Original subtitles

The diagnosis is... MS.

If you line up different people with this disease, one person will have quite a few

symptoms at the beginning, and then it'll be quiet for a long time.

And another person will have short episodes close together

where there is a deterioration.

And that can manifest as coordination disorders of the arms,

of the legs, sensory disorders, so tingling in the feet or in the hands.

Does this feel right?

Yeah, it feels right.

Stretch out your legs.

Lean out a bit, or you'll fall over.

This is actually pretty fun.

Where's my pacifier?

There.

Well, isn't that neat.

And what am I supposed to do now?

David, what am I supposed to do now?

No, just enjoy the view.

Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday dear David,

happy birthday to me.

Happy birthday, David.

No, the twelfth, so the next page.

No, the next page.

Time for bed, time for bed, said Sleepyhead.

Just a little jog first, said Jogging Hog.

Well, this is going to be a late one, said Long John.

Alexander, wake up.

We're almost there.

Relax, man, we're already late.

He's counting on me.

It's half past two, he's been in bed for ages.

He's counting on me.

Drop us off at home first.

David?

David, I know you're home...

Da... David?

David?

Hey, David?

David?

Hey, David?

Fell down the stairs.

Need an ambulance, very busy.

Stay on open channel, 72, 72.

Yes, yes please, thank you.

Bastard.

You knew I was coming.

Why don't you just come to Switzerland with us?

You would have had a good time there.

Drink a little schnapps, check out the pretty girls in the snow.

Mister wants to stay home, likes to drink, throw himself down the stairs.

You're right.

Yeah, of course I'm right.

You'd probably be lying there, buddy, in a dehumanizing bag of bones who didn't want any medication.

No therapy, no diets.

Yeah, what am I going to do with you?

Why don't you want us to help you?

We're here for you, aren't we?

You're right.

He fell down the stairs.

What are you doing for a useless guy?

I don't know, he has MS.

Hello.

We're going to present you with the difficulty.

Two.

Hold on a sec.

Hello.

Where's Davy?

He's not here right now.

Presents, presents.

What could be inside?

A cowbell.

A cowbell.

I've always really wanted a cowbell.

It was your brother's idea.

I figured.

Tell David how well you can ski now.

Well, really well.

Yeah, absolutely.

You're better at it than I am.

Yeah, but you're so silly.

Do you remember when it was snowing really hard... and we were together on the ski lift...

and you fell off and then I wanted to save you...

so I ended up falling off too.

Hey.

Oh yeah, happy birthday to you.

Thank you.

Sit down, sit down.

These are Marjanne and Alexander.

Marjanne and Alexander, this is Laurelinda.

Nice to meet you.

Hi Alexander, I'm Linda.

Come on, let's go.

Still playing soccer.

Bye.

Hey.

Bye.

Bye.

How did you get here again?

Is that your wife?

No, that’s Anton’s wife.

She’s cute.

Yeah, she’s cute, alright.

Hey, how’s it going...

How’ve you been?

Where’ve you been hiding all this time?

Nah, don’t make this about me.

Let’s talk about you.

How’ve you been?

Well, skiing, you know.

Not really my thing.

Think I’ll stick to checkers.

Heard you’ve got multiple sclerosis.

Impressive you can say that without tripping over your tongue.

You’re tired, huh?

I, uh... I’ll call you later.

Oh.

You’re an animal.

Oh.

Hey, what are those?

What, uh... Starlings.

No way, guys, those are grackles.

Nope, those are starlings.

No, look closer.

Around here, we call ’em grackles.

Nah, those are starlings.

Grackles? I don’t need those.

Those are starlings, right?

Pretty sure those are pelicans.

Why aren’t you saying anything?

What do you want me to say?

Just... something.

Do you even care?

Then just say something.

What’s his name?

Your dad’s name?

Robert.

He’s really sweet.

Oh yeah?

He can be really sweet.

He’s really musical, you know?

Just like you.

Thank God he didn’t get anything else from you.

How do you know he’s really mine?

I just know.

You don’t think I’d come here if I wasn’t sure, do you?

How should I know?

You had plenty of friends back then.

Oh really?

Like who?

Yeah, like who?

Anton?

If you don’t wanna believe he’s yours,

then we’ve got nothing left to say to each other.

What’s in the little vial?

What’d you say?

I said "the little vial."

Nice.

If you want something, get it yourself.

I don’t need anything.

How was life in France?

Fantastic.

And your husband?

Also fantastic.

