A Million Little Things (2018–…): Season 3, Episode 13 - Listen - full transcript
In response to the killing of George Floyd, the group of friends are forced to reevaluate their own racial biases and take to the streets of Boston. Rome opts out in favor of his mental health and has a candid conversation with his father about how to effect change.
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- We want to foster you.
- I would really like that.
Previously on
"A Million Little Things"...
I don't think I can be
back in time for dinner.
I don't think she's at the office.
I'm looking for a few heavy hitters
to do some segments for my show.
I don't think that I want
to condense helping people
into five-minute segments.
You would be a great fit.
But I think it's good
that you have someone.
Florence, it is really nice to meet you.
Oh, merci, Javi.
Let's hear it again for Javier Mendez.
Javi?
Keke sent me this video.
His name was George Floyd.
Tyrell, will you get that, please?
Yeah, totally.
Hey. No more phone.
My father-in-law and his bad knees
are on the other side of that door.
Tyrell, hi.
Hi, honey.
- You good?
- Yes.
Good.
- Hi.
- You need me to look at your doorbell?
- 'Cause I rang it twice.
- Only twice?
You're welcome.
I am so sorry that we're late,
but this one was circling the block
trying to find a good spot.
Ooh. What's the rush?
The country is still gonna be broken
no matter what time
you get to the protest.
Keke's one of the BLM youth organizers,
so I can't be late.
Keke?
You mean the girl you're
seeing and spending money on
who refuses to be
called your girlfriend?
That Keke?
I'm starting to understand
why you didn't answer on the first ring.
I was thinking that maybe I should
bring Theo with me to the protest today.
You know,
it might be good for him to see
what exercising social
responsibility looks like
instead of just hearing about it.
Yeah. That's a good idea.
Maybe I should go, too.
Look, whatever happens
as we move forward,
I think it's important
for Theo to still see us
as a united front.
Plus, I just really want to be there
to support our friends.
Okay.
Yeah.
Let's go together.
All I'm saying is, no matter what,
they are my parents.
And family support is a wonderful thing.
- _
- Uh, but I think the question
that your fiancée may
be asking herself is,
"If the in-laws are
there for the proposal,
then what are they not there for?"
Yes, exactly. See,
they'll always be right there.
Uh, Bill, I would love to continue,
but, unfortunately,
that is all the time we have.
So, uh, congratulations...
and I hope the four of you
have a very happy life together.
This has been "A Fix in Five"
with Dr. Maggie Bloom.
And you are... off the air.
I told you after a couple weeks,
you'd get the hang of this.
Are you kidding me?
That was terrible.
You can't give sound mental
health advice in five minutes.
I mean, I didn't even offer
him any information
on boundaries, which Bill clearly needs.
See? You're helpful and entertaining.
And about the five minutes...
Dr. Stacy wants me to remind you that,
and I quote, "You were hired
to do a five-minute segment.
It's not a suggestion.
It's the time limit.
So please stick with it."
She said "please"?
I added that part.
Yeah.
Okay, I'll s-see you later.
Keke said she's sorry she can't meet up
at the restaurant to
help us make posters,
but she and the other organizers
still need to set stuff up.
So, what I'm hearing is, once again,
we're not gonna meet
your fake girlfriend.
- Oh!
- Wait, no. She's a real person.
- Ahh.
- What? No "good morning"?
Good morning, Pop.
Actually, you're just in time.
We were talking about
why we're going today,
and, Gina, you were up next.
Oh. Okay. Uh...
Actually, this is my first protest,
and I'm going...
for my dad.
That's really nice.
How about you?
Have you been to a lot of protests?
Oh, yeah. I've been going my whole life.
My parents took me to protest Vietnam
when I was little, and they kept on
till the war was over.
I still go to every
one I can till this day.
Sounds like you got some
competition there, big man.
You... You been in
a lot of protests, too?
Go on. Tell him.
I'm not going to the damn protest.
I was just her ride.
I'm not wasting my time totin'
around some sign,
thinking throwing a bunch of
paint on some poster board's
gonna change the world.
That's a view.
If you can find a jackhammer big enough
to break up the foundation
of this country, then I'll go.
'Cause that's the only thing
that's gonna make a difference.
So, was it Walter's bright
side that drew you in?
All I'm saying is,
I fought for this country in Vietnam,
came back to a bunch of kids protesting,
and nothing being different.
I was drawn to him for
a number of reasons.
Well, I think the people in charge
need to see that our lives matter
from as many people as possible.
I read an article this morning
about George Floyd's daughter.
Her mom hasn't been able
to tell her how he died.
I mean, how do you explain
that to a 7-year-old?
6.
His daughter's 6.
Oh.
Hey, man. What's going on?
What's going on is, I made the mistake
of falling in love with a woman
before asking if she owned a fanny pack.
I know today's protest
is about Black lives,
but maybe we could, uh,
organize a separate one
to protest all the things
that should have stayed
in the '80s.
Oh. Uh-oh.
I can tell by your silence
somebody else has a fanny pack.
Anyway, Gina asked us to get supplies.
Uh, anything specific you want us to do?
Want you to do?
Just wanted to see if
there was a plan, uh,
and if, uh, you know, you need anything.
If I need anything?
Feels like you're just
repeating everything I'm saying,
but in question form.
Yeah, because I'm wondering
why you're asking me.
Y-You... You understand that
this isn't my protest, right?
Uh, yeah.
Yeah. Yeah, that...
That's why we're going.
Yeah, but please tell me
you get that this is work
that we all need to do,
so you're gonna have to
do more than just hitting
up your Black friends
so that you can be their plus-one, Gary.
I'm sorry.
Didn't mean to, uh...
I'm... I'm just trying to help.
And the last time you tried to help,
I ended up in the back of a police car.
You know, I... Actually, I gotta go.
Is he all right?
I don't know.
I was just trying to make a plan...
Go to the protest and pepper in
some of my delightful comic stylings.
It's a very emotional time.
A lot going on for him.
And for me.
I have a lady friend
who wears a fanny pack.
- You know...
- Let's power through it, okay?
Hey.
You okay?
No.
I can't go to this protest.
Hey. Will you talk to me?
I don't trust myself right now, Gina.
George Floyd is never
gonna see his daughter
graduate from elementary school.
He's never gonna get to take her
to a Daddy Daughter Dance.
His murder kind of feels
like the last straw for me.
And...
all the talking I've been doing
with Dr. Heller, I just...
I know...
that if a cop so much as
blows a whistle wrong...
Hey.
I think you should do
whatever you need to do.
Hey, don't let me forget.
Theo wants us to pick up glitter.
You mean "multi-colored glitter."
He texted me in case you messed up.
Ouch.
Speaking of messed up,
are Eddie and Katherine
really both going today?
I don't know if you saw the news,
but other people are gonna be there.
Yeah, I know that,
but with everything that's happened...
And I'm not just talking
about the divorce...
- The...
- The what?
What are you talking about?
Nothing.
Unless... Unless you know
what I'm talking about.
- I know everything.
- Well, then, why don't you say it?
