Royal Ashes (2022) - full transcript

(upbeat percussive music)

(burgers sizzling)

- Hold the ketchup and onion
on that burger, medium well.

- The ticket says well done.

- He changed his mind.

- I can't uncook a burger.

- Table 12 is still
waiting on steak fries.

- AJ.
- In the fryer.

- Three specials.

- We're out of
the chicken salad.

- It's still on the board.



- Then erase it
and push the steak.

- Hey, Paul, some guy out
front wants to talk to you.

- I'm busy.

Look, if it's a compliment,
tell him I said thank you.

If it's a complaint,
AJ made the slaw.

- You can't knock my slaw, dude.

- Two chicken finger
baskets, both with fries.

- More fries.

- Because they're the best.

- Paul, your brother
wants to talk to you.

He looks upset.

- My brother?

- What, am I running
a day care here?

I got a dining room full
of hungry customers,



and this lump is blocking
the kitchen door!

- Lucas?

- Get rid of him.

- Hey, hey, you. Come over here.

- I don't know how.

- Just don't let anything
burn. I'll be right back.

Dude, what are you doing here?

- Kevin's gone.
I can't find him.

- Gone?

- He wandered out of the house.
I don't know where he went.

- Okay, how long
has he been missing?

- An hour, maybe two.

Jordy was supposed to
be watching him, but...

- What's the matter with you?

You never flipped
a burger before?

- No, sir.

- Then why are you on my
grill? And who are you anyways?

- I'm Neil. You
hired me yesterday.

- Yeah, well you're fired
today. Where's Royal?

Royal!

What are trying to do,
burn down my restaurant,

leaving Pampers
here on the grill?

- There's a problem at home.

- Yeah, well, there's a tragedy
at work. His name is Neil.

- Am I really fired?

- Just get back to
the dishes, will you?

- I'm a waiter.

- I don't care if you're
Mother Teresa. Do the dishes.

- Look, I gotta go. My
brother's in trouble.

- The halfwit?

- Don't call him that!

- I'll be right back. Just
call it my lunch break.

- You're shift leader and cook.

You can't take a break
in the middle of a rush.

Aw.

- You go by True's
and check Pine Street.

I'll go by the garage
and hit Penny Alley.

Meet you back at Fifth.

Look, I gotta go.

- Yeah? Well don't bother
coming back this time.

(Paul sighing)

(dramatic music)

- Kevin!

Kev?

(dramatic music)

Kevin!

(dramatic music)

Kevin?

(dramatic music)

(siren squawking)

(radio chattering)

(soft dramatic music)

- Is he here?

- [Paul] I don't know.

- He ran right into me.

- No, she swerved into my path.

- No, no, no, no, no!

- Kevin!

- No no no, no no!

- What is wrong with you?

- Hey, hero, take it easy.

- You just took off!

(Kevin whimpering)

How am I supposed
to take care of you

when you run off like that, huh?

We're supposed to
stick together.

We're only safe
when we're together.

- One teaspoon baking powder.

Two eggs.

Sugar, sugar, we need the
sugar. We need the sugar.

I haven't got the sugar yet.

- Hey, hey, Kevin, Kevin,
Kevin, you're okay.

Look at me, look
at me. You're okay.

You're okay, Kevin.

- We're safe, we're safe?

We're safe when we're together.

- Yeah. Yeah, that's right.

We're only safe
when we're together.

- We're safe when
we're together.

We're safe when we're together.

- Come on, let's get you home.

- We're safe when
we're together.

- You could have been
killed, you moron.

Stay out of the road!

- We're safe when
we're together.

We're safe together.

- You should put him
on a leash next time.

- We're safe when
we're together.

(door opening)

- [Jordan] You found him?

- One cup of butter.

Sugar. We need sugar
for the cookies.

- Sugar, is that why
he was out there?

- He found Mom's recipe
for sugar cookies.

I told him we didn't
have any sugar.

- You know you
have to be careful

what you say around him.

What'd you tell Mom?

- Nothing, she's been
asleep all afternoon.

- Jordan is gonna make
Mom's sugar cookies.

- Take him up to the bathroom.
Have him get cleaned up.

You eaten anything?

- Not yet.

- [Rebecca] Mrs. Royal,
this is Rebecca Howell,

Jordan's counselor.

I'm sorry I missed you at
parent-teacher meeting last night.

I'm really hoping
we can reschedule.

I'd like to talk with you
about Jordan's focus in class.

There are some issues
that are concerning me,

and I'm hopeful we can
address them together.

We can talk by phone if
that's more convenient.

(machine beeping)

- [Woman] Yeah, this
is Ronnie's Used Cars.

Your check for the
car payment came back

for insufficient funds.

I'll need the money order
account no later than Thursday.

(Paul sniffing)

(Paul sighing)

(jug thudding)

- [Paul] Mom, you up?

- [Peggy] Paulie, is that you?

- [Paul] Yeah.

- [Peggy] What time is it?

- [Paul] It's about two.

- [Peggy] In the morning?

- [Paul] No, afternoon.

- [Peggy] Oh, well how come
you're not at the diner?

- [Paul] Uh.

It was slow.

They let me off early.

- [Peggy] Can you
turn on a light?

Get me my head pills,
please, will you?

They're in the
bathroom on the sink.

The red pills.

(soft dramatic music)

(footsteps padding)

- [Paul] This one?

It's empty.

- [Peggy] Is there a refill?

- [Paul] Yeah, there's one more.

- [Peggy] Be a sweetie and
take care of that for me, okay?

- [Paul] Okay. Mom,
Jordan's counselor called.

She said she needs
to talk to you.

- [Peggy] Not now,
sweetie, please.

I have a terrible headache.

Just, could you
turn that light off?

Oh.

- [Paul] Mom, you really
need to eat something

before you take anything else.

- [Peggy] Yeah, I'm not hungry.

Just hurry back with those
pills. Okay, sweetie, please.

I need them.

(soft music)

- Royal, Peggy.

(bell dinging)

- This is the last
refill on this one,

and you'll need a new
prescription to refill it again.

Is that all?

- Yeah.

- All right, that's 20.25.

- Our copay's only $5.

- It went up last
week. It's 15 now.

(Paul sighing)

- I don't have any change.
I'll have to put the milk back.

- I have a quarter right here.

- All right.

- Thanks.

(bag rustling)

(bell dinging)

(Paul clearing throat)

- What?

- I'm sorry I took off.

My brother, you know, he
has some trouble sometimes.

- Look, Paul, you been working
here since you were what?

- 15.

- 15. And you've
been a good worker.

But lately, I can't rely on you.

- Look, if you just let
me, I wasn't trying to...

- You're becoming
a liability to me.

And in this business,
liabilities can cost

you your restaurant.

I mean, do you expect me to
give up my restaurant for you?

- No.

- No, I can't do that.

- Look, I need to be here. My
mom, she can't work right now.

So this job, it's all we got.

- Okay, spare me
the sad details.

Look, I'll take you back, but
as cook, not shift leader.

- Cook?

No, cook's get 12 an
hour. I was getting 15.

- If a cook has to leave,

the shift leader can
take over the grill.

- I really need the 15.

- What would the other cooks say

if they found out you were
making that kinda money?

- I won't tell anybody. I swear.

- It's cook, or
nothing. That's it.

Okay. You're opening tomorrow.

Be here at five.

- Yeah.

- And don't be late this time.

- [Man On TV] Get
in the car then.

You can't be late
for your first day.

- All right, show's over.

Homework, then bed.

Jordy, help me pick
up these plates.

Lucas, go check on Ma, see
if she ate any of her dinner.

- No, no, no, I need my plate.

- Paul said we're done.

- No, I'm not, I'm not done.

I'm not finished
with my dinner plate!

- Kevin, you're finished.
- Give it to me.

- No, I need my plate.
- You're making a mess.

- I need. No, give it,
give it, give it, no!

- When I say you're done,
that means you're done.

You got that?

- Stop it, you're hurting him!

(Kevin screaming)

(Kevin whimpering)

- One teaspoon, one...

One... one cup of flour,

teaspoon of baking...

- Kevin, Kevin, I'm sorry.

