Love's Everlasting Courage (2011) - full transcript

[metal clinking]

Bye.

[clunking]

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

Whoa, whoa, whoa,
whoa, whoa, whoa.

[rattle]

[frightened neighing]

What?

[grunts]

Yeah!

[grunts]



Whoa, boys.

Whoa! Whoa!

Whoa!
[neighing]

[panting]

Whoa.

Clark?

What on earth happened to you?

I'm afraid my day
wasn't much productive.

You all right?

- Snake spooked the horses.
I lost most of the water.

I'm sorry, clark.

- Pa!
You're home!

- Mm, it's okay.
I'm fine now, though.

Gonna unhitch the wagon
and get washed up for dinner.



Good, 'cause supper's
almost ready.

[horse neighing]

Who is that, mom?

Missy ann, go on inside.

Why?

Missy, go on inside.

- Mr. davis.
Mrs. davis.

Mr. harris,
what brings you out here?

I figured I'd come out here
after the bank closed

and discuss
a few things with you.

Now as you both know,
you've fallen behind

on paying back the loan
that you took out with the bank.

Yes, sir, we're aware
we're a few payments behind.

But I can assure you
that when the weather shifts,

we're gonna make
those payments and then some.

You've missed
more than a few payments.

We don't intend
to be a burden on you.

We'd much prefer to make
those payments on time.

I trust that is the truth.

But I can't be leaving it
for any longer.

Now make the payments,

or the bank will be forced
to seize your land.

Mr. harris, please
understand that you're...

there's nothing to understand.

You signed a loan,
which clearly states

that you would make
the agreed upon payments

every month.

- Good night, pumpkin.
- Good night, ma.

Love you.

Things will turn around.

This farm has been
in my family for a long time.

We need it to rain, ellen.

Rain soon.

I want you to know
how much I appreciate

all the hard work you do
for missy and me.

I'm not real sure
what we're gonna do next.

I could take the job
that mr. Conner offered me

as a seamstress in town.

Absolutely not.

I don't want
you working in town.

We've discussed this.

It's the man's place to provide.

Clark...

you can't control the weather.

You know,
when I took that loan...

I just assumed
it was gonna rain,

and things
were gonna turn around.

This drought won't last forever.

Things will get better.

I have faith in that.

Well, I hope that faith holds up

when my folks get here.

I know my ma can be
a bit of a handful sometimes.

[giggles]

[rooster crows]

You are gonna be just fine.

- [distant]
playin' poker, tomorrow night!

Hey, jeb...

good morning,
mr. Conner.

Ellen, good morning.

Let me help you with that.

- Here, boy.
- Thank you.

How are you?

- I'm well.
And you?

I am excellent.

So are you...

ready to begin a wonderful
day of work, I trust?

I'm absolutely ready.

That's good,
because I already have

some projects
for you to work on.

Well, I'm looking forward to it.

That's good.

Please, after you.

You can work here.

Wow.

Wow, what
a beautiful work of art.

I wanna thank you again,
mr. Conner.

Would you please call me bruce?

Well, then,
thank you once again, bruce.

[indistinct chatter]

Whoa.

Ready?

[grunts]

Ben, how are you?

- Clint, ronnie.
- We're good, thanks.

What brings you to town?

Well, ellen's
working at conner's,

and my folks are in town.

Been a while
since I've seen them.

Sarah.

You know ellen davis, don't you?

Of course.

Bruce, this is a small town.

Don't you think everyone knows
everybody who lives here?

- [chuckles]
- okay,

since you two
are already acquainted,

then, ellen, you must know
how quiet and shy sarah is.

Quiet and shy.

[giggles]

Bruce told me someone else
was coming to work here.

He didn't say that it was you.

Well, clark and I
could use the extra money.

And frankly,
I don't mind the work.

I love sewing.

Always have.
Ever since I was a young girl.

That's a good thing.

Since you will
be doing plenty of it.

I thought you mostly
did midwife work.

Well, there hasn't been

much of a call
for a midwife lately.

I pick up work here
when things are slow.

Mr. conner.

Clark.

- What a pleasure to see you.
- You, as well.

I just came by to
see ellen for one moment,

- if that's okay.
- Yeah, of course, of course.

- Clark.
Where's missy?

She's with ben and the boys
down at the general store.

Your folks
are gonna be here soon.

Oh, I came by to see if
the room was ready.

Aw, isn't that wonderful?

A son making sure that
his folks are taken care of.

- Sarah.
- Hello, clark.

- It's good to see you.
- You as well.

Come on, let's go see your mama.

How's the first day going?

I made a pattern
for a new dress,

and I already started sewing it.

Well, that is impressive.

Mama!

Hello, pumpkin.

[giggles]

- Did you miss me?
- Of course I did.

- [giggles]
- missy,

let's let these ladies
get back to work.

I'll be home as soon as I can.

- Bye, sweetheart.
- Bye, mama.

- Ladies.
- Ben.

Good-bye, mr. Graham.

Pa, they're here!

Come on, missy.

Whoo, babe, whoo.

Clark, my dear sweet boy!

Oh, uh!