Well, I'm gonna need to hear you say it
before I say it because I don't know
if we have the same level
of security clearance.
I knew you knew something.
Spill it, Mendez.
All right.
Katherine kissed...
Alan! I know!
What is... What? I...
So, is your security clearance
high enough to open this cage?
Come on, Tyrell!
Coming!
All right, baby, we're headed out.
All right.
We're gonna go change the world.
You guys enjoy watching "SportsCenter".
Hey, Tyrell, hold on for a sec.
I need to talk to you before you go.
Okay.
Okay, we'll, um,
wait for you by the elevators.
Okay.
I need to talk to you about today...
What to expect, how to handle yourself.
- I know what you're gonna say.
- No, you don't.
Yeah, you're gonna tell me
how to be with the police.
- I know all this.
- Yeah, well, I need to know
that you heard it from me,
so you're gonna shut up
and listen for a second, okay?
When you are out there today,
you are gonna see some things...
that anger you.
Do not engage the police.
Don't even talk to 'em.
You stay as close to Regina
and Florence as you can.
I know your phone's usually charged,
but double check it,
triple check it.
And you contact me if anything happens.
There are police out there
looking for a reason to take your life.
Young man, do not give them a reason.
Your job is not to be a hero today.
Your job is to come home.
Okay.
I'll be careful.
Good.
Now, go change the world.
Well, Tiffany, it's a tough time,
and feeling anxious is natural,
even for those of us who usually aren't.
Uh, one way to help
manage anxiety is exercise.
I actually really enjoy running.
Me, too.
I went for a run this morning.
Yeah.
But after learning about Ahmaud Arbery,
I just don't feel safe doing it.
And I'm not sleeping well
because I keep thinking
about Breonna Taylor.
What happened to her
happened in her bed.
As a Black woman,
I don't feel safe in my own body...
anywhere, especially right now,
- and I-I don't know how to fix it.
- I'm really sorry.
Uh, do you have a therapist?
I-I met with a couple people,
but none of them felt right.
It just didn't feel like we
have the same life experiences.
I-I think it would help
you to have a-a therapist
- who could validate and support you.
- Oh, gosh.
I actually have a colleague that I think
that you would really like.
Really?
In addition to being an
exceptional therapist...
Dr. Madison is also a Black woman,
and so I think that she might be able
to identify with you more closely.
Uh, let me give you her number. It's...
I had to cut you off 10 seconds ago.
I'm really sorry, but Dr. Stacy was...
vocal.
W... D-Do you at least
have a contact for Tiffany?
I want to give her my
colleague's information.
Well, Dr. Stacy doesn't really like
when people try to
do that sort of thing.
What sort of thing? Helping people?
I... Mm. I'm sorry.
I just... I need to talk
to Dr. Stacy myself.
Is that something you might
want to do after hours?
- Hey, Gary.
- Gina.
Darce and I are setting up with Ed,
Katherine, and Theo.
I gotta grab the rest of
the stuff from my car.
"Oh, we can help you"...
- I'm Florence, by the way.
- Oh, I know who you are.
We've heard all about you.
Welcome to the family.
I'm Gary... the popular, funny stepson.
- After you.
- Yeah.
- Just wait up, Gary.
- Yeah.
Um... just, with everything going on...
R-Rome was... was worried...
that today might be too much for him.
Oh.
Yeah, so, he's not coming.
Yeah, okay.
I just don't think I can
limit everything I have to say
- to one sign.
- Well, then, don't.
Wait, wait, wait. Hold on, Mom. Stop.
- I don't see any...
- Glitter?
Ah, you are the best.
Apparently, glitter's the best,
but I'm a close second.
Alan!
Hey. Um... Tyrell invited me
to join him and Regina
at the protest. I didn't...
I didn't realize so many
people would be here.
Hm.
Well, um... today is
about as many people
coming together as possible, right?
Totally. It's all about the numbers.
Worked for the bus boycott,
and it's gonna work here.
Now, I just need a bigger set of hands
to get this glitter open.
Okay. I'll get that for you, pal.
Here we go.
I can handle that.
How are you feeling about today?
Whew. Anxious.
Nervous.
And heartbroken.
Mm.
And to be honest, a little ashamed
that this is my first protest.
The important thing
is that you're here now.
Yeah.
But I-I should have gotten
involved a long time ago.
I just felt like my whole life,
I've been straddling two worlds.
After my parents got divorced,
I went to mostly all-white schools,
was raised by... mainly by my mom
and her side of the family.
I didn't know how
to fit in half the time,
let alone be political or...
I'd experience racism in school,
and then go home to my mom,
who looked just like
the people who hurt me.
I didn't know how to articulate
what it was like for me.
You know, and I didn't
want to hurt her or worry her.
But in not saying something,
it felt like I wasn't being
true to my other half.
Is that why you said you
were going for your father?
Yeah.
And not just him...
His entire side of the family.
To make them proud.
To prove to them that I
haven't forgotten who I am.
You're also going for you, Gina.
This is yours, too.
I know.
But sometimes, I feel like
I don't have the right to say that.
Yeah.
Which is why I said it.
- I'll be back.
- Yeah.
Hey, Alan, can you help me glue this?
I'm too young to use a glue gun,
and glitter won't stick on its own.
Um...
Yeah. Yeah. Come around here.
Uh-oh.
Alright. You ready for this?
Now, just put that down.
Be really careful.
Hey, if you want,
I can just ask him to leave.
No.
That would just make
Theo have more questions.
Perfect.
It still needs a little more glitter.
More glitter? All right.
- When in doubt, more glitter, right?
- Not enough.
I like to live dangerously. Okay.
Yeah. Okay.
Okay.
That was Keke. She said Boston
Common is already packed,
so we should get going if
we still want to find them.
Uh... people are still
working on their posters.
No problem. I can just head out now
and see you guys when you get there?
Hold up!
You think that we're gonna
come all the way here
and not meet the famous Keke,
who may or may not be your boo?
Lead the way, young man.
I'll tell the others we're going ahead.
Last one!
There's one more sign left!
- Who wants it? You want it?
- Where are Gina and Rome?
Yeah. There we go. Hold it high,
not just because the
glitter's not dry yet.
People love your posters, T.
They went really fast.
Yeah.
Uh... I have to go to the bathroom.
Theo, I specifically asked...
Sorry, Mom. When you asked,
I was focused on justice.
- All right. We'll meet you back here.
- Sure, yeah.
Beautiful day, huh?
It's the best.
No peace!
This is a caller who
really needs someone
that can identify with
her lived experience.
Okay, listen, Maggie,
that's not the point.
Whether your friend is good or not,
we're not going to
give out free promotion.
Ads are how radio stations make money,
which is how I pay your salary.
You got it?
Got it.
Good.
Great use of my lunch break,
Claudia. Thanks.
Well, in addition to real estate,
I do a lot of work with immigration,
which is how I met Tyrell,
and I work with this AAPI group
trying to combat violence,
which has really gone up this year.
And I also teach
this kind of kickboxing class
on the side, but that's just for fun.
