Original subtitles

I think if I were a human being, I'd like to live on the street and sell

on a table over there.

Of course, I wouldn't charge very much money. Just enough to pay for my food

my apartment.

Oh, and then there's clothes, I suppose.

And of course, there'd be taxes and gas, electric.

How does anybody lead a simple life when it's all so complex?

I hate it.

Monica? Excuse me. Did you happen to see someone I was walking with a minute ago

about so tall, long, reddish -brown hair, beautiful smile?

Thank you. You're very observant.

Monica, where did you go?

I was just looking at this table.

I think we could use something like this in our next assignment.

What's the matter?

I don't know.

One minute you were there, and then all of a sudden you weren't. And I knew you

had to be somewhere, but I didn't know where.

I felt... I felt... Abandoned.

Abandoned.

Confused and upset and even a little angry with you for leaving me.

I'm sorry, Gloria, but this was very upsetting.

I know, and I'm really sorry.

But do you see that man with the show?

His name is Mike, and he's 21 years old.

But when he was five, he ran into his kitchen in his pajamas, looking to have

breakfast with his daddy.

But his daddy was gone, and Mike hasn't seen his father since.

I felt abandoned for a minute.

He's had 16 years.

16 years for the ones who were left behind.

16 years for the one who left.

And we are here for all of them, Gloria.

with you.

I'll walk with you till the sun don't even shine.

Walk with you every time I tell you I'll walk

with you.

Believe me, I'll walk with you. Thank you.

That smells good.

See you later, Allison.

Hey, Mom.

What are you doing here? I'm working the street over there.

You work downtown.

I know.

But I got to thinking if we both work downtown, then we can carpool and have

lunch together.

And I can keep an eye on you. I can handle myself.

Yeah, well, I already got the transfer, so you're stuck with me.

No, no.

I will not have my son hanging around babysitting me. I've seen enough of you

already. It reminds me.

He left the milk out on the table again, so you buy the next one.

Fine.

You asked for this transfer, right?

I love you, but...

Ah! Got him!

That's a junior partner at that new law firm in the corporate towers.

You know, you cannot make every lawyer in Denver pay for what one man did.

You know, do you think that we could get through one meal without you?

Bringing that up? Not until you tell me about that. We've been through this.

Which is what you always say. And that's what I'll keep saying.

You really want to figure out your life, Michael, you'll stop turning a summer

job into a lifestyle and go to college like you promised. Can't hear you.

Gotta get back to work. Sorry.

Come back here.

And stop listening to that jazz.

Jazz.

Music with a strong but rhythmic understructure, with solo and ensemble

improvisations on basic tunes and chord patterns.

What could Allison possibly object to?

For some people, jazz is more than music.

It's a way of life.

And it's the key to your assignment.

We have some homework to do.

I haven't heard this particular gentleman's music, but I'm told it's the

thing Liberace's ever done.

Hey. Good morning. Good morning. Mike, this is Monica. She's with the city

inspector's office. Hey.

Hi. Is Jerry here?

No. Jerry called in sick, so I am playing foreman this week.

Oh. We just had a call from a concerned local merchant about where you're

digging, and I need to compare the site plan with the gas main plans.

I don't have them. They're in Jerry's truck. I could probably find what I need

on the city planner's website if I could get on the internet.

There's a cyber cafe right over there.

And they have computers you can use.

Oh, great.

Mike, why don't you take Monica over there because I've got to get the guys

working.

So we're linked up to the city planner's website.

Now to narrow it down to this block.

There. And it shows no gas lines where you're working. There's nothing to worry

about.

You're pretty good on this thing.

I tried to look something up on the Internet once, but I didn't get very

Really? What was it? Maybe I can help. Oh, it's a missing person, actually.

Can you try Simon K. Miller?

Can you be working?

Oh, um, I am.

This is Monica. She's from the city inspector.

She's... Just making sure we don't blow up the neighborhood.

Ah, very important.

Just doing my job.

I'm going to be late for lunch. I'm working the towers.

Yeah, where else?

I'll meet you there around 1.

She hates that place.

My dad used to work there.

And would that happen to be Simon Miller?

What's so funny? It's the weirdest coincidence. This is the Ramsey -Lewis

It's the same album that I have on here.

Ah, so you like jazz.

I love it.

A friend of mine is selling old jazz records out on the street.

Oh, you mean that girl at the table out there? Mm -hmm.

So, can you tell me something else about your dad to help me narrow down the

search? Uh, well, he, um... He up and left me and my mom when I was a kid.

