All language subtitles for The.Waltons.S04E18E19.The.Burn.Out.Part.I.and.The.Burn.Out.Part.I.and.Part.II.WEBRip.x264-ION10

As with most families,
on Walton's Mountain

we were faced with all kinds
of troubles, large and small,

some growing out
of personal weaknesses,

others thrust on us
by our changing world.

Mostly, when trouble struck,
we drew together,

united against the common enemy

and came out of the struggle
closer than before.

But one year
my family suffered a loss,

which, rather than bringing us
closer to one another,

scattered us
and threatened to destroy

the fabric of our lives.

Reading these old
HomeBeautiful magazines

is almost as good
as going visiting.

Nice of Rosemary Fordwick
to save them for you.

Women is always interested
in other women's housekeeping.

-Grandpa, you're doing it again.
-Doing what? You speaking to me?

You're walking off and leaving
that heating pad plugged in.

Well, I am coming back.

-When?
-Oh, in a year or so.

A man plagued
with gout and lumbago

is entitled to a little comfort.

You depend on that heating pad
like a baby on a pacifier.

I'm always looking for a little
warmth, somewhere or other.

You know, I could walk out,
and you'd never miss me

unless I took this with me.

Will you look at this?
They call it a "family room."

Well, that's every room
in this house.

-Hi, Grandma.
-Hi, Grandma.

-I didn't know it was so late.
-Hi, Mama.

Mama, you ought to know that
your son has gone girl-crazy.

I have not.

He's got a pocketful of hair
ribbons he snitched from girls.

Jim-Bob, you could find
better ways to spend your time.

The ones who'd be disappointed
are girls he didn't get around.

-I don't care about silly girls.
-Like fun you don't!

It's all in the excitement
of the chase.

I can remember
even that far back.

-Jason, how's the practice?
-Oh, hi, Jason.

-Hey, Jason.
-What's that?

-Hey, do you mind?
-Move over.

Mary Ellen,
why'd you have to tell?

-We know her, Miss Tattletale.
-Erin.

Who were you
calling a tattletale?

-You.
-Would you be quiet, please?

How am I to practice
with you all acting

like a bunch
of wild Indians?

How're we supposed
to act like wild Indians

with you banging on this piano?

Alright, that's it, I'm leaving.

One of these days
I'm gonna get my own place.

-Good, we're gonna come visit.
-No, you won't.

We're gonna visit you
every single day.

-Mama, look.
-What is it, honey?

There's something's the matter
with my butterfly.

Elizabeth, I'm sorry, it looks
like your butterfly's dead.

Can't be.

I gave him plenty of food,
lots of air.

He was fine just this morning.

Well, butterflies live
very short lives, Elizabeth.

-Why?
-That's the way it is, child.

Elizabeth, you'd best
get yourself a parrot.

They live to be
100 years old or more.

I liked too much.

Anytime I like something
too much, it goes away.

Let me have
a peek at these, Liv.

Mama, they're impossible.
Listen to that.

They've been cooped up
in the school room all day.

I'm gonna have to go
practice in the barn.

Chance and Blue got more
consideration than that bunch.

All of our animals
are music lovers.

I wonder, if Mozart
had six brothers and sisters,

how far he would've gone.

-To the barn probably.
-I'm sure.

That old woman.

You ought to see Erin, Mama.

She's wearing
that fancy party dress again.

She's parading
in front of the mirror.

Can't take her eyes off herself!

-Ben, get out of here.
-Yeah, Ma.

Erin, you look like a bandy
chicken strutting around.

Don't you know that
Reverend Fordwick says

vanity is one
of the seven deadly sins?

Oh, I don't care.

If a person has one nice thing
of her own to wear,

I don't believe it's wrong
to take pleasure in it.

Come on in, John, have a seat.

John, relax, will you?

You haven't been called
on the carpet. Sit down.

That's a relief.

-That a new pipe?
-Yes, I picked it up yesterday.

Looks a little like mine.

It's nice.

I called you, John,
'cause an old friend of mine

has just been named
the new editor

of a prestigious and established
publishing house in New York,

-Ruffner Brothers.
-Oh, yes, I know the name.

They have some finest writers
published today on their list,

and they're also interested
in developing some new talent,

and I was speaking
to Hank about you.

-Really?
-Yes, well,

Hank knows that I wouldn't
recommend anyone

unless I was
genuinely enthusiastic.

I've been telling about the
novel you're writing. And I...

I'm sorry, here I am
going on a mile a minute,

and I should've talked
this over with you first.

-Oh, no, it's perfectly fine.
-Good.

Well, anyway, Hank is interested
in looking at some sample pages.

-Even before I've finished it?
-Yes.

Well, I suggest
we send him the first 50 pages.

First 50? A lot of what I've
written lately seems stronger.

I wouldn't make a move without
consulting with the author.

No, it's just that there are
many things I was gonna change.

Don't worry, John.

Hank understands that he's
looking at a rough draft.

But if he warms
to your material,

he'll provide you
with an advance.

-Money?
-Sure.

Well, maybe not too much,

certainly enough to free you
from those one or two extra jobs

you've been carrying and give
time to concentrate on writing.

It would certainly be a benefit.

And even if he doesn't
come through with the advance,

when the book is finished,

you're gonna have an excellent
entree with Ruffner.

-When do you want the pages?
-Let's see, today's Wednesday...

-Monday would be fine.
-Well, you'll have them.

Professor Parks, thank you very
much. I just...I appreciate it.

-I'm very excited about it.
-I am, too.

I'm excited. I appreciate it.
I had no idea. Ruffner Brothers.

I mean, in fact,
I don't even believe it.

In fact, when I tell my family,
they won't believe it either.

-Thank you very much.
-John.

-New pipe?
-Oh, don't want to forget that.

-Thanks again.
-Bye, John.

Okay, John,
will there be anything else?

Let me have a box of
them chocolates there, Ike.

Chocolates? Your family must be
doing some celebrating, huh?

Made another payment
at the bank.

-All clear for another month.
-Congratulations.

I'll tell you what. I'll throw
in chocolate-covered cherries.

Thank you, Ike.

-Corabeth practicing dance step?
-Redecorating.

Thought she did that
last month.

That doesn't
make any difference.

When she's got some time, she
starts shoving things around.

-Kind of unsettling.
-Oh, yeah.

She rips the wallpaper
off the wall,

then she redoes the curtains
and the slipcovers.

Everything.

One of these days, I'll come and
find you covered with wallpaper.

Corabeth always was a woman
with a lot of ideas.

And energy.

I've been thinking of doing
some redecorating, myself.

Can't imagine your place
being any different.

It always seemed
just perfect to me.

Get a few dollars ahead,
I'd like to modernize a little.

Tell you what I'm gonna do,
if you don't mind.

I'll lend you Corabeth.

Elizabeth,
I got you another butterfly.

I don't want it.

Well, I thought you'd like it.

Please, Jim-Bob, let it go
before anything happens to it.

Okay.

I've got my doll.
She doesn't ever change.

The Ruffner Brothers
is one of the most important

publishing houses
in the country.

Those are the people
that bought out Hawthorne,

Thoreau, Melville.