And now?

Now I’m back here.

To introduce Robert to his father?

Yeah.

Something like that.

He wants to.

I think he has the right.

And what does your husband think?

That’s not really important anymore, unfortunately.

Yeah, life’s full of surprises.

Could you hand me my cane?

Yeah, thanks.

Well.

Gotta hit the men’s room.

You good, David?

Yeah.

Need help?

I mean, I’m not *that* far gone.

Linda?

Yeah?

Can you grab me a clean pair of underwear?

Where do you keep them now?

In the big drawer.

Any preference?

Just grab a fresh one.

Here.

If I help him, you gotta tell me, okay?

No.

David?

Hey, hello.

I dropped my contact lens around here.

Oh, come on.

Not in front of the kids.

I’ve seen smoother moves from a mannequin.

Yeah, okay, thanks.

Well, that kid’s got some luck, huh.

With a dad like that, you know.

Having a blast swimming together.

Kicking a soccer ball around.

Hitting the bathroom together.

My dad can’t go solo anymore.

I’m outta here.

Don’t bother looking for me.

Of course I tried to find you.

Yeah, but not in Nepal, ‘cause you’d have tracked me down there.

If I’d known, I’d have dragged you off those mountains years ago.

Lucky for me, the world’s a big place.

I’m off to Anton’s.

Two peas in a pod.

You still drinking milk?

Nah, I’m good.

And忙 keep swearing with those big, sad puppy dog eyes that you were gone without a trace.

God.

Man, you two really left me high and dry.

Yeah, that was ages ago.

Maybe for you.

But you didn’t have to raise a kid day in and day out.

No, I had it easy.

Want another cookie?

Nah, I’m good.

So, does he still wanna see his dad?

Ever since he found out, he’s been dying to meet him.

Help me out here.

I wish you could.

No, come on, Linda.

What kind of dad would I be?

I’m sick, Linda.

A nobody, a cripple.

A wheelchair doesn’t make things easier.

How do I get up the stairs?

How do I get down to go outside?

Try going to the grocery store.

Then I just won’t go to the store.

If I can’t get out the front door… how am I supposed to hit up the store?

Exactly.

I’m happy to tell you…

there’s been no worsening of your condition.

Well, that’s good news, Niels.

Still, I’d recommend…

thinking about getting a wheelchair.

You won’t need it all the time, but…

for long walks, maybe a trip to the park.

Or downtown.

Yeah, or the beach.

I’m sorry, but that’s not for me.

Just think about it.

Just consider it.

Look at those wheels.

Felix?

Yeah?

Is MS hereditary?

No.

Why?

Just curious.

Yeah, my son plays soccer here too.

Killer striker.

Killer striker.

You seen him play?

Hello?

Hello?

Hey, I’m David.

Yo.

I’d actually love to see him.

We can make that happen.

But don’t tell him who I am.

Got it, your call.

When should we swing by?

No, uh, not at my place.

So, David.

Been a hot minute.

How you holding up?

Doing alright, man, alright.

How’s Anton doing?

Not great.

He’s got a serious illness.

Damn, that’s rough.

Yeah, it’s brutal.

Meet me at Tony’s Bar.

You know the spot?

Grab a drink with him.

I just wanna see him.

Why don’t you take your jacket off?

Got a lot on my plate.

English, Robert.

English.

Good afternoon.

What’ll it be?

Let’s do two chocolate milks.

You got it.

No, I want a Coke.

You’re getting chocolate milk.

Two chocolate milks.

You know I don’t want you drinking that stuff.

Coke’s junk.

Chocolate milk’s junk.

I'm wiped out.

Here you go.

Thanks a bunch.

Hey, Linda.

David.

David Storm.

Weren't you a nurse?

I was your roommate back on Jacob-Obrecht Street.

Hey, what's your name?

Robert, let's go.

Robert, Robert!

Can I ask you something?

How old are you?

Nine.

You guys want something to drink?

Want a drink?

Robert, what do you want to drink?

Hold up a sec.

Come on over.

Yo, can we get three Cokes?

Morning!

Morning.

You okay, David?

It's pouring out there.

Did you have fun or what?

Pretty sweet deal for you, huh?

You freaked out?

Nah.

Who was that guy?

Just some dude.

You sure you're not freaked?

Nope.

One with your sleeve?

Like that.

One who's a looker?

Maybe what you'd call a gorgeous woman.

Amazing woman.

Totally amazing.

Still, we don't hook up anymore.