- No no, no no.

- I didn't mean to.

I shouldn't have done that, Kev.

- One teaspoon baking powder.

- Kev.

- One, no no.

- Jordy, come back here.

- One cup of sugar.

- You can keep your plate
as long as you want.

- I need my dinner plate.

- I'll clean him up.

- No, I've got it. You
go do your homework.

(Kevin breathing hard)

- One teaspoon.

(Kevin whispering)

(Kevin breathing hard)

- For Ma?

- She loves them.

- Hey, where you going?

- Study in the basement.

Jordy locked himself
in our room again.

(Paul sighing)

- Jordy, open up.

- [Jordan] Go away.

- What's going on with you?

Counselor from school called,
says you been acting weird.

Look, if something's going on...

- [Jordan] Quit
pretending to be Dad.

- We need to talk
about it, Jordy.

- [Jordan] I'm not
talking to you.

- Open this door, or
I'm gonna bust it in.

- [Jordan] Leave me
alone. I hate you.

- Jordy.

- [Jordan] I hate this
house and everyone in it.

- No you don't. Don't
say things like that.

- [Jordan] I'm gonna
go live with Dad.

- We don't know where Dad is.

- I'll find him.

I hope he's on his way
here right now to find me.

Not you. Then I won't have
to listen to you anymore.

- You and me both.

(phone dialing)

(soft dramatic music)

Hi, yeah, I saw you guys
were looking for sous-chefs.

No, I haven't been to culinary
school yet, but I have been

cooking professionally at
a restaurant for two years.

(soft piano music)

No no, I know about the travel.
That's what I love about it.

(birds chirping)

(soft piano music)

(kids chattering)

(horn honking)

- What are you doing?

- You going to the
party at Trevor's?

- Na.

- You should. It'll be fun.

- Come on, ride with
us. Don't be shy.

- Yeah, come on. We won't
leave you all alone, promise.

- I can't. I got
stuff I gotta do here.

- Well that's too bad.

- Yeah, maybe next time.

- Come on. Can't you
believe what a loser he is?

(girls laughing)

(soft piano music)

(birds singing)

(soft piano music)

(Lucas sighing)

(soft dramatic music)

(case hooks unlatching)

(soft dramatic music)

(Lucas strumming guitar)

- C.

G.

(soft dramatic music)

C.

G.

(soft dramatic music)

(Lucas sighing)

- [AJ] Hey, I just got it!

- What did they say?

- Dear Mr. Royal, thank you
for submitting your application

at Barton International
Cruise Lines.

We have reviewed your
submission and would like you

to come into the office
for an interview!

- Interview?

- And they give a date and time,

and some requirements
for the interview.

- Requirements?

- You have to complete a
pre-employment medical exam

to make sure you're
fit for duty.

- Fit for duty.

- You have to clear
a background check,

and you'll need a passport.

- A passport, I hadn't
thought about that.

- Dude, you could end up
traveling around the world.

Italy, Greece, the Caribbean.

- I'll be working
with real chefs, man.

And I can come back
and open a restaurant

with flavors from all
around the world (laughs).

- Yeah, just send me a postcard

every once in a while, will you?

- Hey.

Hey, hey, why don't
you come with me, man?

You got the same
experience as I do.

What if we get on the same
boat, huh? Think of that.

Beaches and pretty ladies
at every single port.

- That sounds amazing,
but I can't go anywhere.

My grandma.

- Yeah.

Yeah, I hear you.

You know, uh, Mom,
she's feeling better.

Soon, she'll be back up to work,

and Luke is getting older,

he can help her out
with the kids, you know.

I don't know, man. I
can't keep doing this.

I, I gotta get outta there.

I gotta start doing
something, you know?

Passport, what do
those things cost?

- About 150 bucks.

- Oh, you're kidding me.

There's no way. I can't.

- Don't sweat it. I'll
loan you the money.

And you can pay me out
of your first paycheck.

But in dollars, not
in pesos or francs

or anything fancy like
that, Mr. International.

- Dude.

I don't know what to say.

- Live it up for me, will you?

- Is this really happening?

I'm gonna travel the world.

And then I'm gonna come back,
and we, we're gonna open up

a restaurant that's the
best on the South Side.

That money makes you a
business partner, you know.

- Never been in business before.

- We gotta get back.

After you, Mr. Rockefeller.

- After you, Mr. Gates.

(soft dramatic music)

- Fender's always a good
instrument to start with.

You looking for something new?

- No, I just need to
replace a guitar string.

- What kind you looking
for, brass or nylon?

- What's the difference?

- The type of guitar
you have, mostly.

I got sets that run
anywhere from eight to $26.

- For just one string?

- They only come in sets of six.

- Oh, okay, I'll definitely
keep that in mind.

- You don't want them?

- I just realized
I forgot my wallet.

I'll maybe come back
later and get one.

- Hey.

What about this?

Look, kid, if you got
some time to spare,

I got some cleanup I need
done in the stockroom.

Put in an hour of
good solid work,

I'll give you some extra
strings I got in the back.

- Well, that'd be great.

- You know your chords?

- I can do C and G.

- It's a start.

It won't get you far.
You'll need this.

It's the best chord book
for beginners I've seen.

- I can't afford...

- Make it an hour and a half.

Come back on Wednesday,
and I'll toss in the book.

Bring your guitar, and
I'll help you restring it.

But I want good hard work out
of you, no messing around.

- Yes, sir. I mean
no, sir, I won't.

- All right. Come on, I'll
show you where to start.

- Good morning, it's Saturday!

- Morning, Belle.
Ready for some toast?

- No thank you.

- [Man On TV] Hey, hey.
Looks like things went well.

- [Woman On TV] We
have had a good day.

- [Man On TV] Shoulda
known you'd pull it off.

- It's Saturday!

- Great. Now move.

- Get out of the way.

- We can't see.

- [Woman On TV] No, he went
to Drake's this morning,

but he should've be back by now.

- Belle?

Hey.

Hey, what'd you guys do?

- Told her to leave.

- She got upset.

- It's the 17th.

- Jordy, go check on
her, see if she's okay.

- Next commercial break.

- It's the 17th.

- What?

- It's the 17th.

- Oh.

Oh no, okay.

Uh.

Here's some money. Go get
Belle a toy and hurry back.

- Why?

- It's her birthday,
and we forgot.

- $2 and 20 cents.

- It's the 17th. We need a cake.

- Okay, I'll work on the cake.

- What am I supposed
to get for $3.

- Just go.
- Fine.

- And hurry back. We don't want
her to think that we forgot.

- We did forget.

- Go.

- Wait.

- What?

- I have an idea.

- What are you doing?

(upbeat music)

- [Paul] One cup of sugar,
half a cup of butter.

- Two cups of flour. One
teaspoon baking powder.

Two eggs, one cup...

- [Paul] No vanilla?

How am I supposed to make
a cake without vanilla?

(upbeat music)

- Vanilla.

(upbeat music)

- We don't have
time to mess around.

- There might be something
good in here for Annabelle.

- We're not giving her a
banana peel for her birthday.

- Look at the sign, will you?

Score.

- Nice.

- Two cups of flour, one
teaspoon baking powder.

Two eggs.

- Hello.

Hey hey!

(horn honking)

Hey, watch out, watch out!

(Kevin screaming)

- Sorry sorry sorry.

- Two cups of flour, one
teaspoon, baking powder.

We need vanilla.

- Do you, do you live near here?

- It's for the birthday cake.

- Oh, is it your birthday?

- No, it's, it's, it's the 17th.

It's Annabelle's birthday.

- Are you, you're going to
get vanilla by yourself?

- Two cups of flour, one
teaspoon baking powder,

three teaspoons of vanilla.

- I, I have some vanilla in
my house. Where's your house?

- We need vanilla for
the birthday cake.

- Okay.

Um, well, why don't
we get you some?

And then you can show
me where you live.

- Uh, the birthday
cake is for Belle.

- I bet your family is at
home making a cake right now,

and if we get you home...

- No, no, no no no no, no.
Paul doesn't make cakes.

Paul makes messes.

- I make cakes.

- With vanilla?

- If I help you make a cake,
will you take it to Belle?

