5 Flights Up (2014) - full transcript

When Ruth and I first moved
to Brooklyn, it was like an outpost.

To our friends in Manhattan,
we might as well have moved to Nebraska.

It was out of fashion,

but a good place
for a struggling artist like me.

And we liked it,
which was good,

because it was
all we could afford.

Morning, Mr. Rahim.

Good morning, Mr. Carver.
Good morning, Dorothy.

So tomorrow's the big day.

You ready to move?

I don't know.



I would get out of here

in a minute if I could.

Ah. Where would you go?

Where would I go?
New York is the best city in the world.

Hello. Hello.

Ruth.

It's like talking to someone
in the wreck of the Titanic.

Ruth!

Ruth.

Ruth.

Uh... What am I
looking for in here?

The Times.

Oh. Um...

I'm losing you.



Alex, stop moving around.
Are you near the door?

Listen to me.
Yeah. It's in the rack.

Oh! Mmm-hmm.

Lily's coming,
so I got to go.

Yeah, she's here.
So I'll talk to you later. You'll be fine.

Honestly.

Aunt Ruth, I don't know
how you and Alex do it.

I'm 40-whatever.
And look at me.

Jesus, I got to join a gym.

Uh... Excuse me.
Where is The Times?

Aunt Ruth. Hide this.

We're gonna see
a lot of action tomorrow.

Your mother
gave that to me.

Well...

I wish she hadn't
smoked so much.

I guess people
don't really give

ashtrays as gifts anymore,
do they?

I don't know if people
even make them anymore.

So the shades
all have to be up.

Light is money.
Remember that.

How many people will come,
do you think?

Who knows?
But what we want are the serious ones.

Oh.
You always get the lookers.

The people who just come to see
how other people live.

It makes them feel
better about their lives.

Or worse. Who knows?

So when you're trying to sell,
you don't want any clutter.

Uh-huh.
Less is more.

All the books
gotta go away.

Chekhov.
The Lady with the Dog.

This was my favorite
story to teach.

Uh-huh.
The girls loved it,

but I remember
the boys not so much.

Did you get Uncle Alex
to change his mind?

Oh, he's still on the fence about it,
but you know artists.

Too much practicality
overwhelms them.

Ah, I'll get him there.

Because you're looking at
maybe a million dollars.

Give or take.
Oh.

Two years ago,
it would have been even more.

It was a feeding frenzy then.

The neighborhood's
changed a lot.

It's cool now,
filled with hipsters.

And gentrifiers.

Mothers with baby strollers
that cost as much as a Chevy.

And their banker husbands,

their heads buried
in their smart phones.

Crossing the street
while you're trading stocks and bonds

doesn't seem that smart to me.

Hey! Hey! Watch where you're going.

The neighborhood's
just got itself a Whole Foods.

All it needs now
is the ultimate sign of modern civilization.

An Apple Store.

But as much as it's changing,
I'm gonna miss this place.

Come on, Dorothy.
Come on, baby. Come on. Come on, now.

Come on. That's a good girl.

Good morning, Mr. Carver.

Oh, hi, Erica.

Are you all ready
for the open house?

I guess so.

It's not the same market it was a few
years ago, you know?

Well, we're just
testing the waters.

What you're gonna want to do tomorrow,
first thing,

when you wake up...
Mmm-hmm.

... turn this on
and let it simmer.

It gives the whole
apartment a homey feel.

Okay.

It works every time.

Let's hope a lot of people
are gonna love this apartment tomorrow.

This is a young people's building.
You know? The stairs.

Come on.

I know you're tired.

So am I. Come on.

I know. Come on.

Here, let me try.

I know how to
put a key in the door.

Give it here.
I got it.

What are you doing?

What does it
look like I'm doing?

I'm carrying my bride
across the threshold.

What bride? We've
been married two years.

You still like it?

Like it?

I love it.

Oh, look at all this light.

Hi. I'm Alex Carver.
My wife and I, we just moved in.

Oh, hey, Alex.
Hey.

Hey, Dorothy.

Did you have
a good walk, sweetie?

Big day tomorrow.
You all set?

Yes.

What is that smell?

Oh, that's cinnamon.
It gives the place a homey feel.

It smells like
a whorehouse.

Is that a fact?
Yes.

And what does
a whorehouse smell like, sir?

Well, it smells like this.
Uh-huh.

So, uh, I'm gonna be bringing the first couple,
the Schuylers, by at 9:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m. Why not 6:00?

Oh, come on, Alex,
please, you promised.

So we could be getting
a lot of people here tomorrow,

and if you could tidy up your studio,
it would be great.

Because it's such
a wonderful room,

but it looks smaller than it is
with all the clutter.

Anyway. That's great.

So it's gonna be great.

Good. Thanks, Lily.

I can hardly wait.

Bye, Lily.

You could be nice to her.
She's done a lot of work for us, honey.

She talks too much.

Well, I can't
disagree with that.

This room has
been my studio for more than 40 years.

What room will I be
painting in next year?

Will it have a view?
Will it even have a window?

I think these could
go over here, honey.

All right, here, here.
Here, I'll take it. I'll take it.

All right.

Are you okay? Okay.
I got it.

Ruth.
What?

We're making a mistake.

What do you want
me to do, Alex?

I mean,
it's already in the paper.

I just don't want
Lily to railroad us like she did her mother.

That's because
Sarah was sick, please.

Where would we go?

Oh, I think... Well, with
a million dollars, frankly, we could go anywhere.

We might get
a million dollars.

Anyway,
it'll cost a million dollars

to get another
place like this.

Not to mention the cost
of moving and selling.

Well, then we'll go
where the houses are cheaper.

There's no way
we can leave New York.

We're not going to
leave New York. No.

All we need is a place for you to paint
and an elevator.

I handle the stairs
better than Lily does.

Sure, you do now,
honey, but...

What about later?

I don't know.

You know, I...

I've read about
these open houses.

Uh-huh.
People steal things.

Okay, I will nail the furniture to the floor.
All right?

I don't like the idea
of all those people in here

poking through our things.

You don't have to be here.
You do not have to be here.

You can take a walk.

You can go see a movie.

Well, I might do that.

We're just dipping
our toes into the water. That's all.

Nobody's making
any commitments. Nobody.

What's the matter, sweetheart?
What happened?

What's wrong?

Alex. Something's
wrong with Dorothy.

What?
What's the matter?

She's shaking. I don't know.

She's shaking, and then
when I picked her up she screamed.

What's the matter, girl?
She screamed.

I don't know,
I think she's in pain.

Maybe we should
take her to the vet.

It's probably nothing.

No.
Remember last year?

It cost us $700 to
find out she had gas.

Don't try to go so fast,
Ruth. You don't want to fall down these steps.

I'm not gonna fall down.

She's shaking,
because she's upset.

I think we could use an elevator. Don't you?
At this point?

Well, I guess we could,
but we don't have one.

What happened?

We think it's her back.

You want a cab?
Yeah. Please, please.

Taxi!

Oh, thank God.

Is there a fire?

They say that
there's a gasoline truck

stuck on
the Williamsburg Bridge.

Always something,
isn't it?

Thank you, Mr. Rahim.

You're welcome. You're welcome.
Good luck with the dog.

The tanker is
blocking two lanes.

That's right, Brian.

All Manhattan-bound traffic
is stuck right now...

Are they talking
about the bridge?

Could you turn the music down, please?
Yeah.

Please. Thank you.

... has jackknifed on
the Williamsburg Bridge

a few minutes ago.

The mayor made a statement urging people
to avoid all but essential...

I still don't hear anything.

What? Did you forget
your hearing aid?

Some tanker's stuck on the bridge.
That's all I'm hearing.

Now,
the mayor's telling people

not to come into
the city tonight.

Should we have
taken the tunnel?

Nah. No way.
Everything's a mess.

Hey... What's with your dog?

You know, actually,
we don't know.

Maybe he ate a plastic bag.

You know, my dog did that once.
He got real sick.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Okay, thank you.

There you go. Keep the change.
Thank you.

Oh, God. Here we go.

Hey, good luck with the dog.

You'll find out
in the morning if she ate a bag.

I got it,
I got it, I got it.

You've got it?
Yeah.

Do you want me to carry her?

No, no, I've got her.
It's okay, sweetie. We're almost there.

Okay, sweetie.
Oh, my God.

You all right?
Yeah, I'm all right.

