
Something mom would've really eaten up
and it'll be written in this very house.
Maybe they'll give historical
tours of it one day.
You'll teach the book in school.
It'll be a mandatory read.
- Can't wait.
- Actually, it might be too great
to be grasped by the
undeveloped middle school mind,
so it will be dissected in
prestigious universities
- Like the one you were kicked out of?
- Exactly, except I wasn't kicked out.
- What kind of idiot hosts
a boozy naked get together
with the dean's daughter
in the middle of the week?
- The school told you that?
- No, I have friends that
teach at the university
and news travels fast.
- But you're a middle school teacher.
- Shockingly, I'm allowed
to have friends above my pay grade.
- That's not why I was kicked,
they suggested to take the
rest of the semester off.
I was skipping class and failed
a couple midterms, it's different.
- Hmm, well, that's loads better.
- I kept thinking, what if
one day I was walking home
from class and then,
boom, I got hit by a bus.
I would've spent my last
day on this planet sitting
in a circle bullshitting
a pretentious opinion
on a boring book.
- (sighs) What a stupid
way of looking at it.
- I wanna be a writer.
Not the discusser.
I wanna make my mark.
- That's the program you signed up for
- And I'll learn to love it next semester.
- Val, you need a degree to fall back on.
If the writing doesn't
pan out, with a degree,
at least you'll be able
to teach, have stability.
- Your confidence in me is astounding.
(Joel sighs)
- Make use of this time
that's been given to you.
Set goals and achieve them.
Either that or pay me rent.
- Dad, I really am going
to write that novel
and it's going to be amazing.
I'm laser focused. I'll be
working on it night and day.
It'll be like my fingers are
super glued to the keyboard.
(jolly music)
Jump, jump, jump.
Double jump. Double jump.
Duck, kick, knee, jump.
Double jump, maybe that's
what I should write about.
If humans could jump
and then in midair somehow jump again,
the possibilities would be
endless. that's amazing.
Nah, that's stupid.
Kick him. Kick him, kick, oh!
(graphic buzzing)
(graphic pops)
(graphic thuds)
(jolly game music)
(Val grunts)
(controller thuds)
(tense game music)
(tin rattling)
(Val slurping)
(door knocking)
- [Joel] Val!
(material scratching)
(feet thud)
- I'm busy!
(door clicks)
(door creaks)
Dad, can't you see 'em writing?
- There's nothing on your document.
- The blank page has the most potential.
- Sure, you know, I thought you
might use your mom's office.
- Is there something you wanted?
- It's time to pull your weight.
(paper crackling)
There's a list. 50 bucks should do it.
And I expect change back.
- Are you serious?
You're interrupting my flow here.
- I'm sure you'll flow just
fine in the supermarket.
(Val sighing)
(paper crackling)
(keyboard typing)
- Double jump, question mark?
(game buzzing)
(character grunting)
- Are you ready?
- Now, Val!
- Okay, God. I'm going.
- I'm coming. I'm going.
- The money?
- Yes.
(jolly music)
(cart rattling)
Being an adult, boring.
(people chattering)
(product thuds)
(people chattering)
(machine beeping)
(feet tapping)
(cart rattling)
(feet tapping)
(basket rattles)
(cart rattling)
(feet tapping)
(people chattering)
(machine beeping)
(cart rattling)
Did you misplace this?
- Hi, Val.
- What's up, Natalie?
- What are you doing here?
Grocery shopping, duh.
- Hmm.
- You've got some good stuff.
- Yeah, no, I mean, what
are you doing in town?
What are you, what are you doing in town?
- Oh.
Uh, I'm taking the rest
of the semester off.
- Ooh, is everything all right?
- Yeah, it's great.
Couldn't be better actually.
I'm just taking a little break
before jumping back in next term.
- Mm-hmm.
- It was a mutual decision
between the university and I.
And I'm using this time
to finally write my novel actually.
So all is great.
- Okay, that's, that's good.
- Yeah, but it is crazy to
be back in good old Caladan.
- Mm-hmm, well, not much has changed
since you've been gone except
(plastic crackling)
a bunch of people left for school so...
- Well, who's still
here? Sam and Ian, right?
You ever see them?
- No. They were always much
more your friends than mine.
- Well, friends is a big word
for two dudes I never
had a conversation with
that wasn't about girls or masturbation.
- Okay. (scoffs)
- But how are you?
Seriously, How are you
doing? How's school here?
- I'm all right. I'm good.
Yeah, there's, school has
its ups and downs, so.
- Still in history?
- Mm-hmm. Yes.
I'm learning so many
dates and such. I love it.
- Take any classes on teaching yet?
- No, that's not how it works, remember?
I have to finish my bachelor's
and then I'm gonna do my
teacher certificate program.
- Right, totally, I thought
maybe they'd give you like
a sneak peek into the teaching world
or something.
- No, no. Ah.
(metal rattling)
So far I'm just learning about all the men
that are waging w*r on one another.
- (chuckles) I wanna hear more about it.
Let's meet up for a drink.
- I don't think that that's a
good idea, we don't have to-
- All right. You were
never such a big drinker.
Coffee then?
- I-
- I know you love coffee.
- I do like coffee, but I
don't think it's a good idea.
- How about, will you
please have coffee with me?
It will make my day.
I have to get these groceries home, so.
- Well, same here.
And with the receipt and exact change
or my dad will k*ll me.
(plastic rattles)
Tomorrow then? Come on.
You still have the same
number? I'll text you.
Yeah, of course you do. I'll message you.
We'll figure out all the details
and we'll see each other
soon, okay, all right.
- Goodbye.
- Buh-bye.
(energetic music)
She's really happy to see me, I think.
Yeah, so it's the start of
something exciting again.
- I still don't get how
that has anything to do
with missing half the
groceries on the list.
- Well, obviously I
couldn't just keep shopping
after I ran into her.
We'd just bump into each other again
and again, it'd be so awkward.
Always better to leave them wanting more.
(Joel sighs)
- Well, I want the rest of my groceries.
(metal taps)
- I'll get it all tomorrow
and then I'll meet her
for coffee at night.
- At night. Why get coffee at night?
- Why not? Saves me money.
- Hmm, how romantic.
- Thank you.
- I always liked her.
- You've mentioned that
- She was a very kind girl.
- I know. I dated her.
- That's rare.
- So I've discovered,
- I'm sorry it didn't work out.
- Not everyone marries
their high school sweetheart
like you and mom.
- She was good for you.
- Well, it's not too late.
I'm setting goals and
achieving them. Remember?
- Good luck with that.
(food mushing)
- [Speaker] Fire in here. Get up now.
(door pounding)
- Val.
- What? What?
- Wake up. I've got something to tell you.
- So you barge in here like it's a-
- Val, listen to me.
- It's the middle of the night-
- Val, this is important.
- What?
- Do you know your friend Sam
from high school, Sam Folkman?
- Yes, I know Sam.
I haven't spoken to him in a while.
- (pants) He was driving with his parents
to the movie theater
and they were hit by a drunk driver.
- What?
- Everyone was declared dead on site.
- They all died?
- I'm sorry, Val.
- His whole family?
No, his little brother Charlie was home.
He was alone in the house.
He's with the police now.