I'm also an avid runner.
Wow, you really pack it in.
Yeah, what else? Um, there's...
Hey. Where's, uh...
Where's Theo?
What do you mean?
You took him to the bathroom.
Yeah, but then I decided to go
and he said he was gonna
come back and meet you guys.
Oh, my God.
- Theo!
- Maybe... Maybe he stopped
along the way. I'm gonna check.
You guys wait here.
Yeah. Okay,
we'll call if we see him, okay?
- Okay. Theo!
- Theo!
- Theo!
- T!
- Theo!
- Theo!
Theo!
- Theo!
- T!
Hey. Hey, hey.
Isn't... Isn't that one
of his signs over there?
And judging on the amount of glitter,
I'd say yeah.
Thank you!
Oh. There's my dad.
Theo. There you are.
Uh, I think he headed
in the wrong direction
and lost sight of you.
- Oh, no. I'm not...
- No, that's my dad.
Alan's just my mom's friend.
Hey. What's going on?
Um, sorry. My mistake.
Thank you.
He thought you were my dad.
Yeah.
Ha-ha...
Rome, sit down.
And not just because
you're blocking the TV.
You're being too hard on yourself.
Nothing wrong with sitting this one out.
Waste of time, anyway.
There's nothing I would like more
than to be out there right now.
When Gina and I were trying
to adopt Eve's baby...
it felt so right.
Like... I was meant
to help a child navigate
being Black in America.
Maybe it's best I'm not his dad.
I heard what you said to Tyrell.
It was perfect.
Oh, I'm just repeating
what you used to say to me.
Like I said... perfect.
But I should be there with him.
Right now.
But I can't.
And it's not because of
what might happen today
or what might happen tomorrow.
It's because of what might
happen a month from now.
A year from now.
What are you talking about?
I was reading about this dude.
He was a protestor out in Ferguson.
On the front lines.
A hero, showing his kids by example.
Three years later, he killed himself.
And you think it was because
he went to a protest?
No, I think it's because
of what followed him
home from the protest, Pop.
The only reason it
didn't get me last time
is because I got lucky.
And as I've been dealing
with my depression,
I'm realizing it's not just
something I'm pre-disposed to.
It's this country.
This world and all the things...
All the things, every day,
making me feel like an unwanted guest
in my own home.
Believe me, I understand.
Mm?
I was 11 years old when
your grandfather showed me
Emmett Till's photo in Jet magazine.
It's still there.
Burned into my mind.
I've been looking at this a
whole lot longer than you.
I saw it here,
I saw it in Vietnam,
and I came back home and saw it
over and over and over again.
That's what it's meant to be us.
To live feeling like death
is breathing on your back.
And they're still out there
thinking posters can fix that.
I never knew you felt like that.
Didn't want you to know.
Maybe I was wrong for that.
Well, I feel like
I have a responsibility
to see Tyrell do this and make sure
that everything I know he's feeling
doesn't get the best of him.
I'm scared for him, Pop.
All right.
Where you going?
We were just having a moment.
I got a protest to get to.
I thought you didn't believe in that.
I don't.
I'm not going to protest.
I'm going to be there for you.
You need to get busy
making tons of stuff.
You have Joan from
Hartford who is worried
people treat her differently
for being too pretty.
... with Dr. Maggie Bloom,
from her studio
- in Boston, Massachusetts.
- Is that... Is this real?
The caller or the problem?
Oh! You're on.
Uh, you're listening to "A Fix in Five"
with Dr. Maggie Bloom,
and my caller for this segment is, um...
Joan from Hartford.
Too pretty.
Actually, uh, I'm...
I'm not going to take a caller.
Instead, I want to let you know
that this is going to
be my last segment.
A therapist has to be able
to spend the time it takes
to provide real solutions,
and five-minute segments
don't allow me to do that.
So, let me just say this very quickly.
Tiffany, I am sorry that
we got cut off earlier,
but if you are still listening,
please reach out to me
so that you can get
the help that you deserve.
Okay.
Signing off for the last time,
uh, two and a half minutes early,
I might add.
This has been "A Fix in Five"
with Dr. Maggie Bloom.
I have Dr. Stacy calling for you.
Um, tell her I don't have the time.
Don't slow down, Dad.
Only two more blocks.
Hey, I'm really sorry about
what happened back there.
When Tyrell invited me,
I didn't realize you and
your family would be there.
- I didn't mean to...
- It's okay, Alan, really.
But, um...
I think it might be best
if we kept our distance
for a little while,
so the next time I see you,
I can actually see you.
Yeah, about that.
Uh, I probably should tell you.
I've kinda started seeing someone else.
Oh.
My goldfish.
I mean, at this point,
she's staying over every night.
Ha-ha. Hilarious.
Deep down inside,
I know it was the right decision,
but... doesn't make the fact
that I'm sitting here on my sofa
any less frustrating.
I hear you.
And what you're saying
makes a lot of sense.
I'm really proud of you for putting
your mental health first.
Yeah, thanks, Maggie. I...
Hey, Maggie, can I call you back?
Yeah, sure. No problem.
Hey, Pop. Is everything okay?
Rome?
Dad, can you hear me?
Rome, she got hurt!
What? W-Who? Who? Florence?
Regina.
They're taking her to the hospital now.
You better get here.
- Rome!
- Tyrell, where is she?
They're looking at her right now.
I'm telling you, Rome,
we were marching peacefully.
The cops just started
pepper-spraying everybody,
so we started running.
This older guy, he tripped,
Gina went to help him up,
and this cop pushed her
down with his nightstick.
- Her head hit the pavement.
- Oh, my God.
Rome, we tried.
They won't let anyone in.
Wait, you're not with Gina?
Hey. Uh, excuse me, sir,
my wife, Regina Howard,
she's inside. I need to see her.
Sorry. No visitors beyond this point.
- You're gonna have to wait outside.
- No, no. You don't understand.
I-I... She got hurt in the protests.
I am sorry,
but because of COVID restrictions,
we can only let people needing
medical attention inside.
Well... Well, in that case,
I'm dying of a heart attack.
- Sir...
- I'm trying to tell you
as nicely as possible,
I need to see my wife!
- Hey, Rome, come over here.
- Look, I am not going anywhere
- until I see Gina!
- But, R-Rome, come on.
Can I please see my wife?!
Just shut up for
a second and listen to me.
Come on.
Pull out your phone, okay?
I just gave one of
the nurses your phone number.
She's gonna call you any second.
Just stand over here where
the cell service is good,
and you'll be able to see Gina.
There she is now.
Thank you. We'll be waiting right here.
Thank you.
Okay, man,
I'll just keep trying... I guess.
Yeah.
Albert says Gina hasn't come back.
Yeah, Ed and Katherine
are headed home with Theo.
They haven't heard from her, either.
What do we do? Do we...
Should we go look for them?
No. Once you establish a rally point,
you stick to it.
Wow. That was very sexy.
Oh, was it?
- And she peeled off her fanny pack?
- Yeah.
Later on, I'm gonna give you
the highest level security clearance.