- Oh, it's good to see you.
- [laughing]

- how are you?
- Grandma!

- Whoo!
Look at you.

Oh, my goodness, how
you've grown like a rose!

Yes, well, I'm all grown up now.

Oh, well, you can see
that, my darling.

Well, don't I get a hug?

- Grandpa!
- [laughing]

oh, look at you.
[chuckles]

Son, it's been far too long
since we've seen you.

- It's good to see you, pa.
Let me grab your bags.

Help you get settled.

Where's ellen?

She's at work.

- Work?
- At home?

At the tailor's.

We've been waiting for you.

I can see that.

Hello, sweetheart.

Mm.

Come here.

Your folks get in all right?

- [sigh]
they're actually already here.

I'm late?

Andi'm the wife
who didn't make supper?

[chuckles]

Your ma is gonna have
something to say about that.

- Oh, she'll be fine.
Don't worry about her.

You all washed up?

- Yes, ma'am.
Pa made me.

- Then what are we waiting on?
Let's go eat.

So how was your first day?

Oh, I enjoy working with sarah.

- Yeah.
- You know, she's a widow.

Yeah.

You know ben's a widower.

Mm-hmm.

- Yeah, he has two kids, too.
- Mm-hmm.

Ellen, don't get any ideas.

Well, hello, lloyd.

- Ellen, oh!
So good to see you.

It is so good to see you.

Look at you.

How was your trip in?

- Oh, not bad.
Not bad at all.

I do have to admit, though,

the old back does
need a good night's rest.

[chuckles]

Irene. It is
so wonderful to see you.

- Ellen.
- I'm sorry I'm late.

I understand you're working.

- I am.
Today was my first day.

You know, in my time,
a woman really wouldn't...

- Mwah!
- Oh, my!

[giggles]
stop!

What do you say we eat?

Ah! Just go sit
down. [Laughing]

Are you sure you're gonna
be okay staying in town?

Oh, my, yes.

We don't want to impose.

[gasps]

I almost forgot!
I brought you something.

I'll be here in the morning.

No, pa, you
don't have to do that.

It's...
now, look, look...

I've been around
long enough to know

that if the wife
has to take a job,

things aren't going
as well as they could be.

- 8:00?
- I'll be here.

There.

- She's beautiful, grandma!
I love her!

- Thank you!
- Oh, good, I'm so glad.

- Look, ma!
- She's lovely.

- Thank you.
I made her.

Special for you.

I will keep her with me always.

Thank you so much, grandma.

Oh.

Pa, look what grandma
made for me.

- I see that.
What's her name gonna be?

I don't know, I just got her.

[laughing]

Come on, we better get going,

it's a long way into town.

[whispers] time to get up.

Mm.

- Mm.
- Mm.

Just give me
a little bit more time.

I'm so tired.

You know I'd let you sleep
as long as you'd like,

but as soon as I do,
that rooster you hate so much...

[rooster crows]

Gonna start crowing.

One of these days,
you're gonna come back

from working in the field

and you're gonna find
that rooster as your supper.

[both laugh]

Just give me a little bit
more time to sleep,

- I'm so tired.
- Okay.

Missy and I will grab some milk

and then we'll wake you
when we come back.

I do love you so.

I love you too.

- Go back to sleep.
- Mm.

So why didn't you tell us

you were having
trouble with the land?

A man's gotta stand on his own.

I didn't wanna
come beggin' for help.

Yeah, a man does have to go off

and find his way,
make his own life.

But he shouldn't forget
where he come from.

I didn't want you to think

I couldn't take care
of my own family.

Son, I would never.

So how long has
this well been dry, anyway?

- It's been a spell.
- Yeah?

Had enough enough for
the garden and the animals

from the creek, but...

it's been barely enough
to sustain us.

Well, did you try digging
a little deeper into the well?

Yes, sir, but...

I hit rock.

Yeah, well, I noticed
you dug another one

out in the field
in front of the house.

Yes, sir, the same problem.

Well, I think
I may know of a way

to get you some water
without having

to dig wells all over creation.

Your old man
knows a thing or two

about dealing with a drought.

- What do you think?
Hmm?

Oh, it's beautiful.

You are truly an artist.

Why, thank you.

[giggles]

Can I ask you something, sarah?

Certainly.

Your husband, he passed on
a couple years back.

- Yes.
- He's still in your heart?

He... will always
be in my heart.

What I meant was...

do you ever see yourself
with somebody else?

Remarrying, I mean.

At first, I didn't.

You know,
the pain was so strong.

I couldn't imagine a time
when I could be open

to someone else.

But time has a way of
changing things

without you knowing.

It took some time,

but I think the lord has allowed

my aching heart to heal.

Ben graham lost his wife.

He's a good man, father.

And he is a rather
handsome man, I must say.

[both giggle]

So you said your well is, what?

About 25 feet?

Well, I was able
to dig five more,

but then I ended up
hitting rock.

All right, so that's about 30.

I figure...

this land being
more elevated like it is,

we'll have to go down
about 40, 45 feet

in order to even have
a hope of hitting water.

That deep, huh?

