Riverdale (2016–…): Season 7, Episode 12 - Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Nine: After the Fall - full transcript

This is the story
of two teenage boys

living under the same roof.

They go to the same school.

They think about
the same things,

mostly cars and girls.

But very different
passions drive them.

On a normal typical morning,

the first thing
these two boys do

is go for a run through
the still-asleep town.

For Reggie,
a run is a warm-up,

before he turns
to his true love, basketball.



For Archie,

it's a different kind
of warm-up,

before putting
pencil to paper.

Mind you, today isn't
a normal, typical morning.

It's the day
after Halloween,

when a car
full of Bulldogs

drove off a bridge
and into Sweetwater River.

Team captain Julian Blossom
had been behind the wheel.

All the Bulldogs
most likely would have
drowned if not for Reggie,

who pulled them
from the water one by one.

But Julian Blossom
was unconscious,

hovering between
life and death.

Even as Frank Andrews
was doing his best

to calm down
an enraged Clifford Blossom.



I knew bringing that punk in
was a bad idea.

It's his fault,
it had to have been.

And I want him off my team.

Mayor Blossom, we're still

piecing together
what happened,

but it's my understanding

that it was Julian
behind the wheel.

You know what I do know?

That that thug has been trouble
since the day he got here

and I want him gone.

Mister Mayor, you shouldn't

be thinking about
the team right now.

You should be
focusing on your son.

Everything else
can be sorted out later.

And the Bulldogs
weren't the only Halloween
tragedy that night.

The milkman had tried
to murder my bud, Ethel Muggs.

It's the same milkman
that I saw

leaving my house after
he killed my parents, Sheriff.

But I wrestled the knife
out of his hand

-and then...
-It was self-defense, Sheriff.

In case you're getting
any funny ideas.

Well, at least
all our questions have
finally been answered.

Are you joshing us?

Now I have
even more questions.

Should I go to the station
and make a statement?

No, uh, that won't
be necessary.

It strikes me as
a open-and-shut case.

Open and shut?

Sheriff, whoever
this maniac is,
killed Ethel's parents,

killed Mr. Rayberry
and tried to bump off Ethel.

If you have all the answers,
who is he?

Huh?

Who is the milkman?

I will get to that.

Maybe his fingerprints
are on file at the office,

but in the meantime,

we need to get Ethel
back to the Sisters.

- No!
- No, no, no.

The Sisters were abusing Ethel.

She'll come with me.

She needs to be in the care
of an adult, Jughead.

Well, that may be so,
but not the Sisters.

Frank, Archie,
do you have any news?

Wait. Jughead, slow down.

What is this about Ethel?

Ethel, dear.

Mary and I have been
discussing everything,

and we've made a decision.

Given everything
that's been going on,

we both think
that it might be best

if you stay with the Coopers.

What, again?

No, the last time
that I stayed with Mrs. Cooper,

she sent me away
to that horrible place.

Oh. Honestly, Ethel,

sending you to the Sisters
was more Mr. Cooper's idea.

So let's get you settled
in my sewing room.

Come along, dear.

If you hadn't been there,

those Bulldogs
would've drowned.

You saved their lives,
Reg, even Julian.

-You're a hero.
-I'm no hero.

When I realized
I was the only one

who'd gotten free from the car
and kicked to the surface,

I knew that I had to dive
back down there

and get everyone out.

Even in that moment, I knew
that if any of those guys died,

especially Blossom,
that I'd be blamed for it.

They would have locked me up
for the rest of my life.

Or done worse
than locked me up.

Good morning.

I'm heading
to school now, Ethel,

if you wanted
to walk with me?

-Sure.
-Don't be
ridiculous, Elizabeth.

I'll be driving Ethel
to school this morning.

My mom is such
a phony-baloney.

She sent Ethel away
to The Sisters of Quiet Mercy,

and now she's playing
nice with her

and treating me like
I'm some unwanted guest?

Yeah, I tell you, Vee,
I have half a mind
to run away from home.

You don't have to sell me
on the pain of phony parents.

And I'd invite you
to stay with me
at the Pembrooke,

but, truth be told, I've been
living at the Babylonium

ever since my parents
locked me out of our apartment.

What? You're living
at the movie theater?

Veronica Lodge
is nothing more

than a common squatter.

Let me ask you, have you
tried breaking back in?