Mm-hmm.
- Today was a day, huh?
- Mm-hmm.
You know, I'm surprised at
how many people showed up.
I mean, that was incredible, right?
Yeah. It's too bad
Rome couldn't make it.
He was so angry with me this morning.
Hm.
Hey, can I ask you something?
Your dad calls you Junior,
and during that talent show,
they called you Javi.
I call you Gary.
What's up with that?
Yeah. That's fair.
I was born Javier Mendez, Jr.
I'm my father's son,
and I'm proud of it.
As you recently experienced firsthand,
there is a lot of my dad in me,
but unlike him,
people don't assume that
I'm Mexican... ever.
Until they realize he is my dad.
Well, I wasn't 100%
sure until I met him.
Before he, uh, drove a truck,
he was a custodian at
my elementary school.
And at first it was awesome, right?
'Cause we could say hi to each
other in the hallway every day.
But then the other kids
figured out who he was.
And that's when the jokes started.
It was very racist and awful.
- Kids can be so mean.
- Kids are the worst.
Yeah.
Except, of course,
for Liam, who is top-notch.
That's a good save.
It's the summer before middle school.
I go off to camp, right?
And I have this counselor
who is awesome.
He makes everybody laugh.
He doesn't care what anybody thinks.
He knows all
the words to "Ice Ice Baby".
- And his name...
- Was Gary.
No.
No, his name was Vanilla Ice.
Yeah, that's why he knew
all the words to the song...
- It was... it was... it was his song.
- Oh, yeah.
Yeah. Yeah, it was Gary.
So, summer ends, and, uh,
I show up... First day at a new school.
I got there early,
and I found my homeroom teacher,
and I tell her that, uh...
there's a typo on the attendance sheet.
Where it says "Javier",
it should say "Gary".
When I brought my
first report card home,
I remember my dad saying,
"How can they evaluate you
if they don't even know your name?"
And the look on my face...
told him everything.
He didn't get mad.
He just nodded and, uh...
understood why I had done what I did.
He hasn't called me Javi since.
Not once. It's always Junior.
And a whole lot of Mijo.
I think...
that my dad just wanted to
give his half-Mexican son
the best shot of making it...
in a pretty White world.
Hmm.
Maybe that's why Rome was so upset.
How? I've... I've never
told him that story.
He doesn't know about my name.
- He...
- No, but, um...
he knows you get to choose.
Right.
Yes, Rome. I'm fine.
Although, I think maybe
they need to test me again,
because I don't remember
buying such a fancy phone case.
Babe, you're using
the nurse's cellphone.
I knew that.
I'm fine, babe. I promise.
But she was so nice
to let me use her phone.
Thank you, man.
So, tell me what happened.
You okay?
No.
If I had gotten to the
protest five minutes sooner...
Then you'd both be laying
in hospital beds right now.
It was nice to see you at a protest.
Well, that's a nicer greeting
than you would've given me
when I came back from 'Nam.
We weren't supposed to be
there in the first place.
My brother was also there.
And he wasn't lucky enough to come back.
I didn't know.
I'm sorry.
Sometimes I wonder if
we had started protesting
earlier and louder,
if he'd still be here.
And I would also like to think
that because of our efforts,
we got you home.
Thank you.
Okay. She's okay.
She's being discharged.
That's good.
I'll give you two a minute.
Just get over there already.
What about you, son?
You okay?
Yeah.
Well, I'm glad you're alright, Gina.
Let us know if you need anything, okay?
Bye.
How is she?
Pretty banged up,
but, I mean, they let her go home,
so she must be okay.
Thanks for being so
understanding about Alan.
I had no idea he was gonna be there.
I know.
And just so you know, I told him that
we shouldn't see each
other again for a while.
What is it?
I should've known about the mask.
When that kid in Theo's class
said he needed to wear one,
I should've known what that meant.
I think my embarrassment
over not knowing
was part of the reason why I lost it
on the front end of our neighbor's car.
I've let you two down a lot lately.
- Eddie...
- No. No, uh...
I'm not saying that 'cause I want you
to make me feel better about it.
I'm saying that because I
should have said it before.
Hey, Claudia. Is everything okay?
I, uh, assumed since we were on Zoom
that I didn't need to clean out my desk.
Dr. Stacy wanted me to inform you
that your on-air antics
weren't taken lightly,
that you violated
multiple company policies,
and that your services
are no longer required.
Yeah, also, I quit.
You totally did!
And she's super pissed.
Which brings me to why I'm calling.
I just sent you Tiffany's contact info
so you can send her your
therapist recommendation.
And while I was doing that,
I "accidentally" sent you
a list of companies we've worked with
that would love to sponsor
a podcast like yours.
Wow. Thanks.
Thank you.
I-I've been here for three years,
and you're the first person
I met who genuinely cares.
I knew you wouldn't last.
Who is it?
Whatever version of Gary
gets you to open the door.
- Hey.
- Hey.
Gina's fine, man.
You didn't need to come
all the way over here.
Good.
I came to see you.
Oh?
Uh... To say that I'm sorry.
I didn't realize until today...
When I knocked out that dude
at Sophie's softball game last year,
I didn't realize how much
danger I was putting you in,
and... and... and then
you were good enough
to explain it to me,
and I still didn't get it.
Man, I got a lot of my own
stuff that I have been avoiding
for a long time, and...
I want to deal with it.
Coming here is the start...
The start...
of me trying to do better.
You're right.
Today's protest was not just for you.
It was for me, too.
I know that.
A-And that's why
I gotta tell you, I'm very...
very disappointed
that you weren't there
for me today, man.
Dude, you are an ass.
Which is the third reason that I'm here,
is to make sure that you know that.
- Oh, yeah. I-I do.
- Okay.
It's clear.
All right.
Uh, well, in that case,
just, uh, do me a solid,
and, uh, make sure my girlfriend's okay.
- Shut... Leave. Leave my house.
- Okay.
And, uh, y-you didn't really
knock that dude out
at the s-softball game.
You sucker punched the dude,
and he got right back up.
He did not...
He didn't get right back up.
- You got your ass beat, dude.
- Really.
Ah.
Hey.
I, uh, talked to Maggie and Katherine
and Darcy and Florence.
The first time I called Florence,
I accidentally hit "Florist."
It took us a good 90 seconds
before either of us realized.
But on the plus side,
we have "get well" calla lilies
arriving tomorrow morning.
Oh. And... And by the way,
apparently I was
so appreciative of the nurse
who let me use her phone
that I agreed to marry her.
We'll work it out.
Okay, just...
say it, Rome.
Just say, "I knew something
bad would happen today."
I had to be there.
So, whatever it is you have to say,
just say it.
Okay.
When I got the call from
my dad that you were hurt,
I got a tiny glimpse of
what it must have been like
for you to find my suicide note.
To have to wonder what it would be like
if I just was suddenly gone.
And I am so sorry to
put you through that.
We have been through so much together.
But you said it best...
You are not the best part of my life.
Regina Howard, you are my life.
And I love you...
more than anything in this world.
