**Movie Title:** More Beautiful for Having Been Broken
**Description:**
In "More Beautiful for Having Been Broken," Director Nicole Conn weaves a poignant narrative that explores the delicate complexities of love, loss, and healing. This heartwarming drama centers around FBI agent McKenzie "Mac" De Ridder (Zoe Ventoura), who, after a devastating personal tragedy, retreats to the serene and picturesque town of Mervielle. Here, she forms an unexpected bond with Freddie (Cale Ferrin), a young boy with special needs, and his free-spirited mother, Samantha (Kayla Radomski).
Freddie's innocence and joy inspire Mac to confront her own grief and rediscover the beauty in life. As their lives intertwine, Mac and Samantha navigate their growing connection, facing challenges and societal prejudices along the way. The film beautifully captures the transformative power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit.
**Key Themes:** Love, Healing, Personal Growth, Family Bonds, Overcoming Adversity
**Hashtags:**
#MoreBeautifulForHavingBeenBroken #NicoleConn #ZoeVentoura #KaylaRadomski #CaleFerrin #LoveAndHealing #FamilyDrama #LGBTQCinema #IndieFilm #Inspiration #HumanSpirit #EmotionalJourney #HeartwarmingStory #OvercomingLoss #FindingHope
**Description:**
In "More Beautiful for Having Been Broken," Director Nicole Conn weaves a poignant narrative that explores the delicate complexities of love, loss, and healing. This heartwarming drama centers around FBI agent McKenzie "Mac" De Ridder (Zoe Ventoura), who, after a devastating personal tragedy, retreats to the serene and picturesque town of Mervielle. Here, she forms an unexpected bond with Freddie (Cale Ferrin), a young boy with special needs, and his free-spirited mother, Samantha (Kayla Radomski).
Freddie's innocence and joy inspire Mac to confront her own grief and rediscover the beauty in life. As their lives intertwine, Mac and Samantha navigate their growing connection, facing challenges and societal prejudices along the way. The film beautifully captures the transformative power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit.
**Key Themes:** Love, Healing, Personal Growth, Family Bonds, Overcoming Adversity
**Hashtags:**
#MoreBeautifulForHavingBeenBroken #NicoleConn #ZoeVentoura #KaylaRadomski #CaleFerrin #LoveAndHealing #FamilyDrama #LGBTQCinema #IndieFilm #Inspiration #HumanSpirit #EmotionalJourney #HeartwarmingStory #OvercomingLoss #FindingHope
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00Thanks for watching.
00:01:00Thanks for watching.
00:01:30Life isn't measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our
00:01:52breath away.
00:01:59FBI Los Angeles 224, this is agent Solomon code 16 GM.
00:02:16Yeah, it's DeRidder.
00:02:1831522NG.
00:02:19I'm going to need a cover for Lake Merrillville.
00:02:21It's located in Northern California.
00:02:24I don't know how long I'm staying, but just send it to my phone.
00:02:2710-4, DeRidder.
00:02:28Will do.
00:02:37Miracle?
00:02:38Miracle?
00:02:39Lake Merrillville.
00:02:42It looks like there's fish in there, Mom.
00:02:52The fall, she returned to Lake Merrillville.
00:02:56Everything changed.
00:03:33What the fuck were you thinking?
00:03:39You almost got yourself killed, not to mention your backup.
00:03:42Please, I have a baby.
00:03:45Let her go.
00:03:51Yes, she was running, but she had no idea why she chose to come back here of all places.
00:04:02Ah!
00:04:17Holy Christ!
00:04:18Oh my God, shit!
00:04:19I'm sorry.
00:04:20I can't believe this is happening.
00:04:21Jesus.
00:04:22I heard a scream earlier.
00:04:24Was that you?
00:04:25I just wanted to go for a swim.
00:04:26I can't.
00:04:27It's the only time that I have.
00:04:29Okay.
00:04:30You mind?
00:04:31Isn't it a little autumn for a dip in the lake?
00:04:34Is that any of your business?
00:04:39Whoa!
00:04:40Oh.
00:04:41Here.
00:04:42I'm fine.
00:04:43I'm fine.
00:04:44Just get off me.
00:04:45Okay.
00:04:46Okay.
00:04:47I just...
00:04:48Can you tell me which one of these godforsaken roads leads to Lake Merrillville?
00:04:50At our reunion last year, my college roommate told me about her amazing rusty cabin.
00:04:54Got an address?
00:04:56Yeah.
00:04:58Oh, it's in the car.
00:04:59Do you mind?
00:05:00If that isn't too much to ask.
00:05:05So, who was your college roommate?
00:05:07Heather Adams.
00:05:08Heather.
00:05:11Well, quite a character.
00:05:12But no one's heard from her in forever.
00:05:17What did you say your name was?
00:05:19Mackenzie.
00:05:20Erin.
00:05:21And you?
00:05:23I don't know.
00:05:31She remembered her mother saying this sleepy burg was filled with rather eccentric and
00:05:36colorful characters, right out of a novel.
00:05:39I think that has...
00:05:40See, that has a little bit of a red...
00:05:42Yeah.
00:05:43This is right here.
00:05:44Uh-oh.
00:05:45Please.
00:05:46I got you.
00:05:49I'm going back to this...
00:05:50Hi.
00:05:51Do you have the cabin key?
00:05:52Uh, yeah.
00:05:53Come on in.
00:05:54Oh, damn.
00:05:55Colin, you have really done it this time.
00:05:58Cassandra, darling, you can't figure it out.
00:06:00Nobody can.
00:06:02And you've got a few blue ones together over there.
00:06:05What is this?
00:06:06This is too challenging for you.
00:06:07Oh, shame on you.
00:06:10I'm sorry.
00:06:11Focus on the puzzle.
00:06:12And you are?
00:06:13Mackenzie.
00:06:14Mackenzie.
00:06:15I'm here for the Heather Adams cabin.
00:06:16Property manager said they'd leave the key with you.
00:06:18Ah, yes, yes.
00:06:19Right.
00:06:20We're just giving Colin's latest masterpiece a test run.
00:06:23Hold on one sec.
00:06:24Yeah.
00:06:25Grandpants is famous.
00:06:27Oh, no.
00:06:28Not even remotely.
00:06:29He designs puzzles.
00:06:30Look.
00:06:31Wow.
00:06:32First glance, it just looks like part of the design.
00:06:35But when you look closer, you can see that each and every piece
00:06:38has its own little story.
00:06:40And it isn't until you put all those pieces together
00:06:44that you can actually see the big picture.
00:06:47I used to do puzzles with my mom, but nothing like this.
00:06:51My mom thinks they're a waste of time.
00:06:53She's like, what's the point of sticking thousands of cardboard pieces together
00:06:57if you can just go to the store, buy a print, and frame it?
00:06:59That's hardly the point.
00:07:00Right?
00:07:01Here you go.
00:07:02Oh, thanks.
00:07:03You are welcome.
00:07:05So, if you need any help getting settled in,
00:07:07my granddaughter here lives to be of service.
00:07:10No.
00:07:11I've got it.
00:07:12Thank you.
00:07:13Bye.
00:07:15Okay.
00:07:20Who am I?
00:07:22I just happen to be the sole writer slash editor and distributor
00:07:25of the Pine Mountain Gazette,
00:07:27which serves all 929 readers in a 50-mile radius.
00:07:33Of all the stories I've watched unfold,
00:07:36hers is by far my personal favorite.
00:07:40♪♪
00:07:50♪♪
00:08:00♪♪
00:08:10♪♪
00:08:20Hey.
00:08:25Hey, kid.
00:08:27Are you supposed to be out here alone?
00:08:29Teejin, where's yours?
00:08:35Touch it.
00:08:43Soft things melt hard things.
00:08:51Um, hey, I've got to be somewhere.
00:08:55I'm sorry about what I just said.
00:09:03Lisa, who is taking care of you?
00:09:06As long as the Fabio Ladies Book Club can see me, I'm okay.
00:09:11My mom, she makes me wear this just in case.
00:09:15One time I got lost, so...
00:09:17Yeah, yeah, I got it.
00:09:18Okay, I'm just going to go and make sure they know you're here.
00:09:21Better, because I could be halfway to Mexico by now.
00:09:29She was only here because she had promised her mother she would return.
00:09:37While she was a little too city for these parts,
00:09:41she had never broken her word to her mom.
00:09:44She wouldn't start now.
00:09:48She had no tolerance for patience.
00:10:06She thought she might go mad from boredom.
00:10:11She was sick of this rustic cabin.
00:10:19She ventured into town, where the Pine Mountain Inn served as the general store, post office, and gossip central.
00:10:27Hey, you!
00:10:28Christ.
00:10:30Hey, come join us.
00:10:31Hey.
00:10:32I forgot to call your name.
00:10:33Mackenzie, but most people call me Max.
00:10:35Kat.
00:10:36Hi.
00:10:37And boy of a million adventures, Freddy.
00:10:40And this one you've met is still my mother, Adele.
00:10:44And that handsome devil is Rodney, proprietor of Rodney's Rodeo Farm Ground.
00:10:50It's nice to meet you.
00:10:51Well, good to meet you.
