Guard Dog (2015) - full transcript
(soft instrumental music)
(upbeat country music)
♪ Sure it sounds like a storybook
♪ That first kiss is all it took
♪ And the next day we were off and runnin'
♪ A ring a day and some wedding vows
♪ A baby boy, look at us now
♪ Singin' I'll always be right here
♪ Yeah I know it sounds crazy
♪ Just saying love at first sight
♪ But the day I held you
♪ I knew you were my light
♪ Even when things don't
♪ Always turn out quite right
♪ And you find yourself prayin' for more time
♪ Sure it sounds like a storybook
♪ That first kiss is all it took
♪ And the next day we were off and runnin'
♪ A ring a day and some wedding vows
♪ A baby boy, look at him now
♪ Singin' I'll always be right here
♪ I'll always be right here
(crickets chirping)
- Big day tomorrow.
First day of school.
What's the matter, Abby?
- I don't want to go to school.
- Why not?
- It's scary.
- No, it's not so bad.
- Yes, it is.
(sighing)
- You want to hear a story on why you
don't need to be afraid?
It's a true story.
A really cool one.
But I gotta warn you,
the beginning's kind of scary.
- Scary?
- And sad, but it gets magical and wonderful and funny.
But I know you don't like scary.
- Does it have a happy ending?
- Oh yeah.
- Okay.
- You won't be scared?
You sure?
- I'm starting school tomorrow.
I'm a big girl now.
- Yes you are, and very brave.
Okay, this is about a little boy
who's a little older than you.
But here's the sad part.
His mommy was really, really sick.
And the doctors couldn't fix her.
- Chance?
Chance, can you get me a drink of juice?
- Your mom needs you.
(coughing)
(heart monitor beeping)
(sipping)
(coughing)
- You're my little angel.
I love you so.
- I can't stand this any longer.
I gotta get out of the house.
- Wait, don't go!
- Take care of your mother.
You're in charge.
(heart monitor beeping)
(engine revving)
(soft dramatic music)
(heart monitor beeping)
(screaming)
- Dad?
(heart monitor flatlining)
Daddy?
(heart monitor flatlining)
(tapping)
Mom?
Mom?
Mommy?
(gasping)
(light shattering)
(gasping)
(soft dramatic music)
- The mommy died?
- Yes, she did.
I thought I told you it was gonna be sad
in the beginning.
Do you want to stop?
I think we should continue and get to
the fun and magical part,
but it's up to you.
- Let's keep going.
- The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures
and leaves me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his namesake.
And even though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death, I fear no evil,
for you are with me.
- Come on in.
Make yourself at home.
(gasping)
- Uh, hey folks.
I'm so sorry, but um,
John is really not up to having guests at this time.
- Hey.
- Hi, Grandma.
- Are you okay, honey?
Oh, of course you're not.
- We so appreciate you being here,
but I think it best if we just
let father and son have some alone time together, okay?
- Hey, where's your little dog?
What's his name?
- Abba?
- Yeah, where's Abba?
(soft instrumental music)
- No.
- Hey, buddy.
(crickets chirping)
(dramatic music)
Where have you been all day?
Where are you going?
Come on.
Come on, don't be like that.
Stop.
- Ow!
- Sorry.
Hey, did you eat yet?
Come on.
Come on, let's go eat.
♪ I guess you're really gone
♪ I guess I'm all alone
♪ I guess you're really gone
- Hi, John.
Sorry to hear about your wife last month.
Your mom, she was a really nice lady.
- I'll have a rum and cola, Brad.
Hold, hold the cola.
- Sure, John.
And how about you, Chance?
How do you like a Roy Rogers?
- Roy Rogers, Brad?
A Roy Rogers?
He doesn't know who Roy Rogers is.
That was 60 years ago.
You're living in the past, old man.
That's no good.
'Cause everybody keeps telling me that's no good!
Hey.
What do you want to eat?
- Nothing.
- You gotta eat.
- Why?
- Well, you must be hungry.
- No.
- Come on, you didn't eat yesterday.
You didn't eat the day before.
- Mom didn't eat for a week.
- Is that it?
Chance, your mom was sick.
- Where were you?
Where were you?
You left us all alone
and I didn't know what to do
and she died!
It's your fault!
I hate you!
I hate you!
♪ I guess I'm all alone
♪ I guess you're really gone
(police radio chatter)
(soft dramatic music)
(dramatic music)
(soft dramatic music)
- I'll take it from here, Doris.
Hi, Chance.
I'm Miss Johnson.
I'm here to take care of you.
- My dad?
- Your dad is in the other room talking
to the policeman right now.
- What did he do wrong?
- When was the last time you ate, Chance?
Well, maybe we should get some...
(Chance whimpering)
Did your dad do that?
It's okay.
You're safe with me.
I won't let anything bad happen to you, little angel.
(crying)
- We're, we're Karen and Chuck Chilton,
Chance's grandparents.
Where is he?
- He's inside with Jenny Johnson
from Child Protective Services.
- Protective?
Protection against what?
John?
- I don't think I like this story.
You said it was about magic.
This is not fun at all.
- I know, but it was important for you to know
why the boy acted the way he did.
See, it wasn't the dad's fault
or the boy's fault that the mom died,
but they both blamed themselves.
- Why?
- Because when people are afraid,
they don't think straight.
Like you're afraid of going to school tomorrow.
There's nothing to be afraid of,
but you're still upset.
Don't worry.
Here's when the story gets super fun
and you'll figure out why you don't ever
have to be afraid.
Are you ready for some magic?
Okay, now they sent the boy to live
at his grandparent's house, who were really nice,
but since the boy was still mad at his dad and himself,
the boy was not acting nice at all.
- Now the letter from the school.
Lying, cheating, talking back,
and flunking out.
- I saw.
- Say, how'd that meeting with social services go?
- Even that nice Miss Johnson,
whom he really seems to like,
couldn't convince him to visit his father.
- But it's his daddy.
- He flat out refuses.
Honestly, I'm not sure that I blame him.
- Come on, Karen.
The man just lost his wife.
- The man lost his mind.
And look at the results.
That boy is willful, contrary.
- Contrary?
- I say in, he says out.
I say up, he says down.
I say yes, he shouts no.
What about a dog?
- Huh?
- Maybe if we got him a dog.
You remember that little sheepdog
his mom and dad gave him.
Ever since he was a baby he's carried it
around everywhere for comfort.
Maybe it would help.
- You mean another stuffed animal?
- No, I mean a real one.
(door creaking)
- Say, Chance,
how'd you like to have a dog?
Someone to hang out with?
- You know, like that little one you
used to have, only real.
- Of course, it'd be your job to take care of it.
You'd be in charge.
- No!
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
I don't want to take care of anything!
I don't want to be in charge!
(door slamming)
- Haven't touched your food.
You know, those are some pretty fine mashed potatoes.
Lick your finger and see.
- They used to be some of your mom's favorites.
I shouldn't have said that.
I just reminded him.
- Honey, I don't think he needs reminding.
I don't think he's ever not thinking of her.
(soft instrumental music)
(kiss smacking)
Goodnight, son.
Sweet dreams.
- Night light!
(soft instrumental music)
- Goodnight.
You're my little angel,
and I love you so much.
(crying)
- [Man] Oh, don't wipe them away.
Tears are good for you.
- [Chance] Who said that?
- [Man] I did.
I like the taste of tears.
They taste like peanuts without the nutty part.
- [Chance] Where are you?
- I'm lying by your bed on the floor.
I'm gonna stand up now,
but don't be afraid.
I'm kind of scary-lookin'.
Ooh, I like the way you're using your blanket as a shield.
Everybody knows that bad things can't hurt you
if you're under a cover.
That's not really true, you know.
- [Chance] Huh?
- The covers.
They're not really magical.
But don't worry, I wouldn't hurt you.
Not for anything.
Oh, don't get too close.
Lots of dogs are afraid of little boys.
- They are?
I wouldn't hurt you.
- Are you sure?
You're not lying, are you?
'Cause I've heard you tell a lot of lies.
- I'm not lying.
- Okay, I believe you.
Aren't lies terrible?
Just when you think you can trust someone.
- How come your mouth doesn't move when you talk?
- Ooh, that's a really good question.
Because I'm just a big stuffed animal.
And you're hearing me in your mind,
not with your ears.
That way even when you can't see me,
you can still hear me,
even though no one else can.
- What do you mean when I can't see you?
- All right, close your eyes.
Just for a moment.
Now open them.
See?
You can't see me, but I'm still here.
Ta da!
- [Chance] Whoa!
- See?
I want you to know that even when
you can't see me, I'll always be by your side.
But only if you want me to be your dog.
Do you?
- I guess.
- Ooh, not good enough.
You have to be sure.
I can help make your dreams come true.
What is it you want more than anything?
- I want my parents back.
- Ah, your dad.
- I don't want just a dad.
I want a mom, too.
- Of course you do.
Well, tell you what.
If you let me be your dog,
I'll help you with that.
What do you say?
- Okay, yes.
I want you to be my dog.
- Great!
But you also have to follow the rules.
- Rules?
- Yup, gotta have rules.
Without rules everything gets messed up.
Rule number one.
I'm your dog.
- Okay.
- You can't have any other dogs.
Just me.
Well, that shouldn't be hard 'cause I'm special.
You have to love me.
You have to do what I tell ya to do.
I'm a guard dog.
(barking)
So I'll always look after you.
But to help keep you safe,
you need to follow the rules.
I promise never to ask you to do anything
that will hurt you or harm anyone else, okay?
- What are the other rules?
- Oh, we'll get to those.
For now it's time for you to go to sleep.
Rest is important, just like eating.
It helps keep the mind sharp and the body healthy.
You haven't been sleeping well at all.
But tonight you will.
And you'll dream of me.
- What's your name?
- Name?
Dog.
- Don't you have a name?
- I'm just me.
I am who I am.
- But don't you have a name?
Otherwise how will I call you?
- You won't need to call me.
I'll always be there.
- But if I want to talk to you...
- Oh, Chance.
You know my name.
We've been best friends since you were a baby.
You remember that song your mom made up about me?
♪ Abba, Abba, Abba, I love you
♪ Abba, Abba, Abba, you love me, too
♪ Watchin' after me all day
♪ Guarding over me all night
♪ I don't have to be afraid
♪ You never let me out of your sight
- Abba, it is you!
- [Abba] Oh yeah, it is me.
- I'm sorry I threw you in the garbage.
- Oh, that's all right.
You were very upset.
One good thing about us dogs.
We don't hold a grudge.
All right, Chance.
It's time to go to sleep now.
Don't worry, I'll guard the door.
(humming)
- Thank you, Grandma.
(laughing)
Grandpa.
- Oh.
- I love him!
- Who?
- My new dog!
He's the best!
- Your new dog?
- The one in my room.
He said he would look after me.
- The one in your room.
- He's not there now.
Or maybe he is.
He can be invisible, you know?
- Did you dream about him, Chance?
- I did!
He said I would and I did!
He's gonna make my dream come true.
- Does this mean you want a dog?
- I've got one.
- I mean another one.
A real--
- No!
No other dogs.
What's for breakfast?
- Did you just ask to eat, honey?
- Yup, gotta eat and rest.
It's important.
- Well, what's your favorite breakfast, Chance?
- Strawberry chocolate chip pancakes.
- Strawberry chocolate chip pancakes?
Comin' up. (laughing)
- Homework, Chance?
- I don't have it.
- And that surprises me how?
Oh wait, it doesn't.
What is your excuse this time?
- Um, my dog ate it?
- I didn't even know you had a dog.
- I got one last night.
He was in my room.
- Okay, and he ate your homework?
I suppose if I called your grandmother,
she would corroborate this story?
- Corrob what?
- Tell me the same thing about you having a dog.
- Oh sure.
She and Grandpa gave him to me.
- Okay.
New puppies can get out of hand.
But I guess we will see if you did your homework
by how well you do on this pop quiz.
(school bell ringing)
(kids talking excitedly)
Hold on a minute, Chance.
It seems I owe you an apology.
It appears you did do your homework.
- Yah.
- You did very well on this test.
You got every answer right except for this last one.
Not even close there, but still,
this is an A paper.
Now doesn't that feel great?
- Yup.
- Good job.
- [Chance] Yes.
- [Abba] Hey, Chance?
- Abba, where are you?
- Over here, come on.
- What are you doing here?
I thought dogs weren't allowed in school.
- Yeah, I think that's really sad.
But I'm only here because it's an emergency.
- What happened?
- You broke the rules.
- I broke a rule?
- Not only one, you broke three.
And it's not even lunchtime yet.
- What did I do wrong?
- Do you really need to ask that?
Blaming me?
I thought we were friends.
- We are.
- Then why would you blame me for your bad behavior?
You know I didn't chew up your homework.
You said you wouldn't hurt me.
- I wouldn't.
- If I blamed you for something you didn't do,
wouldn't that hurt you?
You remember you asked what the other rules were?
Rule number nine, no telling lies.
- How am I supposed to know that?
I'm not a mind reader.
- Well I am, and I know you know better.
Your dad taught you.
- Forget my dad!
I don't want to talk about him!
- [Abba] Ah.
- I'm sorry I told a lie.
- Are you really?
- Yes.
- Okay, you're forgiven.
Now let's talk about cheating!