I love you so much.
I'm so glad we got this king-size bed.
'Cause I-I really don't know
where else the nurse would fit.
Be quiet.
---
- We want to foster you.
- I would really like that.
Previously on
"A Million Little Things"...
I don't think I can be
back in time for dinner.
I don't think she's at the office.
I'm looking for a few heavy hitters
to do some segments for my show.
I don't think that I want
to condense helping people
into five-minute segments.
You would be a great fit.
But I think it's good
that you have someone.
Florence, it is really nice to meet you.
Oh, merci, Javi.
Let's hear it again for Javier Mendez.
Javi?
Keke sent me this video.
His name was George Floyd.
Tyrell, will you get that, please?
Yeah, totally.
Hey. No more phone.
My father-in-law and his bad knees
are on the other side of that door.
Tyrell, hi.
Hi, honey.
- You good?
- Yes.
Good.
- Hi.
- You need me to look at your doorbell?
- 'Cause I rang it twice.
- Only twice?
You're welcome.
I am so sorry that we're late,
but this one was circling the block
trying to find a good spot.
Ooh. What's the rush?
The country is still gonna be broken
no matter what time
you get to the protest.
Keke's one of the BLM youth organizers,
so I can't be late.
Keke?
You mean the girl you're
seeing and spending money on
who refuses to be
called your girlfriend?
That Keke?
I'm starting to understand
why you didn't answer on the first ring.
I was thinking that maybe I should
bring Theo with me to the protest today.
You know,
it might be good for him to see
what exercising social
responsibility looks like
instead of just hearing about it.
Yeah. That's a good idea.
Maybe I should go, too.
Look, whatever happens
as we move forward,
I think it's important
for Theo to still see us
as a united front.
Plus, I just really want to be there
to support our friends.
Okay.
Yeah.
Let's go together.
All I'm saying is, no matter what,
they are my parents.
And family support is a wonderful thing.
- _
- Uh, but I think the question
that your fiancée may
be asking herself is,
"If the in-laws are
there for the proposal,
then what are they not there for?"
Yes, exactly. See,
they'll always be right there.
Uh, Bill, I would love to continue,
but, unfortunately,
that is all the time we have.
So, uh, congratulations...
and I hope the four of you
have a very happy life together.
This has been "A Fix in Five"
with Dr. Maggie Bloom.
And you are... off the air.
I told you after a couple weeks,
you'd get the hang of this.
Are you kidding me?
That was terrible.
You can't give sound mental
health advice in five minutes.
I mean, I didn't even offer
him any information
on boundaries, which Bill clearly needs.
See? You're helpful and entertaining.
And about the five minutes...
Dr. Stacy wants me to remind you that,
and I quote, "You were hired
to do a five-minute segment.
It's not a suggestion.
It's the time limit.
So please stick with it."
She said "please"?
I added that part.
Yeah.
Okay, I'll s-see you later.
Keke said she's sorry she can't meet up
at the restaurant to
help us make posters,
but she and the other organizers
still need to set stuff up.
So, what I'm hearing is, once again,
we're not gonna meet
your fake girlfriend.
- Oh!
- Wait, no. She's a real person.
- Ahh.
- What? No "good morning"?
Good morning, Pop.
Actually, you're just in time.
We were talking about
why we're going today,
and, Gina, you were up next.
Oh. Okay. Uh...
Actually, this is my first protest,
and I'm going...
for my dad.
That's really nice.
How about you?
Have you been to a lot of protests?
Oh, yeah. I've been going my whole life.
My parents took me to protest Vietnam
when I was little, and they kept on
till the war was over.
I still go to every
one I can till this day.
Sounds like you got some
competition there, big man.
You... You been in
a lot of protests, too?
Go on. Tell him.
I'm not going to the damn protest.
I was just her ride.
I'm not wasting my time totin'
around some sign,
thinking throwing a bunch of
paint on some poster board's
gonna change the world.
That's a view.
If you can find a jackhammer big enough
to break up the foundation
of this country, then I'll go.
'Cause that's the only thing
that's gonna make a difference.
So, was it Walter's bright
side that drew you in?
All I'm saying is,
I fought for this country in Vietnam,
came back to a bunch of kids protesting,
and nothing being different.
I was drawn to him for
a number of reasons.
Well, I think the people in charge
need to see that our lives matter
from as many people as possible.
I read an article this morning
about George Floyd's daughter.
Her mom hasn't been able
to tell her how he died.
I mean, how do you explain
that to a 7-year-old?
6.
His daughter's 6.
Oh.
Hey, man. What's going on?
What's going on is, I made the mistake
of falling in love with a woman
before asking if she owned a fanny pack.
I know today's protest
is about Black lives,
but maybe we could, uh,
organize a separate one
to protest all the things
that should have stayed
in the '80s.
Oh. Uh-oh.
I can tell by your silence
somebody else has a fanny pack.
Anyway, Gina asked us to get supplies.
Uh, anything specific you want us to do?
Want you to do?
Just wanted to see if
there was a plan, uh,
and if, uh, you know, you need anything.
If I need anything?
Feels like you're just
repeating everything I'm saying,
but in question form.
Yeah, because I'm wondering
why you're asking me.
Y-You... You understand that
this isn't my protest, right?
Uh, yeah.
Yeah. Yeah, that...
That's why we're going.
Yeah, but please tell me
you get that this is work
that we all need to do,
so you're gonna have to
do more than just hitting
up your Black friends
so that you can be their plus-one, Gary.
I'm sorry.
Didn't mean to, uh...
I'm... I'm just trying to help.
And the last time you tried to help,
I ended up in the back of a police car.
You know, I... Actually, I gotta go.
Is he all right?
I don't know.
I was just trying to make a plan...
Go to the protest and pepper in
some of my delightful comic stylings.
It's a very emotional time.
A lot going on for him.
And for me.
I have a lady friend
who wears a fanny pack.
- You know...
- Let's power through it, okay?
Hey.
You okay?
No.
I can't go to this protest.
Hey. Will you talk to me?
I don't trust myself right now, Gina.
George Floyd is never
gonna see his daughter
graduate from elementary school.
He's never gonna get to take her
to a Daddy Daughter Dance.
His murder kind of feels
like the last straw for me.
And...
all the talking I've been doing
with Dr. Heller, I just...
I know...
that if a cop so much as
blows a whistle wrong...
Hey.
I think you should do
whatever you need to do.
Hey, don't let me forget.
Theo wants us to pick up glitter.
You mean "multi-colored glitter."
He texted me in case you messed up.
Ouch.
Speaking of messed up,
are Eddie and Katherine
really both going today?
I don't know if you saw the news,
but other people are gonna be there.
Yeah, I know that,
but with everything that's happened...
And I'm not just talking
about the divorce...
- The...
- The what?
What are you talking about?
Nothing.
Unless... Unless you know
what I'm talking about.
- I know everything.
- Well, then, why don't you say it?
Well, I'm gonna need to hear you say it
before I say it because I don't know
if we have the same level
of security clearance.
I knew you knew something.