I found her on
the kitchen floor in her own urine.

And then when I picked
her up she screamed.

Do you know what I mean?
Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Okay, Dorothy.
Let's see what's going on here.

It's highly probable
it's a ruptured disk,

but we'll need
to do a CAT scan

to know for sure. Yeah.
CAT scan?

Is that expensive?

Alex. Alex.

I'm just asking, Ruth.

It's not cheap, Mr. Carver.

How much?

Around $1,000.
Oh.

Okay.
Yeah... Okay.

We should
do this right away.

Yeah.
All right.

Good.

Okay, Dorothy. Okay.

Okay, Dorothy.

Do you really think
they can fix a ruptured disk?

Who knows?

We just have to be
ready for the worst.

Don't say that,
please, Alex.

She's 10 years old, Ruth.
I know.

But 10 is not that old.

You're older than her
in dog years.

Oh, thanks.

The rupture is
between T-13 and L-1.

It's about two-thirds
down her spine.

Okay.

Usually, this type of injury
is best with surgery.

What if
you can't fix it?

Well, animals adapt
very well to new challenges, Mrs. Carver.

I've seen dogs with paralysis live a full life
with the use of wheels.

Wheels?
Yeah.

Yeah. But, look, let's not
get ahead of ourselves.

We'll keep her
on the steroids.

And in the meantime,
you should go home.

And we'll call you
in the morning.

Okay?
Okay.

I just wish we didn't
have to leave her here overnight, you know?

Try not to put
yourself in her place.

Animals adapt to their fates more
easily than we do.

They don't remember what was. Right?
I... Okay.

They deal with things
as they are now.

Should we tell him
how far we're willing to go?

What are you talking about?
What do you mean?

I mean, we have to
be realistic, Ruth.

We can only spend so much.

And you heard what the doctor said.
Animals live in the now.

And it might not
even be fair to Dorothy.

You might want
to consider this.

Wait. What?

I'll call you tomorrow.

Thank you, Doctor.

I'm sorry,
but what is that?

This is a DNR.
Do Not Resuscitate.

What are you talking...
Wait a minute. Oh!

Ruth.
No.

Why did you sign that form?

We have to
be practical, Ruth.

But, Alex, it's not
your decision to make.

We have to do
everything we can for her.

And we will.
But what if there

isn't anything we can do?

There's always
something to do, Alex.

I just think it might be
the kindest thing for her.

Yeah.

Why do you always assume...
Just let me ask you this.

Why do you always assume
everything is gonna go wrong?

Because I plan for the worst
and I hope for the best.

Oh, you think I don't know that after
40 years of marriage?

Insane.
We've had this same damn discussion

for a thousand times.
It's not a discussion.

Don't tell me that.
It's not a discussion. This is an argument, Alex.

All right. Argument, discussion, whatever
you want to call it.

I'm just doing
what I think is right.

Okay, fine. All right. Fine, you do that.
But I'll tell you right now,

it doesn't really matter, because I'm sure
that Dorothy's gonna be fine.

There has been
no movement at this point.

The driver
appears to be missing.

The NYPD, well,
they're not saying very much, but...

NYPD has released
the identity of the suspect as Abdul Pamir.

We know who he is,
but the real questions are, where is he?

What is he up to?
And why did he run away?

Did you take your pill?

Yes, love.

- Mmm-hmm.
- Thanks, Julie.

I've already spoken
with some of the people who were on the bridge

when the tanker jackknifed.

And they said their
immediate concern was...

I'm going
up to the roof.

Okay.

Do you see
what I'm seeing?

Larry, no!

Happy retirement.

Thanks for nothing.
Yeah. Wishful thinking.

Oh, my God!
This is embarrassing.

What are you doing, honey?
What is it? Oh, God.

What is it going to be?
Thank you very much. I love you.

Uh-oh.
That feels a little...

Wait. There's something
strange about this.

Something doesn't...
I don't know what's going on.

Oh, no, it is!
It's trouble! It's trouble!

- It's trouble!
- Aw!

This is the trouble.

Oh, you're adorable.

What are
we gonna name her?

What do you think?
I got it. I know what.

Dorothy. Yeah. Dorothy.

You're not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy.
Look. Oh, my God.

I love you so much.

I love you, too.

I thought you were
watching the news, honey.

Nothing new about it.

It's all the same old
stuff over and over.

I know. But I think people feel safer when
they hear things.

Look at these.
What do you think?

Well, they're kind of puny,
but we got tomatoes.

How many did we get
last year? Six? Seven?

Eight.
Eight?

That works out to be
about nine dollars apiece.

We could have gone
to the Four Seasons for less than that.

I'm gonna
go clean up. Okay?

We can clean up tomorrow.

The people are
coming tomorrow at 9:00,

and Lily has given me a whole list of
stuff that I have to do.

Nobody is going to be
house hunting tomorrow.

We don't know that.

Would you buy
an apartment this weekend?

You know, you're just
as happy as you can be

about all this bridge
business, aren't you?

Well, of course,
I planned this whole thing,

so I could thwart
Lily's open house tomorrow.

I wouldn't put it
past you. And, oh...

Don't forget you promised Lily you'd
clean up your studio.

It looks like
a mess, Alex.

Bomb detection unit
is being brought on the scene

with robots to
check for such explosives

in the tanker.

Now the bridge is
swarming with NYPD.

We have unconfirmed reports

that there may be some
sort of explosive device in the gasoline tank.

So what about this
bridge business, anyway?

Please, Aunt Ruth,
I sold a loft in Tribeca the day after 9/11.

We might not get
the usual hordes,

but we'll get the serious ones
and that'll work in our favor.

I will see you
tomorrow at 8:30.

Good, okay, thank you.

... missing driver as Abdul Pamir.

Now, we can show you

a picture from Pamir's
social networking site.

Isn't that a traditional
Muslim hat he's wearing?

Yeah, Brian. It's actually
referred to as a kufi...

Oh, Lily's coming by
with the first couple at 8:30.

Nothing stands in
the way of real estate.

What did Lily call this?

Clutter.

Who'd have thought
that the whole of my life's work

would be worth less
than the room I painted it in.

But how can I turn down
a million dollars?

I have nothing
else to leave Ruth besides all this

clutter.

Oh...

Come on.

Okay. Oh! There.

Yes? Oh, hello, Doctor.
Yes, this is she.

Dorothy's stabilized,
so I'd like to operate on her

first thing in the morning
to minimize distress.

Honey?
Yeah.

The Doctor wants to operate on her
tomorrow morning.

Yeah, now, she has a heart murmur.

Yes.

Yes. I see.
Yes, of course.

He says the longer we wait
the more stress there is on her heart.

What are the odds
if they operate?

What are her odds?

Around 60-40.

60-40?

In her favor?

There's no guarantees,
but one can't be certain.

Oh.

So do you want to
go ahead with this?

Well, yes, we do.

I should tell you that the operation
will be at least $10,000.

$10,000?

Yes.

Oh, well, that's
a lot of money.
I don't really know...

Here. Let me talk to him.
Oh. Okay.

Doctor? This is Mr. Carver.

Hello?
Hello?

What's the matter?

Doesn't work. Hello?
What? Oh!

Oh.
Is anyone there?

Doctor, this is Mr. Carver.

Yes.

Listen. I want you
to do whatever is necessary to save Dorothy.

Never mind what I signed.

The money doesn't matter.
Okay.

Just do whatever it takes.

Will do.

What?

You know what.

It's a brand new day here at WZRZ.
Your place for New York talk.

Traffic is still snarled up
on the Williamsburg Bridge.

We'll go out there
with Cynthia Piermont soon.

But first, we have
a studio full of newlyweds.

So we're learning now that the suspect,
police source said,

Abdul Pamir is
from Uzbekistan.

Hey.

Look at that.
What?

"Peril on the bridge!"

They make it sound
like an amusement park ride or something.

Oh!

Several of Pamir's co-workers
have come forward to say

that he's a quiet,
good-natured young man.

Who's screwing up
the real estate market.

We're going now to Queens,

where the family is
about to make a statement.

Logan is reporting
live from the scene.

Abdul Pamir is a devout,

gentle and caring son.

Yes,
he was born in Uzbekistan,

but he became a proud American
citizen two years ago.

All we want is for
him to come home safe.

Hello.

This is Dr. Kramer,
Mrs. Carver.

