Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00Hey, your AmeriCount is on the bar.
00:00:18I'm on rocket fuel for the day.
00:00:25Excuse me.
00:00:26Excuse me.
00:00:27I think you might have my coffee.
00:00:28Yeah.
00:00:29I think you're right.
00:00:30This doesn't taste like a caramel latte.
00:00:32It's because it's not a caramel latte, it's an Americano and it's mine.
00:00:35Well, it was mine.
00:00:37Whoopsies.
00:00:38My mistake, Juniper.
00:00:39I'll fetch you a new one.
00:00:41Couldn't you tell it wasn't what you ordered?
00:00:42I didn't really think about it, to be honest.
00:00:43I order something new every day.
00:00:44I stick with what I like best.
00:00:45Well, here you go.
00:00:46One Americano.
00:00:47Oh, thank you.
00:00:48Um, that's yours.
00:00:49No.
00:00:50This, this one's, no.
00:00:51Yes?
00:00:52Yours?
00:00:53Yeah, I'll take that one.
00:00:54I'll take this one.
00:00:55Okay.
00:00:56Sure.
00:00:57Um, you know what?
00:00:58I'll fetch you a new one.
00:00:59Okay.
00:01:00Well.
00:01:01Well, I have my coffee.
00:01:02And I have no coffee.
00:01:03Well, have a good day.
00:01:04Yeah.
00:01:05You too.
00:01:06Morning.
00:01:07Kylie.
00:01:08Good morning.
00:01:09So, our focus this past year has skewed toward young adult and graphic novels.
00:01:37Where we're falling behind is in picture book offerings.
00:01:40People, we are a small company.
00:01:43Virtually the only imprint left that hasn't been swallowed up by one of the conglomerates.
00:01:47So I'm opening this up to all of you to help us find the next great picture book and bring
00:01:52us back into that arena.
00:01:54Paula, I'm sure we'd all love as much guidance as possible from you.
00:01:58Well, for starters, no more animal, monster, or cute alien protagonists.
00:02:04That was two seasons ago.
00:02:07But the key for us is always going to be in finding an amazing new illustrator.
00:02:12So any thoughts there?
00:02:15Any ideas?
00:02:16Nope.
00:02:17Okay.
00:02:18Fine.
00:02:19Well, put the word out.
00:02:20I want to see some pitches, even early concepts, by end of week.
00:02:25Okay.
00:02:26That's it.
00:02:27Juniper, can I have a word?
00:02:28I can't downsize anymore.
00:02:34It's all hands on deck.
00:02:35We're all happy to pitch in, Paula.
00:02:37I know the pool seems shallow right now, but I am positive that there's still some fantastic
00:02:42undiscovered talent out there.
00:02:44I certainly hope so.
00:02:46Look, I know you've been swamped with administration the past few months, and it's not really the
00:02:50editor's job, but you've got the best eye here.
00:02:53I left a few prospects on your desk.
00:02:55Have a look.
00:02:56Yep.
00:02:57Happy to.
00:02:58You're a rock star, Juniper.
00:02:59Rock on.
00:03:05Dropping by after work with something special.
00:03:15I regret ever teaching you where to find the emojis, Mom.
00:03:22Okay.
00:03:25Hey, where's Dad?
00:03:40He's coming.
00:03:41Dad, are you coming?
00:03:42I'm coming.
00:03:43I told him I would help, but he would have none of it.
00:03:45Stop it.
00:03:46Okay, Mom, I really need this to be quick because I'm meeting Ethan for dinner tonight.
00:03:50I have a bunch of submissions from work to review.
00:03:52Oh, look what I found cleaning out the basement.
00:03:55Ta-da!
00:03:56What is it?
00:03:57Don't you recognize it?
00:03:59It's your wish box.
00:04:00Your time capsule from when you were eight.
00:04:03Don't you remember?
00:04:04I don't know.
00:04:05Vaguely, I guess.
00:04:06We thought you might want it since you've got a big birthday coming up.
00:04:11And you got me this instead of, I don't know, a blender or something I could actually use.
00:04:16It's a chance for you to reconnect with the dreams you had when you were a young girl.
00:04:22And why do I need to reconnect with them exactly?
00:04:24Is it because I'm not doing well in my life?
00:04:27In my career?
00:04:28It's just, it's...
00:04:30We can't remember the last time that we saw you...
00:04:32Smile.
00:04:33That old Junebug smile.
00:04:34And, you know, birthday parties used to make you smile and, you know, it's been a long
00:04:37time since you had one and we could help.
00:04:39Dad, I don't really have time for birthday parties, okay?
00:04:42I'm very busy and I really need to get dressed.
00:04:45Of course.
00:04:47We've got you for tonight, anyway.
00:04:49We're just dropping by.
00:04:50Yep, just dropping by.
00:04:51You know, I hear it when just one of you says it.
00:04:53Don't forget, you're coming for dinner tomorrow night.
00:04:55Dinner tomorrow night.
00:04:56Yep, dinner tomorrow night.
00:05:11So I'm getting the team ready for this tech symposium that we're doing and the managers
00:05:15just keep micromanaging our process development.
00:05:18They want market projections, sales projections, finance projections.
00:05:22Sounds like a lot of projection.
00:05:24Exactly.
00:05:25Okay, you two, something for dessert?
00:05:28Just the check.
00:05:29Oh, I'm...
00:05:30I'm sorry, did you want something?
00:05:31No, no, no, no.
00:05:32We don't normally bother with dessert.
00:05:33No, no, no, I changed my mind.
00:05:34Yeah.
00:05:35It's okay.
00:05:36Yeah.
00:05:37We'll take the check.
00:05:38Interesting.
00:05:39Yeah, just the check.
00:05:40Listen, I wanted to ask you a question.
00:05:44I know that in the past, I've sometimes gotten you the wrong thing for your birthday, so
00:05:47I thought I'd just tell you what I was planning on getting.
00:05:52A pen.
00:05:53A pen.
00:05:54Oh, a nice one.
00:05:56Every editor needs a quality pen, right, to mark up those manuscripts you work on?
00:05:59I gave you my heart and you gave me a pen.
00:06:02Hm?
00:06:03It's a quote from my favorite movie.
00:06:05Say anything?
00:06:06Lloyd Dobler, Diane Court.
00:06:09Oh, yeah, right, yeah, I think you showed me that one.
00:06:13Excuse me, madame.
00:06:15Yeah, I mean, I was thinking that writing is really more of a childhood dream anyway,
00:06:24and Paula was even saying that if I continue on this path, then eventually she'll bring
00:06:31me into...
00:06:32Hm?
00:06:33A pen would be lovely.
00:06:37Thank you, Ethan.
00:06:40So, what about a nightcap?
00:06:45I'm a little zapped.
00:06:46I had a long day at work, I still have a lot of files to get through.
00:06:49Okay, then, I'll just drive you home?
00:06:51You know, actually, I think I want to walk.
00:06:54It's still such a pretty night out.
00:06:56Well, I'll come with.
00:06:58It's okay, I'm not very far.
00:07:00Thank you so much for dinner.
00:07:02I'll call you tomorrow.
00:07:04He's giving you a pen?
00:07:06It's an early birthday surprise.
00:07:09Some surprise.
00:07:10And see, this, this right here, this is why you're my best friend, because you always
00:07:14know when I need an early birthday glass of pinot.
00:07:17See?
00:07:18There are advantages to having a best friend so close by.
00:07:21Plus, I had a full day of mothering twins, so I need this too.
00:07:26He's really giving you a pen?
00:07:28For your 40th birthday.
00:07:30He assured me it'd be a nice one.
00:07:32You know what that reminds me of?
00:07:34Lloyd.
00:07:35Dobbler.
00:07:36Let's do it!
00:07:38Okay.
00:07:46Where's the guy in my life holding up a boombox to serenade me?
00:07:50That's what I want to know.
00:07:52Maybe you could find a guy to hold up a phone?
00:07:56Not the same.
00:07:57Right, not the same.
00:08:08Okay.
00:08:27I wish everyone in my kingdom will be happy.
00:08:32Well, clearly not quite everyone.
00:08:38I want all my dreams to come true.
00:08:44I think we're batting above average there.
