Somebody's Child (2012) - full transcript

God, give me the Serenity to

accept the things I cannot

change, the courage to change

the things I can, and the wisdom
to what?

The wisdom to know the
difference.

Good. Good.

[ Baby crying ]
Okay. It's okay.

Here he is.

He is so precious.

[ Chuckling ] Oh, my goodness.

I can't believe he's ours.



Is the birth mom doing okay?

She's doing fine.

He has the cutest little
birthmark on his shoulder.

Let me show you.

[ Baby cries ]
[ Chuckling ] Oh, I know.

I'm so happy.

[ Baby crying ]
[ Echoing ] Sometimes, you

Just gotta encourage yourself.

No matter what the circumstance,
I'm gonna be all right.

[ Normal voice ] Yeah.

♪ I'm all right
♪ I'm goin' through, but

I'm-a make it to the other side
of y'all ♪

♪ I'm okay
♪ I might bend under the

pressure, but I'm not gonna
break ♪



♪ I got faith
♪ I'm-a keep on believin' and

dreamin' I can do anything ♪
♪ o-o-o-o-h

♪ I'm all right...
How was treatment today?

Well, the dialysis went fine,
but it's just... Sitting in that

little room all day, doctor.

It's time-consuming.

I know.

You know it takes a while to
find a match, so...

We'll find one.

Any good news?

Not really, Douglas.

[ Sighs ]
You know, we all here are

looking forward to the day when
we can call you all and tell you

that we found a kidney for your
mom.

We'll all sleep a lot easier
when that day comes, and I'm

hoping it'll be soon.

Now Dr. Sperry, you know
better than that.

We're not hoping... we're
praying, day and night, and it

ill happen, sooner rather than w
later.

You know, we appreciate
everything you're doing, but I

don't want her to be in a...
He just doesn't want us to

run out of time.

And I keep telling Douglas it's
not in my time, not in your

time, but all in god's time.

I know, ma. I know.

Well, he's just always been
so impatient, but he's coming

around.

[ Chuckling ] I'm sure.

So, haven't there been any
new donors?

Not really.

It's been pretty quiet on that
front, but don't stop sending us

people, though.

Remember, we only need one
match.

That's right.

Okay, okay. Will do.

All right, well... Let's go.

[ Clears throat ]
Again, thank you for everything.

You're more than welcome.

And you and your wife are
gonna have to come by the

restaurant for dinner sometime.

Yes.

Yeah, I'll come in and cook
for you myself.

[ Chuckles ]
Well, you know, I may have to

take you up on that offer.

You know we have an anniversary
coming next month.

Oh, lovely.

But in the meantime, please
take care of your mother, and

I'll see you two next week.

Thank you so much,
Dr. Sperry.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

You're welcome.

That was a good sign.

I think so.

Just day after day, you know...
Grandma!

Oh!

Hey.

Goodness.

[ Chuckles ]
Didn't I tell you I didn't

want you hanging out at this
stinky old hospital?

Grandma, it's okay.

How'd you get here?

Miss Linda brought me.

Plus, dad said we'd get ice
cream afterwards!

[ Gasps ]
Oh, okay.

So you were bribed to come here.

Now, that makes more sense, hmm?

Well, I told him we'd pick
him up after we left here, but,

you know, he's grandma's boy.

Did you finish your homework?

Listen, don't you pay him any
mind because he's a mama's boy,

so you got it honest.

I heard that.

[ Chuckles ]
Douglas, you see that gentleman

Down there?

You know, he's been working here
since I started dialysis, and, I

mean, I don't know what he did
to go to jail, but he seems to

be so nice... says hello all the
time and has that little twinkle

in his eye.

[ Sighs ]
I was thinking that maybe we

could find something for him in
the restaurant if... You...

What do you think?

I'll talk to him.

Okay.

Excuse me.

How you doing?

My name is Douglas rivers.

Benjamin sparks.

Uh, nice to meet you.

You, too.

Um, I'm here with my... my son
and mom over there.

Oh, yeah. Yeah.

I've seen her around here
before.

Nice lady.

Well, thank you. Thank you.

Yeah, she's going through
dialysis right now.

Well, I'm sorry to hear about
that.

Yeah, well... We're hopeful.

Can I do anything for you?

Well, I came to tell you I
own a restaurant off linley.

It's called Connie's.

Oh, I never heard of it, but,
uh, I'm not from around here.

Well, we've worked with
ex-convicts before, and I

believe in second chances, so
once you're released, give me a

call.

Okay, thanks.

I actually stay at a transition
house not too far from here.

I may be able to get an offsite
job in about a month.

Well, good, good.

Well, then, give me a call.

Maybe we can work something out
that'll help us both.

But no violent crimes.

That's the only rule I can't
budge off of.

We can work around just about
anything else.

Okay. All right, thanks.

All right. Good meeting you.

Same.

All right.

This might work out.

I don't think he's gonna call.

His whole mood seemed to change
when I told him I can't work

with anybody who committed
violent crimes.

Well, maybe he didn't...
Mom, mom, mom.

There's no exceptions.

I have you, Jacob, as well as
the staff to consider.

It's just not an option.

I tried.

What do you think he did, dad?

We don't know, we don't
judge, and it's none of our

business.

Maybe he robbed a bank, or
maybe he...

Son, son. Look.

It's not our business, okay?

You understand?

Yes, sir.

Come on. Let's go.

[ Sighs ]
Grandma, wake up. We're here.

She's had a hard day.

We'll just get her something,
and she'll eat it later.

She likes butter pecan.

I know what she likes, boy.

She's my mom.

[ Baby crying ]
[ Sobbing ]

[ Crying stops ]
[ Baby crying ]

[ In distance ] Mom.

Mom.

Mom, we're home.

Wake up, sleeping beauty.

Oh. Whoo!

Can't believe I went to sleep
that quick.

Y'all get the ice cream?

Mm-hmm.

Of course. Butter pecan.

Mmm.

I think I'll take a hot bath and
have mine at bedtime.

Okay.

[ Groans ]
[ Sighs ]

All right, so... Just come and
see me before you leave.

Okay.

I'll come and check on you in a
bit.

[ Smooches ]
All right.

Have I told you lately that
you're the best son in the whole

world?

That's not what you said the
other day when you were on the

phone with miss Linda.

We... I wa... [ Grunts ]

Hmm. Is that so?

Well, mom, you can be as mad as
you want to be.

I'm not gonna let you go to no
Hawaii with miss Linda until we

get this transplant business out
the way.

Well, honey, I've never been
to Hawaii, and I need some sun

and some fun, and maybe there's
a tall, dark, handsome man down

there waiting for me.

What you think?

[ Chuckles ]
Ma! Ma, just be patient.

Once we get you all straightened
out, I will take you anywhere

you want to to go.

You know, sometimes in life,
you just have to get up and go.

You can't wait for the right
time.

And would you please stop
telling my business?

Sorry, grandma.

A-ha.

I want grandma to get better
soon.

Can I give her my kidney?

That's sweet of you, son.

You know, I wish I could give
her one of mine, but I'm not a

match, and you need both of
yours.

She is going to be okay, right?

She just... she just needs a
kidney.

That's all there is to it.

I've been praying about it
like grandma always taught me

to.

[ Sighs ]
Yeah, I know, son, but...

But what?

[ Sighs ]
Nothing.

Look, uh, go upstairs and start
your homework.

I'll be up there in a minute.

All right.

[ Cellphone rings ]
Douglas speaking.

Hi, Douglas.

It's hope from the travel
agency.

Oh, hi, hope.

Yeah, I'm just giving you a
call because I thought you were

gonna call me last week to
confirm the dates for your trip.

Oh, yeah. I was, wasn't I?

Uh, oh, I'm so sorry.