Oh, Dr. Kramer.
Uh... Honey, honey.
It's Dr. Kramer.

The good news is Dorothy
made it through the surgery fine.

But when she was waking up,
she had a seizure.

A seizure?

It concerns me.

You have to keep in mind
she's not a puppy.

Now, the anesthesia should wear off in
the next couple of hours.

And I'll call you as
soon as I know anything. All right?

Thank you, Doctor.

Hey... I mean, that's not good news.

Oh. Okay.
Turn off the TV, honey.

Okay.
I don't want to see them.

Then go hide.

Good morning!
Hello. Good morning.

These are the Schuylers.
This is Mrs. Carver.

Oh, please.
Call me Ruth.

Ruth. I'm Jenny.

Well, good. It's good to
see you. Come on in.

Where's Dorothy?

Well, she's recovering
from surgery and...

Well, you know,
you can have pets.

We don't do pets.

So do you see how the hallway expands
the sense of space?

And would you
look at the size of the kitchen.

You've got light coming
from both directions.

You practically
have to wear sunglasses

when you have breakfast in here.
It's so bright.

So the master bedroom
is this way.

Master.

Hello. Yeah. Oh,
we're looking at some place.

Reminds me of
my grandmother's.

I know. Who's
gonna buy a place

with the shit that's
going on out there now?

So this is the laundry room.
Right.

And this is
a really large hall closet.

I love the plank floors.

I always hated
the parquet floors

in our East Side place.
Uh-huh.

Who came up with the idea
of parquet, anyway?

I don't know.
It's like walking on a board game.

I know.

This is the bathroom.
Only one?

I told you that, honey.

Jesus. Yeah.
I'm listening.

The second bedroom.
Sorry.

Oh, hello.

Oh, this is my
husband's studio.

And I'm her husband in his studio.
How do you do?

Yeah, hold on a second.

Oh, isn't this
an amazing view, honey?

Yeah, it's good.

It could be
a nursery.

Or a screening room.

She's right, honey.

There'd be a lot
of room in here

once we got all
this stuff out.

No, I told you
we weren't doing that.

Does anybody listen to me?

My husband is in
the financial sector.

Oh.
Was. Is.

We've had a rough
couple of years.

That's why we had to
sell our duplex uptown.

It's all right.

'Cause our therapist says
we need to lower our expectations.

She said it'll
be healthy for us.

It'd be good karma to
live in a place like this.

Because we don't
really need all that much.

I mean, who does, right?

Right.

You could always go
live in a cardboard box under the bridge.

This street is
very sought after.

Thank you for
letting us see it first.

Please.
My pleasure.

Shall I show you out?
Okay.

Thank you.
Okay. All right.

That was a good start.

Yeah, well, the others
are gonna be better.

Couldn't be worse.

Stop.

Honey.

So there's good news,
and there's bad news.

Okay.
Um...

They liked the apartment, or at least she does...
Ooh!

... which is usually
what matters.

They love the neighborhood...
Mmm-hmm.

... but they're a little
worried about the stuff on the bridge.

No. But it's gonna
be over in a week.

Yeah. That's what I told
them, but they said if it happens once...

What's happening?

... that there is no bomb in the tanker.

However, police have
not yet ruled out

the idea that
the suspect may be armed.

Are they still saying
this guy is a terrorist?

They don't really know.

If you see something,

say something
today on this day, years after 9/11.

Ah! Next couple.

Hi. Come on up.

Does he have a device with him?
Is he wearing a suicide vest?

We, of course,
have more questions than answers.

Great.
My God.

It is true, though, Brian,
that nothing is being ruled out

until they find the suspect.

Of course, we can't confirm
if there is actually a bomb.

Then why do you
keep talking about it?

'Cause they make shit up as they go along.
That's why.

Oh!

Okay. Okay.

Coming, coming, coming.

Okay. Here we go.

Good news. There is
no bomb in the tanker.

Did they catch
the driver?

No, not yet.

Mrs. Carver?

Yes. And what's
the name of your dog?

This is Harold.
Can I pet Harold?

No. No, no!
He's wearing a vest.

Sorry.

He's in training to
be a seeing eye dog.

He's still learning the difference
between work and play.

Oh, Mrs. Carver,
I'm Annie. Annie Meyer.

Hello. Well,
you know, we have a dog.

He's not here now.

Well, no. She's in the hospital. She's
recovering from surgery.

Oh, n... Oh! Whoa!
Harold, Harold!

Stop, Harold. Heel! Heel!

He must
be smelling our dog.

Even so,
he shouldn't be doing that.

Oh, he's young, Millicent.

Remember that next time
he drags you under a truck.

Harold. No! Okay.

Isn't this
an amazing kitchen?

I mean, look at all
the cabinet space, the light.

When you have
breakfast in here,

you're gonna practically
have to wear sunglasses.

Am I right?
Maybe. I don't know.

So let's go to the...

The living room is
right through here.

Can I?
Sure, sure.

Oh, my God.
Don't touch the dog.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

This is the living room.

Again, you see amazing light.

Oh, yes, it's beautiful.

And here is what
I think is the...

Oh, Hello, there.

No, no, Harold.
No, Harold. I'm so sorry.

He's not fully
trained yet, so...

Oh, wow,
what a great room.

Isn't it?
Thank you.

Harold, Harold, off.
Leave the paintings alone.

Oh, no, it's all right.
He might buy something.

Would you like to
see the bedroom?

Okay.

Yes.
It's just through here.

Oh, that one is lovely.

Are you okay?
Yeah. Oh!

Sorry. Oh, sorry.

Everybody's a critic.

Well, what do you think?

Oh, I've seen better.

Yeah. Are you
interested in buying?

Me? God, no.

I just like to look.
I go to all the open houses.

I'm writing
a book about them.

A book. There you go.

Thanks for coming.

People are very interested.

Are you sure about that?
Yeah, yeah.

The search for Abdul Pamir
is still underway.

There have been a number
of unconfirmed sightings

and cell phone photos,
but he's still out there somewhere.

More good news
from the bridge, though, Brian.

The tanker itself has been moved
and all lanes reopened.

Excuse me.

Hmm?

Excuse me.

Excuse me.

Oh, please don't do that, sweetheart.
You're gonna break it.

We don't say "no"
to Justin.

Well, I can say "no"
to him, if you like.

We prefer to
explain things to him.

Justin, do you know why it's inappropriate to
flick the switch like that?

I don't give a shit.

Adorable.
Thank you.

Replace the French
doors with glass.

The crown moldings
have to go.

And see if the beams
are decorative or actually structural.

Oh, can you tell me if the building association
will let me see patients here?

What kind of patients?

I'm a psychotherapist.

You've come to
the right place.

And this wall.
What does this wall do?

Hold up the ceiling maybe?

Thanks.

See if we can take down this bedroom wall.
Open it up a bit.

God knows it needs it.
Double pane the windows.

Make sure they get
rid of all this crap.

Excuse me.
Oh, yes.

The tub in the bathroom.
What's the deal with the tub?

Oh, well, my husband and
I were at Brentfield and we saw this antique...

Thanks.

Make sure that Roberto can
take out the fixtures...

This came off.

Oh, well...

Thanks.

I hope you're keeping
an eye on things.

I guess.

I wish they would
turn the TV off.

Oh, I know.
I told them twice already. I can't...

Maybe we should
make popcorn.

Oh, no. Not that.

Excuse me. Did you paint
the bathroom that color?

No. We were out one night

and someone broke in
and painted the bathroom.

Is there a lot of crime
in this neighborhood?

Did you notice
that there's a window in the bathroom?

It's really particularly
nice. Come take a look.

What are you doing?

Nothing. Nothing.

I think we should see
about how Dorothy's doing.

No, no.
Yes.

The doctor said he would
call as soon as he knew anything. He did. He...

Oh. Excuse me.
Oh, yes.

Can I grow plants
on the fire escape?

There's a roof.

Really?
Yeah.

And my husband
grows plants up there.

Does he?
Yes.

Good for him.

I grow mine for
medicinal reasons.

Oh.

Oh, hi. I hope
you don't mind.

I have to lie
down in a bedroom

before I know what
it's like to sleep in it.

I mean, this is the position I'm gonna be in
the most in here, isn't it?

I suppose so.

Oh, my God.

This is
an awesome apartment.

We like it.

Would you mind just
turning off that light?

No. No.

