Original subtitles

- Crisis.

- Okay. Tonight's the night.

I'm gonna pull the trigger.

- You wanna talk?

- No, I don't.

Okay.

Let's talk.

- All right. I'll need an address.

You stay where you are. I'm on my way.

I work Crisis, 24/7.

A dead-end job with a low pay and no chance of advancement.

That said, the job's not without its perks.

I have divine assistance. So I'm told.

Without sleep in 36 hours,

believing in hope seems a fantasy.

A dream induced by insomnia.

But I don't have the grace to live this life alone.

And lately, I find myself reaching for something.

Anything.

- Stop right there. Stop right there.

- Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. Take it easy.

Take it easy, take it easy. You just called me.

You just called me. You just called me.

We talked on the phone. Remember?

What about you little girl?

Please, don't pull that trigger.

Do not pull that trigger. Your little girl is right here.

Please. Please, do not pull the trigger.

Listen, you pull that trigger, your life is not

the only life that's about to change forever.

Look, look, look at...

Look. Just, please.

We can talk. Look, I'm gonna sit down with you.

We can talk. All right?

I'm here.

- There's nothing to talk about.

I don't wanna feel the pain no more.

I'm checking out.

- Maybe the pain is temporary.

- What do you know about pain?

- As far as I know, everyone is hurting.

- You think so?

- In one way or another, I do.

- I don't know what you believe, but,

I like to think there's someone watching out for us.

I just can't seem to find him lately.

And don't think I haven't looked.

- Maybe in our struggles, God is closer to us than we think.

- He is so close.

He's so close.

It should have been me he took.

Not my six-year-old to cancer.

It should've been me he took.

- Yeah, but you're still here.

So, God is not through with you yet.

You gotta stick with him.

- What are you? Some sort of preacher?

- Nah, I'm very far from it. I'm just a messenger.

- Oh, yeah? What's the message?

- The message is that you have another little girl

right here who loves you,

who's counting on you to make the right choice.

Look at her.

- You lost someone, too.

It's in your eyes.

You blame yourself.

You're gonna be okay.

We're gonna be all right, aren't we?

If they find that, they'll take my kids.

- Hands in the air, now!

- Hey guys. You're right on time.

- Is that right?

- I'm ready to go.

You can arrest me now, if you want.

- All units standby. - Cuff 'em.

Neighbors heard her screaming down the hallway.

Death threats.

What's with you, Aames?

- What's that?

- You get 'em to submit without even a scratch.

What you got that we don't?

- Punctuality?

- No. There's definitely something else.

Hey!

- I ain't much for miracles, but you worked one here.

That's for certain.

You saved my life.

Thank you.

- Worked a miracle, huh?

- Not me.

- I got your message.

- Look, I am, uh...

I'm sorry I didn't call. It's just that I...

It's been a tough day, you know?

- He would've been 18 tomorrow.

Jon?

Jon?

- Yeah. Yeah, I'm, I'm here.

- Are are you okay?

- I'm sorry I bothered you.

- Are you sure you're okay?

- Goodnight.

- So, I told him, "If you wanna be with Cleo, good!

Great! Go be with her.

But if you do, don't be asking to come back to me.

Never. Never, ever.

I mean, what do you think?

Was I too hard on him? What should I do?

- Ma'am, this is Crisis Intervention.

- And what does this sound like to you?

Some picnic?

No! It's a crisis.

- I can't help you with your boyfriend. Sorry.

- Don't you hang up on me. Don't you dare!

- Crisis.

- I need some help. It's, it's my dad.

- What's wrong? Is he all right?

- No. He's just real drunk again.

- Hey, don't judge me!

- Well, if you're in danger, I can call the police.

- No cops. No cops.

He's been in jail a dozen times, so it doesn't do any good.

- Boy!

- So, are you gonna help or not?

- All right. Where you at?

- Why can't you...

Your next Injury, boy.

Wait, I'm sorry!

- You gonna judge me, after everything I've done for you?

- Wait, I'm sorry! Wait, wait!

No, wait, wait, wait! I'm sorry, I'm sorry!

- Whoa, whoa, whoa! No, no, no, no! Stop, stop, stop!

Just stop!

- Who you at and what you doing in my house?

- Name is Jon Aames. I work Crisis.

- You call him?

- Listen. Why don't you go outside?

I need a minute with your dad. Come on.

- Well, you heard him. Get goin'.

- I hate you.

- Come on, just go outside. Just go outside!

- I'm so hurt by that, man!

- Just put the iron down.

Let me know what's going on, okay?

- Mm.

How much they pay you for this?

- For what?

- Crisis calls. How much?

- Nothing, actually. It's voluntary.

- So, you're not getting paid? - Nope.

- You've got some strange extracurricular

activities, my friend.

- You know what?

I had a psyche degree years ago and I'm putting it into use.

- Hm.

We'll see.

- We'll see what?

- Where I come from?

No such thing as free lunch.

What do you do for money?

- Well, I had a business and I was able to save.

I'm all right.

- Must be nice.

- Um...

Hey, listen. Um...

Does your dad know how you feel?

- About what?

- About you being worried

that you're gonna end up in foster care.

- My dad wouldn't know the first thing about how I feel.

Plus, he's always gone. So...

- For work?

- Hardly.

Unless drinking's a job.

Then he'd be promoted by now.

- I tell you what.

Why don't we meet here, next Friday, same time, same place,

and I'll buy you another pizza, what do you say?

- What I gotta do for it?

- You gotta do nothing, except stay outta trouble.

What do you say?

- That's it? - That's it, so?

- I'm not crazy enough to turn down free food, mister.

- Okay, so you're gonna be here next Friday?

- See you next week. Thanks for the food.

- You got it.

Hey, uh, I never got your name.

- Calvin.

- I'm Jon.

Just calm down! Breathe!

Help is coming, okay?

It's gonna be okay.

Can you be calm?

- I'm calm.

I'm calm. I'm okay.

- You're a brave little girl. You know that, right?

Very brave.

You're gonna be taking your daddy

to get the right help he needs, okay?

He knows he needs to be better for you.

- It's not his fault, you know.

Since I got sick, he's had a lot more problems.

- He's doing this 'cause he loves you. You know that, right?

