Original subtitles

[wind howling]

[indistinct radio chatter]

-[ominous music playing] -[footsteps approaching]

[door unlocks, opens]

[Robert] New Year's at Lake älaren.

[clears throat]

[Robert] The sun, the colors in the water.

We would sit on the shore and...

There's nothing else like it.

I mean Shanghai was great, but, that's my final answer.

-[Emily] It sounds nice. -[Robert] Mmm...

I mean, it sounds really beautiful.

-[Robert] What, you mean that? -[chuckles]

[Emily] I do.

[Robert] Sweden?

No. [laughs] No. Gosh, no.

No, um...

Uh, Mr. Clarke did.

Uh, last July I believe.

He's... that's my boss. [clears throat]

He was my boss. But...

[Robert] Well, we'll have to take you next time.

-[blows] -[Emily] No...

No that's time, that's time for you two to--

Oh, c'mon. She and I, we see each other every day.

[clicks tongue]

So, um... She--

You can smoke if you want.

Oh, no. No, no, no, no, this is...

This is beautiful furniture. I can't--

[Robert] I won't tell her.

[ominous music playing]

Okay...

just one. [chuckles, sniffles]

Uh, you just keep it..

Yeah, you got it.

She's well.

Well, we're... we're well.

[both chuckle]

Um... she's practically living at the office, these days,

since Austin.

Sounds like anything that could go possibly go wrong

tends to go wrong, all at once.

Which is academia too...

I guess, don't know what you've got

till it's gone, right?

-Yeah. -[both laugh]

Don't... don't encourage my banalities.

I'm just saying that...

Ah, I'm there for good, now. Finally.

[chuckles]

So... Sean. How's the guy?

He's good. [chuckles]

He's, uh...

Doing something in 'agro engineering,'

with his brother.

He's happy.

The work...

the work takes him all over the state,

you know for the uh, analysis.

That part is vital. [chuckles]

And, since he's been um...

he has been commuting to Omaha... [chuckles]

Oh, God...

He left me.

[sobs]

-[fire alarm beeping] -I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry. So sorry.

[alarm continues beeping]

[cries]

Anyway, then it was two more meetings with Brianne,

because she can't fill out an invoice properly.

You know, not like she needs to be a professional,

or anything. [exhales]

Clients were from Silver Lake though so, no tears shed.

[exhales]

In a few more months, maybe she'll even be able

to process a travel order on her own.

Sounds like she might not be so bad after all.

She's a stupid cunt.

We have a guest.

She's the one?

[Robert] It's all worked out.

-You-- -[Robert] Talked to Melissa.

-And-- -She's excited.

In a Melissa way. She is.

-You can stay a week. -Oh, Robert I--

[Robert] You don't have to worry about anything.

I don't--

Emily. Hey. You're our guest.

And, you're one of the most gracious people I know.

And just the chance to let two of my favorite people

get to know each other better, that's a treat.

[chuckles]

[Robert] Although, I wish it was under better circumstances.

You're...

you're very good, Robert.

[Robert] Well, you make it easy, Emily.

It is really nice to have you here.

[chuckles]

It's just--

Yes?

She's. Intimidating.

You know just, all she's done, her degree.

[Robert] A degree. Emily. A piece of paper.

I mean. Berkeley? Both of you.

-I just-- -Hey. Look. Hey.

You made the best decisions you could

with the information available.

Okay? The best you could.

Even if that information was...

the promises of an asshole...

And the delusions of a God

that half the country somehow still thinks--

-[knocking on door] -[door opens]

Emily...

everything alright in here?

Do I recall that you have a dissertation to write?

Now. Let's finish getting you settled in.

[Emily scribbling]

[eerie music playing]

[footsteps approaching]

Oh Emily, that is very good.

-Oh, it's-- -[Melissa] Oh, no, let me see.

[chuckles] Let me see, this...

Oh, it's excellent, Emily.

Sean always thinks it's a waste of time.

[clears throat]

And I know, I shouldn't be talking about it.

No, I mean... we talk about what's on our minds.

We're only human.

He just... he's someone who doesn't, you know?

The kind of person who doesn't--

he doesn't always...

he doesn't get it, you know?

Like, the whole "expression" thing.

And his, and his sister Gina, is a singer.

You know, I mean a "singer".

Here. For your strength.

Oh...

Oh, the straw is reusable glass.

Oh, it's good. It's... [clears throat] ...thick.

It's healthful.

[Melissa] Everyone at Zygoprep drinks them.

-That's your startup? -Startrupt.

-Sorry? -No, it's a, it's a start--

It's a start-rupt.

That's just what they call it, you know?

It's disrupting the biomedical industries.

-Oh, I see. -So...

Drink up.

[Emily smacks lips]

Do you, um... do you like it?

Yes, it's healthful.

No, I mean, your work.

-Do you like it? -I love it.

I mean even if...

Dr. Park does... [scoffs]

make my shoulders a little tense by the end of the day.

-Um, that's alright, Melissa-- -Oh, no, no. I'm licensed.

Uh, huh. Really. Thank you, Melissa. It's--

Emily, the body has a way of telling you things--

Thank you, Melissa.

I just...

[Melissa] Suit yourself.

[chuckles]

Two hundred hours of PT training,

and she cuts me off in ten seconds.

I just really want to finish this, right now.

[Melissa] No. No, say nothing of it.

And, you'd better drink the whole thing...

-or else. -Okay.

