All language subtitles for Szink.

Dr. Johnson, thank you for
allowing me to assist in there.

You did more than assist,
Brunell.

You performed the operation.

Which is why you should be
the one to talk to the family.

Your husband
is out of surgery.

Dr. Brunell here will
fill you in on how it went.

How's Adam? Is he okay?

Everything went really well.

Can we see him?

What's your name?

Maddie.

Hi, Maddie.
You can call me Dr. Lauren.

I was lucky enough to perform
your daddy's surgery.

You took his 'pendix out?

I did. We took
his appendix right out

'cause it was making him sick.

We used a little
teeny-tiny camera.

He was sleeping,
so he missed it all,

but his appendix was on TV.

Can we see his 'pendix on TV?

No, probably not,

but you can have ice cream
with him tomorrow,

if that's okay with Mom.

Yeah. Sounds perfect.

You should be able to sit with
your husband in a few hours.

Most likely he'll be ready
to go home tomorrow.

Thank you.

Excited for sunny LA?

Oh. If I can get outside.
The program's intense.

Hey, Lauren,
where are you going?

Oh, I applied to
Charlestown Memorial in Boston.

The general surgery
fellowship?

That's the best
in the country.

My father was a fellow there.

I knew before I even
applied to med school

that I'd follow
in his footsteps.

What if you don't get in?

That's just not
part of the plan.

Luckily, my dad has
a friend at Charlestown,

and he's keeping an eye
on the application process.

He said I'm a shoo-in, so...

What's Scott gonna do when
you go all the way to Boston?

Well...

- No way!
- What?

Do you think
he's gonna propose?

I think so!

We've talked about
what I see for my future,

and... I see him.

Plus there's lots of law firms
in Boston where he could work.

Everything's coming together.

And Dr. Johnson let me do
the entire procedure.

It was amazing.

Amazing. Right.

Scott, is everything okay?

Well, it's just...

I've been thinking a lot
lately...

about you and me
and your career...

Yes?

And about the last
eight months.

Which have been so great.

And I was thinking
that we should--

Yeah, I think we should
get married too!

You thought I was proposing?

I mean...

if we're gonna be together
in Boston,

shouldn't we be
fully committed?

Actually, and I'm sorry, Lauren,
but I think we should break up.

Wha-- But we discussed
the future.

No. You discussed the future.

You planned our future, Lauren.
You-- You plan everything.

I don't plan everything.

Come on.

Okay.

I... I have goals.

And that's my favorite thing
about you.

You're dedicated,
you're reliable,

you're so good
at what you do.

But I feel you're checking off
a to-do list.

That's not
what love is, Lauren.

Love's inconvenient.
It's all-encompassing.

I want to feel that
with someone.

And I want you to have it too.

Mom? Dad?

Lauren? Hi, honey.
I wasn't expecting you tonight.

Can I warm you up
something to eat?

No. I just came
from dinner with Scott.

Is something wrong?

Is that Lauren?
Ah, Lauren.

It's good you're here.

I was just about to call you.

I talked to Richard
at Charlestown Memorial.

Yeah?

And, um,

you were edged out at the last
minute by another candidate.

What? No--

I did everything that I could.
My resume was impeccable!

I know. This other fellow
did Doctors Without Borders.

The committee liked that
out-of-the-box thinking.

Honey, I have friends and
colleagues

at every major hospital
in the country.

I'll make some calls.

We will find you a fellowship
that's worthy of your talents.

Your dad is right. Surely
there are other fellowships.

You don't have to do
exactly what your father did

I'm gonna go. I can't have
this conversation

after the night I just had.

What's so wrong about
our daughter

following in her old man's
footsteps?

- I'm proud of her.
- So am I.

But I want her to live her life,
Henry, not yours.

- Lauren...
- Mom, I just need to be alone.

I know, but I want to
make sure you're okay.

Okay?
Yeah, I'm great!

Everything I've worked for
my entire life is gone.

Maybe missing out
on this fellowship

will open you up to some new,
interesting possibilities.

Perhaps you've planned things
in your life a little too much.

That's what Scott said to me

right before
he broke up with me.

Oh, Lauren...

I just wish that you and Scott
could understand

how important all this is
to me, like Dad does.

Sweetie, believe me,
I understand.

But there are other things
in life.

And how will you ever
discover them

if you're unwilling to look
outside your original plan?