Okay.

(spoon scraping)

- Hey, Paul, whatcha doing?

- Nothing.

I'm just cleaning the
kitchen. Go to bed.

- It's still morning.

- I mean, go play in your room.

- That's boring.

- Then go play with Kevin.

- Kevin's not here.

- Sure he is, he's. Oh no.

Kevin!

- A cake.

- What? Where did you get that?

- I made it.

- Sorry.

It was the only
way I could get him

to show me where he lives.

- I didn't know he was out here.

I got busy with the...

Thank you.

(both chuckling)

For bringing him home, and
the cake, it's amazing.

It's my kid sister's
birthday and...

- Oh, Kevin filled
me in on everything.

- Yeah.

I'm usually pretty good about
remembering this sorta stuff,

but everything's been
kinda crazy lately.

- Oh.

I brought this for Annabelle.

Just some pink balloons and
streamers I had in my closet.

- Wow, uh, Belle
would love this.

Thank you.

Um.

- Oh, Jenny.

- Paul.

I don't know what to say.

- I'm glad to help.

- Wait, you're
coming back, right?

- Coming back?

- To the birthday party.

- Oh, no, I wouldn't wanna
crash a family thing.

- Crash? It wouldn't even be
a party if it weren't for you.

- I don't know. It might be
weird for your little sister.

- Tell you what.

You come a little early,
and you have a tea party

with her and
Mr. Crinkles, the bear,

then you will immediately
be her favorite person ever.

- I do love a good tea party.

- Okay then.

- Okay.

- Get the door here. Step down.

- Kevin, Kevin.

- [Brothers] Surprise!

- Whoa, it's beautiful.

- Come on down.
- Come down, come down!

(group laughing)

- [Jenny] Here it
comes, here it comes.

(group chattering)

- Wow.

- Looks like a unicorn.

- Almost there.

- I made the cake.

You're supposed to blow out
the candle and make a wish.

(Annabelle blowing)

(group applauding and cheering)

(soft upbeat music)

- [Group] Oh!

(soft upbeat music)

(Jenny laughing)

(soft upbeat music)

- You can open your present now.

(paper ruffling)

- Whoa, a Pink
Pony coloring book!

- And you know what Pink
Pony's favorite thing

to do is, don't you?

- She likes to dance
under rainbows.

- Don't just sit there, show us.

(soft upbeat music)

- Sorry your mom wasn't
feeling well enough to join us.

- It happens.

- They really count on
you for a lot, don't they?

- I guess.

What about you?

You have any
brothers or sisters?

- One sister.

Four years younger than me.

I don't get to see her
much anymore, though.

- Too far away?

- Uh, no, no, she
lives on the other side

of town, near my parents.

- If your family's nearby,
then why did you move in alone?

- How do you know
I moved in alone?

- I, uh, I saw you the
night you moved in.

(Jenny laughing)

- So you watched me
carry all that stuff in

and you didn't offer to help?

- I, I, I didn't
want to, you know.

- No no no, it's okay, I see
what kinda neighbor I have now.

- I don't get it.

How would someone
like you be alone?

- Actually, it's a long story.

- I'd like to hear it.

- Maybe some other time?

- Sure.

That's a pretty necklace.

- Oh, thanks.

It's my grandmother's.

I've had it since I
was a little girl,

but I didn't start wearing
it until last year,

when I accepted Christ.

Took on a special
meaning for me then.

- You're religious.

- Yep, I'm a Christian.
What about you?

- Nah, religion's
not really my thing.

- You don't believe in God?

- If there is one, our paths
haven't really crossed,

if you know what I mean.

- Oh, I think the
birthday girl's awake.

- May I have some more cake?

- No, but you can go to
bed. It's getting late.

Tell Jenny good night, and
thank her for the party.

- Thank you, Jenny.

- You're very welcome,
and happy birthday.

- Can we walk you home?

- I'll be fine. You guys go on.

(school bell ringing)

- There we go.

- I look forward to
seeing who signs up.

- They're gonna be so good.

(students chattering)

(Lucas humming)

♪ And now I fear
you'll never know ♪

♪ All those times
you smiled at me ♪

- Lucas is trapped
in the basement.

- [Jordan] No he's not.

- He's screaming to get out.

- [Jordan] He's singing.

- No, we should let him out.

- He's not locked in the base...

Oh never mind.

- Lucas needs our help. He's
trapped in the basement.

- He's all right, Kev. He's
just practicing, that's all.

Just nervous about
that big talent show.

- He should be. They'll shred
him if he sings like that.

He'll never be able to show
his face in school again.

- Hey, we can't talk like that.

He's pretty good, it's
just when he's nervous.

That's when he's, um...

- Terrible? Disturbingly weird?

- Hey, come on, Jordy, your
cooking's not that bad.

Come on, Lucas, tell him.

- His cooking stinks.

- [Annabelle] Jenny has company.

(water bubbling)

- Hey, come away from here.
Nobody likes a nosy neighbor.

- Is that her boyfriend?

- No, she doesn't
have a boyfriend.

I, I don't think.

- Then who's that
man she's hugging?

- I don't know.

- [Annabelle] Is Jenny okay?

- Yeah, yeah, she's fine.

I tell you what, when
her guests are gone,

we'll take the
decorations back to her

and you can see for yourself.

- Okay.

(footsteps fading)

- Hi, Jenny.

- Whoa.

Hey, guys, what
brings you over here?

- Paul told me to ask
you who your guest was.

- No, that's not what I meant.

- You said, ask her
who her guest...

- No, what I meant was,
ask her how she's doing.

- That's not what you said.

- Paul didn't like the
man giving you a hug.

- Well, since you asked,
that was Pastor Miller

and his daughter Eliza.

He's the minister at my
church, and his family gave me

a place to stay
before I moved here.

The Millers are like
a second family to me.

- Like us?

- Yes, just like you.

- Um, we actually just came over

to bring back your decorations.

- But you said to ask her who...

- Kevin, will you
take Annabelle home?

It's time for her bath.

- Do I have to?

- Yes, you do.

- Okay.

- Bye, Jenny.

- Bye, Sweetheart.

- Jenny.

- Paul, I think it's
important that I be

very clear about something.

I think that you're a great guy.

I really enjoy
talking to you, but,

as far as there being anything
more than a friendship

between us, I don't
really see it happening.

- Oh.

- We're just in two
really different places.

- Look, I know I'm just
a cook, but you know...

- Oh no no, no no, that's
not what I'm saying, no.

No, what I mean is
that, I'm a Christian

and my faith means
everything to me.

And...

- And I'm not. So that
makes me not good enough.

- No.

Not at all.

It just means that,

there's no point in
us getting involved

when we're in two different
places and the only way

that we could bring those
places together is if

one of us changed, and I'm not,

I'm not willing to change
who I am for anyone.

It's way too important to me.

- I've never really thought
about religion and stuff,

but maybe I could
change a little bit.

- I mean, I wouldn't
want you to.

Not just for me, because
then it wouldn't be real,

and in the end you
would just resent me

for trying to be
something you're not.

(birds chirping)

- So I guess this is it then.

- Well, we can still be friends.

- Whew, friend zone.

Ouch.

That's how you feel about it?

- I really wish
things were different.

Goodbye then?

- Goodbye.

(vehicle passing)

- Mr. Thompson?

- Sorry.

(light music)

(footsteps descending)

- [Lisa] Mr. Royal.

- Yes, that's me.

- I'm Lisa Guest,
human resources.

(upbeat music)

- Hey. Hey, you get
away from there!

Hey, that's our car! Hey!

Stop, come on! Get outta there!

You can't. Ah!

(birds chirping)

(Paul sighing)

- Mom, they repossessed the car.

Didn't you hear them out there?

Why didn't you call the police?

They won't get far.

The car will overheat on
them in a mile or two.

Have to call a tow truck.

Serves them right.

I'll call Ronnie's tomorrow.

Maybe you can get the car back

if we get a payment at
the end of the month.

Hope you're hungry.

I brought that bacon avocado
burger you like from Bo's.

And Mom, there's
something really important

I need to talk to you about.

Wake up, Mom. You
need to eat something.