You know, I've been saying for months now

we need some new art at the office.

Dinner at six!

[Beethoven symphony playing]

Robert, you didn't tell me we have an artist in the house.

What's a word for when you wish you hadn't done something

but it's not exactly your fault?

Um, remorse?

Nah, remorse implies that you're guilty--

Regret.

[Emily chuckles]

Ah! Yes. She is an artist.

-She does paintings. And-- -Sketching mostly.

That's right. Uh, you started your--

-Sophomore year. -Sophomore year.

Yeah Emily, you're fantastic.

Oh, I didn't know what I was doing.

And, your... what are your?

-The, your series of landscapes? -The mountains.

Astonishing. I mean it.

Like I would see you there working late and I would think--

-Here... -Oh, no, no, no, no.

You can help by sitting right here

and catching up with your old friend,

whom you haven't seen in many years.

-Well, I could do both-- -Robert. [chuckles]

Of course.

High school, you know, I mean...

most people say that you know, that it, that it sucks.

-But uh-- -Right?

I don't know. To me it just uh--

-[Robert] Wasn't that bad. -Right. Yeah, no.

It was, it was actually kind of fun.

Absolutely. Skipping out at lunch.

Going to fifth period with uh, who was it--

You were really sweet to me.

-I was? -[Emily] Yes.

You were. Really. When no one else was.

That's my Love.

Well... I cared about you, Em.

I do care about you.

Gosh, I remember that, that trip to the Villa.

When my heart started beating really fast.

You sat by the reflecting pool and you held my hand

for, like, easily over an hour.

I mean, after everybody else had gone.

Right.

-And the carnival? -Carnival?

You know, the Spring Carnival.

The snails, the hot pavement.

Ah, I wish I could remember more of it.

-But... -[Robert] Right.

...seems like every time I try to remember, it just seems...

-far. -Yeah.

-Far. Uh, faded. -Mm.

A ship teetering on the meniscus of the horizon.

That's all we have, really, of each other...

[Emily] It's sad.

-It's sad. -[cellphone ringing]

[Robert] It is sad.

I mean ten years and...

-exactly. -[chuckles]

[cellphone continues ringing]

Are you going to get that?

Uh... it's just Frank.

[Melissa] Frank?

[Robert] Yeah, from the committee.

Well, I know.

Shouldn't you uh, shouldn't you see what he wants?

He knows better than to call me at this time of night.

Well... exactly.

Oh, thank you.

Oh no, I... I don't--

It's Monteverro.

Drink.

[Robert] To your new life.

-[glasses clink] -Thank you.

[clears throat]

[laughs]

You always were...

principled.

What. Because I didn't drink?

All of it.

Oh, I see.

So, because I cared about my body I'm, "principled"?

I'm just saying that in my experience now,

it's best that someone build their own moral code

based on her own beliefs and values. Not some--

-God. -You have to find your own God.

You have to be your own God.

-You're twisting things. -What if you're twisting things?

Ah, you can't find a God. It's God. He's universal.

Aren't we not all subjective beings?

Are we not all on our own personal quest

to get as close to the truth as possible?

Because...

He hasn't seen what you've seen.

He doesn't know God any better than you.

He has wisdom, though. Which he's gained.

-Which he spent years attaining. -[Robert] Okay...

I mean isn't that kind of, that's what you do?

The little differences. The no--

-It's not. -It is the same.

-And the sect that you choose... -Not important.

Really? So what you're left with is some vague, shapeless sense

that there's... something out there.

Something bigger than us, Robert.

This does not sound like the way

that we should be welcoming our dear guest, to our home.

-I apologize. -It's no worry.

A fan of the top shelf, I see.

Thank you, Emily, for riding coach on Amtrak

all the way from Lincoln to join us here in beautiful

and thankfully, air-conditioned California.

[utensils clattering]

[Melissa] Too much red pepper on your chicken, Emily?

[chuckles]

Ha, I have... I haven't, haven't been eating animals.

[Melissa] Oh, no.

But it's, I mean it's okay.

It's not like, religious or anything--

Oh no, I'm a terrible host. I... I didn't--

No, only I could drive past Beverly Grove every day

and not even consider that someone could be vegan.

It's um, really it's not...

Melissa, it's... it's not a concern.

No, ah no, no, no. Oh, gosh--

Five hours of prep and it's no good!

I... I'm sure that there's something in the fridge

that I could uh, scrape together.

Robert, you go on ahead and you, you eat.

And I will just heat mine up later.

[gramophone playing]

[footsteps thudding]

So, what was that all about?

-What? -You know, the, "Rrr..."

Throw it in the trash. "It's no good.

-It's just no good." -[Robert] Oh, right. Yeah.

She's suffered a bit of a personal stress, lately.

I guess we both did.

-And, with the startup-- -Startrupt.

-What? -What?

I mean, her work has been hard to handle.

My work, too, lately.

And with all the troublesome new business

with the committee, and...

-What business? -Oh just,

the tenure process with all the steps.

Yeah. But, that's just the business.

[Robert] What?

That's the business of the tenure committee, right?

I mean, to evaluate for tenure?

Yeah, but--

What's troublesome and new about that?

I don't understand it, I don't understand that part.

-You are feisty tonight. -I am not.

-[Robert] You are. -No...

[Robert] Really?

I know you're down three glasses of chardonnay.

-Hey. Hey. Hey. -[chuckles] What?

It's "Monteverro."

[chuckles]

Yes, it is.