Remember what Grandma
always used to tell me?

You can listen to your mind,

but you have
to follow your heart.

I know.

Thanks, Mom.

Your mother's worried
about you, you know.

Why is it that she was able to
be so supportive of your career

for all these years,
but when it comes to me,

she just doesn't get it?

You're her baby girl.

Yeah, but I'm not a baby.

I'm a grown woman
and a doctor,

and I have a career
to get on with.

What am I gonna do, Dad?

I'm not ready to accept

that the door's closed
at Charlestown.

I know too many people
over there.

Meanwhile, I've started to
make calls to other programs.

Thanks, I appreciate it,

but I just can't
sit around and wait.

Where are you going?

There's gotta be
another option.

So as you can see there,
I was at the top of my class.

And Golden Gate is an exemplary
residency program.

I'm surprised
you weren't offered

more than one fellowship.

Well, I only applied to one.

So what can I do now?

I won't sugarcoat it.
Deadlines have passed.

Candidates with less impressive
credentials than yours

have filled slots
you would've easily gotten

if you would've applied
a few months ago.

There's nothing left.
What you're gonna have to do

is get a job to bide your time

until your can apply
for next year's fellowships.

That's strange.

There is one open
fellowship slot after all.

It appears to have
just become available.

- Garland, Alaska?
- It's adjacent to Anchorage.

You'd be running
the whole program,

so it'd be a great
opportunity to shine.

But this is in general medicine,
not general surgery.

There's always a need
for family doctors.

You'd never be out of work.

I know. Small-town Alaska
isn't what you had in mind.

Most people can't imagine
a life in a less traditional,

out-of-the-box environment.

Wait.

A small-town hospital in Alaska

would be an out-of-the-box
experience.

Yes, I think it would.

Then I'd like to apply.

Hello?

- Dr. Lauren Brunell?
- Yes?

Hi! Good morning.

I'm Billie,

the hospital administrator

at Garland General
in Alaska.

Oh, wow, that was fast.

We received your
very impressive application

and couldn't
let another moment pass

without offering you
the position.

Wow, that's very flattering.

And since you're coming
from out of state,

it would be our pleasure
to arrange for and pay

for your travel and
accommodations here in town.

What do you say? We could use
a doctor with your talents here.

Garland's a unique place,
isn't it?

It absolutely is.

Well, then, yes, I accept.

Wonderful, Dr. Brunell!

Okay, let me get
some of your information.

Don't you worry.

I'll have you out of Alaska
in a matter of weeks.

If you think a couple of weeks
in an out-of-the-box environment

is enough to bulk up my resume,
then great.

Your resume is perfect
just the way it is.

Lauren, try to have
an open mind about this.

For the first time
in a long time,

you are trying something new
and unexpected.

That is exciting.

Oh! And we have to take you
shopping for winter clothes.

I leave in less than a week.
I have way too much to do.

I'll just-- I'll get everything
I need when I get there.

Don't buy too much 'cause
you'll be back here very soon.

Henry, try to support her
in this.

I think it's good for her.

It's good for both of you.

Okay, Mom.

Alaska's awesome!

Yeah, Alaska's the best
49th state we have.

You two are impossible!

Welcome to Anchorage.

The current temperature
is a mild 7 degrees.

Hi. I'm Dr. Brunell.
Lauren.

Welcome to Alaska. I'm Andy.
I'm your ride to Garland.

- Can I take these?
- Yes.

- How far is the car?
- 300 miles due north.

- From here?
- Yup.

I guess Garland isn't as
adjacent to Anchorage
as you thought, huh?

That's because "adjacent" means
a train or car ride away, okay?

This is not
what I signed up for!

Well, that's Garland for you.

What's that supposed to mean?

Just that when you
grow up here,

you learn that making plans
is a waste of time.

That's amazing. You've dismissed
my entire life philosophy

five minutes after meeting me.

Well, that certainly
wasn't my intention.

Shall we get ourselves a little
more adjacent to Garland?

Just think of the plane
like a bus or a train car.

You're commuting.

Except if I change my mind
at home,

I can just get off
at the next stop.

Well, I wouldn't recommend
getting out now,

but no one's stopping you.

- And here we are.
- That came out of nowhere.

That's Hattie's Diner.
Best restaurant in town.