They might be interested in me?

Professor Parks is gonna
send your writing to them?

First 50 pages.

I sure got my work cut out
for me between now and Monday,

putting the shine on them.

How come everybody's staring?

First time you see something,
kind of gets your attention.

You're smoking that.

Well, you've seen a man
smoke a pipe before.

Well, we've never
seen you smoke a pipe.

Well, lots of the literary men
on the campus are smoking them.

And night watchmen.

Professor Parks, claims that his
pipe's an aid to concentration.

Besides, it scares away
the mosquitoes, Esther.

Do look kind of professory.

Alright, John-Boy,
this joke has gone far enough.

I'm not gonna have tobacco
stinking up my living room,

not to mention what
it's doing to your lungs.

Pipe smokers do not take
the smoke into their lungs.

I have to get back to work.

Well, Miss Elizabeth, you've
been kind of quiet tonight.

-Anything wrong?
-No, Daddy. I'm fine.

Zeb? Zeb?

Yes, Esther.

I thought you'd drowned.

You plan to stay
in that tub all night?

I would if I could.
It eases my lumbago.

Everybody else is in bed.

As usual, I am the exception.

You go on down and go to bed,
Esther, and compose yourself.

I'll be there before you
get through saying your prayers.

-Goodnight everybody.
-Goodnight, Grandpa.

-I'm coming, Esther.
-Goodnight, Mama.

-Night, Mary Ellen.
-Goodnight, Jim-Bob.

-Night, Daddy.
-Goodnight, John-Boy.

Night, Ben.
Night, Elizabeth.

Goodnight, Elizabeth.

-Elizabeth?
-I couldn't sleep.

-It's late, honey.
-I know.

Come on, I'll put you to bed.

Come on.

John, there's smoke. John.

Get the kids!
Now! Come on! Now!

-Wake up. Fire.
-John-Boy!

What's going on?
Oh, my God!

Hurry up, get up.

Get some blankets!

Boys, fire. Jason,
Jim-Bob, wake up. Wake up.

-Here, Daddy.
-Dad!

What happened?

-Fire!
-Stop. Come on.

The house is on fire.

Esther...

Let's go.

Mama, you alright?

Fire!

Stay out of here, Esther.
Give me that robe.

Zeb, no.

Mary Ellen, Elizabeth, hurry.

-Elizabeth, come on.
-Hurry up.

Erin, stop that
and come now, quickly.

Erin, let's go.

Alright, let's go,
everybody. Get ready.

-Where is everybody?
-Come on, come on.

Come on, everybody!
Alright, here we go!

Mama, my doll!

-Come on, come on.
-Come on, down here.

Get out! Out! Out, out!

Get outside and stay out.
Get outside and stay out.

Get outside and stay outside.

-You've got to...
-Come on!

Come on! Get out! Everybody out!

-Come quickly.
-I'm trying!

Erin! Erin, get up.

-Mama!
-Erin!

Somebody help him! Zeb!

Jason, take that axe
and get some help!

-Boys give them the blanket...
-No!

John-Boy! John-Boy! Erin!

Olivia, come back here.

Alright. I'll get them.
Stay back!

John-Boy! John-Boy! Erin!

Erin!

Daddy, take her!

My novel! Daddy, let me go.

Let me go!

My writing!

Erin!

Daddy, Daddy.

I think that got it.
Thank you, fellows.

Thank you for your help.

Well, John,
I guess we got it whipped.

It's just smoldering
in a place or two now.

Well, I'm much obliged
to you fellows.

Without your help, would've gone
right to the foundation.

And more than likely
lost the barn, too.

I'm afraid your second floor
is pretty well burned out.

It's hard to tell how bad it is.

Plenty of time to worry
about that in the morning.

-Be grateful no one was hurt.
-Amen to that, Reverend.

Got any idea, John,
how it all started?

I don't know.

Probably the wiring.
It's all frazzled and old.

Well, now, you better get home.
Get yourself some sleep.

-Thanks again.
-Thank you, Reverend.

Where you off to, John-Boy?

I have to see if there's
anything left, Grandpa.

Well, we best wait till morning.

Let's go see the young 'uns.

Right, now watch where you step.
Don't touch anything.

Watch your feet, Jim.

It's awful. It's just awful.

Thank God, we're all alive.

Alright.

Let's see what we can salvage
and take it out to the barn.

Easy now. Watch it, everybody.

Don't touch anything,
some of it's hot.

-What do we have right here?
-Grab that.

Unfortunately,
Sister and I have no clothing

that would be appropriate.

We could bring
beddings and linens.

Oh, thank you, ladies.

The Fordwicks brought
some things by earlier. Grandma?

Well, you let us know
if there's anything you need.

This gave us quite a lift,
ladies. Thank you.

Last night,
we were in the pits of hell.

-Zeb!
-I'm talking.

And then in the morning to be
attended by angels of mercy.

-Who make good coffee, too.
-Another legacy from Papa.

Sister and I were talking
as we drove over here,

and we would be happy if any
of you would share our home.

While the necessary repairs
are being made, don't you know?

It's nice of you, ladies.
As a matter of fact...

We wanna keep
the family together.

Oh, we do understand.

-Should you change your mind...
-Sister, we must be on our way.

-Oh, yes.
-It's our monthly meeting

of the Browning Society
in Charlottesville.

Dear Mr. Browning.
Such a consolation.

"Grow old along with me!
The best is yet to be"

Sister. Now if there's
anything at all that we can do.

-Rabbi Ben Ezra, stanza one.
-Oh, thank you so much.

-Thank you for coming.
-Goodbye.

-It was very nice.
-Bye-bye.

It's time you all
were starting for school.

Thought I'd stay
here today and help Daddy.

-Think again.
-With half the house gone...

-Go on.
-School.

-Bye-bye.
-Bye-bye.

Bye.

Jim-Bob, what have you
got on your feet?

I threw two different shoes
out the window,

a good one and an old one.

-I could go barefoot.
-Not in this weather, you can't.

Elizabeth?

-Elizabeth, are you alright?
-Yes, Mama.

-No fever.
-Can I go now?

Yeah, I'll see you
this afternoon.

Erin, you better get a move on.

-John-Boy.
-Yes?

-I'm sorry about your novel.
-Forget about it, Erin.

It's all my fault. If I hadn't
tried to save this dress,

you wouldn't have lost it.

-I'm not blaming you for it.
-You don't hate me?

Of course I don't hate you.

Looks to me
like we're gonna have to rebuild

the whole second floor
of the house.

While we're at it, we rewire it
and modernize the plumbing.

Not one cent's insurance.

Ma, the rates
are too high out here.

What's the use of
fretting about that?

We could try for another loan
at the bank to buy materials

and do most
of the work ourselves.

Where are we all
gonna sleep in the meantime?

We're gonna parcel you children
out to friends and neighbors.

No. I won't have that.

Honey, you can see the house.
What're we gonna do?

I'll not have my children
scattered over the county.

I want 'em here where
I can take care of 'em.

-How are we gonna do that?
-I don't know, but...

We got that old tent
we used for Grandpa.