00:10:53Within two visits, she learned Colin had been a highly revered philosophy professor
00:10:58until he chucked it all one night, moved into town, and began to design his complex and intricate puzzles.
00:11:07Widowed, he met the highly controversial Cassandra,
00:11:11an anti-feminist feminist who believed women could be insanely powerful and still be full of grace and beauty.
00:11:20Let me crash upon your shore and shipwreck in your thighs.
00:11:25Promise.
00:11:27She quickly came to understand why Mama Adele, founder of the Fabio Ladies Book Club, and daughter Kat,
00:11:34were known to all as the endless bigger cynics.
00:11:37We're going to lose the worst battle we have ever fought.
00:11:39Hey, you!
00:11:40She heard a term called Freddy vision, but she would have no idea what that meant until much later.
00:11:57You know what I love more than rice pudding?
00:12:00What, my sweet daughter?
00:12:03Star ventures!
00:12:06When the last star in the sky disappears, we begin our star venture.
00:12:12And there is only one rule for the day.
00:12:14Star ventures!
00:12:17When the last star in the sky disappears, we begin our star venture.
00:12:23And there is only one rule for the day.
00:12:26No rules.
00:12:27We just go whenever our whim takes us.
00:12:34She had no use for nostalgia, bristled at the cloying, bittersweet memories.
00:12:42If she couldn't bury herself in her work, she would run.
00:12:47In any event, grief would not best her.
00:13:06If you go in there, you're going to get her killed yourself.
00:13:11Wait for the negotiator.
00:13:20Hell, I've never seen a mother and daughter any closer than the two of you.
00:13:25We all loved her.
00:13:27She was one of a kind.
00:13:29But you didn't take the time you needed.
00:13:35I can see the fear in your eyes!
00:13:37I have a baby, please!
00:13:39Let her go!
00:13:42She's got the fucking balls!
00:13:47I'll fucking waste her!
00:14:11Do it!
00:14:21Do it!
00:14:23You're off the case.
00:14:24Off duty.
00:14:2690 days.
00:14:30Get the baby!
00:14:41Get the baby!
00:15:07You know, grief is a scraggy bitch.
00:15:10And she doesn't give a royal fuck about best intentions.
00:15:15Or whether you have the luxury of waiting her out.
00:15:18You've got to find a way through this pain, Max.
00:15:21Not around it.
00:15:29Hey!
00:15:30Hey.
00:15:32Oh, glad I caught you.
00:15:33Actually, Grandpants wanted to know if you wanted to come in for some full moon mud pie?
00:15:38I'm, uh, not much of a dessert person.
00:15:41This is not just a dessert.
00:15:42This is a life-changing experience.
00:15:44You need to be here.
00:15:45He only makes it once a month.
00:15:47You don't want to get FOMO.
00:15:48It's real.
00:15:50Oh, and we're about to start a new puzzle.
00:15:53You look like you're trying to keep yourself busy and this is not the place for that.
00:15:57Well, uh, I definitely don't want to get FOMO.
00:16:01Great. Uh, we start around like 7.
00:16:06Alright then.
00:16:09Alright.
00:16:12Colin's full moon mud pie came from the monthly Celestial Event,
00:16:17which made the inky night sky brilliant with stars
00:16:21and became the blueprint for his puzzles.
00:16:33You can start. You don't have to wait.
00:16:35Okay. Thanks.
00:16:38Like that.
00:16:39Oh my god, that is so good.
00:16:41Right? Wow.
00:16:42I tell him he should be a chef.
00:16:45My darling man.
00:16:46Oh, thank you, darling.
00:16:47Alright, let's see.
00:16:48Thank you.
00:16:49What have we got here?
00:16:50Where are we?
00:16:52Mademoiselle Does Borders.
00:16:53Yes.
00:16:54Mademoiselle Does Borders and the straight-edged pieces align themselves with earth or sky.
00:17:01Oh god, I know this.
00:17:03In translation, the James Meryl poem.
00:17:06Every time they start a new puzzle, they quote it like scripture.
00:17:11Nothing is lost or all else is translation.
00:17:14And every bit of us is lost in it.
00:17:20Oh, nice.
00:17:22Puzzle as existential metaphor.
00:17:24Yeah.
00:17:26Go get some FOMO.
00:17:27Yes, sir.
00:17:28This is Mackenzie.
00:17:30Hi.
00:17:31This gadfly is Gabrielle's sister, my granddaughter, who I like sometimes.
00:17:38In spite of herself, she was enjoying the company.
00:17:43And that damn pie.
00:17:45It was the best thing she'd eaten since she got there.
00:17:49After much urging, she finally sat in on the weekly Friday chess tournament.
00:17:54Are you in?
00:17:55Oh.
00:17:56Oh.
00:17:57Get in.
00:17:58Go.
00:17:59Okay, let's do this.
00:18:00Oh.
00:18:01Such a disappointment is coming your way.
00:18:04You don't know my chess skills, okay?
00:18:07Right.
00:18:08But he's going to whip you like a wrench.
00:18:10He's going to whip you like a wrench.
00:18:13You don't know my chess skills, okay?
00:18:16Right.
00:18:17But he's going to whip you like a rented mule.
00:18:19I'm just telling you up front.
00:18:27He seems harmless.
00:18:29Like a lovely woodland creature, but no.
00:18:37This is the part where he sneaks up on you.
00:18:40No, no, no.
00:18:41Not that.
00:18:42Woods.
00:18:43Nice, but checkmate.
00:18:48Oh.
00:18:50Yeah, it's humbling, isn't it?
00:18:54Yes, it is.
00:18:55As you can see, it takes very little to stimulate.
00:18:58Yeah, but forget about that.
00:18:59Are you ready?
00:19:00Does a polar bear poop in the snow?
00:19:02I don't know.
00:19:03I did not go to college.
00:19:04All right, I'm getting a chili bar for the winner.
00:19:06And don't forget the whip.
00:19:09That's right.
00:19:10That's the attitude.
00:19:11They might be quaint and slightly odd, but they sure had a way of enjoying themselves.
00:19:17They all seemed skilled at making the simplest occurrence quite extraordinary.
00:19:22I instantly regretted it.
00:19:24And that is how it's done here in Lake Merrillville.
00:19:27Classy.
00:19:28We're all about manners.
00:19:29We sure are.
00:19:41She still ran, but now she felt the cold morning mist wash over her, and she didn't hate it.
00:20:11So, you understand this isn't a part of the original instructions.
00:20:16It's a codicil to your father's will to be acted upon given certain criteria.
00:20:23What I'm about to tell you will certainly be counter to what you've heard or known all these years,
00:20:28but it's nonetheless the truth.
00:20:33Don't you just love the Count, even though he's a pernicious rapscallion?
00:20:39Like Rhett Butler carrying scarlet up those fancy steps.
00:20:42They don't make men like that anymore.
00:20:45Yeah, thank all that is progressive.
00:20:48You know, why don't you tell me now?
00:20:50Well, afternoon, good townspeople.
00:20:52I know what you're thinking.
00:20:53Who invited George Clooney to this affair?
00:20:56Ooh, I did.
00:20:58Nice.
00:20:59No, actually, I'm just, uh, thought I'd swing by, see if you've got the mixers I ordered.
00:21:03Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
00:21:04I'm going to mix that up.
00:21:06I'm going to mix it right up for you.
00:21:07I wish you would.
00:21:08I wish you would.
00:21:09So, what do you say?
00:21:11You in?
00:21:12You in for some of the best fishing you'll ever see anywhere in these parts?
00:21:15Oh, I think I'll sit this one out.
00:21:17Maybe next time.
00:21:18Oh, what are you going to do, go home and cry about your life?
00:21:21I'm so sad.
00:21:22Boo!
00:21:23You're no fun.
00:21:24She's fun.
00:21:25No, I will not ease up.
00:21:27Uh, I'm kind of reading the paper here.
00:21:37What you reading about?
00:21:40Boo.
00:21:41Psst.
00:21:42Do you have some art to be?
00:21:54Nope.
00:21:56Do you know I like cheese raviolis?
00:21:58You know what my mom always says?
00:22:02Nope.
00:22:03Because I like them a lot.
00:22:05I...
00:22:06Like a lot, a lot.
00:22:07Right.
00:22:08And she also wishes that she was a spy like you.
00:22:16Mmm, that looks interesting.
00:22:19Well, that's crazy because I'm not a spy.
00:22:26Do you have somewhere to be?
00:22:28Nope.
00:22:29Nope.
00:22:30Nowhere to be.
00:22:31I could sit here with you all day.
00:22:34If you were stranded in the rainforest, what's one item you'd have?
00:22:38You stay here.
00:22:39I'm going to go.
00:22:40Okay.
00:22:46He ain't coming back.
00:22:49Fishing is for philosophers.
00:22:57Good luck.
00:22:59You've got to have good luck when you're fishing.
00:23:01That's right, because I've got questionable jujus, so we need all the help we can get.
00:23:05All right, let's roll.
00:23:07Oh, I have to go to the bathroom already.
00:23:09Oh, shut up.
00:23:24I don't bite, you know.
00:23:34Thank you.
00:23:47Hey, your skin is soft.
00:23:51Okay, thank you.
00:23:58Hey.