There's the Garland
General Store,

where you can get anything
from toothpaste

to canned goods and clothing.

It's very... quaint.

I like to think of it as cozy.
We have enough of what we need.

We don't worry about
anything beyond that.

What is that?

It's not small.

That is Holliday Shipping.

Provides a lot of jobs in town.

Look at it all.

I would've loved those
decorations as a kid.

Only as a kid?
I always thought Christmas

was supposed to bring out
the kid in all of us,

even when we're adults.

Well, I guess the kid in me
has been too busy being an adult

to get overly excited
about Christmas.

But you guys
take it very seriously.

Very festive.

That's Garland for you.

Of course it is.

And here we are.

So this is where I'm staying?

This is it.
It's cozy, convenient,

and in walking distance
of everything.

Welcome to Garland,
Dr. Brunell.

See ya.

I can make this work.

Great. No coffee maker.

Ah. Perfect.

Good morning!
How many I help you?

Hi. Can I have a large, nonfat
sugar-free vanilla latte?

I'm not gonna
get that here, am I?

We have plenty of coffee.

Okay, then I'll have a large
to go with nonfat milk.

And do you have any natural,
non-sugar sweeteners?

Well, we have one size, cream,

good old white sugar,

and I could probably rustle up

some whole milk and honey
in the back.

Oh, no. That's fine.
Thank you.

Don't be afraid of
a little cream and sugar.

It'll fatten you up,
keep you warm up here.

Oh, thanks. You know,
has anyone ever told you

you look just like
Santa Claus?

Well, thank you!
I guess that's why they elect me

to head up the Christmas Eve
Festival every year.

Frank Holliday, president
and CEO of Holliday Shipping.

Holliday. Of course.

I'm Dr. Lauren Brunell.

Welcome, Doctor!

We're thrilled you've come
to help us out.

How do you like Garland
so far?

She wasn't thrilled with
for the trip into town,

I can tell you that much.

Son, be polite.

You're his father?

Andy is a fourth generation
Garlander.

There's a monument to my great
grandfather in Garland Square.

He was one of
the original town founders.

Here ya go, Frank.

Thank you, Hattie!

Dad, really?
Cookies for breakfast?

They're seasonal. Hattie only
makes these in December.

They'll be gone
before you know it.

You know, now that there's
a doctor in town,

schedule an appointment
for a cholesterol test.

- You're welcome to--
- Oh, I'm fine.

This is how
I've always eaten.

- Then Andy may have a point.
- That's exactly my point!

Not to mention,
you're always tired these days.

This is my busy season!

Besides, you live
a few more decades,

tell me how perky you feel.

- Dad!
- Andrew!

Excuse me.
I have to get going.

Today's my first day, and I
don't wanna be late for rounds.

Frank, it was nice to meet you.
Andy, it was good to see you.

Rounds?

Hello?

Oh, have a seat.

We're not seeing patients
just yet this morning.

Actually, I'm the doctor.

Dr. Brunell?

Dr. Lauren Brunell
from San Francisco?

- Ohh!
- Oh!

Everyone, come meet
the new doctor!

Oh, good, there's a staff.

I'm Billie.
We spoke on the phone.

I'm the head nurse.

I order supplies,
anything administrative.

Just ask,
I'll get it done.

This is Joanne,
the other nurse,

and the orderlies,
Martin and Lester.

- How you doing?
- Good to meet you.

Hi. So the staff
is only four people?

Of course not!

It's five,
now that you're here.

Dr. Morgan
retired last year.

Wait, you haven't had
a doctor here in a year?

Well, um...

a couple of people
didn't exactly work out.

Sorry. Billie,
I don't think the situation

was made clear to me.

The new doctor in?

I got this thing
with my foot.

I'm the new doctor.

Good.

Mr. Jessome, keep that boot on
for at least two weeks.

Take ibuprofen
if you're in any discomfort.

Thank you, ma'am.

Billie, let's set up weekly
appointments for Marilyn

- from now until her due date.
- And her son Ethan?

He's behind on his shots.

Joanne, take care of that
right now.

And I'm admitting Mrs. Alvarez
overnight for observation.

She needs antibiotics.

Okay. Anything else?

No. Let's take a break.
I'll do some charting.

Can I get you something
to eat or drink, Dr. Brunell,

before you see more patients?