I... I've just been swamped
between the restaurant and just

life in general.

Mm.

Well, it sounds like you need a
personal assistant.

[ Chuckles ]
I need more than that.

[ Sighs ]
Uh, well, so... How's business?

Oh, it's been real busy lately.

Um, okay, so, did you want to
stick with the December dates?

Mm. Look, um...

Christmas in Hawaii would be
great, but I think we're gonna

have to move it to September.

My mother's birthday's the 15th,
so let's see what you have

around that time.

Okay. Not a problem.

Look, look, hope, i-i-i owe
you one.

I know you're tired of moving
around all these dates.

Oh, no. Anytime.

You know what?

I'll give you a call a little
later this week with prices and

dates, and, uh, until then, you
get some rest.

Yeah.

Hey, um, what... what was your,
um, your address to your office

again?

Oh, we're at 121 victory drive.

121 victory.

Oh, yeah, yeah.

That... that... that's, uh,
right... right in the center of

town, right?

Yeah, I've been meaning to get
down there sometime.

Douglas!

Can you come here, baby?

Uh, hey, hey, I gotta go.

Make sure you call me if you
don't hear from me first, okay?

Will do, Douglas. Take care.

You, too.

[ Receiver clicks ]
Good girl.

Come.

Sit, sit.

Good girl. Good girl.

Up. Up. Up.

Good girl.

Sit. Stay. Platz.

Good girl.

Catch.

Good girl.

Come on. Sit.

Good girl.

[ Door opens ]
Mm. Something smells good.

Boy, sure is good to have a
break from my chef-ly duties.

Well, you got lucky.

Woke up in a cooking mood.

Thought I'd, uh, try some of my
new recipes out on you guys.

Well, it sounds good.

[ Chuckles ]
Qué pasa, George?

Oh, nothing much, Benjamin.

Just another long day.

What's up, petey?

Hey.

Hey, Benjamin.

Evening, gentlemen.

Looks like you had a long
day, Luke.

Yeah, spent all day looking
for a job.

You know, petey's gotta cut me
loose in a couple weeks.

Told you can stay till you
find something, Luke.

I already told you that.

I don't want to be a burden.

It's no burden.

If I couldn't do it, I wouldn't
have offered.

Look, man, you're not the
only one that's scared.

Scared?

I didn't say I was scared.

You don't have to.

We all are.

I mean, scared to get back out
there, scared to fail... I mean,

that's... that's... that's
normal.

I'm not going back to my old
ways.

I promised my mom I wouldn't.

Mm. Failure is not an option.

You got to say it, mean it, and
believe it, and you're gonna do

fine out there, Luke.

[ Chuckles softly ]
It's my own fault.

I could be playing for the
n.B.A. Right now and making big

money.

You know, coming out of high
school, I was being recruited by

u.c.l.a., Duke...

All: Kentucky and purdue.

[ Laughter ]
Yeah, yeah.

We were all on our way somewhere
before, you know, we got

sidetracked, man, but you can't
concentrate on that.

You know, you gotta build from
where you are.

Hmm, sounds like you learning
something from that counselor.

A little something, you know?

Now that I have that anger
behind me, I think I'm ready to

build.

I've never seen you mad.

You know what? Me either.

I've been here almost seven
months, and you've always been

the exact same way...
Steady Freddy.

Man, when he first got here,
he had a big old chip on his

shoulder... [chuckling] A log.

Walked around here mad to the
world.

Yeah, but, uh, petey
straightened me out.

I sure did. I told him.

I said, "the world don't owe you
nothing.

It was here first.

You can either add something to
it or not."

Yeah, that made sense to me,
so after that, he never had a

problem out of me.

I remember, boy, he had that
look in his eye.

He was angry and scared to
death, and we sat down, and...

And we talked, and he's right.

I didn't have to tell him but
one good time.

[ Chuckles ]
I'm hungry.

Uh, where's Jonas?

Eh, I don't know, but that
boy's a trip.

Nothing I say seem to get
through that thick skull of his.

But he ain't fooling me, and
them streets ain't fooled,

either.

He gonna get just what he
looking for... a hard way to go.

You know, I'll talk to him.

Yeah, I appreciate that,
'cause I done tried about

everything.

[ Door closes ]
Sorry, petey. I was just...

Save it, son.

I don't hardly want to hear your
mess tonight.

Forget you, then, petey.

You're always trying to make
somebody feel bad.

In fact, I done lost my
appetite altogether.

[ Sighs ]
Hey, Jonas. Come on, man.

Let's, uh, step outside.

[ Sighs ]
[ Sighs ]

Look, man, don't mess this up.

Mess what up?

This, this... this opportunity.

Don't you realize that being
here is a privilege that can be

taken away?

Man, petey takes everything
so seriously, man.

I came in late.

What's the big deal?

I ain't never had a daddy, and I
don't need one now.

Look, nobody's trying to be
your father, man.

All I'm trying to say is get it
together or you won't be here...

Period.

You threatening me?

Look... jonas, I didn't bring
you out here for the

conversation to go this way,
man.

I-I brought you out here to help
you, okay?

I-I see what's goin' on, all
right?

I been there.

Those cats that are out there in
the street calling you, trying

to get you to carry the next
package o-or run the next

lick... those are not your boys,
man.

Now, you make a decision to go
out there, and you may never

come back.

Well, that decision is mine.

I'm sick of it!

I can't find a job.

Nobody trusts me to find a place
to live.

I could hit the streets and make
two grand a day easy.

But what is two grand if you
end up back in the cage or in a

box?!

That's all I got!

It's not all you got!

Your life is worth more than
that, man.

I kno that.

But look, man, nobody can live
it for you, man.

This is a decision that you're
gonna have to make.

You're right.

That's a decision that I gotta
make, so you stay out of my way,

and I'll stay out of yours.

[ Scoffs ]
Good night, Jonas.

Yeah, sleep tight.

[ Gospel music plays ]
[ Sighs ]

Hey, girl.

♪ When... Gets you down
♪ so, stop worryin' and

Stressin' ♪
♪ 'cause there's a blessin'

behind closed doors ♪
♪ there's a blessin' behind

closed doors ♪
♪ trials and tribulations

come to ♪
♪ enter everything that you're

tryin' to do ♪
♪ then you may believe it's not

blessing you first ♪
♪ but god will open all the

doors to take their place ♪
♪ you ought to rejoice and

praise him even more ♪
♪ he has so much in store

♪ there's a blessin' behind
closed doors ♪

♪ there's a blessin' behind...
Benjamin, how's your sleeping

these days?

It's okay.

I just can't seem to get this
one dream out of my head.

Mm. Tell me about it.

I'm running as fast as I can,
and I'm wearing all black.

Some days, it's beautiful
outside.

Other days, uh, it's raining.

When it rains, I reach out my
hand to try and catch the

raindrops, but nothing touches
me.

It's like it's raining all
around me and... I'm not there.

And what do you think these
dreams represent?

[ Chuckles ]
If I knew that, I wouldn't be

here.

You know, a study says a
child's first memory is recorded

before his first birthday.

Hmm.

And sometimes we tend to...
To block things we don't want to

remember.

Sometimes memories are painful,
and our minds protect us from

them.

So you're saying you think
that I'm blocking bad memories?

No, what I'm saying is your
dreams could be your mind's way

of... introducing you to a memory
that was too traumatic for you

to confront at one point.

Hmm.

I just want to know what I was
running from.

Maybe it's not what you're
running from, but what you're

running towards.

Hmm.

So, have you finished your
restitution list?

As a matter of fact, I have.

I have five things on it, and
three of them, I think I already

completed.

'Kay, number one, I want to
"plant a garden at the

transitional home"...And that
will represent the growth that

I've had since I've been
released from prison.