- Yeah. I know it.

Doctor called today. Must be bad news.

He's always like this with bad news.

Does their light burn out,

or do you think it just keeps shining?

- I think it keeps shining.

- Daddy says we have guardian angels looking out for us,

when things get bad.

Are you an angel?

- Nah.

I'm just a guy with problems. Just like your daddy.

- I hope in heaven we don't have problems anymore.

That all the pain is gone.

- Me too.

- And we'll hear all the angels sing.

- You like to sing?

- Not professionally. Just for fun.

Would you like to hear a song I know?

- I would love to.

- Ray!

- Come on, get in the car.

Why weren't you in school today?

- Can't concentrate without food.

- You got no food at your place?

- Ray didn't come home. So, I was locked out.

- So, where'd you sleep?

- Under the bridge.

- Does that happen a lot?

- No.

Just twice a week.

- That's my address.

It happens again, you come and stay at my place.

You understand?

Look at me.

You understand me?

- Outta the way, loser.

- Ray!

Ray!

Ray!

Ray! Ray, open up!

- Get in here.

- You live here?

It's not what I was expecting.

- Me neither. It's not exactly home.

- Looks like home to me.

- Come on. Let me show you your room.

I left you some dry clothes on the bed.

You hungry?

- Yeah. I could eat.

What's on the menu?

- Well, I got Hot Pockets and a macaroni and cheese special.

And I make them equally very well.

- All right. I like Hot Pockets.

- We eat in five, okay? - Yeah.

- You ready?

- Yeah. - Let's eat.

- I saw the wrestling trophies in your room.

You used to wrestle?

- Once upon a time.

You wrestle at West Hills?

- Nah.

I like to, but can't afford it.

Shoes too expensive.

- Your dad cannot help you out with that?

- Welfare goes straight to booze,

or anything else he deems essential.

- What about your mom?

- Last I heard?

She's in rehab outta the state.

- Mm.

There's no grant program in your school?

- Nah.

Plus, they know I won't be there too long.

- What do you mean by that?

- I'm realistic about my place.

No offense, but I wouldn't expect you to understand.

- I love you, Daddy.

- Hey, man!

Don't you knock?

- My bad.

I'll see you in the car.

You know, I saw all these scars on him?

They were everywhere.

- Street fights?

- I don't know. It could be his dad and he wouldn't tell me.

- So, why don't you go to the police?

- I can't. I earned his trust.

I'm not gonna betray him.

Plus, if I did that, he would run,

and he would keep on running.

- Well, a kid from the streets could benefit

from someone who can help him harness his aggression.

Learn to defend himself at the very least.

Look, I'm just saying it might keep him in school.

Give him a sense of worth.

It could be an opportunity for you both, my friend.

- I've been outta the game of wrestling.

I can't teach him that.

- This kid is invisible to everybody.

He's on the fast track to becoming a criminal,

just like his father.

You'll make the right decision. I have faith in you.

- Grip his head, right now!

Go after him! Go push him!

- I talked to the wrestling coach.

There's a tournament coming up.

We have three weeks to get you in shape.

See if you can make the team.

- Thanks.

But I already told you, I can't afford it.

So, you know, it's no big deal.

- Hm.

Consider it an interest-free loan.

You could pay me back when you're able.

Check it out.

- These hyper sweeps?

- The one and only.

Now that you're out of excuses,

meet me in my house, tomorrow morning, 5 AM,

and don't be late, okay?

From here on out, you do everything I say, when I say it.

- What's all this gotta do with wrestling?

- You trust me?

- I guess so.

- Good.

- What're you doing?

- What was the one thing you were fighting for?

The one thing you were holding onto, huh?

- Uh, getting air.

- That's right. Breathing.

You were trying to survive, right?

You wanna know how to be a champion?

By winning every single fight, every single match,

like you are trying to breathe.

That's how you be a champion.

Focus.

Switch!

Hold on.

Speed, strength, technique.

You're gonna need all three to compete.

You have the strength, you have the speed,

but you're lacking with technique.

You're sloppy. Undisciplined.

We're about to change all that. Come on!

One more.

Come on.

First, first.

- Stop, stop, stop. What are you doing?

- Distract your opponent like that and then...

You take him down, Using your speed. Come on.

Wrestling's about finding your limits.

You find that pain and you push past it.

The fight is in your mind. Push past it.

Breathe. Come on, stay with me.

Breathe and look at me. Calm down.

You push past it!

Let's go!

Come on, buddy. You can do it.

Let's go. Again.

Again.

Let's go! Shoot!

Push past it!

Push past it!

- Break!

Yeah! - I know where he comes from.

You honestly think he's gonna make the cut?

- I don't know.

- Is he fast, at least?

- We're about to find out.

- I knew this was a waste of time.

- Nine seconds.

- Is that fast? It felt pretty fast to me.

- How many was that? - Six.

Seven.

- He's got stamina. - He's a man child.

Where's he from? - Do a home run.

- So, did he make the cut?

- What's this?

- Congratulations. You made the team.

- But what about the fees? - I took care of it.

Just have your dad sign this off, okay?

Hey.

You did real good out there. I'm proud of you.

New champ!

- Oh, it's a long flag off center field!

Oh, that's a long one!

Looks like he's coming around to first base.

Oh, he's safe at second base! What a play!

What a play and what a run, huh? Hustlin'.

Vince Stanley. How many?

22nd doubles this year. That's unbelievable.

- Hello?

- I won't tolerate it anymore.

They need to pay for what they did.

- Who needs to pay?

What happened? Where are you?

- Sitting in my car.

Deciding who should be first.

They should all suffer.

Like I've had to suffer.

- Whatever you thinking of doing, you don't wanna do.

Otherwise, you wouldn't have called me.

- I called, 'cause this will be all over the news,

by the end of the day.

And they'll be searching for answers as to why it happened.

And when they do, I want you to tell them

that this could have all been prevented.

If one person

had cared.

If one person

hadn't ignored the problem.

- Cougars rule! You hear me?

All the way!

- What are you planning on doing?

- You'll know soon enough.

Hey, you wanna talk?

There you go.

Gimme your plate.

- No Hot Pockets?

- Not anymore.

You need to make weight, and no more pizza, either.