-Eleven people in one tent?
-Sure.

-It'd be like a dormitory.
-I'm going back to my own room.

You'll do nothing of the sort.

There's burnt rafters
hanging right over our bed.

It's true.

Well, anyway, maybe
we can clean out the kitchen

so that we can cook
and eat in there.

Nobody's sleeping in a tent.
It gets cold at night here.

John, after what happened last
night, the children need to know

that we're here,
that we're looking after them.

Honey, they're gonna get
sick sleeping outside.

John, please, let's just try.

-Alright, let's just try it.
-Thanks.

-Grandpa.
-John-Boy.

-Are you looking for something?
-No.

Just looking.

Soot and ashes and regrets.

I know.

Well, I'm gonna

try to get myself
cleaned up for class.

I'll see you.

Herman Melville's first copy
of Moby-Dick was lost at sea.

Robert Louis Stevenson's wife
burned Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

because she thought
it was vulgar.

Ernest Hemingway's
first novel was in a suitcase

that was stolen
and never recovered.

Guess I'm in good company.

Unfortunately,
all of this is of small comfort.

I'm still gonna have
to write to Hank at Ruffner's

and let know what happened.

Professor, I don't know how long
it's gonna take to rewrite this.

I lost everything,
I don't have anything.

Not my glasses,
not even my clothes.

John, you still
have your journals.

Believe me, you're gonna be
able to remember what you wrote.

Do you have any idea
how the fire got started?

My daddy says
it was a short in the wiring.

There's so many things that
could start a fire in a house.

Look, I'm really sorry
that all of this happened.

I don't wanna take up
any more of your time.

John.

I'm sorry.

Truly sorry.

You sure cleared
a lot of stuff out of the house.

-We got a start.
-Mostly in the kitchen.

Where'd all these cots
come from?

Reverend Fordwick
borrowed them from the CCC.

There are only seven. You
and Mama sleeping in the barn?

That's right.

Grandma and I have fashioned us
a love nest in the front parlor.

-How is Mama anyway?
-She's alright.

She's just bound and determined
nothing's gonna fall apart here.

This ought to be enough wood
to keep the fire hot.

-But not too hot.
-No.

You think you're funny,
don't you?

How come you're pulling
such a long face?

What I do with my face
is my business.

But we're the ones
that have to look at it.

Erin, we can find you something
a little more becoming to wear.

No, thank you, Mama.
I want this.

It was in the box of clothes
Mrs. Fordwick brought today

and it's perfect.

-Don't you think it's drab?
-No, Mama. It's just right.

Elizabeth, honey,
I'm sorry about your doll.

It's okay.
It was only an old doll.

I tell you what,

soon as this emergency is over,
I'll get you a new one, alright?

I don't want a new one,
John-Boy. I don't want anything.

John.

It's raining. You think
the tent is waterproof?

If it's not, those kids
will let us know soon enough.

John-Boy, there's a leak
over my bed.

There's a leak
over everybody's bed.

-Look, John-Boy.
-I think it's raining now.

Mary Ellen,
where did you get that umbrella?

"Be prepared,"
that's my motto...

-Let me get under that.
-Let me get underneath there.

Hey, wait a minute,
I'm getting wet.

Oh, good Lord.

Good Lord might have sent us
the rain the night of the fire.

Zeb, now, you be careful
who you criticize.

Yeah.

One thing's sure,

from now on you have got to be
my electric heating pad.

Zeb, behave.

Everybody in the barn! Come on,
everybody out! Everybody out!

Come into the barn, Jason!

-I knew it.
-Let's go!

-Come on!

Everybody in the barn!

Come on, get inside!

Come on, get inside. Let's go.

Come on, honey. Alright. Take
the blanket. Take the blanket.

Lord, it's wet!

-Jim-Bob, don't dawdle.
-I'm tired.

I know. You'll feel better
after you have a hot breakfast.

Mama, are we
gonna sleep here tonight?

I don't know.
We'll figure out.

Go inside and join
the other children, Ben.

-Yeah, I will, Mama.
-Go and get everyone.

Now, Liv,
this is not working out.

If they don't
get some sleep and get warm,

we're gonna end up
with a bunch of sick kids.

I know. I just hate
the thought of us separated

when we need to be close.

I don't like it any better, it's
something that's got to be done.

Am I too young
to have rheumatism?

I don't believe there's any
age limit for its coming on you.

-You've always been precocious.
-What kind of a word is that?

-That's a Mary Ellen special.
-Don't ask her what it means.

She'll give you
six others just like it.

John-Boy, did you catch a cold
in that downpour last night.

-No, ma'am.
-Acting mighty quiet.

I'm fine.

I think this is the best
breakfast I've ever had.

-Well, it is good, considering.
-I mean, it's not just the food.

I mean, we must've had
100 other meals just like it,

but until the fire,
I never really appreciated them.

Well, until last night, I never
appreciated my nice, dry bed.

Daddy, maybe we could
borrow a big tarpaulin

from the lumber yard.

I'm afraid
a tarp won't help, Son.

Now, your mother and I had hoped
that we could all stay together

till the roof was fixed
and the house repaired,

but it's not working out.

We're gonna have to place you
with friends and neighbors.

-Daddy.
-You mean,

we have to live away
from you and Mama?

-That's right.
-Well, do we have to?

-Last night wasn't that bad.
-Yeah, what's a little rain?

At least we all
were soaked together.

I don't like this
any better than you do.

Well, still,
we be luckier than most.

Here during the Depression
lots of families get scattered,

never to get back
together again.

-It's gonna be for a few weeks.
-A few weeks?

Well, we won't be
far apart, Erin.

We can come calling one another
whenever we feel like it.

That's right. Your mother
and I'll stay here in the house,

John-Boy will stay in the barn.

-When do we have to split up?
-This afternoon.

Can't tell you how much
we appreciate this, Reverend.

It'll be a treat
for Rosemary and me.

The parsonage seems so empty,
just the two of us.

-Alright. You behave yourselves.
-We will, Daddy.

Alright.

One thing is certain,
they'll do their schoolwork.

Okay. Thanks again, Reverend.

Come on, let's get
something to eat, okay?

Then we'll put your things away.
Come on in here.

We're very pleased
to have you with us, Jason.

So reassuring to have
a man in residence.

-This is my room?
-It used to be Papa's.

-All this space just for me?
-And this is your wardrobe.

And here is your bath.

My own bathroom?

Now, if there's anything at all
that we've forgotten...

Please don't hesitate to ask.

Sister and I want you to feel
that this is your home.

Well, we're going
to leave you, now.

A man must have
some time for himself.

Papa used to say, girls,
I do love you dearly

but please don't crowd me.

-Dinner's at 7:30, Jason.
-Thank you.

Sorry as I am about the fire,
but since it had to happen,

-I'm glad to have you here.
-Well, it's just temporary.

Esther couldn't make up
her mind what to bring,

so she brought everything.

In a new place, Zeb, a woman
likes to have her own things.

Takes away the strangeness.

Difference is, I didn't need to
bring anything but you, Esther.

I have one of my best rooms
all ready for you.

Mrs. Brimmer, there seems
to be a dearth of hot water.