"Number two... an idea for an
expandable business."

I chose dog training because
it's what I like to do.

Good.

Number three is "take a yoga
class," and I'm still sore from

that one.

[ Chuckles ]
Number four... "learn a new

language," and number five...
"give someone a gift."

Okay, well, what language and
what gift?

I need you to be as specific as
possible.

The language is definitely
mandarin.

[ Speaking mandarin ]
[ Both chuckle ]

What does that mean?

It means, uh, "excuse me, do
you speak english?

My mandarin is not so good."

[ Chuckles ]
Well, that was good.

[ Chuckles ]
And then, as far as the gift is

concerned, it can be a gift for
you or for juno.

Um, I'll know it when I see it.

Well, that's a great list.

So, have you made a decision as
far as finding your biological

parents?

I don't know.

I'm still, uh... I'm still back
and forth on that one.

I mean, sometimes, I wake up and
I feel like, uh, it's all I can

think about, and then other
times, I just feel like maybe

it's better to leave well enough
alone.

Hmm.

Well, you'll know when it's
time.

Hmm.

My goodness.

We're done for today.

Can you believe we only have a
few more sessions left?

Yeah, I know.

[ Chuckles ]
Thanks for all your help.

I'll see you in two weeks.

All right.

See you in two weeks.

You're still saying your
Serenity prayer?

Every morning, every night.

God, Grant me the Serenity to
accept the things I cannot

change...

The courage to change the
things I can, and the wisdom to

what?

The wisdom to know the
difference.

Oh, so you have been listening.

I listen to you all the time,
grandma, and you've been

teaching me that poem since I
was little.

Then why don't you know the
rest of it, knucklehead?

And it's not a poem... it's a
prayer.

I only know the first part
'cause it's the easy part.

But the words just have so
much power, and they... they

take some of the worry out of
life, you know?

Would you please turn the light
out... the big one... and close

out... the big one... and close
the door for me, please?

[ Groans ]
And... Don't forget to say your

prayers... on your knees.

I don't want any of that
lazy-boy praying.

Okay. I will, grandma.

Night, grandma.

Good night.

Hey.

Hey.

Won't be too late.

We just have a small wedding
party at the restaurant tonight.

Oh.

I can't wait until I go to your
wedding party.

Yeah, dad.

When are you gonna find me a
nice lady?

Yeah, dad!

Maybe when I'm not busy
running the two of you all over

Savannah.

[ Chuckles ]
Don't you worry.

She is gonna come along sooner
than you think.

Ooh! Just you wait and see.

Okay. Whatever, whatever.

Good night, mom.

[ Chuckles ]
Good night.

[ Smacks lips ]
[ Sighs ]

Night, old girl.

[ R&B music plays ]
You've got a visitor.

Lorraine, which one do you
like better... this one or this

one?

The bigger one.

Bigger one it is.

Oh, hey, Benjamin.

Surprised to see you.

Hey. Nice place you got here.

I like it.

Oh, thank you. Thank you.

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

Yeah, well, uh, I came by to
tell you that I might be able to

start an onsite job a little
sooner than I thought.

Hmm.

My probation officer put in a
request based on my performance

at the hospital.

It looks like I might be able
to...

Hey, I remember you from the
hospital.

Say "excuse me," son.

Excuse me. I'm Jacob.

Benjamin sparks.

Nice to meet you.

You gonna work here?

Are you going to work here?

I mean, are you going to work
here?

[ Chuckles ]
Well, I'm not sure just yet.

Well, son, he's gonna start
working here some day next week.

Cool. My dad's the best boss.

[ Scoffs ]
He's all right.

[ Chuckles ]
Oh, she's... excuse me.

Uh, folks, your dinner's on the
house.

Son, congratulations on
graduating.

Keep up the hard work.

It really pays off.

Thank you. I will.

You enjoy your evening.

Well, that was nice.

That was cool, man.

Oh, it... it's nothing.

I mean, I feel it's my job to
encourage these young brothers

any way I can.

You know it takes a village.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Son, take this back to Jonathan.

Tell him to void it.

Come on.

So, Benjamin, I have to ask.

What was your crime?

Uh [clears throat]
I mean, is this a-a requirement

for the job?

Well, it actually is a
requirement.

I have to be confident I can
keep this environment safe.

I have my family as well as the
staff to consider.

[ Sighs ]
Vehicular manslaughter.

Was it on purpose?

[ Exhales sharply ]
No, no, no. Nothing like that.

So, you... you actually
killed someone.

Two people... a couple coming
home from the movies, from what

I was told.

So was it drunk driving?

No.

I fell asleep at the wheel.

I was working two jobs at the
time, trying to buy a house,

and...

Hmm.

That's pretty unfortunate.

You were working hard, trying to
get ahead.

Yeah, now, I-I don't want to
steer you wrong, you know?

I-I was no angel.

I was a menace to society in
most of my 20s, but I was making

a change, and... In a split
second, it was gone.

Hmm.

So, how much time did they give
you?

They sentenced me to four years.

I was angry through most of it,
fought through half of it.

I ended up doing seven.

How long you been out?

11 months.

So now, I have to live in the
transitional home for the next

month, and after that, I guess,
I'm free to live my life.

Well, Benjamin, like I said
earlier...

I-I get it.

Everybody deserves a second
chance.

I'll do whatever I can to help
you out.

[ Chuckles softly ]
Well, uh, you know, just so

we're on the same page, um, I
don't want any handouts.

Mm-hmm.

You give me a job and an
opportunity and some hours, and

I'll do exactly what's expected
of me.

A-and I'm not afraid to get my
hands dirty.

Okay, well, I need a dishwasher.

Dishwashing's good.

Okay.

Well, so, on Monday, we'll fill
out your paperwork, and you make

sure you bring your I.D. As well
as your court documents and your

probation papers.

Oh, yeah, uh, also, too, i-i
need you to sign this to verify

that I, uh... I'm out
interviewing for a job.

Oh, okay. Okay.

No problem. No problem.

All right.

You know, Benjamin, my son and
mom really like you, and they're

really good judges of character.

Wow.

[ Sighs ]
Well, uh... Guess I'll see you

next week.

Next week, then.

Glad to have you on board.

Thank you.

All right.

Good night, Mr. Benjamin.

Good night.

[ Sighs ]
Dad, did you know

Mr. Benjamin trains dogs?

No, I didn't know that.

Can we get a...
We ain't getting a dog.

We're not getting a dog.

[ Chuckles ]
[ Dog barking in distance ]

You know, son, someday
this'll all be yours.

That's only if you want it.

I want it.

[ Groans ]
How does it appear on your

Driver's license?

All right, well, then, that'll
work.

Well, I encourage all my clients
to get the travel insurance.

Yeah, you never know.

Uh... you know, why don't you,
um, think about it, and, uh,

I'll call you back?

Okay. Bye-bye.

Hi.

Hey. Are you hope?

I am.

Oh [chuckling] okay.

Uh, I was just admiring your
flowers.

Did your, uh, husband send them?

Oh, no. I'm single.

[ Chuckles ]
Hmm.

They're actually from a client.

He made my day.

Well, I'm... Douglas rivers.

You're Douglas?

Yeah, yeah.

[ Laughs ]
Um...

You [chuckles] oh, you
probably thought... well...

Well, look, my... my phone voice
is a little extra-proper, and

so, sometimes people think...
Uh, no.

[ Chuckles ]
I just... I didn't expect to see

you here.

That's all.

Oh.

Uh, thank you for the flowers.

They're beautiful.

Well, it was my pleasure.

You know, it's not every day
that I get flowers.

[ Scoffs ]
W-well, you should...

Because, you know, flowers are
good.

I was just really, um, sorry
for, you know, changing the...