00:08:51I wish someday I will find my night.
00:09:08Hello!
00:09:33Hello!
00:09:38How did you get in here?
00:09:39You scared me.
00:09:40How are you here?
00:09:43Where are your parents?
00:09:45Exactly.
00:09:46I am you, and you are me.
00:09:48I've lost my mind.
00:09:49It's finally happened.
00:09:50No, you haven't.
00:09:52You were born June 17th, 1984.
00:09:55Your favorite ice cream flavor is raspberry swirl.
00:09:58Your mom made you take two years of figure skating until you fell and chipped your tip.
00:10:02That made you happy because it meant that you could read more books.
00:10:06I like to look up words in the dictionary you don't know and put a checkmark next to them.
00:10:10Okay, I get it.
00:10:11Oh, and you had a crush on...
00:10:12Okay, okay.
00:10:13I do not need to be reminded of ancient crushes.
00:10:17How is this possible?
00:10:19You seemed like you needed a little help, and here I am.
00:10:23Did my mom put you up to this?
00:10:26Is this, like, some kind of hidden camera show or something?
00:10:32You look exactly like me.
00:10:34She gave you my old pink overalls to wear?
00:10:36This is insane.
00:10:37I...
00:10:38I need you to go.
00:10:39I need you to go back wherever you came from because I have to go to work in the morning.
00:10:45Oh, goody.
00:10:46Let's pick out our outfit.
00:10:47No!
00:10:48We're not picking out an outfit.
00:10:49Stop right there.
00:10:50Look, I need you to go back to wherever you came from.
00:10:53Okay?
00:10:54We need some sleep.
00:10:55I can't get fired because I'm seeing little people.
00:10:59You don't want me here?
00:11:01No.
00:11:02Fine!
00:11:03Fine!
00:11:06Okay, look, I don't know who you are or where you came...
00:11:17You're perfectly fine.
00:11:18Yeah, things like this happen to people all the time.
00:11:21It's normal.
00:11:22In fact, you probably dreamed it.
00:11:24And dreams are a perfectly normal part of life.
00:11:27Oh, no.
00:11:28No, no, no, no, no.
00:11:30Apparently, my breakdown isn't over yet after all.
00:11:39I'm back!
00:11:40You're back.
00:11:41Those clothes are boring.
00:11:45Oh, thank you.
00:11:46A little fashion critic.
00:11:47This is exactly what I need.
00:11:48Okay, well then, by all means, what should I wear?
00:11:51That one.
00:11:52So bright.
00:11:53I can't wear this to work.
00:11:55This is a stupid impulse buy.
00:11:57I was just about to return it.
00:11:59Okay.
00:12:00Okay.
00:12:01Um...
00:12:02There.
00:12:03Happy?
00:12:04Good.
00:12:05What am I doing?
00:12:06Stay right there.
00:12:07Okay?
00:12:08Just...
00:12:09Don't move.
00:12:10Stay right there.
00:12:11Kate?
00:12:12Hi!
00:12:13I need you.
00:12:14Hurry!
00:12:15Come with me.
00:12:16Okay.
00:12:17Okay.
00:12:18This way.
00:12:19Where are we going?
00:12:20I don't know.
00:12:21I don't know.
00:12:22I don't know.
00:12:23I don't know.
00:12:24I don't know.
00:12:25I don't know.
00:12:26I don't know.
00:12:27I don't know.
00:12:28Where are we going?
00:12:29Right up there.
00:12:30Just right over here.
00:12:33Okay.
00:12:34Do you see what I see?
00:12:37Are you thinking about a wardrobe purge?
00:12:40I did it last month.
00:12:42I regret it bitterly.
00:12:43I've been meaning to go to the thrift store and buy all my stuff back.
00:12:46She can't see me because I'm you.
00:12:48It would be like double vision or something like that.
00:12:51What do you know about double vision?
00:12:53I didn't think you had that much strength last night.
00:12:56I didn't.
00:12:57I was just...
00:12:58Just get a coffee and you'll be just fine.
00:13:00Better get back.
00:13:01Twins have swimming.
00:13:02Love the scarf on you, by the way.
00:13:04Nothing wrong with a little splash of color.
00:13:06Why is this happening to me?
00:13:09I'm only eight.
00:13:10I don't know how stuff like this works.
00:13:12Believe me, I think you could be a hundred and still not know.
00:13:17I guess you gotta get back to your publishing job.
00:13:20You got all those meetings.
00:13:22How do you know all that?
00:13:24I told you.
00:13:25I'm you.
00:13:27You just young you.
00:13:29If you're really me, then you should know
00:13:31that I don't really have time for this right now.
00:13:45What's that?
00:13:46Is that one of our books?
00:13:47How did you get back there?
00:13:49I wanted to see what stories we've written.
00:13:51No, I mean, what's with the popping up and the disappearing all the time?
00:13:55I don't know.
00:13:56It's just fun.
00:13:59If that's our book, we sure didn't get famous.
00:14:06I actually did better than getting famous.
00:14:09I am the person who helps writers get published.
00:14:13So you're helping other people tell their stories?
00:14:18Yes, exactly.
00:14:19What about our stories?
00:14:21What about my Junebug stories?
00:14:24Okay, this might be hard to explain to a child,
00:14:28but when you're an adult, you have to make compromises and...
00:14:36Apparently you can get too in touch with your inner child.
00:14:51Hey, Americana's coming up.
00:14:53Yes.
00:14:54Are you okay?
00:14:56Oh, yeah, yeah.
00:14:57Why?
00:14:58You just look a little different, I guess.
00:15:00Well, yeah, I had dinner with my boyfriend last night,
00:15:03so I probably had too much fun.
00:15:06Thank you so much.
00:15:07Yeah, have a great day.
00:15:08Okay.
00:15:13I want to look!
00:15:16Oh, oh, oh, what are you doing?
00:15:18But it's so pretty!
00:15:20Well, I...
00:15:23Oh, no.
00:15:35If it isn't Miss Americano, the turn of events.
00:15:39I'm so sorry.
00:15:41It's okay.
00:15:42I'm so sorry.
00:15:44It's okay, it's okay.
00:15:45Things happen, okay?
00:15:47How can you say that?
00:15:48I just destroyed your mural.
00:15:50No, it's a sign.
00:15:51It wasn't right anyway.
00:15:52I was thinking about starting over, to be honest.
00:15:54You're being so nice about this.
00:15:56It'll be even better once I figure out
00:15:58what it's actually supposed to be.
00:16:00Um, I might have a way to make it up to you.
00:16:04Nothing to make up.
00:16:05Nope, nope, I think there is.
00:16:07So it just so happens that I work for Little Light Publishing,
00:16:11and we're looking for illustrators,
00:16:13for new and different illustrators.
00:16:15I think your work is... was beautiful,
00:16:18and you might be a perfect fit for us.
00:16:21I appreciate the interest, but no thanks.
00:16:25Oh.
00:16:27You sure?
00:16:28Yeah.
00:16:29Just gonna finish this mural and be on my way.
00:16:32That's what I do.
00:16:34Now, if you don't mind,
00:16:35I'm gonna get started with the cleanup here.
00:16:37Oh, sure, yeah, of course, yeah.
00:16:39Um, well, if you change your mind,
00:16:42I'm Juniper James,
00:16:43and I work for Little Light Publishing.
00:16:46You said, yeah.
00:16:47Okay.
00:16:48I got it.
00:16:49Yeah, sorry again.
00:16:51It's okay, it's okay.
00:16:52I like him, and his paintings are pretty.
00:16:55Well, I don't know what to think.
00:16:57Yeah, he's intriguing, that one.
00:17:00He's been working for over a month,
00:17:02and I still don't know his name.
00:17:04Huh.
00:17:05Really?
00:17:06Mm-hmm.
00:17:07Hey, do you see her?
00:17:12Do I see who?
00:17:14Nobody.
00:17:16I think I need another espresso.
00:17:18It's on the house.
00:17:20Yeah, and I'm gonna give you my cousin's email.
00:17:22He's a really great therapist.
00:17:24Have you heard of imago therapy?
00:17:42Kylie?
00:17:43Hey, can you help me find the right link here?