I'd like you to meet
one of your fellow boarders.

Mrs. Zuleika Dunbar,
Mr. and Mrs. Zeb Walton.

It's a pleasure.

I'm elated that you're joining
our little circle.

It's just temporary.

Well, I'm sure Mr. Walton
will be a welcome change

from our daily diet of hen talk.

I will do
my very level best, Mrs...

Dunbar, Zuleika Dunbar.

Well, no rooster likes to hear
the sound of his own crowing

more than Zeb Walton.

Let's go.
I'll show you to your room.

Oh, please,
let me be of some assistance.

-This way.
-Here.

-Come on.
-Zuleika, an interesting name.

-Zuleika...
-Dunbar.

-Alright, Yance. Take care, now.
-Bye-bye.

Keep an eye on that one.

Bye.

This your first time
away from home?

Last year I was
at church camp for a week.

Like it?

Once I got used
to the rules, yeah.

Ben, we just got one rule
around here and one rule only.

Do as you dang please.

Drop your things anywhere, Ben.

Don't worry about the pets.

They'll get used to you
in no time at all.

This is your bed.

Maybe I could put
my clothes in the closet.

If there was a closet,
which there ain't.

See, Ben,
I don't believe in them.

Things I use and wear,
I want close at hand.

I don't want to go rummaging
around in no dark closet.

Hey, you, get to work.

See, Ben, way I look at it,

closets is for nothing
more than putting away

a lot of things
which you don't really need.

I got nothing that fits
that description.

Well, do you have a nail?

A nail?

A nail.

This is the most exciting thing
that's ever happened to me.

Getting to see close-up what
a doctor's life is really like.

Mady and I are real happy
to have you with us, Mary Ellen.

-Let me show you your room.
-I'm going to be a nurse.

Well,
that's a wonderful ambition.

So you won't mind if I spend
a lot of time in here?

Well, I...

I won't get in your way,
Doc. I promise.

Yeah, well,
I think Mady was counting

on your company
and help in the house.

Oh, well, I'll do that, too,

but mostly I wanna be in here
with you, helping and learning.

Well, first,
let's get you settled.

Elizabeth and us are gonna get
along like apple pie and cheese.

She's always
wanting to go to Ike's.

I fixed my sewing room into
something special for a girl.

That was nice of you, Corabeth.

You shouldn't have
gone to all that trouble.

I love doing it.

In the past two months
that sewing room has been

a game room, a study
and a beauty parlor.

We'll look in on you
as often as we can.

You come see us
whenever you want.

-Elizabeth.
-Yes, Mama?

I'd better be going.

-You be a good girl now.
-She will.

-Corabeth, let's go see my room.
-Of course, dear.

-John-Boy, is that you?
-Daddy?

-Better come on down.
-Yes, sir.

They were selling kisses
at the county fair.

Rufe was standing
outside the booth.

He said, "I paid $1,
a whole day's wages,

"just to kiss
the pride of Rockfish County.

"I got inside the booth, there
was nothing but a jackass."

So I said, "Rufe,

"you say there's nothing in that
kissing booth but a jackass?"

And he says, "Yes, that's all
it was, a jackass."

"Well, Rufe," says I,
"it takes one to know one."

Mr. Walton, that is priceless.

I've laughed so much
my sides ache.

Zeb does have
a way with a story.

I declare, Mrs. Walton,

living with such a man, you must
wear yourself out laughing.

Well, you're partly right.

It does wear a mite thin

when you been listening
to the same story for 50 years.

Well, the stories
are funny in themselves,

but it's the way you have
of turning a phrase, Mr. Walton.

Well, thank you
for saying so, Miss Dunbar.

Oh, please, call me Zu
All my friends do.

Well, I certainly hope that you
consider me to be a friend, Zu.

You did say your home
was in Richmond, Miss Dunbar?

Well, I've lived
most of my life in Richmond.

But nowadays my home is
anywhere I'm having a good time.

What she was saying is, she's
visiting her sister in Wheeling.

When?

Well, that was
before our guests joined us.

I can go to Wheeling anytime.

Well, I declare.
You still awake, honey?

-I'm not sleepy.
-Well. Think I understand.

It's your first night
away from home.

You're missing
your mama and daddy.

I don't miss anybody.

Well, that's very brave of you,

but I think a little company
would not be amiss.

Suppose I slip down to the store
and get a baby doll to cuddle?

No, thank you.
I don't want a doll.

Well, shall I just sit here
with you till you drift off?

I like it just fine
here by myself. Goodnight.

Night, dear.

-What's the matter, Liv?
-Everything.

Come on, now,
don't torture yourself.

Spent our whole lives
trying to raise our kids

and give them a proper home.

Now they're
scattered to the winds

and the house is
nothing but a shell.

Honey, there's nothing gone
we can't replace.

We had hard times
even from the beginning

and we got through them somehow.

But here we are, still stumbling
and picking ourselves up

over and over, and I don't think
I can pick myself up anymore.

Liv, you're awful tired, honey.

Let's see if we can get
a goodnight's rest.

Maybe tomorrow
things won't look so grim.

We'll get through.

We're always looking
for a way to get through.

Makes a person wonder
why we struggle so.

Liv, you're not listening to me.

I got two good strong hands,
a strong back.

I'll put this place
back together for you again.

It's useless.

I've tried and tried to rewrite
the first page of my novel,

the first paragraph,
the first sentence.

Always comes out the same.
Flat. Empty.

I feel as if there was a band
of steel twisted inside me,

shutting off
the flow of words and feelings.

Maybe that steel band
is my guilt about the fire,

me being the cause.

Somehow I have to find an answer
for that feeling. Somehow.

May we come in?

Sure.

-Good morning, Jason.
-Oh, good morning.

-We do hope you slept well.
-Oh, never better. Thank you.

Sister and I thought you might
enjoy having breakfast in bed.

Oh, you shouldn't have
gone to all that trouble.

Oh, it was no trouble.

It gives a person that
catered-to feeling

that we all deserve
from time to time.

We weren't sure which you
preferred, bacon or sausage.

So we prepared both.

-I like them both. Thank you.
-Good.

Now, Jason, Sister and I
have been talking it over,

and while you're with us,

we'd like you to use our car
to go to classes and your work.

Oh, I couldn't do that.

You must, or we'll be offended,
won't we, Mamie?

Grievously.

Well, I wouldn't offend
either one of you for anything.

Good. It's settled.

Now, is there anything else
we can get for you?

No, everything is perfect.
Thank you.

-Enjoy yourself.
-Oh, I will. Thank you.

-Morning.
-Morning.

Looks like someone overslept.

It was so quiet
without Ben and Jason.

We saved some cocoa
for you and some hotcakes.

Thank you.

-Gee, Erin, same dress?
-What I wear isn't important.

I agree, Erin. Some of the girls
at school do overdress,

but an occasional change
now and then is nice.

My vanity hurt people,
Mrs. Fordwick,

especially John-Boy.

-I have to check it.
-I see.

"Whosoever shall exalt herself
shall be abased,

"and she that shall humble
herself shall be exalted."

Matthew 23, verse 12.