Hey, gimme your plate. There you go.

- Who's the pretty lady?

- What?

- In the picture. Who's the pretty lady?

- That's my wife.

Or ex-wife. It's kinda pending right now.

- Hm.

What'd you do?

- It's more like what I didn't do.

- So, what didn't you do?

- Kind of blew it, all right. That's all you need to know.

- Well, she's still on your wall, so,

she must seem pretty important to you.

Should get her back.

- It's too late for that, bro.

- What?

- Mm-hm.

- You quittin'?

Come on. That don't sound like you.

Give her a call.

- Eat your food, man.

You look good.

- Thanks.

You too.

- You can never lie to me.

- Hey, I...

I want you to know that I never blamed you

for what happened.

- Thank you.

Why are you here?

- Because you asked me to be.

- Why did you agree to come here? I failed you.

I don't have the same money I used to make. We know that.

- Hey. No, no, no.

I made a promise to stay married to you,

for better or worse.

- You know, I thought things would be different.

I thought I'd be some sort of John Wayne type of guy.

You know?

- Yeah. Well, I always thought you were.

Yeah, I heard rumors about what you're doing for that kid,

and I think it's really great.

Yeah. For both of you.

- How are you?

How are you doing?

Huh?

- I'm in counseling.

You know, we're not the only ones, Jon.

There are others.

So, I don't care how much money you make.

We can't take it with us.

- Better at wrestling than math, huh?

I saw you got trials, the other day.

I can tutor you, if you want.

- Uh, thanks, but um...

I don't really have any money, so it's not-

- I'm not after your money.

- So, what do you want?

- Take me out, sometime.

- Hello.

Yeah. I'm up.

I'm on my way.

Come on, don't do this. Stay with me.

Stay with me. Come on, don't die on me.

Come on. Wake up.

Wake up!

Come on. Wake up.

Wake up. Come on.

Come on. Oh, my God, don't do this.

Come on, don't do this. Stay with me.

Come on, now! Don't die on me!

Stay with me! Come on, come on!

Come on, honey. All right, let's go.

Come on, let's go! Let's go.

Come on. Stay with me.

- Dr. Simmons, emergency call.

Third floor.

Dr. Simmons.

- Jon Aames?

- Hi. That's me.

How's she doing?

- She's stable.

- Thank God. - She's going to be all right.

Thanks to you.

She's lucky you got there, when you did.

She'd like to talk to you.

- Hi.

- They say you're the man who saved my life.

- Yeah, I brought you to the hospital,

but anybody would've done that.

- They say I flatlined.

10 minutes.

Clinically, I shouldn't even be here, but here I am.

You believe in miracles, Mr. Aames?

- More of a skeptic.

- Before I blacked out, I was praying for a miracle.

Asking for a sign.

Then you showed up.

- I showed up because you called me.

- I didn't call you.

- You certainly did. You just don't remember.

- This gonna sound crazy.

- Nothing I haven't heard.

- I had this, uh...

This out-of-body experience.

I saw you, slapping my face, trying to wake me up, then...

And something else.

This bright light.

Then I knew.

I knew there was something else. I could feel it.

But then I knew I had to come back.

Saw the doctors working on me and...

I don't know. The rest is a blur.

I don't even know why I'm telling you all this.

Just felt like I'm supposed to.

Maybe sometimes we hurt enough to be honest.

Jon.

The experience I had

was real.

- Yeah, well, maybe it was the massive amount of Trazodone

you took that played a big part.

Look, I'm not the guy to help you with this,

but I'm glad you're okay.

Okay.

- Jon, when your wife calls, you should answer.

She called when you were in the lobby.

And your wallet's downstairs at the front desk.

You were looking for it.

- You take care, okay?

Excuse me, ma'am. Did you happen to find a wallet?

- What was the name? - Jon Aames.

- We did! We found it in the parking lot.

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

- Hi, Claire.

- I've seen your car out here, every day.

- Sorry about that.

- When are you gonna stop killing yourself, huh? Haven't we-

- Haven't we what?

- Do you remember when we bought this place?

- Yeah. It emptied my bank account.

I remember.

- I have better memories.

You and Jesse, you built that tree house.

All of us camping in the backyard.

- Please, Claire. Don't.

- I just want you to be happy again.

- I should go.

- This is still your home.

And it'll be here, whenever you're ready.

- What's it like? - What?

- Going to state, and winning all these trophies.

- Trophies collect dust, but in the end, there's a process

of getting there that stays with you, you know?

- I thought you said you didn't have any kids.

- Oh, that's my nephew. Why?

- No reason.

- You don't hold anything back, you hear?

There's fight inside you. Now, let it out on the mat, okay?

- I should've tried out for football.

- Now, listen. Team sports are great.

They're important, but this is not it.

You're against another man.

If you lose, you've got no one else to blame but yourself,

but if you win, the victory's all yours.

Now, breathe in your nose, out your mouth.

Look at me.

Relax.

Go on the mat and do what you gotta do, okay?

Whatever it takes. Come on.

- Shift it back to center. - Come on!

- Get the arm! Get the arm!

Yeah!

Yeah! Come on!

- So, do you remember a time that

your parents were happy together?

Hey, I'm sorry. It's none of my business.

- I tried so hard to keep 'em together.

I remember one night, not too long before Mom went.

- Get outta my house.

- Like, if I wanted it bad enough,

it would happen, you know?

But it didn't.

Just made him more mad.

All I really wanted was for them to be together.

Like...

Like a normal family.

- What do you want now?

- Better life.

Make my old man proud, but you know

that day's never gonna come.

Oh.

What's that...

What's that for?

- Does there have to be a reason?

Not everything comes with attachments.

- Been, uh, reading this Bible you left me.

- I'm glad someone is putting it to use.

- "And we know that all things work together for good

to them that love God,

to those that are called according to his purpose."

You know, everyone I cared about left,

when they found out about my habits.

But I see now.

All for my good.

Even the would-be tragedies.

Yeah.

When you find hope in this darker place,

you know it's coming from a source greater than yourself.

- You actually think this is part of his plan?

You ending up here, huh?

- I don't know.

Maybe.

He works in mysterious ways.

Jon, I...