That's 'cause you suck in bed.

You got no clue how to do it.

You don't know how to really satisfy a woman.

Oh, and you do?

Thanks.

Is that why Linda was so wild when she jumped me back then?

Sorry, I shouldn't have said that.

But it was ages ago, David.

Did she tell you she’s back?

She called me last night.

Asked if I knew a place for her.

For you?

I told her she should move back in with your brother.

What’d you say?

David, your place has been empty for years, and you’re never there.

And what’d she say?

She wasn’t sure how you’d feel about it.

You know…

It’s weird for me to say, but you should lean into your condition.

Lean into it?

Yeah.

You know what I mean. 362 00:32⁢

I’ve got no idea what you’re talking about.

Women have a soft spot for that kind of thing.

For what?

For someone who’s a bit… vulnerable.

That’s some groundbreaking advice, Anton.

Set your brother up with a woman, and everything’s fine.

Are you nuts or something?

No.

Well, maybe sometimes.

Thanks, good to know.

Look, that’s my side of it, Dave.

All day, I’ve gotta perform, and it’s never enough.

My clients chew me out, Marjan chews me out, my kid chews me out, you chew me out.

But you…

You don’t have to do jack.

You’ve got an excuse, kinda.

But I’m pathetic.

Would you wanna be pathetic?

No.

Well, maybe.

I was listening to this thing.

It was about a war vet.

Lost everything below the waist in combat.

He meets this woman, Jane Fonda.

She feels sorry for him. 387 00:34:06,240 _ _00:34:10,480 At some point, she climbs on top of him… and says…

Tell me what to do.

Tell me what feels good.

Can you imagine Jane Fonda on top of you, saying…

Tell me what feels good?

Nah, guys.

David.

David!

Anton.

I’m so stuck.

I’m stuck too.

Hang on.

Yeah.

Hold up.

No.

I can't feel my legs.

Come on.

He's stuck to me.

Yeah, that over there.

Ow. Come on.

I'm going back to the car to do the bank water test.

Come on, Marjan.

Take your toys with you, okay?

That's a thorny weed.

Hey, Alexander.

Yeah?

Could you imagine that I was your dad?

How so?

Oh, just like that.

If I was your dad, could you imagine that?

But you're not my dad at all, are you?

No, but what if? Could you imagine it?

No.

Why not?

Because I'm sick?

No, just because you're not my dad.

It wasn't too cold for you, David.

You'll catch a cold.

It was pretty special.

I really enjoyed it.

Finally, no pain and trouble with everything.

It was like floating to the seventh heaven.

Yeah, float right out of your name.

But what would you mean?

If you want to float, you should make a rocking chair.

But Jan, a rocking chair, that's for old people, isn't it?

No, I don't mean a rocking chair.

I mean a swing.

A chair in the shape of a swing.

Yeah, a rocking chair.

What good is that to the boy?

My grandpa had one.

He could think freely then.

Without that thinking being influenced by the pain in his body.

Honestly.

He spent years on that thing.

Yeah, but he also died on it.

Yeah, I'm coming.

David Storm?

Is he still in there?

Yeah.

Did you leave him alone?

Yeah, he didn't want to come.

I tried everything.

You can't do that, can you?

You can't just leave him alone?

He wanted to know who his dad was.

And I couldn't give him an answer.

And then you just leave him alone?

I don't know who his dad is.

What am I supposed to do then?

Good day.

Good day.

Bye Robert.

I'm bringing you back to your mother.

Are you my dad?

Let's not talk about that now.

We're talking about your mother.

Hey, why are you so worried?

You and I know that scaffolding isn't scary at all, but Mom doesn't know that.

Why are you taking the elevator then?

I'm sick.

Is that my dad?

Whoever your dad is, it's definitely not him.

No, but that's not what we were talking about.

I asked you something.

Hey, why are you so worried?

She's lying to me.

About what?

What is she lying about, Robert?

She says she's looking for my dad.

And you don't believe that?

Yeah, maybe she's lying too.

Could be.

But maybe...

Maybe your dad just doesn't want to see you yet.

Yeah, couldn't that be?

A man who finds out he's a father, that's not just anything.

You need some time to get used to it.

How would you know that?

All I'm trying to tell you is that if your mother is lying to you...

she's not doing it to hurt you, but because she loves you.

Shall we go down?

She's been scared long enough now.

Coming, Robert?

He's asleep.

Us too.

It's taken a lot out of him.

He doesn't have much energy left.