They couldn't reach any of his relatives,
so they called me.
- You, why?
- I'm a great teacher. I don't know.
Look, clean your room.
Change your sheets.
He's gonna be staying in here.
(eerie music)
(crickets croaking)
(Val sighs)
- You are full of, Sam.
- It's true, girls need blood transfusions
when they're on their periods
'cause they lose so much blood-
- That makes no sense, then
all the hospitals would be full
of girls on their periods.
- Maybe they get
transfusions done at home.
- You think girls can
just lose a baby's worth
of blood and be fine?
- You guys are idiots.
You're way too old to believe that.
- I read about it on Reddit. It's a fact.
Just 'cause you're gonna go off
to some fancy school next
year and forget all about us
doesn't mean you know everything.
- I can't wait.
- Sam?
- What do you want?
- Can I hang out with you guys?
- Are you kidding me? Get out of here.
- Mom said you gotta
let me play video games
with you sometimes.
- Not when I have friends
over. You're embarrassing me.
- Okay. Okay, I looked it up.
And you can get transfusions done at home,
but from a visiting nurse.
- See, I told you.
(Ian chuckles)
(tense music)
(door clicks)
(Joel pants)
(plastic clicks)
(tense music)
(Joel pants)
(door creaks)
(door thuds)
(tense music)
- Hey, buddy, let's get this off.
I got it. I got it.
There you go.
That's it.
(door clicks)
(door creaks)
Well, here we are.
Val has very considerately offered his bed
and said he'd sleep on the couch.
Are you hungry? Would you
like something to eat?
- No thanks, Mr. Stevens.
- You sure? We've got waffles, toast.
I can cook up some pancakes if you like?
- [Charlie] No, thank you.
- Well, you must be tired.
Would you like to sleep a bit?
- Okay.
- Totally, well, make
yourself at home with the bed.
I mean, sleep on the bed
like you would your own.
I'll be right around the
corner if you need me.
Just give a shout
anytime. Well, good night.
I mean, sleep well.
- Sleep well.
(door creaking)
What do you even say in this situation?
- Sleep on the bed like
you would your own?
How else would someone sleep on a bed?
- Do you even know how to make pancakes?
- I'm sure I would've figured it out.
- And I'm sleeping on the couch?
There's no AC on the first floor.
It'll be like sleeping in a sauna.
- You can stay in my room then.
- With your snoring, I'll go deaf.
- I'll move some stuff in mom's office.
You can sleep in there.
- I'd rather sweat to death on the couch.
- (sighs) Well, fine.
(eerie music)
(door knocking)
- [Policeman] Charlie?
(door knocking)
Charlie, are you in there?
Charlie, we know you're there.
It's the police. We're here to help you.
- No.
- Come open the door.
Charlie!
Charlie.
- Charlie?
(door knocking)
(Charlie panting)
Charlie?
- Yes?
- [Joel] Dinner's ready.
- (sighs) I'm not hungry.
- [Joel] You haven't
eaten anything all day.
You need to have dinner.
We'll be waiting for you in the kitchen.
Come down whenever you're ready.
- Okay. Thank you, Mr. Stevens.
(Charlie sighs)
- Everything taste all right?
- Yes, Mr. Stevens.
(metal rattling)
(chair creaking)
- So, Val, how's the novel coming along?
Val's writing a novel.
Next American classic, he says.
- Well, I'm a tiny bit
stuck on the story part.
- But you have a story?
- It's more of a working premise, really.
It involves pushing the limits
of human's, physical abilities,
doubling them, really.
- Hmm, sounds great.
- It's just a placeholder idea.
- And you followed up with the dean?
You're all good for next semester.
- Yeah, I'm on top of it.
(metal scrapes)
- You sure the food's all right, Charlie?
You barely touched your meal.
I know I'm not the best chef in the world.
- That's the understatement
of the century.
- Yeah, do you need any salt,
pepper? I won't be offended.
- No, thanks, Mr. Stevens.
- You know, you're not in class.
You can just call him Joel.
- Well, actually I do prefer
that my students address me
as Mr. Stevens.
- Really?
- Joel is fine.
(crickets croaking)
(light music)
- It feels weird just doing regular stuff,
like having coffee when Sam can't.
I don't know, I just I
never thought that something
like this could happen here.
- Well, if it makes you feel
better, Sam hated coffee.
He said it was liquid Adderall
that tasted like diarrhea.
(Natalie chuckles)
Do you mind if we talk
about something else?
Like literally just anything else?
It's just, it's kind of all
I've been thinking about.
- Yeah.
- I don't know.
- Yeah, of course. Yeah.
- [Val] Thanks.
- How's your dad?
- On my a*s, same as always.
(chuckles) Your parents?
- Still driving me
absolutely crazy. (chuckles)
- Not the ideal college roommates, huh?
- No, definitely not.
But I'm saving up.
There's no point in paying
rent right now, right? So.
- I'm doing the opposite actually.
I'm in so much debt already,
but it'll all be worth it when
I have a big piece of paper
with my name on it saying I
know how to speak English.
- Well, that's the one benefit
of community college, I guess, it's cheap.
- Well, I'm sure everyone's
less stuck up too.
You should hear the people
speak in my classes.
It's like no one is capable
of forming a sentence without starting it
by building off of that.
- No, no, no, I get plenty of that too.
But at least for you,
people are smart enough
to follow it up with a coherent sentence.
- No, you would be surprised
- Building off of that,
I like totally agree that like Napoleon
is like mainly not a good dude.
- Building off of that,
maybe like the whale is like
a metaphor for like life.
(Natalie laughing)
(Val chuckling)
- Oh, I feel wrong laughing
with everything that happened.
- No, no, don't. Don't.
I miss hearing your laugh, it's cute.
- Val, I don't-
- I was wrong to break us up.
I experienced the whole freedom
in college thing, kinda overrated.
Freedom doesn't suit me
- Val, no, I think I, no.
I just need you to stop.
It took me a really long
time to get over you.
- Well, I'm not over you.
- Yes, you are. You wouldn't
have broken up with me.
- I was wrong. Look, I
was a jerk, I'm sorry.
- Okay. No, why do you
wanna get back together?
- You're good for me.
We're we're good together.
You make me happy here.
- All you
ever talked about was wanting to leave.
You were not happy.
- Happier than I am now.
- Val, I can't be in a
relationship with you again.
- Look, I know my timing was not the best.
- No, Val, I think right now,
you are only capable of
caring about yourself.
- That's not true.
(light music)
- We can still be friends if you'd like.
- Nat, I don't wanna
just be friends with you.
You can't just take the day off?
- I'll be back around 03:30.
- He said five words since he's been here.
- You'll be fine. Just be friendly.
- Yes, no, thank, you, Mr. Stevens,
and most recently, Joel.
All right, seven words.
- He's going through a lot.
- Yeah, no sh*t, but I don't
know what I can do to help him.
I'm barely surviving myself.
I swear, I woke up in a
puddle of my own sweat.
- The social worker will
be here around 10:00.
I filled her in on the phone.
- Why can't you just stay here
and I go teach your class?
I have like a quarter
of an English degree.
- I'm pretty sure it's
more like an eighth.
- Well, I wouldn't be teaching math.