Well, let's get to it.

- Yes, sir.
- Ready?

So how's that
neighbor of yours, ben?

He having
a tough time of it too?

Well, the drought
hit him pretty hard, but...

- yeah?
- Somehow he was

able to hit water, though.

Well, we will too.

I hope so.

Lord, this ground is hard.

- Bye, sarah.
- Evening, ellen.

- See you in the morning.
- Night.

Mr. harris.

I have good news for you.

- Really?
- Yes.

Be making a payment on friday.

I heard about your job
over here at mr. Conner's.

You... [coughing]

Mrs. Davis?

I'm fine, it's just
this dry weather.

Ah.

Well, evening.

Evening.

[coughing]

- Good night, pumpkin.
- Good night, ma.

What time in the morning
do you want me out here?

I think ben's gonna
be over around 7:30.

- All right.
- See if ben and the boys

wanna come to supper
on saturday.

I will.

I could help you with that,
if you'd like.

That would be wonderful, irene.

I could help
with the eating of it.

Oh, now there's
something you're good at.

If you'll all excuse me,
I'm feeling a bit tired.

I'm gonna turn in.

If you're so tired,
maybe you shouldn't

be working at that tailor shop.

- No, I'll be fine.
Really.

It's just gonna take
some getting used to, is all.

- You look pale.
- Really, I'm fine.

I just need some rest.

We should be going.

Getting late, we got
a long ways back to town.

- Good night, sweetheart.
- Good night.

- Night, dear.
- Good night, irene.

- Son.
- Ma.

It's mighty nice of ellen

inviting us over
for dinner saturday.

Haven't had a good
home-cooked meal in a while.

Simple ones I cook.
Not sure how good those are.

[chuckles] so I've heard.

Man, I appreciate
you coming out here.

It's in my own best interest.

Think I might try this out
in my far field

before I start
digging another well.

How's ellen doing working?

She seems a little tired.

Then you make her stay home
till she feels better.

Oh, she won't do that.

I learned a long time ago
I can't tell ellen what to do.

Well, as long
as she isn't too tired

to cook dinner on saturday.

[laughing]

- That is mighty kind of you.
- Well, I'm just saying,

I'm looking forward
to that dinner.

Will you two stop clucking
away like a couple of hens?

We got work to do here.

I invited someone else.

Who?

Sarah and her younguns.

Thought it'd be nice for them

to play with
missy and ben's boys.

I'm sure you did.

I thought we
talked about that, ellen.

We did.

I just didn't agree to anything.

I guess you didn't.

Sure looks good, ellen.

- Aw, thank you.
[horses neighing]

looks like
your other guests are here.

Run!

This way!

Hup, hup, hup.

Sarah.

I'm so glad you could make it.

Thanks so much for inviting us.

Of course, it's my pleasure.

Here, we brought you
a little something.

Thank you.

Oh, these are clark's folks.

Irene, lloyd, this is sarah.

- Nice to meet you.
- It's a pleasure.

[children laughing]

- Kids, come on!
Supper's on!

Did I ever tell you the story

of the hunting trip
I did with my pa

up in the mountains
back in the early days?

No.

- These two hound dogs...
- thank you, darling.

You're welcome.

[laughing]

Your laura's a lovely girl.

She is.

She reminds me
a lot of her father.

- Really?
How so?

She has his eyes.

I can still see him
when she looks at me.

They make a handsome couple,
don't they?

Yes, I suppose they do.

Aren't you glad I meddled?

I'm not gonna answer that.

[giggles]

You still miss him?

Well, there was a time
when all I did was miss him.

At some point, you just gotta

get on with
the business of living.

Yeah.

How about you?

You still think
about their mama?

- Every day.
But you're right.

Time has a way
of healing that pain.

I miss her differently now
than I did.

It's more...
it's more peaceful.

- Yeah.
- [chuckles]

and there before me

was a gigantic black bear
standing up on his hind feet.

He looked like
he was ten feet tall to me.

I was about your size, you know.

What could I do?

[breathing shakily]

You're up.

No sense in letting
a perfectly good day

go to waste.

Your folks are...
Are they here yet?

- No, no.
Uh...

not yet.
Are you feeling any better?

A little.

Tired is all.

Feels like you're running
a little bit of a fever.

Feel a tad warm.

Feels more than a tad warm.

Why don't you go rest?

And I'll make you some tea,
and then I'll head into town

and grab some fixins for supper.

Okay.

Thank you.

- Yes, sir.
Well, you have a good day now.

Afternoon, clark.

Ben, how are you?

Good, good.

- Good to see you.
- Good to see you.

Looks like you and sarah
got along

pretty well the other night.

Yes, we did.

She's a fine woman.

She certainly is.

- Uh, excuse me.
- Yeah.

Good afternoon, sarah.

Ben.

I was hoping
to get your permission

to call upon you sometime.

- Why, mr. Graham.
How very forward of you.

And it would seem that you
were calling on me right now.

- I'm sorry, ma'am.
It's just I...

- I was teasing you!
- Oh.

You can certainly
call on me sometime.

I look forward to it.