I know that
this is a difficult time,

but I did want
to share aloud

a poem that one of you
turned in last week.

It's titled "Phantom."

"They tell me I'm solid.

They pat me on the back.

They see a son,
student, a team player.

They see a boy like any other.

But I look in the mirror,

and there's no one there.

Just smoke and mirrors,

and I do not know
how to be solid."

Any thoughts, class?

It was beautiful.

Yeah.

That was incredible, Clay.

I agree,
but I didn't write it.

No. It was not
Mr. Walker's poem.

It was Mr. Andrew's work.

I wish you'd speak up
more in class, Archie.

Based on this poem,
it's clear.

You have a lot to say.

All right, fellas, listen up.

Now, we're scheduled
for our big game

against Stonewall Prep
this Friday night,

but after recent events,

we've decided
to name a new captain

while Julian,
God willing, recovers.

And that captain...

will be Archie.

Now, let's all take a knee,

say a prayer for our
Bulldog brother in distress.

We're so happy to have you
back with us, Ethel.

Yes, I admit,
it's quite the reversal,

but you proved your sanity

by single handedly dispatching
that, uh, drifter.

A drifter? Who said that
the milkman was a drifter?

Sheriff Keller,
if I'm not mistaken.

It's obvious what happened,
this drifter.

His mind was poisoned by
the dreck Pep Comics publishes,

and he was inspired to go
on a murderous rampage,

much like
the original comic book.

And then he must have stolen

a milkman's uniform
and begun killing

to satisfy
some insane bloodlust.

Well, that does
make perfect sense.

Except why would he
kill Ethel's parents

and then Brad Rayberry,

and then tried
to get Ethel herself?

Do you really think
that a drifter would do that?

Yes. Don't drifters
usually move on?

Drift.

Neither of you are
in a position to theorize.

We have told you
exactly what happened.

Now, I hope that you both

finally see
the very real danger

in what comic books
pose to society.

-Uncle Frank?
-Hey, Archie.

I, uh... I'm honored

to be named
captain of this team,

but shouldn't it be Reggie?

He's our strongest player,
by a mile.

Well, that may be so, Archie,
but this wasn't my call.

Clifford Blossom
wanted you to step up.

And given the fact that
he sponsors the Bulldogs,

I thought it would be best
to respect his wishes.

Clifford Blossom's had it out
for Reggie since day one.

The Bulldogs are the mayor's
pride and joy, Archie.

My strong advice,
leave this one alone.

But I'm glad
you came to see me.

There's something
I want to give you.

-Is that...
-Your dad's
captain's patch.

I know he'd
want you wearing it

for your first game
as team captain.

Okay, Uncle Frank.

I'm leaving.

I'm going to stay
with my friend, Veronica.

It'll just be the two of us

in her apartment
doing whatever we want.

When have you not, Elizabeth?

Where did you learn
how to do that?

Pick a lock
with a bobby pin.

Don't laugh, but my Tracy True
Teen Detective Handbook.

Laugh?

Betty, I love those books.

Okay, question.

How quiet do we have to be
in here so as not to alert...

His name is Smithers,

and we can be
as loud as we want

when we're in the apartment.

It's just when we're going up
and down the back staircase

that we have to be mindful,

I told the boys that too.

What boys?

-Archie and Reggie?
-God, no.

I actually want
to have some fun.

So I invited Kevin and Clay

to come over after closing up
at the Babylonium.

Father.

I just got back
from the hospital.

Please tell me the rumors

about basketball
season continuing

whilst Julian languishes
are just that, rumors.

Your brother's
always been a dunce.

He made his bed,
let him lay in it.

As for the season,

yes, Cheryl, it will
continue as scheduled.

It must.

Are you truly so desperate

to relive your glory days
as a Bulldog

that you would forsake
your own son?

Yes.

I was a Bulldog...

and I'd do anything
to go back to those days again.

When I first realized
that a winning team

can unite a town.

You give the people that,
they'll follow you anywhere.

I certainly won't be
shaking my pom-poms

while my brother hovers
between life and death.

Oh, yes, you will.

You will put on
your little happy face

and you will cheer
your little heart out

until your spoiled
pink lungs bleed,

or you'll suffer a fate
worse than Julian's.

- Do I make
myself clear?

Sing it, Betty.

- Care for a top-off?
- Yes, please.