Spill it, Mendez.
All right.
Katherine kissed...
Alan! I know!
What is... What? I...
So, is your security clearance
high enough to open this cage?
Come on, Tyrell!
Coming!
All right, baby, we're headed out.
All right.
We're gonna go change the world.
You guys enjoy watching "SportsCenter".
Hey, Tyrell, hold on for a sec.
I need to talk to you before you go.
Okay.
Okay, we'll, um,
wait for you by the elevators.
Okay.
I need to talk to you about today...
What to expect, how to handle yourself.
- I know what you're gonna say.
- No, you don't.
Yeah, you're gonna tell me
how to be with the police.
- I know all this.
- Yeah, well, I need to know
that you heard it from me,
so you're gonna shut up
and listen for a second, okay?
When you are out there today,
you are gonna see some things...
that anger you.
Do not engage the police.
Don't even talk to 'em.
You stay as close to Regina
and Florence as you can.
I know your phone's usually charged,
but double check it,
triple check it.
And you contact me if anything happens.
There are police out there
looking for a reason to take your life.
Young man, do not give them a reason.
Your job is not to be a hero today.
Your job is to come home.
Okay.
I'll be careful.
Good.
Now, go change the world.
Well, Tiffany, it's a tough time,
and feeling anxious is natural,
even for those of us who usually aren't.
Uh, one way to help
manage anxiety is exercise.
I actually really enjoy running.
Me, too.
I went for a run this morning.
Yeah.
But after learning about Ahmaud Arbery,
I just don't feel safe doing it.
And I'm not sleeping well
because I keep thinking
about Breonna Taylor.
What happened to her
happened in her bed.
As a Black woman,
I don't feel safe in my own body...
anywhere, especially right now,
- and I-I don't know how to fix it.
- I'm really sorry.
Uh, do you have a therapist?
I-I met with a couple people,
but none of them felt right.
It just didn't feel like we
have the same life experiences.
I-I think it would help
you to have a-a therapist
- who could validate and support you.
- Oh, gosh.
I actually have a colleague that I think
that you would really like.
Really?
In addition to being an
exceptional therapist...
Dr. Madison is also a Black woman,
and so I think that she might be able
to identify with you more closely.
Uh, let me give you her number. It's...
I had to cut you off 10 seconds ago.
I'm really sorry, but Dr. Stacy was...
vocal.
W... D-Do you at least
have a contact for Tiffany?
I want to give her my
colleague's information.
Well, Dr. Stacy doesn't really like
when people try to
do that sort of thing.
What sort of thing? Helping people?
I... Mm. I'm sorry.
I just... I need to talk
to Dr. Stacy myself.
Is that something you might
want to do after hours?
- Hey, Gary.
- Gina.
Darce and I are setting up with Ed,
Katherine, and Theo.
I gotta grab the rest of
the stuff from my car.
"Oh, we can help you"...
- I'm Florence, by the way.
- Oh, I know who you are.
We've heard all about you.
Welcome to the family.
I'm Gary... the popular, funny stepson.
- After you.
- Yeah.
- Just wait up, Gary.
- Yeah.
Um... just, with everything going on...
R-Rome was... was worried...
that today might be too much for him.
Oh.
Yeah, so, he's not coming.
Yeah, okay.
I just don't think I can
limit everything I have to say
- to one sign.
- Well, then, don't.
Wait, wait, wait. Hold on, Mom. Stop.
- I don't see any...
- Glitter?
Ah, you are the best.
Apparently, glitter's the best,
but I'm a close second.
Alan!
Hey. Um... Tyrell invited me
to join him and Regina
at the protest. I didn't...
I didn't realize so many
people would be here.
Hm.
Well, um... today is
about as many people
coming together as possible, right?
Totally. It's all about the numbers.
Worked for the bus boycott,
and it's gonna work here.
Now, I just need a bigger set of hands
to get this glitter open.
Okay. I'll get that for you, pal.
Here we go.
I can handle that.
How are you feeling about today?
Whew. Anxious.
Nervous.
And heartbroken.
Mm.
And to be honest, a little ashamed
that this is my first protest.
The important thing
is that you're here now.
Yeah.
But I-I should have gotten
involved a long time ago.
I just felt like my whole life,
I've been straddling two worlds.
After my parents got divorced,
I went to mostly all-white schools,
was raised by... mainly by my mom
and her side of the family.
I didn't know how
to fit in half the time,
let alone be political or...
I'd experience racism in school,
and then go home to my mom,
who looked just like
the people who hurt me.
I didn't know how to articulate
what it was like for me.
You know, and I didn't
want to hurt her or worry her.
But in not saying something,
it felt like I wasn't being
true to my other half.
Is that why you said you
were going for your father?
Yeah.
And not just him...
His entire side of the family.
To make them proud.
To prove to them that I
haven't forgotten who I am.
You're also going for you, Gina.
This is yours, too.
I know.
But sometimes, I feel like
I don't have the right to say that.
Yeah.
Which is why I said it.
- I'll be back.
- Yeah.
Hey, Alan, can you help me glue this?
I'm too young to use a glue gun,
and glitter won't stick on its own.
Um...
Yeah. Yeah. Come around here.
Uh-oh.
Alright. You ready for this?
Now, just put that down.
Be really careful.
Hey, if you want,
I can just ask him to leave.
No.
That would just make
Theo have more questions.
Perfect.
It still needs a little more glitter.
More glitter? All right.
- When in doubt, more glitter, right?
- Not enough.
I like to live dangerously. Okay.
Yeah. Okay.
Okay.
That was Keke. She said Boston
Common is already packed,
so we should get going if
we still want to find them.
Uh... people are still
working on their posters.
No problem. I can just head out now
and see you guys when you get there?
Hold up!
You think that we're gonna
come all the way here
and not meet the famous Keke,
who may or may not be your boo?
Lead the way, young man.
I'll tell the others we're going ahead.
Last one!
There's one more sign left!
- Who wants it? You want it?
- Where are Gina and Rome?
Yeah. There we go. Hold it high,
not just because the
glitter's not dry yet.
People love your posters, T.
They went really fast.
Yeah.
Uh... I have to go to the bathroom.
Theo, I specifically asked...
Sorry, Mom. When you asked,
I was focused on justice.
- All right. We'll meet you back here.
- Sure, yeah.
Beautiful day, huh?
It's the best.
No peace!
This is a caller who
really needs someone
that can identify with
her lived experience.
Okay, listen, Maggie,
that's not the point.
Whether your friend is good or not,
we're not going to
give out free promotion.
Ads are how radio stations make money,
which is how I pay your salary.
You got it?
Got it.
Good.
Great use of my lunch break,
Claudia. Thanks.
Well, in addition to real estate,
I do a lot of work with immigration,
which is how I met Tyrell,
and I work with this AAPI group
trying to combat violence,
which has really gone up this year.
And I also teach
this kind of kickboxing class
on the side, but that's just for fun.
I'm also an avid runner.
Wow, you really pack it in.
Yeah, what else? Um, there's...
Hey. Where's, uh...