Mom?

(soft dramatic music)

Mom?

(phone beeping)

- [Peggy] Paulie, I
don't want you to worry,

but I started having chest
pains, and I'm at the hospital.

Something's not right, sweetie.

Everything's off.
I just can't...

It's, uh, it's the medicines.

I'm taking too many of
them, and if I don't get it

straightened out soon,
they said I could die.

I spoke with some doctors,
and I'll need to stay

at a treatment center for
about a month to get better.

They say it's important to
isolate, so I won't be able

to leave or talk to
anyone while I'm there,

but it's the only way
to get the help I need.

- No, I, but I...

- I couldn't tell them I
had kids at home, Paulie.

They wouldn't let me
stay if they knew.

- I can't. No, I can't, please.

Don't...

- And don't tell
anybody what's going on

- Don't do this.

Don't do this to me!

- [Peggy Voiceover]
For about a month.

They say it's
important. I need you...

- [Annabelle] Paul! Paul!

- What are you doing?

- What does it look like?

- In the middle
of the afternoon?

- Where's Lucas?

- He had to go get
Kevin from school.

You forgot to pick him up.

(Paul sighing)

- Look, I got an A-plus
on my spelling words!

I'm gonna go show Mom!

- Not now, Belle.
That's not a good time.

- Where's Mom?

- Mom had to leave
to go on a trip.

- A trip?

- Yeah, her high school
friend called her up and said

she needed some help, so
she had to leave in a hurry.

- When will she be back?

- She didn't say, but
her friend's really sick.

- So's Mom.

- It might be a couple weeks
before she comes back home.

- Weeks? What about us?

- I'll handle it!

Everything will be fine.

- No it won't. You fell
asleep and forgot Kevin.

- Jordan.

Hey, kiddo. Can I see
your spelling words.

Would you look at that?

You got a smiley face.
That's really good.

All right, everybody set?

It's lights out.

- Where does Mom's friend live?

- We're not talking about
that anymore tonight.

It's lights out.

- It is kind of weird,
Mom taking off like that.

She's hardly been out
of bed for a week.

- She's feeling better.

And a trip like this might
be just what she needs.

You all set, Kev?

- Night, Lucas. Night, Jordan.

Night, Paul.

- Night.

(light clicking)

(soft dramatic music)

(Jenny gasping)

(crickets chirping)

(indistinct banging)

- Hi, Jenny.

(Jenny shrieking)

Are you making a pie?

- Oh.

Annabelle.

Honey, you can't be out
here at night by yourself.

- I had a bad dream.

- Come on, let's get you home.

- Okay, it's time for bed.

- No, I want Jenny.

- It's okay, I'll do it.

Okay.

You're not allowed to go
outside at night by yourself.

It's very dangerous.

If you get scared
like that again,

you need to go get your
brother, do you understand?

- Mommy went away on a
trip for a long time.

I miss her already.

- On a trip, huh?

Well, I'm sure she wouldn't go
if it wasn't very important.

In the meantime, Paul's
here to take care of you.

- Do you miss your
mommy sometimes?

- Yeah, I do.

A lot. I miss talking to her.

- My mommy doesn't talk
to me much anymore.

She just sleeps a lot.

- Yeah, well, she's been sick.

I bet Paul talks to you, though.

- Paul doesn't talk to
me the way Mommy used to.

- Well, Paul isn't like
your mommy. He's like Paul.

I bet he shows his love for
you in a lotta different ways.

I bet, when you need
something to eat, he hurries

into the kitchen and makes
it for you, doesn't he?

And when, you fall
down, I bet he runs over

and picks you up and tries
to make you feel better.

Okay, what you need to do is
imagine that every time Paul

does something
like that for you,

he's saying, I love
you, Annabelle.

Even though he's not
saying it with his words,

that's what he's
feeling in his heart.

- He is?

- Mm-hm.

Some people talk with their
words, and other people

are more comfortable
talking with their actions.

Okay, get some sleep.
You've got school tomorrow.

- Good night, Jenny.

- Good night, Sweetheart.

(crickets chirping)

- I'm, doing everything wrong.

Aren't I?

- She just misses her mom.

- I can't seem to
do anything right.

I'm a total screw-up.

Kids.

Job.

You.

- Paul.

- I know.

Different paths.

You're a Christian,
and I'm too...

I don't know.

Not good enough.

- Okay, that's it. Come inside.

(crickets chirping)

- What's this?

- My 18-month chip. I've
been clean for 23 months.

- Clean?

You're an...

- An addict?

Yeah, I started in high school,
and I was a junkie by 18.

That's everyone I hurt
because of my addiction.

I'm trying to go back and make
amends with each one of them.

- I, I, I didn't know.

- Those last three names,

that's my dad, my
mom and my sister.

I've hurt them so badly I
don't even know where to start.

That's why they're
at the bottom.

- But you, you said you
were a Christian now.

- I am. That's
what saved my life.

When I heard God say my name,

it changed everything.

- God said your name?

Nothing else?

- Nothing else
needed to be said.

Everything was there
in that one word,

and I

asked God forgiveness and

trusted in Jesus.

I never looked back.

But none of that
erases all the damage

I did to everyone around me.

And you've worked so
hard to do everything

you can to keep your
family together.

And I did everything I
could to tear mine apart.

And God has forgiven me.

I'm just

still trying to forgive
myself, I guess.

- Jenny, I, I didn't mean to...

- I'm just, I don't think
that I'm too good for you.

I know that I'm not good enough.

I didn't wanna tell you all
of this, because usually,

when I do, people just
look at me differently.

The way you're looking
at me right now.

- No, no no, I, I,

I'm just surprised.

That's all.

Look, I, I want
us to be friends.

I wanna be more
than friends, but...

I see why that wouldn't work.

So I'll settle for a friendship.

If that's still on the table.

- Yeah, even though
I'm an addict?

- That's past tense, right?

- I'm not using anymore,
but I will always

refer to myself as an addict.

- Okay.

Okay then.

I have an addict as a friend.

(soft piano music)

Might as well.

I have one for a mother.

- Your mom?

- Yeah, umm. She
didn't go on a trip.

She checked into rehab.

I didn't know what
to tell the kids.

I just, I don't want them to be

disappointed if she comes
home and nothing's changed.

- Yeah, I get that.

I didn't want my family to
be disappointed in me either.

That's why I haven't told
them anything that's happened.

I want them to see who I am now,

you know, that I can be trusted.

Actions speak louder
than words, you know.

- Yeah.

Yeah, I do.

(water pouring)

(door opening and closing)

- Jordan? You okay?

- Yeah.

- What are you doing up?

- Drink of water.

- Go back to bed. It's late.

(drawer sliding)

- Hurry up, Kev, we're
gonna miss the bus.

- I can't. I can't
find my shoes.

- [Lucas] They're by your bed.

- No, no they're not.

- You set them out
there last night.

- My shoes go right by
my bed, next to my socks.

- Did you move them
somewhere and forget?

- Are they in your closet?

- No, I checked there.

- Maybe in the bathroom?

Hey, aren't you
waiting for Annabelle?

- No, I can't take
the later bus.

I have to meet with the
teacher before first period.

- What about your sister?

- Lucas?

- I'll take her.

- I don't like you
going by yourself.

- I'll be late.

- I can't go to school
without my shoes.

- Calm down, Kev,
we'll find your shoes.

- No no, somebody took my shoes!

- The bus is coming.
I'm gonna be late.

- I can't go to class
without my shoes.

- Okay, go, but be careful.

(birds singing)

(siren blaring in distance)

♪ That's why what I dream ♪
will never be because ♪

♪ I'll always be your somebody ♪

♪ Else ♪

- So, that's it.
What do you think?

- It's good.

- Really?

- Yeah.

You'll do great
on stage tonight.

Now, put these stools back
in my office, will you?

(Lucas sighing)

I know they're old, but
I just can't bring myself

to take them down, too
many good memories.

- This, this band,
you know them?

- The Royal Henchmen? Yeah.

We traveled the same circuit,
did some shows together.

What do you know
about them, kid?

They were before your time.

- This one's my father.

- Your name's Royal.

- You know him?