So you put the two pieces
of fabric together,

and you cut out the pattern...

of the shape of the head,
and the arms, and the legs.

And then... then I sew it.

And then I stuff it all
with cotton

to make it all full...

you feeling any better?

I'm feeling a little
tired still, but...

I think,
with a little more rest,

I'll be fine
to work in the morning.

- Work in the morning?
- Mm-hmm.

I think you're in a condition.

Clark, we need the money.

I think you can afford
to miss a day or two.

We'll see how I feel
in the morning.

Okay.

Go back to sleep.

I love you, clark.

I love you, too.

Okay.

[wheezing and coughing]

[continues coughing]

Oh... hold on.

- Good morning, irene.
- Morning.

- Have a good day.
- You too, ellen.

Whew.

[soft moan]

Oh, that's better now.

Ellen!

Ellen, sweetheart,
can you hear me?

- Ellen.
Ellen.

- Ellen?
- [panting]

all right, son,
let's get her in the house.

Come on.

Come on, up we go.
You got her?

Pa! What happened?

- Pa!
- Ma!

What happened?

- Oh, my!
What happened?

- I don't know.
- Put her down.

The doctor's away.

Sarah's a midwife, she knows
a little bit about medicine.

I'll... i'll
get some cold cloths.

- You sit with her.
- All right.

All right.
Ellen?

Ellen?

Pa!

- Is ma gonna be okay?
- Missy, I know you're scared.

She's gonna be fine, I promise.

- Hyah! Come on!
- Pa!

[screams]
pa!

She's on fire.

Sarah.

It's ellen.

I don't like how this looks.

Now, uh...

I am not a doctor.

But that looks to me
like scarlet fever.

Scarlet fever?

I thought she looked
awful peaked.

What can we do?

She needs rest.

Keep her warm.

Only time can tell.

Keep missy away from her.

She's younger, weaker.

Don't let her near ellen.

Is there anything else?

Just rest.

And prayers.

Mine will be with her.

I'll let you two be.

Come on, now.

It's gonna be okay.

Mm.

Missy, can I talk
to you for a second?

Yes, pa.

Do you wanna sit down?

[clears throat]

You see, um...

ma is very sick right now.

She may be contagious.

Do you know what that means?

That other people
can get sick too?

That's right.

I'm afraid you're not gonna
be able to go and see her

until she gets well, okay?

I won't get sick, I promise.

I know.

Um...

she just needs all the strength
she can get right now.

- I won't make her tired.
I can help take care of her.

Missy, I need you
to do this for me, okay?

Please.

You think that
I'm just a little girl

and I can't do anything.

But I can help.
She's my mom!

You gonna be fine out here?

You know you can go
stay with grandma and grandpa

in town if you want.

I'd rather be here with ma.

I know.

Soon as she gets well,
your bed'll go in there, okay?

Okay.

Love you, pumpkin.

Night.

[whispers]
go back to sleep.

I've been sleeping all day.

- I know.
But you need your rest.

Has missy gone to sleep yet?

Yeah.

- She's off to bed, just...
- Well, I...

try not and think about her.

I hope it doesn't
feel too strange to her

out there...

in the dining area.

Just get yourself better,
get a good night's sleep.

I know you've done your best.

You're gonna be just fine.

How's she taking it?

Does she seem all right?

She's doing just fine.

She's a little girl,

and she's just worried
about her mama.

She was upset when I told her
she couldn't be in here.

Is she still upset?

Of course.

She wants to help her mother

the same way
you've always helped her.

You shouldn't be
taxing yourself about this.

So get some rest, okay?

Clark?

Please don't go.

I need you.

Will you stay a while?

I will forever be by your side.

Missy.

Honey, you know you're
not supposed to be in here.

Be as quiet as a field mouse.

I won't disturb you, I promise.

I know, pumpkin.

But it's for your own good.
I can't have you getting sick.

Go on.
Your pa has his hands full

taking care of me.

We can't both be sick.

Missy, go on now.

Missy, what did I
tell you about coming in here?

But, pa!

I was just trying to help.

Clark...

don't be mad at her.

I'm not mad.

I'm worried.

You all right?

You're upset 'cause they won't
let you see her, huh?

They won't let me do anything.

They're just worried
about you getting sick, pumpkin.

Pa's in there all the time.

I know.

But that's what
your pa is here for.

And it's hard for him
to do what needs to be done

and still be worrying about you.

You know what I think
you could do for him

that would
probably help him the most?

No, what?

You can be strong.

Do what he says.

Even though it hurts
your feelings right now.

Can you do that?

I'll try.

Good girl.

Your supper's getting cold.

Gotta check on ellen.

Clark.

Sorry we woke you.

It's okay.

There's some things
I wanna tell you.

What things?

I wanna thank you.

You've given me
so much love in my life.

Clark...

you're gonna be okay.

I've lived a great life.

And it is because of you.

And I don't have any regrets.

I'm gonna be all right.

I just need to know
that you'll be all right.

I need you
to promise me something.

I need you to promise me...

that you will
keep your heart open.

You are one of the most

loving, giving men...

and I couldn't bear for
that part of you to die with me.