Thank you.

They make a lot of noise,
don't they?

Well, not usually.

How long have
you lived here?

40 years.

Wow.

40 years.

That's an awesome view.

Uh...

Yeah.

Yeah, we like it.

You looking to buy?

My mother is.

And which one is she?

She's probably lying down
on your bed right now.

Really?

She always does that.

But don't worry.
She won't buy it.

Oh?
We don't have any money.

Oh, I see.

Why are you selling it?

That's a good question.

You have a dog?

Yeah.

She's in
the hospital right now.

What's happened?

She's just old.

What's your name?

Zoe.

Zoe?
Mmm-hmm.

Pretty.

What's this?

This, Zoe, is called a turntable.

And it's used
to play records.

These records are called LPs.
Stands for long-playing.

The way it works is
you take this stylus,

there's a little
needle in there,

and very carefully
place it on the record.

I like this song.

So do I.

Who's this?

That's my wife.

I like her glasses.

They were all
the rage back then.

How much does the school
pay you to model?

Um...
Five dollars.

Well, 10, if it's more than three hours.
So take your time.

I could use the money.

I'm not going anywhere.
Not dressed like this, anyway.

You a vet?

Yeah.

Vietnam?

I don't like to talk
politics or religion in the studio.

Oh, my God.

In my family,
politics is a religion.

You ready?

Wait.

I wanna do something
different with you first.

Should I call the cops?

How long have you
had those glasses?

Oh, these? I don't know.

Since I was a girl.

Here. Put these on.

No.

Why not?

Well, for one thing,
I won't be able to see through them.

Well, I'm the only person in the room
who needs to see anything.

Yes, sir.

Take yours off.
Give them to me.

You're
the first man I ever met

who is more interested
in getting my glasses off me than my clothes.

Give them to me.

Take them yourself.

Very cool.

That's
the woman I wanna paint.

Why did you pick me?

What do you mean?

You know what I mean.

Out of the modeling pool.
Like, why did you choose me?

'Cause Camille is
much prettier than I am.

Everybody picks her, because, God,
she's beautiful!

Beauty's not what I'm after.

Oh! Well, that's a relief.

No, I mean, it's not
the most important thing.

So what is?

You're real.

Good answer.

Start painting.
You got three hours.

Thanks so much.

And, again, my number is on the sheet,
if you have any questions.

Thank you.
Thanks.

That was worse
than I thought it was going to be.

You ought to make it
one of the 10 plagues.

First, locusts,
then house hunters.

Okay, so the dog ladies
are interested.

I'm going for air.
You need anything?

Yeah! No, we're out of milk.
Milk.

What? What did you say?

The dog ladies
are interested.

Okay.

So are
the matching sweaters.

Both have asked for financials
on the building.

But, honestly, I don't
think we're going to get a real offer,

while that madman's
on the streets, you know?

Oh, my God.

Sorry. It's later than I think. Okay.
I'll be back in an hour.

We did good! Right?

Did we? I don't know.

We're with Debbie Hoffman,
the 26-year-old bartender

who spent several
harrowing minutes last evening

held hostage by
suspected terrorist Abdul Pamir.

What exactly happened, Debbie?

I was about to take stock of the shop,
and then this guy comes in.

And I tell him
we don't open up

for another hour,
but he won't leave.

Did you see a bomb?
I don't know.

Could there have been a bomb
under his jacket?

Yeah. I don't know.
Maybe.

Then what happened?

He looks pretty scared.

And he goes up to
the register and he takes out all the money.

Nearly 200 bucks.

And I yell at him
to put it back.

But he didn't.

No. He just mumbles something and he runs
right out the door.

What was he saying?

You know, who knows?
I don't speak Muslim.

Thank you, Debbie.

She thinks
Muslim is a language.

Well, there you have it.
A harrowing experience.

She ought to get a job
with the Diplomatic Service.

Stay tuned. We'll be right back...

It's Lily! The dog ladies
made an offer!

Really?

How much?

850.
850?

Well... So low?

It's an offer. That's all.

Yeah. I don't know.
What do you think? Should we take this?

What's the rush?
What's the rush?

We've only been in
the market 20 minutes.

Yeah, but I don't know.
I mean, if this guy blows himself up,

we might not get
a better offer.

Aunt Ruth has a point.

If this guy's a terrorist, I say we wait
until this blows over

or he blows himself up.

And then the prices go back
to where they were.

Okay. Whatever you want.
It's your call.

Oh, wait!
I'm getting another call!

Hello.

Don't you think we
should think about it?

No, I don't.

No?
No.

Why not?

Because it's too low.

Okay. That was
the matching sweaters

and they're offering
to go as high as 875.

875?

But you have to
decide now, because they

don't want to get
into a bidding war.

So the offer is only
good for 15 minutes.

But what should we do?

So I'm gonna call
the matching sweaters,

and tell them about
the dog ladies' offer.

And then I'm gonna call the dog ladies
and just stall them.

This is getting confusing.

Relax! This is what I do.

Mr. Hewitt?

I'm going to
call the doctor.

He's gonna say that things
are exactly as they were

when you called an hour ago.

Ruth, you have got to
learn to stop worrying.

But I like to worry.
It keeps me calm.

Good news, bad news.

The dog ladies texted,
they're thinking of dropping out.

Matching Sweaters said
they need more time to discuss it.

What's the good news?

A third party has made a bid.

Who?

The woman with
the blue leggings.

Okay, which one was that?

The psychiatrist.

Oh, her.

How much is she offering?

885.

Okay. Should we take it?

You may have
a bidding war on your hands.

And once that starts,
reason goes out the window.

I have had couples practically
offer me their firstborn.

I am gonna call back Dog Ladies
and Matching Sweaters,

tell them about our new bid.

Then I'm gonna
call Blue Leggings

and tell her we are
considering her offer.

- Oh, God.
- Hi...

What?

It's like we're talking about Indians
in the Old West.

Blue Leggings
and Lone Eagle.

Stop it.

Twin Sweaters
and Running Trout.

Stop it.

Trout don't run.

Okay! Hold on.

Did you get my message?

Yeah, but here's
the thing. I don't...

I understand.
I will, uh, ask them.

You should pay attention to her.
Okay. Bye.

Okay! We've got a...

Hold on.

Um, hello?

Lily? Hi.
We'll go up to 886.

Yes.

886. I will let them know.

Yeah.

Okay. Thanks.

Thank you very much.

Okay! Here's
where we stand.

Matching Sweaters
has offered 886.

See? You were right.

They're bid surfing.

They're trying to ride the crest
of the big numbers.

But the first call I got
was from the dog ladies.

What'd they say?

They wanna know what number you need
in order to stop the bidding.

Well...
No, no, no.

Tell them to make
their best offer,

and we'll give it to
whichever is highest.

That's the way it works.

Sounds good. Ah!

Lily Portman and Associates,
please hold.

I'm gonna keep you posted.
If you go out,

you take your
cell phones with you.

Lily Portman.
How can I help?

Yes.

I'm going to miss all
of this. Look at it.

Then why are we moving?

I don't...

Okay. Wait.

Hello?

Yes, this is Dr. Kramer.

Dorothy's come around.
She's conscious and she's taking water.

Yeah. That's wonderful.

But we haven't
seen any movement in her legs yet.

That doesn't sound good.
Does it?

Look...

When can we come and see her?
Maybe tomorrow?

It might be good for her.
Why don't you come by tomorrow morning?

Well, that would be
wonderful. Thank you very much, Doctor.

Well?
Well.

She's putting up a fight.

Yeah. What would you expect
from our little girl, right?

Yeah.
Yeah.

She must be
frightened though.

Yeah. She doesn't
know where she is.

She doesn't know
where she's going.

Like us.

Mmm-hmm.

Like us.

May said they're gonna bring Jackson.
He's back from Hawaii.

Look at that.

God help us.

He's a nice boy.

He's not a boy.

He's a 49-year-old man
living with his parents.

Off his parents.

All right, all right. I know.
He's struggling, okay?

We're all struggling.

Honey, it might be a good
time for you to talk to Larry about your paintings.

My clutter, you mean.

No. That's not what
I'm talking about.

I mean, when we move, we're going to have to
do something about it.

Nobody wants that stuff.

Huh?

What?

Nobody wants...

No, you don't know that.

I'm going to throw
it away, I think.

They're your life's work.
Oh, my God.