00:24:09Hey.
00:24:30Hey, are you okay?
00:24:34Ready?
00:24:35Yeah.
00:24:37I'm just in it.
00:24:40What?
00:24:41Can't you feel it?
00:24:47I'm memorizing it for next time.
00:24:52Next time?
00:24:54Like when I have to go to the hospital or get my blood drawn.
00:25:01You're something else.
00:25:02I know, but I didn't ask to be.
00:25:06Hey, I didn't mean it like that.
00:25:08Don't worry.
00:25:09I'm used to it.
00:25:11I think I don't know what people see.
00:25:14Gawking at me.
00:25:16Their eyes are like pinballs.
00:25:19Look anywhere but at the gork.
00:25:21That's what's in their minds.
00:25:23But out of their mouths were special needs.
00:25:27One must be a PC after all.
00:25:30It's okay, Max.
00:25:32I have a really good life.
00:25:34I do.
00:25:35And besides, I get to know things.
00:25:39Feel things.
00:25:41Other people can't.
00:25:44Like how your heart is so ginormous.
00:25:48And that's why it hurts so deep.
00:26:03Listen, try not to worry, okay?
00:26:06His lifeline's here.
00:26:08I can't get Rodney on his cell phone.
00:26:10He's a cowboy.
00:26:11He's got about as much use for his cell phone as a damn donkey.
00:26:14Don't defend him, Kat.
00:26:15No, I'm not defending him.
00:26:17I'm just stating a fact.
00:26:29So what's the story here?
00:26:32The story.
00:26:37I mean, he's smart as a whip, this one.
00:26:41Yeah, but what is it?
00:26:48It's called Fanconi anemia.
00:26:51It's rare as hell.
00:26:53It clobbers the genes that do DNA repair.
00:26:58Not to mention the seizures and the cancer.
00:27:02Just breathing down their necks.
00:27:04If that's not enough of a challenge, there's life expectancy.
00:27:11Tick-tock.
00:27:12His mother, Sammy, she's a gladiator.
00:27:17I've never seen her buckle.
00:27:18I don't know how she does it.
00:27:20She's made out of steel and strawberries.
00:27:30I want you to join us for dinner tonight.
00:27:32Oh, no, thank you.
00:27:34No, you need to be with people.
00:27:37Okay, I won't take no for an answer.
00:27:40Well, in that case.
00:27:46Whoa, whoa, whoa, you got one there, Monk.
00:27:49You got one?
00:27:50Nope.
00:27:51There we go.
00:27:52Oh, oh, there we go.
00:27:53Got it, got it, got it.
00:27:54You got a seed.
00:27:55That's it.
00:27:56Let's take it over there.
00:27:57Oh, oh.
00:28:04Hey, we better get you home.
00:28:05All right.
00:28:06Okay?
00:28:07Yeah.
00:28:10That's why I didn't eat the sandwich.
00:28:11Yeah, yeah.
00:28:12Mom, mom, mom.
00:28:14What could you possibly be thinking?
00:28:16And who the hell do you think you are?
00:28:18Do you have a kid?
00:28:19No, because if you did,
00:28:20you would have never taken my son without my permission.
00:28:23Mom, I...
00:28:24Sammy, Sammy, let's really...
00:28:25Don't even, because I know you went to the big lake.
00:28:27Well, of course we did.
00:28:28There's no fish in the small one.
00:28:29Everyone knows no big lake unless I'm along.
00:28:32Did you remember to take his afternoon meds?
00:28:35What if he had a seizure out there?
00:28:37I brought them in my bag.
00:28:39Oh, see?
00:28:40There you go.
00:28:41No harm, no foul.
00:28:42Stay out of this.
00:28:43No harm, no foul.
00:28:44No.
00:28:45Hey, Freddy, here's your...
00:28:46Oh, come on.
00:28:47Sammy, you can't take your fisherman's catch away from him.
00:28:50I wouldn't be right.
00:28:51Hey, I'm really sorry,
00:28:53but I would never hurt your son.
00:28:55Mom, Max is, like, crazy wonderful.
00:28:59She's an awesome storyteller.
00:29:02That's right.
00:29:04Imagine that.
00:29:06Let's go make some dinner.
00:29:08Let's go make some dinner.
00:29:10Yeah.
00:29:11His party's over.
00:29:12So, I, uh, called Heather today.
00:29:16But her phone was disconnected,
00:29:18so I did a little digging.
00:29:21Ended up speaking to her mother.
00:29:23Heather died about five years ago.
00:29:26Look, my son always believes the best in people,
00:29:29but I don't suffer from that virtue.
00:29:31Stay the hell away from both of us.
00:29:34You're right.
00:29:35And I'm sorry I lied about Heather.
00:29:37But the truth is,
00:29:38I'm working a special assignment for the EPA.
00:29:43Uh, we're investigating potential environmental threats in the area,
00:29:46and, uh, it's classified, so we work undercover.
00:29:50I'm sorry for any confusion.
00:29:54All right.
00:29:55We'll see you later,
00:29:56officer and whatever that is.
00:30:01Okay, it's possible I was a little too rough on her.
00:30:05Oh, come on.
00:30:06She's a good girl.
00:30:07Right?
00:30:08Trust me.
00:30:09When have I ever led you astray?
00:30:11When have I ever led you astray?
00:30:13Do not answer that.
00:30:14Just go make my trout almondine the way I like it.
00:30:17Well, if you would behave like a grownup, I could...
00:30:20I'm trying to, but I've got women coming at me like bullets.
00:30:23Oh, man.
00:30:24It's a war zone for me.
00:30:26Did Mom ever get here?
00:30:27I have no idea.
00:30:29This looks nice.
00:30:30There you go.
00:30:31Thank you.
00:30:32Mm-hmm.
00:30:33Oh, she's joining us for dinner.
00:30:34So sorry.
00:30:35Oh.
00:30:36You should have started without me.
00:30:42That's a good, super good breeding tip
00:30:44you've ever crammed into our little pagan...
00:30:46Shut it!
00:30:47This is our mom.
00:30:48Mom, this is Mackenzie Aaron.
00:30:50Lovely to meet you.
00:30:51How long have you been here?
00:30:53A week.
00:30:54Enjoying your stay?
00:30:56Mm-hmm.
00:30:57Mackenzie's a really great puzzler.
00:30:59Oh, so they've lured you into their little conclave.
00:31:04Hey, were you here a few summers ago?
00:31:08No.
00:31:09Hmm.
00:31:10Well, you look familiar.
00:31:13Oh, just one of those faces, I guess.
00:31:16Yeah?
00:31:17That's just so fascinating.
00:31:19Why don't you tell us what you're doing here?
00:31:21Oh, just getting away from it all.
00:31:24And yes, pointedly unfascinating.
00:31:27Running.
00:31:29That's where I've seen you.
00:31:31Have you run by the big lake yet?
00:31:34Yeah, I've been hiking and running everywhere.
00:31:37It's, uh, it's some kind of beautiful out there.
00:31:40Some kind of beautiful.
00:31:45Mom.
00:31:50I, um, I understand you work for the government.
00:31:56Uh, yeah.
00:31:57Mom used to be a congresswoman.
00:31:59Now she's a consultant, though.
00:32:01And, uh, with the administration, you know,
00:32:03the phone's ringing off the hook.
00:32:05Yeah, not an easy gig.
00:32:06I know.
00:32:07Yeah, all that house of cards selling is soul shit.
00:32:10I thought we had a rule here.
00:32:12Yeah, um, no iPhones or politics at the dinner table.
00:32:16We get enough of it everywhere else.
00:32:18That's because it's the latest spectator sport.
00:32:20Reality bites stupid America, where we await
00:32:23every day with sheer antisappointment.
00:32:26Aren't you clever, Sasha?
00:32:27I seem to recall you didn't show up to vote.
00:32:30If people want to know why millennials have checked out,
00:32:32it's because you made us check out.
00:32:34With all your lies, BS, spin, spin, spin, spin.
00:32:37All right, tell us how you really feel.
00:32:39Okay, here we go.
00:32:40I think if the millennials checked out,
00:32:42it's because we coddled you so spectacularly.
00:32:44Coddled?
00:32:45Jesus, you were still drinking back then
00:32:47for days at a time.
00:32:48And when I needed a mother, it wasn't you.
00:32:50Stop screaming at her about what she hasn't done right.
00:32:53Look at you.
00:32:54What have you done right?
00:32:55This is bullshit.
00:32:56Just leave him alone.
00:32:57Sorry, Mackenzie, my girls are usually
00:32:59a little more civilized.
00:33:00What?
00:33:01Oh, stop, honey.
00:33:02Look at me, I'm such a rebel.
00:33:04Enough, Gabrielle.
00:33:05Enough.
00:33:08I forgot.
00:33:09Sorry.
00:33:10Gabrielle, come with me.
00:33:11Gabrielle!
00:33:12Gabrielle!
00:33:13Don't, sweetie.
00:33:14Have fun.
00:33:15This happens every single time you let her get away.
00:33:17I'm gonna go help him.
00:33:20Oh, my gosh.
00:33:21I'm gonna listen to you.
00:33:22It's not fair.
00:33:24Oh, shit.