00:17:45Sure.
00:17:46It's right there.
00:17:50Wait, you're interested in Alex Ripley?
00:17:53You know him?
00:17:54I think I may have met him this morning.
00:17:57I was hoping we could bring him in as a new illustrator.
00:17:59He's an art world icon,
00:18:01and shot straight to the top.
00:18:03I was kind of sad, though.
00:18:04After his second exhibition,
00:18:05he was absolutely savaged by the critics.
00:18:08Hmm.
00:18:09Yeah, just brutal.
00:18:11He walked out of his own opening,
00:18:13and hasn't signed a piece of artwork since.
00:18:15Word on the street is, he's the muralist
00:18:18that's been popping up all around the city.
00:18:20Well, look, I don't even know if this guy is who you said he is,
00:18:23but I really liked his artwork.
00:18:25All I can say is,
00:18:27you found Alex Ripley?
00:18:29Nice play.
00:18:31I think we should have a quick meeting
00:18:33now that the Brennan book has fallen off the spring release list.
00:18:35Of course.
00:18:36Juniper may have stumbled across a new illustrator this morning.
00:18:40Really?
00:18:41Well, that's great.
00:18:42Show me their stuff.
00:18:44Sure.
00:18:45Well, actually, that's gonna be a little hard,
00:18:47because he's a muralist.
00:18:50A muralist?
00:18:51Oh, no.
00:18:52That's not gonna work.
00:18:53Why not?
00:18:54Someone who works on such a large scale like that?
00:18:56No, we need illustrators, miniaturists.
00:18:58Juniper, I'm sorry.
00:18:59I think you're barking up the wrong tree there.
00:19:01Excuse me, Paula.
00:19:02Can I just get one minute?
00:19:03One minute.
00:19:04Okay.
00:19:06One minute.
00:19:07Raise your hand.
00:19:10This is not a classroom.
00:19:11We don't need to raise our hand to speak.
00:19:13So just keep trying.
00:19:15It is not that easy.
00:19:16Why not?
00:19:17Wouldn't you tell me not to give up after just trying once?
00:19:20Well, yes, of course I would.
00:19:22Did you say something?
00:19:24Nothing.
00:19:25Okay.
00:19:30Do it or I'll scream.
00:19:32You will not.
00:19:35Actually, I do have something to say.
00:19:37Paula, I believe I've tracked down an artist who's really special,
00:19:40and I don't think it really matters whether he paints on walls or he draws on papers,
00:19:43because his work is incredibly compelling,
00:19:45and you said yourself that I have the best eye in this place,
00:19:48and so that is what I wanted to say.
00:19:51Okay, I shouldn't have shut you down.
00:19:53If you feel this passionate about his work, I'll take a look.
00:19:56Great.
00:19:57It's just one problem, which is that he doesn't really want to work with us.
00:20:01I'm sorry.
00:20:02You are offering me someone who not only has never illustrated,
00:20:05but he's not actually interested in the job.
00:20:07This is your solve?
00:20:08Yes.
00:20:09Well, best of luck with that.
00:20:10Okay.
00:20:13You do have the best eye in the place.
00:20:15Thank you, Rob.
00:20:17Okay, listen, my workplace has got to be off-limits for these visits.
00:20:20So let's do something else then.
00:20:22Ice cream!
00:20:23Ice cream?
00:20:24I can't go for ice cream in the middle of the morning.
00:20:26I'm a responsible adult with an important job,
00:20:29not to mention all the meetings I have.
00:20:31Just looks like homework for grown-ups.
00:20:33Ugh.
00:20:34I think you might have a point there.
00:20:35Let's go back and talk to that painter you like.
00:20:38I don't like him, okay?
00:20:41I just think he has talent and that it would be mutually beneficial
00:20:44for us to-
00:20:45Hey, where are you going?
00:20:47Come on.
00:20:48What?
00:20:49I-
00:20:51Aren't you coming?
00:20:55Juniper?
00:20:57My office.
00:20:58Coming.
00:21:02So what is this exactly, Mom?
00:21:04Or just a new recipe I've been meaning to try?
00:21:06Is that your code for,
00:21:07I just threw in everything I happen to have laying around the kitchen?
00:21:10Oh, Junebug.
00:21:11Mom.
00:21:12Juniper, I always have a plan.
00:21:13Don't you worry.
00:21:16Here.
00:21:18I loosened it.
00:21:20Can I ask you a question?
00:21:22Why did you and Mom give me that time capsule wish box thingy?
00:21:26I told you.
00:21:27Just found it cleaning out the basement.
00:21:29We thought it was cute.
00:21:30Yeah, very cute.
00:21:32So you weren't trying to send me a message?
00:21:35What kind of message would we be sending?
00:21:38Oh, I don't know.
00:21:39The, are you happy?
00:21:40Get your life together.
00:21:41Why aren't you living up to your dreams kind of message?
00:21:44No.
00:21:45No message, dear.
00:21:47Just thought it was cute.
00:21:48So cute.
00:21:50Oh, you were such a spitfire back then.
00:21:52Do you remember you started writing that novel and you were just eight?
00:21:56Yes, I do.
00:21:57It is one of the four novels I have started and never finished.
00:22:01You should wrap those up.
00:22:02Yeah, wrap it up.
00:22:03Oh my gosh, you guys, enough.
00:22:05I know you don't like Ethan.
00:22:06I know you think I should be doing something different with my life.
00:22:08But you know what?
00:22:09Not everybody gets to choose what they do for a living.
00:22:11And not everybody met the perfect person for them in 10th grade like the two of you.
00:22:15So.
00:22:20We like Ethan.
00:22:22His clothes are always so carefully chosen.
00:22:26Ties especially.
00:22:28That is hardly a compliment in the world of you two.
00:22:31I am going to set the table.
00:22:32Psst.
00:22:34Is that a place for me?
00:22:43I used to curl up right in that spot when I was pretending to be sick.
00:22:48Because I wanted to stay home from school to read.
00:22:51You should tell mom and dad I'm here.
00:22:53What?
00:22:55Are you joking?
00:22:56They would have me sent away.
00:22:59And you know what?
00:23:00Anyway, you heard dad.
00:23:03It was just something they found in the basement, okay?
00:23:06They didn't mean anything by it.
00:23:08I think they're fooling with you.
00:23:11You know, I think you might be right.
00:23:14Dinner's served.
00:23:17What are you doing in there, dear?
00:23:19Nothing.
00:23:21Let's eat.
00:23:30Oh, he's just such an interesting character.
00:23:34He's so confident.
00:23:36It's a little unnerving.
00:23:38You should be confident too.
00:23:40Well, it's not that easy, okay?
00:23:42You can't just be confident.
00:23:45It's something that grows in you over time.
00:23:49As you acquire life experiences and you surmount challenges.
00:23:56But I'm confident.
00:23:58Well, you are a child.
00:24:00An imaginary child.
00:24:02Not even a real one.
00:24:04I think.
00:24:06Do like daddy says.
00:24:08Just pretend you have confidence.
00:24:10And then, before you know it, you do have it.
00:24:12Huh.
00:24:16I think you might be right.
00:24:19Okay.
00:24:21Let's do this.
00:24:22Uh, hello.
00:24:24Hi.
00:24:25Not sure if you remember me.
00:24:27How could I forget you?
00:24:29I'm still really, really sorry about that.
00:24:32And you really, really need to stop apologizing.
00:24:34I wasn't satisfied with the work and you gave me the chance to take a second run at it.
00:24:38Okay, then I will stop apologizing.
00:24:41I'm Juniper.
00:24:42Juniper James.
00:24:44Yeah.
00:24:46I'm Juniper.
00:24:48Juniper.
00:24:50Juniper.
00:24:51Yeah, I remember.
00:24:53Oh, right.
00:24:55And you are?
00:24:57Not a fan of this weather.
00:24:59Yeah.
00:25:01Makes it impossible to paint.
00:25:03Well, look, I know I already talked to you about this, but I would really like you to consider trying a new way to get your art out there.
00:25:11Oh, I don't know.
00:25:13I like murals.
00:25:15I like to beautify the world.
00:25:18Do you sign them?