Well, I can't be
late for school.

Okay, Mrs. Fordwick.

What in the name of peace
and goodness is all this?

-Just ribbons, sir.
-Your sisters'?

-No, sir.
-Then whose?

Just different girls.
It's kind of a collection.

Well, boys collect stamps
and coins, arrowheads.

-Did the girls give you these?
-Not exactly.

You took them forcibly?

I don't think
anybody minded too much.

Jim-Bob,

let me speak to you, not just
as a minister to a parishioner,

or even as a friend to friend,
but man to man.

The relationship
between a man and a woman

must be based on respect.

Well, gee, Reverend,
grabbing those ribbons at recess

was just something
to do, a game.

For some men, that is a lifelong
attitude toward women,

an empty game
full of meaningless pursuits.

-We don't want that for you.
-No, sir.

Let me give some thought

to what would be
your most constructive move.

In the meantime,
no more collecting.

No, sir.

Watch it, John-Boy.

-Will you work somewhere else?
-Sorry.

John-Boy, watch it, please.

-Well, I'll be...
-What?

It was still plugged in.

You think maybe it overheated?

Pa never could remember
to pull out the plug.

-You caught me daydreaming.
-I know what you're thinking.

I was thinking, rather than
patching up the old place

-maybe we should start fresh.
-I wish we could.

You know I wish we could.

But we can't because
of the time and the money.

Just have to make do.

I guess that's what
it's all about. Making do.

-Sorry.
-You lose something?

Well, I was just
wondering what time it is.

-Do you have a clock?
-Of course I got a clock.

You've been listening to stories
about how backward we are here.

3:00!

The plaguey thing about clocks.
You got to keep winding them.

So you have no idea
what time it is?

-9:30. Give or take 10 minutes.
-9:30...

Not your favorite time of day?

I should've been
at school an hour ago.

Well, you sure are
stirring up a power of dust.

It's up to you,
but it seems to me

that you'd no sooner
get to school now,

than you'd just have to turn
around and hike back again.

Maybe the best idea'd be to have
a fresh go at it tomorrow.

-I shouldn't play hooky.
-No. No, you shouldn't.

Course, I shouldn't send you
to school on an empty stomach,

you being a growing boy and all.

-I am hungry.
-Well.

There you are.

I'll just fry us up
a mess of eggs, ham and grits,

and then we'll be in better
shape to face this problem.

What do you say?

-It makes a whole lot of sense.
-Course it does.

How do you want them, Ben?
Scrambled or straight up?

I don't care right now.

Mary Ellen.
What's this doing here?

Doc's very particular
about his patient files.

Well, I moved it up here
and I'm arranging everything

alphabetically and
chronologically.

There's something different
over here, too.

Well, all the equipment's
been scrubbed and polished

and I rearranged
the examination area.

So there's fewer steps
for Dr. Vance

and greater comfort
for the patients.

Change is not something
that Doc takes easy to.

He'll appreciate being
able to do a better job

with less effort.

Maybe. Well, I could use
a little help myself.

The wash needs to be taken down
off the line and folded.

Well, I'll do it
the minute the doctor returns.

I'm taking his calls.

We're getting along like three
sheep in spring clover, Olivia.

She hasn't been
by the house, I was worried.

She's fine, and Corabeth is just
taking wonderful care of her,

you know, it's made a great
difference, her being with us.

You know, Corabeth hasn't even
had one of her nervous spells.

She'll be right here, Olivia.

Are you sure she's alright?

She usually comes running
the minute she hears my voice.

Oh, she's fine.

But she does seem to have
a little trouble sleeping.

-Bad dreams?
-No, she doesn't cry out,

but when I go in I find just her
lying, staring at the ceiling.

Hello, Mama.

I do believe
you've grown these few days.

-Everything alright at school?
-It's fine.

Daddy's been working
night and day on the house

so we can all
be together real soon.

Corabeth tells me you've been
having trouble sleeping.

-Is something bothering you?
-No. I'm fine. I like it here.

Well, I have
a lot of homework to do.

Your daddy's gonna be happy
you're doing so well.

Goodbye, Mama.

-That child is not herself.
-Oh, you know children, Olivia.

They change
from one minute to the next.

I've a good mind to take her
home, what's left of it.

We sure would appreciate it
if you'd let her stay.

It'd mean a lot
to Corabeth and me.

I'm sure this little mood
of hers will pass.

Do let her stay, Olivia.

You keep a special eye on her,
Corabeth. I'm worried about her.

Thank you.

And I rode that wagon right
down the hill on main street.

When I hit bottom, there
wasn't enought timber left

to make matchsticks
and I was full of splinter

but I won the race.

Oh, you make it
sound so exciting, Zeb

My heart is just pounding.

I do believe you can see it.

Come a little closer,
do believe it can.

Your move.

I do appreciate you doing
this for me, Eshter.

Anything to take my mind off
the sound of that old goat

trying to bleak
like a young one.

Mrs. Dunbar, sure dotes
on Zeb's stories.

Dote is just a good word
for the both of them.

[knock on door]

-There.
-Oh, my dear.

-What have you done to me?
-Oh. There, have another?

-John-Boy, come in.
-Grandma.

-John-Boy.
-Grandma.

-I missed you. How's everybody?
-Mama and Daddy are fine.

-And the children?
-I haven't seen anybody else.

-John-Boy.
-You're looking fit.

Oh, I'm flourishing.

Miss Dunbar, I'd like you
to meet my grandson.

-How do you do?
-You're a lucky young man

-to have an example such as Zeb.
-I think so.

We're gonna have a little snack,
John-Boy, will you join us?

-Thank you very much.
-I'll give you a hand, Flossie.

Miss Dunbar, wouldn't you like
to come in and lend a hand?

No, thank you. I'll stay here
and keep the menfolks company.

You say I never brew
the tea to your taste,

so come along
and show me where I go wrong.

-Oh, come on.
-I'll see you gentlemen later.

-So long.
-Come on.

Tea, tea, tea, tea. That's all
you ever get around here, tea.

So has your daddy got any ideas
about what caused the fire?

Grandpa, yesterday
we were digging out

the mess in that bathroom.

You found the electric heater
that's plugged into the wall,

-just the way I left it?
-Yes, sir.

-What's that?
-My pipe.

I left it in the hall the night
of the fire. It was lit.

Grandpa, I think
I started the whole thing.

Hold on there.

You said my electric heater
might have caused the fire.

Could have been me, you,
could have been anybody.

I'll never know for sure
it wasn't me.

Don't you hold onto that burden.

Maybe I was careless,
maybe you was careless.

If our carelessness caused that
fire, we ought to be thankful

our dear ones weren't harmed.

Every time I look at that house,
I know it was me, Grandpa.

I found this
and I hid it from my daddy.

I been carrying it
in my pocket for a day,

I can't look
anybody in the face.

If I was the cause of that fire,
I know you would forgive me.

And I'd forgive you
if you was the cause of it.

Important thing is, John-Boy,

can you forgive yourself?

Jim-Bob, I've been giving your
problem a great deal of thought,

and I've decided
these trophies of yours

must be returned
to their owners.

Give them back?