I gotta believe something good could come from all the bad.

Otherwise, what's the point of it all?

- How do you do it?

- Do what?

- Find the good.

- Ah. It ain't that hard.

You know, you just gotta open your eyes to it.

I guess that's where faith comes in, you know?

Trusting in a plan greater than your own.

Ever since I got out that hospital,

it ain't my death I'm worried about.

It's my life.

I want to live,

before I die.

Remember, the four top wrestlers in each weight class

qualify for sectionals, okay?

- So, no pressure, right? - Look, he's got talent.

But drive beats talent all the time.

You take the fight to him, okay? Come on.

Shoot! Shoot!

There you go.

Drive!

Drive him!

Yeah, yeah! Lift this head!

There you go, keep driving! Drive, drive him!

Keep driving! There you go!

Yeah, lift this head! Lift this head!

I'm so proud of you. Good job.

All right there, Casanova. You wanna celebrate?

You wanna ask your friend to come with us?

- Uh...

Yeah. - All right.

So proud of you. Good stuff.

There it is. - Hey!

Oh, that's it, that's it. - There it is, that's it.

That's a dollar.

- All right. Let's see something, Jon.

- Okay.

Yay!

- Come on, man! Come on, man!

- I like that, I like that, I like that.

- Oh!

- Oh, my gosh.

- Mm-mm.

- What is...

- What is he doing? Come on, man.

Look at him move. Look at him move.

Oh! - Oh!

Here we go.

Here we go. Okay.

- Why is the ball going in the other lanes every time?

- Why?

I think it's the way you're throwing it.

You gotta look at the- - I got it.

- At the lane, I don't know. - Yeah, and the pins.

You gotta hit the pins.

Or any pin.

No.

Well, good try, my man. - I tried.

- You did not make one.

- Why would you invite me bowling? I don't understand.

- Moral support. - Yeah.

- You know, the ball has to hit the pins.

- We get it, we get it. I know, I know.

You'll get more pins on the mat.

- All right, funny. Funny, all right?

All right, let's play again. Let me redeem myself.

Okay?

- Honestly, you've never bowled before?

I would've never guessed.

- Look, if you guys couldn't tell,

there was definitely something wrong with the ball.

- Yeah, it was in your hand.

Aren't you glad that you're a better wrestler than a bowler?

- Yeah, yeah. Okay, I found my sport, huh?

- Hey, hey! Nice singlet, homie.

- Keep walking. Come on, come on.

- If it isn't the poor, underprivileged kid

and the great savior.

- Savior?

Hardly, man.

He's got more problems than any of us.

- Man, check it.

Why don't you ditch the weirdo,

and you and the pretty girl come hop in my ride?

I said, get in the car.

- You might wanna look over your shoulder.

- Remember your place, son.

Hey, Calvin.

- Come on. Get in the car.

Listen. You stay clear of those guys.

As long as I'm training you, you cut your ties.

If you need money, just let me know. Agreed?

- Agreed.

Hey, man? - Mm.

- You never told me how it went with the pretty lady.

- Not too bad. - Okay.

Get a second date?

- We got coffee next Tuesday.

- My man!

I knew you still had it in you.

Hey, Jon. - Mm.

- I just wanna say thank you, for everything.

- You can thank me if we make it to sectionals.

- When we make it to sectionals.

- That's right.

- All right, man. I'll see you.

- Where you been?

- Out.

Out with some friends.

- Don't lie to me, boy.

It says here, you're planning on wrestling

in some tournament.

State championships.

Well, that ain't never gonna happen.

- I'm not afraid of you, Ray.

- What was that?

Well, speak your mind, boy.

- I'm not good at many things, but I'm good at this.

I mean, coach said I got some real talent. I could...

I could even get a scholarship-

- Sports take you as far as your next injury, boy!

As soon as you're hurt, they drop you!

Your dream, now your life!

That's all I've been doin', bruh.

- I'm not you.

- Oh, you think you special?

You ain't special, boy!

Get that through your head.

You done with wrestling.

- You just jealous, huh?

Jealous I'm actually doing something with my life.

- Did I ever tell you I wanted you to be like me, boy?

- I don't plan on it.

Are we done, Ray? Are we done, Ray?

- Just get off of me!

Yeah, we done!

Get outta my house.

- Why are you doing this, man?

Why do you even care?

- Hey.

That wasn't my nephew in those pictures.

- Yeah, I figured.

- That was my son.

He was about the same age as you when he passed.

He was an athlete. Gifted, like you.

Before he took his own life.

You know, you hear about these problems happening all over,

but you never think for once it's gonna be your own child.

People don't wanna talk about these kinds of problems,

and before you know it...

Before you know it, it's all gone in a flash.

- What's his name?

- Jesse.

- You're Jesse Aames' dad?

- You knew him?

- I mean, no.

It's a small town, so when something like that happens,

everybody kinda knows.

- Were you friends with him?

- Nah.

It's different sides of the tracks.

- But did you ever talk to him?

Did he ever tell you anything that was going on

with his problems, anything like that?

- In high school.

No problems bigger than the usual.

But he did tell me that he wants to make it

to the major leagues.

- What else did he say?

- That if he's gonna do it, he's gonna do it on his own.

Nobody else's help.

- I was buried in my work.

He used to come to me every day and ask me to play catch,

and I would say, "Hey, you know, tomorrow."

Then tomorrow...

He just realized that tomorrow was never coming,

so he just quit asking altogether.

And if I would've just been there for him,

one of those times?

I might still have my son right now.

Anyway, I'm gonna get some sleep.

You should do the same, okay?

- Yeah.

Night, Jon.

Amanda? - Amanda.

- What are you? Crazy?

- It's time to get up.

Look.

You once told me to find the pain and push past it, right?

Or was that made up?

No?

Cool.

Now that you're out of excuses,

I'll be at the lake by six o'clock.

See you tonight. Don't be late.

- Hey!

We're doing this. We're going all the way to state, right?

- Wouldn't happen any other way.

- Go in a circle. Stay with me, come on!

- CJ Lawson. Two-times state champ.

When you go to state,

you can bet you're gonna have to beat this guy.

- Dude, he's fast.

- Yeah, he's fast, but he doesn't have what you have.