00:25:21I leave them unsigned because when people learn who did them, they start adding your story onto what you did.
00:25:29And is that bad?
00:25:31Well, it's when they care more about your story than the work.
00:25:33Well, that wouldn't be true with a picture book.
00:25:36The children wouldn't care.
00:25:38I like books.
00:25:40I do, but I'm going to stick with murals.
00:25:44Okay.
00:25:46No problem.
00:25:48Thanks so much for your time.
00:25:49Bye.
00:25:56Why are you leaving him there?
00:25:58You have to get him to come with you.
00:26:00You're so bossy.
00:26:02Look, you heard him.
00:26:04He's not interested.
00:26:06And I asked him twice.
00:26:08Listen to the voice inside.
00:26:10That tells you when things are important.
00:26:12Well, I thought that was you.
00:26:14So listen.
00:26:16Okay, I'll try one last thing.
00:26:17I don't know where to begin.
00:26:19But I just need to say that children's books are sacred.
00:26:21They are the bedrock of our imagination.
00:26:23They're where I first came alive as a kid.
00:26:25Where I first found humor and adventure and sheer joy.
00:26:29And they make us who we are and who we're going to become.
00:26:31And they are important.
00:26:34So, I think you're making a mistake.
00:26:39Bedrock of imagination, huh?
00:26:42I like that.
00:26:44You do?
00:26:45Oh, um.
00:26:47Then give me an hour.
00:26:49Just one hour, and then if you're still not interested,
00:26:51then I'll leave you be.
00:26:53One hour?
00:26:55One hour.
00:26:57Okay, fine.
00:26:59Because this light is breaking my heart.
00:27:01Here, give me a hand.
00:27:15Okay, so.
00:27:17We have some books that Little Light has published.
00:27:19And some classics.
00:27:21And a Caldecott award winner.
00:27:23What about you?
00:27:25What do you mean?
00:27:27I don't want to see the award winners.
00:27:29I want to see the book that means something to you.
00:27:31Only you.
00:27:35Okay.
00:27:37Stay right here.
00:27:39Don't move.
00:27:41I'll be back.
00:27:47A Princess Werewolf.
00:27:49Wow.
00:27:51Wow.
00:27:53Wow.
00:27:55Wow.
00:27:57Wow.
00:27:59Wow.
00:28:01Wow.
00:28:03Wow.
00:28:05Wow.
00:28:07Wow.
00:28:09Wow.
00:28:11Wow.
00:28:13So this is your favorite book growing up?
00:28:15My absolute favorite.
00:28:17What did you love most about it?
00:28:19I think how the princess works together with the knight to reclaim the kingdom.
00:28:25It was just very inspiring.
00:28:27I mean, every eight-year-old wishes she could rule benevolently over her own kingdom, right?
00:28:35I can see why you loved it.
00:28:37But your face right now, looking at the images.
00:28:41That is why you should share your work in picture books.
00:28:45Just think of all the little kids reading your book.
00:28:49Their faces lighting up the way yours just did.
00:28:52Are you implying that I have the mentality of an eight-year-old?
00:28:55Look, at the very least, you could take a meeting and then decide, right?
00:29:00What do you have to lose?
00:29:02Okay.
00:29:04Well, we need your library card to take it out.
00:29:07Because I don't have one.
00:29:09All set.
00:29:11Okay.
00:29:19Here you go.
00:29:22You're welcome.
00:29:24So you said this book inspired you back there.
00:29:26Is that what got you into publishing?
00:29:28Yes.
00:29:29Well, kind of.
00:29:31When I was a little kid, I wanted to be a writer.
00:29:33I mean, what book smart little girl doesn't?
00:29:35But publishing, that came later.
00:29:37All I heard is little Juniper wanted to be a writer.
00:29:41Junebug.
00:29:43And, yeah, I think most little kids think they know what their life is going to be like.
00:29:48But it doesn't always work out that way.
00:29:50That's why we have professions other than astronaut, movie star, and firefighter.
00:29:55Right?
00:29:57Maybe that eight-year-old knew something.
00:29:59Well, she certainly is headstrong.
00:30:01Was.
00:30:03Was headstrong.
00:30:05You should tell me some of her ideas.
00:30:07I'd love to hear them.
00:30:09No, they're nonsense.
00:30:10They're the ideas of an eight-year-old.
00:30:12Isn't that who we're talking about making a book for?
00:30:14Eight-year-olds?
00:30:16Are we?
00:30:18Are we talking about making a book?
00:30:20I tell you what.
00:30:22You tell me some of those ideas, and I'll consider taking the meeting.
00:30:25No, I can't even remember them.
00:30:27Oh, I don't believe you.
00:30:29Because I can see your eyes light up every time you talk about writing.
00:30:32You see the passion?
00:30:34Okay, that's cute.
00:30:36You're using my technique back on me.
00:30:38Because we see the same things.
00:30:40Yes.
00:30:44I don't even know your name.
00:30:46Alex.
00:30:48Alex Ripley.
00:30:50Hi.
00:30:54Anyway, so.
00:30:56We have a deal?
00:30:58Sure, yes.
00:31:00I will try to remember my ideas.
00:31:02Okay.
00:31:04Here.
00:31:06Let me give you my number.
00:31:08Okay.
00:31:10Give me a call.
00:31:12When you're ready to talk.
00:31:14Okay.
00:31:16There you go.
00:31:20Oh wait, I think this one's yours.
00:31:22Yeah, okay, definitely.
00:31:24There you go.
00:31:28Yeah.
00:31:30You coming?
00:31:33Yeah.
00:31:40Okay.
00:32:10You found my stories.
00:32:14I did.
00:32:22Not bad for an eight-year-old.
00:32:26Not bad for yourself.
00:32:27I hate waking up so early.
00:32:33Me too.
00:32:43Past-tonight again?
00:32:45Yeah.
00:32:47I don't know.
00:32:49I don't know.
00:32:51I don't know.
00:32:53I don't know.
00:32:55I don't know.
00:32:57Yeah, pasta nights are great.
00:32:59Once a week, Ethan and I indulge ourselves with a nice pasta dinner that we make together.
00:33:12Why do we eat the same dinner every week?
00:33:15I don't know.
00:33:17Because it's easier?
00:33:21Boring.
00:33:23It's not boring.
00:33:25It's fun.
00:33:27How is it fun to do the same thing over and over again?
00:33:32Remember how Mommy used to say, no such thing as being bored, just being boring?
00:33:38Please don't quote Mom back at me.
00:33:40And anyway, Ethan is not boring.
00:33:43He is stable.
00:33:45That's what he is.
00:33:47He's extremely stable.
00:33:51We are not boring.
00:33:53I'll prove it.
00:33:55Hi.
00:33:56Hey you, everything okay?
00:33:58Yeah, I was just thinking maybe we could try something different for dinner tonight.
00:34:06Oh, not pasta then?
00:34:08No, we could still have pasta, but what about a different type of pasta?
00:34:13Not pasta, sort of the same?
00:34:15I just want to try something different.
00:34:18For sure.
00:34:20What kind would you like?
00:34:22I don't know, surprise me.
00:34:24Okay, gotta go.
00:34:26Not one word.
00:34:41Now I know you said you wanted to try something new, but honestly babe, I looked at all the different boxes and I just thought, if it ain't broke, why fix it?
00:34:49So I just got us penne as usual.
00:34:52I can go back and get something else.
00:34:56No, it's fine.
00:34:58What's all this?
00:35:00Dessert.
00:35:02I got an amaretti and sultana cheesecake and I got some ice cream.
00:35:08Raspberry swirl for fun.
00:35:10Is everything okay?
00:35:12Did something happen at work today?
00:35:15You didn't get fired, did you?
00:35:17What?
00:35:19Why would you think I got fired?
00:35:20Why would you think I got fired?
00:35:22I don't know, you've just been acting odd lately.
00:35:29Ethan, I think we need to go sit down.
00:35:35Ethan, what do you see in the future for us?
00:35:39The future?
00:35:41I don't know, I hadn't really given it much thought, truthfully.
00:35:45I like our little routines.
00:35:48I don't understand where this is coming from.
00:35:50Okay, look.