- Yeah. Yeah, kid, I knew
Kenny back in the day.

But, I haven't talked to
him since the band broke up.

- I really need to find him.
Do you know where he is?

- He and I were in a
festival about six years ago

in Florida, but, he said
he loved it down there.

I figured when he took
off he moved there,

but one of his bandmates
said he'd gotten

a job at a club in Chicago.

- What was he like?

- I'm sure you knew him
better than I did, kid.

- No.

No, I didn't know him at all.
He was always on the road.

- Look, kid, I'm sorry.
I wish I had better news.

I knew he left a family behind.

But I didn't know that...

- No, it's okay.

I had, I'd better go
back and get ready.

- Look, kid, for what it's
worth, you've got his talent.

Maybe even more.

(bottle spraying)

- Can't I just wear my hoodie?

- No, you wanna look cool
when you get up on stage.

A tie would be better.

- No ties, they feel stupid.

- Okay, just...

- So these are my best shirts.

I only wear them when I
wanna look really nice.

- I am not wearing that.

Ow!

- Hold still, or you're
gonna get a bald spot.

- [Kevin] I like
this one with my tie.

- No.

- Okay, Kevin, why don't
you wear that one tonight?

- With my tie?

- Sure.

- No, you've not seen his tie.

- Maybe a tie would be
a bit much for tonight.

Do you have any
other dress shirts?

- No, I'll just have
to wear my hoodie.

- There's gotta be
more here somewhere.

Here, you keep working on this.

Maybe in your parents' closet.

Let me go see what I can find.

(footsteps fading)

(door opening)

- Hey, there's the big
star. How you feeling?

- Like I'm gonna be sick.

- Ah, so you're
ready to go then?

(footsteps fading)

(door creaking)

(soft dramatic music)

Hey, Kev, you look sharp.
Is Annabelle ready?

- She's putting on her dress.

- What about Jordy?

- He's, uh, he's not here.

- Not here?

Lucas, where's Jordy?

- [Lucas] I haven't
seen him since he left

for school this morning.

- [Jenny] Hey, Paul?

- Yeah?

- [Jenny] Can you come in here?

(soft dramatic music)

- Hey.

You okay?

- Look at this.

- I'm, I'm sorry.

That shouldn't have been
left out. I wasn't...

- No, it's empty.

They're all empty, even
the ones in the bathroom.

- No. No, that can't be right.

- There isn't a single
pill left in this room.

- But there was.

I mean, where...

Jordy.

- Jordy?

- He's missing.

- You don't think...

- I don't know.

Jordan!

Have you seen Jordy?

- No.

- Lucas, check outside.
We need to find Jordy now!

- What's going on?

- Just do it!

- Um, what about the basement?

- Jordy?

Jordy?

(soft dramatic music)

(bag rattling)

(soft dramatic music)

- Paul Royal?

- Yes, that's me.

- Is this your brother?

- [Paul] Yes.

- We found him alone
at Cedars Hospital.

He was asking around,
looking for his mother.

He seems to think she
might be a patient there.

Turns out it's the third
hospital he's been to today.

He skipped school
to take a tour.

- I told him that Mom
was going on a trip.

I don't know he got confused.

- You'll need to
contact his school.

We've already talked to
them about the truancy.

There's no further
actions at this time.

He's a little young, though,

to be wandering around
the city by himself.

Don't let it happen again.

- No, sir, I won't.

- Good night then. Y'all
have a pleasant evening.

- [Jenny] Paul.

- Jenny, will you take
the kids up to the school?

Jordan and I'll met you there.

- [Jenny] Sure.
Kevin, get the guitar.

Let's go, Annabelle.

- I don't even know
what to say to you.

- I just wanted to find Mom.

- Mom's at a friend's.

- You're lying.

- Jordan.

- You're lying about everything!

Mom's not at her friend's.

I heard her message on
the answering machine.

- You're right.

Mom's at a treatment center.

She's trying to get better
so she can come home.

- And you're leaving.

- No I'm not.

- I saw your papers.
Everything you say is a lie.

- Jordan, that was before...

- You're just like Dad.

- No, I'm not.

- One day you just
won't come home.

- No.

- You wanna leave.

- And what if I do?

Huh?

What if I do wanna
travel the world?

What if I do wanna leave
this house? Is that so bad?

What if I'm sick and tired
of going to that greasy diner

every day just to come
home for you to slam doors

in my face and yell at me?

Is it so hard to imagine
that I get tired of that?

So yeah. Yeah, Jordan,
I've wanted to leave.

But, Mom, Mom, she's gone.

And I'm not going anywhere.

You hear me?

I'm not gonna leave you alone.

You got that?

- Promise?

- Yeah.

Yeah, I promise.

- Is Mom gonna die?

- No.

No, Mom's just gonna be fine.

She just had to, go
away for a little while.

So she could get better.

It's you and me
until that happens.

But I gotta know something.

Why'd you take these?

- I didn't.

- You went into Mom's room
and you took these pills.

Do you have any idea
how dangerous these are?

How many did you take?

- None. I didn't take any.

- Jordan.

- I swear I didn't.
I just hid them.

- Why?

- I didn't want her
to come and get them

and take off like Dad did.

So I figured if I hid them,
she'd have to come to me.

And then I'd be able
to make her stay.

- Jordan.

Jordan, Mom...

Mom didn't leave

to get away from us.

- Dad did.

- That's different.

- How is it different?

- Look, we're
brothers, you and me.

We're safe when we're together.

No one's ever gonna change that.

- Okay.

- Now come on. Let's get ready.

We've gotta be there for Lucas.

(crowd murmuring)

(crowd applauding and cheering)

- Good evening, thank you
all for being here tonight

to support our students
as they get on the stage.

Our first talented young
performer this evening

will be playing his guitar

and singing an
original composition.

Please welcome to the
stage Lucas Royal.

(crowd applauding)

- That's you. You're up.

(crowd applauding and cheering)

- Thank you.

(microphone feeding back)

Sorry.

Sorry.

Let me try again.

(soft dramatic music)

I can't.

(crickets chirping)

- Lucas, what happened?

- It's him. He's here.

- Who?

- Dad! He was right
there in the back!

- Are you sure?
I didn't see him.

- He came to hear me
play, but I wasn't ready.

I'm not good enough.

- Lucas, I don't
think Dad was here.

- I choked.

I looked like an idiot out
there in front of everyone!

He'll think I'm
some kind of loser.

He'd be right, you know.

- Stop it.

- Who'd wanna look up there
and say "that's my kid"?

Nobody, that's who, nobody!

(guitar smashing)

(crickets chirping)

- Hey, hey hey, come on, Lucas.

- It's not fair,
Paul. I wasn't ready.

- Hey, hey, look
at me, look at me.

Tell me, what did you see?

- It was Dad.

- What was he wearing?

- Blue shirt and his hat.

- Brown hair, goatee?

- Yeah.

- Lucas, that wasn't Dad
that you saw tonight.

You're describing
that old picture

that's in your guitar case.

He doesn't even look
like that anymore.

- He was there!

- Maybe you wanted him to
be there, but he wasn't.

- I saw him, Paul. I saw him.

- Getting up on stage
and playing his guitar

won't bring him back.

He's not coming back, Lucas.

If you're gonna make music,

do it because it's
what you wanna do.

- No.

- Don't do it for him.

It'll all be for nothing.

It'll all be for nothing.

(crickets chirping)

(knocking on door)

- Who is it?

- I'm Pastor Nick Miller.
I'm a friend of Jenny's.

Paul? I'm Nick.

I'm sorry if I caught
you at a bad time.

- Yeah?

- Can I come in
for a few minutes?

I won't take much of your time.

- Um.

- Paul, this'll
probably sound strange,

but as I was driving
by the other day

and I saw your little
sister, Hanna, is it?

- It's Anna, Annabelle.

- I saw Annabelle out
in the yard playing,

and God just spoke
to me in that moment.

He told me there was
something I needed to do.

I went back to...

- So what, God, He talks
to you, in your car?

- Yes.

So I went back to the church
and told the folks there,

and they put together
some boxes of food

and some money that they
wanted to give to you.