He doesn't have your drive. You can beat this guy.

- You really think so? - I know so.

- Dude, this is depressing. Why are we-

- No, no, no, no, wait! Hold on, hold on!

I'm looking for the fly in the ointment.

- The what?

- I'm looking for his mistakes.

See, there it is. There it is.

He's shifting his weight forward.

He's off balance. Can you see that?

That's it.

You wait till he over commits, okay?

When you feel the weight shifting through the back leg,

you pivot and you strike.

Your stamina is your strength.

So, you're gonna have to wear him down.

- Look. It's two minutes per period.

I mean, how bad could it be?

- With a guy like CJ, two minutes is an eternity.

Come on, let's go!

On your feet.

Come on.

- Hey!

So, you're the one that keeps trespassing on my property.

- Name is Jon. You might remember me from the other-

- I know exactly who you are.

You the one filling my boy's head with them pipe dreams.

And I don't need your sympathy.

- Okay.

Listen, I just thought you might wanna know

that Calvin is staying at my place.

- Oh, I figured that, bruh. Not that it matters all now.

If he think he all that,

he don't need to be living under my roof no more.

- Listen, Mr. Reed. Your son has got a gift.

He has a chance to make state.

You know, a few weeks ago, he was ready to drop outta school

and start selling dope on the street.

- And he'll get a street education, just like I had to.

Gotta start somewhere.

- I would think you would want something more for your son.

Wouldn't you?

- I know what you're doing.

- What's that?

- Tell him he gonna be something

that he ain't never gonna be.

Trying to be the father you think I never was.

You know, you and me, we may be a little different,

for he likes you,

but he's still my son.

In the end, you're gonna drop him.

- You still have time to be there for him.

You don't just owe it to him, but you owe it to yourself.

You know what? You and I?

We're no different after all.

Hello?

Yeah, it's me.

No, I was not aware of that. How many days has he missed?

I see.

Hey, how was school?

- Cool.

Not too bad. - Really?

It's kinda hard to study when you don't even go to class.

- You following me?

- I'm gonna be asking all the questions right now,

and you better answer, give me the truth.

Why are you still hanging out

with those guys from the street?

- Look, I work for 'em.

- You work for them? We had an agreement.

- I have to.

- For money?

There's better ways to make money, like an honest job!

- Look, you don't understand, all right?

They're not gonna let me out without a fight.

- Then you fight back. You're a wrestler.

- It's not that easy.

I actually care about my life, unlike some people.

- What is that supposed to mean, huh?

- Come on, Jon.

I'm not stupid.

You want the truth?

- Yeah.

- I know why you're willing to go out into the buildings

with people with guns, out on the rooftops,

late nights in the hood.

I get it.

You're not afraid to die.

Admit it.

You don't care what happens to your life, but I do.

I actually care about my life.

- It's non-negotiable.

You stop ditching school, find new friends,

or you find yourself a new coach.

- Calvin.

Calvin!

Hey! Are you there?

- Yeah. Yeah, um...

Sorry. Just realized that, you know, I'm on my own again.

Like usual. So...

- On your own?

I'm right here, aren't I?

- Yeah. It's just, uh...

No, you wouldn't understand.

- What don't I understand?

That he cares about you?

That he wants you to be safe?

- You taking his side on this?

- I'm taking anyone's side, Calvin.

Look, I just think that you need to realize that

there are people here that care about you

and that are trying to help you,

and it's okay for you to believe that.

Calvin.

Calvin!

Calvin!

- Name of the father, of the son, the Holy Spirit.

- I need your help with somethin'.

- Jon?

Is that you?

- Yeah.

- Oh, that's really great. Jon.

Oh, you came back to the church. Really beautiful.

- I didn't come here to talk to God.

I came here to talk to you.

- Oh, okay. How can I help?

- Can we talk somewhere else?

Addicts at the end of the rope have more belief than me.

Even more than the ones that come here on these pews.

- Is that why you stopped coming?

- I stopped coming here

because no one wants to hear my problems.

They, uh...

They come here to feel good.

That's why you keep a light at the pulpit, you know?

Avoiding the hard topics?

- Yeah, maybe.

But it's not how it should be.

Getting out to the streets, to the least of these?

We need more like you, Jon.

Christ went out to the misfits.

The way I see it, you're doing the same work.

- I can't help him.

- Sometimes, Christ uses

the broken to get the job done.

In the end, everything comes together

and works together for his purpose.

But you cannot negotiate with God.

It's all or nothin'.

Out of suffering can come redemption.

- There's gotta be someone who's more qualified than me.

- God's not interested in your credentials.

Sometimes, he takes us places we don't want to go.

Don't quit on that kid.

No matter who you think you're doing it for,

the life you save just might be your own.

- Come on, man!

- Can you tell me what's going on out there?

You're letting the number five seed beat you.

What's going on? - Look, I don't look, coach.

I just, I lost the fight in me, I guess.

- Well, you better find it.

- Thanks for not showing up, Jon.

You said you'd be there.

- I guess we both broke our promises, didn't we?

Look, you're dad failing you is not my fault, okay?

Not my fault.

- You believe in a higher power?

Look, maybe's God's simply made up.

Like the Easter bunny or something.

'Cause otherwise, life would be easier, right?

But then, sometimes, it's impossible the way things work out

without him, you know?

why are we even doing this?

See, Ray was right. It's not gonna change nothin'.

- Get your things. We're going for a drive.

Come on.

- Where are we going?

- You know, wrestling will teach you a lot about life,

but some things it can't.

Hey, can you give me some paper towels

out of the glove box, please?

- Yeah. - Thanks.

Ah, thank you. - Yeah, sure.

Where we going next?

- One more stop.

Okay?

There's someone I want you to meet.

An old coach friend of mine.

Come on.

How you doin'?

- Oh.

Oh.

You know.

Circling the drain.

- Right.

- There's someone I want you to meet. His name is Calvin.

He's a talented wrestler.

I thought maybe you'd give him a little perspective.

You got it in you, coach?

- Around here,

I've watched a lot of people pass on around me.

Heading home.

And soon I'll be joining 'em.

And that's okay.

But death, it gives perspective.

- I mean, I'm sure you'll have time.

- Mighty kind of ya.