- Oh come on!
How did you know?
- I told you.
Even when you can't see me, I'm always with you.
The only answer on that test that you
did on your own was the last one.
- And I got it wrong.
- That's because you didn't do your homework.
You see how one mistake leads to another?
- I'm sorry.
- Are you sorry you did it?
Or are you just sorry you got caught?
Besides, being sorry is all good and well,
but if you're really sorry,
you have to stop lying and cheating.
And stealing.
(sighing)
Yup, let's see it.
Left pocket.
That's a really nice yo-yo.
Not your yo-yo though, is it?
You took that from the store without paying for it.
That's against rule number eight.
No stealing.
Not from stores, not the answers from your neighbor's test.
You remember you asked me to help
make your dreams come true?
In order to do that, you have to follow the rules.
- I'm sorry!
I'm really, really sorry!
- I want you to know something, Chance.
Everyone makes mistakes.
Everyone.
But I love you anyway.
- You do?
- Always.
But about that lying and stealing and cheating stuff.
What are you gonna do about that?
(soft instrumental music)
- I'll take this.
- Hello, that's $3 even.
Out of 10.
And $7 is your change.
Thank you very much.
(soft instrumental music)
(clearing throat)
- Uh, uh, uh, uh, uh.
You planning on keeping that extra change he gave you?
(sighing)
- Um, excuse me, sir?
- Yes, son?
- You gave me too much change.
This should be two ones and a five,
but you handed me two fives and a one.
- Wow, you know, I don't see honesty like that too often.
I tell you what.
You keep it.
It's a reward for being truthful.
- Thanks!
- You're welcome.
It's a pleasure doing business with you.
- He let me keep it.
- You see?
Doing the right thing has its rewards, always.
- Not always.
When I told me teacher that I cheated,
I didn't get rewarded.
I got in trouble.
- Oh, you also got rewarded.
- How?
- Well, next time you'll study,
which means you'll get smarter, and that's a reward.
And you won't feel guilty.
And that's a reward because you'll sleep better.
(screaming)
- It's so big and cute!
I love it!
- [Abba] Hmm, that was close.
- How's that homework goin', Chance?
- Okay. - Oh.
- You could help, you know.
- Oh, you need my help?
- No, not you.
I was talking to Abba.
- The dog.
- Yeah.
- Lots of kids have an imaginary playmate.
It's normal.
- Italy is shaped like a boot?
Are you sure?
Okay.
- Normal, huh?
Hey, you're almost finished with your homework.
I got a surprise.
We can watch that new superhero movie on cable tonight.
- But we don't get the premium movie channel.
- We do now.
I tapped into Fred's next door.
- What?
- Well, Fred told me he's got the full package
and it was easy hookin' ours up through his.
You just gotta know how.
- But isn't that stealing?
- Huh?
- Taking his cable like that, isn't that stealing?
- Well, I'm not taking it, I'm just sharing it.
He's still got it.
- Oh, like if I copy my neighbor's test in school
it's not like I'm taking it away from him.
He still has it.
- It's not like that.
- Like taking a yo-yo from a store
without paying for it
if the cable company was a store?
- He's got a point.
(sighing)
- I'll disconnect it in the morning.
- Wait, I've got a better idea.
Let's just pay the cable company to set it up.
- [Both] Can we?
(laughing)
- Doing what's right has its rewards, Grandpa.
Always.
(chuckles)
(kiss smacking)
- Thanks for the lesson, kiddo.
- Thank Abba.
- Thanks, Abba.
- I don't need that anymore, Grandpa.
- You don't?
- Nope, I've got a guard dog.
- But remember, I will see you after class, Mr. Watson.
- Yes, ma'am.
(school bell ringing)
(kids talking in background)
What are we supposed to do?
- What?
- I've never been to detention before.
What are we supposed to do?
- I'll tell you what we're not supposed to do.
We're not supposed to talk.
- Do I hear talking?
Chance, I realize that this is your first time,
but Robby, you should know better.
Do you want to stay after school tomorrow, too?
(kids laughing)
(bikes crashing)
- You got me in trouble, dink!
- I didn't mean to!
- I didn't mean to.
- I'm sorry!
- You will be, Mr. Big Mouth.
Hey, since you got such a big mouth,
why don't you eat.
Here, have some grass.
(screaming)
- Chance?
What's wrong?
- Nothing!
(spitting)
(door slamming)
I'd like to kill him!
- Oh no, you can't do that.
That's breaking rule number six.
No murdering anyone.
Definitely not.
- Doggone him!
- Whoa, be careful what you say.
- What do you mean?
- You said doggone him.
Do you really want me to do that?
Gone him?
Make him vanish from the world?
- Could you?
That would be awesome.
- Would it?
- He told me he will be waiting for me
after school tomorrow, too.
But if you made him disappear...
- Oh, that would be bad.
- Why bad?
- Well, with Robby gone from the world,
who would look after his little sister?
- His parents.
- Oh no, Robby's parents got divorced last year
and his mom left.
So Robby has to babysit his little sister after school,
so being kept after is twice as bad for him
because he knew his little sister was home alone
when he was supposed to be with her.
And he was afraid when you talked
that he would get blamed and get held after again
and get in even more trouble at home.
When people are afraid, sometimes they get angry.
- But Robby is mean all the time.
Any of the kids could tell you that.
- Maybe he's afraid his dad will leave him, too.
- But what about tomorrow after school
when he's waiting for me?
- I think I have a plan to deal with that.
Come here.
All right, I think this will be really fun.
You know how when you were a kid...
(dramatic music)
- [Boy] I heard you like salad.
- Yeah, I heard you like salad.
- Shouldn't you get home to your sister?
You guys think you're tough, right?
- Tough enough.
- Yeah, tough enough.
- Tougher than you.
- I don't think so, and I can prove it.
I like my salad with dressing.
This is hot sauce.
- Go on, go ahead.
Just like we planned it.
- I challenge you three to put some of this
on your tongue.
I'll go first.
Then you'll see who's the toughest.
- Well, why don't we just beat you up right now?
- You afraid?
- As if.
- [Both] As if.
- [Chance] Okay, then, here we go.
Mmm, your turn.
(screaming)
- Tell them to drink milk.
Drinking water will only make it worse.
- Hey guys!
Drink milk, not water!
- Or eat a spoonful of sugar.
- [Chance] Or eat a spoonful of sugar.
That was great!
(Abba laughing)
Who's the best dog?
Who's the best dog?
Who's the best dog?
Who's the best dog?
Who's the best dog?
Who's the best dog?
Who's the best dog?
Who's the best dog?
Who's the best dog?
Who's the best dog?
Who's the best dog?
- We seriously have to cut back on
that boy's sugar intake.
- [Boy] I can't wait until summer break, man.
- Cool.
- A new bike?
Why do you need a new bike?
Does your old one not have wheels?
- Mine has wheels.
- Oh, no handlebars.
Nothin' to hold onto.
- Mine has handlebars.
- Peddles?
How do you go anywhere without peddles?
- Mine has peddles.
- Brakes, no brakes.
Oh, that is very dangerous.
- My bike has all that stuff, but...
- But?
- My bike is very old and I saw a really
cool one at school.
- And you want one like that really cool one.
That's against the rules.
Rule number 10 says you shouldn't
be jealous of people who have nicer stuff than you do
and you shouldn't want their nice stuff for your own.
- Why?
- Oh, it's much better to focus on being thankful
for all the good things you do have.
Seems to me you have a lot of nice things, kiddo.
- Like what?
- Oh, that shirt's pretty nice.
And those shoes are so great.
- What's so great about them?
- They don't have holes in them.
Do you know that millions of people around
the world don't have any shoes at all?
Or a house to live in or food to eat?
Or even clean water to drink.
- That's in other parts of the world.
Poor parts.
- Oh, really?
Well, why don't you jump on that crummy old bike
and follow me.
Wee!
(soft instrumental music)
- Abba, where are you?
- Over here, come on.
(soft instrumental music)
Come on, let's go.
Move it.
Yup, that way.
Right over there.
That way.
All right.
(mid-tempo contemporary music)
(horn honking)
Come on, come on, come on.
We're almost there.
(mid-tempo contemporary music)
- What are we doing here?
- Waiting for the bus.
Hey, nice bike.
- [Chance] This?
(gasping)
- Hey, what was that all about?
- What?
- That kid.
He was trying to talk to you.
And you just walked away.
He goes to your school, you know.
- He does?
- Yup, and he doesn't have a bike.
He has to walk the whole way.
And did you notice his shoes?
- No.
- Holes.
- I don't think this is a good neighborhood to be in.
- Why?
- Well...
- Oh no, you're not.
You are not thinkin' what I think you're thinking.
You are!
You're thinkin' it.
You are definitely not thinking.
- What?
- Because people have a different color skin than you do?
You're afraid of them?
Seriously?
Chance, remember that summer when you got
the really dark tan?
Did it change who you were?
- Of course not.
- Of course not.
Does the way people look on the outside
say anything about who they are on the inside?
Honestly, kiddo,
could anything say less about a person
than the color of their skin?
(sighing)
Put your bike down.
Over there.
Right over there by that wall.
Yeah, right there.
Now go a little bit over there.
One more step.
That's perfect.
(paint splattering)
- Oh no!
Holy Smurf!
Oh kid, are you okay?
I'm sorry, I'm so sorry.
The bucket must've slipped.
- So, feel any different?
Inside, I mean?
- Okay, I get it.
(soft instrumental music)
- [Boy] Hi.
- Hi.
- Wow, that's one sweet paint job.
- It is?
- Awesome bike.
- Who painted it for you?
- I guess I did.
- Wow, that's tight.
I'm Jorel.
- Jorel?
Like Superman's dad?
- Yeah, my dad likes comics.
- Cool!
- Well, bye.
- Hey, Jorel?
- Yeah?
- I was talking to my dog and he was
telling me about the difference between
wants and needs.
He said there are things that we want.
You know, toys and stuff.
And things that we need,
like, like food, clothing and water.
Did you know there are some people without
water to drink?
- How did they stay alive?
- Sometimes they don't.
Anyway, I was wondering.
How would you like to have my bike?
- What?
- My dog said you need it more than I do,
and sharing is important.
So I want you to have it.
- Really?
- Yup.
- Really, really?
- Really, really.
- Oh!
- That's the best thing someone's ever did for me.
Yeah!
Wait a minute.
- What?
- Do you say your dog tell you to give it to me?
- No, he let me choose.
- But your dog?
- Yeah, Abba.
He's really smart.
And he teaches me things.
- He talks to you?
- Yeah, he's not an ordinary dog.
He's magical.
- He's a magical dog.
- A magical dog.
- A magical talking dog that knows everything.
Abracadabra.
So, dink, did he know I was going to do this?
- What?
- This.
- [Chance] Uh!
- What's the matter?
You gonna sick your dog on me?
- [Chance] Stop!
- Why don't you have your dog tell me to stop.
I'm listening.
I don't hear anything.
Or maybe he doesn't want me to stop.
- Or maybe there is no dog.
Maybe you're crazy.
- [Blonde Boy] You gonna cry now?
(laughing)
- [Chance] Uh!
- [Girl] I believe in your dog.
- Oh shut up!
I hate bullies!
- Oh, hate is a very powerful word.
But yeah, most people don't like bullies
or mean people
or people who break rule number six, like you did.
- What?
Rule number six is no murdering.
- That's right.
- I didn't kill anyone.
I wanted to.
- But that rule doesn't just apply to people and animals.
It applies to other things as well.
- Ants?
- Well, I never understood why someone
would cut down an entire rainforest.
That kills a lot of other creatures,
but I was speaking more about spirit.
- What?
- Innocence, trust, belief.
That little girl Sally.
She believed.
But harsh words can kill innocence
and dreams and hopes
and wonderful possibilities.
You and she might've been best friends,
but your words might've killed that.
(soft instrumental music)
- [Chance] Hey, Bro.
- Hi.
- Wow.
Nice bike.
- The kid who gave it to me rocked.
(hands slapping)
You need to come to my house, bro.
- Oh, you don't have to invite me.
- No, you need to come to my house.
My parents don't believe you gave it to me.
- Oh, okay.
Hey, Sally.
Hey, hey.
I'm Chance and I wanted to say that I'm sorry.
I was really mad at those other kids,
but I yelled at you.
And I wasn't mad at you.
I'm happy that you believe in my dog
and I'm really sorry.
- How did you know my name?
- Oh, Abba told me.
- Who's Abba?
- My dog.
- Your dog?
- Yeah, he knows everything.
This is Jorel.
- You gave him your bike.
- Yeah.
- 'Cause your dog said you should.
- Sort of.
- I like your puppy.
- Hey!
Wanna go down the slide?
- Sure. - Yeah.
(laughing)
- [Chance] Woo!
- Woo!
- [Sally] Woo!
- Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!
- [Chance] That was cool, wasn't it?
- I know.
- What do you want to do next?
Come to all bike to my house?
- Yeah.
- [Chance] What do you want to do, paint the building?
Yeah, no, or play tag.
- [Jorel] Play tag.
- [Chance] Yeah, let's go outside, enjoy our life,
not play with technology.
You know what I mean?
- [Jorel] Yeah.
- [Sally] Uh oh.
- Hey, dink.
We've come to finish what we've started.