[exhales]

Come on. Let's get you to bed.

[dark music playing]

[footsteps thudding]

[floor creaking]

[exhales]

[Robert] Yeah. Yeah, I... I get that.

Yeah, Frank, I'm on my way right now.

No, I did not send it to her.

No, not directly. No.

Uh, breakfast for you on the table, Emily.

[Robert] Why?

Alright, so, it's too far to come back for lunch,

but there is a salad for you in the fridge,

and just call if you need any...

-She's there? -...clothes or anything.

[Robert] No, no, no.

-Alright. Wish me luck. -I'm on my way.

-Luck? -On my presentation?

Oh!

You know, Emily.

Bad sleep can be a sign of a guilty conscience.

At least, according to contemporary

modes of thought.

There are things we can try.

I'd like to do a little work together when I get home.

-Alright? -Alright.

[smooches]

See you tonight.

[footsteps recedes]

[door creaks]

[hums]

[inhales, exhales]

[footsteps approaching]

[blows]

Hey!

Emily. Hey.

Alright. Uh, where did you get these?

I went to the store while you were gone.

I don't have navigation or anything like that

on my phone, but I walked in sort of like a grid-like pattern

and I found a shop on Beverly and Brighton.

Actually, you know it was pretty easy

once I figured out that every third street

had a planter and every sixth street

had a power box.

Oh, and the street signs, but...

You won't believe how hard it is to find a place

to smoke around here.

Emily. This, won't do. This won't do at all.

I'm, s... I'm sorry. I didn't, um--

Ugh, and it's wet.

-It's... it's watercolor. -It's all over the carpet.

-And the table. -I don't think anything--

-How long were you gone? -Well. I left at 1:16

and then I started painting at 3:30

but that was about 20 or so minutes after--

All alone in the city.

Anything could have happened to you.

We would have been so worried.

What's going on here?

-Robert. I think we-- -Melissa, what happened?

It's all just a bit much.

Well I... I'm sorry I didn't mean to--

[Melissa] It's... it's fine.

-I just. I thought I would-- -You thought that you would?

Um, you know, I just thought that I would.

After what you said about my... about the drawing.

The drawing.

Right. I was, I was just hoping--

No. Emily. Look I... I, I know I'm acting crazy.

-No. -No, no. It's ridiculous.

I just... It's just a lot, you know,

with someone new in the house and...

Perhaps, next time we could work out

a schedule in advance.

[Emily] Of course.

Oh, um...

Now, I'll um... I'll just let you be.

Hey.

She's been through a lot.

So has everyone.

Well, you know how things can change

when you're not feeling yourself.

Perceptions.

This morning, you know, you came out of your room

with barely a word to either of us.

-I didn't sleep. -[Robert] Exactly!

And that, we don't hold that against you.

Nor could we.

Nor would it be fair to. Because it's circumstantial.

It's chemical. We're all subject to it.

But, the more serious the problem,

the more total the solution must be.

I think you would understand that--

-I think I should go. -Go?

-Yeah. -No.

Yeah. You don't need the extra stress. She doesn't.

We made a deal. You made a deal.

When you first came here. With the both of us.

-You agreed to stay and rest. -And clearly I've--

-[Robert] And we want to help. -[exhales]

I can't promise you I can fix your sleep, Emily.

Only you can do that.

That's a question of the heart.

Of trust...

Trust?

Well, I can say that a redeye on a rattling sleeper car

beside some cross-country drug smuggler

into the freezing wastes of Middle America

is unlikely to provide you what your body needs.

That and, and to be frank,

I would be concerned to allow you

to make that kind of decision in your present condition.

I'm... I'm fine, Robert.

But you could be so much better.

Who's the girl?

Who, Elouise?

Yeah.

She's my TA.

My teaching assistant.

I helped her out last year,

when she was having some troubles at home.

I got her into the counseling center.

I helped her finish her thesis.

Melissa, too, actually.

Em probably did more than I, when it came to that.

Now, she's in the grad program,

and she helps me out with a few of my classes.

And she's even proofing my dissertation, too--

-Hang on. -Hmm?

What'd you call her?

-Who? Elouise? -No, Melissa.

Melissa.

You called her "Em."

-Yeah. -You call me "Em."

So I do, Emily.

So I do. [chuckles]

Hey.

Hey.

One more night?

-Here? -Yeah. Why not?

You and I, we'll have a session. Just to talk.

Isn't there a chance?

I think you at least owe me that shot.

[inhales, exhales]

Okay?

-Okay. -Okay.

It's a deal.

We'll start right after Eggplant Lasagna.

[chuckles]

[crickets chirping in distance]

-Water? -[Emily] Mm.

So, seven years. And, no kids?

-What? -[Robert] Children.

All that time, Emily? No children?

No he thought, he thought we were too young. He thought--

-Time is running out. -Excuse me?

-Well, after 30, things start-- -[Emily] You don't have kids.

-starts... What? -You don't have kids either.

-No, we have had... -Problems?

-Alternative methods. -Such as?

-Cryopreservation. -I don't know what that is.

You wouldn't.

It sounds to me like you've had problems.

Did you ever cheat on him?

What?

-Did you cheat on him? -No.

-We were bound before God. -Right.

And that didn't seem to do much for him,

so, maybe in retrospect, maybe you should've--

[Emily] Can we...

Can we talk about something else?

Of course. Of course, Emily.

I don't want you to ever be... uneasy.

I'd like to play a game.