- Did Jenny tell you about...

- No no, Paul, she
didn't say anything.

- So, God, He talks to you?

- Not just to me. God
talks to everybody.

- He doesn't talk to me.

- I wouldn't be too
sure about that.

When God calls out
to you, it isn't loud

or forceful like
a TV or a person.

It's often, just like a
quiet whisper in the back

of the minds, like,
a gentle nudge

urging you to listen to Him.

God wants you to belong to Him

so He can talk to
you all the time.

- What if it's not
God talking to you?

A small little voice,
what if it's just you

talking to yourself?

- That's a good question.

And the only answer I have
is that it's different.

When God speaks to me,

it's bigger than me.

And He often asks
me to do things

I wouldn't normally want to do.

If it were up to me, I'd
be at the coffee shop

right now getting
a double espresso.

- Hm.

- I better let you get back
to what you were doing.

And this is for you.

I hope you can put
it to good use.

And I've got some boxes
of food out in my car.

You mind giving me
a hand with those?

- Um, stuff like this usually
comes with strings attached.

Sorry if that sounds rude.

- All I can say is that God
gives freely out of love.

Whether or not you accept
Him is entirely up to you.

- Yeah.

- All right then,
let's get those boxes.

(light music)

- It needs something.

- Salt?

- Nope.

(light music)

- Basil?

- Nope.

- Hotdogs?

- No.
- No.

(Jenny laughing)

- Sprinkles!

- Yeah, sprinkles!

- We are not putting sprinkles
in the spaghetti sauce.

(light music)

You two will not
wear me down on this.

(light music)

(Jenny sighing)

But we could make cupcakes.

- Cupcakes!
- Cupcakes!

(phone ringing)

- Hello.

- Should we do
chocolate cupcakes?

- No, vanilla.
- Hello.

- Quiet down, guys. Sorry, what?

- [April] Jenny, it's April.

- April?

- [April] Glad I found you.

- How are you?

It's so good to hear your voice.

- [April] I'm fine.
Mom's good too.

But Dad's the
reason I'm calling.

- Dad?

- [April] It's cancer.

- How bad is it?

- [April] He's in hospice
now and keeps asking for you.

Is there any way
you can stay clean

long enough to come see him?

(Jenny crying)

- Um.

I'm clean now. I haven't been
using for almost two years.

- [April] That's great.

Text me your address
and I'll come

pick you up in about an hour.

- Yeah, or, uh, I could
just meet you there.

- [April] No. I need
to come get you.

- April, I promise
you, I'm not using.

- [April] I'll need
to check you first.

The last thing Dad needs is
to see you strung out again.

- Yeah. Yeah, okay.

That's fair.

Okay, I'll be ready.

(Jenny sniffing)

(soft music)

- Well we need sprinkles.

- Okay, change of plans, guys.

(soft sad music)

- Dad.

(soft sad music)

- [Woman On TV] Yeah,
they've been at it

for almost an hour now.

- [Man On TV] No
arguing and fighting.

- Hey.

What's going on?

I thought we were eating
at Jenny's tonight.

- We were, but she had to leave.

- Leave?

- Her dad's sick.

She went to stay with
her sister for a while.

- [Woman On TV] Good question.

(people laughing on TV)

I can't believe that
really happened.

- Mom's cookies.

She didn't want them?

- Um, I'm sorry.

Kev.

- I, I gave them to her.

- She probably just wasn't
feeling well enough to eat them.

- They were right
there the whole time.

They might have
made her feel better

if she would have tried them.

- Yeah.

Yeah, it might have.

- Jenny's gone.

I miss her.

- Me too.

- Jenny

talks to me.

(crickets chirping)

- I talk to you.

- Jenny

doesn't

yell at me to wash my clothes.

- We talk about
other things too.

- Jenny

talks to me about God.

(crickets chirping)

- Yeah?

- And how He made me this way.

- What do you think about that?

- It's okay.

- No.

It's, it's not okay.

Amazing, the way you're made.

Kev.

You, you see things,

important things.

That I get busy
and I forget about.

You're not just okay, Kev.

You're a gift.

I wouldn't want
you any other way.

- Want a cookie?

- Um.

It's kind of...

(crickets chirping)

Oh. Mm.

That's, that's really good.

- That's terrible (coughs).

Oh.

They were better before.

- Yeah.

(phone beeping)

- [Rita] Mr. Royal,
this is Rita Sinclair

with Second National Bank.

Please contact us immediately.

(phone beeping)

- [Lisa] Mr. Royal, this is
Lisa Guest with Barton Cruises.

I'm calling to tell
you we have an opening

on a ship in our Caribbean line

that we would like to offer you.

We would you need you in
our Miami office by the end

of next week for orientation.

Give me a call.

I'm looking forward to speaking
with you and going over

your benefits package with you.

(phone beeping)

- [Rita] Mr. Royal,
this is Rita Sinclair.

We sent you an urgent
letter that we have yet

to receive a response to.

You will need to come by
our nearest branch today

and make a payment to avoid
foreclosure proceedings.

If the funds are not received
by the date on the letter,

foreclosure proceedings
will begin automatically.

(phone ringing)

- Oh, can I help you?

- Yeah, my mom, she's here,
she's getting treatment.

I need her to sign this
check so I can cash it.

- I'm sorry, our inpatients
are not to have visitors.

- I don't need to talk to her.

I just need her to
sign this check.

You see, it's in her name,

and without it
our house won't...

I won't be able to pay
the mortgage this month.

- Patients are to avoid contact
for the first three weeks...

- Please!

Please,

please, they already,
they already took the car.

I really can't afford
to lose the house.

- I'll have to
contact her doctor

and clear it with her first.

Why don't you leave
the check here with me

and let me see what I can do?

- Can I wait here?

I have to deposit the check
before the bank closes

and I have to be at
work in half an hour,

and if I'm late
I'll lose my job.

- Let me see what I can do.

- Oh God.

Please, please, God,
please let them say yes.

- Her doctor is
off until tomorrow.

But, I have another idea.

Your mother is due in class
in just a few minutes,

and if I just happen to bump
into her in the hallway, well.

- Thank you.

(soft dramatic music)

- Peggy, my name's Ruth.

Your son is here, and
you need to sign this.

Yes, so he can go to the bank

so they won't
foreclose the house.

I got it.

Oh (laughs), my.

- Thank you.

- Now, let's get you to
the bank and to work.

- What?

- Well, you'll never
make it on time

if you have to wait for the bus.

Come on. I'm on my lunch break,
and my car's around back.

(soft music)

Come on. Chop chop!

(Paul whistling)

- All right, four
patties, two medium well,

one well done and one still
mooing coming right up.

- You're in a good mood today.

- It must be a new girl.

- It's not a crime to be happy.

(phone ringing)

- Hello, Randy's Diner.

Paul, it's for you.

- Take a message.

- Can I take a message?

- Table Four,
food's getting cold.

- I'm coming.

All right, I'll let him know.

Paul, that was your mom.

She said to tell
you that she'll be

home about noon tomorrow.

- Tomorrow?

- Mm-hm, that's what she said.

- Dude, you know what
this means, don't you?

You can still make it to
Florida in time for orientation.

- Yeah. Yeah, I
can still make it.

(spatulas clicking)

(knocking on door)

- Somebody get the door.

- [Jordan] Kevin, get the door.

- [Kevin] But I like this show.

- Fine.

- Mr. Mahoney.

- [Mahoney] Hello, Lucas.

- What are you doing here?

- [Mahoney] Do
you have a minute?

- Sure.

- Sorry to barge
in like this, but

you stopped coming
to your lessons,

so I was a little concerned.

- Just been busy with
school and stuff.

- Lucas, about the talent show.

- You came, didn't you?
You saw what happened?

- Yeah, I was there.

- Then why are we even
talking about this?

It's a waste of time.

- You had one rough go.

- I blew it, in
front of everyone.

- Doesn't mean you have to quit.

- Who's gonna take
me seriously now?

- I do.

- I don't have it, Mr. Mahoney.

I'm not my dad, and I'm not you!

- Did I ever tell
you why I quit music?

- To start the shop?

- The Melodies were
offered a record deal.