- Look, you can fix a
frozen pizza for his lunch.
- This is really taking away
from my novel writing time.
- Last I recall,
you were in desperate need of inspiration.
You should be overjoyed.
- You mean I should write about this?
What kind of sad loser would write
about this depressing sh*t?
- You got this.
- No, no, no, no. I
don't, I don't, I don't.
(door thuds)
(Val sighs)
(somber music)
(keyboard typing)
(keyboard typing)
(somber music continues)
(keyboard typing)
(door knocking)
(door clicking)
(door rattling)
- Hi, I am Yvonne with social services.
You should be expecting my visit.
- Come in. Come in
- And you are?
- Oh, Val, nice to meet
you. Charlie's upstairs.
- Oh, shoes on or off?
- Surprise me.
(Yvonne chuckles)
Would you like a tour?
Make sure we don't have
any secret dungeons
or t*rture rooms or anything.
- (chuckles) Let's start
with the second floor
and then I can show myself the rest
after I chat with Charlie.
- Great plan. Follow me.
- Thanks.
(feet tapping)
- My dad's room, closet, bathroom,
and that's my room
where Charlie's staying.
- And this one with the flowers?
- My mom's office. We never go in there.
- Your mom's?
- After she died, my
dad couldn't get himself
to take over the space or
throw any of her stuff out,
so it all just sits there.
- I'm sorry.
- Oh, thank you.
So, yeah, Charlie's in there.
- Thank you, Val. I can take it from here.
- Okay.
(feet tapping)
(door knocking)
- [Yvonne] Hey, Charlie, can I come in?
- [Charlie] Sure.
- [Yvonne] My name is Yvonne.
It's really nice to finally meet you.
How are you doing, Charlie?
Are you feeling comfortable here?
- [Charlie] Yes.
(paper crackling)
(tense music)
- [Yvonne] You specifically
asked to stay with Mr. Stevens.
Do you still feel like this
is the best space for you?
- [Charlie] Yes. Thank you.
- [Yvonne] Good, it's a bit unusual,
but I've heard so many great
things about Mr. Stevens,
so I'm glad we made the right choice.
It's okay to feel sad and lost right now.
You've been through so
much, but you're not alone.
You can always call me or
talk to Mr. Stevens or Val,
and your uncle should
be visiting you soon.
- [Charlie] All right.
- [Yvonne] How are you
feeling about what happened?
- [Charlie] I'm fine, I guess.
(feet tapping)
(wood creaking)
Looks great. No secret dungeon.
- Well, they wouldn't be so secret
if you could find it right away.
- (chuckles) You have a
lovely home, very clean.
- That's my dad, a place for everything
and everything in its place.
- Oh, well, I'll call him soon
to book another appointment.
- Okay.
(door clicks)
Buh-bye.
(door clicking)
So what happens now?
- You can help that boy by being with him,
showing him that he's not alone.
- I mean, what's going to happen to him?
(Yvonne sighs)
- Usually parents in their
will elect a guardian
in case of their passing.
That designated guardian
was their son, Sam,
who sadly passed as well.
So it is my job to make
a case to the courts
as to who should become Charlie's guardian
and hold his parents'
assets until he's 18.
We always try to
prioritize children staying
with their family,
so we're looking into his Uncle Carl.
Until then, he's staying here.
- And how long does it take?
- With my department spread this thin,
I can't give you a timeframe.
There's a boy up there
who is lost and alone.
You have an opportunity
to really help someone.
If you're a good person, you'll take it.
(inspirational music)
(crickets croaking)
(door clicks)
(door creaks)
(door thuds)
- Charlie?
- Yeah?
- You hungry, buddy?
I can make us a pizza.
- Isn't it still morning time?
- It is 10:21 AM,
as good of a time for pizza as any.
- I'm not really hungry
for lunch. Thank you.
- No problem. Catch you later.
(notification chimes)
(crickets croaking)
(birds chirping)
- [Natalie] Hey.
- [Val] Hey.
Sorry for the last minute call.
- No, that's okay. I'm
really glad you called.
- I thought maybe Charlie
could use some feminine energy
or really, I just wanted
some backup, I don't know.
Thanks for coming.
- Yeah, of course. I just,
I'll help wherever I can.
- The social worker said
we should keep them busy.
- How do you distract a kid
from the death of his family?
- The same way you distract a genius
from writing the greatest
novel of all time.
(buttons clicking)
You are k*lling me.
- It's definitely easier
than "Pro Ballers Max."
- What's that?
- It's a basketball game
where you can do awesomer dunks and stuff.
- Mm, and do you have that, Val?
- You kidding, unless the
characters are made out
of 10 pixels, this thing cannot play it.
- It's okay. I like this too.
(energetic music)
- Boom! I just won.
- Are you, oh my god.
I got distracted. It's not fair.
We're playing again.
- Scooch your booch, my turn.
- Oh fine.
- Gimme, gimme, thank you.
Okay, Charlie, let's go.
(metal rattling)
Don't you guys have a pizza cutter?
- No, which is shocking
considering our diet is 90% pizza.
If you're allergic to dairy
or gluten, you might starve
to death in this house.
- I love pizza.
- We usually just use a knife.
- Well, have I ever showed you
guys how my mom cuts pizzas?
- No. I don't think you did.
- Behold.
(scissor scratches)
- [Val] Huh?
- That's genius.
(pizza crunching)
- Okay. Okay, pretty cool.
But do you know
how New Yorkers eat their pies?
(chair creaking)
(Natalie chuckling)
- Cool.
- That's awesome. (chuckles)
- All this cutting with the scissors, huh?
(gear rattling)
Here we are.
(Natalie chuckles)
(components rattles)
- And Charlie's great.
- Yes, well, not gonna lie,
I thought this would be a total chore,
but (chuckles) he's a pretty good kid.
- Yeah, you were really sweet with him.
- Shocking, right, since I'm only capable
of caring about myself.
- No, you didn't call me just
to prove me wrong, did you?
- No, not at all.
Okay, fine, maybe a tiny bit.
- Okay. I stand corrected.
- Well, no, you were
right about one thing.
Well, growing up, I always
wanted to be somewhere else.
I was never fully here.
Not for you or Sam or
anyone, but I think
I could be there for Charlie.
I can help him.
- Val Stevens finally stepping up.
Who would've guessed? Oh my gosh.
- Well, I couldn't have
done it without you.
- Couldn't have done what?
You played video games.
I'm sure you would've figured something...
(lips smacking)
(bright music)
(lips smacking)
Sorry, this is so confusing, I-
- Confusing is good.
I'm literally always confused.
- No, I think that I
should probably just...
- Um.
- I just need some time to...
- Okay, um.
- Yeah. I'll, okay.
- Okay. See you-
- Okay. Yep, I'll see you.
(door thuds)
(Val chuckles)
- You know, I've been thinking about it
and we could totally turn mom's office
into a room for Charlie.
Move some things around and
get rid of a few things.
(glass rattling)
(food mushing)
- You'd be able to do that?
- Sure. Why not?
- Joel, can you pass the
salt and pepper, please?
- Sure thing, there you go.
(glass tapping)
- Pro tip, there isn't
enough salt and pepper
in the world to make
dad's cooking palatable.