You forget so quickly that he's very sick.

He's good at hiding it.

He's always been a champion at that.

It might actually be a good idea if you guys lived above him.

We've talked about Antoine at length.

Doesn't sound like a good plan to me.

Where do you even want to stay here?

This is just temporary, right?

You'll have to figure it out yourself.

I'm just taking David home.

Can I take him home in your car?

What about me?

Then you stay here, and I'll watch over Robert.

It really won't take long.

Okay.

Just so you know, the cookies are out.

And the drinks.

Keys.

They're in it.

Good.

Antoine's right.

You should come live here.

Did you hear us?

What did you say to Robert?

I didn't tell him.

Hero.

You're just as much of a hero as I am.

Why don't you say it?

Because you don't want me to.

I doubt that.

I just need some more time.

Time, time, time.

How much more time do you need?

About 40 years.

Seriously, David.

How long do you think we can wait with something like this?

Just come live with me.

We'll see.

What time is it?

You can pay for it by doing things for me.

What kind of things?

Like getting you dressed and washing you, probably?

No, errands.

Souping up my moped.

Packing my suitcases.

Making my bed.

Poisoning the neighbor's cat.

Alright, I'll do it.

But no more jokes like in the bar.

Whatever you say.

What is it?

What helps with that?

Nothing, rest.

David?

I wanted to ask you one more thing.

David?

What is this?

I've lost something, a little cap.

Do you know what it is?

I'll go get it.

Lynn.

Hey.

Do you have it?

I don't want it anymore.

No.

Let him go.

Mom?

Yeah?

Are all the men in the Netherlands named David?

No, you know that yourself.

Men in the Netherlands are called... Pieter, Hendrik, Theodore...

Alex... My dad's name is David.

Yeah.

And that man who lives downstairs is also named David.

Yeah.

Have you known him long?

Yeah, I've known him a long time, yeah.

How long?

Just... a long time.

Were you sick back then too?

No, not back then.

I'll be right back, Julie.

Can I come?

No, I don't want to.

Hello.

Hello.

Robert's just going to take a look at the garden.

Well, shall we?

This is where I wanted to have the swimming pool built.

24 changing rooms.

And, uh...

With tennis courts over there and the tea house.

A big, white, English tea house.

And the golf course here.

Mini-golf, of course.

Do you hear that?

Black-tailed godwits.

Can you hear them, very high up?

A kind of "kiew-kiew."

Keep the binoculars inside for a sec.

Where?

On the bed.

Quickly, or they'll be gone.

This is a beautiful moment every year.

When those swifts come back from Africa, that’s when summer really starts.

No summer without swifts.

Hold on, I lost them.

Ah, there they are.

Aren’t they beautiful?

Amazing.

Did you know these birds even sleep in mid-air?

For the first three years of their lives, they never touch the ground.

They just keep flying nonstop.

If you try to take them from their nest, it’ll...

What do you think this is?

A whistle?

A whistle.

Whistle?

Yeah.

It’s a whistle, but it’s also something else.

Takes a lot of practice to master.

What is it then?

That’s a secret, I’m afraid.

Oh.

Well, I should get going then, huh?

[MUSIC]

This thing goes in here.

Got it?

Yeah.

Okay, put your feet against the door.

Okay, let go.

What do I do now?

You really sitting there?

Just enjoy the view.

Oh, David!

Alexander, where’ve you been all this time?

Too busy for your old uncle?

David’s smoking again.

Preaching again.

Hey, guys, what’s this?

David, come on, man.

Come with us.

No, come on, I’m not a bathtub.

You wish.

Yeah, look who’s talking.

Come on.

Hey.

Hey, Robert.

This is... Alexander.

Alexander, this is Robert.

These are all my old colleagues.

They built the top floor of their building.

And we’re gonna celebrate.

Always a blast.

Come on.

Did you invite your mom too?

Of course your mom’s invited too.

Stop.

Come on.

Hey, guys.

Right away.

Guys, the dragon’s here.

Come on.

What are swifts, anyway?

They fly really fast.

They even sleep in mid-air.

They practically fly into the clouds.

In winter, there are no more insects.

Where do they go then?

The Netherlands.

Maybe they go there.

Maybe I should go there too.

Good morning.

Tough, huh?

You gotta cover those holes tight.

That one with your finger.

Don’t blow so hard.

If you blow softer...

it’s not working.

Cover it.

Just keep it covered.

Where’d you get it?

From an old Sherpa in Nepal.