No. Let's get these people into
exam rooms as soon as poss--

Billie?

Hmm?

Billie?

Oh, sorry, Dr. Brunell.

That's very sweet.

Your boyfriend
brought you flowers.

No! I'm not--
I mean, we are not--

Dr. Brunell,
this is Wyatt Baker.

His mom's the town florist.

I do the deliveries.

This is a get-well bouquet
for Mrs. Alvarez.

Mrs. Alvarez, who I just
admitted ten minutes ago?

It's a small town.

Oh.

I'll see you later, Billie.

'Kay.

And it was nice
to meet you, Doc.

And he's not your boyfriend?

I dated a guy for months, and
he didn't look at me like that.

Wyatt? No!

We've known each other
our whole lives.

No. Since we were babies.

He pushed me in the mud
in third grade

and dated my neighbor
in high school.

We're just friends,
that's all.

Whatever you say.

Oh, and send
the next patient in.

You need a ride, Doc?

Wow, you're everywhere,
aren't you?

Uh, no, thanks.

You sure? You look cold.

It's Alaska.
Is there any other option?

Mm, not really.
Get in the truck.

Yeah.

You keep dressing like that,
you're gonna get hypothermia,

and then we won't have
a doctor to treat you.

We can stop at the General Store
and stock up on winter clothes.

Did you get
that puffy vest there?

Yeah, I did.

Yeah, no, I'll just get some
stuff online or something.

Suit yourself.

So why is everything in your
truck covered with sawdust?

I hit a lot of trees
when I fly. Makes a mess.

Just kidding.

The whole flying thing's
just a hobby.

I'm supposed to take over
the family business, but...

I guess I'm just
not ready, so...

I pick up work
as the local handyman.

So how was the first day?

Ugh. I mean, I felt good
about what I did,

but there's just
too many patients,

not enough hands,
not enough time.

I'm supposed to work
at a big hospital,

not a little clinic
like this.

Well, it sounds like you did
a lot of good today.

I mean, Mrs. Alvarez had
that cough for a month,

and Clay would've ignored
that foot until he went crippled

if you hadn't helped.

Wow, word really travels fast
through this place.

Yeah, well,
small town, new doctor.

If it makes you feel
any better,

everybody's really glad
you're here, Doc.

Yes.

Good morning, Dr. Brunell.

Morning.

Ah, Doctor.

Good morning, Dr. Brunell.

Good morning.
Can I get a--

Coffee to go,
light on the sugar, with milk.

None of that nonfat yet,
but I got it on order.

Okay, thank you.

Don't you worry about it.
Now don't let me keep you.

You got a big day
in front of you!

I do?

Yeah, and if you want
lunch delivered,

just have Billie
give me a call.

Hattie, do you know
something I don't?

Andy. Andy.

Oh, hey, Doc.
What do you think?

It's beautiful work, but don't
you think it's presumptuous,

to put my name
outside the hospital when--

I don't even know
if I'm staying.

- But you're here now, right?
- I know, but...

Don't worry about it.
Making a shingle's no big deal.

Take it down
whenever you want.

Hi. Good morning.
Be right with you.

Dr. Brunell, good morning.

Billie, there's a line
of patients outside.

And we have got it
under control.

Everyone in the exam rooms
right now are a higher priority.

First up,
stomach ache in room one.

Stomach flu?

Too much Christmas candy.

Let's do this.

Billie, I prescribed
a muscle relaxant to Mrs. Petty.

Can you check if we
have any in stock?

Sure.

Well, hello, Mr. Holliday.

Call me, Frank, Doctor.

Well, then call me Lauren,
Frank.

Did you come in to get that
stomach thing checked out?

I'm fine.
Andy's a worrier.

I don't think
he's the anxious type.

I'm here to invite you to a
Holliday family dinner tonight.

My wife Faith
is a wonderful cook,

and you being so far
from San Francisco,

seems like it's time
you had a home-cooked meal.

That's so nice of you, Mister--

Frank. But why don't we discuss
that in the exam room first,

talk about those
Christmas cookies?

I've only got a minute.
I gotta get back to work.

But you're going to come
to dinner, aren't you?

I never ate that many
home-cooked meals at home, so...

All the more reason!

Okay, I'll come.

Excellent!
See you later.

- Mr. Holliday.
- Good afternoon, Wyatt.

Hey, Doc.