-I don't know which is which.
-The ladies will help you there.

And, Jim-Bob, in addition
to returning the ribbons,

I want you to give something of
yourself to each of the girls.

Something of myself?

-Well, I don't have anything.
-I mean, perform some kindness.

Help each of them
in some small way.

Sure isn't gonna be easy.

Of course it isn't. So
the lesson will be remembered.

You become the giver,
not the taker.

Well, what if I just
gave the ribbons back?

Once you start, you'll find
it's easier than you think,

-and very rewarding.
-Supper's ready.

-Agreed?
-Agreed.

Smells good.

Erin, will you ask the blessing?

I'm not worthy of that honor,
Reverend Fordwick.

Jim-Bob?

We thank you for the good food
and good friends,

please be as kind to the rest of
the family, wherever they are.

-Amen.
-Very nice.

And humility is a beautiful
thing, but moderation...

I'm hoping that good
will come out of all this.

I'm sure it will.

I'm thinking
of answering the call.

-What call?
-To be an evangelist.

I wanna preach
humility to everyone.

-Here you go.
-Thank you.

[phone rings]

Dr. Vance's office,
Mary Ellen Walton speaking.

No, the doctor's out.
May I know whose calling?

Yes, Mrs. Heinsley.

And what are Vea Ruth'symptoms?

Hmm-mm. Any sign of a rash?

Okay. I'll have the doctor
call the minute he returns.

And in the meantime I suggest
that you keep Vea Ruth

as quiet as possible,
give her lot's of liquids

and try to protect her eyes
from direct sunlight.

You're welcome, Mrs. Heinsley.

John, stop the truck.

Hey, Mama. Daddy.

John, Olivia.
Ain't this a nice howdy-do.

-Why aren't you in school?
-School?

You know that place there, Ben,

where you sit all day and try
to get some sense between ears.

School. Well...

Tell you what happened.

Ben here, this morning
he woke up feverish.

-Yeah.
-Feverish.

Hardly lift his head off
the pillow.

Feeling too poorly
for me to send to school.

-Not too poorly to go fishing?
-Well,

about 11:00 or so, your boy,
made a remarkable recovery.

Seemed like such a beautiful
day, well, shame to waste it

and also I decided
to take him on a nature walk.

I won't do it again,
Mama, I promise.

You won't, 'cause you
get in the truck now.

-Mama.
-Wait a minute, Liv.

You know we haven't got
room for him at home.

Now, listen here, Son.

You miss one more day of school,
one more hour even,

-I'll come for you myself.
-No, I won't, Daddy. I promise.

I'll keep him in line, John.

Ben, why don't you
give your Mama them fish?

Here, Mama.

Ben, now you remember
this is not a vacation.

I will, Mama.

John, what's happening
to our children?

I'm sorry.

Been at this for a long time.
I didn't mean to disturb.

Disturb us? Oh, no, Jason.

It's pure pleasure
for Sister and me

to hear you draw music
from that old piano.

Most people find my practicing
more irritating than enjoyable.

Oh, not us.

But perhaps
we're disturbing you.

Oh, no. I've just about done
my limit of scales for the day.

Are you sure?

Well, then, in that case,

could Sister and I prevail
upon you to play a song or two?

I'm not very good.

We've heard and we feel you're
better than good, you're superb.

Are you familiar with
Listen to the Mockingbird?

Listen to the Mockingbird?

Let's see.

That's it.

Lovely.

-Wet paint.
-Sorry.

Boy, oh, you two making
good progress up here.

After a false start or two.

Yeah, this morning, everything
I set my hand to went wrong.

I know that feeling.

I had to take the reinforcements
I put in the stairs.

First time
I come up stairs,

they'd wallop
like an old hammock.

I mean to be more help
myself around here.

You got your own work, Son.

I'm gonna set
writing aside for a while.

Lately, I've just been
wasting too much time,

spoiling good paper, crumpling
it and throwing it away.

I'm anxious
to help you on the house.

Sure could use the help.

Yes, we could use
Jason and Ben around here, too.

Ben's too busy fishing.

Jason's strutting
in those new clothes

the Baldwin ladies gave him.

Strutting's and fishing's gonna
stop, as I get hands on 'em.

They know we need help.

Problem is, everybody's been
separated a spell too long.

Yeah, your ma's sure missing her
chicks. Never seen her so low.

Well, she'll feel more cheerful
once we get this place livable.

You know, maybe Sunday
we ought to do some visiting.

Or maybe if she had
some visitors of her own here.

Yeah.

Mama.

I thought you and your daddy
had decided to go fishing.

We brought you
a little surprise.

-Surprise!
-Surprise!

I was just thinking
about all of you.

If ever a family needed
a reunion, this one does.

I wanna look at each
and every one of you.

-Jason, what an elegant jacket.
-Thank you, Mama.

The Baldwin sisters
gave me this.

It did get a little dusty
coming over here on the truck.

Excuse us. Next time we'll pick
you in a limousine, Mr. Uppity.

You won't have to, 'cause they
gave me the keys to automobile.

-Oh.
-Next time we'll put down

the red carpet so you don't
dirty your patent leathers.

-This is the noisiest family.
-Jason. We give you a headache?

I'm gonna fix him up.

I was telling Zuleika
about the time...

-Mama, can we eat early?
-I suppose so.

Gotta take Doc's calls
from 2:00 to 5:00.

-He can make do for one day.
-I promised to get back.

I was counting
on the whole day.

Let's go see
where the fire was, okay?

-And if Zuleika...
-Ben, look at you.

You're so dirty.
I ought to pick you

and put you
in the washing machine.

-You look kind of tired.
-Well, I am a little tired.

-Yancy and I went coon hunting.
-You were out all night?

Well, I didn't get
too much sleep.

Zuleika began
to roar with laughter

before I got
the speckled bull...

Zeb, Zeb, nobody here wants
to listen to your stories.

Erin, you're so quiet, I hardly
even noticed you were here.

Why didn't you
push up and say hello?

"She who is first shall be last

"and she who is last
shall be first."

Living with the ministers
made you kind of biblical.

Well, it's more than that, Mama.

I may have a call to preach.

Elizabeth?

I didn't give you a hug.

-Aren't you gonna say hello?
-Hello, Mama.

Aren't you glad
to be here with all of us?

It's very nice.

Elizabeth, please tell me
what's troubling you?

Nothing, Mama, I'm fine.

Mama?

We brought this stuff
from the Godseys for dinner.

Liv, you wanna eat here
or should we have a picnic?

It doesn't matter.

Oh, honey, what's the matter?

-Liv, it's not that bad.
-Yes, it is.

We're not a family anymore.

When you finish that, Son,
you can quit for the night.

Might as well work on
through to supper.

I thought maybe you want
an hour or so for your writing.

Lately working with my hands
has been more satisfying.

I'm sorry to hear that.

If my writing ability
can be just dammed up like that,

how am I gonna
make a living at it?

Don't most jobs have
their lean periods?

From outside conditions,
this is an inside condition.

You know, I think
I know what you mean.

When I first started rebuilding
this house, something was wrong.

I wanted to turn
my back on it, walk away.