All I had to do was
write two new songs,

and we were set to
go in the studio.

- I didn't know
you made a record.

- I didn't.

I couldn't write the music.

I locked up. The
pressure was too much.

When the deal fell
through, the band broke up

and that was it.

Don't leave it like this, Lucas.

Don't let one setback
shut you down.

You'll spend the
rest of your life

wondering what coulda happened.

I brought you something.

- What's this?

- It's yours.

- It's beautiful.

- But you have to promise,

you'll play in front of
an audience one more time.

(crickets chirping)

- Just one more time?

- That's all I ask.

(crickets chirping)

- It's a deal. Thank
you, Mr. Mahoney.

- I'll see you in the
shop Monday after school?

For work?

And lessons.

- Yeah, sounds good.

(door closing)

- Paul just called. Mom's
coming home tomorrow.

(footsteps approaching)

- Whoa, Kev.

What's with the tie?

- I wanna look good for Mom.

- I think you missed the
mark on that one, buddy.

The shirt's nice, but maybe
if we just lose the tie.

- No no no, I look
good in this tie.

- What happened to you?

Did you get hit by
a laundry truck?

- I look good in this tie.

- Nothing looks good with that
tie. Now go change, please.

- What about these?

- They're nice, Belle.
Mom will love them.

- Heard anything?

- Not yet.

- House looks good.
Think we're ready.

- This feels different.
Will Mom be any different?

- I don't know.

But, I think she'll be better.

(door opening)

Whoa, Kevin!

- Where are you clothes?

- [Kevin] You said, nothing
looks good with this tie.

- That's not what I meant.

- [Kevin] I look
good in this tie.

(car approaching)

- There's a car.

- Come on, you've
gotta get changed.

- [Annabelle] I forgot
to put water in them.

- [Paul] She's here.

(knocking on door)

- [Robert] Paul Royal.

- Uh, yeah, that's me.

- I'm Robert Style with the
Spring Forest Counseling Center.

May I come in?

- Um, yeah, sure.

- I didn't realize
you had company.

- We're not company.
We live here.

- Um, these are my
brothers and my sister.

- I didn't realize
that Miss Royal had

any other children besides you.

I take it your
father's not here?

- Is Mom out in the car, or?

- I think it's best
if we speak alone.

- What's going on?

- Your mother never informed
us that her treatment

would leave four minors
at home unattended.

This puts me in a very
difficult position, Mr. Royal.

As a representative of Spring
Forest, I have no choice

but to report the situation
to Child Protective Services.

- Child Protective Services?

Why?

- If we don't report
abandoned children as soon

as we become aware of
it, we risk liability.

- Look, none of this, none
of this matters anyway.

Mom's home, the kids are fine.

She's their legal guardian,
so there's no point

in reporting it now.

- That's what I'm here
to talk with you about.

There's been a
problem at the clinic.

Your mother's been arrested.

- What?

- Last night, she broke into
our medication storage locker.

She's been charged with
breaking and entering

and illegal possession
of stolen narcotics.

- Can't you do something?

Drop the charges?

- It's a legal matter now.

She's being charged
by the state, not us.

I'm sorry. I better be going.

- No, no no, wait,
wait. What about CPS?

- I'll have to call them
immediately. I have no choice.

- Look, if they,
if they come here,

they'll take the kids,
they'll split them up.

- I'm really sorry.
There's nothing I can do.

- Let them stay here. I...

I'll be their guardian.

- When I make the call, the
judge will move swiftly,

since the children have
already been alone for so long.

You need to get custody of your
siblings signed over to you.

They'll only be able
to stay with you,

if you are their legal guardian.

- Okay.

- I'll buy you what time I can,

but the police will
likely be here by tonight.

- Where's Mom?

- I don't know.

- Is she still at the hospital?

- I don't know.

- Is she okay?

- I don't know!

I don't know where she is,

and I don't know when
she's coming home!

I'm going out.

- What are you doing?
- I gotta do something.

- Wait.

- What if he doesn't come back?

- He's coming back. He
just needs a little time.

- What are you doing?

- Paul, he keeps a bus
ticket to Florida in here.

- Florida?

- He kept it in this bag.

- Paul wouldn't just
leave us like that.

- We should call Jenny.

- Can I help you?

- Yeah, I need to get custody
of my younger siblings.

- Are there any biological
parents who currently

have legal guardianship?

- Just my mom,
but she's in jail.

- You can file for a court
hearing through family court,

if she's willing to
transfer custody.

- I, I haven't really
talked to her about it.

- Have your attorney
talk to her.

If she's willing to sign over
custody to you, then you can

file for a court hearing
and transfer custody.

- How long will that take?

- Six to eight months.

- No, no no, you
don't understand.

I have to get this done today.

- I'm sorry, sir,
that's not possible.

- They're coming to take my
brothers and my sister tonight.

- Sir, I'm gonna ask
you to calm down.

- No, I need you to get
on that phone and and and

find a judge or some
paper pusher somewhere

that can sign of piece of
paper and tell me that I can

take care of my family like
I've been doing for years!

- Don't make me call security.

- Call them!

I'm not leaving here until I
get custody of my own family!

- Sir, your attorney
needs to cont...

- I can't get an attorney!
Don't you get it?

I'm broke.

I lost my car, I
almost lost my house

and now I'm about
to lose my family!

- Security, we have a
disturbance in the lobby.

- I'm good. I'm good, I'm good.

Just, please, put
the phone down.

Put the phone down.

I'm good.

Look, if I can just explain
everything to a judge.

- It takes three to four weeks

to get an appointment
with a judge.

- That'll be too late.

I don't know where
they'll be by then.

What if I can't find them?

What if I, what if I
can't get them back?

- I'm so sorry.

(Paul exhaling)

- Yeah.

- Okay, thank you.

Well, the mother is
out of the picture.

Peggy Royal has been arrested
for some very serious charges.

She won't be getting
out anytime soon.

- What happens now?

- Without a legal guardian,
CPS will have to step in.

I'm sorry.

- Is there any way
we can stop it?

- Not unless you know
of some family members

that can take them in.

Grandparents, maybe.

- They have an adult brother,
but he's away right now.

- If he's willing to take
them, he could assume custody,

but he needs to
do it right away.

- Right away?

I thought it took months
to transfer the custody.

- He could get
provisional custody,

if his mother signed
a consent form.

Now, most people do
not go this route,

because it's only temporary, but

once it's signed by both
parties and notarized,

it becomes effective
immediately.

- Does it have to
be a family member?

I mean, can the mother
sign custody over

to anyone, like a friend?

- Well, it's usually
a family member,

but really, anyone
who's willing.

(keys clicking)

Jenny? You're not
thinking about taking...

- I gotta go.

- You're still recovering.
Right now is...

- Thank you, Aunt
Judy, for everything.

- Jenny. Oh.

- Oh.

- Paul.

- You're home.

- You guys made sandwiches?

Guess I'm gonna have to
eat this all by myself.

- Pizza!

- Does it have pineapples?

- Of course.

- Heard anything about Mom?

- Uh, not yet.

Say, um, before we eat this,

I need you guys to
go up to your rooms

and pack up some clothes.

- What's going on?

- Just do it, okay?

- Are we going on a trip?

- Something like that.

Now come on, before
the pizza gets cold.

- You dropped this.

- You should be getting packed.

- Not until you tell
me what this means!

- The CPS people will
be here any minute.

They're gonna take you guys

and put you in separate homes.

- So you're just gonna leave?

- The job, in Florida, is
the fastest way I can earn

enough money to get custody
and get you guys back.

- I don't believe you!

- What other choice do I have?

- Jordy was right,
you're just like Dad!

- No, I'm not.

I'm coming back to get you.

I'm not gonna stop working
until we're all together again.

All of us.

- [Kevin] You're leaving?

(soft dramatic music)

- Just for a little bit.

We're gonna have to
stay in different places

until I can earn enough
money to get us a home.

- I don't want you to go.

(soft music)

- I don't, I don't
want to either, Belle.

But it's just for
a little while.

Then I'm coming back to get you.

(soft piano music)

- I was gonna

save this for later.