A game?

[Robert] Uh, an exercise if you'd prefer.

It's really just a way to start to, take things apart.

To start to look at the truth of things. Not the bias.

[Emily] Okay.

[tense music playing]

You stand in a large, round chamber.

It's cool, quiet, and to the highest grooves

of the ceiling light shines.

You're alone.

I'm alone.

Yes.

And, though there's nothing to suggest so absolutely,

you feel as if this place is a mausoleum.

Mausoleum?

[Robert] Uh, a tomb or a cenotaph.

Can I leave?

No, no, in fact,

you don't terribly feel like you want to.

But, there is one door to the South

and it leads deeper into the structure.

Now, you can stay here, or you can open it.

I, um... I'll open it.

[Robert] And the door swings open...

and it leads to a smaller room.

All white stone.

And in the center there's a pedestal.

What's on it?

It's... a cigarette.

-A cigarette. -Yeah.

It says, Emily, I want you to know something.

You will have one guess.

One guess to guess

the strongest number in the universe

and if you do, it will answer one question.

[chuckles]

So...

[clears throat]

So, is it like a Marlboro, or...

C'mon, Emily. Just give the cigarette a number.

[Emily] Okay.

[sighs]

Okay. Twenty.

And the cigarette disappears.

-Do I get my question now? -No.

No?

That's not the right answer.

-That's impossible. -Is it?

Robert, do you know how many numbers there are?

Yeah, there's a lot.

I don't think anyone has ever gotten this.

-Has anyone ever gotten that? -Yeah, if they're ready.

-Ready. -Yes.

And as you look across the room, you see an--

Another door.

Okay, well, I open it.

-You open it. -Yes.

[Robert] Okay.

You open it, and you see that this room is darker.

And something feels...

-not right. -Okay.

And in the center there is another pedestal.

And on the pedestal there's like a...

reddish blonde thing and it's moving.

And as you get closer to the object

it turns and you can see, it's a cat.

-A cat? -[Robert] Yes.

-What? -[Emily] That's--

[chuckles]

[Robert] Do you wanna know what the cat says?

Sure.

-[Robert] Do you really? -Mm, yes.

-[Robert] Really? -Mm-hmm.

I really, really do.

The cat turns and you can see that it has glass eyes

and it smiles. An evil smile.

And it says, Emily, I am a messenger of Him.

And now that you have seen me,

you have 24 hours before He comes to tempt you.

And it will be the most terrifying moment of your life.

[roars, laughs]

[chuckles]

How do you...

how do you come up with this shit, Robert?

-It was given to me. -Oh, sure.

-It's true. -[chuckles]

-Okay. -[Emily] Okay.

So, then--

[Emily] Let's talk about something else.

Sorry, I just...

[inhales, exhales]

Okay.

What did he say, when he ended it?

Or did he, did he give you a reason?

I mean like, things had grown stale,

or he was too busy,

or you weren't who you used to be or?

Or did he, did he blame himself?

"Oh, babe-- -I'm sorry?

[Robert] I'm not good enough for you.

-Oh, babe... -Robert--

I dunno, I'm addicted to... I dunno, ride-on lawnmowers."

Or did he say nothing at all?

Just drop out in the middle of the night

like daddy going for a pack of smokes?

No! What if, what if nothing "happened?"

What if it just didn't work?

Not everything has to be secrets and schemes and lies and--

You know what? I'm gonna call this session.

[Emily] I'm just really--

You're in no state to make progress

so, we'll try again tomorrow.

Tomorrow?

Come on, let's get you to bed.

I can walk myself. Thank you.

Goodnight, Emily.

[door opens, closes]

[suspenseful music playing]

[footsteps thumping]

-Shhh! -[cellphone ringing]

It's Frank.

Hey, Frank. What's up?

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Like I said.

Yeah.

No, she asked for it.

No, I don't mean that she asked for it,'

I mean she literally asked for it.

Yeah.

No, it was in person.

Well, those are not hers to give.

And how is that relevant to the scope--

What?

Why do I have to give a statement?

-Emily. -[shrieks]

-[Robert] I'll call you back. -Um--

I just-- I wanted to get some water.

Of course.

-I wasn't-- Robert-- -Come on.

Let's get you taken care of. There are cups in the bathroom.

Robert. I need to leave. I shouldn't be here.

-Don't even mention that. -[Emily] I don't--

-What? What? -Look, I don't want you to--

I don't want you to be nice to me

just because you feel sorry for me.

Okay.

That's not why I'd want you to want me here.

Why do you think we want you here, Emily?

Because.

Because?

Because you're bored! Or lonely!

Or you need a pet project or like a charity case,

or something.

To, you know, to feel sorry for.

I don't know. I don't know. I don't know it just...

I feel like nobody listens to me whenever I'm speaking.

And sometimes it feels like I'm not even speaking at all.

You're right, Emily.

Honey...

About everything. You're right.

Here.

Evian is better than tap, anyway.

Thank you.

-I'll take her. -No. You're on a call.

-I can call him back later. -No, you can't.

I think something...

something's wrong with Robert.

Oh?

I think...

I think it has something to do with Elouise.

Ah. No. No, no, no, no, no, no, no. No.

You don't have to worry about her.

-No? -[Melissa] No.

Men, you know,

they need things to keep them busy.

Those sessions are kinda weird, huh?

-[chuckles] Yeah. -I know.

I laughed the first time I tried it.

I could not take it seriously.