Ultimately untrue.

None of us do, really.

Important thing is to

make good on what little there is.

Number one regret of those on their death bed.

Not...

Not being used up.

Talents we're given for a reason.

If you've got one, don't take it to the grave with you.

Live full.

Die empty.

I'm not claiming to have the secret to life here,

but I know this.

You find your passion,

your purpose,

and once you do,

you never let it go.

Not for anyone.

Oh, God.

- We're gonna go now.

I love you, Dad.

I love you very much.

- Those people that call.

How do you know what to say?

- Sometimes, the key is not to say anything and just...

Just listen.

- I don't know what kind of salesman you were,

but you got a gift for this.

I think it's your purpose.

I mean, it must feel good, right?

Changing all those lives.

- Nah.

They're changing mine.

- I owe you an apology.

Look.

You're right.

About everything, okay?

It's just...

It's hard for me to trust people.

- I know you're afraid of being hurt.

So am I.

But I'm not gonna be the one to hurt you.

Let your guard down.

- I know you think you're somethin' special!

Just because of your poor, trash neighborhood,

with a lack of talent.

And that's all that is.

But when you step on the mat with me,

I'll make you remember

why you kept yourself separate from us for so long.

Now, if I were you, I'd go back to the soup kitchen,

where you belong, before you get hurt.

- Come on!

- What happened?

- Don't talk about it.

- Fair enough.

My father used to say, "We don't start fights.

We finish them."

And at the right time, you're gonna finish that fight.

But for now, you got some work to do.

You win this, you're going to state.

Now, you got something to prove, right?

Prove it.

Hey, listen.

See that guy with the bad suit?

Hm? - Yeah.

- I didn't wanna make you nervous but I want to talk to him.

He's a scout for Brewan Parker.

He wants to see you at state.

Now, if you win it,

you could possibly have a full scholarship, you hear?

- I don't know what to say.

- You don't have to say anything. You earned it.

Now, go and get it done.

Come on.

- Yeah, was great match, huh? - That's right.

Can I help you?

- You're Jon Aames, right? - That's right.

- The Jon Aames?

- Do I know you?

- You're the one that's coaching that colored boy.

- Oh, his name is actually Calvin.

- I ain't interested in who he is, but I know who you are.

You washed up train wreck of a coach.

Let me ask you a question.

- Mm-hm.

- Why don't you stick to training your own kind?

- What kind is that?

- Seems we got the blind leading the blind out here.

I'm gonna help you out.

The way I see it, you can let him keep wrestling.

Embarrass himself.

This whole town.

Or you can pull the plug on this, right now!

Before somebody gets hurt.

Maybe save what's left of your already damaged reputation.

This is not personal. I'm just trying to help you.

- With all due respect, you just made it personal.

- Yeah.

Well, I hope he has a high pain threshold!

Let's go.

- Man, what he want?

- Oh, he just wanted to congratulate us on your victory.

Come on.

Shoot!

- Let's go!

Move your feet!

- Breathe. Stay with me.

- Pick up the pace! Pace!

Let's go!

- What're you doing? You should not be here.

- Baby, it's...

It's me.

Don't you know your own mama when you see her?

- Uh...

My mom's in California.

- No. No, no, no.

I always been, right here, close to you.

I'd never leave you.

- Leave now.

- I, I, I, I even got your...

Your picture, right here in my wallet.

Carry it everywhere I go.

Yeah, yeah, that's why Jon here's

been helping me get cleaned up.

I even got job waitressing-

- You two know each other? - I was gonna tell you.

I promise. It's just not the right time.

- But you lied to me.

Ray lied about her being gone,

and now you lie to me about this.

I trusted you, man.

And now you're no better than him.

I don't want you to help anymore, all right?

Stop! I don't want your help anymore, Jon!

The only reason why you're trying to save me,

is 'cause you couldn't save your son.

- That's not true and you know it.

- I'm not your son, Jon.

- That's not true.

- I'm not your son!

I'm not your son!

And saving me ain't gonna bring him back, either.

The only reason why you're trying to help me

is to feel good about yourself.

You never cared about me.

- That's not true and you know it.

- Listen. I'm not getting hurt anymore, all right?

- Calvin, please, Listen to me, Calvin!

Hey, pal. - Hey, buddy.

Got your message about the kid.

- I did all I could. Okay?

- So, you're just gonna throw in the towel?

One little hiccup and it's all over?

- There you go with a sermon, huh?

- I'm talking to you as a friend.

Not a priest.

- I've been on autopilot, every single night.

You know, I started this,

because I wanted to understand the pain.

I wanted to see how they were dealing with it.

So maybe it could help me, right?

I heard Jesse's cry on every single call.

Things are not better.

They're worse, pal. You understand?

- I do.

I know how you feel.

I battled depression a long time.

- You?

- Yeah, I didn't tell anybody.

Like you said, mental health and addiction,

it's all too dark to talk about.

Not marketable for the mainstream.

So, I kept quiet, just ignored it until it got worse.

The point is, I've been in your shoes,

pretending to be someone on the outside

that I wasn't on the inside.

Gotta hand it to you, buddy.

It's quite an act you've been putting on.

Academy Award performance.

- What're you talking about? - Come on, man.

You've been talking to this kid and others about belief,

but you haven't found it yourself.

You lack the courage of your convictions and he knows it.

- What do you want me to do?

Huh?

I lost my son.

- Yeah. You lost your son.

And bad things happen to good people, all of the time.

Have you noticed how many of those people

God sent your way recently to wake you up?

- Come on!

- To help you see that you're forgiven!

That you're not alone.

And what's he gotta do to prove to you that he loves you?

Other than die on a cross.

- You said you were not gonna talk like a priest.

- I lied!

- I love you, Daddy.

- I love you too, kiddo!

- Kiss, Daddy. Kiss.

- I love you too, kiddo. Right?

Yeah, who's laughing now? Who's laughing now, huh?

Who's laughing now, the kiddo, kiddo.

Who's calling daddy who? Huh?

- I'm getting whipped cream and...

What are Mommy getting?

- I really ain't wanna do this.

You brought this on yourself.

This fool will always bleed. Get him a towel.

You know how much money you cost me?

Huh?