- [Abba] Don't back up.
Stand your ground.
- Now what do I need to do?
- Bleed.
- [Abba] Bark.
- Huh?
- Bark.
That's what I'd do.
(barking)
Now growl.
That always works for us dogs.
(growling)
- [Robby] You're crazy, man!
(clapping and cheering)
- [Boy] Booyah!
- [Boy] Yeah!
- It was Abba, wasn't it?
- Yeah.
- What was Abba?
Who's Abba?
- He's Chance's dog.
He chased those bullies away.
- I didn't see a dog.
- 'Cause he's invisible, silly.
- Oh, of course.
That was silly of me.
- He's a guard dog.
- Invisible guard dog.
Must be nice.
- He's super nice and really smart.
- And teaches me things.
- Like what?
- Well, he once said let your yes mean yes
and your no mean no.
- You mean when you make promises, keep them?
- Exactly, and the rules.
- Huh?
- He taught me the rules.
- [Jorel] What rules?
- If I obey them he's gonna make my dream come true.
- You guys really believe this?
- Yup. - Sure.
- Why can't I see him?
- Well, sometimes you can just see him
and sometimes you can just hear him.
But he's always there.
- How do you know?
- Because he told me he was.
- Let your yes mean yes and your no mean no.
Cool, what are the other rules?
- I gotta do my chores and homework.
How about we meet tomorrow
and then I'll tell you then.
- Okay, when?
- During recess.
- Okay, I'm Coz by the way.
(slapping)
- [Abba] It's not contagious, you know.
- What?
- Coz's condition.
It's called Cerebral Palsy and you can't catch
it from him by shaking his hand.
- But it looks so weird.
- Well, some people think talkin' to a dog is weird.
I think he was interested in being your friend.
- But that would be...
- [Abba] What?
- But what could we do?
How can I talk to him?
- Well, you talk to him like you talk
to anybody else.
He's not stupid, you know.
His body is fragile, but his mind is very sharp.
In fact, he's the smartest kid in your school.
- No way.
- Yeah, way.
And as far as what you could do, lots of things.
Sure, there'd be certain things you couldn't do,
but giving those up would be worth it.
- Well, why?
- For all the things he could teach you.
So many wonderful things.
- Like what?
- Like patience, gratitude,
perseverance.
- What's that?
- That's not giving up
when the odds are stacked against you.
- Like determination?
- Exactly!
And ingenuity.
- What's that?
- Figuring out how to do things in a different way.
Not to mention math.
He could teach you that, too.
And seems to me you could use a little help
in that area, kid.
- I guess I blew it.
- Yeah, but you get another chance tomorrow.
That's the wonderful thing about tomorrows.
You always get a second chance.
Goodnight, Chance.
- Goodnight, boy.
- You're a boy.
I'm a dog.
- Hush, go to sleep.
(laughing)
(school bell ringing)
- Okay, you all can finish up after recess.
- Yes!
(soft instrumental music)
(sighing)
One of the wonderful things about tomorrows
is that you always get a second chance.
I'm Chance.
What's going on?
- We're gathering around that you were gonna
explain the rules the magic dog taught you.
- [Kids] Yeah.
- Hey, is it true you have a dog that knows everything?
- [Kid] Yeah, is it true?
Don't you?
- Who told you sugar would stop the hot sauce burning?
- My dog.
- And why did you tell me?
- Because he told me to.
- Smart dog.
- Robby ate some hot sauce and I didn't want
to help him 'cause I was real mad at him,
but Abba said sometimes people act mean
because they're afraid.
He also says that you have to put yourself
in their place and try to understand why
they act the way they act.
- [Kid] Yeah.
- He says everyone wants to be liked,
but you have to decide for yourself
what's the right choice to make.
If you get mad, it's okay,
but when you do, you're not supposed to hurt anyone.
- So no hitting?
- Or saying mean things.
That hurts even worse sometimes.
(light playful music)
- Oh, oh, oh.
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.
- If I do something wrong, it's okay.
He loves me anyway.
He loves you, too.
- All of us?
- Yup.
He told me to tell you that.
- Who, Chance?
Who says it's okay to do something wrong?
And that he loves little children?
Speak up!
- My dog.
- Your dog?
- Abba.
- Yeah. - Yeah.
- Your dog?
- Yes, ma'am.
- Your dog talks to you?
Like a cartoon or Babe the pig?
- Sort of, except that his mouth doesn't move.
- Well, if his mouth doesn't move,
how does he speak?
- I hear him in my head.
- You're hearing voices in your head?
- Not voices, just a voice.
- Your dog?
- Yeah.
- You do know, Chance, that this dog is not real.
- Yes, he is.
- No, he's not.
He's just in your imagination.
- No, he's not!
He knows things that I don't!
- Like what?
- Well, all kinds of things.
Everything.
- How long have you been talking to the other
children about this dog?
- I don't know.
- Weeks?
- [Chance] Yeah.
- Longer?
- Maybe.
- And they believe it all?
Admit it.
You've made up this dog so the other children
would like you.
- No, I didn't.
- Do you even know the difference
between truth and lies?
- Yeah.
- And you know that telling lies is bad?
- Of course.
He told me that.
- Who?
- [Chance] My dog.
(sighing)
- I recommend suspension.
- What?
- Oh, he is willful, insubordinate,
and a little liar.
- Now hold on.
- No, he's told me a bald-faced lie.
Invisible dog, indeed.
I have here his record since he's
been to this school.
Rudy, rude, angry.
Doesn't do his homework.
Doesn't participate in class.
He's disruptive and he cheats!
- No, no, no, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Back up the batsmobile.
Now you look at the date on that report.
When was the last time he did any of that stuff?
- Well, it's been several months
and he's shown signs of improvement.
Nevertheless--
- Now I'll admit the boy was a handful
when we first got him.
His mother had just passed and his father
wasn't handling it well and that can affect a kid.
But then he started doing his homework
and his chores and respecting his grandma and I.
- Right.
- And that was just about three months ago.
Now do you know what also happened just about
three months ago?
He got that dog.
- You got him a dog?
- No, well he found the dog.
- A stray?
- Not exactly.
- He stole it!
- No!
He, ah, he dreamed it up.
- And the very next day he began to change.
It was really quite remarkable.
- He conjured it up.
Mrs. and Mr. Chilton,
do you believe in magic?
- No, of course not.
- We know it seems strange, but--
- Seems?
- But it's made all the difference in Chance's life.
Lots of kids have an imaginary playmate
and psychologists say that--
- Are you a psychiatrist, Mrs. Chilton?
- No.
- Well, I happen to have a degree in sociology
and this delusion is very dangerous.
The prisons for the criminally insane
are filled with people who hear voices in their head.
- Now hold on one blessed minute!
You saying our boy's a serial killer
because he's got an imaginary puppy?
- Well, imaginary puppies--
- Now calm down, everybody.
Calm down, calm down everybody.
- She's so far out of line.
- I'm sure that's not what Ms. Magillicutty meant to imply.
- Actually, the possibility--
- Be quiet, Frances.
- Ah!
- Be quiet.
Now listen, everybody, listen.
I'm sure there's a perfectly good solution to this.
- You can't talk about him at school.
Here at home it's okay,
but not at school.
- But why?
- 'Cause it's against the rules.
You're always talking about obeying the rules, right?
- But what if it's a stupid rule?
- Sometimes rules seem stupid
when they're there for reasons you don't understand.
- Like what?
- Well, in this case, oh, I don't know.
It doesn't make sense to me, either.
- [Chance] I hate Ms. Magillicutty.
- Ah, you know what I said about hate, Chance.
- But she's so mean.
- [Abba] Maybe you should forgive her.
- No way!
- Okay, that's your choice.
Why don't you get into bed now?
It's time to get a good night's sleep.
- Okay.
(soft instrumental music)
(alarm beeping)
- [Abba] So, how'd ya sleep?
- Did not.
- Hmm, I can tell you're really tired.
You wanna know how?
- 'Cause you know everything?
- That.
Plus, you're brushing your teeth with hair gel.
(laughing)
(spitting)
(laughing)
- Keep laughing, mop face!
- [Abba] No, no, no, don't do it.
(howling)
(laughing)
That water was cold.
- No!
(Abba shaking)
- Look, maybe it'll help you to know
that the reason that Ms. Magillicutty is so upset
over you talking to your dog is because
she lives with her mother who is very old
and has dementia.
- What's dementia?
- It's a sickness of the mind.
She lost her memory and she doesn't even
know her own daughter.
And she talks to her husband who's been dead
over 10 years.
And she screams at night because she thinks
there's monsters in the closet.
- I used to think there was a monster in my closet.
- So that's what Ms. Magillicutty comes
home to every night.
Kinda tough, huh?
- Yeah.
- And so when she sees you talking to a dog
that she can't see,
she thinks you might be sick like her mom.
- So she acts that way because she cares?
- Exactly.
She worries about you.
Even though she doesn't show it in the best way.
- Okay, I forgive her.
Want some bacon?
(gasping)
- [Abba] Yum yum.
(soft instrumental music)
- [Boy] Here we are.
- [Coz] Let me go.
- [Boy] All right.
- Hey, Jorel!
Are you guys ready?
- [Kids] Ready!
- [Chance] Ready?
- I was born ready.
Or not.
(laughing)
- [Chance] Okay, let's go.
- [Coz] Whoa!
(clapping and cheering)
- [Robby] Woo!
(clapping and cheering)
(howling)
(clapping and cheering)
- Did you hear that, Chance?
- [Chance] What?
- We heard a howl!
A happy howl.
Was that you?
- Was it Abba?
- See, there is no dog.
It doesn't exist.
It's in his head.
He's crazy.
Sick in the brain.
Maybe that's why your mom and dad left you.
- [Chance] Uh!
(punches smacking) (kids yelling)
(whimpering)
- Why did you stop?
- Didn't you see him?
- See what?
- Abba, my dog.
Didn't you see him?
He was right here.
He was right...
Maybe I am crazy.
I have dementia.
- What's wrong, honey?
- Miss Johnson!
- What's the matter, little angel?
It's okay.
- Chance?
Miss Johnson was just giving us some good news.
It looks like you and your dad
will be able to be reunited soon.
- Yeah, Chance.
He's doing well.
Really well and he's so sorry about everything
and he loves you so much.
He'd really like to see you and I think it'd be okay.
His hearing is in three weeks.
And if you could spend some time with him before--
- No!
This is all his fault!
I never want to see him again ever!
I hate him!
(dramatic music)
(crying)
- [Abba] Chance?
- No, you're not real!
You're only there 'cause I'm crazy.
- [Abba] Uh-uh.
- Now I'll never have my dream come true.
- [Abba] Oh, you're not crazy.
- Go away!
I hate you!
I don't believe in you anymore.
(knocking)
- Honey, you okay?
Are you talking to your dog?
- Don't be stupid, Grandma.
There is no dog.
- [Chance] Go away.
- Chance.
- [Chance] Just go away!
Get out of here!
(soft instrumental music)
- Ms. Chilton, this is Ms. Magillicutty,
the school guidance counselor.
Remember me?
I'm looking at your grandson's records
and he hasn't turned in his homework
in over two weeks now.
He's become withdrawn, antisocial.
I believe it's beginning again, Mrs. Chilton.
If you'd like I can recommend a good psychiatrist.
Hello?
Hello?
Can see where he gets it from.
(soft dramatic music)
- Can't stand you any longer.
I've gotta get out of this house.
(door slamming)
- Stop him, Chance.
Don't let him go.
Don't fall asleep or I'll die.
Wake up.
Wake up!
Wake up!
Wake up!
Wake up!
Wake up!
- [Abba] Wake up.
Wake up.
Wake up, you're having a nightmare.
- I let her die.
I was supposed to watch after her
and I fell asleep.
- [Abba] Oh no, Chance.
It's not your fault.
Oh, hush.
Hush now.
Hush.
- You're (crying)
back.
- [Abba] I never left.
- I thought I drove you away.
- [Abba] Oh, can't be done.
- But I told you to get lost.
- I wasn't the one who was lost.
You were.
Ooh, pretty bad nightmare, huh?
Listen to me, Chance.
Your mom was very sick
and there was nothing anybody could do to stop it.
- How about you?
How come you couldn't save her?
- Aw, Chance, everyone dies.
What's important is how you live.
Your mom lived a good, full life.
Even if it was a short one.
She was a wonderful person.
Do you want to see her again?
- How?
- Take my paw.
Now lay down.
Now shut your eyes and breathe slowly.
Now imagine the most beautiful place you can.
Imagine that you're there
and I'm there
and your mom is there.
- [Mom] Oh, good boy, Abba.
- [Chance] Mom!
- I love you.
- [Chance] I love you.
- You look good.
Abba's watching after you.
How's your dad?
- I don't know.
I don't care.
- Chance, that breaks my heart to hear.
I love your daddy very much.
- But he let you die.
- No, baby boy, there was nothing he could do to stop it.
He fought so hard for me, but it was beyond him.
That's what made him so sad and angry.
Upsetting him and you was the worst part
of my going away.
You know what made it okay, though?
Knowing that you have each other.
As long as you were by his side,
a little piece of me always would be, too.
You need to forgive your daddy.
- [Abba] Maybe you should.
- Huh?
- Forgive your daddy.