You never change, do you?

Larry said that
he landed at 7:00.

So as long as
the traffic's not too bad,

then he will be there to meet you
before he has dinner.

And, this guy, I mean.
He's very influential.

His reviews are...

They're all over the place.

Where are you going?
Home.

What? Get back here!

You're the artist.
Everyone is expecting you there.

No one gives
a shit about my work.

I do.

'Cause you have to.

No. I don't.
Believe me.

We're gonna get there,
the place will be empty.

My work is tedious.
It's derivative.

That was one critic.

Oh, my God.
You're such a baby.

I mean, is this what
you're gonna be like every time you have a show?

No, because I won't
have another show.

No one cares about my work.

Larry cares.

Only because he's my friend.

No. He is showing up
because he thinks he can make money selling it.

So you should stop whining,

and just thank God
that you have a friend like Larry.

Should thank May.
She's the one who bought him the gallery.

Oh, yeah?

Maybe you should have
married a rich girl yourself.

Maybe I should have.

What did I do instead?

I fell in love with
some girl from Brooklyn.

Ah, jeez. You were right.

Empty.

Alex Carver, everybody!

Hi, Larry!
Thank you, Larry.

Hi.

So, anyway, tell us,
how's work going?

He's ghost writing
a book for someone.

Really?

Yeah. It's
a self-help book.

How do you ghost write
a self-help book?

That's what I said!

It pays.
And that's all I care about.

Okay.

Right?

How did Dorothy's surgery go?

Okay.
Well, she's still not moving her legs.

I don't know what to say.
Oh, don't say that!

Oh, for crying out loud.
Mother!

For crying out loud what?
Mother...

You weren't this upset
when Daddy was in the hospital.

Well, because she likes the dog
more than she likes me.

Some days that's for sure.

Oh, here we go.
Table's ready. Come, come.

You should
leave something.

Oh, I forgot
to tell you!

I'll take care of it.
It's on the bill.

We had the open
house this morning.

People came?

They came.
They came in droves.

Small droves.

Okay. Small droves.

- Okay. I'm sorry.
- Should we tell them now?

- Sure. Why not?
- Yeah. Might as well.

Tell us what?

Oh.
Uh-oh.

I'm making Jackson
my new partnerin the gallery.

Really?
Yes.

Fishman and Son.

Partners.

50-50.

That's terrific.
Thank you.

- Isn't that wonderful?
- Yeah, it is. Oh, yes.

Jackson will bring
a more youthful take on things.

Anyway, we were talking today
about your show.

Well... You tell him.

We love your stuff, Alex.

Everyone does. I mean...

You've been successful now, what?
Thirty, 35 years?

Mmm.

But right now your
work is a hard sell.

I mean, the market
is skewing younger these days.

Portraits are not high
on people's shopping lists.

They'll come back. Sure.
Mmm-hmm.

But right now
they are not moving like they used to.

And the bottom line is,
you wanna sell your stuff. Don't you?

I'm sorry, Jackson.
I don't know.

Are we talking about selling art
or selling stuff?

Don't shoot the messenger.

No, because artists
really don't paint to satisfy "the market."

You see what I mean? Artists actually paint
to satisfy themselves.

And if you're
going to run a gallery,

you know, it's something
you need to know.

Relax, Ruth.
Yeah, I will.

Jackson is running a business.
Don't worry.

Exactly. Exactly.
See, a gallery is a business.

I get what you're saying.

You're saying that
Alex should paint what people want him to paint.

That's right.
That's right.

And then maybe when
you have a prospective client lined up,

you and Alex can go
and you can visit the client's apartment.

And you can see the room
where they want to hang the painting.

And you can get
some color samples of the wall paint.

Fun.

No, that's
not what I meant.

Jackson? Jackson?
Ruth is pulling your leg.

No, she's not.

No. I'm not.

I'm not.

You were hard on Jackson.

Well, he better
get used to it,

if he's going to
work with artists.

He's just like Lily.
He just wants us to go away.

Okay. Well, if they do,
then it's up to us to let them know

that we're not
gonna go anywhere.

I don't wanna move to Florida
and play shuffleboard.

Or live on some
bullshit golf range,

a million miles from
everything we know.

Nobody's gonna go
live in Florida.

Then where are we gonna go?

We don't wanna wake up
and find ourselves out on the street.

Oh, for God's sakes!
Nobody's gonna wake up on the streets.

Alex, why do you always
have to be so melodramatic all the time?

I just don't like our lives
being in the hands of somebody else.

Well, then fine!
Let's do something about it, all right?

Let's take things
into our own hands!

All right.
How do we do that?

Look at us. We've always done
what we wanted to, haven't we?

Yeah.

Right? We got married
when it was still illegal in 30 states.

And people kept staring
at us in the other 20. Right?

So tell me, what's finding an apartment
in comparison to that?

So let's just go get
ourselves a newspaper

and start looking.

And what are you laughing at?

What are you doing?
Why are you laughing at me?

You're reminding
me of that girl with the glasses

that I painted so long ago.

Yeah?
Yes.

Well, here she is.
And I'll tell you one thing.

You're not gonna get my clothes off
so easily this time, mister.

Wanna bet?

- Oh, I've got it.
- Okay. All right.

I've got it. Take this.
I got it, I got it.

Oh. Wait a minute now.

Yeah. What do you think?
Where is...

No, no. Look at this. No.
No.

Where?
Here. Here. Here. Here.

It says this one's...
Franklin Street?

Mmm-hmm.
"Cute"? What's that mean?

That means it's small.
Oh.

So wait a minute.
What about over here?

Oh, no. Here's one.
Here's one. Here's one.

Look at this one in Brooklyn.
It's in Brooklyn.

Uh... Two bedrooms, lots of space and light.
Old world charm.

That sounds great,
doesn't it?

That's our listing, Alex.

Oh.

Well, in that case, we should be able to
get it cheap, right?

You think?
Yeah! Why not?

Don't get smart.

What did Dad say?

Oh, your father.
He's unsettled.

He's unsettled?

Honey, he thinks
you're too young.

I'm older than you were
when you got married.

And what about you?
What do you think about me marrying Alex?

I don't have an opinion.

Of course you do.
What is it?

I'm satisfied.

You're satisfied that
I'm getting married?

What do you want?

I want you to be satisfied
with that sundae that you're eating.

You know, I want you
to be satisfied

with the soda
that you're drinking.

But you're my mother.

So I want you to be overjoyed
that I'm marrying Alex.

You know, at least,
I want you to be happy for me.

I'm trying.

Try harder.

Mom is only trying to say that this marriage is
gonna be difficult, Ruth.

And what marriage isn't?

There's still so
much prejudice, and...

Oh, really, Sarah?
Thank you for telling me.

Think of your children.

Think of your children.

Excuse me.
Excuse me, sweetheart.

You can tell Dad that he doesn't
want to make me choose

between my family and Alex.

Because if he does,
you can tell him

that my choice
is already made.

"And foolish though
it may seem to me."

This one sounds
really nice. Listen.

"Dazzling sun-filled
corner two-bedroom, built-in bookcases,

"window seats, soaks up
the morning sunshine."

That's nice.
Yeah.

Where is it?

It's on 73rd
and First.

Do we want to
live in Manhattan?

Well, I mean,
I think it would be a good change for us.

And we'd be close to Larry
and May's place, too.

And how much is it?

It's... Well, it's a lot.
It's one million,
one hundred thousand dollars.

Okay, but...
We can't afford that.

Yes, but there's no harm in looking, honey.
No harm in looking.

Oh...

Look at her.

She recognizes us, honey.

Look at this girl.
Hello.

She hasn't walked yet.

But she's obviously
happy to see you.

Of course she is!
Of course she is!

Hey. Hey.

Look at her.
She's bandaged up.

Can I touch her, Doctor?
Yeah, of course.

Oh, yes.

You're so good.

You hang in there, kiddo.

You hang in there,
you hear me?

You're such a good girl.

Hang in there.

Good girl.
That a girl.

I know she's gonna walk.
I know it.

Of course she is.
She's a fighter like you.

Like us.

So what's a junior bedroom?
What do you mean?

Does it have bunk beds?

Well, if it does, you get the top one.
Okay, honey?

This is it. This is it.

You're kidding.
Yeah.

No, this is it.
It sure sounded better in the paper, didn't it?

We're wasting our time.