The, um, reservation so many
times, and so I just wanted to

send you the flowers and... and
I wanted to come down here, and

I knew your name was hope, and,
you know, I wasn't expecting...

W... I just wanted to say hi.

[ Chuckles ]
Hi.

Hi.

Okay, well...

[ Chuckles ]
[ Sighs ]

Could I take you to lunch... if
you don't have any other plans?

Oh, uh, no, actually, I was
just gonna eat something I

brought from home.

Well, that's no fun.

Let me take you to lunch.

Okay.

Okay.

I know a good place.

Let me just go get my purse.

All right.

So, flowers, huh?

Yes, flowers.

I've been so busy, and you've
been so wonderful keeping up

with me, I figured this was the
least I could do.

[ Chuckles ]
[ Chuckling ] God, I can't

remember the last time someone
sent me some flowers.

That's sad.

Yeah, tell me about it.

[ Both chuckle ]
You know, I'm glad you came.

Well, this is so not like me.

I usually need time to talk
myself out of things like this.

Yeah?

Mm-hmm.

Why do women do that?

[ Smacks lips ]
We can't help it.

You know, it's just one of those
things.

Yeah, me and my girlfriends,
we... we talk about it all the

time.

So, where are you from?

Savannah.

Really?

No one's actually from Savannah.

Uh, yeah. I am.

Born and raised.

Hmm.

How 'bout you?

Yeah, I was... I was born in
Brooklyn.

My father died when I was 3,
and when I was 10, my mother and

I moved up here, and we've been
here ever since.

Well, how do you like it?

I love it.

It's a great place to raise a
family.

Do you have any children?

Uh, kids? No. No kids.

It's just, uh, me and my cat.

A cat?

Mm-hmm.

[ Chuckles ]
I don't like cats.

I mean, eh.

What?

Why wouldn't you like cats?

Well, they're just creepy.

They're just creepy.

I mean, and it's like you work
for them, you know?

Well, but she's so sweet.

She's so loving.

She cuddles up with me, and, you
know, she's really more like a

dog than she is a cat.

You know, my... my son's been
pestering me about a dog, and

I've been trying to hold him
off, but I think I'm gonna lose

that fight soon.

Yeah, you probably are.

You should probably just go
ahead and... and get him a cat.

A cat? Mm.

Mm-hmm.

I think, mm, nah.

[ Chuckles ]
So, how old is he?

Jacob's 9.

He's a good kid.

So, where do you work?

What do you do?

I own a restaurant.

It's called Connie's.

It's on the corner of Baxter
and...

And linley?

Wha... what?

I love that place.

Really?

I've never seen you there.

Okay, well, I haven't been
there in a while because, um, I

just recently moved over to the
other side of Savannah... you

know, near tybee island?

Mm-hmm.

Yeah, well, um... And I just
haven't gotten over there as

much as I used to.

Well, we'd love to have you
back.

Well, I would love to come on
back.

[ Both chuckle ]
So, um... I assume that you're

single.

I am.

Why?

Why am I single?

Well, how much time do you have?

30 minutes. Go.

[ Chuckles ]
Well... You know, to be honest

with you, I haven't been that
open to love.

And, I mean, it went really bad
with Jacob's mom and I.

She just... she just changed,
you know?

I mean... She wound up giving me
full custody, and she moved out

of the country with some guy,
and... Jacob never hears from

her, hasn't seen her in years.

I've dated from time to time,
you know [chuckles] usually with

one foot out the door already,
but I-I think it's, you know...

I think it's time in my life
where I'd like to share my... my

time with somebody special.

Uh-huh. Sounds good.

What do you mean it sounds good?

I mean, I'm just sayin'.

I guess that's just the way
players play, right?

[ Both chuckle ]
I mean, you say you want

somebody special, but as soon as
you find that person, you back

off, right?

Well, you know, I don't know.

I mean, I guess it's just the
guys that I meet.

Well, maybe it's time you
leave those guys alone and give

a real man a chance to
appreciate you.

Well, in all fairness, I mean,
men and women do the same thing.

We say that we want someone, and
when we find someone we like,

we... we get scared and start
picking them apart, and then,

before you know it [chuckles]
we've, uh, sabotaged the whole

thing before the relationship
even had a chance.

I mean, with me, I mean... oh,
my goodness.

I mean, my deal breakers are
probably ridiculous to most

people.

Oh, no, no.

They can't be any worse than
mine.

Oh, no. Trust me.

I mean, if your second toe was
longer than your big toe, you

out of there.

[ Scoffs ]
Mm-hmm.

[ Chuckles ]
[ Chuckles ]

But, you know, I'm... Probably
gonna have to be a little bit

more flexible.

Yeah, I think so. Mm.

For example, one of my deal
breakers was women with cats.

Until when?

About five minutes ago.

Mm.

[ Chuckles ]
Good answer.

Really?

The second toe bigger than
the...?

They look like [growls]
yeah, that... oh, that's

real.

Like the claw.

Right. Oh.

[ Chuckles ]
[ Chuckles ]

♪ do you believe in love,
girl? ♪

Here we are.

Mm-hmm.

Well, I really enjoyed myself.

Me, too.

Thank you for inviting me.

And the flowers, they... they
made me feel very special.

Flowers are good.

[ Chuckles ]
Hey, listen, I-I was

wondering if you could come by
the restaurant for dinner one

night.

I'd like that.

Good.

Well, check your schedule and
let me know.

Okay.

Cool.

Take care, Douglas.

Take care, hope.

[ Chuckles ]
[ Laughs ]

[ Telephone ringing ]
[ Sighs ]

Hello.

Hey.

How's my favorite lady this
afternoon?

Well, I'm feeling pretty good.

Well, that's perfect 'cause
I'm gonna come home and change

for work, and then I'm gonna
take you somewhere.

Well, where are we going?

Just be ready in 20 minutes.

I love surprises.

You know that.

Bye-bye.

Okay, mom.

♪ ...Back with your own
♪ with the battlefield with all

the bombs explode ♪ ♪ explode

♪ yeah that boy.

♪ Put you in the light oh.

Oh, my. Ooh.

♪ You never got to worry
about... ♪

go ahead, ma.

♪ I've never seen such
chemistry from the likes of two,

two strangers ♪
♪ to fall so fast could be

dangerous ♪
my... This is fancy-schmancy.

[ Bells chime ]
Well, this must be really

expensive.

I don't think we need to be
giving people all our money...

Ma, ma...

Just relax. Relax.

You deserve it, okay?

You're always running behind me
and Jacob.

Let me do something nice for
you.

But, sweetheart, you know I'm
kind of funny.

I do not like people I don't
know touching all on me and

rubbing me.

And, you know, I never liked
that kind of stuff.

These... these people are the
best.

And I booked you the... the
royal package.

It's got the facial, the... the
body wrap, and the... the feet.

Excuse me, but what are you
trying to say?

I mean, I don't think I'm
looking that rough and raggedy.

I mean, my home remedies work
pretty well, I thought.

I'm not saying that, mom.

Oh, my home remedies don't work...
Is that what you're saying to me?

No, no.
But they're professional.

They're... they're... what?

Okay?

Gonna be fine. Gonna be fine.

Just...

Go ahead.

Go ahead.

All right.

♪ I want to be epic
I'll see you in three hours.

Three hours?

It's the royal package.

Oh, lord.

Need all that to be a queen.

[ Bells chime ]
Hey, hey.

Hey.

Hey.

Douglas, how you doing?

Yeah, just came back from
a... a lunch date.

Oh, that explains the pep in
your step.

Pep in the step.

How'd it go?

Yeah, it went... it went...
It went great.

It was totally unexpected.

You know, I decided to, you
know, surprise my travel agent

with... with some... some
flowers, right?