00:35:52If you could spend time with your eight-year-old self,
00:35:55do you think he would be happy with where you are today?
00:35:58Well, when I was eight, I wanted to be a pilot and travel the world.
00:36:01So, probably not.
00:36:03I think you would have made a great pilot.
00:36:05And you should, you should travel the world.
00:36:08That's kid stuff.
00:36:10I couldn't have known anything about real life when I was eight years old.
00:36:13I think you might have known a lot more than you think.
00:36:17And maybe I did too.
00:36:20All I know is that I don't want to end up with a bunch of regrets.
00:36:26And you're saying being with me might be one of those regrets?
00:36:30Sorry, Ethan.
00:36:50Are you sad?
00:36:52I don't know. I'm a little stunned.
00:36:55Three years, that's a long time.
00:36:59We had a nice thing going sometimes.
00:37:01I don't know.
00:37:03Just felt like the right thing to do.
00:37:05You know I'm just a kid, right?
00:37:07I don't understand any of this stuff.
00:37:11Junebug, you don't seem like a kid sometimes.
00:37:15Mommy always says we're like eight going on 30.
00:37:18Yes, well, we're past 30 now.
00:37:21You think that's funny, do you?
00:37:30Junebug!
00:37:32You home?
00:37:37It's Saturday and you're sleeping in?
00:37:40What gives?
00:37:42I thought I was doing a pretty good job of it.
00:37:44Is everything okay?
00:37:46You haven't answered any of my texts?
00:37:47Ethan and I broke up last night.
00:37:49Really?
00:37:51Was it the pen?
00:37:53It was kind of the pen, yeah.
00:37:55No, I just think it was time.
00:37:57Wait a second.
00:37:59You've met somebody?
00:38:01I can see it from your eyes.
00:38:03No, I...
00:38:05I mean, I met this new illustrator I'm really excited about, if that's what you mean.
00:38:09Yeah, you like his work.
00:38:11Really excited about his illustrations, I'm sure.
00:38:13I'm sorry you ended things with Ethan, that must have been really hard.
00:38:17Yeah, it was.
00:38:20Thank you for being there for me.
00:38:23For basically my entire life.
00:38:27Katie did.
00:38:29Katie did.
00:38:31Oh, I can't believe you remembered that.
00:38:34You hated our little kid nicknames once we got to high school.
00:38:37Well, yeah, because who wants to be nicknamed after bugs?
00:38:41You're the ones who made them up.
00:38:43Remember, you wrote a little story about us as bugs, Junebug, and Katie did forever?
00:38:48Oh, I can't...
00:39:13Oh, yeah, it's happening.
00:39:15Besides, you owe me.
00:39:17I kind of do.
00:39:19Yeah.
00:39:21Have a seat.
00:39:23Oh, thank you.
00:39:25You're welcome.
00:39:27You're welcome.
00:39:29You're welcome.
00:39:31You're welcome.
00:39:33You're welcome.
00:39:35Oh, yeah, it's happening.
00:39:37Besides, you owe me.
00:39:39I kind of do.
00:39:41Yeah, have a seat.
00:39:43All right.
00:39:45What if I mess it up again?
00:39:47You're not going to mess it up.
00:39:49Do the background.
00:39:51I'll handle the detail work.
00:39:53I'm going to use an acrylics, but you have to move fast.
00:39:55This is what painters call open time, because paints are still wet.
00:39:57You can still mix them.
00:39:59Open time.
00:40:01All right.
00:40:03I kind of like that.
00:40:10This is pretty fun.
00:40:11I haven't really done anything like this since I was a kid.
00:40:14A huge part of creativity is connecting with that kid part of yourself.
00:40:17Can I ask you something?
00:40:19Why are you here?
00:40:21What do you mean?
00:40:23Well, you achieved unprecedented success.
00:40:25I've done my homework on you.
00:40:27I don't see it that way.
00:40:29What I mean is it seems like you could be in Barcelona or Lucerne or Kyoto,
00:40:33and you're right here in Seattle.
00:40:35Why?
00:40:37Easy.
00:40:39We grew up not far from here.
00:40:41Part of keeping the work fresh is reconnecting with where you came from,
00:40:44what your story is.
00:40:46Yeah, I think that could be my problem.
00:40:48Sort of lost who I was the last few years.
00:40:51It's one of my biggest regrets right now.
00:40:53I don't believe in regrets.
00:40:55But if I had any, it would be not finishing what I started.
00:40:59I can relate to that.
00:41:01I've started writing so many times, and it's always the same.
00:41:04I get spooked and never finish.
00:41:07It doesn't sound worthy of regret.
00:41:09It just sounds worthy of finishing.
00:41:11What about your story idea?
00:41:13I've got notions and ideas, but nothing solid, really.
00:41:17Well, we have a deal.
00:41:19No story.
00:41:21No meeting.
00:41:23But I continue with so many amazing writers.
00:41:25I've already found who I want to collaborate with.
00:41:41Actually, I think I do have an idea.
00:41:44Okay.
00:41:46Well, you have my number, so text me some times for a meeting.
00:41:49Okay.
00:41:51For real this time.
00:41:53You got it.
00:41:55Alright, I should get back so I can get my stuff.
00:41:57Yeah, thanks for the help.
00:41:59Yeah.
00:42:06Alex and Juniper sitting in a tree.
00:42:09K-I-S-S-I-N-G.
00:42:11Pitch.
00:42:13Well, at least now you know his name.
00:42:15First comes love, then comes merit.
00:42:32You're unhappy.
00:42:34I just don't know what I'm going to tell Alex tomorrow.
00:42:36He expects me to have a story to pitch,
00:42:38and I just don't want to let him down.
00:42:40You won't.
00:42:42He likes you.
00:42:44I need to get some sleep.
00:42:46Yeah, we're way past our bedtimes.
00:42:48Yes, we are.
00:42:55Whoa, you cleaned up.
00:42:57Feels like the first day of school.
00:42:59I hated the first day of school.
00:43:01Well, it won't be that bad, I hope.
00:43:03I've got to be able to pee.
00:43:05Wait, don't you dare.
00:43:06No, we're in this together.
00:43:10So, I think you should just think of this
00:43:13as talking to someone who admires your work.
00:43:15If Paula came by and saw the mural,
00:43:17you would just talk to her, right?
00:43:19Okay, all right, fine.
00:43:21What's that?
00:43:23Um, nothing.
00:43:25Ready to go in?
00:43:27Wait, hold on.
00:43:29What's our story here?
00:43:31What are we telling her?
00:43:33Okay, so I wanted to talk to you about that.
00:43:35I'm really struggling with the writing.
00:43:37So, we need to go in there
00:43:39and ask Paula to pair you with a real writer.
00:43:41I'll still be your editor,
00:43:43so we will have a very creative relationship.
00:43:45But this is really the best decision.
00:43:47No.
00:43:48What?
00:43:50No, didn't you just say we're in this together?
00:43:52You're the writer, I'm the artist,
00:43:54and that's what we're going to tell your boss.
00:43:56Come on.
00:43:58But, Alex, Alex.
00:44:00It's very impressive.
00:44:02You have a distinctive style,
00:44:03which we're always on the lookout for
00:44:05in new illustrators.
00:44:07It's a great portfolio.
00:44:09Yeah, I didn't compile it.
00:44:11What do you mean?
00:44:13Well, I put it together, Paula.
00:44:15There are pictures of his work
00:44:17all over the internet,
00:44:19and people really love it.
00:44:21That's funny.
00:44:23I've always resisted having a portfolio.
00:44:25You'll make a great addition to our team.
00:44:27Okay?
00:44:29Yeah.
00:44:31So, the next stage is to
00:44:33find an author to team you up with,
00:44:35which Little Light is small,
00:44:37but we are a highly thought-of
00:44:39children's book publisher,
00:44:41so I'm sure it won't be a problem.
00:44:43Oh, well, I've already found
00:44:45who I want to work with.
00:44:47You have?
00:44:49Was it someone I'd know?
00:44:51It's me, Paula.
00:44:53I'm sorry?
00:44:55I'm going to be writing the text.
00:44:57Yeah, I wouldn't even be here
00:44:59if it wasn't for Juniper.