It's important to do what your parents ask you to do.
That's rule number five.
- Your children are learning all sorts of things.
This is Oscar, our class rat.
And the children just love him.
They get to take turns feeding him
and cleaning his cage.
It teaches them responsibility and teamwork.
- What happens when the thing dies?
- Well, then they learn about that.
Any more questions?
- Uh, yeah.
What's the deal with this stupid invisible dog?
- Excuse me?
- My kid, keep talking about some dog.
What are you teaching these kids?
- Yeah, my daughter goes on and on about him.
He's supposedly magical?
Is this some sort of book you're reading to them?
- No.
- Yeah, my kid does the same thing.
The dog says this, the dog says that.
Apparently, the dog doesn't think it's
a good idea if I have a few beers after work.
Now what's the deal with that?
- Smart thing.
- Look, I assure you that none of this is
coming from me.
- [Woman] The dog may be right.
- [Woman] Yeah.
- What do you mean by that?
- Depending on how many you mean by a few.
- Pff.
- My kid talks about the dog, too,
but I gotta tell you,
he's only teaching these kids good things.
- [Man] Right, absolutely.
- Yeah, like how to disrespect their elders.
- Let me ask you this.
While you were getting drunk,
did your son act disrespectfully
or did he simply make an observation?
- Mmm-hmm.
- Hey.
Lady.
Go suck a lemon.
- Don't speak to my wife like that.
- I will...
(laughing)
- I think she's right.
The dog only teaches good things.
One boy gave my son a bicycle after
learning about sharing.
- And my son is physically challenged.
He didn't have any friends until the dog
told them to be nice to him.
- [Parents] Aw.
- Do you know how crazy you sound, woman?
- Okay, let's not start calling names.
I called her a woman.
- You called her crazy.
I think this dog is a good thing.
I heard he helped him handle some bullies.
Like a guard dog.
- There is no dog!
It's imaginary!
- Well, what's wrong with that?
Imagination is a good thing for a child.
- These kids won't know what's real.
It is a hard world out there
and no imaginary dog is gonna protect them.
- Or magically make everything okay.
- [Man] I say that all talk of this dog
should be banned from this school.
- [Woman] Yes, I agree.
(door slamming)
- You're absolutely right!
We've already dealt with the boy
who started this,
but it's clear we need to see to it that no
other children talk about this dog in school, either.
- I'd fight that rule.
- [Man] Yeah.
- [Parents] Yes.
- You can't tell kids what to talk about.
Haven't you ever heard the right to free speech?
It's the First Amendment,
which apparently you teach at this school.
- Here, here.
(clapping)
(parents arguing amongst themselves)
(nails squeaking quietly)
- Hey!
This matter should be brought before the school board.
There's a meeting Saturday afternoon
in the auditorium.
And I'm telling all of you as a licensed professional,
this fantasy is spreading
and it is dangerous!
- Thank you, Ms. Magillicutty.
You may get off the table now.
- Excuse me.
Excuse me, hey, may I say something?
- You are?
- I'm Sally Wilks' mom.
- Go ahead, madam.
- My daughter was painfully shy.
Throughout first grade and the second grade
and the first half of third grade,
she had no friends, no friends at all,
till she met the boy with the invisible dog.
And he was kind to her.
And now not only does she have one friend,
she has many.
And I know this sounds kind of crazy,
but I think that dog's kind of magical.
- I'd like to back that up.
My grandson had a hard time last summer
when he lost his mother.
And I'm afraid he didn't come out of it very well.
Among other things he was telling lies all the time.
As a punishment that we thought fit the crime,
we put hot sauce on his tongue every time he fibbed.
But he did it so much he got used to it.
- Hey!
Good one.
(hands slapping)
- Well anyway, when he grew close to that dog,
whether real or fake,
he changed his life in only good ways.
He hasn't told a lie since.
- And claims the dog is real.
Lies!
- Ms. Magillicutty, please.
- I'm, I'm Robby's dad.
Um, when I was a kid,
I got picked on a lot.
Bullied.
And I grew to hate bullies.
I mean, really, really despised them.
So you can imagine how I felt
when my boy turned out to be a bully.
He was pickin' on kids that were smaller than he was,
being mean, and I tried everything I could
do to get him to stop.
I tried explaining why it was bad.
I tried punishing him.
I even tried bribing him.
Nothing worked.
Nothing.
And I gotta tell you, it was killing me.
And then this, this dog came along.
And somehow everything changed.
My boy is different
and I will be forever grateful for that.
This dog has only a good influence on these kids.
(clapping)
(gavel pounding)
- We've considered this matter
and bottom line is, there is no dog.
(crowd murmuring)
The dog does not exist.
Therefore, we cannot allow--
- Excuse me.
My name is Jenny Johnson
and I work for Child Protective Services.
I think I know a little something about
what's good or bad for a child.
It's my job to determine just that
and the reason I'm here observing today.
But I believe you're about to make a judgment
on the assumption that this dog does not exist.
Before you do, I say he is real.
- [Kid] Yes.
(clapping)
- You're saying the dog exists.
- Yes.
Just because you can't see him or touch him
doesn't mean he isn't real.
- Well apparently everybody's having
Fruit Loops for breakfast.
(crowd murmuring)
- Miss Johnson.
- Superintendent Jacobs, let me ask you this.
Is love real?
- Of course.
- How do you know?
You can't see it.
You can't touch it.
How do we know it exists?
- Because we feel it.
- Exactly.
Because we feel it.
Because of the effect it has on us.
The proof that love exists is shown
through how it changes us.
Just look at these children.
These caring, sharing,
loving children.
I think they're your proof
that the dog is real.
(clapping)
- Some people are so close-minded,
they'll never believe, no matter how much proof
is handed to them.
So the time has come, Chance,
for you to remember who taught you all
these lessons before I did.
(crowd murmuring)
- I'm sorry, Miss Johnson.
- I learned it all from my father!
- [Crowd] Oh!
- Everything that I taught the other kids,
I learned it all from my father.
(barking)
(laughing)
- Silence, please.
Well, then in spite of this new information,
I believe that we can dismiss this entire matter.
(crowd clapping and cheering)
(kids yelling)
- Is it true, Watson?
Your dad taught you all that?
- What about Abba?
He's not real?
- Oh, he's real.
It's just the grownups couldn't accept that.
- Is he here?
- Yeah, yeah.
He's right there.
(gasping)
- [Kids] Abba!
- [Chance] You can see him!
You can see him!
I'm not crazy!
I don't have dementia!
- What are they looking at?
- Who knows.
Might be the invisible dog.
(laughing)
(brakes squeaking)
- [Chance] Hey guys, there's Ms. Magillicutty.
(laughing)
Now that's the old knee slap.
(laughing)
A real knee slapper.
(laughing)
(screaming)
(licking)
- Oh, you're a good kisser.
(laughing)
(screaming)
- [Chance] Ms. Magillicutty.
- Did you see that dog?
- [Kids] Yeah.
- [Boy] Of course.
- He's real?
- [Kids] Of course.
- I am so sorry for not believing.
- It's okay.
We forgive you.
- [Kids] Yeah.
- Wow.
- People can be pretty stupid.
- What do you mean?
- Well, they get one idea in their mind
and won't listen to any other.
- Yeah, they can be pretty obtuse.
- What's that?
- It means they get one thing in their mind
and won't listen to any other.
- Want to know what's the worst part about it?
- [Abba] What?
- All those people were deciding what
I could or couldn't do,
and none of them wanted to hear what
I had to say about it.
- I know.
It's tough to be in a hearing where people
are deciding your fate for you.
Then at least you had Grandma and Grandpa to back you up.
And Miss Johnson and lots of friends.
Sure would be horrible if you were there all
alone with no one who believed in you.
That'd be terrible, wouldn't it?
- Oh no.
Grandma! Grandpa!
(soft instrumental music)
- Your Honor.
Case number 1517.
Jonathan Watson.
- Mr. Watson, do you have representation?
- No, Your Honor.
I just want a chance to explain myself
and then I'll leave it up to the court
to decide if I get to be with my son.
- You're sure?
- Yes, sir.
- Well, we're a little more informal in family court,
so I'll allow it.
- Excuse me, Your Honor.
Jenny Johnson, Child Protective Services.
- Yes, Miss Johnson.
- I know this is also unusual,
but I'd like to speak on behalf of the defendant,
if it's okay with you, sir.
- Unusual, but not unheard of.
Mr. Watson, is this all right with you?
- Jenny can speak for me anytime.
- Really?
Then please do so.
- I just wanted to say that over the past few months,
Mr. Watson has received extensive grief counseling,
and I myself have met with him on a regular basis.
And I have found him to be the most
sincere, intelligent,
and remarkable man.
- And this is your professional opinion?
- Yes, sir.
And my personal.
You know from my past appearances in your
courtroom, Your Honor, how I feel about
any kind of child abuse or endangerment.
I cannot tolerate it.
I've dedicated my life to protecting children.
- Yes, I'm aware of that.
- But as I've spent time with John, Mr. Watson,
I've come to the conclusion that he is
not a danger to his son or to anyone else for that matter.
In fact, I would go so far as to say
that if I were to have a child,
I would want this man.
I mean, I would trust that child to this man's care.
That's all I wanted to say, sir.
- Thank you for that
revealing plea.
And what do you have to say for yourself, sir?
- First let me say, Your Honor,
that I don't have any excuse for the way I acted.
But...
I believe there are those
who deserve an explanation.
You see, I loved my wife more than anything in the world.
She was the perfect companion.
And then we had a baby.
And what I thought was perfect got even better.
Boy, did we have nine great years.
Then one day she just
fell over for no reason.
And we found out about the cancer.
We tried every doctor, we spent every penny.
And yet there was nothing we could do.
I'm so ashamed of this.
But...
The more she faded, the more I did, too.
Not physically, but spiritually.
And the more pain she felt,
the more pain I felt.
And I just wanted it to stop, but it wouldn't,
so I just wanted to run away.
And that night when I did,
I lost her.
I wasn't even there when she died.
I was out driving alone
and I left my son alone and she died all alone.
And although my son said that he blamed me,
I could see he blamed himself, too.
And I just couldn't forgive myself
for doing that to my baby boy.
It seemed I not only lost my wife that night.
But I also lost my son.
And I just kind of fell apart there for awhile.
I'm so sorry, Chance.
(crying)
- [Chance] I forgive you, Daddy.
(crying)
(clearing throat)
- Mr. Watson.
I want you to know
that my daughter goes to the same school
that your son does.
And he's had quite a profound effect on her
and many of the other students.
Last night I attended a hearing at that school
in which your son told us
that the wonderful lessons about life
and love that he's been teaching his friends
he learned from you.
- When I said that I meant--
- You don't have to say anything more, young man.
- But I was talking my father in--
- It's okay, buddy.
- Mr. Watson, I think before your wife died
you must've been some special daddy.
But before I pass judgment,
Mr. and Mrs. Chilton,
do you have anything you'd like to say?
- We forgive you, too, John.
- Do you believe you can take
good care of your son, Mr. Watson?
- I believe that with all my heart, Your Honor.
- So do I.
I'm remanding custody of your son back to you.
Case dismissed.
- So the boy had his dad back!
And the bad and nice lady Miss Johnson got married!
And a year later they had a little girl
and they named her Abby.
- After the dog.
- Yup.
- That's me.
I'm Abby.
- And you were the little boy.
- And it's all an absolutely true,
happily forever after story.
- Wow.
- Hey kids, we came to say goodnight.
- [Mom] I know you were worried about school
tomorrow, sweetheart.
- No, I'm not.
- You're not?
Oh good.
Night-night.
- [Abby] Night-night, Mommy.
Night, Daddy.
- Sweet dreams, baby.
(laughing)
You let your sister go to sleep.
She's got a big day tomorrow.
- I'll be right out.
- Okay.
- Chance?
- Yeah?
- Do you ever see him anymore?
- Who?
- Abba.
- I don't need to.
I know he's there.
- But still.
- Go to sleep.
Night-night, little angel.
- [Abby] Goodnight.
Night light.
(sighing)
Closet monster.
- All clear.
I love you.
- [Abby] Love you.
(magical music)
(suspenseful music)
(soft instrumental music)
(upbeat contemporary music)
♪ I fell down
♪ More than once
♪ You put me back
♪ Where I belong
♪ Trust is hard to come by
♪ But I had it in you
♪ I had it in you
♪ Oh you guided me through this life
♪ And you guarded me day and night
♪ When I needed you
♪ You were always there
♪ Hey Abba, thanks for being here
♪ No one likes when things go wrong
♪ That's when you are always strong
♪ Faith is hard to get to
♪ But I had it in you
♪ I had it in you
♪ Oh you guided me through this life
♪ And you guarded me day and night
♪ When I needed you, you were always there
♪ Hey Abba, thanks for being here
♪ It took some scratches on this heart of mine
♪ To know you were more than a friend
♪ But now it's getting clearer
♪ As I'm drawing nearer
♪ I know you'll be there till the end
♪ Oh you guided me through this life
♪ Guarded me day and night
♪ When I needed you, you were always there
♪ Hey Abba, thanks for being here
♪ Yeah, you guarded me through this life
♪ And you guided me day and night
♪ When I needed you, you were always there
♪ Hey Abba, thanks for being here
♪ Hey Abba, thanks for being here
(upbeat country music)
♪ Sure it sounds like a storybook
♪ That first kiss is all it took
♪ And the next day we were off and runnin'
♪ A ring a day and some wedding vows
♪ A baby boy, look at us now
♪ Singin' I'll always be right here
♪ Yeah I know it sounds crazy
♪ Just saying love at first sight
♪ But the day I held you
♪ I knew you were my light
♪ Even when things don't
♪ Always turn out quite right
♪ And you find yourself prayin' for more time
♪ Sure it sounds like a storybook
♪ That first kiss is all it took
♪ And the next day we were off and runnin'
♪ A ring a day and some wedding vows
♪ A baby boy, look at him now
♪ Singin' I'll always be right here
♪ I'll always be right here
(crickets chirping)
- Big day tomorrow.