Mm-hmm.

And, you know, I never...
Never met her, but I know... I

know her name is hope.

"Hope" is usually a fat-girl
name, and so I didn't really

think any... anything about it.

But, so, I go... I go down
there, and she's this

gorgeous... and, well, we ended
up going out for... for lunch.

And it was... it was...
It was... it was cool.

It was real cool.

I guess that sounds good.

No, that ain't good.

That ain't good at all because
it ain't gonna never work.

We tried to hook him up for
years with a woman.

But it ain't gonna work.

Know why?

Because he's Mr. Particular.

That's what he is...
Mr. Particular.

You're too particular... that's
what it is.

You're gonna end up an old man
in a house with a number of

cats... about 15 cats.

I'm talking about with cat food
and litter everywhere.

You're gonna be a... a cat
hoarder.

That what you want to be...
A cat hoarder?

That's what he gonna be... a cat
hoarder.

Let me just stop this.

See, h and his wife tried to
set me up a couple times, right?

You know, one woman was, like,
crazy, and the other ones on

medication needed medication,
and the other one looked like

sasquatch.

Oh, okay, okay.

Really.

But the sasquatch... okay,
she had a little facial hair,

but what woman you know don't
have facial hair?

See, your problem is, if you
wouldn't have been looking at

her face and you'd have been
looking at her heart to see what

she had on the inside and see
what her heart got, you would

have never seen all this on the
face.

You got to look at the heart...
That's what you got to do.

Yeah, remind me never to let
him hook me up... period.

You ain't got to worry about
that.

Mm-hmm. Yes, sir.

[ Cellphone buzzing ]
Uh-huh.

Who's that... your new friend?

Maybe.

Mm.

L-look here, boss man.

Um, I need to holler at you
about something.

I wanted to talk to you about my
days off.

Mm-hmm.

You know, I'm going to
Florida for this retirement.

And Teresa, you know, wanted to
leave early, because we got the

grandbabies with us.

Mm-hmm. Now, you act like I
got a choice in the matter.

I mean, what... what...
What am I gonna do?

If I say you can't have the time
off, Teresa gonna come up here

and give me a hard time.

That's what I'm saying... she
gonna give you a hard time.

You want her to come up here?

[ Chuckles ]
Man. Man.

I can't believe you're leaving
me at the end of the month.

And, you know, we're... we're
still trying to find your

replacement.

How's, uh, how's Benjamin
working out?

Oh, Benjamin?

Benjamin cool, man.

I'm gonna tell you... he got it
together.

Benjamin's stuff is together, my
man.

But you got to remember... I'm
the best you have ever had, that

you got, and that you're gonna
ever, ever have.

That's what I'm gonna tell
you... that's who I am.

Hey, hey, hey.

Um, Johnny, listen, I'm gonna...
I'm gonna... I'm gonna close

down the restaurant on Thursday
after... after lunch.

E-everybody's will get paid.

It's... it's gonna be like a
paid day off.

Close the restaurant?

But what you closing the
restaurant for?

Uh. I... nothing.

Oh, no, no, no.

Spit it out.

What you closing the restaurant
for?

Well, I'm... you know, gonna
do a little... little something

for, uh, you know, the...
The travel agent, you know?

Ohhh.

Look at you!

[ Laughs ]
Mm, look at you.

Boy got him a little girlfriend.

Yes, you do.

You got you a little girlfriend.

Go on, player.

[ Stammering ]
I mean, you know, I ain't gonna,

you know, get ahead of myself...
You know, just kind of take

it... slow.

Take it slow.

No, no.

I'm happy you got one, 'cause
for about a couple of weeks

[laughs] You had me nervous
there, player.

Look at him... he got him a
girlfriend.

That's all right, boy.

Okay, boss, I'm out.

All right, all right, all right.

Hey, uh, listen, I'm, uh, I'm
closing down the restaurant

Thursday after lunch.

It'll be a paid day off, though.

Oh, good. Good.

Yeah.

Uh, you do know I took that
weekend off.

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Yeah, I know.

Yeah, it's... it's cool.

Okay, good.

How's your mom and, uh, Jacob?

Oh, they're... they're good.

They're... they're really good.

I just dropped off mama at the,
uh, spa around the corner.

Oh, yeah?

Yeah, yeah.

She's... she's feeling better,
yeah.

Getting stronger and better,
right?

Mm-hmm.

Yeah, so, I just needed to
get her out of the house, you

know?

She's not sitting around,
thinking all the time.

Right.

Yeah.

Well, uh, it'll all work out,
man.

Mm. Yeah, yeah.

L-let's hope so.

Yeah.

So, I'll... I'll tell Jacob and
mom that you... you asked about

them.

Hey, hey, hey.

Don't forget about Sunday
dinner... door's always open.

I'll, uh... maybe I will pop
in there one day.

Okay.

I'm gonna hold you to that.

All right.

All right.

[ Cellphone ringing ]
[ Sighs ]

Hey, doc.

What you got for me?

You know I get nervous every
time I see your number pop up.

Douglas... we've got a match.

[ Chuckles ]
Oh, oh. Thank god.

Wait. Wait.

Are you sure?

I don't want to get too excited
unless...

It's okay. It's okay.

You can jump up and down.

You can yell and scream from the
rafters, if you like.

But we do have a solid match for
your mother.

Now, listen.

Things are gonna start moving
pretty fast.

We are looking to get the
transplant done in about a week

or so.

We're just finishing
coordinating with the donor.

Whoo!

Yes!

Oh! Oh, my god!

I'm happy, too.

I want to see your mother well.

Uh, well, can... and can I
tell her?

Sure you can.

We're supposed to send a
notification through that buzzer

that you've been holding onto
for the last month, but I wanted

to call you.

Okay. Okay.

Hey, hey, hey, doc, look, I'm
gonna pick up my mother in... in

a little bit.

Uh, can you send it around 5:00?

I want to see the look on her
face.

Thank you, Dr. Sperry.

T-thank you so much.

You're welcome.

I'll talk to you soon.

[ Sighs ]
[ Sighs ]

Hey, ma.

How was it?

Well, how do I look?

You look great.

Those ladies treated me like
I was a queen.

You were right.

Just... royal... it was
fantastic.

[ Pager buzzes ]
Oh.

Where's that buzzing?

I don't know.

Oh, do you know what?

What time is it?

We should be there to pick up
Jacob right now.

It's...

[ Buzzing continues ]
Oh, no.

[ Gasps ]
Oh! [ Laughs ]

It's the kidney buzzer!

Oh, my lord, we got it!

Oh, lord!

I told you.

Didn't I tell you?

Walk by faith and not by sight.

I am so happy.

I have my bag all packed for the
hospital already.

Let's go.

And I'm looking pretty.

[ Laughing ] I'm gonna be the
prettiest patient in that

hospital.

Hey, just one second... one
second.

Mama, be strong.

I'll be right here when you get
back.

All right, sweetheart.

Okay.

[ Smooches ] Love you.

I love you, too.

[ Chuckles ]
You all are so nice.

This hospital has just been so
sweet.

I wish somebody would... y'all
might need to go and give my son

something, 'cause he's
looking...

I tried to tell him this is good
news.

It's all the beginning.

It's not the end... the ending.

Look down there like he's going
to a funeral or something.

Look down there like he's going
to a funeral or something.

For my fears ♪
♪ but a still small voice

speaks to me ♪
it's gonna be all right.

♪ And calms the current of my
raging sea ♪

see you.

♪ I shall live ♪ I shall live

and not die ♪ ♪ I shall live

and not die ♪ ♪ I shall live

and not die ♪ ♪ I shall live

♪ I shall live
♪ live and not die

♪ I shall live ♪ oh-oh-oh-oh-oh,

oh, oh-oh-oh-oh ♪
you're going too quick.