- Hey!
- The key is to douse it in hot sauce.
It makes it a thousand
times better, wanna try?
- Yeah. Okay.
- Tell me when.
(bottling rattling)
(drops popping)
More, are you sure? This
stuff is pretty strong.
- My cooking's really that bad?
- No, it's great. More please.
- (chuckles) All right.
(glass rattles)
- Okay. That's good.
(metal tapping)
(food mushing)
(Val chuckles)
(Joel chuckling)
Much better.
(Joel and Val chuckling)
(Charlie coughing)
Is Natalie your girlfriend?
- She was. I'm working on it.
How 'bout you? You partnered up.
- No, I've never had a girlfriend.
- Well, you have plenty of time.
When I was your age,
I had this big gap between
my two front teeth the size
of a hockey puck.
People used to say I look
like Sid from "Ice Age."
(water spraying)
Then one day I got my braces
and somehow I looked even uglier.
No girl wanted to be seen in my vicinity
in case my hideousness was
contagious or something.
Well, except for Natalie.
- Well, how did you get her
to become your girlfriend?
- We were friends for a few years first.
- [Clarissa] What do we have to do?
- She was actually
probably my best friend.
Then at one point, I made my move...
- My mistake, yes.
- [Carl] Hey, is this the Stevens' house?
We've been driving around
in circles for half hour.
- Uncle Carl?
- Charlie, my poor beautiful baby.
- Hey, these people treating you right?
- Yeah.
- Charlie, baby, I am so sorry
for everything that happened.
- Thank you.
- (sighs) Bad things
happen to the best people.
It's such a sad and cruel world.
You must be Joel.
- Yes, ma'am.
- Clarissa, it's a pleasure to meet you.
- [Joel] Same here.
- Wait, are you Clarissa Romano?
- Yeah.
- We went to high school together.
- Did we?
- Yeah, yeah.
- High school was such a long time ago.
I can barely remember
any of it. (chuckles)
- Michael Lerner High School.
You were a couple years ahead of me.
Wasn't that long ago at all.
- If you say so.
- Well, you should come in.
We could all sit in the living room.
- Oh no, we're fine here.
- Well, can I get you anything?
I've got water, juice.
- I'll take a beer if you got it.
- I'll go dig one up.
- Really?
- So, Charlie, we just
have to sort out a couple
of things and you'd be
able to move in with us.
- We're so excited to have you
and we're just so grateful
that you're taking care
of him in the meantime,
- Do you folks live around here?
- In Del Court, so it's about
an hour and a half drive
or an hour of Carl's driving.
- And you're from Caladan?
I didn't teach you, did I?
My mom and I just lived here for a bit
before I went to college.
- So how's school goin'?
- It's good, but I
haven't really been since.
- Why?
- Well, we thought it'd
be best to give him a bit
of a break before going back.
But I was actually gonna
ask Charlie if he felt ready
to go back tomorrow.
Might be good to keep him
on his normal routine.
- Well, if it's a good thing for him,
why'd you take him out in the first place?
- Yeah, I can go back to school tomorrow.
- Yeah. Good.
(flesh slapping)
Well, (gulps) thanks.
We, (clears throat) we better get goin'.
- Why, we just got
here. What's a big rush?
Okay, lemme just use the bathroom
before we gotta do that
damn drive again. (scoffs)
- Down the hall to the
right next to the kitchen.
- Thank you.
(feet tapping)
(wood creaking)
- Lemme recycle that for you.
- He takes the environment very seriously.
(wood creaking)
(can rattling)
(door creaking)
- Jesus!
- Ooh I'm sorry, sorry,
sorry, sorry, I'm sorry.
You really got a sh*t or something?
You couldn't just wait a minute?
- No, no, I just, I wanted to talk to you.
I've just heard people
say that, well, that-
- You heard what? Spit it out.
- Well, that you moved to another town
with this much older guy.
So, Carl, I guess, and that
he was treating you like-
- That's just typical small town bullshit.
Why don't you just mind your own business?
(tense music)
(Val scoffs)
(feet tapping)
So nice seeing you, my little darling.
Hey, everything will be okay, I promise.
Just keep your head up.
- I will.
- Be good, huh?
- I will.
(paper crackling)
- The information for
the funeral on Thursday.
- Thanks.
- Thank you for having
us. You're a sweetheart.
Okay, I love you, kid.
I'll see you real soon.
- Bye
- Bye.
(door clicks)
(door thuds)
(people chattering)
- All right, I think
he's finally sleeping.
So is it just me
or is there something super fishy going on
with Carl and Clarissa?
- They seem nice.
- Do you see how quickly
he crushed his beer?
It was like he was lost in a desert
for 40 years without water
and then suddenly came across that beer.
- You can't survive for
40 years without water.
- Do you really think he'd be
a good guardian for Charlie?
- I think he'd figure it out. Yeah.
I somehow managed with you,
and Clarissa's there to help him.
- That's what I wanted
to talk to you about.
Clarissa Romano. You've
heard of her, right?
- Can't say I have.
- Well, she came to town
when I was a freshman
and was super popular,
but apparently had this crazy home life.
Then she goes off to college and
marries this way older guy
and moves to this random town
and ghosts all her Caladan and friends.
Rumor is he is a*usive
and told her to stop
talking to her friends.
What I don't get is how it
was Sam's uncle the whole time
and he never told us.
- So you're worried about
some Caladan gossip?
- Yes.
- These rumors are never true.
People said I got addicted to crystal meth
after your mom died.
They were just watching
too much "Breaking Bad."
- Then why did she stop
talking to her friends?
- Did you keep up with
your friends when you left?
- That's different, and you
heard them arguing outside.
That didn't sound like a
healthy relationship to me.
- How 'bout this, we'll tell
Yvonne about these rumors
and she'll figure out
if Carl's a good fit.
- She said that her department
was spread super thin.
Maybe she doesn't have the
resources to fully look into it.
- Val, what do you think the
alternative is for Charlie?
You think he's better off
in the foster care system?
- I don't know.
- Exactly, you don't.
I'm a teacher.
I've seen what that system does to kids:
bouncing from home to home,
living with God knows who.
People just in it for
the government paycheck.
It's better for Charlie
to be with a family/
- Even if that family is a*usive?
- Stop jumping to conclusions.
(sighs) We'll tell Yvonne Friday.
The rest is up to her.
(bell ringing)
(group laughing)
(horn honking)
(upbeat music)
- What's up, player?
How was your first day back?
- Fine.
(door rattling)
- (sighs) That bad, huh?
Well, don't worry about it. School sucks.
None of it really matters
in the end anyways.
I love school.
As you should. School rocks.
Education is everything.
- So let's just go home
and play video games.
- Actually I have another idea.
You said you like basketball.
(Charlie scoffs)
(uplifting music)
(ball bouncing)
(ball thuds) Not today, ah!
(chuckles) Did San teach you that trick?
- We never played together.
- His loss. So what's the
deal with your Uncle Carl?
- What? Hmm?
- Are you guys close?
- Well, yeah, he's my uncle.
(uplifting music)
- [Val] I mean, like do you get along?
Do you see him often?
- What?
- Tell me about him.
- I don't really get to see him too often
'cause he lives kind of far away.