Thank you, Vee. This rum
is so sweet and yummy.

Isn't it? I'll say this
about my parents,

they keep their
liquor cabinet well-stocked.

Mm. Kev, this is
so much more of a kick

than when you and I
were going steady.

Oh, I agree.

And speaking of dating,

how was your Halloween
with Archie and Reggie?

With everything that happened,
I forgot to ask.

Ah...

It seemed like something
was percolating with Archie

and we did kiss,

but then...

I'll be honest. I thought
you and Reggie might've

made a love connection.

Mm.

Well, now that we're talking
about both Archie and Reggie,

Kevin, Clay,

you fellas are always in
the boys' locker room together.

Tell us. Who's packing
the most heat?

Veronica!

-Uh...
-Hard to tell.

Oh, come off it.
We all know how it goes.

It's after gym class.

You're having a steam.

You're snapping towels.

Are you seriously telling us
that neither of you

has ever cast
an eyeball their way?

I will say that both
Archie and Reggie

both have a lot
to be really proud of.

I am not surprised.

- I felt as much with Reggie.
- -Okay,

but, uh, the real story

-coming out of
the boys' locker room.
-Oh.

-Yes. Julian Blossom?
-No.

- Fangs Fogarty?
- No.

Dilton Doiley.

No!

It's always the little ones.

Well, to Dilton Doiley

and all the boys
of Riverdale High.

To all the boys.

And now that you've met
our starting lineup,

please give a big
Riverdale welcome

to the man who's
going to lead us

to certain victory against
the Stonewall Stallions,

and our new team captain...

Archie Andrews!

Are you okay, Cheryl?

I'm fine.

Just doing as
is demanded of me.

Captain Andrews,

will you please say a few words
to your loyal fans?

- Yeah, take us to victory, Archie!
- -All right!

Um...

Uh, the fact is, I'm not
really great with words,

but, uh...

It was nice,
what you said in the gym.

Come on, Mrs. Thornton.

I was awful.

Well, it might not have been
the Gettysburg Address,

but it's hard to speak
off the cuff like that.

However, when you write,
you do so with passion,

clarity, heart.

Well, that's swell of you
to say, Mrs. Thornton,

but we both know
that I'm not--

No, no. Stop right there.

I know putting pencil
to paper is not as exciting

as... as being captain
of a sports team,

but I assure you it can be.

And I hope you'll think about

putting as much energy
into your writing

as you do into
basketball someday.

Holy hell, freckles.

Well, from what
I've been hearing,
you survived those crazy nuns,

took out a killer
and cleared your name.

That's not bad
for a teeny bopper.

Not bad at all.

Thank you, Mr. Fieldstone.

I'm really just
jazzed to be back.

Well, let's get you drawing
another story ASAP. Hmm?

Jughead here will write
a script for you.

Oh, golly, we'd love that.

I am looking
at the dream team.

So, pitch me.
Sky's the limit.

Name it. Anything
you want to do.

Well, in that case,
I would love to do a sequel

to the "Milkman Cometh" story.

I think that we could
really just make something--

Anything but that.

Forget about the milkman.
The milkman is dead.

I mean, literally,
you killed him.

-He's old news.
-Well, Ethel and I
were discussing that.

Uh, "The Milkman Cometh"
is still

one of your best-selling
issues of all time.

With everything
that's happened recently,

why not capitalize upon it?

Because the heat's
on us right now.

Everybody's talking about
the latest editorial

that quack Werthers wrote.

Hell, even the AP picked it up.

We gotta
be circumspect.

For a little while, at least.

So give me a story
about a zombie or a goblin.

Anything but a milkman,
capisce?

From now on, consider me
lactose intolerant.

As Coco Chanel allegedly said,

"The best cure
for a hangover

-is spending money
on new clothes."
-Hmm.

It sounds better in French,
but the point still stands.

Are you girls finding
everything all right?

Mrs. Andrews,
these pieces are stunning.

Your taste is tres magnifique.

Thank you.

Could you please have
these two dresses boxed up

and sent over to the Pembrooke?

Of course.

-And yours too, Betty?
-Yes, please.

You're staying there as well?

Yes, ma'am.

But don't worry, my mother
is copasetic with it.

"Copasetic."

What the hell?
They've got Peppy!

Give our mascot back.

Hey, simmer down, Red.

You'll get your chance
to win him back on the court.