And he just gave it to you?

After a tough climb.

I barely made it.

And I knew it’d be my last...

because I was already getting weaker.

From your illness?

From my illness.

Did you know you were sick in Nepal?

Yeah.

He said it was a reminder of the time when you could still do anything.

What do those symbols mean?

It means the mountain is heavy...

but the butterfly lifts the cat.

The what?

The butterfly lifts the cat.

What does that mean?

Haven’t you ever seen a cat jump up after a butterfly?

If you look closely, it’s like the butterfly’s pulling the cat up...

on an invisible string.

But it doesn’t say that.

Yes, it does.

Check it out, here’s the cat.

And here’s the butterfly.

And this is the mountain, right in the middle.

What’s the mountain got to do with it?

It means something that feels heavy…

sometimes… something that seems heavy isn’t heavy at all.

It’s all about how you think about it.

How you look at it.

Hmm.

And that Sherpa was so old, he couldn’t do a thing anymore.

But with this thing, he could do it all.

He couldn’t walk, couldn’t stand, couldn’t play soccer.

But then he had this whistle—watch the light switch for a sec.

Pretty cool, right?

Yeah, but it’s a bit too light.

But I haven’t told you the best part yet.

This whistle’s got some magic powers too.

If you focus real hard on someone…

and blow a long note with all your breath…

they’ll come to you.

Yeah, right.

Berre?

Now think real hard about your mom.

Robert, you should’ve been in bed ages ago.

Wanna head upstairs?

You don’t have to do that, sweet Linda.

I’m not big on spotless rooms.

But it’s gotta get done, right?

What’s all this stuff?

Huh?

This here.

That’s gonna be my freethinker’s chair.

I’m in the middle of hanging it up.

It’s my little DIY project.

Probably keep me busy for the next year or so.

Why not let Anton handle it?

He’d take even longer than me.

Ha, just kidding.

Nah, I like doing stuff myself.

I might not be able to do a lot anymore, but there’s still plenty I can do.

I’m thinking about getting a wheelchair.

So I can do even more.

Man, you’re not exactly a chatterbox today, are you?

Well, what’s there to talk about?

How about Robert?

Yeah, Robert.

Let’s talk about Robert.

Cool.

What’d you tell him about his dad?

That he left me.

Did you mention he didn’t know you were pregnant?

Yeah, of course. 753 00:59:21 00:59:21,130... > 00:59:22,070 Phew, good.

So he’s not a total jerk.

Well, depends on how you look at it, right?

What about me?

What does he know about me?

What’s he gotta know?

That I knew you way back when?

That I’m sick.

That you’re sick?

Yeah.

But does he know how sick I am?

Does he know what my illness is like?

No.

Only you know that.

What a couple of tough cookies you two brought home, huh?

Women aren’t here to clean up.

Women are here to dance.

Wanna dance?

Chill out.

You live with a disabled guy, right?

He’s not disabled.

But that’s what my dad said about himself.

So what?

I don’t have anything to do with him.

Yeah, you do, you live in his house.

He lives downstairs, I live upstairs.

Still his house, though.

Funny thing, that’s the model they use to win marathons.

You bought that?

Yup.

Take a look.

It’s titanium.

Here.

Weighs nothing.

And this…

Here.

Hops right into the car.

Wanna take it for a spin?

Heck yeah.

Show me your hands.

The other one.

Jesus.

That doesn’t hurt?

It’s fine.

I’m freezing, I wanna go home.

Alright, lift your leg.

I’m done with this, you hear me?

There’s no point anymore.

We’re not running off again without me knowing about it.

‘Cause we don’t know what could happen.

I should’ve seen it coming.

And if it happens again, we’re out of here, got it?

You understand?

We never should’ve moved here.

That’s a weird thing to say.

What do you mean?

You’ve been acting strange ever since we got here.

I’m acting strange?

You guys are the ones acting strange.

I bust my ass for you all day long.

I’m always there for you, and I’m the one acting strange?

You act like I don’t even exist.

I might as well not be here at all.

How am I acting strange, then?

Is this David my dad?

I can’t tell you that.

Ask him yourself.

I think I owe you some explanations.

So, I went to Nepal.

To the Himalayas, where I’d always dreamed of going.

I thought it was my last shot.

And it was.

Why didn’t you just tell Mom?

Because I was scared.

And at the bar…

I just wanted to bail.

I wanted to disappear completely.

Did you want to die?

Yeah.

I did everything to… I was chasing danger on purpose.