Don't talk about that.

Promise me, clark.

I need you to promise me.

Not just for me...

but for missy's sake.

She'll need someone to show her

that love
doesn't leave this world

with the passing of
just one person.

Please, clark.

I promise.

[crying]

For as much as it
hath pleased almighty god,

his great mercy,
take unto himself

the soul of our dear ellen,
here departed.

We therefore commit
her body to the earth.

Earth to earth, ashes to ashes,

dust to dust.

In sure and certain hope
of the resurrection

to eternal life.

Anyone who knew ellen would know

that she was one
of the most special people

you could ever have
the good fortune to know.

Strong willed, certainly.

Kind...

beyond words.

She was a friend to
a great many.

But even more so,
a blessing to her husband.

And a true light to
her daughter.

To say that we
shall miss her dearly,

doesn't even measure up.

But it is the truth.

We will all miss you, ellen.

God bless you.

[crying]

[giggles]

[whispers]
this is our home.

And it will always be.

You are a wonderful man.

And I love you, clark.

Clark?

Yeah, pa?

Uh...

I can't seem to get any sleep.

[chuckles, clears throat]

Something on your mind?

Yeah.

I wa... I wanna
make an offer to you.

Now, I know how hard
all of this must be for you.

You know, if it's
too much to bear...

you and missy
are more than welcome

to move back home with us.

I am home, pa.

Yeah, but, son,
this place might be filled

with too many memories.

That's why I can't leave.

Ellen...

she loved it here.

This was our home.

Pa...

we'll be all right.

What'd he say?

He says he's staying.

Well...

guess we'll be
staying a while, too.

We're family.

Well...

we'll get our things
tomorrow, huh?

[mutters]

There you go.

Shouldn't take us long

to collect our things
and check out.

Mr. davis,
can I have a moment?

Ma, will you take missy
inside for a moment?

Everything all right?

Just take her inside.

Stay here.

Now, I know this is
a difficult time.

But, uh, this is rather
a discreet matter.

I'm his pa.

Whatever you need to say,
you can say it in front of me.

All right.

Now, you are well aware
that you went for some time

without making
a payment on your loan.

Then mrs. Davis
took a job in town,

and you were able
to make one payment.

Now with her passing,

I need to know how
you intend to repay your debt.

My wife passed only days ago

and you're gonna
come at me with this?

I cannot let this continue

without some way
of knowing how the bank

will be repaid.

Now, quite frankly,
I don't have much faith

that you're gonna be able
to make even the next payment

now that your wife is deceased.

[distant] whoa, boys.

- [distant] come on, now.
- Come on, easy.

This doesn't change anything.

Payment is due
the first of the month.

You did the right thing.

Need a break?

Actually, that's a good idea.

I wanted to talk to you.

About yesterday.

I should've never touched him.

I let my emotions get
the best of me.

Yeah.

That's true enough.

But I'm more interested
in what that banker said.

I mean, you told us
that you had money problems.

But according to that bank man,

you could lose your land.

Now we wanna help you.
What can we do?

I appreciate the offer.

Your being here's a big help.

But I have to pay back
that money, plain and simple.

Plus, I know you and ma are
just struggling to get by too.

Yeah, that's the truth.

You know that
if we had the money,

we'd be giving it
to you straightaway.

I know.

I'm gonna figure something out.

I don't want you
worrying about me.

That's what parents do.

Can you imagine a moment

when you won't
be worrying about missy?

Hmm?

Of course not.

A parent's job may be over

when children have
gone off to make their lives,

but...

they never stop worrying.

Or caring.

It's like breathing for
me and your ma.

I know you're right.

I just don't want...

hey... come on,
enough of this chitchat.

Let's get back to work.
What do you say?

- Yes, sir.
- Come on.

Got a lot of water
to haul in, come on.

Missy, you
haven't touched your food.

Not hungry.

You should try to eat something.

May I be excused?

Yes.

That poor child.

Clark...

have you thought that

maybe this isn't the best place
for her right now?

I don't follow.

I'm worried about her.

She's a little girl.

You're gonna be out
on the farm all day long,

and there's so many things

that have to be done
around here.

- look, maybe...
maybe she could

come stay with us if need be.

At least until things
pick up around here.

Would you think about it?

Morning, pa!

Pumpkin, what're you
doing up so early?

Ah, well,
I thought I could help.

What you wanna help with?

Kathy thought we could help

around the house more
with chores.

- Is that her name?
Kathy?

- Yep.
- Okay, tell you what,

why don't you and kathy go see

if grandma has some
chores for y'all to do.

- We can?
- Sure.

- Thanks! Bye.
- Bye-bye.

- Grandma!
- Morning, pa.

- Morning, son.
Let's get to it.

Well, we got
a lot of work to do.

First thing we're gonna do
is sweep up in here.

I already know how to sweep.

- Oh, you do?
- Mm-hmm.

Well...

good.
I'm gonna relax.

[sigh]

I might even take a nap.

Yes. Mm-hmm.

- [giggles]
grandma, don't be silly.

What?

Me? Silly?