No, come on. We're here.
Well, let's just look. Okay?

Wait a second. Which...

It buzzed.

Oh, it did. Okay. Got it.

4C. 4C.

Oh, 4C?

Are you sure?

That's what the sign said.

Okay.

That's the...

Come on.

Okay. All right.
I'm coming. I'm coming.

Wow.

Don't even bother.

Let me check this...

It's you again.

Hmm.

I'm afraid so.

It's not as
nice as your place.

It's not, is it?

Where's your mom?

Where do you think?
Lying down on the bed.

How's your dog doing?

Well,
she survived the operation,

but still hasn't
moved her hind legs.

She will.

You think so?

Yeah.

I know things like that.

I see.

I'm gonna go get my mom.

... this time in a taxi.

We're going now
to Logan Crawford,

who is reporting from underneath the FDR
with the abandoned taxi.

What's going on?

Pamir. He hijacked a taxi.

When?
This morning.

Really?

... reporting underneath the FDR Drive.

The driver reported that
Mr. Pamir seemed very nervous

and he kept on asking,
"What are the police doing?"

He also asked about his family

and seemed to be
saying a prayer.

I don't know.
I think that we should take the 885

that Blue Leggings
is offering.

No, we don't want to
rush into anything.

Okay.
Yeah.

It's them!
Did you see, honey?

Yeah.

They're not interested
in our place anymore.

Now, you don't know that.

Yeah, well they're here,
aren't they?

They're just hedging their bets.
Wouldn't you?

This whole thing.
Oh, please. It's just making me so nervous.

So do you wanna
see this place?

Not if it's as
bad as the last one.

Well, don't be discouraged.
We're just looking.

Yes. I didn't know
how bad it could be.

It's in the neighborhood.
Remember?

You remember it.
It's the sunny two-bedroom.

Yes.
It's probably in a basement.

It's in the basement. Yeah.

Okay. I think this is it.

Oh!

This looks nice.

And it's on
the ninth floor!

We've never lived
that high up before.

What's his...
I know what it is. It said Vincent, right?

Here we go.

Yeah. I think that's it.

There we go. There we go.
Oh! Oh, sorry.

Here's a flyer for you,

if you want to take
that with you. Sure.

Oh!

Oh, this is so much nicer.

Really. Didn't I tell you?

Yup.

I mean,
look at this entranceway.

I love this kind of
an entranceway, honey.

And what about the light?

Yeah. Very good.

It's not even that
bright out today.

Honey, I'm gonna go
find some water and take my pill.

All right,
all right, all right.

Hey.

Piece of shit.

Here.

Oh, hey, you.

Why do they make it
so hard to open?

Childproof.

Of course.

Do you like this place?

It's the best
we've seen so far.

Put that back for me.

But it's still not
as nice as yours.

Nothing is.

I hope you find
a place you like.

So do I.

And when we do,
I'm going to invite you to tea.

How is that?
Cool.

Oh! Sorry.

Okay, I like this place.
I really do. I really like it a lot.

Come here. I want to show you something.
Just see this room.

Look at this, honey. Look.

Oh!

Yes.

I'm gonna talk to the agent.
Okay.

Okay. I'm doing it.

Yeah.

Nowhere is going to have
a view like our place.

But maybe Ruth and I have seen
all the views we need to.

Maybe views are
for younger people

who still have
things to look at.

Okay. We'll look to hear from you guys
this afternoon. Thank you.

Here she is.
Here she is.

Oh, hi. Excuse me.

Actually, my husband and I
are very interested.

Well, I don't
have to tell you,

this listing is
getting a lot of heat.

Oh, yes. We can see that.

Let me be frank with you.

Can you afford
a place like this?

What do you mean?
I only ask,

because no one's gonna give you
a 30-year mortgage.

We don't need a mortgage.

Oh! Well,
then make an offer.

The owners are willing
to consider anything.

But they're only
accepting bids until 3:00.

That's two hours.
Mmm-hmm.

Have your offer here by
then. They'll make their decision right away.

Okay. All right. Thank you.
Okay.

Thank you very much.

Ma'am?
Yes?

A lot of people include
a personal message with their offer.

What kind of
personal message?

Something that
persuades the seller

to give it to you,
in case there's a tie.

Just don't be afraid
to pull on the heartstrings.

Oh.
Right.

How do you like that one talking
to us like we don't know anything?

I bet we've got
more real money

than all those
young hotshots anyway.

But I just want to know.
What did you think of it?

I liked it.

Really?
Yeah.

Let's bid on it.

How? We haven't
sold our own place yet.

No, but we will.

We will.
We had a bunch of offers.

And you heard the real
estate broker say that

they are very willing to consider
anything until 3:00.

Come on. Don't look
at me like that.

Any offer that's,
like, until 3:00.

It's a beautiful apartment.

Yeah, it's all right.

It has a lot of light.

Yes. It has light.

It has an elevator. And more room.
New paint.

Honey, come on.
Let's do it. Come on.

It sounds like
something you really want.

In that case,
we'll see another doctor.

What for?

He'll say the same
thing the others did.

Maybe not.

Alex, you know he will.

It's the most natural thing in the world
and I can't even do it.

My mother, my sisters,

they churn them out like machines,
one after another.

We don't need children.

No one needs children, Alex.

People want them.

I want them. You want them.

Shit!

Shit!

I am a goddamned failure.

You are not a failure.

I've disappointed you.

You've never
disappointed me, Ruth.

I can see it in your face.

Stop saying that.

You have classrooms
full of children, those are your kids.

That's not the same thing.

Then me.

I'm your kid.
You're always telling me what a big baby I am.

Well, you are.

You really like it,
don't you?

I do. And, honey,
admit it. You do, too.

I mean, I know... I know... Wait a second.
I know it's not our place,

but we're never gonna find
another place like our place.

And we won't find
anything better than this.

So, Alex, I mean, it's just... What is it?
It's a bid.

It's not a commitment.

It's like... You know,
we're not going to find...

They're never
going to take it.

Trust me, they're
never going to take it.

All right, fine.
Let's do it.

Really?

Yeah. Should
we call Lily?

No. I mean, you said
you thought we should do this ourselves.

So I think we should,
but be smart.

What do you think
we should offer?

Well...
I mean...

Not so low that
we have no chance.

I know.

But not so high
that we're stuck

with something
that we can't afford.

So what would be
the point of that, right?

Right, yeah.

I don't know.
Look, this is what I think. I think $900,000.

That's too low. $910,000.

You think? I don't know.

Well, uh...

You think?
$910,000?

$920,000.
No, $920,000.

No, but that's too much.
That's way too much.

Honey, do you want
the place or not?

Yes. I definitely
want the place.

I want to be
in the running. Yes.

So $920,000.

$920,000.

No. $925,000.
It's more impressive.

Whoa! Listen to you!
What?

You sound like
you're some sort of an auctioneer!

Twenty-five?
Okay, do I hear $930,000?

Yeah. Yeah.
Yeah, $930,000.

$930,000?

That's a lot better.

I mean, so what the heck?
It's just money.

This is hard to write,
when I don't know

exactly what
these people are like.

Tell them I'm senile
and I want to live by the zoo.

Be serious, please.

How about donating a park bench
with their name on it?

Okay.

Just tell them
we love the place.

Breaking news.
The bartender, Debbie Hoffman,

who claimed that Pamir
robbed her cash register

has now been charged with theft
and misleading police

after she admitted
that she took the money.

Yeah.

I knew there was
something wrong with that.

Alex? Oh, my God. Alex?

What?

We got the apartment!

What? Already?

Yeah.
Isn't that wonderful?

Now, they want us to come over with
the check right now.

Right now?

That's what they said.

I don't know.
You don't know what?

I mean,
I think we should wait.

For what?

Well, we don't wanna
be giving our money to somebody

with all this going on.

You know what?
We're gonna lose this apartment.

That's what we're gonna do.
We're not gonna lose it.

Well, what am I going to say
to the real estate broker?

Just tell them we...
We... We...

What?

Tell them we can't
get there right now.

They're gonna take
the next best offer, Alex.

No, they won't.

Yes, they are.
No, they won't.

Uh...

Wait. Don't pick it up.

Don't! Don't pick it up.
Why?

The sellers are getting anxious.

If we don't
hear from you soon,

they're going to open
up the bidding again.

You heard what she said.
They're gonna reopen the bidding.