00:33:25Oh, shit.
00:33:52Mackenzie knew from her years
00:33:54of FBI training
00:33:56that there were far deeper secrets
00:33:58buried here than her own.
00:34:01Whiskey, whiskey, whiskey
00:34:03That makes me feel so frisky
00:34:05In the core, in the core
00:34:08Oh, it's whiskey, whiskey, whiskey
00:34:10That makes me feel so frisky
00:34:12In the quartermaster, quartermaster core
00:34:15My eyes are dim
00:34:18I cannot see
00:34:22I have not brought my specs with me
00:34:27I have not brought my specs with me
00:34:33I'll be back.
00:34:34Okay.
00:34:35It's vodka, vodka, vodka
00:34:37That makes you think your vodka is the worst
00:34:40Now, who is the Russian?
00:34:42He's the only Russian to me.
00:34:44We're just...
00:34:45We gotta get into the room.
00:34:47Yeah.
00:34:49Okay.
00:34:59See?
00:35:01Isn't this nice?
00:35:02You don't always have to talk, you know.
00:35:09Not my mom's favorite word is?
00:35:14No, but I bet money you're about to tell me.
00:35:18Can tsukuri know what that means?
00:35:21Not even remotely.
00:35:24More beautiful for having been broken.
00:35:29It's Japanese.
00:35:40Here.
00:35:42It's cold.
00:35:49Here.
00:35:52I know you didn't see any reason to meet your birth mother
00:35:55and I assume that's in large part because you were told she left you.
00:36:02But in fact, that's not what happened.
00:36:15Does a cuck look for ducks?
00:36:17Ducks swim in a circle.
00:36:19Are you feeding me?
00:36:21Yes.
00:36:22I love when you babysit me, Gabrielle.
00:36:24Aw, feelings mutual, little man.
00:36:30Freak!
00:36:31Yeah, right.
00:36:34Why you look so ugly?
00:36:35Don't listen to them, okay?
00:36:36They're jerks.
00:36:38Hey, what happened to you?
00:36:41Yeah, I stick your hand in some meat grinders.
00:36:44If you guys don't stop, I'm gonna get Mom.
00:36:46That's your plan, okay?
00:36:47Yeah, lobster boy, huh?
00:36:48Get a little too close to the lawnmower?
00:36:50Oh, look at you crying.
00:36:54Creeper creeper, what a freaker.
00:36:56Get out of here.
00:36:59What a retard.
00:37:00I've never seen such a retard.
00:37:02Megatard.
00:37:06Weirdo.
00:37:12Hey!
00:37:13What do you want?
00:37:14What did you just say?
00:37:15What do you care?
00:37:17A hell of a lot is what I care.
00:37:19Now listen up.
00:37:20You speak to anyone like that ever again,
00:37:22I'm gonna find you, I'll make your sorry little lives
00:37:25freaking miserable.
00:37:27You got that?
00:37:28Fuck you!
00:37:32I'm sorry.
00:37:33He told me to.
00:37:34I really didn't mean it.
00:37:35It was his fault.
00:37:36Are you okay?
00:37:37I didn't want to.
00:37:39Then don't say it.
00:37:45Are you okay?
00:37:46Hey, that was cool, what you did over there.
00:37:50Well, they won't be bothering Freddy anymore.
00:37:52No, they certainly won't.
00:37:55Honey, were those the same kids from last year?
00:38:00Hey.
00:38:02I know that it probably doesn't feel like it,
00:38:06but it isn't you they don't like, it's themselves.
00:38:10Okay?
00:38:12Okay.
00:38:17What do you say we go get you two those chili bars?
00:38:19Yeah.
00:38:20Yeah?
00:38:21Can Max come?
00:38:23Um, I'm sure she has some things she has to do.
00:38:28Okay.
00:38:34Thank you for that.
00:38:35You'd think in this day and age people would be a little more sensitive.
00:38:39I don't know how you deal with the bullshit.
00:38:42Well, they certainly don't hand out a manual.
00:38:46I don't know, you just learn to muddle through
00:38:48and hope like hell that people become less ignorant and less angry.
00:38:53You know, less fearful of those who look different.
00:38:56Or love different.
00:39:02Freddy.
00:39:03Don't let them get to you.
00:39:06Okay?
00:39:07You just-
00:39:08See the special needs freak show.
00:39:10Hey, don't say that.
00:39:12Come on.
00:39:14You know why I think they call you special needs?
00:39:16Because I'm all that?
00:39:18No.
00:39:20It's not you who need us.
00:39:22It's all of us who need you.
00:39:26Okay?
00:39:28It's true.
00:39:30Don't know what I'd do without you.
00:39:37No!
00:39:39Look, I promised them I would take them for chili bars, so...
00:40:07I love you.
00:40:37Samantha!
00:41:08I love you.
00:41:11I love you.
00:41:37I love you.
00:42:08In other news, the Sister Wives just took home a Grammy
00:42:11for Song of the Year, I Don't Play.
00:42:13Lead singer Lisa Jane remarked upon hearing the news
00:42:16that she hoped women everywhere would find inspiration from their journey.
00:42:25Hey, little man.
00:42:38What's wrong?
00:42:41Why don't you like Max?
00:42:46I know what you need.
00:43:07I love you.
00:43:08I love you.
00:43:09I love you.
00:43:10I love you.
00:43:11I love you.
00:43:12I love you.
00:43:13I love you.
00:43:14I love you.
00:43:15I love you.
00:43:16I love you.
00:43:17I love you.
00:43:18I love you.
00:43:19I love you.
00:43:20I love you.
00:43:21I love you.
00:43:22I love you.
00:43:23I love you.
00:43:24I love you.
00:43:25I love you.
00:43:26I love you.
00:43:27I love you.
00:43:28I love you.
00:43:29I love you.
00:43:30I love you.
00:43:31I love you.
00:43:32I love you.
00:43:33I love you.
00:43:34I love you.
00:43:35I love you.
00:43:36I love you.
00:43:37I love you.
00:43:38I love you.
00:43:39I love you.
00:43:40I love you.
00:43:41I love you.
00:43:42I love you.
00:43:43I love you.
00:43:44I love you.
00:43:45I love you.
00:43:46I love you.
00:43:47I love you.
00:43:48I love you.
00:43:49I love you.
00:43:50I love you.
00:43:51I love you.
00:43:52I love you.
00:43:53I love you.
00:43:54I love you.
00:43:55I love you.
00:43:56I love you.
00:43:57I love you.
00:43:58I love you.
00:43:59I love you.
00:44:00I love you.
00:44:01I love you.
00:44:02I love you.
00:44:03I love you.
00:44:04I love you.
00:44:05I love you.
00:44:06I love you.
00:44:07I love you.
00:44:08I love you.
00:44:09I love you.
00:44:10I love you.
00:44:11I love you.
00:44:12I love you.
00:44:13I love you.
00:44:14I love you.
00:44:15I love you.
00:44:16I love you.
00:44:17I love you.
00:44:18I love you.
00:44:19I love you.
00:44:20I love you.
00:44:21I love you.
00:44:22I love you.
00:44:23I love you.
00:44:24I love you.
00:44:25I love you.
00:44:26I love you.
00:44:27I love you.
00:44:28I love you.
00:44:29I love you.
00:44:30I love you.
00:44:31I love you.
00:44:32I love you.
00:44:33I love you.
00:44:34I love you.
00:44:35I love you.
00:44:36I love you.
00:44:37I love you.
00:44:38I love you.
00:44:39I love you.
00:44:40I love you.
00:44:41I love you.
00:44:42I love you.
00:44:43I love you.
00:44:44I love you.
00:44:45I love you.
00:44:46I love you.
00:44:47I love you.
00:44:48I love you.
00:44:49I love you.
00:44:50I love you.
00:44:51I love you.
00:44:52I love you.
00:44:53I love you.
00:44:54I love you.
00:44:55I love you.
00:44:56I love you.
00:44:57I love you.
00:44:58I love you.
00:44:59I love you.
00:45:00I love you.
00:45:01I love you.
00:45:02I love you.
00:45:03I love you.
00:45:04I love you.
00:45:05I love you.
00:45:06I love you.
00:45:07I love you.
00:45:08I love you.
00:45:09I love you.
00:45:10I love you.
00:45:11I love you.
00:45:12I love you.
00:45:13I love you.
00:45:14I love you.
00:45:15I love you.
00:45:16I love you.
00:45:17I love you.
00:45:18I love you.
00:45:19I love you.
00:45:20I love you.
00:45:21I love you.
00:45:22I love you.
00:45:23I love you.
00:45:24I love you.
00:45:25I love you.
00:45:26I love you.
00:45:27I love you.
00:45:28I love you.
00:45:29I love you.
00:45:30I love you.
00:45:31I love you.
00:45:32I love you.
00:45:33I love you.
00:45:34I love you.
00:45:35I love you.
00:45:36I love you.
00:45:37I love you.
00:45:38I love you.
00:45:39I love you.
00:45:40I love you.
00:45:41I love you.
00:45:42I love you.
00:45:43I love you.
00:45:44I love you.
00:45:45I love you.
00:45:46I love you.
00:45:47I love you.
00:45:48I love you.