[giggles]
come here, you.

Ooh, I love you, my girl.

I love you too.

- That's a good thing.
- Why?

'Cause we have to get to work.

[giggles]

- Oh!
Forgot my broom.

[both giggle]

Had that on tight.

- I got it up here.
- You got it?

- Yeah.
- All right, there we go.

There we go.

Come on!

Couple more turns now.

- There we go, couple more.
- There.

Just about there.

[both grunting]

- There we go.
- There you are.

Whew!

[panting]

- Come on, baby.
Come on now.

Help us find it, lord.

Help us find it.

- Come on, lord.
- [grunts]

nothing!

Well, that just means we...

have to try
somewheres else, is all.

Hey, you know what, pa?

I think we've looked
just about everywhere.

Well, just about everywhere

isn't the same as everywhere.

[sigh]

Oh, giving up hope is
for the hopeless.

Pa, I know ellen would want
me to have faith right now.

I'm having a tough time.

Your grandma
used to tell me that,

when things would
seem to overwhelm me,

to slow down

and focus on the task
in front of you.

And take care of it,

and move on to the next one.

Then things
don't seem so impossible.

That's great advice.

As long as you
can control things.

My task is to get water,

and I can't!

Sometimes, son, you
can't always have control.

Sometimes you

just have to accept it,

and let it go.

Let it go, son.

You coat the chicken
in the egg, just like that.

And then you roll it in
the breadcrumbs.

'Cause that's how it
makes that nice crispy stuff

we like on the outside of it.

All right now, you try one.

- Grandma?
- Mm-hmm?

Do you think I did good
in my chores today?

Oh, you did better than good.

You did exceptional.

I believe you could
do just about anything

you set your mind to.

Do you think pa knows that?

Of course he does.

Oh, that's perfect.

I'm gonna let
you finish up here.

And I'll go get the boys,

and have them
come in for supper.

When I get back
I'll fry up that chicken

and I'm gonna tell your pa
what a good job you did today.

Gentlemen...

well, mrs. Davis.

What brings your
beautiful self out here?

[sizzling]

Well, I just came out to report

that missy did
a tremendous job today.

Really?

Well, don't look so surprised.

She's smart as a whip.

- Got gumption, too.
- [chuckles]

that she does.

We're gonna have
the best supper ever.

Pa's gonna be so proud of me.

[giggles]

It's gonna be so good...

Whoa.

[whimpers, pants]

Pa! Grandma!

Grandma! Pa! Eh!

So how about fried chicken
for dinner?

Oh...

- that sounds good to me.
[chuckles]

Don't be long now.

Nope.

Oh, dear god, missy.

Clark!

- Pa!
Grandma!

Pa! Pa!

- Missy!
- Missy!

Pa, pa!

- Ma, take her!
- [whimpers]

- [whimpers]
- ah! Over here.

Clark!

Here.

- It's okay.
It's okay, honey.

- [coughing]
- [crying]

Come on out of there, boy!

Clark!

Pa?

He'll be all right,
he'll be all right.

Clark!

Clark!
[coughs]

[crying]

[coughing]

Pa, I'm sorry.

What were you thinking?

I was just trying to help.

To help?

Burning the house and
almost getting yourself killed

is not helping.

Pa, I said I was sorry.

If something bad happens
to you, sorry doesn't fix it.

I'll talk to her.

Clark... please.

Don't be hard on her.

- She could've been hurt, ma.
Or worse.

- But it was my fault.
I was the one that left her.

She has to understand that
one day you and pa

won't be around to
help me look after her.

Why can't we have the pillows?

Why, everything's
all smoky, honey.

Gotta air out the mattresses,
and the pillows, everything.

- Pa?
I'm sorry.

Hey...

don't you give it
another thought, okay?

I love you.
Come here.

- Whoo, yeah, whoo, yeah.
[horse neighs]

- Ah.
- Lloyd and irene.

Well... let's go say hi.

- Come on, there ya go.
- [soft grunt]

how you two doing today?

Well, not especially good.

We, uh... we had a fire out
to the house yesterday.

- Is everyone all right?
Clark, missy?

- They're all fine.
All fine.

We just come into town
to get some lumber

and other supplies.

Well, you don't need the wood.

I got a bunch left over

from when clark
helped me fix up my barn.

- I'll bring it over.
- Well, we can't ask you

- to do that.
- Nonsense.

I know times
are tough for clark.

Besides, that's what neighbors
are for, right?

- Bless you, ben graham.
You're a good man.

He certainly is.

As you may have guessed,
sarah and I are courting.

- [giggles]
- no.

I can head back to my place,
pick up the lumber,

be back at your place
in no time.

That's mighty kind
of you, ben. Mighty kind.

That's mighty kind
of you, ben. Mighty kind.

Pa, you need to come see.

- Get up, now.
Get up.

Get up.
Get up now.

- Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Whoa.

[chuckles]

Here, let me help you, ma'am.

What is all this?

Hi, missy.

Well, your pa
told us what happened.

I told a few people,
sarah told a few people.

I guess they told some people.

Well, here we are.