Well, I just get tired so
easily.

That can't be good.

No, no.

It's just part of the recovery
process.

[ Breathes deeply ]
And if you feel anything too

out of the ordinary, just give
me a call, and I'll... I'll call

Dr. Sperry.

I'm fine... fine.

Okay?

Yeah.

♪ I'm holding on for dear life ♪

you know, I think I'm gonna
lay down...

Oh, okay.

And just, um, take a nap.

Wait a minute.

How did they say to do this?

On the left side.

Okay.

Yeah. This side.

Ohh.

Okay.

I'm gonna sleep, and when I
wake up, Jacob will be home, and

we'll do our crossword puzzles.

Okay, if you want to.

Don't worry about Jacob.

He's fine.

You just worry about getting
better.

All right.

I'm fine. Thank you.

Okay, I'm gonna... I'm gonna
leave a... I got my cellphone

on me.

Yes. I know. Please.

Call me if you need anything.

Okay.

I'm fine.

All right. All right.

Close the door.

All right.

Love you.

Love you, too. Bye-bye.

[ Sighs ]
♪ ...And not die

[ chuckles ]
♪ I shall live

and not die ♪ [ Groans ]

♪ I shall live ♪ I shall live

[ music ends ]
[ Knock on door ]

Come in.

[ Door opens ]
Douglas.

Benjamin.

What are you doing here?

Well, I knew you had a couple
of days off, so I came by to

check you out.

[ Sighs ]
A lot of people take days off,

Douglas.

So, what's the occasion?

I had some personal business
to take care of.

Mm. Is that right?

Yeah, that's right.

Now, why do I feel like I'm
being questioned?

Because you are.

Well, fill me in.

Last I checked, I do my job at
the restaurant.

And from what I remember, you
gave me these days off, so we

shouldn't have a problem.

Benjamin, I know what you did.

Look, I don't know what
you're talking about, but if

somebody's blaming me for
something, you know, I don't

have to come back.

You were a match.

How did you know?

How did you know?

How would you know that?

Who told you that?

Somebody can be fired for
telling you I'm a... I'm a

donor.

Hey, look, it was me, okay?

I just had a feeling, and i-i
just wanted to know for myself.

[ Sighs ]
Why?

Why what?

Why did you do it?

I don't know. Because.

Because?

B-because what?

I mean, there's not a whole lot
of good samaritans running

around, doing this type of
stuff.

Because it was the right
thing to do.

Thing to do.

Look, Benjamin...

I came to say thank you.

Look, I don't want to be
thanked.

I didn't do it to be thanked.

To tell you the truth, I'm not
even happy you know.

Benjamin, you saved my
mother's life.

And I'm glad to help.

Help? [ Scoffs ]
Benjamin, you... you did what I

couldn't even do... a total
stranger.

You know how that makes me feel?

I mean, I'm ecstatic.

I'm... I'm ecstatic.

I'm confused.

I'm... I'm nervous.

I'm a little jealous and
overjoyed at the same time.

You can't tell your mother,
all right?

I don't want her to know.

What? What?

Listen, promise me... at
least respect my wishes on that.

Okay, I guess that's fair.

Now, if you don't mind,
I'd... I'd like to get back to

my rest.

[ Sighs ]
[ Creaking ]

Dinner Sunday?

Thanks for the invite, but,
um, I'm okay.

I'm back to work on Monday, and
I probably won't be, uh, getting

out much before then.

Look, take three days off
with pay.

No, no, no. I insist.

It's the least I can do.

[ Sighs ]
All right.

Thanks.

See you next week.

See you next week.

[ Sighs ]
[ Sighs ]

[ Mid-tempo music plays ]
Perfect.

Hey, there.

Hey.

You know, I thought that I may
have gotten the place mixed up.

Wait. Are you guys closed?

Well, sort of.

You're sort of closed?

Yeah, we're closed this evening.

Mm.

I gave everyone the night

off.

Are you serious?

Mm-hmm.

You closed the entire
restaurant for us?

No. For you.

[ Chuckles ]
Well, I don't know what to say.

Right this way.

Thank you.

You look beautiful.

Thank you. So you do.

Thank you.

Oh, wow.

Look at this.

So, wait.

Um, if you're closed, who's
cooking?

I am.

As a matter of fact, let me
check on our food.

I'll be right back with the
first course.

[ Chuckles ]
The first course?

Here you go.

Oh, wow.

That looks amazing.

I hope you like it.

Mm.

And I hope you brought your
appetite.

Oh, I am starving.

Mm.

Father, we thank you for the
food and fellowship.

We ask that you continue to lead
us and to guide us in the way

that you would have us to go.

Amen.

Amen.

My mother suggested the
shrimp cocktail.

It's one of her favorites.

Mmm.

Douglas, this is delicious.

Uh, you tell her that this was a
good pick.

Sure will.

[ Chuckles ]
Mmm.

[ Music continues ]
I think it's in the blood.

You know, it's... it's kind of
like a thing.

Everything's cold before it gets
warm, right?

Yeah.

[ Music continues ]
Mm-hmm.

A gentleman... he opens the
door for me.

He cooks for me.

I love it.

Oh.

[ Laughs ]
I had an amazing time.

So did I.

Mm.

I hope you'll allow me to
keep making you smile.

Mm.

Well, I don't see why not.

Mm.

[ Insects chirping ]
Wow.

Cook for you anytime.

[ Chuckles ]
Bye, Douglas.

I'll see you soon.

Hope so.

[ Chuckles ]
[ Birds chirping ]

Sit, juno.

Good girl.

Who is it?

Good girl.

It's Mr. Benjamin and his
dog.

Tell him to come in.

Hi, Mrs. Rivers.

Hi, Benjamin.

We're so happy to see you.

Hey, Benjamin.

We're glad you changed your
mind.

Well, it looks like I could
have showed up earlier to help.

Oh.

No, no, no.

You're company, but I may take
you up on that the next time.

All right, sounds good.

Can I go outside and play
with juno?

Is it okay?

Oh, sure.

Look, uh, dinner's soon, so
don't go too far.

Everything looks so nice.

Thank you.

It's just so nice to have
company.

You know, in my old
neighborhood, everybody knew, if

they wanted a good Sunday
dinner, they needed to come to

my house.

And then Douglas had to take
over for me when I got sick.

Yeah, but it's my pleasure,
though, ma.

You have cooked plenty of Sunday
dinners in my lifetime, so it's

the least I could do for you.

The least I could do for you.

Benjamin, I wanted to thank
you for those beautiful flowers.

Oh, please.

Oh, thank you.

I'm glad you liked them.

That was from everyone at the
restaurant.

I'm just glad to see you're
doing so well.

You know, I feel like a new
woman.

Well, you look like a new woman.

All right, now.

[ Both laugh ]
You know, I'm just so happy to

be done with all that dialysis,
and I can spend more time with

my family and no time at that
hospital.

Yeah, well, uh, this is nice.

I mean, very rarely do families
sit down and eat dinner and

actually spend some quality time
together... that's for sure.

Where's yours?

Goodness, mama.

What?

What, Douglas?

Well, I'm sorry.

You will soon find out that I'm
not known for my subtlety.

[ Chuckles ] No, it's okay.

To tell you the truth, I don't
know where they are.

When my adoptive parents got
divorced, I ended up back in the

foster system.

So I got bounced around a little
bit.

Well, you have us now.

Well, I appreciate that.

Must have been very...

Difficult for you, though.

Well, it was difficult when I
was younger.

But I think after I got locked
up, I had a lot of time to

think, and, um, I just basically
came to peace with the fact that

I'm... somebody's child.

[ Clicks tongue ]
Of course you're somebody's

child.