- Hi.
- Is Billie here?

Oh, she's just getting
some medication for a patient.

Oh. She's a good nurse, huh?

Yes, she is,
and a good girl too, huh?

Billie, hey!

Oh, hi, Wyatt.

For Diana.

These better be from
Mr. Henderson.

Oh, they are.

Who's Mr. Henderson?

He's Diana's neighbor.

Who do you think made
all that Christmas candy?

Well, I better get going.

Have a good day, Billie.
Bye, Doc.

Bye.

Thanks for lunch,
Dr. Brunell.

Oh, no, thank you
for everything.

- You're a great nurse, Billie.
- Really?

You know who else said that?

Your friend Wyatt.

Oh, Wyatt thinks
I'm a good nurse?

I think this might be
one of those times

you'll just have to
follow your heart.

What do you mean?

It's something
my mom always says,

something her mom
always said.

"You can listen
to your mind,

but you have to
follow your heart."

Something wrong?

It's just about
the clothes I bought.

- Oh.
- What?

My order was canceled?

Address unknown?
How is that even possible?

I guess they can't
deliver to Garland.

Holliday Shipping
ships out every day.

How can this company
not ship in?

That's Garland for you.

I'm gonna freeze to death
before I ever get to Boston.

What was that?

Nothing.

You can get whatever you need
from the Garland General Store.

They got plenty of warm clothes.

Even flannel?

Of course!

Come on. Let's stop by
on our way back to work.

You're gonna love this.

That would be darling
on you.

- You think?
- I do!

The blue will bring out
your eyes.

And if you don't mind
my saying,

just 'cause you wrap something
around your neck

doesn't make it a scarf.

It's a pashmina.

A pash-what-a?

A pashmina.

It's a fancy scarf.

See, there's your problem.
You're in Alaska, sweetie.

We dress more for function
out here.

She's right.

I tried to buy
warmer clothes online,

but they canceled my order.

They couldn't find Garland.

We don't always make it easy
to get up here.

But that just means
that only the best

and most worthwhile things
find us.

See, these look
just like regular jeans,

but the inside is lined
with sweatpant material.

Best of both worlds,
if you ask me.

Well, do you think they have
something for my dinner tonight?

Frank invited me over.

Ooh! Dinner with the Hollidays.

You must be doing
something right.

Come on. Let's find this girl
something to wear.

Hey, Doc!

Andy! Hi.

Did you miss the front door?

Yeah.

I mean no, I just...

thought I saw something--

Wait. Did you see that?

See what?

It looked and sounded like an
elf went into your dad's barn.

A what?

What are you two doing
out here in the cold?

Your mother has a huge meal
for us in the kitchen.

Let's not make her wait.

And to be fair,
I don't want to wait either.

Come on!

Mrs. Holliday...

Call me Faith, please.

Faith, thank you so much
for dinner.

And this dessert,
it's so beautiful,

I can't believe
we're actually eating it.

Nothing says Christmastime
like a gingerbread house.

It is Frank's favorite.
And it's the least I could do

after how much you've already
helped people here in Garland.

Yes, it sounds like things are
going well down at the hospital.

You know one way you could
see that firsthand, Frank?

Come on in for a checkup.

Yeah, Dad.
Go get a checkup.

Look at this. The two of them,
they're ganging up on me.

They're not wrong, dear.

It's my busy season.

How about we schedule an
appointment next year sometime?

Dad, Lauren might not
be here next year.

She's got big plans
far from Garland.

You're leaving already?

Maybe.

There's a fellowship
in Boston.

Well, it's important to know
what you want, isn't it?

Andy's still not sure,
are you, son?

- Frank.
- Dad.

Didn't Andy tell you? He used
to be an architect in Seattle.

He only just came back
last year.

And he hasn't made any promises
about staying.

Dad, I'm not going
anywhere, okay?

- You lived in Seattle?
- Yeah.

I went to school there.

I really liked it,
so I stayed for a while.

You know, good food,
good music.

No, I know.
I love Seattle.

Does no one in their generation
appreciate small-town life?

Am I so wrong to want my son
to love this place the way I do?

To want to live his life
in Garland?

This is not an issue that we'll
resolve tonight over dessert,

so let's talk about
something else.

I bought a pair of jeans
lined with sweatpants today.

- There's a lot of people.
- I know.