And she doesn't really like to talk about it, so I don't know much about

except that he's a lawyer.

And... He was born in Chattanooga.

This might take a while.

I'll wait outside.

First I had them sorted by color, and then I had them sorted by artist, and I

still couldn't figure out where to put this.

Lauren Green sings Bonanza.

Artist or color, see?

Mike, I found something. It's not very much. A what?

Well, there was a Simon K. Miller in the Denver Bar Association up until ten

years ago.

Then he never shows up again, not in any bar association in the country.

Huh. He also has some unclaimed disability checks waiting for him, and

all I could find.

Disability? Oh.

Must be another Simon Miller.

Simon K. Miller.

Simon K. Miller.

Where did I just see that name?

Gloria?

Doesn't that name ring a bell?

Oh! Oh, yes. Yes, of course it does.

Here it is.

Simon K. and the Chattanooga Express.

Look.

All compositions by Simon K. Miller. Is that who you want?

Yeah.

Dad only went into law because his parents wanted him to. All he wanted to

was play jazz.

Started this band when he was in college, and he played a lot of local

That's how I met him.

Why didn't you tell me?

Because that's how we lost him, too.

All he wanted to do was play music.

Jazz was an excessive one.

He didn't want us, Mike.

And I couldn't bring myself to tell you that. I'm sorry.

Do you know where he is?

Last I heard, he was touring in Europe when I was 10 years ago.

Honey, you've got to stop looking for him. It's only going to break your

And I don't want to see that in the house.

I'm just never gonna understand you.

He's wonderful.

Yeah, he is.

My album. No, it's not. I just bought it. I don't care if you bought it. It's

album.

Just calm down, Simon.

Now, give the nice young man his record back, okay?

But it's my album.

Simon.

Wait.

Is this really you? Are you Simon Miller?

Who's asking?

Well, I'm... I'm a fan.

Can I buy you a cup of coffee?

Here you go.

Playing black coffee. I don't owe you nothing. You got that?

Yeah, it's on me.

I don't usually look like this, you know.

Like what?

Like this.

I'm just between gigs.

So that really is you on the cover. You are Simon Miller.

Could be.

You know, they have sandwiches here.

Do you want a sandwich?

I don't take charity.

Let me get you one.

Can I get a menu?

So, what's it like to play in a jazz club like this? I mean, it must be

awesome.

Jazz is all about letting the music take you where it wants to go.

Sometimes you just don't come back.

Are you married?

What's that got to do with anything?

I'm just curious. You're wearing a wedding ring.

The truth is that I'm trying to figure out some things about my own life right

now. And one of my questions is about who my dad is. And if you are Simon

Miller, you're him.

I'm your son.

I don't want to talk to you right now.

I'm late.

I've got a gig.

I said I don't want to talk to you now.

And no lawyer.

The doctor said there's no internal injuries.

Might have cut some bruises, but thanks for coming. You're welcome.

You know that outburst your father had at the coffee shop?

It seems to have had all the characteristics of paranoid

Well, that's what the nurses tried to say.

I guess he's been here before, but I don't buy it. We had a perfectly normal

conversation. A person with schizophrenia can have very lucid

lead a normal life with the proper treatment.

It's important that you see your father for who he is.

That's the best way to help him.

Just because he lives on the streets doesn't automatically make him some sort

a mental case.

He's homeless, and he's scared.

That's all.

Excuse me. Mr. Doran?

We try to get Simon back on his meds every time he comes in, but it's

to get him up to the proper levels without consistent treatment, and once

leaves, we can't keep track of him.

And he really needs this medicine? Yes, he does.

Okay, well, I'll make sure he takes it. Good luck.

Simon just went AMA again.

With what?

Against medical advice.

He walked out.

I didn't even get a chance to medicate him this time.

Sorry.

Well, they can't keep him in the hospital against his will.

Yeah, from the sound of it, he'll be back. I just don't know where he went in

the meantime.

Mike?

Hey, where's your dad?

I don't know.

He ran away from the hospital.

Why don't you take the rest of the day off?

Thanks, Andrew.

What's a gig? Didn't he say he had a gig? Yeah, it's a musician's word for a

job, but he's hardly in any seat to perform.

Where did he believe he was going to perform?

Come on, I have an idea.

This place is the bane of my existence. It's ugly, the design is flawed, and

it's full of lawyers.

What have you got against lawyers?

My son's father was a lawyer. You mean your husband?