I got the lumber
left over from when

you helped me rebuild my barn.

That's mighty kind of you, ben.

But I can't ask you to do this.

Well, you didn't ask.

We offered.

- [distant]
grab it off the wagon.

That'll work well.

[laughing] come on.

[laughing] come on.

[giggles]

Grab a trowel, boys, let's go.

- All right.
Here we go.

- Grab the whole thing.
- Yeah, that's it.

Got it?

- Wanna hand me that?
Thank you.

All right,
let's start in the front

and work our way around
this place.

[overlapping chatter]

- Can you give me a hand?
- There you go.

Hey, you mind if I join you?

Okay.

What are you doing
all the way up here?

Just thinking.

- Yeah?
There something wrong?

- I know pa's mad at me.
It's my fault, I started it.

Did you tell him
that you were sorry?

- Yeah.
- Missy...

honey, your father loves you.

Now he may be upset with
something that you've done,

but sweetheart,
he will always love you.

You gotta trust in tha

you sure?

I couldn't be more sure.

To help them load up them
wagons, what do you say?

- Sure.
- Come on.

[giggles]

Kinda surprised
there wasn't more damage...

I think it turned out well.

Mr. conner,
I really appreciate this.

It's my pleasure.

Can't thank you enough.

You don't have to.

Just know if something similar
happens at my place,

I expect the same thing.

And with the trouble that
clint gets into, it may just.

- [laughter]
- that's fair enough.

Sarah, you about ready to go?

I sure am.

Come on now.

We'll see y'all and god bless.

Thank you, sarah.

- You're welcome.
- Take care now.

- Bye, kids.
- Bye.

- See y'all.
- Bye-bye, y'all.

- You have a good night, now.
- Get up!

[sigh]

Come on, come on.

We still have one more length
of pipe to try.

It says in the good book
that the good are rewarded,

and the wicked are punished.

Why am I being punished?

Well, we don't always
understand why things happen.

You just need to...

have faith and endure.

How am I supposed
to endure this?

I almost lost
my house in a fire.

Missy could've been hurt.

I'm about to lose my land...

Land I can't grow a thing on
because it'll never rain.

But it's mine,
and I fight for it every day

to keep it and make it work.

And then most of all,
I lose ellen.

The only woman I've ever loved.

I miss her so much.

Son, I want you to come with me.

Where?

Just come with me.

Whew.

I wanted to bring you up here.

Why?

What do you see?

Hills...

trees, our house, I...

[chuckles]
barren fields.

Is there anything special
about what you see?

It's just where we live.

Uh... it's more
than that, clark.

It's your home.

This place has been
a partner to you

throughout this trying time.

You see the burden
that comes with living here,

when you can choose
to see the blessing

that it is to have this...

this wonderful thing
right beside you.

I mean, it's all...
All you see is

the downside of everything.

Son...

you miss the truth of life.

What truth is that?

There are wonders all around.

Things to be thankful for.

God blesses us with
so many special gifts.

What do I have
to be thankful for?

That he took away the only
woman I've ever loved?

That he's gonna
take away all my land?

You know, if god's so wonderful,

why do I always feel
like he's forsaken me?

You are so very wrong.

The truth of god's love is not

that he allows
bad things to happen.

It's his promise that
he will be standing there

right beside you when they do.

God loves you like
you love missy.

Like your ma and me love you.

No matter how
hard things get, clark,

we will be
there right beside you.

And so will god.

[grunts]

Whoo!

Well, for heaven's sake.

I have something to
tell everybody.

- What is it?
- Where's missy?

She went down to the chicken
coop to get some eggs.

- Why?
- What's gotten into you?

I have two things
I wanna talk to you about.

- All right.
- I've been thinking a lot

about what you said about
this not being

a good place
for missy to grow up.

And?

And you're right.

This is not the ideal place
for a young girl.

Living here, the two of us would

probably not afford
missy the proper childhood.

I know that living with you two

will make life easier for missy.

I know I can speak
from personal experience

of just how wonderful it was
to grow up in that house.

Are you sure about this, son?

I've never been more sure

about anything
in my entire life.

Well... if that's
what you want.

You didn't let me finish.

I know it would
be easier on missy

living with you two.

But missy's my daughter.

And I'm her father.

And she belongs here with me.

I know we may deal
with some tough times ahead,

but the good lord's
gonna show us through.

- Yeah.
- Well, I just have to say

that I'm so happy
that you said that.

- Really?
- Yes.

Of course.

Missy needs her pa.

She needs a pa
that's gonna love her.

And I... I was just worried
about the farm...

And the work, and the issues.

Well, that brings me
to my next bit of news.

I was gonna wait till
everybody was seated for dinner

to say this, but...

I hit water.

What?

You did?

I put the last piece on,

it just started flowing.
I almost gave up.

- Ha, ha!
That's wonderful!

I'm gonna go tell missy.

[laughing] hey, hey!

Mr. davis.

Mr. harris, uh...

please let me apologize
for the other day.

I understand.

Considering all that's happened.

And I regret how I
may have handled things.

Mr. harris, I hit water.