He doesn't talk much.
- Yeah, I noticed.
He and my mom were close though.
(net crashes)
She says that, or I guess she said...
- Yeah?
- Something about going
through hell growing up,
but they always had each other.
(ball bouncing)
- Hell. What kind of hell?
- Something about like grandfather
and how he wasn't very nice to them.
(kids chattering)
(net crashes)
Money.
- All right, it's
unsportsmanlike to gloat.
Let's see you try that again.
- Okay.
- (panting) You're k*lling me.
- You should've dunked on me.
- You think I'm taking it easy on you?
If I was able to dunk,
that's all I'd be doing.
- I wish I could dunk
- One day.
- Weren't you in your
school's basketball team?
- You mean our school? Same school, buddy.
And, no, I did not make the team.
- (scoffs) Really? We're so
terrible, they'll take anyone.
- I guess not anyone.
So good old Joel's your
English teacher, right?
- Yeah. He's the best.
But it's kinda strange seeing
him in class now that I'm,
you know, staying with you.
- (chuckles) Yeah, I do know.
It's super weird. He was my teacher too.
- That's cool. You get like
all the homework answers.
- There is nothing cool about
your dad being your teacher.
He wouldn't gimme any answers.
He thought the other students
would accuse him of favoritism,
so he was actually extra hard on me.
- I guess I'm not getting any
help with my homework then.
He just assigned an essay too.
- It's all right. I'll help you anytime.
Just call me up.
- I don't have a phone.
- It's an expression.
You can just yell out my
name and I'll hear you.
We do live together.
What kid doesn't have a phone these days?
- [Kid] Yeah, yeah, throwing.
Got it, oh!
- Those guys your friends?
You should invite them to play.
- No, that's okay.
(Charlie sighs)
- What's going on?
- All my friends,
they've just been different around me.
- Right, people get weird around death.
They just don't know how to deal with it.
But it'll pass. I promise.
When people find out my mom died,
they get super weird and
awkward for a couple minutes.
- Your mom died?
- You're not gonna get
weird on me, are you?
Yeah, when I was really young, like six.
(somber music)
This is the part where
things usually get awkward
because people want to ask about it,
but they're too scared of offending me
or traumatizing me or something.
So they just don't say anything.
- Well, how did she die?
- (scoffs) I was really young,
so I only remember bits and pieces.
I was walking down the street with my mom.
She was holding my hand. We were talking.
Everything was normal.
And then she was on the ground.
People rushed up to her.
Apparently an ambulance came.
But all I remember is my
dad crying at the hospital.
She had a brain aneurysm.
Something as simple
as a blood vessel rupturing
in her head, and that was it.
No more mom.
It's extremely rare, by the way,
so you do not have to worry about that.
I just wish I could remember
what we were talking about.
Whether I had said or done something
that just made her brain explode.
(somber music)
My dad does say I'm an expert
at driving people crazy.
- I'm sorry.
- Now you get how people
don't know what to say.
But it passes.
(leather creaking)
(Val fussing)
(leather creaking)
(Val fussing)
(material rumbling)
(wood creaking)
(Joel snoring)
(door knocks)
(floor creaking)
- Are you okay?
- I didn't mean to wake you up.
I'm just going back down. It's okay.
- Too hot downstairs, huh?
- Maybe.
- We can share your room.
No, no, no. That'd be weird.
I shared with my brother for years.
- Okay, if you insist.
(floor creaking)
(crickets croaking)
(blanket rustles)
(Val exhales)
(Charlie chuckles)
(spirited music)
(spirited music)
Val, what'd you do here?
(spirited music)
You look good, kid.
(spirited music)
(spirited music)
(spirited music continues)
- Anyone who knew my sister knows that
she was a woman of compassion,
patience, character.
To me, she was my little sister.
She always knew what to say
just to make the the dark
days a little brighter.
Had the biggest heart of anyone I knew.
She always forgave me of my mistakes
and lifted me up when I was feeling down.
(tense music)
(door knocking)
Even though nobody would probably
be good enough for my sister.
- [Policeman] Charlie!
- [Carl] I'd say that, John,
he did take good care of us.
(tense music)
(door knocking)
- [Police] Charlie!
- They had two beautiful kids
together, Sam and Charlie.
(tense music)
(door knocking)
(people chattering)
- Sorry this isn't the
most romantic first date.
- Val, we're at a
funeral, funerals, plural.
This is not a date.
- Like I said, not very romantic.
- I think it's kind of crazy
that Clarissa got married to Sam's uncle.
- Right, it's super crazy and
no one is talking about it.
- Nope.
- Oh, here we go.
(feet tapping)
(people chattering)
- Awful, isn't it?
- Yep
- Wait a sec, are you two packed together?
- No, no, no.
Oh.
(people chattering)
(light music)
(fingers snapping)
Well, my mom's calling me.
Catch you later.
I heard what went down with
your dean's daughter, legend.
- Great.
(light music)
- Uh.
- Okay.
- All right. See you guys.
- Bye.
- See ya.
(feet tapping)
(people chattering)
(people chattering)
(light music)
(feet tapping)
(hand patting)
(people chattering)
(feet tapping)
- Are you hungry, Charlie?
We could get some burgers.
- I'm not hungry. Thank you, Joel.
- Let's get you home, buddy.
- Have I ever told you guys
I think I have two stomachs?
- What?
- Yep.
I have one stomach,
a normal one that's just for regular food,
like vegetables, fruits
and all that stuff.
And that one is pretty full right now.
But then I have a second stomach
that is just for ice cream
and that one is a little
peckish right now.
What about you, Charlie?
How's your second stomach?
Is it hungry?
- A bit. I don't know.
Am I allowed to ice cream though?
- Why not?
- I mean, I'm wearing nice clothes
and I'm all supposed to be sad.
- Charlie, no, me and every
girl across the planet
will tell you that you can
be sad and eat ice cream
at the same time.
- Well, my second stomach is famished
and I know just the place to fill her up.
(doors thudding)
(doors clicking)
(waves rumbling)
(water spraying)
(seagulls chirping)
- Oh no!
(water crashing)
(seagulls chirping)
- Oh, it's okay. Here,
it'll come right out.
(water crashing)
(seagulls chirping)
- This is why mom never let
me eat in fancy clothes.
- Charlie, don't worry, all right?
We'll wash the shirt and
the pants when we get home.
- But I ruined it.
- No, no, no.
(water crashing)
(seagulls chirping)
- See? No big deal.
Life is messy.
You just gotta roll with the punches.
(cone crunching)
- You're doing your own
laundry from now on.
(Natalie chuckles)
(water crashing)
(cones crunching)
- Easy.
- Yeah.
- Easy.
- How's.
- You're just spreading the stain around.
Put some water on it.
- What does it look like I'm doing?
- It's okay, kinda boring, I guess,
but at least my friend's trying
to seem a little bit normal now.
- That's nice.
- I hope my class isn't boring you.
- No, definitely not.
- Dad, of course your class is boring.
Unless you're a gym teacher
telling your students
to launch ba*ls as hard
as they can at each other,
kids will be bored.
- I like your class.
- I like it too, Mr. Stevens.
Well, I did. (chuckles)
- Thank you.