00:45:49I love you.
00:45:50I love you.
00:45:51I love you.
00:45:52I love you.
00:45:53I love you.
00:45:54I love you.
00:45:55I love you.
00:45:56I love you.
00:45:57I love you.
00:45:58I love you.
00:45:59I love you.
00:46:00I love you.
00:46:01Hi.
00:46:03Hi.
00:46:05Thanks for your help the other day, but you're just here for a visit.
00:46:10But Freddie's full-time, not a roadside attraction.
00:46:13So please, whatever you do, don't play him.
00:46:17Hey, the last thing I'm doing is playing your son.
00:46:21Shit.
00:46:22Look, I shouldn't have said that.
00:46:25He's pretty damn insistent that I give you a second chance.
00:46:32He's got a heart that will overlook anything, and I just don't want to see him hurt.
00:46:40So?
00:46:42How about Saturday afternoon?
00:46:47Sure.
00:46:49Okay.
00:47:00So why puzzling?
00:47:05I guess it's showing me a whole new way to see things.
00:47:11It's taken me way beyond what I thought I could comprehend.
00:47:16How so?
00:47:19Well, none of us are remotely capable of experiencing the world we live in.
00:47:25You know, we've created two- and three-dimensional boundaries just to try to make sense of things.
00:47:31But what lives inside the spaces of those boundaries?
00:47:36And you're able to see that when you're puzzling?
00:47:39Well, I've had some brief glimpses when I'm deep into a puzzle where possibilities are limitless.
00:47:49It's like looking at a cloud and seeing the face of God.
00:47:59Well, to puzzling.
00:48:00Oh, to puzzling.
00:48:01To going where no man has gone before.
00:48:04Oh, yeah.
00:48:05Live long and prosper.
00:48:09Yeah.
00:49:09Yeah.
00:49:40Let me help.
00:49:43You can't help.
00:49:44Oh, come on.
00:49:46Come on, Vivian. What can I do?
00:49:58Take me to the nearest bar.
00:50:01I can't see it.
00:50:02It's not her name.
00:50:19Mom?
00:50:31Mom?
00:50:55Hey.
00:50:58Can I help?
00:51:00No, I just need to wait for it to cool down.
00:51:03Actually, I'm pretty handy with cars. What's the problem?
00:51:07Well, it needs a new, uh, well, everything.
00:51:11Yeah.
00:51:12It's just not a priority on the list next to all the bills.
00:51:15And, I mean, God, how I thought I could make a living being a dance teacher out here is beyond me.
00:51:22You got a lot on your plate.
00:51:24Look, I'm not a martyr.
00:51:26Oh, that's not what I heard.
00:51:29I heard that you never crumble.
00:51:32Oh, trust me. I have my days.
00:51:42While we're waiting, what do you tell me about him?
00:51:46And then, when he was five, uh, and we had gone through one of his surgeries,
00:51:50one of my old dance friends came by,
00:51:52and she proceeded to tell me how everyone felt so sorry that I didn't have a normal child,
00:51:57and how it must be such a burden.
00:51:59Oh, my God.
00:52:01Yeah, and then I, I asked her why she thought I wanted a normal kid,
00:52:06because I didn't want Freddie to be anything other than who he is.
00:52:09I asked her why she thought I wanted a normal kid,
00:52:12because I didn't want Freddie to be anything other than who he is.
00:52:15You know, and then she pulled me aside, and she said,
00:52:17Don't ever say that again. It makes you sound crazy.
00:52:20What?
00:52:22Maybe I am crazy.
00:52:23No.
00:52:25No.
00:52:26Every day, Freddie teaches me something new.
00:52:29I mean, sure, the, the everyday challenges can be annoying, but, um,
00:52:35you know, we really are just very happy how we are.
00:52:40You know, I always say, when you hug Freddie, it's like hugging God.
00:52:44I mean, how does it get any better than that?
00:52:49It doesn't.
00:52:55It's her! Quick, open the door!
00:52:57Oh, well, she's not gonna vanish into thin air.
00:53:00Gosh, this is crazy awesome that you're here.
00:53:03Careful of the surprise.
00:53:04Does heaven taste like cotton candy?
00:53:07Mom's made the most awesome cheese raviolis ever.
00:53:12We're gonna have garlic bread, and for dessert, some apple pie.
00:53:19Look, Mom, this is called the nesting doll, and it's like the coolest thing ever.
00:53:24It's like seeing all the times of a person's life, and how things stay part of you forever.
00:53:35Max got her first one from her mom when she was four, and always got a new one at Christmas and birthdays,
00:53:41and she has, like, hundreds of them at home.
00:53:44Hey, I'm not that old.
00:53:50Okay.
00:53:52Okay, it's time for dinner and early bedtime for you.
00:53:56Can Max stay?
00:53:58I don't know.
00:54:01Can Max stay?
00:54:05I'd love to.
00:54:09Yay!
00:54:21Yay!
00:54:30Okay, little man, time for bed.
00:54:51Good night.
00:55:21Good night.
00:55:37It was only then that Max began to fully grasp their daily challenges.
00:55:43Wow.
00:55:45You weren't fooling around.
00:55:47The monkeys.
00:55:49Yeah, he collects them like you do nesting dolls.
00:55:53Why monkeys?
00:55:55Well, he used to love how curious George was, always busting out and doing things he shouldn't,
00:56:01until that man with that silly yellow hat.
00:56:05I said, I'm going to be a monkey.
00:56:08And with that silly yellow hat, I say, don't mock me.
00:56:17That's right.
00:56:20I love you the biggest, the mostest, and the foreverest.
00:56:29Mama?
00:56:31Love you the mostest.
00:56:38I love you.
00:57:08I love you.
00:57:39I love you.
00:57:40I love you.
00:57:41I love you.
00:57:42I love you.
00:57:43I love you.
00:57:44I love you.
00:57:45I love you.
00:57:46I love you.
00:57:47I love you.
00:57:48I love you.
00:57:49I love you.
00:57:50I love you.
00:57:51I love you.
00:57:52I love you.
00:57:53I love you.
00:57:54I love you.
00:57:55I love you.
00:57:56I love you.
00:57:57I love you.
00:57:58I love you.
00:57:59I love you.
00:58:00I love you.
00:58:01I love you.
00:58:02I love you.
00:58:03I love you.
00:58:04I love you.
00:58:05I love you.
00:58:06I love you.
00:58:07I love you.
00:58:08I love you.
00:58:21You had one, didn't you?
00:58:23No, no, I, I...
00:58:25No.
00:58:28Okay, but I'm fine.
00:58:32Look, more importantly, how are you?
00:58:35I know those kids were back at the lake.
00:58:37No, Mom.
00:58:38Max took care of that.
00:58:42You've been very quiet all night long.
00:58:45It's like when I have to go to my place at the hospital.
00:58:52And you know I have to be there until it's OK again, right?
00:59:00Yeah, sweetie.
00:59:02Is that where you've been?
00:59:06Well, Mackenzie does the same thing.
00:59:11She has to go to her place a lot, a lot, a lot,
00:59:17because she hurts crazy awful.
00:59:21And she doesn't have someone helping her feel safe.
00:59:35It's OK.
01:00:01One second, I'll be right back.
01:00:05Looks like someone's been busy.
01:00:07I kind of want to be rude, but...
01:00:09Well, you were the other night.
01:00:11Left without saying goodbye.
01:00:12Yeah, I wasn't feeling well. Sorry.
01:00:14Look, I'm not sure I buy that.
01:00:18I'm not sure what to think, actually.
01:00:22Freddie says you were just sad,
01:00:24and I will bet on Freddie every single time.
01:00:29That's my lucky man.
01:00:32Come on.
01:00:58So...
01:01:00If Freddie's right,
01:01:02what are you so sad about?
01:01:04I'm not sad. I'm just tired.
01:01:08Okay, look, I'm not trying to intrude.
01:01:10I just wanted to say thank you.
01:01:12Thank you?
01:01:16Yeah, for making my son so happy.
01:01:20I don't think I have ever seen him
01:01:22light up the way he does when you're around.
01:01:28Well, he's a freakily awesome kid.
01:01:32He's maddening at times, but...
01:01:58Hey.
01:02:05Hey.
01:02:06I'm a pretty great listener.
01:02:12I...
01:02:14Hey, you.
01:02:15We got some brilliant lovers out there.
01:02:18Some of them are your lovers.
01:02:20No, no, no. I've got my car.
01:02:22Oops.
01:02:23Oh, you don't.
01:02:29What?
01:02:30Two for the price of one?
01:02:32How'd I get so much?
01:02:33Come on, let's go kick the shit out of some dancing, right?
01:02:36Have you seen this one dance?
01:02:37Uh-oh.
01:02:38You were in for a treat.
01:02:42Whoa!
01:02:44Oh, no! Oh, no!
01:02:58Oh, no!
01:03:16Hey, Robbie, we have to, like, change the keg.
01:03:18Oh, crap, alright.
01:03:19Dance by yourself.
01:03:28I can't give you enough.
01:03:31Yeah.
01:03:34In a world we call world insane,
01:03:37love will end you somehow.
01:03:59Oh, no.
01:04:17Hey, have you decided yet?