Ever since chasing your little dream,

I lost three more clients.

So, here's how it's gonna be.

There's a liquor store, three blocks up.

The owner closes every night alone. 10:30 PM.

We're gonna clear out the registers.

But you're gonna be the one to do it.

You hear me?

Are you hearing me? - Yeah, yeah.

10 o'clock, sharp.

Don't be late.

You got that?

- Folks, we got brand new cars. We've got used cars.

We have the car of your dreams, right here, right now.

The car of your dreams. The car of your dreams.

The car of your dreams.

And all I wanna ask you is,

what exactly are you doing, right now?

We're standing by, ready to help you.

Are you listening?

Pay attention, Jon.

Give us a call, or come on down yourself.

Either way...

Either way, you need to move now.

That's right.

Leave now, Jon.

You need to move now.

Move now, Jon.

- Hey, Calvin.

Oh, sorry.

- Rough night?

- You could say that.

Can I help you with something?

- You don't remember me, do you?

- No.

- It's okay. I looked different, then.

I had a bottle of pills,

and I was ready to call it quits for good.

And then you showed up.

Like some sort of divine appointment.

You told me something that night that changed everything.

Do you remember what it was?

You told me that your son was gone

and you couldn't get him back,

and you didn't think that you were going to make it.

And yet, there you were,

opening up your heart,

trying to save someone else.

When I was at my darkest,

no pastor, priest, life coach could have changed my mind.

No, sir.

Only someone who had been to that darker place,

somewhere even darker than I had ever been,

could give me the hope that I needed in that moment,

to not only save my life,

but that of my baby girl.

You talked me out of making a bad decision.

A week later, I found out I was pregnant

with Little Maya here.

Now, I don't know what brought us together that night,

or what made us cross paths again here tonight.

Some may call it fate, or destiny,

but we may never fully understand

where our pain is used for a greater purpose.

At least not in this life.

But I do know one thing.

I love my baby more than I've ever loved anyone or anything,

and more than I love myself.

And for me, she'll be the reason I'll keep on living.

Well...

We better get going.

We don't always get to see the fruits

of our work in this life.

Tonight, I'm glad you can.

What you do makes a difference.

Never forget that.

- The forecast, showers heavy at times

with occasional thunderstorm tonight with a low of 74.

Rain tapering off tomorrow afternoon.

Followed by a partial clearing and a high of 61.

- Hello?

- Is Calvin with you?

- Jackie?

- I've been trying to get ahold of him, but he,

he won't answer my calls.

Jon.

- I'll call you back.

- What you want? - Come here!

Next time you hit someone, make sure it's not a kid!

- What you talking about, man?

- I saw the bruises on his face!

- Not that it's any of your business,

but I ain't seen Calvin in weeks.

I woke up and my truck was gone.

I thought he was with you!

What's going on, man?

- Here's how it's gonna go down.

You slip in.

We'll watch the door.

You clear out the register.

Get in, get out. That's all there is to it.

You're one of us now.

Now, let's talk more about the money you owe me.

- I think I got a better idea.

- Now, that was stupid.

- I want you stay away from me and my family, a'ight?

- That ain't how this work, little man.

You don't call the shots around here.

- Put the guns down.

- If it isn't an interventionist.

I don't recall anyone inviting you here, Savior.

- Anytime you wanna step in here, it's fine by me, God.

- Oh, no. You ain't gonna talk your way outta this one.

- I imagined how things might go,

if God actually showed up for once.

Truly showed what he's capable of.

My idea of divine intervention.

An actual miracle.

That he'd bring my son back.

That I wouldn't die that day.

But this is reality and things work differently.

- Jon!

Jon!

- Yo, man. You shot him!

- No!

- Hey, we gotta go! It's five-oh!

- Jon, Jon, Jon! Hey, Jon, Jon!

Stay with me, Jon. Jon, stay with me.

Hey! Somebody help!

Help!

- I love you, Daddy.

- I love you too, kiddo!

- Kiss, Daddy. Kiss.

- Jon!

Jon, Jon, Jon, Jon! Stay with me, Jon.

Jon, stay with me. Jon, please.

- Jon, let's go. Come on, Jon.

Losing him.

Clear.

One, two, three, four.

- Pulse is 40. - Jon!

- Shock again. - Clear.

- Jon!

- Hey. Welcome back.

You gave us quite a scare.

Looks like the bullet missed a major artery

by maybe a quarter of an inch.

You're a lucky man.

- Not lucky.

Blessed.

It's okay.

- I'm sorry, honey.

- I'm sorry, too.

I'm sorry, too.

- Good to see you.

Listen, I, um...

I've just been so confused for such a long time.

You know? I...

I want you to know that, um...

I love you, honey. I love you very much.

I want you to forgive me.

- I already have.

I wanna come home.

- So, come home, Jon.

- I wanna be with my baby. - Come home.

Come home.

- Wait, wait.

Where's Calvin? Where is he?

- He's in the lobby.

- Oh, God. - He's okay.

- Thank you, Lord.

Thank you, Lord.

- Yeah.

- I'm gonna go grab something from the vending machine.

Do you two want anything?

- No.

- Okay.

- She cute, Cal.

Real sweetheart, too. You got good taste.

Listen now.

I gotta go away.

Just, just for a while.

- You just got here,

and you're already leaving?

- I can't beat this,

if I keep hanging around the same crowd.

It ain't good for me.

Seems like everybody going nowhere

wants to take you with 'em.

Hey.

I know you're mad, but you can't blame him.

I was already gonna reach out anyway, but,

something else brought us together.

So, try not to be too hard on him, okay?

He saved my life.

You ain't know that.

- What're you talking about?

- I had an accident,

and

if he hadn't have showed up...

I always loved you, Cal. You know that, right?

Listen.

I might not...

I might not ever beat my past,

but you could beat yours.

You hear me?

You stronger than me.

You gonna do great things.

- I forgive you.

For everything.

Do what you gotta do to beat this.

I love you, Mom.

- I love you.

- Ah.

- There you are.

- I'll give you two some time, okay?

- Okay, baby. - All right.

- Hey, champ.

I gotta tell you, man.

That was a hell of a takedown.

You know you're gonna get a bonus for that,

'cause you saved my life.