- All right. I guess I'm the bad guy here.
- Val never really liked school.
When he was young,
he'd pretended to lose his backpack
on the way to the car so
he wouldn't have to go.
- I threw it in the bushes,
but dad always found it.
Only thing I ever liked was gym, art,
and writing in English class.
- Speaking of, were you able to sign up
for any incident courses for next term?
- Not sure yet. They haven't
opened the registration portal.
- Really, 'cause I
signed up for my classes
for next semester like weeks ago.
- Well, it's a different school.
It must be a different system.
(device clicking)
- I would have to go
to a new school, right?
- You would, Dough Court Middle School.
I've heard great things.
- But I only have a year left here.
Couldn't I just stay for
the rest of the year?
- That's something your
uncle and I can discuss,
but it would be a very long commute.
Nothing is decided yet.
I just need to make sure that living
with your uncle is
something you'd be okay with
so that I can consider an
option to be your guardian.
You will be okay, Charlie.
It's my job to guarantee it.
(chair rattling)
Is there anything else
you'd like to talk about?
The funeral or anything?
I heard you were very strong, Charlie.
I'm really proud of you.
- Yvonne, I do have one question.
- Yes, Charlie.
(feet tapping)
(wood creaking)
- Everything go all right?
- He's much better than
when I last saw him.
He's a good kid.
- Very.
- Yvonne, there's something important.
Something very important
we need to tell you.
- Yes, Val?
- There are rumors that
his uncle Carl is a*usive.
He might be an alcoholic too.
He basically chugged a
beer when he was here.
- I'd say just drank quickly.
- I saw him drink from
a flask at the funeral.
- Rumors that he's a*usive?
- Yes.
- Where have you heard that?
- Well, you know, just
from kids my age in town.
- Okay, I'll look into it, thank you.
- Of course.
(Yvonne pants)
- Charlie actually asked me
whether he would be allowed
to stay here to live with you guys.
- Wow.
- Absolutely.
Yes. Yes, absolutely.
- That's a big, big, I'm not-
- It's a big question.
You go ahead and think on it.
Then call me soon.
(feet tapping)
- Are you kidding me?
- Val?
- Of course Charlie should stay here.
- I just don't know if
that's the best idea now.
- It's an absolutely perfect idea.
And it's way better
than him going to Carl.
I don't know, Val.
We could turn mom's office into
his bedroom, like you said.
- Easier said than done.
All of her things are there.
- That was your idea.
- Look, you have no clue
how much responsibility it
is to take care of a kid.
- I'm not stupid.
- I didn't have the easiest
time raising you all alone.
- Yes, you made that abundantly clear.
- And that was a decade and a half ago.
I don't know if I can
do it again at my age.
- I'll help.
- You're going back to
school next semester.
I'll drop out.
- No, absolutely not!
Look, education is everything.
I'm not having you throw your life away.
Not after everything
we sacrificed for you.
(lively music)
- When will I ever need to know how
to calculate the area of a circle?
- Beats me. I suck at math.
Keep going. You're doing great.
- You know, this isn't what
I imagined when you said
that you'd help me with my homework.
- I'm helping. I'm Providing
moral encouragement.
- Thanks, I also wrote
an essay for Mr. Stevens
or Joel's class.
- What about?
- Just like about family
and what it means to me.
- God, he is such a corny teacher.
Ugh, this game sucks.
You can't double jump.
(Val grunts)
- Wait, weren't you supposed
to be working on your novel?
- I am working on my novel.
I'm thinking about it.
It's part of the process.
Lemme ask you a question.
If you don't have a phone,
how would you reach out
to your parents if there was an emergency?
- I don't know.
My mom said I could always
ask someone to use their phone
- Like a stranger?
Whatever creepy random dude happens
to be hanging around you?
- I guess, yeah.
- Yeah. Don't do that.
- What am I supposed to do then?
- Use this.
(plastic slaps)
- What is it?
- Okay, I know you're young,
but don't tell me you don't
know what a flip phone is.
You'll make me feel like
a dinosaur. Open it.
- I mean, is it mine?
Yes, (chuckles) it sure is.
Phone plan and everything.
Now you can text or call
me and Joel anytime.
- Thank you.
- Don't thank me yet.
Wait until you see how much
of a pain in the a*s it
is to text on this thing.
Come. I'll show you.
(chair creaks)
So let's say you wanna text me.
Smart choice. I'm a hilarious
texter and conversationalist.
So you see how each number
has letters under it?
- Mm-hmm.
- You have to press the number until
it becomes a letter you want.
So for V, you press 8 three times.
for A, you press 2 once and
for L you press 5 three times.
It's a little slow,
but it just takes some getting used to.
Do you get it? I can go
over it again if you want.
- Can I ask you something?
- Yeah, of course. Anything.
- Do you ever think it was
your fault with your mom?
- Oh, I did
for a long time.
I worried that I k*lled her
by just being an annoying
kid or something.
But she wouldn't have
wanted me to think that.
So instead I decided
I'm going to do something
great with my life.
Make something great
that will last forever
so that her legacy can live on.
Whether or not my dad blames
me is a whole other question.
Why do you ask?
- [Policeman] Charlie!
- Come on, you can talk to me.
- 'Cause it's my fault.
I was supposed to go to
the movies with them,
but my stomach was hurting, so I didn't.
If I had just gone,
they woulda left the
house earlier and, well,
the driver wouldn't have hit them.
- That's not true.
- I tried calling them for hours.
I was so alone
and the police came and they told me.
They told me...
I should've been there.
- No, look, you couldn't
have done anything.
It's not your fault.
It's a f*cked up world
and terrible things happen to good people.
And it's not your fault, Charlie.
We just have to keep living.
We have to live a good
life for their sake.
(people chattering)
- So this is unlike you.
- What? You love it here.
You came here a ton.
- Yeah. With my parents
when they are paying.
- You deserve the finer things in life,
especially for a first date,
since apparently the funeral didn't count.
- No, you know, I'm surprised actually
that you had the time to spare.
- What do you mean?
- Well, you've been so busy, you know,
with the dean's daughter.
I didn't know if I was stealing you away
from her or something.
- That was nothing.
I tutored her in calculus.
- Hmm, so that makes you a legend.
- A legend?
- Yeah.
That's Ian called you.
- Well, she got a really good grade
even though she's dumb as
a doorknob, legendary sh*t.
- Mm-hmm.
- Food's here.
- Mm. Thank you.
- Bon appetite.
- Let's do it.
(metal clanging)
(people chattering)
- Oh my God, this is
incredible. (chuckles)
- Yeah, real good.
- This is the best pasta
in town. Hands down.
- Well, that's not saying much.
- Do you not like the food?
- No, it's good. It's good pasta.
There's just, you know,
better Italian food out there.
- Name a better Italian
spot than here. Go ahead.
- Oh, I haven't been,
but I'm gonna go ahead
and say that Italy is a
better spot for Italian food.
- No, that's not fair.
You're not allowed to say a whole country.
I meant somewhere that
we can actually go to.
- We can go to Italy.
I'll take you.
- Hmm-mm.
- What's stopping us?
We can book a flight and be there tomorrow
if you wanted to.
- I'm not gonna Italy. No.