I did things there no normal person would survive.

Didn’t you miss Mom?

I did.

Oh, I missed your mom so much, you bet I did.

Then why didn’t you look for her?

Because I was losing myself.

See, I used to be really strong, could do anything.

I was always cheerful, cracking jokes.

That’s how I saw myself, and that’s how your mom fell for me.

Then I got sick, and I started to change.

And I didn’t want your mom to see that.

I didn’t want her to watch everything she loved about me…

fade away…

until there was nothing left of me.

Can you imagine that?

Can you picture it, Robert?

Can I play your saxophone?

David, you need anything?

Nah.

Hit it hard, real hard.

Yeah.

Ma’am, what would you like?

Ma’am, what would you like?

Just give me a pound.

A pound?

Yeah, a pound.

A pound of what?

Oh, sorry, did I say a pound?

No, make it two pounds.

Dad gets the biggest piece of meat.

Oh, yeah?

Is that right?

Yup, ‘cause he needs the energy to keep you guys going.

What a load of crap.

My dad always took the smallest piece of meat…

and saved the rest for his sweet wife and little girl.

Yeah, but your dad was out of his mind.

My dad wasn’t… Oh, right, my dad was out of his mind.

What were you like back then?

When I was a kid?

No, before Robert and I moved here.

Just your average disabled guy.

Like that.

Sweetie.

Sweetie.

Yes!

Oh, watch out for the threshold.

Is it that bad?

I just want a glass of wine, but… No, the… He made his choice.

What’s a Screaming Orgasm?

It’s a cocktail.

Tequila, triple sec, Blue Curacao, Rémi Martin, and a splash of cream.

I’ll take a small one.

I know a feisty gal who bikes down my street. When I see her, I wave real quick,

but I’m always too late.

Nurse Walstra, I love you, Nurse Walstra. That blue coat dress looks so fine.

And those flat pumps? My heart goes pitter-patter. Dear Nurse Walstra,

when I’m out front at noon and see you ride by on that classy bike with gold trim on the chain guard,

heading to the butcher or off to deliver another set of twins. That guy needs a hobby, don’t you think?

That guy really ought to find a hobby, right?

Every time I see you, I get all warm inside,

and I wanna shout my secret to the whole world.

Oh, Nurse Walstra, I love you, Nurse Walstra.

Nurse Walstra, even if your name was Train, I’d still crave your charm. I’m not kidding.

So one last time, let’s hit that same refrain.

Nurse Walstra, oh, Nurse Walstra, I love you. You asleep?

Need me to come lie next to you for a bit?

I accidentally overheard what you said to Robert.

I was kind of hoping for that.

Am I still a jerk?

Yeah.

But I'm one too.

I don't know.

Maybe just a little jerk.

What is it?

Pain.

Where?

My leg.

Your right or your left?

Both, actually.

Does that help?

A little.

Not really.

How about this?

A little.

Does it hurt here too?

A little.

Hello, Thalita.

How I've missed you.

That's Tanje.

The other one is Thalita.

Hello, Thalita.

It's David.

Do you still recognize me?

What should I do?

Tell me what you like.

Why are you laughing?

I like everything you do, honey.

I don't think he's in the mood.

Then you'll have to go back upstairs.

Doesn't matter.

We have all the time in the world.

Linda, please.

Hey.

That's okay, right?

Silly Linda, that's why I'm asking.

Linda, would you like a cup of coffee?

Yeah, sounds good.

Just finish this up, okay?

What are you making?

A little jacket for Robert.

Look.

Oh no.

Look.

Well, for Maria.

I'll help you out for a bit.

Well, coffee it is.

I hope David gives us a good reason why we shouldn't go.

Well.

And

Me tagging along with them for sure.

That's not the point, is it?

It's about the fun.

There'll be four guys and four hot French chicks.

So it'll be bread, wine, sex, and rock and roll.

A little carpentry during the day, good food and booze in the evening.

It's gonna be a laugh.

Just let me handle it.

If you need help, Linda can come along, can't she?

I don't need help.

Yeah, and that's not the kind of help I mean.

Do you ever think about anything else?

No.

You?

But you and I are breaking up.

No, but... Yeah.

She's staying here with Alexander.

And now, off to Jane Fonda.

Jane Fonda?

I was hoping for a guy too.

Well, at least we have Michelle Pfeiffer.

Idiot.

Before I knew you, I really couldn't stand you.

Because according to Anton, I never did anything right.