00:45:01She has a real passion
00:45:03for a book I think you would find exciting.
00:45:05Great!
00:45:07Hit me.
00:45:09Well, we're not exactly
00:45:11ready to present it yet,
00:45:13but she told me many great things about you,
00:45:15so I really wanted to meet.
00:45:17I see.
00:45:19It's very nice Juniper said those things.
00:45:21She's a very talented editor,
00:45:23but writing a book
00:45:25is a whole other kettle of fish,
00:45:27so I'm going to have to give this
00:45:29some more thought.
00:45:31It's the first time an employee's
00:45:33book has been published.
00:45:35Yes, I have a new fire to deal with here.
00:45:37So, Alex, you're very talented,
00:45:39and Juniper, you just let me know
00:45:41when you are ready
00:45:43to take it to the next stage.
00:45:45Okay, great.
00:45:47Well, off you go.
00:45:51Of course, yes, always.
00:45:53Got you.
00:45:55I got you.
00:45:59I thought it went well.
00:46:01I liked her more than I expected to.
00:46:03I'm just not ready as a writer.
00:46:05I am not ready as a human being.
00:46:07Breathe, breathe.
00:46:09It's going to be okay.
00:46:13What's the absolute worst that could happen?
00:46:15Well, Paula will resent
00:46:17that I put myself forward as writer.
00:46:19Our entire relationship will be soured.
00:46:21Eventually, she'll start to question
00:46:23all of my work.
00:46:25Before I know it, she'll fire me,
00:46:27and I won't be able to pay my rent.
00:46:29Then I'll have to move in with my parents.
00:46:31And then, when I'm living in my parents' basement,
00:46:33they're going to have to remove
00:46:35a very crazy imagination.
00:46:37I do.
00:46:42Okay, that was a total Lloyd Dobler move.
00:46:45I gave up my boombox
00:46:47and Peter Gabriel tapes a long time ago.
00:46:49Stop it.
00:46:51You don't say anything.
00:46:53Of course, yeah.
00:46:55Yeah, it's classic.
00:47:01Anyway, I have a commission.
00:47:03I've got to get back.
00:47:09So, where should we start?
00:47:12Let's start tonight at 8 at the cafe.
00:47:14We'll go over some stuff.
00:47:16Okay.
00:47:20Anyway, see you tonight?
00:47:22Um, just, yeah.
00:47:24That way.
00:47:30Hi, Mom.
00:47:31What a surprise.
00:47:33To what do I owe this honor?
00:47:35Oh, I don't know.
00:47:37You and Dad are always so sweet about keeping in touch.
00:47:39I just kind of thought it was my turn.
00:47:41And look.
00:47:43Groceries.
00:47:45Oh, thank you so much, dear.
00:47:47Dad, Juniper's here.
00:47:49Building a house for the birds, Dad?
00:47:51Yep, just got to put a coat of paint on this thing.
00:47:53Well, I could help with that.
00:47:55I just had my first painting lesson.
00:47:57Kind of.
00:47:59Anyway, I wanted to let you know
00:48:01that I'm going to be submitting a project
00:48:03to Little Light.
00:48:05Oh, that's wonderful, dear.
00:48:07You're such a good editor.
00:48:09Oh, I'm actually going to be the writer on this one.
00:48:11Yeah.
00:48:13I mean, there's no guarantees
00:48:15because we have absolutely no track record,
00:48:17but Paula really loves Alex's artwork.
00:48:19Alex is the muralist I told you about?
00:48:21I don't think you did.
00:48:23No?
00:48:25Oh, well, I met him down in Capitol Hill
00:48:27working on a mural,
00:48:29and we just decided to give this thing a go.
00:48:31So your dad and I were wondering
00:48:33about the possibility
00:48:35of having a little party
00:48:37for your birthday
00:48:39towards the end of the month.
00:48:41Just friends and family, nothing too...
00:48:43Maybe.
00:48:45Really?
00:48:47Sure.
00:48:49Well, you can let us know,
00:48:51and you can invite this Alex
00:48:53and Ethan, of course.
00:48:55Of course.
00:48:57Ethan and I broke up.
00:48:59I got to run. Love you.
00:49:01Our heroine is a young girl.
00:49:03She's imaginative, spirited,
00:49:05occasionally exasperating.
00:49:07I bet that probably described you.
00:49:09Well, actually,
00:49:11I found some visual inspiration for us.
00:49:13And I think she's a little girl
00:49:17a lot like this.
00:49:19Ah, you liked it.
00:49:21I did.
00:49:23And I think that's exactly
00:49:25what she should look like.
00:49:27I love it.
00:49:29You do?
00:49:30So we're doing this.
00:49:32We're really doing this.
00:49:34Yeah, we are.
00:49:36You know you're going to have
00:49:38to put your name on this, right?
00:49:40Because Paula won't publish a book
00:49:42that doesn't credit the illustrator.
00:49:45I think that
00:49:47I would be more than okay
00:49:49to put my name on this.
00:49:50I have two coffees for you.
00:49:52Thanks, Micah.
00:49:54We're not going to be too much longer.
00:49:56No.
00:49:58Take your time.
00:50:20I love you.
00:50:22I love you.
00:50:24I love you.
00:50:26I love you.
00:50:28I love you.
00:50:30I love you.
00:50:32I love you.
00:50:34I love you.
00:50:36I love you.
00:50:38I love you.
00:50:40I love you.
00:50:42I love you.
00:50:44I love you.
00:50:46I love you.
00:50:48I love you.
00:50:51I love you.
00:50:53I love you.
00:50:56I like your dance.
00:50:59You'll never guess what just happened.
00:51:01I know.
00:51:02I know it all.
00:51:05Of course you do.
00:51:08You haven't been around
00:51:09as much lately.
00:51:12You know why.
00:51:17I haven't needed you.
00:51:20You know it's bad when you can count the amount of sleep you've gotten in minutes instead
00:51:34of hours.
00:51:35But I guess that's the life when you're the mother of twins.
00:51:39You can hide out here all day if you want.
00:51:42No.
00:51:43I should get back soon or else chaos will erupt again.
00:51:46You ever wonder how you manage to end up where you are?
00:51:49Yeah, I hear you.
00:51:50I guess I'm just shocked at how I managed to make one little compromise after another
00:51:56until suddenly I don't even remember who I was anymore.
00:51:59They have a word for that, you know.
00:52:01Which is?
00:52:02Adulting.
00:52:03That is a terrible word.
00:52:05And an even worse concept.
00:52:08I guess I'm happy I'm writing again, but I forgot how hard it was.
00:52:12I'm totally stuck.
00:52:13Yeah, I get it.
00:52:15I mean, I love my kids.
00:52:16They're all I've ever wanted in my whole life.
00:52:18But sometimes I just wish I could get a vacation or even just a day or two.
00:52:24Yeah.
00:52:25Just a day or two.
00:52:27What are you thinking?
00:52:28Nothing.
00:52:29I've got to make a call.
00:52:30Yeah.
00:52:31Back to real life.
00:52:32Okay.
00:52:33Love you.
00:52:34Love you.
00:52:35Morning.
00:52:36Americano?
00:52:37It's Wednesday.
00:52:38Yes.
00:52:39All day.
00:52:40He goes to the art supply store on Wednesday.
00:52:47Otherwise the paints dry up and become hard to work with.
00:52:49Or at least that's what he mentioned last week.
00:52:57Can I get another one of these?
00:53:05Rocket fuel for the day?
00:53:07Hey, you.
00:53:09That was nice of you.
00:53:11I have something for you.
00:53:13Are those the...
00:53:15The finished drawings.
00:53:16I sent them to your email so you could download the digital version, but I thought you might
00:53:20want the real thing.
00:53:21Can't wait to see them.
00:53:23Just drew it was in my head because of what you wrote.
00:53:25Neat.
00:53:26So, how are the rest of the words coming?
00:53:28Honestly, I'm a little stuck.
00:53:31Could use some inspiration.
00:53:36Road trip?
00:53:39Wow.
00:53:40Is that yours?
00:53:41That's a classic.
00:53:43I know.
00:53:45Not exactly what I had in mind for you.
00:53:47Well, Mr. Ripley, I have hidden depths.