So, Benjamin, want something
to drink?

Uh, soda's good... any flavor
will do.

Oh, no.

You, too?

That one over there is a fool
for soda.

Yeah, right.

Yeah, that... that happens to be
one of my weaknesses.

Yeah, you and me both.

Thanks.

Yeah.

So [clears throat] I was telling
mom how good you're doing over

there at the restaurant.

Oh, yeah.

It's easy to work with good
people.

I mean, they keep me laughing
all day... I mean, especially

Johnny.

[ Laughs ]
Oh, yeah, Johnny's crazy.

Johnny is crazy, but you
better watch out before he gets

you in trouble.

Well, listen, as you know, we're
looking for a new head chef.

And I know you can make the
menu, and I've tasted things

that you've made just messing
around in the kitchen with

Johnny.

So, as far as we're concerned,
the job is yours if you want it.

I'll be around to make sure the
transition goes smoothly.

So... what do you think?

Now, you know, Johnny has
been our head chef since

forever, so it's a hard act to
follow.

[ Chuckles ]
Well, um, I love a challenge,

and I'm definitely up for it.

So, you don't need any time
to think about it?

No time at all.

They say success happens when
preparation meets opportunity,

right?

Mm-hmm.

That's what they say.

So [clears throat] welcome, our
new head chef.

Cheers.

This is very exciting.

Yeah.

Ah.

[ Chuckles ]
Mmm.

So... as you know, the new job
comes with a raise.

So, next week, we'll talk about
the particulars and, you know,

get you all situated.

You know, if somebody would
have told me three months ago

that this would be happening, I
never would have believed them.

[ Juno barking ]
Juno, no!

Juno, juno! No, girl!

Aah! Oh!

Just take him... take...
Take the dog outside.

Take... take him out.

Sorry, dad.

Hey, look, I'm... I'm sorry
about all this mess.

I'll get you another shirt.

Okay, thanks.

Juno, girl.

Told you about leaving that
door open.

Sorry, grandma.

My goodness.

Let me put that in the washer
for you.

Oh, no, no, no, no.

I can just take this and... and
put it in the bath.

No, no, no, no.

I will take this.

It will be washed, dried, and
folded.

I'm not promising ironing,
though.

[ Chuckles ]
[ Door closes ]

Ohh. [ Sighs ]
Now, I have never been much

for animals in the house and
everything, and I told that boy

always to keep the door closed
with...

But, uh...

I got you a shirt here.

Oh, my god.

Mom! Mom, mom, mom!

[ Gasps ]
You okay?

Mom, are you... are you
light-headed?

Mom, you're doing too much.

Mm.

Oh! Um.

I told you not to run around
and be doing all this stuff

already.

I know.

I think you're right.

I think you're right.

I think I need to... just cover
that up for me, please, and

I'll... I think I need to take a
rest.

And it's really nice having you
here, son... Benjamin.

Uh...

I'm sorry.

I need to get some...

Enjoy the meal, though.

Okay.

Good night.

Okay. Uh, I'll check on you
in a minute.

You hungry?

Always.

Ah.

[ Birds chirping ]
Oh, girl.

[ Sighs ] Juno.

Did you walk here?

Yeah.

I'll give you a ride home.

No, no, no, no.

We're good.

No. No, no.

I won't take "no" for an answer.

Jacob, I need you to look after
your grandmother.

She's upstairs, laying down.

I'll be right back.

Okay. Goodbye, Mr. Benjamin.

Be good.

Hey, Douglas, I'm sorry, man,
about the dog.

Oh, it's okay.

[ Chuckles ]
Okay, no, Linda.

I'm telling you, I saw it as
clear as day with my own two

eyes.

I did.

Benjamin's my son.

Connie, a lot of people have
birthmarks.

In fact, doesn't everybody?

No, no.

When I gave him to the nurse, I
just looked over his little

body, and I saw that birthmark.

I saw it, and I knew right then
that I would never forget it.

Benjamin is my son.

I'm telling you... I know.

You know mothers know.

I'm telling you.

Okay, okay.

Now, don't get all worked up.

Just calm down.

I have to tell the boys.

Yeah. Yes, you do.

I do.

I don't know when, but I've got
to tell them.

You can't wait for the
perfect time, because that's

never gonna happen.

Connie, you've just got to do
it.

Douglas is going to Atlanta
tomorrow with his new

girlfriend.

But as soon as he comes back,
I'm gonna tell him, and then

we're gonna go, and we're gonna
tell Benjamin together...

I promise.

All right, now, you keep me
posted.

Get some rest.

I love you.

I love you.

God bless you.

Thank you, Linda.

[ Sighs ]
[ Chuckles ]

Oh, lord.

[ Sniffles ]
[ Birds chirping ]

How are you, Mrs. Rivers?

Well, this is a pleasant
surprise.

Douglas asked me to check on
you.

Benjamin.

Brought your little juno.

[ Laughs ]
Yeah, I left her outside.

How are you feeling?

Um...

Well, I got to say, I've felt
better.

But, you know, I think it's just
my body trying to get back to

normal, you know?

Douglas, um, doesn't want me
doing very much while he's gone,

so Jacob's been taking care of
himself.

And... well, I don't...

[ Chuckles ]
I just came to check on you

and Jacob, uh, see how you were
doing.

Is he here?

Mm.

Yes, he's upstairs, playing
those crazy video games.

Oh, yeah.

All right.

Can I go see him?

Please, go on upstairs.

He's up there.

[ Footsteps ]
Thank you, Jesus.

[ Voice breaking ] Thank you.

Oh, thank you so much.

[ Knock on door ]
Come in, grandma.

Hey, what's up, man?

Hey, Mr. Benjamin.

What are you doing here?

Uh, I just came by to see if
you wanted to help me walk juno.

Yeah.

Bye, grandma.

Bye, honey.

We're gonna be at the, uh,
park up the block.

Do you need anything?

No, just have fun.

Okay.

[ Door opens ]
Thank you.

You're welcome.

See you in a bit.

Do you want to give her a walk?

Yeah.

Okay.

She's the best dog ever.

Yeah. [ Chuckles ]
She wasn't always this way,

though.

Took a lot of training to get
her like this.

What kind of stuff did she
used to do?

She was just hardheaded,
wouldn't listen to anything.

But I think the people who had
her before me must have abused

her, because she was really
scared of everybody.

That's sad.

I don't want anything bad to
happen to juno.

[ Chuckles ]
I'm glad she's your dog now.

Yeah, me too.

So, you think you're ready to
help me train her?

Yeah.

All right. Good.

So, the first thing we need to
do is get her used to taking

commands from you.

So what I want you to do is walk
her a little bit, tell her to

sit down a couple of times, and
when she does, I want you to

reward her by saying, "good
girl."

Okay?

Sit, juno.

Sit, juno. Sit.

Good girl.

Okay.

Mm-hmm.

Grab it with the other hand.

There you go.

Okay, let's go.

Sit, juno.

Sit.

Good girl.

[ Chuckles ]
Good girl.

Okay, again.

Sit, juno. Sit.

Good girl.

♪ A one-of-a-kind love,
my love ♪

come on.

Good girl.

I hope my dad's having a good
time.

They went to Atlanta.

I'm sure he is.

I wanted to go.

He's taking her to the aquarium.

I've already been there a bunch
of times, so I was okay with

that.

So, you like animals, huh?

Yeah. I think maybe, one day,
I'm going to be a veterinarian.

Is that right?

♪ And the clouds...
So, you did really good with

her.

The way you gave her the
commands was perfect.

Mrs. Rivers.

Mrs. Rivers?

Mrs. Rivers.

Jacob, did your grandma take any
medicine today?

I think so.

Mrs. Rivers.

Mrs. Rivers!

Call 911.