Linda did everything better.

But Jan, listen.

What happened between Anton and me a long time ago...

that was a childish mistake.

I slept with him once...

to get David out of his shell.

It worked like a charm too.

I think I've been punished enough.

David's still hung up on it.

Apparently Anton is too.

Ever since you've been back, he hasn't shut up about...

That's Anton's problem.

Sorry, but you two have to sort that out yourself.

Robert is Anton's.

Guys, something's wrong with David.

CALM MUSIC Easy, easy.

Anton's calling an ambulance.

No, no ambulance.

No hospital.

He's asleep.

How is he?

It's the same as last time in that sense.

That he can't do much again for a while.

No control over his limbs, disturbance of the balance organ...

limited vision, and so on.

We'll have to wait and see the effects of this attack...

before we can determine...

what kind of permanent damage has occurred.

And how long will that take?

It could take a month or longer.

You never know.

You have to see it like a mountain landscape with increasingly lower mountains.

Look, first you have a mountain...

and then suddenly there's a valley.

That's an attack.

For a moment, you can't do anything at all.

And then very slowly, you climb the next mountain.

But that next mountain is much lower than the previous one.

You never fully recover.

With each valley, you lose something.

That can be something insignificant, like the control over your left pinky.

But it can also be the sight in your left eye.

And that can just keep happening.

Practically speaking.

Does he need to go to a hospital?

He doesn't want to.

But does he *need* to go to a hospital?

I can't force him.

I have the address here for the visiting nurse.

Now, where did I put that?

I'll do it.

What?

Nurse him.

I'll do it.

But you don't have any experience with that, do you?

I'm a certified nurse, and I live upstairs anyway.

I don't think that's a good idea at all.

Give me that address, but they will have to train me a bit.

Because it's been a while.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Yeah, of course.

Just a sec, secretly.

Now, where did I put that address?

What could be wrong with you?

Yeah, I know.

There's hardly any medication, but the doctor will undoubtedly tell you that.

Yeah.

Oh, great.

Clean hands for next to nothing.

Yeah.

Oh, that's absolutely wonderful, you say.

You have a mat, I see.

Well, you put that in what?

Welcome it in, of course, so you don't slip.

And not too hot water, but I already told you that.

Well, the daily wash can be done in bed, so if you two just hold him steady...

Yeah, like that, for next to nothing.

Great.

Will you come with me?

Hello, Mr. Storm.

It's been a while, hasn't it?

How are you doing?

Then we'll just give you your daily wash.

Then Madam can see exactly how it works.

So, the bed up a bit, huh?

Look, your pen's here.

Just put that down for a moment.

There.

You're still under a blanket, I see.

Well, way too warm for this time of year.

Boxer shorts, okay.

Look, we'll put this towel down...

just in case we spill.

Then just roll him over.

To his side.

Careful it doesn't fall.

Yeah, like that.

Shorts off.

Yeah, perfect.

So, and back.

Yeah, put that towel back under.

So, other side.

Yeah.

Well, that's going very smoothly.

Grab that wash basin if you would.

So, very good.

Alright, wash time.

A daily wash is a full wash, you understand?

You start with the face, well behind the ears,

the neck, the arms, the hands, well under the arms.

Yeah, come on.

Yeah, relax, relax, relax.

And especially dry well here, you understand?

Because of chafing.

So, yeah, perfect.

Alright, now we'll take care of the middle section.

Not too wet, huh, that washcloth.

But you probably still remember that from before, right?

Yeah.

That's good for the circulation.

And they still like that too, huh?

Minister, you don't have to be afraid, because he won't get aroused,

they can't

So, and now the legs.

That's a big job, especially with this guy and his long legs.

There, let's get you nice and dry.

Okay, that takes care of the legs.

Yeah, a bell would be handy right about now.

Where's Mom?

At the corner store.

Could you hand me my cigarettes?

They fell and I can't reach them.

Here.

Are you allowed to smoke?

There's lots I'm not allowed to do.

Smoking, soda...

What do you have there, let me see.

Oh my, a little swift.

Shouldn't you be with your friends in Africa?

He can't fly.

Poor guy, can't fly huh?

What's his name?

Jean-Pierre.

Jean-Pierre?

I'm gonna put him to bed.

Hey Robert, why Jean-Pierre?

That's my dad's name.

In France?

Yeah, my father.

Hey, say something.

When was the last time you actually said anything?

Last week?

Last month?

What should I say?

No, seriously.

What should I talk about?