But, over time...

it helps.

Here's my advice.

Stay here, stay comfortable.

Do what you must to placate Robert,

but don't take it all too seriously--

the sessions aren't the real reason

that you're here.

I've never met anyone like you.

Well, I like to think that I see the best in people.

[kisses]

[Melissa] I'm right across the hall if you need me.

[light switch flicks]

[door closes]

[eerie music playing]

[sighs]

[breathes heavily]

[door opens, creaks]

[door closes]

[Robert] Emily.

[suspenseful music playing]

I'd like to start again with our game. Alright?

I think it's only fair to give you

-another opportunity to... -Hey.

[Robert] ...to redeem yourself.

Tha-- that would be um...

I want you to know something.

You stand in a large, round chamber.

It's cool and quiet.

And to the tallest grooves of the ceiling light shines,

and you're alone.

I'm alone?

[Robert] Though there's nothing to suggest so absolutely,

-you feel as though-- -I can't leave.

[Robert] No. No, in fact

-you don't feel like-- -I want to.

-There is a door to the South. -[Emily] Open it.

Inside is a pedestal. On the pedestal is a cigarette.

And the cigarette speaks to you.

To... to me...

And the cigarette tells you that you have one guess.

One guess to guess

the strongest number in the universe.

And, if you do, it will answer one question.

Any question.

[Robert] Yes. But you have to guess the number.

The number.

[Robert] What is the number, Emily?

The number that signifies the balance of all things?

Of alchemy? Of faith?

By which ships navigate and empires--

[Emily] Three.

It's three.

[Robert] Are you sure?

Yes.

And the cigarette says that you are ready.

And you may ask any single question

and receive the answer in truth.

-Any question? -Yes.

-[Emily] Yeah? -Oh, yeah.

[footsteps approaching]

[Emily] Why is Melissa so uptight?

-No, you need to ask-- -[Emily] That's my question.

-[Robert] That's your question. -Yes.

-[Robert] That's your-- -Answer it.

Well, I can't answer it, of course.

But, the cigarette can.

And the cigarette reaches deeply into the material

of the universe and it says...

Melissa's children have been poisoned.

-Poisoned. -Yes. Her eggs.

They were stored for her by the company. Years ago.

And this was so she could focus on building the program.

But the doctors tell us that none of them are viable.

Oh, oh...

I'm so... I'm so sorry.

And with that...

the cigarette is gone.

And you may continue to the next door,

if you're ready.

I'm ready.

[Robert] If you're sure--

Open it.

[Robert] Ah.

You enter the next door and the second room

is uh, darker... than the last.

And something inside feels... deeply malevolent.

Malevole-- Malevolent?

Evil.

And in the center is a pedestal,

and on the pedestal there is something--

Punch it.

-Excuse me? -Punch it.

You swing at the creature, uh, at the creature

and as your fist touches it it collapses into ash.

No.

And you head towards a third door.

And you know that this is the end.

And you know that if you pass through this door

you will reach the innermost sanctum.

And you know that if you pass through this threshold

that, that you will know the truth.

[gasps]

The truth.

If you leave now...

you will forever be lost.

Oh.

I...

I enter the last door.

[Robert] It's white.

Everything is white and cold...

and you know this is the deepest that you can go.

Is there--

[Robert] There's a pedestal. Like the others.

And on it?

Are you sure you want to know?

Yeah, I'm sure.

[Robert] Once you know, you can never go back.

Oh, I wouldn't.

I want to know. I have to know.

I have to know, I have to know.

It's a screwdriver.

-A screwdriver. -[Robert] Yes.

What does it say?

[Robert] Nothing.

Nothing?

It's just a screwdriver.

Emily.

Emily...

there's something on the other side

of the pedestal.

Emily, it's you.

And as she opens her mouth you know that this is the truth.

And she says... God is real.

Oh. [chuckles]

[Robert] Yes. God is real.

[sobs] Yes.

[Robert] And He hates you.

He hates you because you're worthless.

Because you're weak.

Because He used you and you allowed him do it.

No.

-No, no, no. -[Robert] Yes.

Do you know what God loves?

To hurt people. Any way he can.

Plagues. Floods. Loneliness. Betrayal.

All to good people. Kind people. Foolish people.

You more than anyone.

No. [sobs]

[Robert] And you can win. And you can live.

And you can be your own god, Emily.

But there's only one place in all of creation

where he can not touch you.

And that is here. That is right here with us.

[gasps]

Three.

[breathes heavily]

And you stay with us. And you tell us only the truth.

And you trust us, alone, above all others.

He is sending a messenger... to tempt you, soon.

As long as you remain here with us,

neither He nor His agents can hurt you anymore.

Robert--

Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you.

-[Robert] You're strong. -Robert...

[Robert] And loyal.

You're perfect.

[gentle music playing]

I knew that you were...

Somehow, I always knew that you would be...

-[Robert] Hey. -The one--

This is a breakthrough.

-It is? -It is.

-A significant one. -Oh.

Emily, you have made amazing progress.

Emily, I want you to know something.

Yes?

[Robert] Tonight you will sleep better than you've ever slept

in your life.

[uplifting music playing]

[indistinct chatter over TV]

Brianne quit.

Oh?

She said she couldn't work with Dr. Park anymore.

Too volatile.

I thought your department was taking her.

We don't need her anymore. The analysis is done.

-Done? -Hm.

You still could've taken her.

You know, there's power in it.

Completion?

Volatility.