But I think you need
it more than I do.

(soft piano music)

- Thanks, Kev.

(soft music)

Jordy, I...

- It's better if I talk to
him. You might miss the bus.

(soft music)

- Yeah.

(soft music)

Uh.

When the folks come
to take care of you,

just uh,

do what they say.

Everything'll be all right.

(Paul exhaling)

(soft piano music)

(door closing)

- [Kevin] What do we do now?

- Hey, Belle, is Lucas there?

- I'm here.

- Okay, I need you guys to
get your stuff and go over

to my house and
wait there for me.

Listen, I need you
guys to be very quiet.

I need you to turn off the
lights, do not go outside,

especially if anybody
comes to your door.

I've gotta take care
of a few things,

and then I'll be home, okay?

- Yeah, we'll go right now.

Grab your stuff.
I'll get Jordan.

(passengers murmuring)

(soft dramatic music)

- When I heard God say my name,

it changed everything.

- God talks to everybody.

Whether or not you accept
him is entirely up to you.

- They were right
there the whole time.

(soft dramatic music)

- [Jordan] Someone's there.

- [Lucas] Is it the police?

- No, it's a man
and woman in a car.

- That's them.

Get away from the window.
They might see you.

They're coming.

- Come on, we have to go.

- Can I finish?

- No, we don't have time.

- Come on, we have to get in
the back until they're gone.

- I was coloring.

- Come on, Kevin.

- No, I was coloring!

- Kevin, come on.

- [Annabelle]
Where's Mr. Crinkles?

- I told you to pack him.

- He's not here.

- Annabelle.

- I need him.

- Keep it down. We're
supposed to be hiding.

- I want Mr. Crinkles?

- Forget the bear, will you?

- [Kevin] I need my coloring
book. Where's my coloring book?

- We're gonna play
hide-and-seek.

The people outside are it,
and you and I are gonna hide.

- Um.

I like hide-and-seek.

- Okay, come on then.

We have to be very quiet,
so they don't find us.

- Um, I need my tie.

- No, leave it.

- No, no, I need my tie. I
cannot go without my tie!

- Kevin.

(knocking on door)

- [Gary] I'm Gary
Shell with Child

Protective Services Agency.

- Kevin, come on,
Kevin. Come on.

- I need to speak
with my mother.

She's being held here.

- Visiting hours are
over in 30 minutes.

There might not be enough
time to call her up.

- Please, it's really important.
I need to talk to her.

- I'll see what I can
do, but if she's already

down in the dining hall, then...

- Please. It's for my family.

- What's the name?

- Peggy Royal.

- Peggy Royal.

She's already been called
out by another visitor.

She's in the
conference room now.

- Another visitor, who?

- Paul?

(soft piano music)

- Jenny? What are
you doing here?

- I should ask you that. I
thought you were on a bus.

- I, I was, but I got off.

What's that?

- It's a release form
for provisional custody.

- Provisional custody?

- Yeah, so your mom
can sign it and give

someone else temporary
custody of the kids.

- What are you doing with it?

You were gonna get custody?

How? You can't, it
takes months to clear.

- Oh no no, it's provisional,
not full custody.

So it's temporary, but
it's effective immediately.

- Today?

- Yeah, as soon as
your mom signs it.

- I'll take it.

(soft piano music)

- Are you sure this
is what you want?

I thought you were
going to Florida.

- This is what God wants for me.

Jenny, this is what He's
always wanted for me.

It was there the whole time.

I just, wasn't listening.

- It needs to be notarized.

I'll go ask around while
you talk to your mom.

- Hey.

You, Jenny Gardner,

are too good for me.

- Sorry, no contact.

- [Peggy] Paulie.

I'm glad you came.

- Why'd you do it, Mom?

- I'm so sorry.

- We all thought you
were coming home.

- I know.

I don't know what
happened. I...

I just...

- Just what?

Gave up on us?

- No.

No.

I got scared.

And I want to get better. I do.

How are they?

How are my babies?

- [Paul] They're
coming to get them, Ma.

They're gonna take
them and split them up.

- Oh.

Okay (exhales).

Maybe that's for the best.

- How can, how can you say that?

- Look at me.

I can't take care of them.

- You always said that we're
only safe when we're together.

- Yeah.

But, maybe, maybe this
is good, you know.

Maybe this is, this
is a chance for you.

Paulie, I got married, you
know, so young to your dad.

I was so young I didn't
have a chance to,

to start a life of my own.

But you can. You can.

- Mom, I have a life.

And now I'm about to lose it.

- We're so much alike.

We are dreamers, you and me.

We have to chase our
dreams to be happy.

- Don't you think I wanted to!

I had a job, Mom.

A really good job,
traveling the world.

(Peggy exhaling)

I was gonna leave everything
behind, the kids, you.

- Why didn't you?

- Mom, I know where I belong.

It's home.

Our home.

- That's long gone, Paulie.

We lost that a long time
ago when your dad left.

- No.

No, no, we didn't.

Things, things can change.

There's always hope.

- What?

- I've seen it.

Here.

Sign this.

It gives me temporary custody.

- Custody?

- Sign it, Mother.

- You're, you're barely
more than a boy yourself.

- I stopped being a boy

a long time ago.

- You can't do this alone.

- I was never alone, Mom.

I know that now.

- You're not,

you're not like him.

Paulie, you're not.

You are so much stronger
than he will ever be.

- So trust what I'm telling you.

Sign the paper.

(soft music)

(Peggy sobbing)

(soft music)

(Peggy breathing hard)

(soft music)

- How did we get here?

- What are you doing
with Annabelle?

- My name is Lynne Womack.
This is Gary Shell.

We're with the Child
Protection Agency.

- She's our sister.

- We're here to help you.

- We don't need
any help, thanks.

- We received a report
you've been living here alone

without a mother or a
father for some time now.

- Can't we just stay here?

We're not gonna bother anyone.

- There is no way we can let
you stay here by yourselves.

- Will we be together?

You promise we'll stay together?

- I wish I could promise that.

It's very unlikely
that one family

would be able to
take you all in.

- Stop. Let them go!

Here's your paper,
signed and notarized.

Are we good here?

- No.

You may have this piece of
paper granting you temporary

custody, Mr. Royal, but I have
a court order from a judge.

And we are not leaving here
until we've given you all

the information about how we
can help you with these kids.

They seem like a real handful.

- You got a deal.

- Okay.

Let's go inside.

(soft music)

(Jenny exhaling)

(soft music)

- Hey, if you didn't know
you could get custody,

why did you come see your
mom at the police station?

- I listened.

- You listened.

- Then I heard Him.

- You did?

We have a lot to talk about.

- We sure do.

(soft piano music)

(gentle upbeat music)

("Salt" by Kelsey Edwards)

♪ Rising tide is lifting me ♪

♪ When you try to
bring me down ♪

♪ You're fighting the sea ♪

♪ Words that cut ♪

♪ But I don't bleed ♪

♪ Cars are stopping ♪

♪ But the road is open for me ♪

♪ I'm here to stay ♪

♪ I will be okay ♪

♪ Salt on my skin ♪

♪ Salt in the air ♪

♪ Salt in the wind ♪

♪ Blowing through my hair ♪

♪ Ready for the sweat ♪

♪ Ready for the tears ♪

♪ Ready not to know all ♪
the reasons that I'm here ♪

♪ Ready for salt, ooh ♪

♪ I'm ready for salt, ooh ♪

♪ Easy come, easy come ♪

♪ Easy go, easy go ♪

♪ You gotta stop
and put down roots ♪

♪ If you're gonna grow ♪

♪ Plant your flag ♪

♪ And claim your ground ♪

♪ If you wanna find your voice ♪

♪ You gotta make sound ♪

♪ I'm here to stay, yeah ♪

♪ And I'll be okay ♪

♪ Salt on my skin ♪

♪ Salt in the air ♪

♪ Salt in the wind ♪

♪ Blowing through my hair ♪

♪ Ready for the sweat ♪

♪ Ready for the tears ♪

♪ Ready not to know all ♪
the reasons that I'm here ♪

♪ Ready for salt, ooh ♪

♪ I'm ready for salt, ooh ♪