01:04:21Look, you gotta order something.
01:04:24Okay, you know what? A scotch. Double.
01:04:27You sure you wanna go that way?
01:04:30Alright.
01:04:57Open up your heart and feel it.
01:04:59Love is here today.
01:05:03And I can find a way.
01:05:05Find a better place where love's free.
01:05:08Open up your eyes and see.
01:05:11Love is here today.
01:05:18Your mother didn't choose to cut you out of her life.
01:05:22That was your father's decision.
01:05:24Your father was a dear friend.
01:05:26I watched him agonize over this decision.
01:05:36Thanks, Mamo. I love it.
01:05:39Oh, my baby Bobo, you're getting so big.
01:05:43Not big enough.
01:05:45I can't wait to grow up and become a policeman just like Daddy.
01:05:49You don't want to grow up too fast, sweetie.
01:05:52Once you've done it, there's no going back.
01:05:56I know.
01:06:14It's a long way over to Republic, right?
01:06:18You have to work tomorrow?
01:06:21And those kids?
01:06:23They're getting so big.
01:06:27Samantha!
01:06:33Hey!
01:06:35Samantha!
01:06:37Samantha?
01:06:39Do you always cut out on people without any explanation?
01:06:42No, of course not.
01:06:44Really, Mackenzie?
01:06:46I don't know what to think.
01:06:48Something about you is just not right.
01:06:51Something is off.
01:06:53Something about you is just not right.
01:06:55Something is off. I don't know what...
01:06:57My mother died.
01:06:58What?
01:06:59Last night a year ago.
01:07:01And I just... I lost it.
01:07:03And no, I'm not one to cut out on people.
01:07:07So I want to apologize.
01:07:14Come with me.
01:07:16Come on.
01:07:24My gum was in my pocket the whole time.
01:07:27I don't know how you put up with it.
01:07:29Yeah, I don't know.
01:07:43This isn't what I do.
01:07:45It's what you do to forget, or...
01:07:48In general.
01:07:51Beckett, it's me.
01:07:53Um...
01:07:55Listen, I need you to do something for me.
01:08:10Oh, thanks.
01:08:14Oh, wow.
01:08:17Oh, wow.
01:08:40So tell me about her.
01:08:42She was...
01:08:45She was the only person I ever trusted.
01:08:48With everything.
01:08:52You know, I used to get teased a lot about being adopted, but...
01:08:56I couldn't have been loved more by anyone else.
01:09:01She was, um...
01:09:03She was, um...
01:09:13My dad used to bring me up here.
01:09:17So if I ever need to clear my head, this is where I come.
01:09:24You never mentioned him.
01:09:26Does he live here?
01:09:29He, uh... He died when I was 23.
01:09:32So...
01:09:34I know what it's like to lose the parent that shaped you.
01:09:37He's still so fresh for you.
01:09:39Yeah.
01:09:41Hey, I'm sorry about your dad.
01:09:43No. No, don't be. He was...
01:09:46Amazing.
01:09:48But when he passed, I sort of bottomed out.
01:09:53I stopped dancing.
01:09:55Ended up with Derek.
01:09:58And got pregnant within months.
01:10:02Something was wrong with the pregnancy.
01:10:05We just didn't know what.
01:10:07But the moment that he was born,
01:10:10everyone pushed for a DNR.
01:10:14So they...
01:10:16They administered the morphine and took him off the vent.
01:10:23And when they put him on my chest,
01:10:26my heart broke into a million pieces.
01:10:30He was so fragile.
01:10:32If there's a hell on this earth,
01:10:35it's trying to help your baby die.
01:10:43I just held him, and I prayed.
01:10:46And I told him it was okay to go.
01:10:50Whatever he needed.
01:10:52Derek...
01:10:54He left the hospital, said he couldn't be there.
01:10:58And...
01:10:59Where are you?
01:11:00I felt like I was in a horror movie.
01:11:03So surreal, just waiting.
01:11:06And waiting for him to pass.
01:11:12I need you. I can't do this alone.
01:11:15But he just kept breathing.
01:11:18And living.
01:11:23Derek...
01:11:26Derek...
01:11:28The doctors, my friends, everyone.
01:11:32They'd already given up on him.
01:11:35What are you saying? It's too hard for you to watch him die?
01:11:39I spent 135 days in the NICU.
01:11:43We will never, ever come back from this.
01:11:48I'm done.
01:11:51135 days of strong babies dying and weak babies living.
01:12:00And it was all so arbitrary.
01:12:06You know, it made me realize...
01:12:10Motherhood is not an entitlement.
01:12:13It's a sacred privilege.
01:12:15So you damn well better bring it and don't complain.
01:12:21Oh my god, I'm sorry.
01:12:24We came up here to help you and off I go on this rant.
01:12:28Are you kidding me?
01:12:30Thank you.
01:12:32Thank you for sharing that with me.
01:12:50I love you.
01:13:08You don't have to be sad anymore.
01:13:11Because you have us now.
01:13:15We're lost.
01:13:18Is he okay?
01:13:20But it's merged.
01:13:24He merges the people he loves into his soul.
01:13:28Very few get that honor.
01:13:32I am honored.
01:13:36Please excuse my ignorance, but...
01:13:40When does he need the wheelchair?
01:13:43Well, when he's completely well, he doesn't need it at all.
01:13:47But when he's really sick, we use it to conserve his energy.
01:13:59So, um, does he have any contact with his dad?
01:14:03None.
01:14:05Anyone else since?
01:14:09It's one thing to date a single mom.
01:14:13Quite another when you add a wheelchair to the mix.
01:14:16How's that?
01:14:18Well, imagine every night you come home, the first thing we talk about is Freddy's day.
01:14:23Doctors visits, test results, therapy.
01:14:26Or maybe you finally fit in that tennis game and...
01:14:31I'm blowing up your phone all day with texts from the ER.
01:14:38You know, forget anyone else's needs getting met because my priority is the Freddy channel 24-7.
01:14:46Don't I sound like a perfect catch?
01:14:52I don't play tennis.
01:15:09Wow, that went fast. I, um, gotta get him home.
01:15:13Oh, sure, sure.
01:15:20Hey, would you like to join us for dinner?
01:15:26Yeah. Yeah, um, I just have to drop by my cabin, but then I'll be there.
01:15:31Say seven?
01:15:33Yeah.
01:15:39Hey, Beckett, were you able to match it?
01:15:43Oh, good. Yes, yes, send it to me right away.
01:16:00Oh, fuck.
01:16:04Oh, fuck.
01:16:12How can I help you?
01:16:14What is your best bottle of red?
01:16:18You don't want to know.
01:16:20But I happen to have some of my private reserve for folks with, um, discriminating tastes.
01:16:26Be right back.
01:16:34Of all the gin joints.
01:16:37Vivian, it's kind of a shocker, huh?
01:16:44Um, Bob, can I get two shots of your best scotch?
01:16:49Oh, no, I don't want...
01:16:51No, no, it's okay, Bob. Yeah.
01:16:57Pretty remarkable coincidence, if you ask me.
01:17:00Pretty remarkable coincidence, if you ask me.
01:17:04My mother used to bring me here as a kid, so... coincidence dispelled.
01:17:09I know who you are, Mackenzie.
01:17:11Okay. Who am I?
01:17:14You're a Quantico rock star.
01:17:17Although, you're off at present for disciplinary action.
01:17:22And I'm sorry about your mother.
01:17:25But I have to ask myself, why is it that we are both vacationing in this little town that I've made my second home?
01:17:32So who are you working for, and what is it that you want?
01:17:36You solve it yourself. I'm on leave.
01:17:38And what happened ten years ago is nobody's business, okay?
01:17:42So if you'll excuse me, I'm running late.
01:17:44I want you to stay away from my family.
01:17:47I still have some sway with your director, and I can make things very uncomfortable for you.
01:17:53I'll do whatever the hell I please.
01:18:08He's a liar sticking up.
01:18:11Killing me.
01:18:14Yeah.
01:18:18Jesus.
01:18:20He's burning up.
01:18:25I was afraid he was coming down or something.
01:18:28I'm gonna go get some Tylenol.
01:18:44Seriously?
01:18:46Fucking ridiculous.
01:18:50Okay.
01:19:02Oh no, I got it. It's okay.
01:19:11Let's go.
01:19:20Okay.
01:19:37Do we need to take him in?
01:19:40Unfortunately, his immune system is shot.
01:19:44Every time he goes in the hospital, he catches something even worse.
01:19:48I've had plenty of practice breaking these fevers.
01:19:51Look, I'm sure you have other things you need to get to.
01:19:55Not a chance.
01:19:59Mom? Mom!
01:20:02Where's... What are you doing?
01:20:04Get over here quick and shut the door.
01:20:11FBI.
01:20:13Forget that. How do they know each other, and what the fuck is she doing here?
01:20:17They probably just know each other through work.
01:20:19Mom was on the intelligence committee. Couldn't they have just met there?
01:20:26Gabrielle, look at this photo, and try not to be a fucking Disney princess.
01:20:30What do you see?
01:20:32It's like she just can't help herself.
01:20:34I wonder what else she hasn't told us.
01:20:38These are the nights that I'm haunted.