That's just how I feel
about my book.

But I found out what was wrong.

I was trying to rebuild
this house like it was before.

Well, you can't do it.

You just can't get back
that same excitement.

No, I'm not the same man
that built this,

I can't get the same materials.

I just gotta get
a roof over our heads.

That's true.

Some of it won't be
as good as it was before,

but it all balances out.

Point is,
there's a job to be done.

And you're
a better man than I am.

-You like those work noises?
-No nicer music.

Yeah, you telling John that
you weren't a family anymore

sure lit a fire under...
Well, sure got him going.

Maybe when we're all together
again under one roof,

things will get back to normal.

After that get-together
on Sunday, I was so low,

all those children off
in their separate worlds.

Yeah.

Children change. They're never
two days running the same.

I know,

it's a lot easier to take
when you can be with them

and share in the changes.

The reason I don't have
anything to give you, Professor,

is because
I don't know if I can do it.

I don't know if I can
create that again.

Something's wrong with me,
something's blocking my mind.

I find a dozen reasons
not to sit down and write.

I couldn't wait
to get with a pencil in my hand

and empty page in front of me
and words coming out.

Now when I do sit down,
it's just forcing myself.

When the words come, there's no
meaning and no feeling in them.

Maybe you're
pushing yourself too hard,

thinking too much about Hank
at Ruffner's waiting for pages.

John

when you began to write,

it was 'cause you had to put
thoughts and feelings on paper.

You should return to that.

And you should stop demanding
so much of yourself.

I don't know
what's wrong with me.

I mean, I'm thinking
all sorts of crazy things.

Stop romanticizing
yourself, John.

You have ability,
but ability isn't everything.

Some say it isn't even 50%.

There are thousands of talented
people in this world.

Some of them never take
the risk of proving themselves.

They're the ones who are always
going to write the book,

or paint that picture,
or compose a symphony.

But they never do.

And then there are the others
who take the first step,

but as soon as
they encounter any rejection,

any reversal,

they don't have
the resilience to bounce back.

One defeat short-circuits them
for the rest of their lives,

they fashion a career of being
misunderstood and unappreciated.

I have never seen you, John,
as one of those people.

And I still don't.

Thank you.

The dull and heat-laden
days of August,

the endless, leaden dog days,
vanished in a rainstorm

and September dawned bright
and sparkling and sunny.

The foliage began to turn

lemon yellow, watermelon red,
russet and gold and bronze.

The woods were afire with color,

but clean and chilled
by an autumn wind,

the fever which had been in
the boy's brain was swept away

by the cleansing wind,

and every day lay before him
with such beckoning and promise

of adventure

that his heart would nearly
explode with the wonder of it.

Jim-Bob.

I see you've chosen not to take
my advice about hair ribbons.

Well, gee, Reverend, I tried.
I gave Vangie's ribbon back.

-And the act of kindness?
-Well, I carried her books.

I gave Norma Beth's back

and fixed the flat tire
on her bicycle.

I gave Letha June's back and let
her wear my sweater when cold.

I don't understand how you have
more ribbons now than before.

-Have you taken others?
-Well, no need to.

The girls hide ribbons in my
pockets and cram 'em in books.

I've got twice as many
as when I was snitching them.

How do you explain that,
Reverend?

"What man can pretend to know
the riddle of a woman's mind?"

The Bible?

Don Quixote.

She makes me feel guilty
if I even want a word with you,

-Now, Mady.
-I didn't say a word.

You didn't have to.
It's all this efficiency.

Now she's even
written up this schedule.

-A doctor's time is precious.
-I know that.

Mady, Mary Ellen. Now, let's
everybody calm down a little.

-I'm sorry, Mrs. Vance.
-I know you mean well.

Mary Ellen's intentions are
he best, her ideals the highest.

Just a mite too high maybe
for an old-timer like me,

but, in a few years,
assisting some bright-eyed medic

fresh out of school, perfect.

Well, from now on, I'll try
not to be so high-handed,

especially with Mrs. Vance.

It's just that I want
to go on serving you

and medicine
in the most efficient way.

Yes, unfortunately, Mary Ellen,
your internship is almost over.

Yes, I was talking to your dad.

The house'll be
finished tomorrow.

Tomorrow?

Well.

I'd say this calls for a special
dinner to say farewell.

There's certainly no reason
for you to hurry away, Jason.

Mercy, no. You're welcome
to stay indefinitely.

I appreciate that,
but Mama expects everybody

to be on hand tonight.

Any time you want to use the
piano, you're more than welcome.

Well, thank you.

Next time I feel
the need to get away from noise,

I'll take you up on that.

An artist needs
his periods of solitude.

I don't know if I am an artist
yet or if I ever will be,

but staying here I've found out
a couple of things about myself.

I do need solitude,
like you said,

but I must admit that I miss
that noise and confusion, too.

Well, of course you do.

I hope it hasn't been
too lonely for you here.

Oh, not at all.

Everybody enjoys being
the center of things,

having everything
circle around him.

It's nice, but it's
also a little wearing.

There's something to be said
for occasionally being

on the periphery.

Yes, ma'am.

Well, thanks again.

Come see us often?

I will.

Bye.

-Bye.
-Bye.

The house will be
very quiet tomorrow.

Sister, we mustn't be greedy.

-Home looks great.
-Never know there'd been a fire.

-Here.
-Oh, look.

Feels great to be
in our own room again.

-The curtains are beautiful.
-Corabeth gave them to me.

She bought the material,
but she never used it.

Ben, you are not camping out
at Yancy Tucker's.

Jim-Bob, on your feet and start
putting your stuff away.

I'm sorry, Mama.

Guess you miss
doing things the easy way.

Well, it was okay for a while.

We had lots of rules
at Reverend Fordwick's.

I don't mind a few rules.

Makes you feel like
you're going in some direction.

Going around in circles
does get a little tiresome.

Still collecting those things?

Well, it's no fun anymore.

I mean, who wants butterflies
at fight to get into your net.

-Erin, please change that dress?
-Mama.

You've got nicer things to wear.

I told you,
vanity is my weakness.

I have to stay plain.

Erin, there's plain and plain.
Now put this on.

Mama,

I'm punishing myself
for the hurt I caused John-Boy.

But it seems to me that
what you're doing with this...

sack cloth and ashes routine is
calling attention to yourself.

Isn't that the whole root
of vanity to say,

"Look at me, I'm Erin Walton.
See how humble I am?"

Well, I never
looked at it that way.

Well, pride
is also a sin, you know,

and it seems to me you're kind
of proud of being so humble.

You know something, Mama?

You're right.

Here, put this on.
Try being Erin Walton again.

She wasn't perfect,
but she had possibilities.

Thanks, Mama.

Grandpa, I'll be right back
with the rest of these.

Well, you'll both be
missed around here.

Flossie, we'll see you
as often as we did before.

It won't be the same as sitting
to three meals a day together.

Would you believe
I've already rented your room?

To that nice-spoken gentleman
from Wilkes-Barre.

That's good.

-You're really leaving?
-Yes, we're off and away home.

What'll I do in the long nights
without you to make me smile?