We need to be
as efficient as possible

if there's gonna be a full slate
of appointments today.

Absolute...ly.

Seriously?

Andy, what are you doing here?

Fixing the power outage.
The breaker's in here.

So the town handyman functions
as the town electrician as well?

I have several limited,
yet interconnected talents.

So what's the problem?

Well, the system's overloaded.
It makes sense.

Normally the clinic
has limited hours,

and it's been running,
for the last week, all day.

Yes, I am very aware.

- Now what?
- Uh...

Aim that at the breaker.

You think you can do that
while I install a new one?

I've assisted
in hundreds of surgeries.

Steady hands are
part of the job.

Excuse me.

I didn't realize you were
such a big deal around here.

I'm sorry you had to listen
to me and my dad argue.

Yeah, what was that all about?

The family business.

He's always wanted me
to take it over and...

I just wanted to do something
for myself for once, you know?

And now that I'm back,
I'm not completely sure.

So...

Funny. I think I was ten

when I decided I was gonna be
a doctor, just like my dad.

I wish I could've given that
to my dad.

It's all he ever wanted.

Andy, don't feel bad about
being your own person.

Frank should be happy
you're pursuing your dreams.

Then again, I don't think my mom
understands what I want either.

Can I get those wire cutters?

Wait. Your mom's not happy
you're a doctor?

But you save lives.

No, she's happy.
It's just...

I think she just wants me to
stop and smell the roses more.

She thinks I plan my life
instead of living it.

Well, you'll get plenty of time
to smell the roses here.

Are you kidding? After this?
I'm gonna be working all night.

Nah. We'll fix this soon.

Needle-nose pliers, please.

All right.

Scalpel.

Hey.

Okay, let's keep you
from working all night.

Yay!

Um, thank you.

Yeah.

- Thanks again for your help.
- It was my pleasure.

Excuse me.
Are you the doctor?

Oh, Nate! That's a good one.
How'd you do that?

Just a little accident
at work.

Yeah, let me take a look
at that.

Can you tell me
how this happened?

I hit my hand with a...
a hammer?

A hammer?

This is a hammer?

Well, kinda. It's a...

It's a toy-making tool.

A toy-making tool?

You make toys
at a shipping company?

I guess you could say
we really embrace

the whole Christmas spirit?

Clearly.

Okay, let's get you inside.

Thanks again for your help.

No problem.
Careful with that hammer, Nate.

Well, you did it.

Even after the delay
this morning,

you managed to see every patient
waiting to be seen.

Seems like you're really
getting the hang of this, huh?

Yeah, I guess I am.

Hey, you wanna go get dinner
at Hattie's?

- Oh...
- Oh, Billie, no.

You don't have to
hang out with your boss.

No, it's not that.
It's just...

I have a date tonight.

A date?

Could it possibly be Wyatt?
Did he finally ask you out?

Actually, I asked him out.

Wow. Bold move.

I decided to take your advice.

What advice?

You know, about listening
to your mind,

but following your heart?

Oh, right, of course.

Hey, Billie,
uh, are you ready?

- Um...
- Go. Have fun.

Thanks. Good night!

Good night.

- Hello?
- Hi, Dad.

Good to hear your voice.

Oh, hey, Lauren!
Everything all right?

Hey, sweetie,
how's your adventure in Alaska?

Well, it's keeping me
on my toes.

- Great!
- Yeah.

Great.

I just, uh...

I just-- I wanted
someone to talk to.

Well, you know we would love to,
but we gotta run.

Your mom and I have
theater tickets tonight.

But don't worry.

I'm still working
on your fellowships for you.

But enjoy
where you are for now!

Oh, okay, thanks.

All right, bye.
We'll call soon.

Bye.

Wyatt, what are you
doing here?

We need your help.
It's Rudy.

He's hurt his leg,
and he can't walk.

He needs a doctor.

Okay, let's go.

- Why are we at Frank's house?
- Come on. Rudy's in the barn.

Come on.

Hey, wait up.

This is Rudy?

This is Rudy, a reindeer?

You expect me to help
an injured reindeer?

He sprained his ankle.

How would you know a wild animal
sprained its ankle?

Well, he's not exactly
a wild animal, exactly.

He's not? What, is Frank
running a reindeer farm

in addition to
a shipping company?

Rudy's a town mascot of sorts.