Where's Theo?
What do you mean?
You took him to the bathroom.
Yeah, but then I decided to go
and he said he was gonna
come back and meet you guys.
Oh, my God.
- Theo!
- Maybe... Maybe he stopped
along the way. I'm gonna check.
You guys wait here.
Yeah. Okay,
we'll call if we see him, okay?
- Okay. Theo!
- Theo!
- Theo!
- T!
- Theo!
- Theo!
Theo!
- Theo!
- T!
Hey. Hey, hey.
Isn't... Isn't that one
of his signs over there?
And judging on the amount of glitter,
I'd say yeah.
Thank you!
Oh. There's my dad.
Theo. There you are.
Uh, I think he headed
in the wrong direction
and lost sight of you.
- Oh, no. I'm not...
- No, that's my dad.
Alan's just my mom's friend.
Hey. What's going on?
Um, sorry. My mistake.
Thank you.
He thought you were my dad.
Yeah.
Ha-ha...
Rome, sit down.
And not just because
you're blocking the TV.
You're being too hard on yourself.
Nothing wrong with sitting this one out.
Waste of time, anyway.
There's nothing I would like more
than to be out there right now.
When Gina and I were trying
to adopt Eve's baby...
it felt so right.
Like... I was meant
to help a child navigate
being Black in America.
Maybe it's best I'm not his dad.
I heard what you said to Tyrell.
It was perfect.
Oh, I'm just repeating
what you used to say to me.
Like I said... perfect.
But I should be there with him.
Right now.
But I can't.
And it's not because of
what might happen today
or what might happen tomorrow.
It's because of what might
happen a month from now.
A year from now.
What are you talking about?
I was reading about this dude.
He was a protestor out in Ferguson.
On the front lines.
A hero, showing his kids by example.
Three years later, he killed himself.
And you think it was because
he went to a protest?
No, I think it's because
of what followed him
home from the protest, Pop.
The only reason it
didn't get me last time
is because I got lucky.
And as I've been dealing
with my depression,
I'm realizing it's not just
something I'm pre-disposed to.
It's this country.
This world and all the things...
All the things, every day,
making me feel like an unwanted guest
in my own home.
Believe me, I understand.
Mm?
I was 11 years old when
your grandfather showed me
Emmett Till's photo in Jet magazine.
It's still there.
Burned into my mind.
I've been looking at this a
whole lot longer than you.
I saw it here,
I saw it in Vietnam,
and I came back home and saw it
over and over and over again.
That's what it's meant to be us.
To live feeling like death
is breathing on your back.
And they're still out there
thinking posters can fix that.
I never knew you felt like that.
Didn't want you to know.
Maybe I was wrong for that.
Well, I feel like
I have a responsibility
to see Tyrell do this and make sure
that everything I know he's feeling
doesn't get the best of him.
I'm scared for him, Pop.
All right.
Where you going?
We were just having a moment.
I got a protest to get to.
I thought you didn't believe in that.
I don't.
I'm not going to protest.
I'm going to be there for you.
You need to get busy
making tons of stuff.
You have Joan from
Hartford who is worried
people treat her differently
for being too pretty.
... with Dr. Maggie Bloom,
from her studio
- in Boston, Massachusetts.
- Is that... Is this real?
The caller or the problem?
Oh! You're on.
Uh, you're listening to "A Fix in Five"
with Dr. Maggie Bloom,
and my caller for this segment is, um...
Joan from Hartford.
Too pretty.
Actually, uh, I'm...
I'm not going to take a caller.
Instead, I want to let you know
that this is going to
be my last segment.
A therapist has to be able
to spend the time it takes
to provide real solutions,
and five-minute segments
don't allow me to do that.
So, let me just say this very quickly.
Tiffany, I am sorry that
we got cut off earlier,
but if you are still listening,
please reach out to me
so that you can get
the help that you deserve.
Okay.
Signing off for the last time,
uh, two and a half minutes early,
I might add.
This has been "A Fix in Five"
with Dr. Maggie Bloom.
I have Dr. Stacy calling for you.
Um, tell her I don't have the time.
Don't slow down, Dad.
Only two more blocks.
Hey, I'm really sorry about
what happened back there.
When Tyrell invited me,
I didn't realize you and
your family would be there.
- I didn't mean to...
- It's okay, Alan, really.
But, um...
I think it might be best
if we kept our distance
for a little while,
so the next time I see you,
I can actually see you.
Yeah, about that.
Uh, I probably should tell you.
I've kinda started seeing someone else.
Oh.
My goldfish.
I mean, at this point,
she's staying over every night.
Ha-ha. Hilarious.
Deep down inside,
I know it was the right decision,
but... doesn't make the fact
that I'm sitting here on my sofa
any less frustrating.
I hear you.
And what you're saying
makes a lot of sense.
I'm really proud of you for putting
your mental health first.
Yeah, thanks, Maggie. I...
Hey, Maggie, can I call you back?
Yeah, sure. No problem.
Hey, Pop. Is everything okay?
Rome?
Dad, can you hear me?
Rome, she got hurt!
What? W-Who? Who? Florence?
Regina.
They're taking her to the hospital now.
You better get here.
- Rome!
- Tyrell, where is she?
They're looking at her right now.
I'm telling you, Rome,
we were marching peacefully.
The cops just started
pepper-spraying everybody,
so we started running.
This older guy, he tripped,
Gina went to help him up,
and this cop pushed her
down with his nightstick.
- Her head hit the pavement.
- Oh, my God.
Rome, we tried.
They won't let anyone in.
Wait, you're not with Gina?
Hey. Uh, excuse me, sir,
my wife, Regina Howard,
she's inside. I need to see her.
Sorry. No visitors beyond this point.
- You're gonna have to wait outside.
- No, no. You don't understand.
I-I... She got hurt in the protests.
I am sorry,
but because of COVID restrictions,
we can only let people needing
medical attention inside.
Well... Well, in that case,
I'm dying of a heart attack.
- Sir...
- I'm trying to tell you
as nicely as possible,
I need to see my wife!
- Hey, Rome, come over here.
- Look, I am not going anywhere
- until I see Gina!
- But, R-Rome, come on.
Can I please see my wife?!
Just shut up for
a second and listen to me.
Come on.
Pull out your phone, okay?
I just gave one of
the nurses your phone number.
She's gonna call you any second.
Just stand over here where
the cell service is good,
and you'll be able to see Gina.
There she is now.
Thank you. We'll be waiting right here.
Thank you.
Okay, man,
I'll just keep trying... I guess.
Yeah.
Albert says Gina hasn't come back.
Yeah, Ed and Katherine
are headed home with Theo.
They haven't heard from her, either.
What do we do? Do we...
Should we go look for them?
No. Once you establish a rally point,
you stick to it.
Wow. That was very sexy.
Oh, was it?
- And she peeled off her fanny pack?
- Yeah.
Later on, I'm gonna give you
the highest level security clearance.
Mm-hmm.
- Today was a day, huh?
- Mm-hmm.
You know, I'm surprised at
how many people showed up.