Not my husband anymore.

Then why are you still wearing that wedding band?

Ha!

Lex, it's one o 'clock.

Looks like all the old jazz clubs in town are gone.

The Moonshadow's a parking lot.

The Gardenia.

There's a Greek restaurant.

How about that place?

Profile room.

Oh.

The address is a few blocks away.

Curious decor. They must have an interesting clientele.

The club is closed, Gloria.

I bet no one's set foot in there for more than...

Please go away.

Go away.

Please go away.

I can't talk now.

Please.

Go away.

Go away.

Please go away.

They're coming for you, Simon.

They're trying to hurt you, just as before.

We told you if they found you, we'd never leave you.

No. No, you can't take it from me.

It's mine.

It's mine!

Don't take it away from me.

No, don't take it away.

Don't take it away from me.

Please.

No, don't.

Don't take it away from me.

It's mine.

What's he doing?

Dad.

Can you hear me?

He's hallucinating, Mike.

He doesn't even know that we're here.

No way.

Simon, you stand accused of crimes against the corporate order.

But it's not my fault. It wasn't me. You know what must be done. Simon.

Simon Miller?

Who... Who are you?

My name is Monica.

I'm an angel and I'm here to help you.

An angel?

Angel.

Angel, they're trying to take my music away from me.

They're taking my... Listen to me.

This place, these voices, they are not real.

Oh, they're real.

You're lying to me.

Let me help you. Come.

I will show you the way out.

Hello, Simon.

Tom?

Are you home?

Mike?

Where have you... Oh, my God.

You look familiar.

What is he doing here?

I found him, Mom.

He's been living on the streets. I've seen him downtown. You must have, too.

probably walked right by him a million times.

You're the meter maid lady.

I remember you now.

I want him out of here, Michael. Get him out of this house.

He's sick, Mom.

He's got schizophrenia, and he needs our help. This is not negotiable.

He does not stay in this house. I know he hurts you, Mom.

And I know how shocking it is to see him like this. Believe me, I was shocked,

too, but... Think about it. Maybe it's the answer.

To what?

Maybe that's why he left us.

Maybe he was sick and didn't even know him by the time he got to Europe. He

didn't have anyone to help him.

And he found his way back here somehow and wandered the streets waiting for us

to recognize him.

Oh, I... I know you'd like to believe that, but... What is your problem?

Don't you get it? It wasn't his fault.

Michael... Oh, fine.

You don't want him here. I'll get a hotel room so I can get my own place and

I'll take care of him by myself.

They have good jazz in Europe.

Three days.

We'll try it.

Three days.

Help it sound, Dad, huh?

No, you can stay in my room.

Let's get you in the shower.

Good night, Sonny. Dad?

That's Allison. That's Mom.

That's your wife. Come on.

I'm thinking about taking advanced physics next semester, Allison.

It's normally for juniors and seniors, but I've already taken all the

prerequisites, so I might as well.

Yeah?

It'll put me ahead, and I might even get off campus.

How about you?

I'm studying to be an architect.

I want to go into urban design.

I'm done it.

You know, I think from now on I'm going to call you Sunny.

From now on?

Yeah.

Tomorrow we...

can get you some new clothes.

My clothes are fine.

That is the only picture that I have of us together.

Lake Thomas.

Lake Thomas. You remember?

It was the biggest fish I ever caught.

You helped me reel him in. Your mom was afraid you were going to fall in the

lake.

Mom was there. She never said anything.

Who do you think took the picture?

I guess there's a lot of things Mom just doesn't talk about.

Here.

You know, it's weird. I used to lie here, wish you'd come back and tuck me

Now you're back.

I'm tucking you in.

I'm sorry I wasn't here to watch you grow up.

So am I.

But you're back now.

Here. Medicine.

I don't need it.

I'm fine.

And I want you to stay fine.

You need to take this. It's really important.

Hey, I'm just going to sleep on the couch.

Why did he call you, Sonny?

I don't know.

It's no use, Simon.

You've been a bad boy.

Do what must be done.

No, no, I didn't take any pill. Look, look, here it is.

We warn you about this.

It's your fault, Simon.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

We were better off without you.

You know what to do.

No. No.

Do what must be done.

He's gone.

Now, will you please let him go this time?

How can you be so selfish?

Don't you have any compassion, or are you just so bitter that you have to make

lot, get command, pay for a mistake he probably doesn't even remember making?

How dare you?

You have no idea what you're talking about.

You think it's been easy for me?