[moans] You saved me.

No...

Keep me with you.

[exhales]

[Robert] Yes.

There? She's there?

Well, if she's there, tell her that I never--

Hang on.

[door closes]

[scrunches]

[knocking on door]

[eerie music playing]

[door unlocks]

[door creaking]

[birds chirping in distance]

Sean?

I came straight away.

[Emily] We have to shut the door.

-Oh, uh. -Shut the door.

Yeah. Sure, Em.

Whose place is this?

Um, it's a--

[Sean] How did you get out to California?

-Your car's, I saw it... -Train.

-[Sean] Right. -Was called.

Well, babe I left as soon as I got your texts.

My texts?

[Robert] He is sending a messenger.

[Sean] Yeah, about forgiveness?

The mercy of the Lord and all that?

[Robert] To tempt you, soon.

-You-- -I love you.

[Robert] As long as you remain here,

- neither He nor His agents... -I want you back.

[Robert] ...can hurt you anymore.

I need you to leave.

[Robert] You are very good, Emily.

-Just come on. -Don't touch me!

I will not be tempted.

Now, get out. Just get out!

You fuckin' put me up to this.

-No! -You did!

God fucking damn it. Chet was right.

Y'know, you're lucky I'm not a violent man, babe

'cause I'm about three seconds and a heartbeat from--

Get out! No! I will not be tempted.

Just get the fuck out!

I will not be tempted.

No! I will pull the fingernails out of your fucking fingers.

You are not welcome in my life.

Fuck! Get out!

[tense music playing]

[breathes heavily]

[Emily sobbing]

You did a bad thing.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

[sobs]

Emily, it's a special day.

Emily?

Is something wrong? Did something happen?

Something evil is here.

-Is it... here with us? -[door creaking in distance]

-[mumbles] -[exhales]

[footsteps approaching]

But its energy is here?

Mhm.

Take this.

You know that we'll protect you. Right?

You do your best, and so do we. Right?

Yes.

[Emily sniffles]

[Emily] Why is it a special day?

What? What's that?

Why is it a special day?

[chuckles]

We are having a party.

[Emily] A party.

Yes, to celebrate how good you've been.

I mean, Robert tells me you have been making

incredible progress.

All your trust. All of it. It's tremendous.

We couldn't have asked for anything better.

I don't know if I'm ready for, um... for company.

Oh, Emily. [laughs]

It is only the best company tonight.

You, Robert, and me.

Three...

That's right.

[kisses]

[Robert] I can't make heads or tails of it.

The first packet, okay, I sent it.

Sue me. But, the second one?

You know me.

I didn't even proofread it.

[exhales]

So, what's the deal? Is this a setup?

I mean did she break into my PC? She doesn't know my password.

[Melissa] Well, worrying about it won't fix anything.

Well, your little project seems to be going well.

[Emily clearing throat]

-Hey, Emily! -Emily.

Thanks.

[Melissa] Oh uh, I have something else for you.

Yes. Robert.

It's for tonight. For you.

To suit the occasion better than...

Melissa?

Melissa?

[thumping]

[Robert] Emily. Do you need any help?

Yes.

[door unlocks]

Let's straighten you out.

Hey.

I want you to know that...

that you can do anything you want.

That you don't have to listen to people, because they say so.

You don't need to listen to people

because, they want to use you.

Like who?

-You tell me. -[groans]

[breathes heavily]

It's you and me. You know that right?

It's always been you and me, against the rest of them.

[sobs]

Dinner at six.

[door closes]

[gentle music playing]

I saw Tom Landen at the office today.

Oh, is that so? How exciting.

[Melissa] Now, I've seen all of his TED Talks, of course,

but meeting someone that significant in person

it's... it's different, you know?

I um... hmm.

You?

I don't know who that is.

Oh, that's alright, Emily.

Of course, he's one of the pioneers

of modern cryotherapy.

Hm.

[Melissa] Well, I have been a fan of his work for years.

Arthritis. Migraines. Inflammation. All obliterated.

It would actually be great for the two of you to meet,

come to think of it, Emily.

[Emily] Oh, I see.

Why?

Excuse me?

Why would it be great for the two of them to meet?

Exactly.

Well, scientific interest. Right?

Uh, I read once that uh...

the capybaras are the largest species of rodent.

Is that so?

[Emily] Mhm. They have, uh, two scent glands.

One in their um... nose...

It's a shame she missed him.

I'm sure you'd get along famously.

Well she didn't miss him, actually.

He's being onboarded next week.

I thought you weren't taking in new staff

until after the VC talks.

We're not.

-[Robert] So-- -We're done.

-[Robert] With-- -The IPO.

Is that... good?

Oh, it is very, very good.

[chuckles]

So. I hear that Emily has been making stunning progress.

Oh, uh...

Well, he's got a ways to go,

but I think with the right amount of time--

[Melissa] Well, at the very least, we won't be throwing away

any more homemade dinners, will we?

[laughing]

-You don't have to... -[Robert] No.

No it's important, Emily, to affirm success.

That's key.

To recognize when someone has succeeded in their test.

A toast.

To Emily.

And how perfect she is.

[clears throat] That's strong.

It's wonderful. Thank you.

Yes, thank you. Um, thank you.

I want to thank um, both of you.

You both have been very wonderful.

I don't... I don't know how to thank you.

Well, you can drink.

And tell us all about your day.

Well, let's see...

I folded my clothes.

That was um... no, that was...