Not anytime soon.
- Why not?
Because.
Because I don't wanna throw
away that kind of money.
I wanna save up.
- Save up until what?
Until you're so old, you
couldn't enjoy it anymore.
And you're out there in
Venice falling asleep
on the gondola.
- No, I'm saving up to buy a house.
That's why I still live with my parents
and I go to community college.
It's because I'm saving up
- To buy a house in this market?
Properties are going up
20% in value every year
while wages basically stay the same.
I don't want my life
goal to be to make money.
- Well, my parents were able
to buy a house in Caladan,
so I know I can too.
- We live in a whole different world
than when our parents grew up.
And it's not like
they're raising teacher's
salary anytime soon.
More and more people just end
up renting their whole lives.
Especially in big cities.
- That's a good thing that I do not want
to live in any big city.
I wanna live right here.
- Here for the rest of your life?
- Yeah.
- I admire your forethought.
Obviously I'm gonna stay
here for the next few years
to be near Charlie, but after that,
I have no clue where I wanna be.
- So you'd stick around for Charlie?
(people chattering)
- Why do you wanna stay here?
- 'Cause I wanna be near my family.
- You mean your parents,
the ones you're constantly
complaining about?
- Yes, my parents who
drive me absolutely nuts,
but they are my family and
I am not gonna leave them.
(people chattering)
- But we don't have to figure out the rest
of our lives now, do we?
Let's just enjoy this moment.
We are having the best
pasta in town after all.
(people chattering)
(door clicks)
(Val sighs)
(door clicks)
Anyone trying to get their
kicked in "Road Warriors"?
Buddy?
(Val sighs)
Don't tell me you're doing homework.
(door clicks)
(tense music)
Charlie?
(tense music)
(door clicks)
Dad, come on.
Where is everyone?
(door clicks)
(tense music)
(wood creaking)
Kid, where are you?
(tense music)
Charlie?
(tense music)
What's going on?
- Sit down.
No, tell me what's going on.
- Charlie's uncle came to pick him up.
He's gonna live with them. I'm sorry, Val.
I asked him if he could
stay until you came back
to say goodbye, but they were in a rush.
I'm calling Yvonne. She's
the one who okayed it.
- How is that possible?
I told her Carl was an a*usive alcoholic.
- She talked to Clarissa
and found no evidence
that that was the case.
- She's just covering
for him. That's bullshit.
I'm calling Yvonne.
- She's just gonna tell you
the same thing she told me.
- Fine, fine. I'm calling Charlie.
- That's not a good idea.
- I need to make sure he's okay.
(tense music)
(phone ringing)
It's ringing. Pick up.
(phone beeping)
- [Operator] The caller you
have dialed is unavailable.
Please try your call again...
(phone thuds)
- What have you done?
- It's out of our control, Val.
- You selfish as*h*le.
- Hey.
- We could've helped him.
I could've helped him.
You didn't think I could.
- Just calm down.
- No, no, don't tell me to calm down.
Would it have k*lled you
to believe in me for once?
We could've helped him.
- Look, I'm upset too.
- No, no, no. You don't care at all.
You're just happy you have one
less kid to ruin your life.
- That's not true.
You can blame me all you
want for k*lling mom,
but you shouldn't have taken out on him.
He still had a chance, Dad.
- You're the best thing
that ever happened to me.
I have loved you from the first
moment I held you in my arms
and I'll keep loving you until
I let out my last breath.
What happened to your mother
was awful and unexplainable.
It had absolutely nothing
to do with you, Val.
And I thank God I had
you because if I didn't,
I don't think I could've kept going.
I'm so sorry I let you think that.
(tense music)
(Joel sobs)
- We could've helped him, Dad.
- I know that.
Val, I called Yvonne this morning.
I told her we could do it,
that he should live with us.
And she said she'd keep
it in consideration.
You know when they can,
they wanna keep the kid in the family.
- I'm sorry, Dad.
- Oh, it's all right.
It's all right, it's all right.
It's all gonna be all right.
(feet tapping)
(ominous music)
(somber music)
(somber music)
(somber music continues)
(somber music continues)
(somber music continues)
(somber music continues)
(drawer ticking)
(drawer clicks)
(switch clicking)
(Val scoffs)
(somber music)
(chair creaking)
(phone vibrating)
(tires rumbling)
- Hey, you wanted to talk?
- What are you doing here? (chuckles)
- Giving you a ride home.
- I told you that I didn't need one.
- It's okay. I don't mind.
- Val, I drove here.
- What?
- This is my car. My
dad gave me his old one.
- Oh, I didn't know.
- You know, I'm actually
not a damsel in distress.
I don't need you to be
giving me rides everywhere.
- (chuckles) I'm sorry.
I was just trying to do
something nice for my girlfriend.
- Val, come on. I'm not your girlfriend.
- Not yet, but I'm working on it.
- It's just we're in
different places right now.
We don't want the same things.
- We can make it work.
- I don't think that we can.
(car engine whining)
(door thuds)
(car engine rumbling)
(window knocking)
(window scratching)
(seatbelt scratching)
- I love you, Natalie.
And I know you love me too.
That's all we need.
We can figure the rest out later.
- I'm sorry, I can't, I can't.
(light music)
I'm sorry about Charlie too,
about moving in with his uncle.
I know that you really cared about him.
I'm really proud of you, Val.
I'm always still here for
you if you need me. Okay?
(car engine roaring)
(light music)
(Joel sighs)
(glasses rattling)
- You didn't have to lie to me.
- I'm sorry. I just
couldn't get myself to care.
I wasn't even allowed to sign up
for a creative writing
class until my third year.
What kind of stupid rule is that?
Not that I even made it
close to making it that far.
- You're gonna be fine.
I do believe in you.
- Even without a degree to fall back on?
- I just want you to be happy.
Don't let this stop you.
You can still write that novel.
- Dad, how can I write a
novel when I have no clue how
to write a novel?
I could've learned how in school,
but I just threw that away.
It's all just such a waste.
- Do you remember the quote
I had up in my classroom?
- Which one?
- You only fail when you stop trying.
There are different ways to learn.
(spirited music)
- Dear, dear, Caladan.
(spirited music)
Dear, Caladan.
(plastic crackling)
(inspirational music)
Dear Caladan Community...
Dear Caladan...
(keyboard typing)
(inspirational music)
(mumbling) Office.
(keyboard typing)
(inspirational music)
(inspirational music)
(inspirational music)
(laptop taps)
(spirited music)
(door knocking)
(plastic crackling)
(door knocking)
(feet tapping)
(door knocking)
(door knocking continues)
- Is your father home?
- No, I don't think so.
- Then you'll have to do.
- What is this?
- It's Charlie's essay
for his English class.
- I don't understand.
- Just shut up and listen.
I'm taking Charlie shopping at 05:00,
so Carl will be alone till 07:00
and that's when you should come.
Oh, here's your address.
Just bring the essay.
- I'm sorry, I don't understand you.
You want me to give this to Carl?
- Yes.
- Why don't you just
give it to him yourself?
- (sighs) I love Carl.
He's the only family I got,
but he is insanely stubborn.
This can't come from me. Got it?
- No, I don't-
- Just, just read the essay, you'll see.
- Okay.