There's always Charlie McCarthy.

You've been
a wonderful audience, Zu.

I don't want to stay on here
remembering happier times.

I've told Mrs. B., I'm off
to Wheeling in the morning.

It has been a pleasure.

-Now, I know Esther won't mind.
-What makes you so sure?

I hate good-byes.

-Think of me sometimes, Zeb.
-I will.

You're a lucky woman, Esther.

Hear what she said?

I don't need Zuleika Dunbar
to tell me anything.

Zuleika Dunbar is a sweet woman.

Still, a little sugar
goes a long ways.

For steady diets
you need a little salt.

Grandpa, if you'll take those
two boxes, we'll be all set.

We still gotta pick up Elizabeth
at the Godseys'.

Just think,
under one roof together.

Won't that be wonderful?
See you in church on Sunday.

And the President
pointed to me and said,

"That's the man right there."

You do have
the wittiest way with a story.

I love to hear
a man tell a story

when he puts his heart
in the telling.

I could hear a story just
over and over if it's well told.

"The President said..." You...

Looks like Zu's sister in
Wheeling's gonna have to wait.

"Frailty, thy name is woman."

You old fool.

Elizabeth says she doesn't want
to come home with you, John-Boy.

-She wants to stay here.
-Now, Corabeth.

Much as I'd like to have her, I
wouldn't do anything to keep her

you know that.

She won't come out of her room.

-May I go in?
-Of course.

Thank you.

Alright, joke's over. Come on.
Grandma and Grandpa are waiting.

I'm not going with you,
John-Boy.

What do you mean
you're not going?

Elizabeth, this is no time
to start playing games.

I'm not.

Honey, everyone
is waiting at the house.

We're gonna
have supper together.

-Why are you behaving like this?
-I just wanna stay here.

What's the matter?

I'm not going home. That's all.
Nobody can make me go.

I know who can make you go.

I can put you over
my shoulder and carry you home.

If you do, I'll run away
the first chance I get.

Alright,
that's enough. Come on.

I'm not going home with you,
John-Boy. Ever.

We'll just have to see what
your daddy has to say about it.

She looked me in the eye
and said she wouldn't come home.

Well, maybe she was
just pulling your leg.

No, she wasn't, Jason.

It's all that attention
she's been getting.

Elizabeth's been getting
considerable attention

from Corabeth.

They both try to
give her what she wants

before she knows what she wants.

It is kind of nice
for a while, being number one

instead of being number seven.

I don't think it's that simple.

Elizabeth's been a different
child since the fire.

I'll go get her.

We told Elizabeth
that she's welcome

to stay with us
as long as she wanted to, but...

She hasn't seemed upset
about anything, has she, Ike?

Oh, no, sir. Not a bit. You'd
never know anything happened.

Come on, honey, let's go home.

I... I can't.

I promised Corabeth
that I'd help her

sew the kitchen curtains.

We can do that
some other time, honey.

Elizabeth, let's go.

Let me get my clothes.

We're home again. Something
sure smells good around here.

I sure am starved.

It's no wonder,
with Yancy's cooking.

Good to have everything
back to normal, isn't it?

Oh, it's very nice.

With a little help, I can have
supper ready in 10 minutes.

With a lot of help,
could you have it in five?

You should see how Daddy
fixed the upstairs hallway.

And our room, Elizabeth. We've
got the prettiest curtains.

And a beautiful rag rug.

-We'll show it to you.
-Not now.

Don't you want to see our room?

Maybe later.

She says she's alright,
but she's not.

Let's give her a little bit
of time. See if she settles in.

As the old house filled once
more with the people he loved,

he felt a familiar and exciting
fullness in his heart as well.

It was contentment, it was joy,

it welled up inside him, and
overflowed onto pages in words.

The bed was only fair.
She's not too good a cook.

I think it is
about time, Esther.

So good to be home.

There were times I doubted we'd
ever be under this roof again.

Here we are.

Wonder which of my lady friends
I can dream about tonight?

Mmakes no difference to me
as long as you do it quietly.

Mama?

-Mama, where's Elizabeth?
-I thought she was upstairs.

She hasn't been upstairs
since Daddy brought her home.

We've looked all over the house.
We can't find her anywhere.

Jason, go call your brothers.
Everybody start looking.

Wait a minute. She didn't wanna
come home in the first place.

-Think she went back to Godseys?
-That's my bet.

-Jason, look all over the house?
-Oh, yes, ma'am.

But I can't imagine
Elizabeth walking off alone.

But she's too scared
to go out after dark.

Must be something she's more
scared of than the dark.

-You find Elizabeth yet?
-No.

I was wondering, did anybody
look in the tree house?

-No. You?
-No.

Who's that?

Mama and Daddy, they're going
to check at the Godseys'.

-Jason, you check the cellar.
-Alerady did.

Check it again.

Elizabeth.

Elizabeth.

-Why did you find me here?
-You can't sleep up here.

Why not?

-All by yourself?
-That's what I want.

You're thinking
about the fire, aren't you?

It's not gonna happen again.
There's no reason to be afraid.

I'm not afraid.

Then why are you
acting this way?

Don't you know how much
you're worrying your mama?

-I don't want Mama to worry.
-Well, she is worried

and she's worried
because she cares about you.

I don't understand it,
lately you've been acting

as though you don't care
about her or anybody.

-I don't. I don't care.
-Elizabeth.

I'm never going to care about
anyone or anything ever again.

-You don't mean that.
-Yes, I do, John-Boy. I do.

Whenever I care,
terrible things happen.

What terrible things?

Lucy Arnold was my best friend.
Lucy died.

Calico, the mama cat,
my raccoon, my butterfly.

It always happens,
John-Boy, always.

Whenever I love something,
it dies.

Please, I don't want you or Mama
or Daddy or anybody to die.

Mama's fine, we're all fine.

Now. I'm scared, John-Boy.

Honey,

sometimes you do lose people
that you love.

That's a hard thing.

But it doesn't happen
because you love them.

It just happens because
it's part of nature.

You can't keep somebody safe
by pretending not to love them,

it just doesn't work,
believe me.

Everybody's afraid.

-Everybody?
-Yeah.

The best way I know
to get over it is just to

put myself smack dab in the
middle of people that I love,

people who love me.

It seems to make it all
worthwhile.

Why don't you try that? This
other thing didn't work, did it?

It was awful.

Drove all the way down to Ike's,
there's no sign of her.

Didn't see
on the road anywhere.

Well, what can we do,

but you said you've
been everywhere, right?

Everybody?

Elizabeth's home.

Mama!

Elizabeth, we were
so worried about you.

Elizabeth, oh, Elizabeth.

After the ordeal of the fire
and separation,

my family seemed
to have a new awareness

of life's unpredictability,
out of that awareness

came a new and largely-unspoken
tenderness.

Open caring,

whatever the circumstances,

was our shared strength
and consolation.

-Hey, Jim-Bob.
-Hmm?

How many hair ribbons
you got now?

-Haven't got any.
-Well, what happened?

I traded them to Shorty Larrabee
for a genuine shrunken head.

-Goodnight, Jim-Bob.
-Goodnight, Ben.