First day of school.
What's the matter, Abby?
- I don't want to go to school.
- Why not?
- It's scary.
- No, it's not so bad.
- Yes, it is.
(sighing)
- You want to hear a story on why you
don't need to be afraid?
It's a true story.
A really cool one.
But I gotta warn you,
the beginning's kind of scary.
- Scary?
- And sad, but it gets magical and wonderful and funny.
But I know you don't like scary.
- Does it have a happy ending?
- Oh yeah.
- Okay.
- You won't be scared?
You sure?
- I'm starting school tomorrow.
I'm a big girl now.
- Yes you are, and very brave.
Okay, this is about a little boy
who's a little older than you.
But here's the sad part.
His mommy was really, really sick.
And the doctors couldn't fix her.
- Chance?
Chance, can you get me a drink of juice?
- Your mom needs you.
(coughing)
(heart monitor beeping)
(sipping)
(coughing)
- You're my little angel.
I love you so.
- I can't stand this any longer.
I gotta get out of the house.
- Wait, don't go!
- Take care of your mother.
You're in charge.
(heart monitor beeping)
(engine revving)
(soft dramatic music)
(heart monitor beeping)
(screaming)
- Dad?
(heart monitor flatlining)
Daddy?
(heart monitor flatlining)
(tapping)
Mom?
Mom?
Mommy?
(gasping)
(light shattering)
(gasping)
(soft dramatic music)
- The mommy died?
- Yes, she did.
I thought I told you it was gonna be sad
in the beginning.
Do you want to stop?
I think we should continue and get to
the fun and magical part,
but it's up to you.
- Let's keep going.
- The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures
and leaves me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his namesake.
And even though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death, I fear no evil,
for you are with me.
- Come on in.
Make yourself at home.
(gasping)
- Uh, hey folks.
I'm so sorry, but um,
John is really not up to having guests at this time.
- Hey.
- Hi, Grandma.
- Are you okay, honey?
Oh, of course you're not.
- We so appreciate you being here,
but I think it best if we just
let father and son have some alone time together, okay?
- Hey, where's your little dog?
What's his name?
- Abba?
- Yeah, where's Abba?
(soft instrumental music)
- No.
- Hey, buddy.
(crickets chirping)
(dramatic music)
Where have you been all day?
Where are you going?
Come on.
Come on, don't be like that.
Stop.
- Ow!
- Sorry.
Hey, did you eat yet?
Come on.
Come on, let's go eat.
♪ I guess you're really gone
♪ I guess I'm all alone
♪ I guess you're really gone
- Hi, John.
Sorry to hear about your wife last month.
Your mom, she was a really nice lady.
- I'll have a rum and cola, Brad.
Hold, hold the cola.
- Sure, John.
And how about you, Chance?
How do you like a Roy Rogers?
- Roy Rogers, Brad?
A Roy Rogers?
He doesn't know who Roy Rogers is.
That was 60 years ago.
You're living in the past, old man.
That's no good.
'Cause everybody keeps telling me that's no good!
Hey.
What do you want to eat?
- Nothing.
- You gotta eat.
- Why?
- Well, you must be hungry.
- No.
- Come on, you didn't eat yesterday.
You didn't eat the day before.
- Mom didn't eat for a week.
- Is that it?
Chance, your mom was sick.
- Where were you?
Where were you?
You left us all alone
and I didn't know what to do
and she died!
It's your fault!
I hate you!
I hate you!
♪ I guess I'm all alone
♪ I guess you're really gone
(police radio chatter)
(soft dramatic music)
(dramatic music)
(soft dramatic music)
- I'll take it from here, Doris.
Hi, Chance.
I'm Miss Johnson.
I'm here to take care of you.
- My dad?
- Your dad is in the other room talking
to the policeman right now.
- What did he do wrong?
- When was the last time you ate, Chance?
Well, maybe we should get some...
(Chance whimpering)
Did your dad do that?
It's okay.
You're safe with me.
I won't let anything bad happen to you, little angel.
(crying)
- We're, we're Karen and Chuck Chilton,
Chance's grandparents.
Where is he?
- He's inside with Jenny Johnson
from Child Protective Services.
- Protective?
Protection against what?
John?
- I don't think I like this story.
You said it was about magic.
This is not fun at all.
- I know, but it was important for you to know
why the boy acted the way he did.
See, it wasn't the dad's fault
or the boy's fault that the mom died,
but they both blamed themselves.
- Why?
- Because when people are afraid,
they don't think straight.
Like you're afraid of going to school tomorrow.
There's nothing to be afraid of,
but you're still upset.
Don't worry.
Here's when the story gets super fun
and you'll figure out why you don't ever
have to be afraid.
Are you ready for some magic?
Okay, now they sent the boy to live
at his grandparent's house, who were really nice,
but since the boy was still mad at his dad and himself,
the boy was not acting nice at all.
- Now the letter from the school.
Lying, cheating, talking back,
and flunking out.
- I saw.
- Say, how'd that meeting with social services go?
- Even that nice Miss Johnson,
whom he really seems to like,
couldn't convince him to visit his father.
- But it's his daddy.
- He flat out refuses.
Honestly, I'm not sure that I blame him.
- Come on, Karen.
The man just lost his wife.
- The man lost his mind.
And look at the results.
That boy is willful, contrary.
- Contrary?
- I say in, he says out.
I say up, he says down.
I say yes, he shouts no.
What about a dog?
- Huh?
- Maybe if we got him a dog.
You remember that little sheepdog
his mom and dad gave him.
Ever since he was a baby he's carried it
around everywhere for comfort.
Maybe it would help.
- You mean another stuffed animal?
- No, I mean a real one.
(door creaking)
- Say, Chance,
how'd you like to have a dog?
Someone to hang out with?
- You know, like that little one you
used to have, only real.
- Of course, it'd be your job to take care of it.
You'd be in charge.
- No!
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
I don't want to take care of anything!
I don't want to be in charge!
(door slamming)
- Haven't touched your food.
You know, those are some pretty fine mashed potatoes.
Lick your finger and see.
- They used to be some of your mom's favorites.
I shouldn't have said that.
I just reminded him.
- Honey, I don't think he needs reminding.
I don't think he's ever not thinking of her.
(soft instrumental music)
(kiss smacking)
Goodnight, son.
Sweet dreams.
- Night light!
(soft instrumental music)
- Goodnight.
You're my little angel,
and I love you so much.
(crying)
- [Man] Oh, don't wipe them away.
Tears are good for you.
- [Chance] Who said that?
- [Man] I did.
I like the taste of tears.
They taste like peanuts without the nutty part.
- [Chance] Where are you?
- I'm lying by your bed on the floor.
I'm gonna stand up now,
but don't be afraid.
I'm kind of scary-lookin'.
Ooh, I like the way you're using your blanket as a shield.
Everybody knows that bad things can't hurt you
if you're under a cover.
That's not really true, you know.
- [Chance] Huh?
- The covers.
They're not really magical.
But don't worry, I wouldn't hurt you.
Not for anything.
Oh, don't get too close.
Lots of dogs are afraid of little boys.
- They are?
I wouldn't hurt you.
- Are you sure?
You're not lying, are you?
'Cause I've heard you tell a lot of lies.
- I'm not lying.
- Okay, I believe you.
Aren't lies terrible?
Just when you think you can trust someone.
- How come your mouth doesn't move when you talk?
- Ooh, that's a really good question.
Because I'm just a big stuffed animal.
And you're hearing me in your mind,
not with your ears.
That way even when you can't see me,
you can still hear me,
even though no one else can.
- What do you mean when I can't see you?
- All right, close your eyes.
Just for a moment.
Now open them.
See?
You can't see me, but I'm still here.
Ta da!
- [Chance] Whoa!
- See?
I want you to know that even when
you can't see me, I'll always be by your side.
But only if you want me to be your dog.
Do you?
- I guess.
- Ooh, not good enough.
You have to be sure.
I can help make your dreams come true.
What is it you want more than anything?
- I want my parents back.
- Ah, your dad.
- I don't want just a dad.
I want a mom, too.
- Of course you do.
Well, tell you what.
If you let me be your dog,
I'll help you with that.
What do you say?
- Okay, yes.
I want you to be my dog.
- Great!
But you also have to follow the rules.
- Rules?
- Yup, gotta have rules.
Without rules everything gets messed up.
Rule number one.
I'm your dog.
- Okay.
- You can't have any other dogs.
Just me.
Well, that shouldn't be hard 'cause I'm special.
You have to love me.
You have to do what I tell ya to do.
I'm a guard dog.
(barking)
So I'll always look after you.
But to help keep you safe,
you need to follow the rules.
I promise never to ask you to do anything
that will hurt you or harm anyone else, okay?
- What are the other rules?
- Oh, we'll get to those.
For now it's time for you to go to sleep.
Rest is important, just like eating.
It helps keep the mind sharp and the body healthy.
You haven't been sleeping well at all.
But tonight you will.
And you'll dream of me.
- What's your name?
- Name?
Dog.
- Don't you have a name?
- I'm just me.
I am who I am.
- But don't you have a name?
Otherwise how will I call you?
- You won't need to call me.
I'll always be there.
- But if I want to talk to you...
- Oh, Chance.
You know my name.
We've been best friends since you were a baby.
You remember that song your mom made up about me?
♪ Abba, Abba, Abba, I love you
♪ Abba, Abba, Abba, you love me, too
♪ Watchin' after me all day
♪ Guarding over me all night
♪ I don't have to be afraid
♪ You never let me out of your sight
- Abba, it is you!
- [Abba] Oh yeah, it is me.
- I'm sorry I threw you in the garbage.
- Oh, that's all right.
You were very upset.
One good thing about us dogs.
We don't hold a grudge.
All right, Chance.
It's time to go to sleep now.
Don't worry, I'll guard the door.
(humming)
- Thank you, Grandma.
(laughing)
Grandpa.
- Oh.
- I love him!
- Who?
- My new dog!
He's the best!
- Your new dog?
- The one in my room.
He said he would look after me.
- The one in your room.
- He's not there now.
Or maybe he is.
He can be invisible, you know?
- Did you dream about him, Chance?
- I did!
He said I would and I did!
He's gonna make my dream come true.
- Does this mean you want a dog?
- I've got one.
- I mean another one.
A real--
- No!
No other dogs.
What's for breakfast?
- Did you just ask to eat, honey?
- Yup, gotta eat and rest.
It's important.
- Well, what's your favorite breakfast, Chance?
- Strawberry chocolate chip pancakes.
- Strawberry chocolate chip pancakes?
Comin' up. (laughing)
- Homework, Chance?
- I don't have it.
- And that surprises me how?
Oh wait, it doesn't.
What is your excuse this time?
- Um, my dog ate it?
- I didn't even know you had a dog.
- I got one last night.
He was in my room.
- Okay, and he ate your homework?
I suppose if I called your grandmother,
she would corroborate this story?
- Corrob what?
- Tell me the same thing about you having a dog.
- Oh sure.
She and Grandpa gave him to me.
- Okay.
New puppies can get out of hand.
But I guess we will see if you did your homework
by how well you do on this pop quiz.
(school bell ringing)
(kids talking excitedly)
Hold on a minute, Chance.
It seems I owe you an apology.
It appears you did do your homework.
- Yah.
- You did very well on this test.
You got every answer right except for this last one.
Not even close there, but still,
this is an A paper.
Now doesn't that feel great?
- Yup.
- Good job.
- [Chance] Yes.
- [Abba] Hey, Chance?
- Abba, where are you?
- Over here, come on.
- What are you doing here?
I thought dogs weren't allowed in school.
- Yeah, I think that's really sad.
But I'm only here because it's an emergency.
- What happened?
- You broke the rules.
- I broke a rule?
- Not only one, you broke three.
And it's not even lunchtime yet.
- What did I do wrong?
- Do you really need to ask that?
Blaming me?
I thought we were friends.
- We are.
- Then why would you blame me for your bad behavior?
You know I didn't chew up your homework.
You said you wouldn't hurt me.
- I wouldn't.
- If I blamed you for something you didn't do,
wouldn't that hurt you?
You remember you asked what the other rules were?
Rule number nine, no telling lies.
- How am I supposed to know that?
I'm not a mind reader.
- Well I am, and I know you know better.
Your dad taught you.
- Forget my dad!
I don't want to talk about him!
- [Abba] Ah.
- I'm sorry I told a lie.
- Are you really?
- Yes.
- Okay, you're forgiven.
Now let's talk about cheating!
- Oh come on!