I mean, that was incredible, right?
Yeah. It's too bad
Rome couldn't make it.
He was so angry with me this morning.
Hm.
Hey, can I ask you something?
Your dad calls you Junior,
and during that talent show,
they called you Javi.
I call you Gary.
What's up with that?
Yeah. That's fair.
I was born Javier Mendez, Jr.
I'm my father's son,
and I'm proud of it.
As you recently experienced firsthand,
there is a lot of my dad in me,
but unlike him,
people don't assume that
I'm Mexican... ever.
Until they realize he is my dad.
Well, I wasn't 100%
sure until I met him.
Before he, uh, drove a truck,
he was a custodian at
my elementary school.
And at first it was awesome, right?
'Cause we could say hi to each
other in the hallway every day.
But then the other kids
figured out who he was.
And that's when the jokes started.
It was very racist and awful.
- Kids can be so mean.
- Kids are the worst.
Yeah.
Except, of course,
for Liam, who is top-notch.
That's a good save.
It's the summer before middle school.
I go off to camp, right?
And I have this counselor
who is awesome.
He makes everybody laugh.
He doesn't care what anybody thinks.
He knows all
the words to "Ice Ice Baby".
- And his name...
- Was Gary.
No.
No, his name was Vanilla Ice.
Yeah, that's why he knew
all the words to the song...
- It was... it was... it was his song.
- Oh, yeah.
Yeah. Yeah, it was Gary.
So, summer ends, and, uh,
I show up... First day at a new school.
I got there early,
and I found my homeroom teacher,
and I tell her that, uh...
there's a typo on the attendance sheet.
Where it says "Javier",
it should say "Gary".
When I brought my
first report card home,
I remember my dad saying,
"How can they evaluate you
if they don't even know your name?"
And the look on my face...
told him everything.
He didn't get mad.
He just nodded and, uh...
understood why I had done what I did.
He hasn't called me Javi since.
Not once. It's always Junior.
And a whole lot of Mijo.
I think...
that my dad just wanted to
give his half-Mexican son
the best shot of making it...
in a pretty White world.
Hmm.
Maybe that's why Rome was so upset.
How? I've... I've never
told him that story.
He doesn't know about my name.
- He...
- No, but, um...
he knows you get to choose.
Right.
Yes, Rome. I'm fine.
Although, I think maybe
they need to test me again,
because I don't remember
buying such a fancy phone case.
Babe, you're using
the nurse's cellphone.
I knew that.
I'm fine, babe. I promise.
But she was so nice
to let me use her phone.
Thank you, man.
So, tell me what happened.
You okay?
No.
If I had gotten to the
protest five minutes sooner...
Then you'd both be laying
in hospital beds right now.
It was nice to see you at a protest.
Well, that's a nicer greeting
than you would've given me
when I came back from 'Nam.
We weren't supposed to be
there in the first place.
My brother was also there.
And he wasn't lucky enough to come back.
I didn't know.
I'm sorry.
Sometimes I wonder if
we had started protesting
earlier and louder,
if he'd still be here.
And I would also like to think
that because of our efforts,
we got you home.
Thank you.
Okay. She's okay.
She's being discharged.
That's good.
I'll give you two a minute.
Just get over there already.
What about you, son?
You okay?
Yeah.
Well, I'm glad you're alright, Gina.
Let us know if you need anything, okay?
Bye.
How is she?
Pretty banged up,
but, I mean, they let her go home,
so she must be okay.
Thanks for being so
understanding about Alan.
I had no idea he was gonna be there.
I know.
And just so you know, I told him that
we shouldn't see each
other again for a while.
What is it?
I should've known about the mask.
When that kid in Theo's class
said he needed to wear one,
I should've known what that meant.
I think my embarrassment
over not knowing
was part of the reason why I lost it
on the front end of our neighbor's car.
I've let you two down a lot lately.
- Eddie...
- No. No, uh...
I'm not saying that 'cause I want you
to make me feel better about it.
I'm saying that because I
should have said it before.
Hey, Claudia. Is everything okay?
I, uh, assumed since we were on Zoom
that I didn't need to clean out my desk.
Dr. Stacy wanted me to inform you
that your on-air antics
weren't taken lightly,
that you violated
multiple company policies,
and that your services
are no longer required.
Yeah, also, I quit.
You totally did!
And she's super pissed.
Which brings me to why I'm calling.
I just sent you Tiffany's contact info
so you can send her your
therapist recommendation.
And while I was doing that,
I "accidentally" sent you
a list of companies we've worked with
that would love to sponsor
a podcast like yours.
Wow. Thanks.
Thank you.
I-I've been here for three years,
and you're the first person
I met who genuinely cares.
I knew you wouldn't last.
Who is it?
Whatever version of Gary
gets you to open the door.
- Hey.
- Hey.
Gina's fine, man.
You didn't need to come
all the way over here.
Good.
I came to see you.
Oh?
Uh... To say that I'm sorry.
I didn't realize until today...
When I knocked out that dude
at Sophie's softball game last year,
I didn't realize how much
danger I was putting you in,
and... and... and then
you were good enough
to explain it to me,
and I still didn't get it.
Man, I got a lot of my own
stuff that I have been avoiding
for a long time, and...
I want to deal with it.
Coming here is the start...
The start...
of me trying to do better.
You're right.
Today's protest was not just for you.
It was for me, too.
I know that.
A-And that's why
I gotta tell you, I'm very...
very disappointed
that you weren't there
for me today, man.
Dude, you are an ass.
Which is the third reason that I'm here,
is to make sure that you know that.
- Oh, yeah. I-I do.
- Okay.
It's clear.
All right.
Uh, well, in that case,
just, uh, do me a solid,
and, uh, make sure my girlfriend's okay.
- Shut... Leave. Leave my house.
- Okay.
And, uh, y-you didn't really
knock that dude out
at the s-softball game.
You sucker punched the dude,
and he got right back up.
He did not...
He didn't get right back up.
- You got your ass beat, dude.
- Really.
Ah.
Hey.
I, uh, talked to Maggie and Katherine
and Darcy and Florence.
The first time I called Florence,
I accidentally hit "Florist."
It took us a good 90 seconds
before either of us realized.
But on the plus side,
we have "get well" calla lilies
arriving tomorrow morning.
Oh. And... And by the way,
apparently I was
so appreciative of the nurse
who let me use her phone
that I agreed to marry her.
We'll work it out.
Okay, just...
say it, Rome.
Just say, "I knew something
bad would happen today."
I had to be there.
So, whatever it is you have to say,
just say it.
Okay.
When I got the call from
my dad that you were hurt,
I got a tiny glimpse of
what it must have been like
for you to find my suicide note.
To have to wonder what it would be like
if I just was suddenly gone.
And I am so sorry to
put you through that.
We have been through so much together.
But you said it best...
You are not the best part of my life.
Regina Howard, you are my life.
And I love you...
more than anything in this world.
I love you so much.
I'm so glad we got this king-size bed.
'Cause I-I really don't know
where else the nurse would fit.
Be quiet.