01:20:42I can't stand to think of him suffering.
01:20:45Hey, hey. He wants to be here.
01:20:49He's made that very clear.
01:20:53What can I do? What do you need?
01:20:56Get me out of my head.
01:20:59Mom.
01:21:01Tell me more about your mother the way that you do, Freddie.
01:21:08Okay. We would go on these star ventures.
01:21:12Star ventures?
01:21:14Yeah. We would get up in the morning with the stars,
01:21:18and get in the car, and then go on an adventure.
01:21:22No rules. No sugar.
01:21:25And then we would go on a trip.
01:21:28Star ventures. No rules. No shoulds.
01:21:32And we would have the best time you could ever imagine.
01:21:40When I was like six or seven, she started this tradition
01:21:44where we would go around the table,
01:21:48and Mama would ask,
01:21:50what was the best thing that happened to you today?
01:21:53And the worst.
01:21:56Or, if this was your last day on Earth,
01:22:00what would you do?
01:22:03And she would wrap it up with,
01:22:07what did you learn about yourself today?
01:22:11So, what did you learn about yourself today?
01:22:19That my greatest mom on Earth may have to share her title.
01:22:27I think his fever's finally breaking.
01:22:41You belong with us.
01:22:44I am here. I'm not going anywhere.
01:22:49I love you, my cumin.
01:22:57Wait a minute, what's this?
01:23:03You know what, maybe we found enough dirt on her for one day.
01:23:07Do we really want to...
01:23:09Hey, don't buckle now! Open it.
01:23:14God, how'd he do it?
01:23:17Keeping him well, the constant stress.
01:23:21I don't know, I don't know.
01:23:25I don't know.
01:23:27I don't know.
01:23:29I don't know.
01:23:31I don't know.
01:23:33I don't know.
01:23:35I don't know.
01:23:37I don't know.
01:23:39I don't know.
01:23:41Keeping him well, the constant stress.
01:23:46Dancing.
01:23:48I mean, isn't that the definition of irony?
01:23:51How absolute freedom of movement saves me from...
01:23:57The way that he's trapped inside his body.
01:24:01If I didn't have dance, I don't...
01:24:06You could...
01:24:09The couch is comfortable, it's so late.
01:24:11Oh no, I'm fine, thank you.
01:24:15And thank you for sharing your son with me.
01:24:20Yeah.
01:24:22Hey.
01:24:24Are you okay?
01:24:26Liam, I don't know why I'm crying right now.
01:24:29No, it's been a hell of a stressful day.
01:24:31No, it's not that.
01:24:34It's just...
01:24:36Well, no one has ever been like you are with Freddie and...
01:25:06It's okay.
01:25:08It's okay.
01:25:35Oh my God, I don't know.
01:25:37I'm sorry, I don't know why.
01:25:39I just...
01:26:07I'm sorry.
01:26:37I'm sorry.
01:27:07I'm sorry.
01:27:37I'm sorry.
01:28:07I'm sorry.
01:28:37I'm sorry.
01:29:07I'm sorry.
01:29:37I'm sorry.
01:30:07I'm sorry.
01:30:37I'm sorry.
01:30:45Oh my God.
01:30:47It goes so long without...
01:30:50Forget that passion ever existed.
01:31:07Did you and mom have a sleepover?
01:31:14Hi.
01:31:15Hi.
01:31:16We did, like you and Kyle do sometimes.
01:31:19How about some orange juice and I'll make my special pancakes?
01:31:23Can we have another one tonight and we can all watch a movie?
01:31:26You know what?
01:31:27I would love that, but right now I gotta run.
01:31:31Bye.
01:31:32Oh, bye.
01:31:38So, what's the deal with Rodney?
01:31:42Are you jealous?
01:31:45He's my uncle.
01:31:46My dad's brother.
01:31:48That's how we ended up here.
01:31:49Are you kidding me?
01:31:50Oh my God.
01:31:53Okay, okay.
01:31:55Better?
01:31:56Yeah, yeah.
01:31:58Hey.
01:32:00I need to tell you something.
01:32:05Yeah?
01:32:09Oh my God.
01:32:10We're gonna be late.
01:32:12I'm sorry.
01:32:13I interrupted you.
01:32:14You know what?
01:32:15Never mind.
01:32:16I can wait.
01:32:17You sure?
01:32:18Yeah.
01:32:21Have you ever tried these little pig navels?
01:32:24Unbelievable.
01:32:25Yeah.
01:32:26I wanna try one.
01:32:30Hi, everyone.
01:32:31Sorry we're late.
01:32:32Better late than never.
01:32:33Never late's better.
01:32:34Max, these are the pinch shows.
01:32:36Yeah, we've all met.
01:32:38Apparently.
01:32:39Yeah, we're all practically family now.
01:32:41Oh, that's right.
01:32:42Your cabins are only a few down from Colin's.
01:32:45Yeah, maybe I should go.
01:32:46This looks like a family, don't they?
01:32:48No, no, no.
01:32:49Max, Max.
01:32:50Hey, Max, get in the chair.
01:32:51Don't be shy now.
01:32:53Come, Max.
01:32:54Come have a seat.
01:32:55Okay.
01:32:56Sit.
01:32:57Boy, what's new?
01:32:58Get in the chair.
01:32:59Okay.
01:33:00I like to make a toast.
01:33:01Oh, yes.
01:33:02Yes.
01:33:03To my beautiful daughter.
01:33:04My loving, lovable, tightly wound, complex daughter.
01:33:05You're not as young as you used to be, but you're not as old as you're gonna be.
01:33:06Happy birthday.
01:33:07We love you.
01:33:08Happy birthday.
01:33:09Happy birthday.
01:33:10Thanks, Dad.
01:33:11Okay.
01:33:12Happy birthday.
01:33:13That's terrible.
01:33:14That was the worst.
01:33:15Terrible.
01:33:16Oh, thanks.
01:33:17Terrible.
01:33:18Max goes fishing with us, and she's pretty good at chess, too, and she tells crazy awesome
01:33:44stories.
01:33:46That is fascinating.
01:33:48You just make friends all over the place.
01:33:51Max is more than just a friend, Ms. Vivian.
01:33:54Max and Mom are like Rodney and Kat, you know, friends with Benedicts.
01:33:59Okay.
01:34:00Oh, my God.
01:34:01I beg your pardon?
01:34:03That's not exactional.
01:34:05You made me feel pretty.
01:34:07Well, Kat's out of the bag.
01:34:09Well, who can blame me?
01:34:11Here's to the young couple.
01:34:13I'm getting in on that.
01:34:14Yeah.
01:34:15And when Max stays over tonight, we're all gonna watch a movie, right, Mom?
01:34:24Yes.
01:34:25Well, happy frickin' birthday, Mom.
01:34:28I am not gonna let this happen.
01:34:30I suggest that you leave Agent DeRidder.
01:34:33Agent what?
01:34:34What are you talking about?
01:34:35Your friend here, she's FBI.
01:34:37She's been here spying on me because of the upcoming hearings.
01:34:40I've read her files.
01:34:41She's dangerous.
01:34:42That's what she's doing.
01:34:43Vivian, Vivian.
01:34:44That's not, that's not.
01:34:45Vivian, calm down.
01:34:46No, I'm not gonna calm down.
01:34:48She's been suspended.
01:34:49She uses people, Sam.
01:34:51Mom.
01:34:52She's always on the make.
01:34:53You have to leave now.
01:34:54Vivian!
01:34:55Vivian, calm down now.
01:35:00Mom, it's starting.
01:35:04I'm right here with you.
01:35:05You're safe.
01:35:06Give me my bag.
01:35:07Oh, Jesus.
01:35:08Right here, baby.
01:35:09Right here, baby.
01:35:13Ready?
01:35:19Okay.
01:35:25Okay, come on.
01:35:26Breathe in, breathe in.
01:35:28It's okay.
01:35:29There you go.
01:35:34It's okay, baby.
01:35:36Max.
01:35:38Hey, monkey man.
01:35:39Max.
01:35:40Hey, monkey man.
01:35:41I need to get him.
01:35:42Okay, yeah.
01:35:43Let's get him out of here.
01:35:44You just do it.
01:35:45She can handle this.
01:35:46It's okay.
01:35:47Yeah, it's okay.
01:35:48Let's get him out of here.
01:35:49Okay, I'm coming.
01:35:50Leave him alone.
01:35:51I'm gonna get going as well.
01:35:55You couldn't just leave, could you?
01:35:56I told you.
01:35:57Vivian!
01:35:58Mom.
01:36:01Hey, hey, hey.
01:36:02Please, just call me and let me know how he is.
01:36:05Sam!
01:36:07I knew this was gonna happen.
01:36:08She just couldn't listen.
01:36:10Who are you?
01:36:12And all this time I was protecting you,
01:36:14thinking Sasha was too hard on you.
01:36:16I don't have time for whatever Sasha has fed you.
01:36:18The truth!
01:36:19The truth, Mom!
01:36:20Look, before we become judge and jury,
01:36:22maybe you ought to listen to some facts here.
01:36:24Or more tedious excuses.
01:36:26Okay, both of you, enough.
01:36:27Sit down.
01:36:30Go on, Viv.