How did you know?
- I told you.
Even when you can't see me, I'm always with you.
The only answer on that test that you
did on your own was the last one.
- And I got it wrong.
- That's because you didn't do your homework.
You see how one mistake leads to another?
- I'm sorry.
- Are you sorry you did it?
Or are you just sorry you got caught?
Besides, being sorry is all good and well,
but if you're really sorry,
you have to stop lying and cheating.
And stealing.
(sighing)
Yup, let's see it.
Left pocket.
That's a really nice yo-yo.
Not your yo-yo though, is it?
You took that from the store without paying for it.
That's against rule number eight.
No stealing.
Not from stores, not the answers from your neighbor's test.
You remember you asked me to help
make your dreams come true?
In order to do that, you have to follow the rules.
- I'm sorry!
I'm really, really sorry!
- I want you to know something, Chance.
Everyone makes mistakes.
Everyone.
But I love you anyway.
- You do?
- Always.
But about that lying and stealing and cheating stuff.
What are you gonna do about that?
(soft instrumental music)
- I'll take this.
- Hello, that's $3 even.
Out of 10.
And $7 is your change.
Thank you very much.
(soft instrumental music)
(clearing throat)
- Uh, uh, uh, uh, uh.
You planning on keeping that extra change he gave you?
(sighing)
- Um, excuse me, sir?
- Yes, son?
- You gave me too much change.
This should be two ones and a five,
but you handed me two fives and a one.
- Wow, you know, I don't see honesty like that too often.
I tell you what.
You keep it.
It's a reward for being truthful.
- Thanks!
- You're welcome.
It's a pleasure doing business with you.
- He let me keep it.
- You see?
Doing the right thing has its rewards, always.
- Not always.
When I told me teacher that I cheated,
I didn't get rewarded.
I got in trouble.
- Oh, you also got rewarded.
- How?
- Well, next time you'll study,
which means you'll get smarter, and that's a reward.
And you won't feel guilty.
And that's a reward because you'll sleep better.
(screaming)
- It's so big and cute!
I love it!
- [Abba] Hmm, that was close.
- How's that homework goin', Chance?
- Okay. - Oh.
- You could help, you know.
- Oh, you need my help?
- No, not you.
I was talking to Abba.
- The dog.
- Yeah.
- Lots of kids have an imaginary playmate.
It's normal.
- Italy is shaped like a boot?
Are you sure?
Okay.
- Normal, huh?
Hey, you're almost finished with your homework.
I got a surprise.
We can watch that new superhero movie on cable tonight.
- But we don't get the premium movie channel.
- We do now.
I tapped into Fred's next door.
- What?
- Well, Fred told me he's got the full package
and it was easy hookin' ours up through his.
You just gotta know how.
- But isn't that stealing?
- Huh?
- Taking his cable like that, isn't that stealing?
- Well, I'm not taking it, I'm just sharing it.
He's still got it.
- Oh, like if I copy my neighbor's test in school
it's not like I'm taking it away from him.
He still has it.
- It's not like that.
- Like taking a yo-yo from a store
without paying for it
if the cable company was a store?
- He's got a point.
(sighing)
- I'll disconnect it in the morning.
- Wait, I've got a better idea.
Let's just pay the cable company to set it up.
- [Both] Can we?
(laughing)
- Doing what's right has its rewards, Grandpa.
Always.
(chuckles)
(kiss smacking)
- Thanks for the lesson, kiddo.
- Thank Abba.
- Thanks, Abba.
- I don't need that anymore, Grandpa.
- You don't?
- Nope, I've got a guard dog.
- But remember, I will see you after class, Mr. Watson.
- Yes, ma'am.
(school bell ringing)
(kids talking in background)
What are we supposed to do?
- What?
- I've never been to detention before.
What are we supposed to do?
- I'll tell you what we're not supposed to do.
We're not supposed to talk.
- Do I hear talking?
Chance, I realize that this is your first time,
but Robby, you should know better.
Do you want to stay after school tomorrow, too?
(kids laughing)
(bikes crashing)
- You got me in trouble, dink!
- I didn't mean to!
- I didn't mean to.
- I'm sorry!
- You will be, Mr. Big Mouth.
Hey, since you got such a big mouth,
why don't you eat.
Here, have some grass.
(screaming)
- Chance?
What's wrong?
- Nothing!
(spitting)
(door slamming)
I'd like to kill him!
- Oh no, you can't do that.
That's breaking rule number six.
No murdering anyone.
Definitely not.
- Doggone him!
- Whoa, be careful what you say.
- What do you mean?
- You said doggone him.
Do you really want me to do that?
Gone him?
Make him vanish from the world?
- Could you?
That would be awesome.
- Would it?
- He told me he will be waiting for me
after school tomorrow, too.
But if you made him disappear...
- Oh, that would be bad.
- Why bad?
- Well, with Robby gone from the world,
who would look after his little sister?
- His parents.
- Oh no, Robby's parents got divorced last year
and his mom left.
So Robby has to babysit his little sister after school,
so being kept after is twice as bad for him
because he knew his little sister was home alone
when he was supposed to be with her.
And he was afraid when you talked
that he would get blamed and get held after again
and get in even more trouble at home.
When people are afraid, sometimes they get angry.
- But Robby is mean all the time.
Any of the kids could tell you that.
- Maybe he's afraid his dad will leave him, too.
- But what about tomorrow after school
when he's waiting for me?
- I think I have a plan to deal with that.
Come here.
All right, I think this will be really fun.
You know how when you were a kid...
(dramatic music)
- [Boy] I heard you like salad.
- Yeah, I heard you like salad.
- Shouldn't you get home to your sister?
You guys think you're tough, right?
- Tough enough.
- Yeah, tough enough.
- Tougher than you.
- I don't think so, and I can prove it.
I like my salad with dressing.
This is hot sauce.
- Go on, go ahead.
Just like we planned it.
- I challenge you three to put some of this
on your tongue.
I'll go first.
Then you'll see who's the toughest.
- Well, why don't we just beat you up right now?
- You afraid?
- As if.
- [Both] As if.
- [Chance] Okay, then, here we go.
Mmm, your turn.
(screaming)
- Tell them to drink milk.
Drinking water will only make it worse.
- Hey guys!
Drink milk, not water!
- Or eat a spoonful of sugar.
- [Chance] Or eat a spoonful of sugar.
That was great!
(Abba laughing)
Who's the best dog?
Who's the best dog?
Who's the best dog?
Who's the best dog?
Who's the best dog?
Who's the best dog?
Who's the best dog?
Who's the best dog?
Who's the best dog?
Who's the best dog?
Who's the best dog?
- We seriously have to cut back on
that boy's sugar intake.
- [Boy] I can't wait until summer break, man.
- Cool.
- A new bike?
Why do you need a new bike?
Does your old one not have wheels?
- Mine has wheels.
- Oh, no handlebars.
Nothin' to hold onto.
- Mine has handlebars.
- Peddles?
How do you go anywhere without peddles?
- Mine has peddles.
- Brakes, no brakes.
Oh, that is very dangerous.
- My bike has all that stuff, but...
- But?
- My bike is very old and I saw a really
cool one at school.
- And you want one like that really cool one.
That's against the rules.
Rule number 10 says you shouldn't
be jealous of people who have nicer stuff than you do
and you shouldn't want their nice stuff for your own.
- Why?
- Oh, it's much better to focus on being thankful
for all the good things you do have.
Seems to me you have a lot of nice things, kiddo.
- Like what?
- Oh, that shirt's pretty nice.
And those shoes are so great.
- What's so great about them?
- They don't have holes in them.
Do you know that millions of people around
the world don't have any shoes at all?
Or a house to live in or food to eat?
Or even clean water to drink.
- That's in other parts of the world.
Poor parts.
- Oh, really?
Well, why don't you jump on that crummy old bike
and follow me.
Wee!
(soft instrumental music)
- Abba, where are you?
- Over here, come on.
(soft instrumental music)
Come on, let's go.
Move it.
Yup, that way.
Right over there.
That way.
All right.
(mid-tempo contemporary music)
(horn honking)
Come on, come on, come on.
We're almost there.
(mid-tempo contemporary music)
- What are we doing here?
- Waiting for the bus.
Hey, nice bike.
- [Chance] This?
(gasping)
- Hey, what was that all about?
- What?
- That kid.
He was trying to talk to you.
And you just walked away.
He goes to your school, you know.
- He does?
- Yup, and he doesn't have a bike.
He has to walk the whole way.
And did you notice his shoes?
- No.
- Holes.
- I don't think this is a good neighborhood to be in.
- Why?
- Well...
- Oh no, you're not.
You are not thinkin' what I think you're thinking.
You are!
You're thinkin' it.
You are definitely not thinking.
- What?
- Because people have a different color skin than you do?
You're afraid of them?
Seriously?
Chance, remember that summer when you got
the really dark tan?
Did it change who you were?
- Of course not.
- Of course not.
Does the way people look on the outside
say anything about who they are on the inside?
Honestly, kiddo,
could anything say less about a person
than the color of their skin?
(sighing)
Put your bike down.
Over there.
Right over there by that wall.
Yeah, right there.
Now go a little bit over there.
One more step.
That's perfect.
(paint splattering)
- Oh no!
Holy Smurf!
Oh kid, are you okay?
I'm sorry, I'm so sorry.
The bucket must've slipped.
- So, feel any different?
Inside, I mean?
- Okay, I get it.
(soft instrumental music)
- [Boy] Hi.
- Hi.
- Wow, that's one sweet paint job.
- It is?
- Awesome bike.
- Who painted it for you?
- I guess I did.
- Wow, that's tight.
I'm Jorel.
- Jorel?
Like Superman's dad?
- Yeah, my dad likes comics.
- Cool!
- Well, bye.
- Hey, Jorel?
- Yeah?
- I was talking to my dog and he was
telling me about the difference between
wants and needs.
He said there are things that we want.
You know, toys and stuff.
And things that we need,
like, like food, clothing and water.
Did you know there are some people without
water to drink?
- How did they stay alive?
- Sometimes they don't.
Anyway, I was wondering.
How would you like to have my bike?
- What?
- My dog said you need it more than I do,
and sharing is important.
So I want you to have it.
- Really?
- Yup.
- Really, really?
- Really, really.
- Oh!
- That's the best thing someone's ever did for me.
Yeah!
Wait a minute.
- What?
- Do you say your dog tell you to give it to me?
- No, he let me choose.
- But your dog?
- Yeah, Abba.
He's really smart.
And he teaches me things.
- He talks to you?
- Yeah, he's not an ordinary dog.
He's magical.
- He's a magical dog.
- A magical dog.
- A magical talking dog that knows everything.
Abracadabra.
So, dink, did he know I was going to do this?
- What?
- This.
- [Chance] Uh!
- What's the matter?
You gonna sick your dog on me?
- [Chance] Stop!
- Why don't you have your dog tell me to stop.
I'm listening.
I don't hear anything.
Or maybe he doesn't want me to stop.
- Or maybe there is no dog.
Maybe you're crazy.
- [Blonde Boy] You gonna cry now?
(laughing)
- [Chance] Uh!
- [Girl] I believe in your dog.
- Oh shut up!
I hate bullies!
- Oh, hate is a very powerful word.
But yeah, most people don't like bullies
or mean people
or people who break rule number six, like you did.
- What?
Rule number six is no murdering.
- That's right.
- I didn't kill anyone.
I wanted to.
- But that rule doesn't just apply to people and animals.
It applies to other things as well.
- Ants?
- Well, I never understood why someone
would cut down an entire rainforest.
That kills a lot of other creatures,
but I was speaking more about spirit.
- What?
- Innocence, trust, belief.
That little girl Sally.
She believed.
But harsh words can kill innocence
and dreams and hopes
and wonderful possibilities.
You and she might've been best friends,
but your words might've killed that.
(soft instrumental music)
- [Chance] Hey, Bro.
- Hi.
- Wow.
Nice bike.
- The kid who gave it to me rocked.
(hands slapping)
You need to come to my house, bro.
- Oh, you don't have to invite me.
- No, you need to come to my house.
My parents don't believe you gave it to me.
- Oh, okay.
Hey, Sally.
Hey, hey.
I'm Chance and I wanted to say that I'm sorry.
I was really mad at those other kids,
but I yelled at you.
And I wasn't mad at you.
I'm happy that you believe in my dog
and I'm really sorry.
- How did you know my name?
- Oh, Abba told me.
- Who's Abba?
- My dog.
- Your dog?
- Yeah, he knows everything.
This is Jorel.
- You gave him your bike.
- Yeah.
- 'Cause your dog said you should.
- Sort of.
- I like your puppy.
- Hey!
Wanna go down the slide?
- Sure. - Yeah.
(laughing)
- [Chance] Woo!
- Woo!
- [Sally] Woo!
- Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!
- [Chance] That was cool, wasn't it?
- I know.
- What do you want to do next?
Come to all bike to my house?
- Yeah.
- [Chance] What do you want to do, paint the building?
Yeah, no, or play tag.
- [Jorel] Play tag.
- [Chance] Yeah, let's go outside, enjoy our life,
not play with technology.
You know what I mean?
- [Jorel] Yeah.
- [Sally] Uh oh.
- Hey, dink.
We've come to finish what we've started.
- [Abba] Don't back up.