That's not important. Um...

I uh, what else did I do.

Took a... took a shower.

I took a shower.

That's a really nice shower.

I mean really nice...

[chuckles]

Did you see the messenger today?

-The... -The messenger.

We saw that he would come today,

to tempt you.

We saw this last night.

Oh, I didn't uh... I didn't.

[Melissa] Emily?

Is there something that you're not telling us?

[exhales]

Have you betrayed this house? Have you betrayed our trust?

I didn't mean to.

I didn't. I just...

No I just... I just... Whenever I saw him, I just...

I thought I didn't saw...

I thought of all of our time together.

And you let him into this house. And you poisoned this place.

No. I didn't mean to. I'm so sorry.

[Robert] But he touched you.

And his power reached inside and... violated you.

[sobs] I'm so sorry.

Emily. Emily. Hey, my dear.

I'm so sorry, I'm such a mess.

We did all of this because we want to help you.

All of our time and our generosity.

Yes.

We wouldn't do it if it wasn't important.

Okay.

[sobs]

[Emily slurping]

[Emily sniffling]

Which is why. Of course.

It comes as such a shock to see

that you are such a revolting little parasite!

[sobs]

I'm sorry.

I thought... I thought you said, said you liked me.

You know, of course I expected some of it.

Country girl. Evangelical.

Knows she'll never make it in the arts

but she clings to that hope anyway.

A monogamist slut

who settled on a tractor repairman

because she knew she couldn't keep a real lover tied down.

And look what happened.

Still the cuckold. Still the fool.

[cries]

[Emily] R-- Robert...

[Robert] We tried to save you from the darkness, Em.

I tried to save you--

Oh, but even then. Even then.

I never could've expected how pathetic she is.

You take 10 whole years in the absolutes pits of the world

and you give yourself to God and you let him slap you around

like the detritus you are until you are beaten and worn

and have nowhere else to go

but back to your high school sweetheart.

With your tail tucked.

Oh, and God. Wonderful God.

With all the horror in the world He creates

and you still thank him for the little things.

You selfish little cunt!

[Emily] No, you don't know me.

Oh... don't I?

Don't I know you.

Don't I know how you manage to fuck up every little thing

you get your hands on?

[breathes heavily]

I can leave.

[Melissa] Leave?

Leave.

That world will chew you up and use you,

and leave you broken and alone.

Look at you.

You can't even hold your drink up.

Every little thing we give you.

Isn't that right?

-Isn't that right! -[gasps]

[coughs, sobs]

You're crazy.

[Melissa laughing]

Now, she turns it on us.

Always another.

Well Emily, you're not wrong.

Because God made you stupid.

He brought you into this world to lose, to fail

where others win and he did it

because he knows it's what you deserve.

At least I'm not fucking barren.

[laughs]

I know all about your eggs.

Know that they were poisoned. Harvested. Left to die.

Dead kids in the freezer.

I know that your husband is desperate for anyone else.

Even me. Poor pathetic me.

He probably hates your guts.

I have to get out of here.

[Melissa] Emily.

[Emily] Melissa. Listen, listen.

[Melissa] We're not finished.

Melissa.

-This is MY HOUSE! -[grunts]

[cries]

[intense music playing]

[Emily] No!

[Robert grunts]

[Melissa] Emily! Emily!

-[cries] -[banging on door]

[breathes heavily]

[banging continues]

[sobs]

[suspenseful music playing]

You.

You have to be your own God.

You have to be your own God.

You have to be your own God.

[grunts]

-[banging on door] -[door handle rattling]

[screams]

[breathes heavily]

[grunts]

You did this to yourself.

Stop it!

No! No. No. Please.

[screams, groans]

No. No. Let...

No, no, no. Please.

I'm so sorry. I'm sorry.

[Emily crying]

[birds chirping in distance]

[shower running]

[Melissa] Emily.

Melissa.

Sleep well?

I... I think so.

Robert is really sorry about what happened last night.

Robert..?

When he lost his temper over the spilled drink.

I mean I think we both half jumped out of our chairs.

He's--

[Melissa] He's been under a lot of stress, recently

on the academic front

with the dissertation, and all...

How's that cut doing?

[Emily] It's um...

[Melissa] Does it hurt?

-[Emily] Yes. -Oh, Emily.

I should have known better

than to give you five ounces of vodka

with that delicate frame.

You can save someone from the world,

but you can't save them from themselves, I suppose.

You will forgive me for letting you hurt yourself,

won't you?

Do you need anything?

Do you need an aspirin, or anything--

No. Nothing.

[Melissa] That's my tough girl.

Oh, hey, and Emily...

I want you to know something.

I'm really glad you're here.

[chuckles]

[sizzling]

[Emily] Do you have to be at work, soon?

It's Saturday.

[Emily] Right.

This porpoise.

There are only 30 left in the gulf.

It's cute.

It is. Isn't it?

And, between you and me,

we'll never have to work a day we don't want to again.

Morning, Emily.

Hope you've worked up an appetite.

Good morning, Robert.

Oh and, we used up all the orange juice yesterday.

-So-- -Water.

-Would be nice. Thank you. -Water it is.

Thank you.

Well, let's not stand on ceremony.

Bon appetit.

Emily, we have a surprise for you.

I was going to wait until after breakfast--

Well, she might need a few hours to prepare, so...

-[Melissa] It's First Class. -[Robert] Of course.

Oh. I... I don't know what to say.

Well, say you'll visit.