Of course, Mantle there,
he's a choker.

Yeah, you put him
under pressure and he cracks.

That's how it was when
he played for us at Stonewall.

And dollars to donuts,

he's gonna fold like a sheet
again this weekend.

Shut your mouth

-before I give you a freaking
knuckle sandwich--
-Save it for the game.

You know, we're real sorry
to hear about Julian.

It was such a tragedy.

But, hey, you know,
we were, um,

we're thinking of getting
a wager going with you chumps

but, uh, Stonewall doesn't
play for food stamps.

Come on.

I know these turkeys.

I played with them,
so I know how to beat 'em.

First up, Weston Wallis
has legitimate skills

but can't sink a shot
from outside the key.

Fangs, it's your job
to keep him there.

That way, he'll be tossing up
air balls all night.

Nothing I dig more
than humiliating a rich boy.

Consider it done.

Good man. Next up, Tank.

Looks like Boris Karloff,
but panics when you crowd him.

Archie, that's your target.

Stay on him like the paint
on the side of a barn.

Andrews, you with us?

He's a barn, I'm paint.
Got it.

Righteous.

What's eating you?

Is it because Peppy
got dognapped?

Don't worry.
We'll get him back, guaranteed.

It's not that.

It's...

I feel like an imposter.

I shouldn't be the captain
of this team, Reg.

You should be the captain.

I mean, you're made for it.

Heck, it's your dream.

I don't think about
that kind of stuff.

As far as dreams,
I don't have any.

I have a plan.

To win the game
this Friday night

and then the game after that,

and to keep on winning
until I go pro.

You got your eyes on the prize

and you know
what to do to get it.

I wish I could say
the same about myself.

Can't you, Captain?

I play basketball

because it's a way for me
to feel close to my dad.

Not because it's my passion.

So what's your passion?

Cars? Girls?

You wouldn't believe it
if I told you.

Hey, we talked about this.

Didn't you hear
what Mr. Fieldstone said?

We got an ixnay
on the ilkman-may.

I can't.

I can't, Jughead.

Well, what gives?

Is it really so important
to do another milkman story?

You know, since this
whole thing started,

no one but you

has believed me.

People were telling me
that I was delusional

or that I flipped a lid
or that I killed my parents,

to the point where I...
I I started
to doubt my sanity.

And now, the milkman is dead...

and everybody is still
trying to tell me

what happened
and how it happened.

Why, I don't know.

But I do know
that I am so tired,

of people telling me
what I went through

and what I experienced.

I want to tell my story.

Or at least a version of it.

Even if it's just
in a comic book.

Well, hey,
that makes a lot of sense.

And you'll draw
the heck out of it.

We just have to figure out

a creative way
to have our cake and eat it.

Without a glass of milk,
of course.

This particular shade of pink
is Grace Kelly's favorite.

It's from the most fantabulous

makeup shop
on Larchmont Boulevard.

My mom used to take me
and we'd do exactly this.

She'd paint my nails
right before bedtime.

My mom stopped tucking me in

after I got my "gift"
from Mother Nature.

She said that I was now a woman
and didn't need to be coddled.

It's funny.

I practically ran
away from home,

and she...
doesn't seem to care.

Will you look at us?

Sixteen years old,

living without our mothers,
effectively orphans.

-Can I tell you
something, Vee?
-Of course, Bee.

Anything.

I feel so different from
everyone else in my family.

Sometimes I wonder
if I was adopted.

Is it just you
and your parents?

I have an older sister, Polly.

But she left Riverdale
as soon as she turned 18.

Do you ever talk to her
about how you feel?

She's so busy.

Well, if you were adopted,

your family
is the luckiest on Earth

because you,
Betty Cooper, are aces.

Not to mention,
beautiful to boot.

You know, if we're divulging
our deepest, darkest secrets,

I've always had this
paralyzing fear that...

That I was a mistake,

unplanned, and that
my mother and father

never stopped
resenting me for that.

I mean, they were fine
having me around

when I was a little doll

they could dress up
however they wanted,

but when I finally
became old enough

to have my own mind
with my own thoughts...

It was bye-bye, Veronica.

Let's make a pact.

To never grow up to be
anything like our parents.

You know who I do think

are a happy
and healthy couple?

- Kevin and Clay.
- Ah.

Aren't they the dreamiest?