- One suspect has been identified as Victor Reyes.

Police took him into custody after the attempted robbery

occurred late last night, ending in a shootout

that left at least two critically injured.

- Think they'll be back?

- It doesn't matter 'cause you're gonna be way gone by then.

You're the town's star athlete.

Nobody wants that kind of heat.

- I was an athlete.

I don't know, man. Just caused so many problems.

- Hey.

Look at me.

There's always gonna be problems, kid.

Listen. I made some mistakes, okay?

And I crossed the boundaries.

But I want you to know that I don't want my mistakes

to come in between everything you worked so hard for.

You worked so hard.

- Doesn't matter. It's just some stupid wrestling, man.

- No.

Never been about the wrestling match.

- Man, I've heard it before.

I mean, it's an individual sport. What do you want me to do?

Rely on myself?

- I want you to rely on him.

- What if I can't beat him?

- It doesn't matter whether you beat him or not,

but you're always gonna wonder if you did or you didn't.

Remember?

"Die empty."

I promise you, I'm gonna be there on Friday.

Are you?

- Welcome, ladies and gentlemen,

to the Alabama State Wrestling Championship!

If you are a wrestling fan, then today is the day for you.

Returning state champion CJ Lawson is back to prove

he has what it takes to defend the title.

We're expecting a great show, here today.

- Calvin did make weight, right?

- Yes, he did, but he has three minutes or delay of match.

- Come on. Where are you, kid?

- The undefeated and the reigning champion,

CJ Lawson!

- His time's up.

I'm sorry. We're gonna have to call the match.

- Wrestling at 160 pounds for John P-

- I see him!

- Calvin Reed! - Hey, wait, wait, wait!

I'm here! - Come here!

- Okay, sorry I'm late. - How you feelin'?

- 10 pounds lighter. - Okay, look, look.

He's stronger, he's faster and he knows all the moves, okay?

- That supposed to be a pep talk? It's not workin'.

- He doesn't have what you have.

He doesn't have the pain and the struggles

that you've been through, you understand?

I want you to dig it out!

This is your moment. Look where you are.

We never expected to be here, right? But you're here now.

It was meant to be. God wanted you to be here.

It's for his glory. It's your time.

You worked harder than anybody I ever known.

And I want you leave your mark.

He's got nothing. You've got everything, right here.

Leave your mark and let them know who you are.

Go get him!

- This is the moment you've been waiting for.

This is the main event.

Lawson is off to an aggressive start.

- Come on, CJ!

You gotta break him!

Break him!

- Takedown! Two, red!

Near fall.

Two, red.

- Near fall! Lawson is in the early lead!

- Get after him! - One point mistake, green!

- What're you waiting for?

Break him!

- Looks like there's a call.

Unnecessary roughness down on the mat,

and the crowd is not liking this one bit at all.

Ladies and gentlemen.

We head into the second period.

Defending champion CJ Lawson leads Calvin Reed, four to two!

I can't hear you!

Make some noise!

- Let's go!

- Takedown. Two, red.

- Blood, blood.

- Listen to me! Look at me!

He knows you, who you are. He's afraid, okay?

He's afraid of you. You hear me?

He's afraid of you.

You've got him exactly where you want him to be.

He knows who you are right now.

He didn't see it coming, but he knows now.

He knows what kind of character you've got.

I know it hurts.

I know it hurts, okay? You stay with me.

You recycle that pain and you use that, you understand me?

You used that pain in you. He's afraid, listen to me.

Remember what I told you.

We don't start fights, we finish them, right? Right?

Now, go ahead and finish it.

Hold that pain inside you and do what you gotta do.

Finish this and I believe in you. I know you got this.

Go do what you were born to do. Go!

- I cannot believe this kid is getting up!

This kid has got some heart.

It's amazing, folks. Reed's back in the fight.

- Come on! Let's go!

- God can't help you. Not here.

- A takedown for Reed!

- Near fall. Three, green.

And now we head to the third and final period!

The entire State Championship rides on the next two minutes!

- Let's go, CJ!

Come on! pick it up!

- They're going head to head!

It's all-out street brawl!

- Two. Takedown, red.

- Your dream, now your life!

That's all I've been doin', bruh.

- Let's go!

Come on, CJ! Finish him!

Reversal. Two points.

Absolutely amazing.

Where did this kid come from?

These are two gladiators out there.

Absolutely amazing, folks!

It's an all-out war!

- Let's go, CJ!

Come on! Pick it up!

Pick up the pace! Pace!

Let's go! What're you waiting for?

Finish him!

- We were not expecting this at all.

Lawson is visibly tired.

He wasn't expecting this.

He may his match, right here.

We're in the final seconds.

It's a fight for the finish!

The next point takes it all!

He's got a leg. This could be it!

Absolutely amazing!

And our new State Champion!

Calvin

Reed!

- Woo!

- Unbelievable!

Do you believe in miracles?

- Hey Ray. May I come in?

- Thanks for coming.

- My pleasure.

- You know, ever since I, uh,

checked into this place, I've had a lot of time to think.

Not much else to do.

I wanted to tell you in person how thankful I am

for everything that you've done for Calvin.

And I'm sorry.

I misjudged you.

- Ray, you have nothing to be sorry about.

You have done so much for me.

You don't even know.

- But I signed the papers you sent.

- Okay.

- You're right.

Open adoption is the best thing.

Not just for me.

For Calvin.

I still wanna be a part of his life, but I'm not ready.

At least, not yet.

- You got my number. You can call me anytime.

- What do I do now?

- You can make different choices.

- Do me a favor? - Anything.

- Tell Calvin I saw his match,

and that I'm proud of him.

- You can tell him yourself.

Miracles do exist.

They're often found when you least expect them.

In a laundromat on the worst side of town.

In the face of a child who might never have.

In a simple prayer on top of a ledge of a 30 story highrise.

In the voice of a little girl.

And in a family no longer broken.

I believe in divine intervention,

and miracles,

but only because I've seen them,

in the stories and people all around me.

And maybe the biggest miracle of all is that God's mercy

is never out of reach.

I'm living proof of that.

And thanks to him,

I found my calling.

Crisis.

- I need help. Can you help me?

- Where are you?