Stand your ground.
- Now what do I need to do?
- Bleed.
- [Abba] Bark.
- Huh?
- Bark.
That's what I'd do.
(barking)
Now growl.
That always works for us dogs.
(growling)
- [Robby] You're crazy, man!
(clapping and cheering)
- [Boy] Booyah!
- [Boy] Yeah!
- It was Abba, wasn't it?
- Yeah.
- What was Abba?
Who's Abba?
- He's Chance's dog.
He chased those bullies away.
- I didn't see a dog.
- 'Cause he's invisible, silly.
- Oh, of course.
That was silly of me.
- He's a guard dog.
- Invisible guard dog.
Must be nice.
- He's super nice and really smart.
- And teaches me things.
- Like what?
- Well, he once said let your yes mean yes
and your no mean no.
- You mean when you make promises, keep them?
- Exactly, and the rules.
- Huh?
- He taught me the rules.
- [Jorel] What rules?
- If I obey them he's gonna make my dream come true.
- You guys really believe this?
- Yup. - Sure.
- Why can't I see him?
- Well, sometimes you can just see him
and sometimes you can just hear him.
But he's always there.
- How do you know?
- Because he told me he was.
- Let your yes mean yes and your no mean no.
Cool, what are the other rules?
- I gotta do my chores and homework.
How about we meet tomorrow
and then I'll tell you then.
- Okay, when?
- During recess.
- Okay, I'm Coz by the way.
(slapping)
- [Abba] It's not contagious, you know.
- What?
- Coz's condition.
It's called Cerebral Palsy and you can't catch
it from him by shaking his hand.
- But it looks so weird.
- Well, some people think talkin' to a dog is weird.
I think he was interested in being your friend.
- But that would be...
- [Abba] What?
- But what could we do?
How can I talk to him?
- Well, you talk to him like you talk
to anybody else.
He's not stupid, you know.
His body is fragile, but his mind is very sharp.
In fact, he's the smartest kid in your school.
- No way.
- Yeah, way.
And as far as what you could do, lots of things.
Sure, there'd be certain things you couldn't do,
but giving those up would be worth it.
- Well, why?
- For all the things he could teach you.
So many wonderful things.
- Like what?
- Like patience, gratitude,
perseverance.
- What's that?
- That's not giving up
when the odds are stacked against you.
- Like determination?
- Exactly!
And ingenuity.
- What's that?
- Figuring out how to do things in a different way.
Not to mention math.
He could teach you that, too.
And seems to me you could use a little help
in that area, kid.
- I guess I blew it.
- Yeah, but you get another chance tomorrow.
That's the wonderful thing about tomorrows.
You always get a second chance.
Goodnight, Chance.
- Goodnight, boy.
- You're a boy.
I'm a dog.
- Hush, go to sleep.
(laughing)
(school bell ringing)
- Okay, you all can finish up after recess.
- Yes!
(soft instrumental music)
(sighing)
One of the wonderful things about tomorrows
is that you always get a second chance.
I'm Chance.
What's going on?
- We're gathering around that you were gonna
explain the rules the magic dog taught you.
- [Kids] Yeah.
- Hey, is it true you have a dog that knows everything?
- [Kid] Yeah, is it true?
Don't you?
- Who told you sugar would stop the hot sauce burning?
- My dog.
- And why did you tell me?
- Because he told me to.
- Smart dog.
- Robby ate some hot sauce and I didn't want
to help him 'cause I was real mad at him,
but Abba said sometimes people act mean
because they're afraid.
He also says that you have to put yourself
in their place and try to understand why
they act the way they act.
- [Kid] Yeah.
- He says everyone wants to be liked,
but you have to decide for yourself
what's the right choice to make.
If you get mad, it's okay,
but when you do, you're not supposed to hurt anyone.
- So no hitting?
- Or saying mean things.
That hurts even worse sometimes.
(light playful music)
- Oh, oh, oh.
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.
- If I do something wrong, it's okay.
He loves me anyway.
He loves you, too.
- All of us?
- Yup.
He told me to tell you that.
- Who, Chance?
Who says it's okay to do something wrong?
And that he loves little children?
Speak up!
- My dog.
- Your dog?
- Abba.
- Yeah. - Yeah.
- Your dog?
- Yes, ma'am.
- Your dog talks to you?
Like a cartoon or Babe the pig?
- Sort of, except that his mouth doesn't move.
- Well, if his mouth doesn't move,
how does he speak?
- I hear him in my head.
- You're hearing voices in your head?
- Not voices, just a voice.
- Your dog?
- Yeah.
- You do know, Chance, that this dog is not real.
- Yes, he is.
- No, he's not.
He's just in your imagination.
- No, he's not!
He knows things that I don't!
- Like what?
- Well, all kinds of things.
Everything.
- How long have you been talking to the other
children about this dog?
- I don't know.
- Weeks?
- [Chance] Yeah.
- Longer?
- Maybe.
- And they believe it all?
Admit it.
You've made up this dog so the other children
would like you.
- No, I didn't.
- Do you even know the difference
between truth and lies?
- Yeah.
- And you know that telling lies is bad?
- Of course.
He told me that.
- Who?
- [Chance] My dog.
(sighing)
- I recommend suspension.
- What?
- Oh, he is willful, insubordinate,
and a little liar.
- Now hold on.
- No, he's told me a bald-faced lie.
Invisible dog, indeed.
I have here his record since he's
been to this school.
Rudy, rude, angry.
Doesn't do his homework.
Doesn't participate in class.
He's disruptive and he cheats!
- No, no, no, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Back up the batsmobile.
Now you look at the date on that report.
When was the last time he did any of that stuff?
- Well, it's been several months
and he's shown signs of improvement.
Nevertheless--
- Now I'll admit the boy was a handful
when we first got him.
His mother had just passed and his father
wasn't handling it well and that can affect a kid.
But then he started doing his homework
and his chores and respecting his grandma and I.
- Right.
- And that was just about three months ago.
Now do you know what also happened just about
three months ago?
He got that dog.
- You got him a dog?
- No, well he found the dog.
- A stray?
- Not exactly.
- He stole it!
- No!
He, ah, he dreamed it up.
- And the very next day he began to change.
It was really quite remarkable.
- He conjured it up.
Mrs. and Mr. Chilton,
do you believe in magic?
- No, of course not.
- We know it seems strange, but--
- Seems?
- But it's made all the difference in Chance's life.
Lots of kids have an imaginary playmate
and psychologists say that--
- Are you a psychiatrist, Mrs. Chilton?
- No.
- Well, I happen to have a degree in sociology
and this delusion is very dangerous.
The prisons for the criminally insane
are filled with people who hear voices in their head.
- Now hold on one blessed minute!
You saying our boy's a serial killer
because he's got an imaginary puppy?
- Well, imaginary puppies--
- Now calm down, everybody.
Calm down, calm down everybody.
- She's so far out of line.
- I'm sure that's not what Ms. Magillicutty meant to imply.
- Actually, the possibility--
- Be quiet, Frances.
- Ah!
- Be quiet.
Now listen, everybody, listen.
I'm sure there's a perfectly good solution to this.
- You can't talk about him at school.
Here at home it's okay,
but not at school.
- But why?
- 'Cause it's against the rules.
You're always talking about obeying the rules, right?
- But what if it's a stupid rule?
- Sometimes rules seem stupid
when they're there for reasons you don't understand.
- Like what?
- Well, in this case, oh, I don't know.
It doesn't make sense to me, either.
- [Chance] I hate Ms. Magillicutty.
- Ah, you know what I said about hate, Chance.
- But she's so mean.
- [Abba] Maybe you should forgive her.
- No way!
- Okay, that's your choice.
Why don't you get into bed now?
It's time to get a good night's sleep.
- Okay.
(soft instrumental music)
(alarm beeping)
- [Abba] So, how'd ya sleep?
- Did not.
- Hmm, I can tell you're really tired.
You wanna know how?
- 'Cause you know everything?
- That.
Plus, you're brushing your teeth with hair gel.
(laughing)
(spitting)
(laughing)
- Keep laughing, mop face!
- [Abba] No, no, no, don't do it.
(howling)
(laughing)
That water was cold.
- No!
(Abba shaking)
- Look, maybe it'll help you to know
that the reason that Ms. Magillicutty is so upset
over you talking to your dog is because
she lives with her mother who is very old
and has dementia.
- What's dementia?
- It's a sickness of the mind.
She lost her memory and she doesn't even
know her own daughter.
And she talks to her husband who's been dead
over 10 years.
And she screams at night because she thinks
there's monsters in the closet.
- I used to think there was a monster in my closet.
- So that's what Ms. Magillicutty comes
home to every night.
Kinda tough, huh?
- Yeah.
- And so when she sees you talking to a dog
that she can't see,
she thinks you might be sick like her mom.
- So she acts that way because she cares?
- Exactly.
She worries about you.
Even though she doesn't show it in the best way.
- Okay, I forgive her.
Want some bacon?
(gasping)
- [Abba] Yum yum.
(soft instrumental music)
- [Boy] Here we are.
- [Coz] Let me go.
- [Boy] All right.
- Hey, Jorel!
Are you guys ready?
- [Kids] Ready!
- [Chance] Ready?
- I was born ready.
Or not.
(laughing)
- [Chance] Okay, let's go.
- [Coz] Whoa!
(clapping and cheering)
- [Robby] Woo!
(clapping and cheering)
(howling)
(clapping and cheering)
- Did you hear that, Chance?
- [Chance] What?
- We heard a howl!
A happy howl.
Was that you?
- Was it Abba?
- See, there is no dog.
It doesn't exist.
It's in his head.
He's crazy.
Sick in the brain.
Maybe that's why your mom and dad left you.
- [Chance] Uh!
(punches smacking) (kids yelling)
(whimpering)
- Why did you stop?
- Didn't you see him?
- See what?
- Abba, my dog.
Didn't you see him?
He was right here.
He was right...
Maybe I am crazy.
I have dementia.
- What's wrong, honey?
- Miss Johnson!
- What's the matter, little angel?
It's okay.
- Chance?
Miss Johnson was just giving us some good news.
It looks like you and your dad
will be able to be reunited soon.
- Yeah, Chance.
He's doing well.
Really well and he's so sorry about everything
and he loves you so much.
He'd really like to see you and I think it'd be okay.
His hearing is in three weeks.
And if you could spend some time with him before--
- No!
This is all his fault!
I never want to see him again ever!
I hate him!
(dramatic music)
(crying)
- [Abba] Chance?
- No, you're not real!
You're only there 'cause I'm crazy.
- [Abba] Uh-uh.
- Now I'll never have my dream come true.
- [Abba] Oh, you're not crazy.
- Go away!
I hate you!
I don't believe in you anymore.
(knocking)
- Honey, you okay?
Are you talking to your dog?
- Don't be stupid, Grandma.
There is no dog.
- [Chance] Go away.
- Chance.
- [Chance] Just go away!
Get out of here!
(soft instrumental music)
- Ms. Chilton, this is Ms. Magillicutty,
the school guidance counselor.
Remember me?
I'm looking at your grandson's records
and he hasn't turned in his homework
in over two weeks now.
He's become withdrawn, antisocial.
I believe it's beginning again, Mrs. Chilton.
If you'd like I can recommend a good psychiatrist.
Hello?
Hello?
Can see where he gets it from.
(soft dramatic music)
- Can't stand you any longer.
I've gotta get out of this house.
(door slamming)
- Stop him, Chance.
Don't let him go.
Don't fall asleep or I'll die.
Wake up.
Wake up!
Wake up!
Wake up!
Wake up!
Wake up!
- [Abba] Wake up.
Wake up.
Wake up, you're having a nightmare.
- I let her die.
I was supposed to watch after her
and I fell asleep.
- [Abba] Oh no, Chance.
It's not your fault.
Oh, hush.
Hush now.
Hush.
- You're (crying)
back.
- [Abba] I never left.
- I thought I drove you away.
- [Abba] Oh, can't be done.
- But I told you to get lost.
- I wasn't the one who was lost.
You were.
Ooh, pretty bad nightmare, huh?
Listen to me, Chance.
Your mom was very sick
and there was nothing anybody could do to stop it.
- How about you?
How come you couldn't save her?
- Aw, Chance, everyone dies.
What's important is how you live.
Your mom lived a good, full life.
Even if it was a short one.
She was a wonderful person.
Do you want to see her again?
- How?
- Take my paw.
Now lay down.
Now shut your eyes and breathe slowly.
Now imagine the most beautiful place you can.
Imagine that you're there
and I'm there
and your mom is there.
- [Mom] Oh, good boy, Abba.
- [Chance] Mom!
- I love you.
- [Chance] I love you.
- You look good.
Abba's watching after you.
How's your dad?
- I don't know.
I don't care.
- Chance, that breaks my heart to hear.
I love your daddy very much.
- But he let you die.
- No, baby boy, there was nothing he could do to stop it.
He fought so hard for me, but it was beyond him.
That's what made him so sad and angry.
Upsetting him and you was the worst part
of my going away.
You know what made it okay, though?
Knowing that you have each other.
As long as you were by his side,
a little piece of me always would be, too.
You need to forgive your daddy.
- [Abba] Maybe you should.
- Huh?
- Forgive your daddy.
It's important to do what your parents ask you to do.