I'm so happy for them.

Me too.

I'm also slightly jealous.

On some level,

it must be easier for two boys
to date than a boy and a girl.

None of that
"battle of the sexes" stuff
to navigate.

Fun fact,

I read in Dr. Kingsley's book

that 81% of girls experiment

with other girls
before they turn 18.

Isn't that shocking?

Sounds about right to me.

I mean, I've...
I've kissed a girl before.

I won't say who,
but you would know her.

Oh, my gosh.

Have you ever?

No, I haven't.

But I've thought about it.

It's only natural.

With who?

With you.

Is it okay that I said that?

I'm glad you did.

Do you...

Do you want to try it?

Me too.

Miss Veronica, we're coming in.

Smithers.

I stand corrected,
Mrs. Andrews,

You were right
about the squatters.

A mother's intuition always is.

Okay, girls. You need
to tell me everything.

Julian.

I know we don't
always get along, but...

I love you.

Call me crazy, but I...

I miss your grating voice,

I miss your horsey laugh.

Brother, dear...

Please come back to me.

If not for your own sake,

then for mine.

I beg of you.

Oh, jeez. Would you stop it
with the waterworks, sis?

- You're embarrassing
both of us.
- Julian?

Told a guy in a coma
he has a horsey laugh.

I'm gonna remember that.

Alice told you what?

"I'm not your mother anymore."

Unspeakable.

A mother disowning
her own child.

And Veronica,
your parents evicted you?

Via telegram,
via Smithers.

You poor things.

I knew something was wrong.

But don't worry.

I'm going to fix everything.

Are we worried that
the Mantles may try

to take legal action

against us or the school board?

Oh, don't be daffy, man.

Oh, they'd never be able
to find a lawyer

to represent them
in a case like that.

And even if they did,
they wouldn't be able
to afford the fees.

Of course you're right,
Mr. Mayor.

Yeah, well, in any case,
uh, tell me a little bit more

about the Mantle boy's
replacement.

Difficult keeping it all
hush hush, Mr. Mayor,

but we just
finalized the papers.

Your new ringer
from Boston, KO Kelly,

will transfer to Riverdale High
as soon as next week.

Once Mantle gets us that win
against Stonewall,

we'll just swap him out

for a normal, red-blooded
American lad, a real one.

One that's just as good
a player, but more like us.

Then I will
send that Mantle packing.

Of all the no-good
rotten things in this world.

What kind of mother
disowns their own child?

When you have a child,

do you know what
your middle name becomes?

Sacrifice.

I mean, we mothers
were put on this planet

to nurture our children.

And here I thought
Penelope Blossom was bad.

And you can bet
your bottom dollar

that I said the same thing
to Hermione Lodge.

That you should both do
everything in your power

to write these
horrific wrongs

and to regain
your moral footing.

And you had best pray

that you can repair
the damage that you've done.

Here you go, sweetie.

Oh, so am I
your daughter again?

Of course.

You and Ethel are.

Archie.

Cheryl.

I heard the good word
from the bird about Julian.

It is truly a miracle,

but I need to talk to you
about something else.

Namely, Reggie, and my father's
nefarious plans for him.

They're planning what?

After we play Stonewall,

Clifford Blossom's
gonna cut you from the team

and bring in
some goofball ringer

from Boston
named KO Kelly.

How much you want to wager

the new ringer is a few shades
lighter than me?

Look, I'm in knots
about this, Reg.

What do you want to do?

I want to finish
what I was brought here to do.

I want to lead the Bulldogs

to their first championship
in a decade.

And I want
to do it as Captain.

Well, that's what I want too.

Same with all
the guys on the team.

So let's see if we can
make it happen for you.

What do you think,
Mr. Fieldstone?

It's not about a milkman.
It's about a mailman.

-In case that wasn't
obvious enough.
-Hmm.

It's subversive.

But, uh, it's kinda cheeky
and I like that.

Says something
without being ham-fisted.

It's...

Well, kiddos, I don't know
how to tell you this,

but, uh, I think
it's brilliant.

Oh, gee, thanks,
Mr. Fieldstone.

We tried other things.

We just kept
circling back to, uh...

The mailman.
Yeah, I get it.

That's a pretty neat
workaround, I must admit.

But Werthers
and the powers that be

will not be
as tickled as I am.

You know, if we publish this,
it's...