01:36:31I'll take care of this.
01:36:32Go on.
01:36:34Go on.
01:37:04Go on.
01:37:20Your mother didn't choose to cut you out of her life.
01:37:23That was your father's decision.
01:37:25He gave your mother chance after chance,
01:37:27but she just couldn't pull it together.
01:37:30And then when you were two,
01:37:32six months now while you were in her care,
01:37:34she quite literally lost you.
01:37:41And then a neighbor spotted you wandering down a busy street.
01:37:45That was the last your mother ever saw of you.
01:37:48So why are you telling me all this now?
01:37:50Because of this codicil to your father's will.
01:37:53I was directed to share this information with you
01:37:56when you turned 25 or when you got pregnant.
01:38:00He wanted you to meet your mother.
01:38:21I don't understand.
01:38:30So, does that make her our sister?
01:38:34Half-sister.
01:38:38And Freddie's our nephew.
01:38:40Forgive me for staring.
01:38:46I'm just trying to take you in.
01:38:50That makes two of us.
01:38:52Samantha, it's Mackenzie. Can you just call me?
01:38:56It's me again. I'm sorry.
01:38:58Please, just call me. I'm going crazy.
01:39:01Your mother tried to do everything she could to mend fences
01:39:05during Samantha's pregnancy.
01:39:08They even began to forge a really nice relationship.
01:39:12What happened?
01:39:14Well, things blew apart when Freddie was born.
01:39:17I need you. I can't do this alone.
01:39:21I want to, honey. I'm just not strong like you are.
01:39:25We will never, ever come back from this.
01:39:32I'm done.
01:39:34Take me to the nearest bar.
01:39:40Well, she didn't hear from Samantha for seven years.
01:39:44As Freddie grew older, he began to ask
01:39:47As Freddie grew older, he began to ask
01:39:50if he had any family.
01:39:52Is that why we feel so close to him?
01:39:55Maybe.
01:39:57Or maybe you just can't help but feel close to him.
01:40:05Why, Mom? Why didn't you tell us?
01:40:08This really was up to Samantha to share with you.
01:40:11After all, she didn't have to make contact with me.
01:40:16Whatever.
01:40:18Sasha, I know that you want to be angry with me
01:40:21to cover up your hurt.
01:40:24And yes, I have made such a mess of so many things.
01:40:28I am trying. I really am.
01:40:31And I can't even ask you to meet me halfway
01:40:34because I know that I have to earn your trust back again over time.
01:40:39But right now,
01:40:42I need to go and make sure that Freddie and Samantha are okay.
01:40:49Samantha, please just let me know that Freddie's okay.
01:40:54I know you're upset, but I can explain.
01:40:58And there's something I need to tell you,
01:41:00but I can't do this over the phone.
01:41:04I'm sorry.
01:41:35Can you watch him?
01:41:37What?
01:41:38I need to run to the pharmacy to pick up a seizure medication.
01:41:41Oh, sure.
01:41:42Okay, I'll be right back.
01:41:49Miss Vivian?
01:41:51Yes, honey?
01:41:53You and I have a lot in common.
01:41:55How's that, honey?
01:41:58We only get one day at a time.
01:42:02So we've got to make each one count?
01:42:14Your mother must have forgotten her keys.
01:42:16I'll be right back, okay?
01:42:29What are you doing here?
01:42:31I thought I made myself perfectly clear.
01:42:33What are you doing here?
01:42:34I am here to help my daughter.
01:42:36And so help me God, you stay away from her.
01:42:40What?
01:42:42What are you talking about?
01:42:43My daughter, Samantha.
01:42:45I have just gotten her back into my life,
01:42:47and the last thing I am going to let you do is hurt her.
01:42:50No.
01:42:52No, no way.
01:42:53I am just building a relationship with her,
01:42:56and it would be destroyed if she finds out what happened.
01:42:59She has to know, Vivian.
01:43:00I'm not going to lie to her anymore.
01:43:01What the hell is going on here?
01:43:03It's nothing.
01:43:04We knew each other from years ago.
01:43:06No, no.
01:43:07Someone is going to tell me what's going on.
01:43:08Oh, it shouldn't have happened.
01:43:10Mackenzie.
01:43:11I was drunk, honey.
01:43:12I don't...
01:43:13No, that's enough, Mom!
01:43:19Mackenzie.
01:43:23We were lovers.
01:43:30I want you both out.
01:43:33Sam.
01:43:34Now.
01:43:35I said now!
01:43:40Sam, I am so sorry,
01:43:43but I can't take this back.
01:43:45It was ten years ago.
01:43:47Why her?
01:43:48Why her of all people?
01:43:49Why didn't you say something?
01:43:51It only lasted a week,
01:43:52and how could I know that she was your mother?
01:43:55I was in D.C. for the first time.
01:43:57Where?
01:43:58I was in D.C. for the Fallen Heroes Memorial,
01:44:00and we were both wasted and in so much pain, and...
01:44:03Spare me!
01:44:04Spare me.
01:44:05I know.
01:44:06Pain, that's what this life is.
01:44:07It's filled with pain.
01:44:08It doesn't play fair.
01:44:10It kicks you in the gut,
01:44:11but you don't have the luxury of self-pity
01:44:13or to go out and get wasted
01:44:15because you have a sick child to take care of,
01:44:17and every minute has to count
01:44:19because it can all go away in a heartbeat.
01:44:21Hey, look at me.
01:44:23Look at me, please.
01:44:24You don't have to be a rock every single day,
01:44:26and you don't have to do this alone, okay?
01:44:29You don't.
01:44:30Oh, God.
01:44:31I don't know who I'm more in love with,
01:44:33you or your son,
01:44:34but I swear to you...
01:44:36What?
01:44:37Swear to me what?
01:44:38That I'm in this.
01:44:39I'm in.
01:44:40A thousand percent.
01:44:42Not yet today.
01:44:44Maybe tomorrow.
01:44:47You have no idea
01:44:50what it's like to live with an expiration date.
01:44:55Yeah.
01:45:00Watching...
01:45:02watching the days go by,
01:45:07and the more days you get,
01:45:10the sooner it will all expire,
01:45:14and you will simply expire along with it.
01:45:21So no.
01:45:23We can't afford the time to see if you're telling the truth,
01:45:28especially with your track record.
01:45:31So leave.
01:45:33Please.
01:45:35Leave.
01:45:53Leave.
01:46:13It was a year later when Mackenzie got the call.
01:46:24Vivian?
01:46:27Thanks for agreeing to meet me.
01:46:32I guess things didn't turn out the way either one of us wanted.
01:46:37So why am I here?
01:46:41Because I needed to see your face when I tell you
01:46:46how deeply sorry I am for all the trouble I caused.
01:46:51I just got my year's chip.
01:46:53Hopefully this time it'll take.
01:46:56Good for you.
01:46:58I moved us all permanently up to Lake Merrillville
01:47:01so that we could be near Samantha and Freddie.
01:47:05That little boy.
01:47:08If we all had one-tenth the courage he has.
01:47:15Sounds like one big happy family.
01:47:19They need you, Mackenzie.
01:47:50Dear Max, gosh, I've missed you crazy awful.
01:47:56So does Mom.
01:47:58She may not say it out loud, but like I told you,
01:48:02I can feel things.
01:48:06I know things got a little messed up last fall
01:48:09and everyone made mistakes,
01:48:11but I kind of think mistakes are like birthday cake.
01:48:16Kind of like my mom's favorite word, kinsukurai.
01:48:20We all got a little broken last year,
01:48:23but from the broken, we can become beautiful.
01:48:29Mom is so sorry she can't be here, but have fun.
01:48:33I love you.
01:48:35I love you.
01:48:37I love you.
01:48:39I love you.
01:48:42Mom is so sorry she can't be here, but have a great trip.
01:48:46And you can't go without some homebrew pie.
01:48:55And postcards.
01:48:57Oh, yes, and texts from everywhere.
01:48:59Okay.
01:49:01Mom.
01:49:03Mom.
01:49:05Mom!
01:49:07You have a good one.
01:49:11Yeah!
01:49:14You ready for your first StarVenture?
01:49:17There's a poopy jelly ball!
01:49:19I don't know.
01:49:21StarVenture, New World, oh no!
01:49:32Twelve incredible years passed,
01:49:36and I watched their love grow stronger and more intimate each day.
01:49:41Not that there weren't challenging times,
01:49:44but they weathered them with grace and dignity.
01:49:48In between the illnesses,
01:49:50we all made sure we lived each day like it might be our last.
01:49:55Max now fully understood that making the simplest things become special
01:50:00was the secret to being inside of life,
01:50:03not just a bystander.
01:50:05I love you, monkey man.
01:50:07I loved her with everything in me.
01:50:12We had a plan to convince Mom to have another child,
01:50:17because I knew she would want that.
01:50:21Because I know things.
01:50:24Okay.
01:50:26I'll keep you warm.
01:50:28If you could tell me that I could stay a nesting doll forever,
01:50:33bundled in my shell of handmade fairytale flesh,
01:50:38I might consider staying.
01:50:46But I have grown very tired.
01:50:53I am full of peace.
01:50:57And it's their time now.
01:56:57www.mooji.org