That's rule number five.
- Your children are learning all sorts of things.
This is Oscar, our class rat.
And the children just love him.
They get to take turns feeding him
and cleaning his cage.
It teaches them responsibility and teamwork.
- What happens when the thing dies?
- Well, then they learn about that.
Any more questions?
- Uh, yeah.
What's the deal with this stupid invisible dog?
- Excuse me?
- My kid, keep talking about some dog.
What are you teaching these kids?
- Yeah, my daughter goes on and on about him.
He's supposedly magical?
Is this some sort of book you're reading to them?
- No.
- Yeah, my kid does the same thing.
The dog says this, the dog says that.
Apparently, the dog doesn't think it's
a good idea if I have a few beers after work.
Now what's the deal with that?
- Smart thing.
- Look, I assure you that none of this is
coming from me.
- [Woman] The dog may be right.
- [Woman] Yeah.
- What do you mean by that?
- Depending on how many you mean by a few.
- Pff.
- My kid talks about the dog, too,
but I gotta tell you,
he's only teaching these kids good things.
- [Man] Right, absolutely.
- Yeah, like how to disrespect their elders.
- Let me ask you this.
While you were getting drunk,
did your son act disrespectfully
or did he simply make an observation?
- Mmm-hmm.
- Hey.
Lady.
Go suck a lemon.
- Don't speak to my wife like that.
- I will...
(laughing)
- I think she's right.
The dog only teaches good things.
One boy gave my son a bicycle after
learning about sharing.
- And my son is physically challenged.
He didn't have any friends until the dog
told them to be nice to him.
- [Parents] Aw.
- Do you know how crazy you sound, woman?
- Okay, let's not start calling names.
I called her a woman.
- You called her crazy.
I think this dog is a good thing.
I heard he helped him handle some bullies.
Like a guard dog.
- There is no dog!
It's imaginary!
- Well, what's wrong with that?
Imagination is a good thing for a child.
- These kids won't know what's real.
It is a hard world out there
and no imaginary dog is gonna protect them.
- Or magically make everything okay.
- [Man] I say that all talk of this dog
should be banned from this school.
- [Woman] Yes, I agree.
(door slamming)
- You're absolutely right!
We've already dealt with the boy
who started this,
but it's clear we need to see to it that no
other children talk about this dog in school, either.
- I'd fight that rule.
- [Man] Yeah.
- [Parents] Yes.
- You can't tell kids what to talk about.
Haven't you ever heard the right to free speech?
It's the First Amendment,
which apparently you teach at this school.
- Here, here.
(clapping)
(parents arguing amongst themselves)
(nails squeaking quietly)
- Hey!
This matter should be brought before the school board.
There's a meeting Saturday afternoon
in the auditorium.
And I'm telling all of you as a licensed professional,
this fantasy is spreading
and it is dangerous!
- Thank you, Ms. Magillicutty.
You may get off the table now.
- Excuse me.
Excuse me, hey, may I say something?
- You are?
- I'm Sally Wilks' mom.
- Go ahead, madam.
- My daughter was painfully shy.
Throughout first grade and the second grade
and the first half of third grade,
she had no friends, no friends at all,
till she met the boy with the invisible dog.
And he was kind to her.
And now not only does she have one friend,
she has many.
And I know this sounds kind of crazy,
but I think that dog's kind of magical.
- I'd like to back that up.
My grandson had a hard time last summer
when he lost his mother.
And I'm afraid he didn't come out of it very well.
Among other things he was telling lies all the time.
As a punishment that we thought fit the crime,
we put hot sauce on his tongue every time he fibbed.
But he did it so much he got used to it.
- Hey!
Good one.
(hands slapping)
- Well anyway, when he grew close to that dog,
whether real or fake,
he changed his life in only good ways.
He hasn't told a lie since.
- And claims the dog is real.
Lies!
- Ms. Magillicutty, please.
- I'm, I'm Robby's dad.
Um, when I was a kid,
I got picked on a lot.
Bullied.
And I grew to hate bullies.
I mean, really, really despised them.
So you can imagine how I felt
when my boy turned out to be a bully.
He was pickin' on kids that were smaller than he was,
being mean, and I tried everything I could
do to get him to stop.
I tried explaining why it was bad.
I tried punishing him.
I even tried bribing him.
Nothing worked.
Nothing.
And I gotta tell you, it was killing me.
And then this, this dog came along.
And somehow everything changed.
My boy is different
and I will be forever grateful for that.
This dog has only a good influence on these kids.
(clapping)
(gavel pounding)
- We've considered this matter
and bottom line is, there is no dog.
(crowd murmuring)
The dog does not exist.
Therefore, we cannot allow--
- Excuse me.
My name is Jenny Johnson
and I work for Child Protective Services.
I think I know a little something about
what's good or bad for a child.
It's my job to determine just that
and the reason I'm here observing today.
But I believe you're about to make a judgment
on the assumption that this dog does not exist.
Before you do, I say he is real.
- [Kid] Yes.
(clapping)
- You're saying the dog exists.
- Yes.
Just because you can't see him or touch him
doesn't mean he isn't real.
- Well apparently everybody's having
Fruit Loops for breakfast.
(crowd murmuring)
- Miss Johnson.
- Superintendent Jacobs, let me ask you this.
Is love real?
- Of course.
- How do you know?
You can't see it.
You can't touch it.
How do we know it exists?
- Because we feel it.
- Exactly.
Because we feel it.
Because of the effect it has on us.
The proof that love exists is shown
through how it changes us.
Just look at these children.
These caring, sharing,
loving children.
I think they're your proof
that the dog is real.
(clapping)
- Some people are so close-minded,
they'll never believe, no matter how much proof
is handed to them.
So the time has come, Chance,
for you to remember who taught you all
these lessons before I did.
(crowd murmuring)
- I'm sorry, Miss Johnson.
- I learned it all from my father!
- [Crowd] Oh!
- Everything that I taught the other kids,
I learned it all from my father.
(barking)
(laughing)
- Silence, please.
Well, then in spite of this new information,
I believe that we can dismiss this entire matter.
(crowd clapping and cheering)
(kids yelling)
- Is it true, Watson?
Your dad taught you all that?
- What about Abba?
He's not real?
- Oh, he's real.
It's just the grownups couldn't accept that.
- Is he here?
- Yeah, yeah.
He's right there.
(gasping)
- [Kids] Abba!
- [Chance] You can see him!
You can see him!
I'm not crazy!
I don't have dementia!
- What are they looking at?
- Who knows.
Might be the invisible dog.
(laughing)
(brakes squeaking)
- [Chance] Hey guys, there's Ms. Magillicutty.
(laughing)
Now that's the old knee slap.
(laughing)
A real knee slapper.
(laughing)
(screaming)
(licking)
- Oh, you're a good kisser.
(laughing)
(screaming)
- [Chance] Ms. Magillicutty.
- Did you see that dog?
- [Kids] Yeah.
- [Boy] Of course.
- He's real?
- [Kids] Of course.
- I am so sorry for not believing.
- It's okay.
We forgive you.
- [Kids] Yeah.
- Wow.
- People can be pretty stupid.
- What do you mean?
- Well, they get one idea in their mind
and won't listen to any other.
- Yeah, they can be pretty obtuse.
- What's that?
- It means they get one thing in their mind
and won't listen to any other.
- Want to know what's the worst part about it?
- [Abba] What?
- All those people were deciding what
I could or couldn't do,
and none of them wanted to hear what
I had to say about it.
- I know.
It's tough to be in a hearing where people
are deciding your fate for you.
Then at least you had Grandma and Grandpa to back you up.
And Miss Johnson and lots of friends.
Sure would be horrible if you were there all
alone with no one who believed in you.
That'd be terrible, wouldn't it?
- Oh no.
Grandma! Grandpa!
(soft instrumental music)
- Your Honor.
Case number 1517.
Jonathan Watson.
- Mr. Watson, do you have representation?
- No, Your Honor.
I just want a chance to explain myself
and then I'll leave it up to the court
to decide if I get to be with my son.
- You're sure?
- Yes, sir.
- Well, we're a little more informal in family court,
so I'll allow it.
- Excuse me, Your Honor.
Jenny Johnson, Child Protective Services.
- Yes, Miss Johnson.
- I know this is also unusual,
but I'd like to speak on behalf of the defendant,
if it's okay with you, sir.
- Unusual, but not unheard of.
Mr. Watson, is this all right with you?
- Jenny can speak for me anytime.
- Really?
Then please do so.
- I just wanted to say that over the past few months,
Mr. Watson has received extensive grief counseling,
and I myself have met with him on a regular basis.
And I have found him to be the most
sincere, intelligent,
and remarkable man.
- And this is your professional opinion?
- Yes, sir.
And my personal.
You know from my past appearances in your
courtroom, Your Honor, how I feel about
any kind of child abuse or endangerment.
I cannot tolerate it.
I've dedicated my life to protecting children.
- Yes, I'm aware of that.
- But as I've spent time with John, Mr. Watson,
I've come to the conclusion that he is
not a danger to his son or to anyone else for that matter.
In fact, I would go so far as to say
that if I were to have a child,
I would want this man.
I mean, I would trust that child to this man's care.
That's all I wanted to say, sir.
- Thank you for that
revealing plea.
And what do you have to say for yourself, sir?
- First let me say, Your Honor,
that I don't have any excuse for the way I acted.
But...
I believe there are those
who deserve an explanation.
You see, I loved my wife more than anything in the world.
She was the perfect companion.
And then we had a baby.
And what I thought was perfect got even better.
Boy, did we have nine great years.
Then one day she just
fell over for no reason.
And we found out about the cancer.
We tried every doctor, we spent every penny.
And yet there was nothing we could do.
I'm so ashamed of this.
But...
The more she faded, the more I did, too.
Not physically, but spiritually.
And the more pain she felt,
the more pain I felt.
And I just wanted it to stop, but it wouldn't,
so I just wanted to run away.
And that night when I did,
I lost her.
I wasn't even there when she died.
I was out driving alone
and I left my son alone and she died all alone.
And although my son said that he blamed me,
I could see he blamed himself, too.
And I just couldn't forgive myself
for doing that to my baby boy.
It seemed I not only lost my wife that night.
But I also lost my son.
And I just kind of fell apart there for awhile.
I'm so sorry, Chance.
(crying)
- [Chance] I forgive you, Daddy.
(crying)
(clearing throat)
- Mr. Watson.
I want you to know
that my daughter goes to the same school
that your son does.
And he's had quite a profound effect on her
and many of the other students.
Last night I attended a hearing at that school
in which your son told us
that the wonderful lessons about life
and love that he's been teaching his friends
he learned from you.
- When I said that I meant--
- You don't have to say anything more, young man.
- But I was talking my father in--
- It's okay, buddy.
- Mr. Watson, I think before your wife died
you must've been some special daddy.
But before I pass judgment,
Mr. and Mrs. Chilton,
do you have anything you'd like to say?
- We forgive you, too, John.
- Do you believe you can take
good care of your son, Mr. Watson?
- I believe that with all my heart, Your Honor.
- So do I.
I'm remanding custody of your son back to you.
Case dismissed.
- So the boy had his dad back!
And the bad and nice lady Miss Johnson got married!
And a year later they had a little girl
and they named her Abby.
- After the dog.
- Yup.
- That's me.
I'm Abby.
- And you were the little boy.
- And it's all an absolutely true,
happily forever after story.
- Wow.
- Hey kids, we came to say goodnight.
- [Mom] I know you were worried about school
tomorrow, sweetheart.
- No, I'm not.
- You're not?
Oh good.
Night-night.
- [Abby] Night-night, Mommy.
Night, Daddy.
- Sweet dreams, baby.
(laughing)
You let your sister go to sleep.
She's got a big day tomorrow.
- I'll be right out.
- Okay.
- Chance?
- Yeah?
- Do you ever see him anymore?
- Who?
- Abba.
- I don't need to.
I know he's there.
- But still.
- Go to sleep.
Night-night, little angel.
- [Abby] Goodnight.
Night light.
(sighing)
Closet monster.
- All clear.
I love you.
- [Abby] Love you.
(magical music)
(suspenseful music)
(soft instrumental music)
(upbeat contemporary music)
♪ I fell down
♪ More than once
♪ You put me back
♪ Where I belong
♪ Trust is hard to come by
♪ But I had it in you
♪ I had it in you
♪ Oh you guided me through this life
♪ And you guarded me day and night
♪ When I needed you
♪ You were always there
♪ Hey Abba, thanks for being here
♪ No one likes when things go wrong
♪ That's when you are always strong
♪ Faith is hard to get to
♪ But I had it in you
♪ I had it in you
♪ Oh you guided me through this life
♪ And you guarded me day and night
♪ When I needed you, you were always there
♪ Hey Abba, thanks for being here
♪ It took some scratches on this heart of mine
♪ To know you were more than a friend
♪ But now it's getting clearer
♪ As I'm drawing nearer
♪ I know you'll be there till the end
♪ Oh you guided me through this life
♪ Guarded me day and night
♪ When I needed you, you were always there
♪ Hey Abba, thanks for being here
♪ Yeah, you guarded me through this life
♪ And you guided me day and night
♪ When I needed you, you were always there
♪ Hey Abba, thanks for being here
♪ Hey Abba, thanks for being here