Everyone in town
is really attached to him.

But don't let the whole
reindeer thing fool you.

I bet you didn't know that
"reindeer" is just another word

for "caribou."

Oh, well, in that case,
no problem.

I might not have
studied reindeer,

but my caribou rotation
was right in between surgery

and emergency medicine.

- Dr. Brunell...
- I know.

You keep things very simple
in Garland--

one handyman, one doctor--

but medical school
and veterinary school

are two
very different things.

And I've already been kept
very busy with all the humans.

I can't add a menagerie
to my patient load.

Dr. Brunell,
you're our only hope.

Frank, does Rudy know you best?

Well, yes.

Would you mind holding him?
This might be uncomfortable.

He would feel better if he
sees someone he can trust.

What can I do, Doctor?

You can help me with
the ice packs around his leg.

You're doing great, buddy.

You sure you never
wanted to be a vet?

You're really good
with animals.

It was never on the radar.

The only pets I ever had
were goldfish,

and they never lived
more than a couple months.

But I guess
when it comes down to it,

a patient is a patient.

Okay.

So, Frank, can Rudy rest here
so he stays off his feet?

- Of course.
- I'm gonna do some research

to make sure that we
handled this properly,

but I think Rudy will be okay.

Will this heal
by the 24th, Doctor?

You're asking me
if Rudy the Reindeer

is gonna heal
by Christmas Eve?

Well, of course,
for the Christmas Eve Festival.

Right, 'cause Rudy's
in the festival.

That's how he got hurt,
actually.

We were practicing...
for the festival.

Billie, could you
finish this up?

My mom just put on
a fresh pot of coffee,

and you look like
you could use a break.

- What, no good?
- Forget the coffee.

Let's talk about the reindeer.

- Caribou.
- Either way.

Most people
don't keep them as pets.

- Oh, no, he's not our pet.
- Or mascots.

I mean, seriously, we're talking
about Rudy the reindeer,

who has to be healed
by December 24th,

as requested by the guy
who looks like Santa,

who either has elves
running around his barn or,

you know,
I'm just slowly going mad.

You didn't think I was gonna
have questions about this?

We answered
all your questions.

The Christmas Eve Festival
is a big deal around here.

Oh, come on!
Is this place for real?

That's Garland for you.

Oh, would you
stop saying that?

Oh, quit being such a grump!

So Garland's a little...
unconventional.

Is that such a bad thing?

I saw you out there.

You were enjoying yourself.

Yes, it is definitely
a unique experience here,

one that I would never have
in San Francisco or Boston.

And so what if we don't have
fancy restaurants

or shopping malls
or public transportation

or coffee chains with
ridiculously sounding drinks.

Wow, you really know
how to talk up Garland.

But we do have something,
right?

Yes, I agree with that.

You know what else we have?

Midnight picnics.

Hmm. Midnight picnics
in Alaska.

Sounds cold.

True, but, um...

You trust me, right, Doc?

Yes, I trust you.

Good. I'll pick you up
at 10:00.

Hey, Doc.

Hi.

Look! Almost as good as new.

And from the sound of it,

you did the same
for good ol' Rudy.

Yeah, I hope so.

You did a real good thing, Doc.

Thank you.

Does everyone know about Rudy?

Good news travels fast,
especially in Garland.

Hi. Is anything wrong?

Oh, quite the opposite,
actually.

After the morning
that you had,

I thought you deserved
to have your coffee

delivered right to your door
with nonfat milk.

But first, this is a little
thank you from me to you.

It's one of those pashmina
scarves you like so much,

but I made this one
out of wool.

Wow! Really, Hattie?

In Alaska, if a scarf
is not made of wool,

it's probably not a scarf
you should be wearing.

I absolutely love it.
Thank you, Hattie.

It's the least I could do.
Better get back to work. Bye!

Bye.

- Hey.
- Hi.

Flower delivery
for Doc Brunell.

All of those are for me?

Yup, and there's more
in the van.

Lester, Martin,
will you help me out?

Thanks.

Who are they from?

Uh, let's see.

This is from the packaging
department at Holliday Shipping,

this is from the girls
at the General Store,

and this is from
Mr. Holliday himself.

Where are we gonna
put them all?

We could put one
in each exam room.

Maybe a couple out here?

Okay.

Roses!

I know that this
isn't an original idea.