It's gonna thicken
the storm that's coming,

and believe me,
a storm is coming.

Like the wrath of God,
a storm is coming.

Well, the way I see it
is we have two options.

We either bury
our heads in the sand

and pray that the storm
will pass over us.

But, like you, I don't
really see that happening.

Or, we run headlong
into the thunder

and thumb our noses at it.

Jughead, you are wise
beyond your years,

- you know that?
- Shucks.

Well, what do you think,
girl genius?

I vote we thicken
this milkshake.

Ah, to hell with it!

I've always been
a thumb my nose at the world
kind of guy.

Bernie, call the printers!

We got a comic book
to publish.

Shouldn't you be resting up
before the big game, boys?

I want you at your best.

We know what you
have planned, sir.

We're here to give it
to you straight.

We're not letting you replace
Reggie with another player.

In fact, I'm turning over
my captainship to him.

It's what he deserves.

You don't have the authority
to do that, Andrews.

Not even your uncle does,
only I do.

Well, in that case,

if you don't make
Reggie captain

for the rest of the season,
then I walk.

Me too.

And if Archie and Reggie walk,

we all walk.
We're a team.

We stand together.

I'm guessing it'd be
pretty embarrassing

for the mayor of Riverdale

to derail
a championship season

out of what, spite?

Well, let me make one thing
abundantly clear to you boys.

I do not take
kindly to threats.

This isn't a threat,
Mr. Mayor.

Just laying out your options.

So what will it be, sir?

-Hello?
-Phew, it's you.

I was so worried your mom
was going to pick up.

Veronica.

That is so strange,
I was just about to call you.

Well, I was only calling
to say good night,

and that I miss you.

What were you calling about?

Same.

Great minds.

I love you, Bee.

I love you too, Vee.

Say,

were you gonna go
to the big game tomorrow?

Against Stonewall.

I almost forgot,
I guess I am. You?

I suppose so.

You want to sit together?

That way, you can explain
all the esoteric rules to me.

The few I picked up
as a River Vixen?

Fab.

What should we wear,
do you think?

Before we head out,

is there anything
you'd like to say, Captain?

Just thank you.

I know the only reason

Mayor Blossom
rubber-stamped me

is 'cause of the way
you fellas supported me.

No one's ever done
that for me before.

Also, um...

my folks made the trip
from Duck Creek

to watch my first game
as captain.

So...

So let's win this
for Reggie's folks.

And for Peppy!

For Peppy!

Hey.

Don't even give 'em
a second to breathe.

Count on that.

From the opening tip-off,

the Riverdale Bulldogs,

led by team captain
Reggie Mantle,

dominated
the Stonewall Stallions,

who broke school records

in points, rebounds
and assists.

Indeed, all the Bulldogs
treated friends,

family and neighbors

to a night they
won't soon forget.

Playing bravely in honor
of their teammate,

Julian Blossom, who,
as we understand it,
is on the mend.

While proving beyond
any shadow of a doubt

that this was the team,
led by Mantle the Magnificent,

that could take Riverdale

all the way
to the state championship.

At the final buzzer,

in a show
of good sportsmanship,

the defeated Stallions
shook hands

with their victors
at center court

before returning the statue

of Riverdale's beloved
mascot, Peppy.

So how's it feel?

MVP and record breaker?

I'm not gonna lie.

I'm happy my parents
got to see me win tonight.

Oh, they were
so proud of you, Reg.

They were on cloud nine.

You earned it.

Which is why I, uh,
I wanted to give you something.

Your dad's captain patch?

Archie, I...
I can't.

I want you to, Reg.

It'd mean a lot to me.

And to him.

I'll honor him, I promise.

And then,
I'll give it back to you

at the end of the season.

So are you, uh,

sticking around
on the team or what?

Well, I guess.

Maybe for a little while.

I gotta watch your back.

What about writing poems?

That's what you love
to do, right?

That's your passion, isn't it?

Maybe.

I don't know. I'm not sure
the world's ready

for, uh, Archie Andrews,
beatnik poet.

Maybe.

Ha, maybe not.

For a brief moment,

they were
two teenage boys...

friends, practically brothers,

on the cusp of pursuing
very different dreams.

Unaware that a storm
was coming,

as Mr. Fieldstone said.

Like the wrath of God,
it was coming,

and that all of us would be
smashed to pieces by it.