[Emily] I mean, of course. I mean, but--

And the taxi will be here in about 40 minutes.

But that's enough time to pack, and you're going to want--

Is this about the drink?

-I'm so, so, sorry, and-- -[Robert] No. Emily? No.

Oh Emily, this is not a banishment.

-No, you've improved. -I...I have?

Yes, tremendously.

I mean just, the sessions. The progress you've made.

You know, truthfully I... I was hoping to have you here

-at least a week longer-- -[Robert] Or more--

-to complete the process-- -[Robert] To get to know you.

-[Robert] But-- -but...

it's selfish to keep you from your life there.

Your friends. Your family. From God.

So, you're saying you want me to stay?

[Robert] We'd adore it, Emily.

Emily, you...

You know how much I like having you around.

Oh, well...

All right. Just a little bit longer.

-[Robert] Wonderful. -[Melissa] That's perfect.

And uh... in that case.

-Something for you. -Oh, no.

[Melissa] No, take it.

-It's too much. -[Robert] We insist.

Robert. But why...

For last night. To say, thank you.

You should never have to be the recipient of my stress.

-It's too much, Robert. -Nonsense.

Hey, our contract was up. We had a new line available.

[Melissa] It's preloaded with our numbers.

So, you could call us anytime you need anything.

You... wait. You um, you added--

Emily, that is the least we could do.

I mean your old phone was on its last legs, anyway,

so...

-My old phone-- -Oh, you know what?

Hey, I have an idea.

[Emily] Hm?

Once we finish setting up your new phone,

what if you and I take a little drive,

just the two of us.

To meet my friend, Dr. Park.

-[Emily] Dr. Park. -Mhmm.

-[Emily] From Zygoprep? -One and the same.

Well, I thought you said today you...

You didn't have to work anymore.

Oh, no, I mean. No, no, no.

Uh, it's just. He's just fun, you know?

He's... he's quite a character.

He's um, he's back from Singapore, and...

I know that he would really like to meet you.

For strength.

[both chuckle]

-One more thing. -Oh, my gosh.

[Robert] Uh, Melissa helped me come around on the painting.

I think when you uh, invest in something,

you have to do what you can to make it right.

You know to... to last.

I... I can't accept this.

Think of it as a commission.

I mean, we'd like to bring you onboard full time

as our dedicated painter.

[Emily] To paint--

Anything. Whatever you like.

I mean, we can't pay you what you're due, but...

but you could stay in the guest room

and we will feed you and--

You're so good to me.

[Robert] Well that's the way life's meant to be.

You're excellent, and you're rewarded.

[Emily] But...

why are you doing all of this?

Emily...

because we love you.

And tomorrow, we can take a drive to the beach.

Maybe next week, the mountains.

Get our young Monet some inspiration.

-Us. -Yeah.

Us. Of course.

You can't believe how long I've waited

to get real time alone with you.

Frank called.

You?

Why did... why would Frank call you?

Well, he wanted me to tell you--

But, why would he call you?

[Melissa] Frank called and he wanted me to tell you

that they reviewed the evidence,

and the previous decision of the committee is final.

Whatever that means.

But, hey.

Hey, now you can spend some time with us.

Together. As a family.

My career, my life's work--

Is us now. This life. This home.

As it should be.

Now, I...

I think we should focus on what dear Emily

wants to do with the afternoon.

[Emily] Oh?

[Melissa] Anything your heart desires.

Our day is clear for you.

Well uh just, you know...

Just be together?

And um, some quiet.

I'd really like some quiet. I think.

[Melissa] Quiet. Of course.

And that's how it's gonna be, from now on.

You, me.

Maybe this one, if he uh, behaves himself.

[chuckles]

And, down the line, maybe even a little one...

A child?

But... Robert told me, your kids--

Are fine. All they need is a healthy little nest.

Dr. Park is quite sure of it, now.

Oh.

Emily... it's a miracle.

Miracle...

Emily.

[Emily] Yes?

You're a free woman.

[Emily] Yes.

And you want to be here.

[Emily] Yes. [chuckles]

And anything you need,

all the little technical details of life that's--

None of that matters now.

-Thank you. -[Melissa] Okay?

And, as long as you are here...

you never have to worry about anything...

ever again.

[ Heaven's Gate playing]

♪ Show me the way to heavens gate ♪

♪ Show me the way and I'll walk ♪

♪ Show me the way to heavens gate ♪

♪ Show me the way and I'll walk ♪

♪ Tell me the way to redemptions door ♪

♪ Time ticking on the clock ♪

♪ Tell me the way to redemptions door ♪

♪ Answer me when I knock ♪

♪ I'll follow them to Jerusalem ♪

♪ It can't be that far ♪

♪ I'll follow them to Jerusalem ♪

♪ Just tell me who they are ♪

♪ Show me the way to heaven's gate ♪

♪ Show me the way and I'll walk ♪

♪ Show me the way to heaven's gate ♪

♪ Listen when I talk ♪

♪ Birds have wings and winds to fly ♪

♪ They carry them for miles ♪

♪ We have notes and songs to grab ♪

♪ Playing with our hands ♪

♪ All the mistakes a man can make ♪

♪ Been on this road so long ♪

♪ All the mistakes a man can make ♪

♪ Must they all be wrong ♪

♪ Show me the way to heaven's gate ♪

♪ Now that I forgot ♪

♪ Show me the way to heaven's gate ♪

♪ Show me the face of god ♪