00:53:50Shall we?
00:53:51You have a boss.
00:53:52What about work?
00:53:53I already called Paula.
00:53:54Even she thinks I need a vacation.
00:53:56Don't worry, Mike.
00:53:57I can watch your stuff.
00:53:59Coming?
00:54:00Coming.
00:54:13I recognized this area from when I was a kid.
00:54:17Did you ever come here with your parents?
00:54:19No, I don't think so.
00:54:22You should take the next turn off.
00:54:24Trust me.
00:54:26It's what you're looking for.
00:54:29I trust you.
00:54:43This is exactly what I needed.
00:54:46Me too.
00:54:47It's nice not to be staring at a brick wall for a while.
00:54:50Yeah, I thought getting out on the road might spark some ideas.
00:54:53Yeah, it seems like you're winning that fight.
00:54:56You're doing the book.
00:54:57Well, that's thanks to you.
00:55:00And to this friend.
00:55:02She came along and reminded me of a friend.
00:55:06Oh, yeah?
00:55:07Yeah.
00:55:08She's a great writer.
00:55:09She's a great writer.
00:55:10And to this friend.
00:55:11She came along and reminded me of all of my childhood passions.
00:55:15So now you're gobbling down pop rocks any chance you get?
00:55:18Okay, okay.
00:55:19So maybe not all my childhood passions.
00:55:23No, I think she just helped me remember that writing can be play.
00:55:28That I don't have to think about the logistics and the marketing and the analytics.
00:55:33That I can just write something.
00:55:36Anything.
00:55:37Anything at all.
00:55:39Something similar happened to me.
00:55:41Yeah?
00:55:42Yeah.
00:55:43I had my first gallery show.
00:55:45Actually, my first show anyway, really.
00:55:47And it went great.
00:55:49It did.
00:55:51But when it came time for the second, I guess there were resentments.
00:55:56And people were not kind.
00:56:00And just like that, all my passion for painting was gone.
00:56:04Literally in a single night.
00:56:06I guess I was naive.
00:56:08But it really crushed me.
00:56:11I didn't want to be a part of that world anymore.
00:56:14Yeah.
00:56:16And now you're stuck here with me.
00:56:21I am suffering for my art.
00:56:22Oh, yes, clearly.
00:56:27You can see a little juniper down there.
00:56:32Wait, what?
00:56:33You can?
00:56:34Yeah.
00:56:35Running around.
00:56:36Getting the sunlight on your face.
00:56:40Dreaming about all the books you're going to write someday.
00:56:46Come on, let's go check out the top.
00:57:06Everything okay?
00:57:08Yeah.
00:57:09It's just ironic to be talking about the past.
00:57:12It's a text from my old art dealer.
00:57:14Yeah?
00:57:15Yeah.
00:57:16She has interest from the Venice Biennial to exhibit some of my pieces.
00:57:19But I'll pass.
00:57:22Hold on.
00:57:23You're going to pass on going to Venice?
00:57:27Uh-huh.
00:57:30Will they pay some of your expenses?
00:57:33Sure.
00:57:34Yeah, but I just don't feel connected to that work of yours.
00:57:37I feel false to put my name on it.
00:57:41Oh, dear.
00:57:43It's not phase four.
00:57:45Okay, fine.
00:57:46By turning down the chance to exhibit that work, you are pretending you don't have a past.
00:57:51Instead of just reckoning with it.
00:57:53If you come with me, I'll say yes.
00:57:55How's that sound?
00:57:56Why?
00:57:57Simple.
00:57:58Because this can't possibly be your only vacation.
00:58:05What?
00:58:14You're going to have to eat that quick or you're going to ice cream your fingers.
00:58:17Oh, you seriously do not have to worry about that.
00:58:19You're pretty excited about that raspberry swirl, but I will say, interesting choice of toppings.
00:58:24I'm an extra cookie crumbs kind of gal.
00:58:29You know, I could see myself living in a place like this someday.
00:58:34Jinx, you owe me a Coke.
00:58:40Come on, come on. This place is awesome.
00:58:44You know, if you want to go in there, you're going to have to finish your ice cream.
00:58:47You do not have to worry about that.
00:58:49All right.
00:58:50I got that.
00:58:51Let's go.
00:58:52I got that covered.
00:58:53Okay.
00:58:59I like this one. Buy this one.
00:59:03No.
00:59:05But maybe this one.
00:59:09Oh, that is one of my favorites.
00:59:13You know what I think will fall really nicely on you?
00:59:15I think I have the perfect something something for that.
00:59:18Okay.
00:59:21What do you think?
00:59:32Excuse me.
00:59:33I came in with someone. Did she leave her?
00:59:36No, she's right over.
00:59:38I'm right here.
00:59:41You look incredible.
00:59:47No, I mean incredible.
00:59:50Thank you again.
00:59:51Here.
00:59:52What do you think?
00:59:56I love it.
00:59:57I'll take both of them.
00:59:58Thank you, Roz, for all your help.
01:00:01Okay.
01:00:02I'll go get changed and then we can get back on the road.
01:00:04Oh, no.
01:00:05If you dress like that, we're going to dinner.
01:00:07Excuse me.
01:00:08What's the nicest restaurant in town?
01:00:10I would definitely say The Lookout.
01:00:12Great wine list.
01:00:13It's beautiful.
01:00:14Right on the water, too.
01:00:18You're an inspiration.
01:00:20Do you do the same for me?
01:00:23I have the perfect thing.
01:00:25Okay.
01:00:28Wow.
01:00:31Wow.
01:00:38You make me feel self-conscious.
01:00:39Aww.
01:00:40At least I was able to pick up this cool jacket.
01:00:42Trying to pull off my best James Dean hair.
01:00:44Oh, yeah.
01:00:45Yeah.
01:00:46Oh, I honestly can't tell the difference.
01:00:48Ah, you flatter.
01:00:53This feels really good.
01:00:57So much in my life has changed.
01:00:59I think I really needed this.
01:01:01Oh, and I think I have the title for our book.
01:01:05Oh, yeah?
01:01:06It's pretty simple, actually.
01:01:09Junebug.
01:01:11Junebug?
01:01:14It's perfect.
01:01:15It's a lot easier to be creative when you shake up your routine.
01:01:18Yeah, seriously.
01:01:20I spent the last five years never living in the same city for more than a few weeks.
01:01:24It's hard to have a healthy relationship.
01:01:27You can only live your life like that for so long,
01:01:29and I feel like that part of my life is ending.
01:01:33Alex, you don't have to say that.
01:01:37I'm saying it because it's true.
01:01:55I love you.
01:01:56I love you.
01:01:57I love you.
01:01:58I love you.
01:01:59I love you.
01:02:00I love you.
01:02:01I love you.
01:02:02I love you.
01:02:03I love you.
01:02:04I love you.
01:02:05I love you.
01:02:06I love you.
01:02:07I love you.
01:02:08I love you.
01:02:09I love you.
01:02:10I love you.
01:02:11I love you.
01:02:12I love you.
01:02:13I love you.
01:02:14I love you.
01:02:15I love you.
01:02:16I love you.
01:02:17I love you.
01:02:18I love you.
01:02:19I love you.
01:02:20I love you.
01:02:21I love you.
01:02:22I love you.
01:02:23I love you.
01:02:25I love you.
01:02:27I love you.
01:02:29I love you.
01:02:31I love you.
01:02:40Well, thanks for taking me on your little vacation.
01:02:44And you're nearby?
01:02:46Yeah.
01:02:47Yeah, I'm at a studio over there.
01:02:50going? That's funny. It's a lot of fun.
01:03:03Okay, all right. I meant to tell you I have just a few
01:03:09details left on the mural and I'll finish it tomorrow. I'd love you to come by and
01:03:15see it. Yeah, I'd love that. Great. I'll text me. Yeah, I'll text her. I'll text
01:03:22you. Yeah, or you can, we can just exchange texts. Great. Okay.
01:03:31Good night.
01:04:15Juniper. Hey, Ethan. How are you? I'm doing good. You? It's really good to hear. I'm
01:04:32doing well too. Well, I'm glad we ran into each other. You know, I had something I wanted
01:04:36to tell you. I signed up for my first flying lesson next week. Wow. That's amazing. What
01:04:43about you? You look, uh, you look different. I guess I am. I'm writing. That's fantastic.