Now I'm very confident I can

pull in a full crop
before harvest time.

And if you would just give me
that time,

I can make those payments
and then some.

I know this drought's
gonna raise prices.

I appreciate
your situation, mr. Davis.

But the bank cannot wait
until harvest time.

- Please.
I can make those payments.

If you...
the bank is firm

on this matter.

Which is why
it's such a good thing

that I am not here to see you.

You're not?

- No.
I'm here to see them.

- My folks?
- Steven.

Iloyd, I have
the papers right here.

- Good.
- I don't understand.

Your folks
have offered to put up

a parcel of their land
as additional collateral

on your loan,
if we grant an extension.

Pa, you could lose your land.

I told you.

A parent will do anything
for their child.

But just make sure you
get a real good crop this year.

- [chuckles]
- clark...

come on in.

[chuckles]

See if I can find her.

Missy!

Missy.

Missy!

I can't find her anywhere.

Can I be of some assistance?

No, but I do thank you,
I appreciate it.

You don't think
maybe she overheard us

talking about her
coming to live with us?

Pa, you wanna run over
to ben's, see if she's there?

- Yeah.
- I'm gonna go

the opposite direction.

Will you stay here just in case
she comes back?

- Get up.
Get.

[sigh]

Missy!

Pa, look.

Ben!

Iloyd, what brings you by?

Whoa, pete.

Missy's gone off somewhere.

She didn't
come by here, any chance?

- No.
But me and the boys

will help you look for her.

- I'd sure appreciate it.
Get up, pete.

Come on, now.

Missy!

Missy!

Missy!

- Pa doesn't want me here?
Then I won't be.

Missy!

Whoa, pete.
Missy!

[sigh]
where is that girl?

Come on, pete.

Any sign of her?

I don't know where she could be.

- I can't find her anywhere.
- It's gonna be dark soon.

Will you hand me that lantern?

Will you stay here?
I'm gonna go look for her.

You take care of yourself.

Come on, yah, yah.

Come on, yah.

It's all right.

Missy!

Missy!

Missy!

[whimpers, panting]

Missy!

Missy!

- Missy!
- Pa!

Missy!

Why did you leave?

'Cause you
told grandma and grandpa

that I'd be better off
living with them.

Baby.

I told them
you were my daughter,

and you were staying
here with me no matter what.

- You understand?
- Mm-hmm.

- Do you understand?
- Yeah.

I love you, pa.

I love you, pumpkin.

Come here.

Come here.

- Grandma.
- Oh!

Oh!

Well, what brings you
here today?

[soft giggles]
for me?

Yes, ma'am.

Aw, they look lovely.

I've been doing some thinking.

Last night,
missy ran off on clark.

Oh, dear, did he...
Did he find her?

- Is she all right?
- Yeah, she's fine.

But it got me to thinking
that the people we love

can be taken
from us at any time.

You and I, we know that
better than most.

I suppose we do.

And I-I know we talked
about taking things slow,

but, uh...

what is it?

I'm mad in love with you.

And I don't wanna waste another
minute taking things slow.

I don't wanna
lose a minute with you.

What are you saying?

Uh, I'm asking
for your hand in marriage.

Ben, I was not expecting this.

- Neither was i.
But here I am.

Asking you to say yes.

Yes.

Of course I'll marry you!

Oh, oh!

[laughing]
oh!

Oh, I'm never gonna
let go of you, sarah.

Ben.

Now what is it?

Mr. conner...

what's going on?

- Uh...
- we're getting married!

Really?

Yes, sir.

[laughing] then
congratulations are in order.

Thank you, mr. Conner.

- [giggles]
- congratulations.

- Thank you!
- I'm happy for you.

We better...
We better go tell clark.

- Ben, darling...
- what?

Don't you think we ought
to tell our children first?

Right, good idea.

Sorry, I'm a bit
scattershot right now.

Don't forget your hat.

Thanks.

Well, uh...
well, come on.

Whoa, whoa.

Hey, clark!

Clark, we got
a big announcement.

- [giggles]
- what's the big announcement?

- We wanted you to know that...
- [clears throat]

- right.
Please, you tell him.

- Go ahead, please.
- Thank you.

We're getting married!

- [all laughing]
- I knew it!

- That's wonderful!
Oh!

Congratulations.

- Congratulations.
- Thank you!

I was hoping you'd agree
to be my best man.

I'd be honored.

I hope you two
can stay for the wedding.

Well... I don't know.

I suppose maybe
we could stay a few days.

- If we're welcome.
- Grandma.

Are you silly?
You are always welcome.

[all laughing]

- [thunder booms]
- ooh!

- What?
- Whoa!

- Wow!
- It's raining!

- Ah!
- [laughing]

- it's raining!
- What's this?

Oh, my goodness, it's raining!

Whoa, let's get outta here.

Get under here!

[laughter and squeals]

Pa, it's raining!

Iordy be, look at it come down.

Boy, don't you have enough sense

to get out of the rain?

No, ma'am.

- [laughing]
- [squeals, giggles]

[laughing]

[laughter and squealing
continues]

[sigh]

Whoo!

Yes!