(sliding door scratching)
(birds chirping)
(sliding door scratching)
(sliding door clicks)
(uplifting music)
(paper crackling)
(uplifting music)
(car engine roaring)
- What's goin' on?
- I've been calling you for hours!
What took you so long?
- My phone's dead.
- Start driving, we can still make it
to Dough Court on time.
- What?
- Let's go, I'll explain on the way.
- I've got groceries in the back.
Let the ice cream melt.
- We've got bigger fish to fry. Drive!
(uplifting music)
(gear clicks)
(car engine roaring)
(car doors clicking)
(car doors thudding)
- I know you've got a lot to say.
Just take your time and be polite.
- I'm always polite.
- Carl, open up!
We gotta talk to you.
Please, thank you.
- Can I help you?
- Nice to see you, Carl.
- Hi, Carl.
- Charlie's not home.
He's out with Clarissa.
- That's all right. We'd
actually like to talk with you.
- About what?
- We'd just like to ask
you a simple question
if that's all right.
- (sighs) Sure.
- Carl, why do you think
Charlie should stay here?
- And no offense intended
- Because I'm his uncle. That's why.
I'm his only living blood. That's why.
- Charlie has an essay
due for his English class.
- He's changing schools. Who cares?
- You should read it.
(paper crackling)
"What Family Means to
Me" by Charlie Folkman.
Kind of a corny teacher who signed this.
- Just read the introduction
paragraph, please.
(Carl sighs)
- If I'd gotten this
assignment a month ago,
I'd have given a different answer.
I'd have said family
means making you feel safe
like nothing bad could ever happen,
but bad things do happen.
People drink so much alcohol,
they can't walk straight like
my Uncle Carl at Thanksgiving.
And they get in their cars
and crash into other cars
with families inside.
- Finish the paragraph, please, Carl.
(paper crackling)
- I have a new family now,
and I know it's not in their power
to stop bad things from happening,
so now family means being there
for each other when the
bad things do happen.
With Val and Joel,
I know I can roll with the punches.
(paper crackling)
- It goes on like that for three pages.
(spirited music)
- I can't even remember it.
- [Val] What?
- Whatever Thanksgiving
he's talking about.
I have no idea what happened.
I must've blacked out.
You must think I'm some kind
of a monster, don't you?
- No, I never said that.
- Well, I know the lies
you told to Yvonne,
that I'm an ab*ser?
- I was misinformed. I'm sorry.
- I love my wife. I would
never hurt her or Charlie.
I would never do to anyone
what my father did to me
and my sister.
- But, Carl, what if you do?
(spirited music)
- I never wanted any kids.
I would just mess them up too.
- Carl, we love Charlie.
I love Charlie in a way I
didn't think was still possible.
He's not blood, but he has a
home with us now and always.
We just want what's best for him.
- I wanna be a part of his life.
I'm gonna get help.
- That's a great idea.
- I knew that he shouldn't
live with me, but my sister,
she would've wanted him to be with family.
- He will be.
(birds chirping)
(feet tapping)
- Hey.
- Hey. Thanks for talking with me.
- Of course. It sounded
important on the phone.
- I do have some exciting news.
A bunch of exciting news actually.
- Great.
- But first I wanted to
tell you a couple things.
- Okay. (chuckles)
- You were my best friend in high school.
Maybe my only real friend.
Then by some miracle,
you became my girlfriend.
And as soon as I felt like hot sh*t
with my fancy new school, I ended it.
A year later when it turns
out I'm not such hot sh*t,
I come back and just presume
that you'd wanna start things over.
I totally understand
that you wouldn't want me
as a boyfriend,
but I would be so,
so lucky to have you as a friend again.
(inspirational music)
(inspirational music continues)
(hand pats)
(inspirational music)
(door clicks)
(crickets croaking)
(wheels scratching)
(inspirational music)
- I gotta go away for a little bit,
but when I come back,
your Aunt Clarissa and I,
we're gonna come visit you all the time.
- Yes, we will, my little cutie.
(inspirational music)
- Hey, buddy.
(Charlie chuckles)
(Val chuckles)
(inspirational music)
- And I'll still come
and check up on you guys
on my own time if I have to.
- We look forward to
having you for dinner.
- [Val] I hope you like hot sauce.
- We have something we need to show you.
- Okay. Two more.
There you are. Keep going.
- You're not gonna make
me run into a wall, right?
- Don't tempt me.
All right, feast your eyes on this
- A basketball net?
(Val chuckles)
- Go in.
(door clicks)
(inspirational music)
(Charlie scoffs)
- Welcome to your new room.
- I figured mine wasn't
big enough to fit the minds
of two brilliant writers.
- Thank you. I love it.
- And to make it official,
you're finally tall enough to dunk.
(inspirational music)
(inspirational music)
(Charlie sighs)
(inspirational music)
(inspirational music)
- I'd like to keep this here.
It just feels right.
- I must not have cleared
all the dust out in here.
Something's in my eyes.
- Let's get you some fresh air, old man.
And, Charlie, you're right.
Why settle for the fake thing?
(ball taps)
(Val chuckles)
Race you down!
(feet rumbling)
(Val grunting)
- [Charlie] That's not fair.
(uplifting music)
(feet crunching)
Catch my breath and count to 10
Seems I'm finally home again
(ball bouncing)
- Not today!
- I should've called a foul.
- Yeah, right.
- Hi, guys. What is-
- I should've had a foul.
- Party!
(basket rattling)
- Woo!
- Oh my god.
She's on my team.
She's on my team. We're starting again-
I'm on your team. Let's go. Let's go.
- Starting again. What a ball, go.
- [Natalie] Hi, Charlie. I'm
going this way, just jump.
(Natalie laughing)
- Let's go down hill.
- Okay.
(music drowning speakers)
Hope felt like now empty
And darkness had its hopes in me
But it's
- Charlie dribbled towards
me, fainted to the left,
then cut hard to the right.
I graciously let him go around me,
sitting on the ground by my own volition.
From there, I clearly
saw it happen, he jumped.
Then in midair,
he somehow jumped again a little higher,
as if he was propelling
himself off of his visions
of a future life, a life worth living.
When we're surrounded by the ones we love
and that always manage
to love and support us,
we can all somehow jump a little higher.
- Very well done, Val.
It's touching, truly.
Anyone have any comments
or feedback for Val?
- Yes, Jasper?
- Yeah, just building off of
that, building off of that,
I think like the writing
is really touching,
but not so much the story itself.
More the words he uses
or more specifically the
order he uses those words in
or he could've used a
little more synonym, maybe.
Maybe rearranged some words
in a different order like...
Settles in my mind and heart
(basket rattles)
(group cheering)
I am ready to start
(Natalie laughing)
Again
(uplifting music)
(uplifting music continues)
(uplifting music continues)
(spirited music)
(uplifting music)
(lively music)
(lively music)
(lively music)
(uplifting music)
(calm music)
(inspirational music)
(inspirational music continues)
(inspirational music continues)
(inspirational music continues)
(spirited music)
(spirited music continues)
(spirited music continues)
(spirited music continues)
(spirited music continues)
(spirited music continues)
(spirited music continues)
(spirited music continues)
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Older Every Day (2024)
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