01:04:51Well, I guess I should still give you that birthday pen. Oh, that's very sweet, but I'm
01:04:55totally unnecessary. No, I want to. I want to thank you. You know, when you broke up
01:05:00with me, well, to be honest, it was hard, but it was the right thing for both of us.
01:05:08I really, really appreciate you saying that, Ethan. Nice to see you.
01:05:13So did you have a good day off?
01:05:42I did. Thank you. I hope I didn't leave you in the lurch. No, no, we survived. You know,
01:05:47Kylie stepped up, took over some of your meetings. Okay. Glad to hear it. Do you think you could
01:05:52bring Alex by maybe end of day? We could have a meeting all of us. Sure. I was going to
01:05:56pop out and see the unveiling of his mural. So I'll just grab him then. Perfect. Okay.
01:06:00Wait, wait, wait, wait. Let's do this right. Keep your eyes closed. Okay. Here we go. Drum
01:06:15roll, please. Drum roll, please. Oh, I'm really more of a reader than a musician. You'd be
01:06:24more of a writer. What do you think? Oh, so beautiful. Wait, I don't understand. You could
01:06:37see her? Who? Junebug. I told you that was my vision of Junebug from around the beach.
01:06:46I thought I was the only one who could see her. I guess this means my eight year old
01:06:56self approves of you. I'm not sure what that means, but I'm happy about it.
01:07:10Hey, are you free later this afternoon? No, I'm finished with this. I'm a man of leisure.
01:07:16At least for a few days anyway. Good. Paula wants to have a meeting with us. I look forward to it.
01:07:37I wanted to meet with you in person because I like and respect you both,
01:07:42but we are not going to move forward with this project. That's too bad. Can you
01:07:50tell me why? Of course. Juniper, it's a lovely story, but we're a small boutique firm and this
01:07:58would be a risk for us. It's a risk I just can't take right now. And Alex, it's more than evident
01:08:05you're talented, but the worry I voiced to Juniper is still there. The scale of your drawings feels
01:08:13off. You're still thinking in terms of painting large walls instead of the delicacy of book
01:08:19illustrations. Maybe if you had stayed with your gallery work, it would be less of a problem.
01:08:25Maybe. Well, thank you very much for considering it. Of course.
01:08:38Hey.
01:08:41What's happening again? No, Alex, it isn't. This is not why I make my work,
01:08:46to have somebody tell me what market it's right for? Look, that's just how she talks,
01:08:50okay? It doesn't mean anything. It doesn't mean we can't take our book someplace else.
01:08:55I was happy doing my work. All right, now I'm back in the place that I hated.
01:08:58Don't, okay? Alex, don't do this. I gotta go.
01:09:09Why is he going? I don't want him to go.
01:09:12Don't let him go. Well, I wish you would just go.
01:09:15Fine, so I will.
01:09:31Come in, Katie did. What exactly is going on here? Well, at the moment, I am making a rose
01:09:39float. Thing is that it's supposed to be made with sorbet, which I do not have, but you know what I
01:09:43do have is so much raspberry swirl ice cream. Yeah, that's not how you make a float. So I'm
01:09:48gonna take this away now, so you're not eight years old anymore. No, but those eight-year-olds
01:09:54are still very much a part of us. Okay, what's going on? I can't even really begin to tell you,
01:10:00so let's just say that every dream I ever thought I had seemed to somehow magically
01:10:06vanish into thin air today. Dreams seem like magic, but they're actually the hardest work.
01:10:12You're ever gonna stand a chance of having them come true. Who said that? You did. She said that
01:10:17to me in high school, and I remembered it when I wanted to drop out of college, when I couldn't
01:10:23find a job afterward, when Ryan and I had trouble getting pregnant with the twins. Okay, I get it.
01:10:28You're the hardest working person I know, Junebug. Why would you give that up now, no matter what's
01:10:34going on? Thank you. Come here. What did I do to deserve you? You pushed our math together
01:10:48at kindergarten nap time. People really underestimate the importance of that. Yeah.
01:10:58No.
01:11:01No.
01:11:04No.
01:11:06No.
01:11:09It looks so good, though. It does not look good. It really does. Can I just lick it?
01:11:34I wish for
01:11:54Junebug to return.
01:12:34Hey, Micah. Hey.
01:12:42Feels strange not to see him out there anymore, huh?
01:12:46Yeah, I guess he's moved on. Yeah. He's working across town,
01:12:52on a mural in Fremont by the park. You know the intersection there. I know it. Well,
01:12:59I'll get your Americano. Thanks. Actually, wait.
01:13:06I'm going to try something different today. What would you like? Surprise me.
01:13:28Hey, are you going to the meeting about the production timetable,
01:13:40or are we going to discuss the next few weeks? No, no, no. No more meetings.
01:13:45Juniper, could we move the handle book to the fall release schedule?
01:13:47No. I'm sorry, what?
01:13:50I'm not going to the production meeting. I'm not going to the morning meeting. I'm
01:13:53not going to the meeting meeting. I'm not going to any more meetings because I am quitting.
01:13:57Yes, I am quitting.
01:14:06See? Quitting. Okay. I think we need to discuss this in my office.
01:14:10Look, I just had a glimpse of another life, a different life for one day, and it has apparently
01:14:17made it impossible for me to go back to my old life. Is this because I passed on your project?
01:14:23No, it really isn't, Paula, but I get to concentrate on publishing my first book.
01:14:30Yay!
01:14:36Hi. Thought you might be gone for good.
01:14:40I won't ever go. How could I? I'll always be you.
01:14:53Paula?
01:14:57I thank you for everything. I really mean that.
01:15:02Rob, it's been a pleasure.
01:15:08Cheerio.
01:15:23Oh, hey. Hey, Dad. Um, can you go into the basement for me? I need you to see if you can
01:15:32find something. Do you know where my old CDs are? Great.
01:15:53Beautiful.
01:16:17Sorry, I have to put this thing down. It's actually really heavy.
01:16:19Easy. Just here. Don't hurt yourself. I need to do more strength training.
01:16:25Anyway, I did it. I quit my job. What? That's a huge move. I'm proud of you.
01:16:34Thank you, but I have something to say. Alex, it was just one no. I'm not stopping at the first
01:16:42no. You haven't learned the lesson of your life. You didn't like how your work was being presented,
01:16:47so you changed all that. Why can't we do the same thing for our book?
01:16:52What do you mean? We can find another publisher, or if we don't, we can publish it ourselves.
01:16:58Isn't that the lesson?
01:17:02I guess so, yeah. I really want to bring Junebug into the world with you.
01:17:09And more importantly,
01:17:11I don't want to lose you, even if you don't want to be a part of the project.
01:17:23I guess there's only one thing left to say.
01:17:27What's that?
01:17:40This is how the movie should have ended.
01:18:10It looks perfect. It is.
01:18:15What's this? Just something from my past, or it could be my future. It's complicated.
01:18:25How long until everyone's here? Think about it now. You're sure you don't want a big
01:18:30birthday banner? Oh, no, Dad. I don't need anything like that, or balloons. I'm not eight years old.
01:18:35Oh, speak for yourself. I mean, you basically have already established I'm a child at heart,
01:18:39right? I think maybe we all are.
01:18:50Okay, I would like to give a little birthday toast, not to myself, but to all of you.
01:18:59It's because I think birthdays are a time that we should look around and we should see how
01:19:03fortunate we truly are to have such amazing parents who raised me from a little junebug
01:19:12and such incredible colleagues who have taught me so much and someone special who truly sees me.
01:19:24Oh, cheers.
01:19:46I wanted to ask you something. On the jacket of the book, it says Alex K.
01:19:51Ripley. What's the K stand for? Oh, I didn't tell you? Night, but I don't have any armor.
01:20:03It's okay. I'd rather have less armor and more vulnerability.
01:20:08After all, isn't that the theme of our book? I wouldn't know. I'm not the writer.
01:20:21And you.
01:21:22Oh,
01:21:31boy.
01:21:51Oh,
01:22:03boy.