She's bluffing.
She's not bluffing.

Right now we're the only ones
that are bluffing.

Come on, honey.
We've gone this far. We can't back down now.

The last thing
we need, Ruth,

is for somebody else to be pushing us
into something.

Nobody is pushing us
into anything.

Take things into our own hands.
That's what you said, honey.

I know what I said.

Will you please look at me?

All day yesterday
I heard you complain

about being
treated like garbage

and ending up on the streets.

And then finally last night,
we decide to make a move,

but only if we
have total control.

So we look at a few places.
And then finally...

Finally we get
excited about one, we make an offer

and lo and behold we get it.
We actually get the place.

And now you wanna back down?

Listen,
if you wanna take control,

this is how we
take control, honey!

All I'm saying, Ruth,
is this is a lot of money!

I know! But if we
walk away from this

we'll just be acting
like a couple of old fools!

Hello? Anybody home?

Hey? Oh, my God!
Oh.

Everybody is
still crazy out there.

I wish they would go ahead and find
this guy already. Jesus.

All right.
Here's where we are.

Blue Leggings

is our last solid bid
at 885.

But the dog ladies
have called

and they wanna come by
in a few minutes with a counter bid.

Apparently,
they wanna do it in person,

because they wanna
make some kind of...

What's the matter?

Oh!
Aunt Ruth, what happened?

We saw a place this morning.

What do you mean
you saw a place?

We went to an open
house this morning and we loved it.

You went to
an open house today?

If you knew you were ready to look...
I don't understand.

Why didn't you call me first?

What? Wait. We don't need
to be asking you for permission.

No, I realize that,
but I have listings, too.

I have stacks of listings
and I have done a lot of work for you.

This isn't the easiest market.

Why didn't you call
me first, Aunt Ruth?

I'm sorry, Lily.
I really am sorry.

I don't know what I was...

It wasn't her idea.
It was mine.

You know,
an apartment might not be

the best idea for you right now.
There are other...

Bullshit! Wait a minute now!
We'll decide where we're going to live.

Okay. Okay. Have it your way.

Where is it?
This place that you like so much?

It's in Manhattan.

Yeah,
it's on 73rd and First.

It's just so beautiful.

And how much is it?

A million, one.
A million, one!

Mmm-hmm.

I don't know.
We made an offer.

I don't believe this.

Well, they accepted it.

Well, what did you offer?

$930,000.

And they took it?

Yeah.
Yes.

That's not bad.

Oh. So we're not such
fools after all, huh?

Okay. Okay.

Uh... Let's get real
here for a minute.

So nobody buys an apartment nowadays
before they sell their own.

Especially not with
what's going on out there.

Who's the agent?

I have the card.
Wait, I know where it is.

I know I have it.
I know where it is. Wait.

A woman, or...

No, no. Wait, wait, wait.

Yeah.

Oh. Okay. Miriam. Miriam.

Miriam...
Carswell?

She's a shark!
What?

She's gonna eat you for breakfast!
What did she say?

They want the deposit.

Well, of course
they do. When?

Right now.

What did you tell them?

Well, we haven't
called her back yet.

No, but wait a minute.
We want this apartment.

Well, then it is crucial that you
sell this place fast!

Okay. Okay, give me a minute to
think this through.

Um...

I'm gonna... Yeah!
I'm gonna call Miriam. Okay. Let me handle her.

Oh, God, she is upset.

Hey, Miriam...

I don't know why she couldn't talk to
them in front of us.

I hope we haven't
stepped on her toes.

I don't want them making deals
behind our backs.

I really didn't
know the protocol.

We just saw
an apartment we liked and...

Well, she'll live.

Okay, here's where we stand.

I convinced Miriam
that you're serious, but that you have to rest.

I reminded her
how old you are.

I reassured her that
we would all be there by 5:00 with the deposit.

Okay. What time
is it, though?

What time do we...
It's 3:30.

And the dog ladies
will be here any second,
so...

Wait, wait, Lily.

Now, aren't we moving
a little quickly here?

May I remind you
that you're the ones

who want to buy
a new apartment.

This is how it works.
Dog eat dog. You snooze, you lose.

Okay.

And one more thing,

I told Miriam that
I'm the one who steered you to her listing.

So if she asks,
back me up.

The least you can
do is help me get

a piece of
the commission on it, right?

Well, sure.
I mean, obviously.

That's only fair, Lily.
Okay.

So let me know as soon as you hear
the dog ladies' offer.

And keep your fingers crossed
that it's at least $950,000,

because that's what we need
to make this work.

9-5-0.

Otherwise we're screwed.

Man!

She really does
talk too much.

Authorities may be
one step closer

to catching the terror
suspect Abdul Pamir.

Police have released
security camera footage

that appears to show Pamir
looking over his shoulder

and showing obvious concern.
Oh, God.

Doorbell.
I know. I know.

Move it. Move it, handsome.

Why, hello.
Hi.

I hope you don't mind us
just stopping by like this.

We were training
Harold in the park.

We're here
to make an offer.

Oh, well, please come in.
Would you like something to drink?

Anything?
Oh, no. We don't want to intrude.

Just give them the bid, Annie.
Yes.

So this is as
high as we can go.

How is your dog doing?

Mmm... Well, it's actually
kind of touch-and-go, so...

Oh, no. I'm so sorry.
That's okay.

Harold's actually not
doing so well, either.

In school.
He has a learning disability.

We think.

Oh.

Give her the...
Well, they...

Here you go.
So this is our letter.

In case there's a tie.

Okay. Thank you.

Oh, Harold. Sorry.

Thank you.

Harold,
you concentrate, now.

Do you hear me?

Don't open that letter
till you've read their offer.

What?

I said don't open that letter
till you read their offer.

No, I won't.
Will you please open it?

Oh.

Hello.

Hi, Lily.

Yep.

The offer is $950,000.

All right.

Yeah. Okay. All right.
That's good.

$950,000.

Mmm-hmm. Fine.
That's good. All right. Bye.

That is absolutely wonderful.
We can make this work.

Is Lily gonna call them
and give them the good news?

She's gonna call
the others first

and see if they wanna
make a counter offer.

Yeah?

What?

No. Tell them they can
keep their lousy $1,000.

Hang on. Hang on.

What? Lily? Lily,
what happened?

The matching
sweaters offered $951,000.

But here's the good news.

Dr. Gilbert's gonna
e-mail you a counter offer.

Wait. Okay.
But who is Dr. Gilbert?

Blue Leggings.
Oh, no.

Let me know what it is
as soon as you get it.

We have to get over
to the other place in half an hour.

Okay. Thanks.

Okay. Bye.

Will you check the e-mail?

Yeah. I know how
to use the Internet.

"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Carver..."

My partner and I moved to New York
only a few years ago.

And as you probably
know better than most,

it's not always
been easy for us.

We've been trying to adopt
for nearly six years

and it looks like we'll finally
have a baby daughter.

A little girl from India.

Your husband's studio would make such
a wonderful room for her.

Full of light and love.

Please consider letting us live
in your wonderful home.

Shoot.

Honey, what?
Ruth, do this.

Um...

No, let me get it.
Let me get it for you.

Let me get it. It's okay. It's okay.
You do it. You do it.

It's all right.

Got it. Got it, got it.

Okay, well.
Blue Leggings made an offer.

What is it?

$960,000.

Nine... That's good!

Uh... I don't know. Yeah.

What? You're disappointed?

No. It's just...

Honey, I read
the dog ladies' letter.

And I just think
we should give them

a chance to counter offer.
Just...

Ruth, you heard that lady say
this was their final offer.

See, I told you not
to read that letter.

I know. But they're
adopting a little girl.

These people are
offering $10,000 more!

But do we really want
someone like that living here?

Honey?
Do we? I'm just asking.

Ruth? We're talking 10 grand.

All day we've been
throwing numbers back and forth,

like they don't
mean anything.

850, 900, 950.

Sugar, we're not rich.

We need to get
a grip on reality here.

I know.
You're right. It's just...

I wish we could
give it to them.

I wish a lot of things.

I wish we could give our apartment
to whoever needed it.

I wish we could give it to
that lady on the bed and her little girl.

Most of all, I wish
I could run up and down the damn stairs,

like I used to,
for the rest of my life.

Ugh.

Okay.

It's right there. I got it.
I got it. Here it is.

Hello?

Yes. Yes, Doctor.