Worry.

What?

Watching him like that.

Day after.

Day after day.

Watching him day after day. My God, you knew.

You've known all along.

You don't understand.

Oh, I think I do.

He didn't leave us and then get sick later. He got sick and then you left

It's not that simple.

I can't believe you.

You know, you may hate him, but he is still my father.

How could my own mother do this?

I was trying to... Just save it.

I'll take care of him. We don't need you.

Dad, are you okay?

Dad, what's wrong?

Dad,

I'm

going to go get some help, okay? I'm not leaving you. I'm just... I'll be right

back.

Andrew, thank God I need your help.

Let's, uh, let's just get him to the hospital, okay?

All he has to do is take a pill, and he won't even do that.

And I don't know why.

You never will.

You don't have his disease, and you can't see life through his eyes.

At least I didn't turn my back on him like my mother did.

Are you sure that's what happened?

Andrew, the woman's been working in the same neighborhood with him for years.

She probably saw him every day, and she never mentioned a thing about it.

I mean, how cold is that?

Is it possible to hate someone that much?

Gentlemen, you can see him now.

The worst I've seen him in quite a while. It's good you're here.

I'm all he's got.

Well, you and Sonny.

Would you say who?

His friend Sonny, the meter maid.

She's the one who usually brings him in. And for some reason, he listens to her.

As much as he can, anyway.

She's the only one who can bring him out of it.

And you wouldn't believe how she does it.

You could sure use her tonight.

Sonny, you know who that is?

I think it's my mom.

Oh, man.

Mike, why don't you go talk to her?

And I'll stay here with your dad.

Give her a chance with them.

I found him, Mom. He's at the hospital.

The nurse says he needs Sonny.

One day, when you were just a year and a half, I came home from shopping and

your dad was gone.

He left you home alone. I couldn't believe it.

I found him at this jazz club where he always played up on stage with that

saxophone.

I was so angry.

I yelled at him. I even hit him. But I couldn't get him to stop playing.

The owner said that he...

come in there like there was something chasing him.

And then he picked up that sack and started playing like a madman.

He played for three hours straight before he passed out.

And that was the first time that I knew that something was really wrong.

I don't remember anything about that.

I tried to stand by him like I did.

I took him to every doctor in town before the insurance ran out. I didn't

what else to do.

I tried to keep him home, but it's not like I could tie him up, and

schizophrenics can do dangerous things when they're hallucinating like he did

tonight.

I had to protect you, and... I didn't know how

to help him.

And that's why you became a meter man.

I think writing parking tickets was my dream in life.

I couldn't keep him home.

And I couldn't keep him off the streets, but I could keep him out of jail.

Why didn't you tell me?

A lot of kids grow up thinking their father's left. Not a lot grow up

their fathers are insane.

I was trying to protect you.

I'm sorry, Mom.

I lost my dream.

I lost my husband, but... my son.

Simon.

Go away, Angel.

I want to help you. That's what they said.

They don't exist.

Maybe you don't exist either.

Oh, God, help me.

Oh, please let me die this time.

The voices that you hear, the ones who lie to you, they want you to die.

But I want you to live.

God wants you to live.

The voices who lie to you, you hear them in your mind.

But listen to my words, Simon.

Are they in your ears?

In your head?

No.

They are in your heart.

The real Simon.

The Simon that you were born to be. The Simon who fell in love with Alison.

Was a father to Michael. That Simon still exists.

That's the Simon that I'm speaking to. That's the Simon that hears me now.

Your mind is sick.

And your body has followed its direction.

But your spirit... Your spirit is safe with God.

There's no need to despair, for he has a way to help you.

The medication you refuse to take is not poison.

It's a miracle.

Trust me, Simon.

Trust your family.

Trust God.

Please, let us help you.

Don't he help me?

Yes, he does.

But she can only bring you out for a while.

Only you can decide to stay out there in the world with her.

Nobody understands me, you know.

I think I do, Simon.

It's like you're all alone.

And you don't know who to turn to.

Like you've been abandoned.

Yes.

But you haven't been abandoned.

God is here.

And he is love. You come from love, Simon.

From a place where you are completely safe.

Completely forgiven.

Never, ever lost.

God loves me.

Oh, yes.

He does.

When the sun gets blue, she breathes a sigh

of sadness.

Like the wind that stirred the trees.

But memories will fade and pretty dreams will rise up

where her other dreams fell through.

Her in new love hurry here to kiss away each lonely

tear and hold her...