About all those amazing people who visit you daily in droves?

Or about all those wonderful people who visit you daily in droves?

Or about all those incredible adventures I have when

you happen to be away for just three seconds?

Go ahead, talk my ear off.

I'll talk your ears right off your head.

Are the walls closing in on you?

No.

I'm having a blast with these walls actually.

They crack me up.

Walls, just delightful.

That's why it's chess.

How's the water?

Cold, I think.

Cool then.

Want to see underneath?

Yeah.

Just put it in there.

Or pull it.

Just pull.

That's easy.

And flush.

And flush.

And flush.

Flush it.

Yeah.

Did you see that?

Yeah, I saw it.

Zero.

Come on.

Yeah right, very funny.

Ball washer.

And you're the ball washer between us.

Yeah, that's true.

I'm washing a real ball of a guy here.

That's not what I meant.

I know.

Spread your legs.

Well, the North Sea still holds many wonders in store.

Sorry, can't do that.

Sorry.

Linda, you know what I like best?

Linda!

Dinner's ready.

Should Robert and I come eat with you?

You've got time.

So?

What about dinner?

Not hungry.

Mom!

Where's Mom?

Isn't she upstairs?

No.

Come here.

Hey.

What's wrong?

Looking for her upstairs?

Is she dead?

Is she coming?

She had a stroke and then she was dead.

Oh God, kiddo.

Hm.

You know, you should actually be really happy now.

Happy?

Yeah.

He's finally free from suffering.

Jean-Pierre couldn't fly anymore.

He's a swift.

And if the worst thing that can happen to a swift…

is that it can’t fly anymore,

what’s left for it then?

It might as well be dead.

Was it fun?

Yeah, it was a blast.

I’m a little queasy from the popcorn, though.

You liked it too, right?

Yeah, it was cool.

Comfy seats, huh?

Yup.

Well, you did it, champ.

Robert’s in bed with a 102-degree fever.

Great game at the beach.

Hope you had your fun.

Keep it up.

I had enough fun for both of us.

Two trips to the ER.

Cut it out, David.

Try putting yourself in my shoes for once.

Listen to who’s talking.

Nurse Walsh doesn’t think it’s necessary…

to close the curtains when she helps me get dressed.

Oh, my bad.

No, leave ‘em open.

Nurse Walsh.

Enough with the Walsh already.

My neighbor.

Get serious, David.

If you’d been a real, responsible dad…

you wouldn’t have let him wade into the ocean fully clothed.

Listen to who’s talking.

The great responsible mom has spoken.

Getting dropped off by Anton at three in the morning.

Leaving her kid alone with a disabled guy.

Anything could’ve happened.

Fire, storm, flood.

I don’t want you spying on me, David.

It’s happening right under my nose.

I may be a lot of things, but I’m not blind.

If I can’t do what I want, if I can’t live how I want, then…

..

Then you’ll leave.

And where you headed?

France, with Anton.

He’s leaving next Monday.

He asked if I’d come along.

And what’d you say?

That I’m staying with you.

Because of my condition?

No.

Because of Robert?

No.

I probably love you.

But you’re making it real hard.

Yeah?

You hungry?

I’ve thought it over, you know.

I think it’s best if you go to France with Anton.

And who’s gonna take care of you?

A nurse.

You know who you could hook up with?

I don’t need to stop you, I had to say it, sorry.

Well…

What should I whip up?

I’ll order something.

David, I don’t want to hurt you.

So why do I keep doing it?

It’s just like back then.

Exactly the same, like we never grew up.

Like we can never find peace in love.

You know…

That’s got nothing to do with any illness.

It’s just plain ego.

You’re more like your brother than you think.

I don’t even know anymore.

Bye, David.

See ya, man.

Take care of yourself, it’s a rough world out there.

We gotta hit the station, Jansen’s waiting there.

Come on, hop in the car.

Look after them, or I’ll kill you.

Do we really not need to wait for that nurse?

Nah, it’ll all work out.

Don’t say a word, just go for it.

Best of luck with that.

Robert, come here.

Thanks.

I’m the one saying goodbye, not you.

Yeah, I know, but what am I supposed to do without you?

I’m sick, I’m getting worse.

I can’t do it anymore.

I…

Hey!

Come here.

Come on.

Come on, easy now.

Yeah, yeah.

Yeah.

Linda.

Linda!

David.

Linda!

Linda!

David.

Yeah, I’m here.

TV GELDERLAND 2021

[MUSIC]