Mrs. Rivers.

[ Monitor beeping ]
What happened?

Is she okay?

[ Breathing heavily ]
How long's she been sleeping?

They just came in to give her
some meds so she can get some

rest.

Okay, I'm here, mama.

Everything's gonna be okay.

[ Sighs ]
T-thanks for bringing her.

Well, what happened?

I took Jacob to the park.

When we came home, she was
laying on the couch and she

wouldn't wake up.

Well, I-I need to call
Dr. Sperry.

H-has he been in here?

No, he's on his way, but, uh,
there's something I need to tell

you.

What's that?

Uh, come on.

Let's, uh, step outside.

[ Telephone ringing in
distance ]

[ Sighs ]
They really don't know what's

wrong.

Most likely, her body's
rejecting the kidney.

Dr. Sperry said that
everything's should be fine,

considering.

Yeah, I know.

[ Sighs ]
And there's more.

When I was alone in the room
with her, she started telling me

a story.

I'm so sorry.

I made a lot of mistakes...

When I was a young girl.

And when I had Douglas...

I had twins.

I had twins.

Two kids?

Two kids.

Then she said that...

And they asked me...

Which one I wanted to give up
for adoption.

They told me I'd already
committed... I could only keep

one.

Well, I had to see my babies.

I had to see 'em.

And they brought 'em... so
beautiful and so... Innocent.

And one of the babies had a
birthmark behind his left

birthmark behind his left
shoulder... Very different than

anything I'd ever seen.

And I knew that that birthmark
was a sign... I'd always be able

to find you.

And I knew I'd look for you.

Benjamin...

You're my son.

I'm your mother.

[ Crying ]
I know you went through so much.

Benjamin...

It's over now.

Can you... can you accept me?

[ Sighs ]
I'm so sorry.

[ Breathes deeply ]
But it's over now, baby.

You're my brother?

[ Sighs ]
There's a letter at the house

she wants you to read.

It describes everything I told
you in her own words.

It describes everything I told
you in her own words.

[ Sighs ]
[ Sighs ]

[ Monitor beeping ]
[ Rapid beeping ]

Mama. Mama.

Nurse! Nurse!

Come help her.

Come help her.

Is she gonna be okay?

Help her!

Where is she?

What's going on?

Sir... you can't be here.

Mom!

Mom!

You need to leave.

We will take care of her.

We will do everything we can.

[ Beeping continues ]
[ Chuckles ]

Yeah.

You know, that makes sense.

What's that?

I was at work, and I was
putting your information into

the computer... noticed that we
had the same birth date.

And I-I thought that, you know,
I was working too hard, and I...

Mistakenly put my birth date in.

I guess it's clear now, huh?

[ Sighs ]
Why didn't she tell me?

[ Sighs ]
She was probably waiting for the

right opportunity, Douglas.

But all these years...
All these years.

I mean, she told me she was
going through some stuff.

I mean, she was young and...

[ Sighs ]
Yeah, she told you, right?

Seems she told you a lot of
stuff, didn't she?

But she hid it from me.

It was probably difficult for
her.

Just because she didn't tell you
doesn't mean she loves you any

less.

Look, mom was a good woman.

Mom was a good woman.

Hey, hey.

She would eventu...
Who are you to tell me about

my mother?

You don't even know her.

You've known her for... what?
A matter of weeks.

I've been with her for 37 years.

So don't you tell me about my
mother.

At least you had her for
37 years.

If it wasn't for a simple twist
of fate, you'd be standing in my

place right now.

I'm so sorry.

I'm sorry.

There was nothing we could do.

[ Crying ]
[ Sniffles ]

Thank you all for coming.

[ Birds chirping ]
It's hard to believe she's

gone.

Yeah, I can't believe it.

To tell you the truth, it hasn't
even set in yet.

I wanted to show you this.

"Read the Serenity prayer
every morning and every night.

It takes the worry out of life.

Love always, cmr...

Mary."

Mm.

That was her middle name.

And this is definitely mom's
handwriting.

I can't believe you've been able
to keep on to it this many

years.

Me, either.

My adoptive mother says she
found it in one of my socks when

they brought me home from the
hospital.

Mm.

I'm sure it was the best she
could do.

[ Chuckles softly ]
You know... I always wanted a

brother.

[ Chuckles softly ]
So did I.

She must have been so happy
to realize it was you.

Yeah.

Mm.

It was like she waited for
all of us to be together again.

Yeah, she probably did.

[ Sighs ]
Mom was right about Hawaii.

Man, she was so right.

Sometimes, you just have to...
Sometimes, you just have to live

life.

Man, I wish I had hope just book
that ticket originally, you

know?

Hope's been great through this.

Yeah, she has.

You gonna make her your wife?

[ Chuckles softly ]
Remember what Johnny said.

[ Chuckles ]
"Don't be too particular."

"too particular."

[ Both laugh ]
Yeah.

Well, you got my blessing.

Well, thank you.

[ Chuckles ]
You know, I like hope better

than I've liked anyone in a long
time, you know?

And I definitely want her in my
life.

Hey, you know when you... when
you're dating a girl and... and

sometimes, you just... you just
want your personal space and you

just want to be left alone
sometimes?

Definitely.

Well, I never feel like that
with her.

[ Chuckles ]
You know, man, I-I really

think I might have found her.

Mom seemed to like her, too.

Mm.

That's a good sign, knowing how
particular mom was.

[ Chuckles ]
Yeah.

I've been dating somebody
lately.

Really?

Yeah.

For how long?

Not long.

I met her at the grocery store
about three weeks ago.

Oh. Well, you got to bring
her by the restaurant sometime.

No, it's too soon for that.

Well, what's her name?

Sintera.

[ Chuckles ]
I used to date a sintera.

Yeah, well, hopefully, it's
not her.

Yeah, you better hope not.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

Why you say it like that?

Well, this girl was...

[ Scoffs ]
W-well, you know, it's... it's

probably not the same one.

No, no, no, no, no.

'Cause I-I don't like the look
on your face.

I mean, you know, I mean, like,
it's... it's kind of serious.

I mean, could it be that bad?

[ Chuckles ]
Uh, yeah.

No.

No.

Yep.

One of Johnny's hookups?

Medication.

Oh, no.

Oh, no. Oh, no.

Hey, but it might not be the
same one.

I-I just... I don't even want
to take the chance.

Look, i-I'm supposed to go out
with this girl to... what...

What... what am I supposed to
do?

Well, just tell her that
you... you want to introduce her

to your big brother, and we'll
find out if it's the same one.

That's... all right, that's
good.

That's good.

Wait a minute.

What... what makes you think
that you're my big brother?

Well, I just believe that I am.

[ Laughs ]
That's it.

[ Chuckles ]
[ Chuckles ]

Man, I have dreaded this day my
entire life... losing my mother.

I never thought I could even
handle it.

[ Sighs ]
We'll get through it...

Together.

Well, we have to.

Sometimes, life just doesn't
give us a choice.

♪ I know a place...
"Dear boys, if you're reading

this, it means I'm no longer
with you.

I pray that you've found comfort
and strength in knowing that I

am with my creator.

Benjamin, please forgive me for
the decisions I made.

But I'm so happy that I got to
spend some time with you.

I never wanted to live without
you, son.

Douglas, I apologize for taking
you away from your brother.

You have each other forever now.

And I know that you'll both
guide Jacob in the way he should

go.

Now, Douglas, I don't want you
to sleep too long on a good

woman like hope.

And, Benjamin, you're gonna be a
great husband and father one

day.

Be good to one another...

And remember, your mother loves
you.

Constance Mary rivers.

P.s.... Benjamin is the oldest
by 17 minutes."

♪ ...All right

♪ because only in him are we

alive ♪

♪ oh, and I