What?

Really?

What? What?

Really?

She walked.
She walked?

She walked?

Yes. Dorothy walked!

I knew she would.

High-five. Yes.

Let me tell you.
What?

Once I give them
this check...

Yeah.

... there's no turning back.
I know.

Everything
is different.

Good different, honey.
Good different.

We'll see. We'll see.

Now, wait. Okay, here it is.

Who is it?

Oh, my husband and I are
here with the deposit.

Hello? Hello, there!

You sure you got
the right apartment?

I'm sure. Yeah.

Hello?

We've come to
buy the apartment!

Yes, we're... Your broker!

We're meeting with your broker!
She told us to meet her here!

I know who you are.

Your agent isn't here yet.
You can wait for her outside.

Oh, that's nice.
You know what I'm gonna do? I am going to call Lily.

'Cause that's rude.
No, no, no. Here comes somebody.

Oh, good.

That's just...

I'm calling Lily.

Lily! Oh!

It's show time.

Okay.

I don't want to take it.
I want to wait.

We have to take it.
We can't wait.

Who the hell is that?

That's their agent.

I said not later than 5:00.

I'm coming!

For Christ's sake.

Great. They've been holding us hostage
all afternoon,

now they can't
wait to get in.

Hi!
Hi. How did you get in?

Uh...

Gentleman with the dog.

So much for security.
Come on in.

Oh. Thank you.

This is Mrs. Carver.
Hi.

This is Mr. Carver.
I'm Lily Portman.

Hi. How are you?

Hi. I'm Lily Portman.
How are you?

I need to talk to my wife.
This is Mrs. Carver...

Sure. Let's just
go inside then.

Okay. Thank you.
Great.

I don't want to take the offer.
I don't want to take it.

We don't have to take it.

I know. Fine. Okay.

Okay. Let's get
down to business.

Hey, Miriam.
Hello.

So we have
the deposit check.

Great.

What if we refuse it?

Why would you refuse it?
Hold on.

'Cause maybe we want to
open the bidding back up.

Why would you
want to do that?

So we can
get better offers.

These two have been
holding us hostage all afternoon.

Nobody's been
holding you hostage.

Okay. All right.
Relax, everybody.

They're here now.
And this is the best offer you've gotten.

Especially while all that shit
drags on out there.

If you refuse
my client's check,

it will be up to
the courts to decide.

Your kid could
be out of college

by the time this
thing is resolved.

Is that what you want?

Take his damn check.

Okay.

This way.

Do they even know
what they're doing?

We know
what we're doing.

Who do I make it out to?

Stephen Vincent.

Is that a "P-H" or a "V"?

P-H!

Something's happening.

Oh!

It's the terrorist thing!

What's happening?

It looks like they
found him or something.

Logan, what do you see?
Oh, my God!

And the suspect in
this terrorism plot, Abdul Pamir...

In fact,
there he is right now.

I can see him. He's coming out.
That's him.

He has his hands
over his head.

Yeah.
Wow.

- Uh-oh.
- He appears to be surrendering.

Now police is sending in
a canine unit to sniff the suspect,

to see if there is
actually a bomb or device.

There is a dog
checking the suspect now.

Wait a second.
He seems very calm.

That might be
a bomb there, though.

The dog has walked off now.

That means there
is likely no device, no bomb.

Get him off
the streets for good.

- Very, very good news indeed.
- That's his white flag. Wow.

- It's good they got him.
- Lock him up.

You can hear the choppers
up ahead as well.

New York City's Finest
is doing their job and they have got their man.

And they are about to
put the bracelets on him.

Shoot the son of a bitch.

Right in the balls.

Come on. Look at him.
Heck, he's just a kid!

Well, what did you expect?

I don't know. A monster. Anything but this.
What did he really do?

That little prick cost me 50 grand.
That's what he did.

You need to let it go.

We can all rest easier now,
knowing this terrorist is off our streets.

Isn't it a little bit too early

to actually convict
this young man?

The poor guy.

Poor guy, my ass!

I knew
we should have waited.

You are
the one that said to take

the first decent
offer that we got.

I remind you.
You are obligated to take my client's offer.

- Yes?
- Yes.

Just...
All right. Just sign

- the thing already.
- We're gonna sign.

Just sign where
indicated, Mr. Carver.

I'm not signing.

Alex, are you all right?

What do you mean
you're not signing it?

I mean I'm not
signing the damn thing.

What's he talking about?

Jesus Christ.
Give me a break.

We don't want
your apartment.

Alex, what are you doing?

What does it look
like I'm doing, Lily?

I'm putting an end
to this bullshit.

All day long we've been
pulled back and forth, back and forth.

Only to come up here
and hear these two

accuse us of
I don't know what!

Nobody is accusing you of anything.
I understand that's what...

No...
Whoa, whoa. Wait.

Please. Let him finish, okay?

We don't want your apartment. Put it
back on the market.

I hope they get
a billion dollars for it!

You know, when one door closes,
another door opens.

Okay. Thank you, Lily.
Thanks.

Alex? Alex?

Wait a minute.
Wait a minute.

I gotta get out of here.

No... Wait a second.

Wait. You can't just
storm off like that.

You're right.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, Ruth.

But seeing that young man,
kneeling on the ground like that.

It just made me realize
that we're just like everybody else today.

Getting all
worked up over nothing.

Yeah.

Why are we moving?
What are we chasing?

Haven't we built
a good life?

I only meant to help.
I didn't mean to hurt you.

I know that.
I know. I know, Ruth.

You know, you're probably
gonna live to be 100.

Mmm-hmm.

I hope so.

I don't want to
live without you.

And I really don't care.
You know that, right?

I don't care if we stay in Brooklyn
or we move to Moscow.

I just want
what's best for you.

And us.

Let's go home.

God, I love you,
you silly old man.

I don't know what
just went down in there, but it could work for us.

You lost this place.
It doesn't matter. I've got plenty of others.

The good news is
that you didn't accept

any of the offers
on your apartment.

And what he said is true,
things are gonna go up,

now that that idiot's
off the streets.

And we could hold out
for a million dollars. Maybe more.

No, Lily...

No? No, what?

Too much?

No.
It's too little!

We're not holding out, Lily.
We're not selling.

What do you mean?
I've got solid offers. I can get you better ones.

You can't back out now.

Lily,

we can do whatever
the hell we want.

But...

Selling is
the right thing for you.

It's the right thing
for you.

You're just acting this way,
because you're scared.

We're not scared.
We're doing it,

because it's
the right thing to do.

And he's right, Lily.
We don't need to sell right now.

Will you just... Will you just
stop for a minute?

What?

Listen, you cannot live
in that apartment forever.

We can't live
anywhere forever.

No, but we can
manage there for a while.

This is ridiculous.

What about all
the work I put in, Ruth?

There's just really
nothing more to say. I'm sorry.

Well, then I'm gonna say it.

You're a crazy old man,
who doesn't know what's good for you.

Hey, no, you do not
speak to him like that!

And you're no better!

Fuck you both!

I guess we won't be going to her place
for Thanksgiving this year.

You hate her stuffing,
anyway.

It took a while for Dorothy
to get back on her feet.

But, by the time winter set in,

she and I had returned
to our usual routine.

Hi.
I thought that was you two.

Hey.
What are you doing?

What does it look
like I'm doing, honey?

Look at you.

Did you manage to get
any paint on the walls?

Funny.

What? Didn't that
bad man feed you?

Yes. She ate.

She doesn't think so.

Well, she is either
confused or lying.

Here. How's it going in there?
Oh, thanks.

Well... Uh, it's going.

Good.

Mmm-hmm.

Can I see?
Mmm-hmm.

See, nobody told me that
painting would be this hard.

Oh, jeez.
I'm sorry about that.

Not sorry enough.
What do you think?

Huh?

It's good, huh?

Yeah. It looks very good.

I like it better than
this gray that you chose.

Thanks.

Why are you still
painting this old lady?

What old lady?

Ooh.

Good answer.

Look at that.

Those few days were like
one big roller coaster ride.

And, like most rides,
we ended up where we began.

Still,
it reminded us who we are.

What we have.

It was worth it,
if only for that.

Maybe one day we'll sell.

Stop climbing the stairs.

But for now we'll
just deal with what is.

The important thing is
it brought us back here. Together.

Back to our senses.
And to our home.

Improved By: Fidel33