Pretty much everyone in town
gave you flowers today.

They kind of did.

But I checked with Wyatt,

and he said that no one
gave you a dozen roses.

And since we were talked about
smelling the roses more...

Thank you.

They're beautiful.

Is what I'm wearing okay?
Is it warm enough?

Yeah, I thought about that,
and I got you covered.

Okay.

- Your chariot awaits, milady.
- Okay.

I cleaned out all the sawdust
out of the truck, so...

You weren't kidding.

It's amazing out there.
Look at all the stars.

I'm glad you like it,
but unfortunately,

this isn't our picnic spot.

We're flying?

What can I say?
No public transportation.

Flying's the best I can do.

You see the Big Dipper?

See it?
I feel like we're in it.

There's no place
quite like Garland.

- But you liked Seattle.
- I did.

It was a big change, but it was
interesting and challenging.

I loved architecture school,

and I worked for a couple years
at a big firm too.

So why did you leave?

Seattle was fun,
but Garland's my home.

In my heart, I always knew
I belonged here.

And you know how
Frank feels about it.

But don't you miss
being an architect?

Sometimes,
but I gotta tell ya,

I love being
the town handyman.

The work's always changing,

I get to see lots
of different people,

and I get to really
enjoy the moment.

Must be something
about Garland because...

you seem to really be enjoying
the moment yourself.

I am, actually.

Hey, Andy, when are we
gonna get there?

Are you gonna tell me
where we're going?

We're here.

Oh.

Wow.

It's the Northern Lights.

Wow. They're beautiful.

You cold?

A little.

You okay?

Yeah.

Better than I've been
in a while.

I'm just really, really
appreciating the moment I'm in.

Hattie, is something
going on in town?

There's people everywhere.

Holliday Shipping
just brings on extra workers

right before Christmas.

Really? Why?

It's the busy season.

Is that a giant sleigh?

Well, of course!
For the Christmas Eve Festival.

Oh, of course.
The Christmas Eve Festival.

Is there anything else you need
this morning, Doctor,

before you get on
gettin' to work?

Um...

actually, it's about
what you need, Frank,

which is a checkup.

And since you won't come to me,
I'm coming to you.

A good, old-fashioned
house call.

Or office call.

Well, I have a meeting
in ten minutes,

but I know my health
is important.

Why don't you come back
this afternoon?

Sometime after lunch?

Okay, sure.

Well, don't let me keep you
from the rest of your patients.

I'll see you later!

Hey, Billie.
Who do we have up first?

Ethan got a rash playing
in the woods behind his house.

Hmm.

Hi, Ethan!
Hey, are you itchy?

- Yes.
- Yeah? Come on.

Let's go find out why.

Mom, can you tell me what's
growing behind the house?

- Who's next?
- No one.

You've seen everyone.

Huh. Well, in that case,

I will be back
in about an hour.

Gonna make a good,
old-fashioned house call.

This is it?

Just a normal warehouse?

I think Lauren
can handle it, Dad.

That's not
the point, son.

Fine. The point is that I really
want to share this with her.

I'm really starting to care
about this woman, Dad.

She's really special.

Of course she's special,
but that doesn't mean

she's the right person
for you, Andrew.

Come on, Dad.

Think this through, son.

What if she doesn't
take the news well,

or she decides to leave?

You said yourself she's planning
to get back to the city.

She doesn't like it here!

- But she does!
- Well, then what happens?

I'll tell you what.
You'll leave with her.

You just got back from Seattle
as it is.

I'm really sorry
it scared you

when I left Garland
to try something new.

But I don't regret it.
I'm glad I did it.

But if I'm gonna choose Garland,
I'm gonna need a reason

besides my family
and just this town.

I understand that, son,
but I think you're being rash.

See, I think I'm being happy.

I don't want to argue
with you anymore, Dad.

I'm gonna go.

Lauren?

Andy.

Hey. What are you
doing here?

I just came to examine
your dad.

A house call.

Or office call.

Oh, sorry, he's uh,
he's in a mood,

- I'm glad to see you though.
- Yeah, Andy, I--

You know what I was thinking
we should do?

I don't think
we should do anything--

We should go get your
Christmas tree together.

Like a real Christmas tree?

Yes.

I've never had a Christmas tree
that didn't fit on a tabletop.

That is unacceptable.

You're fired.

Okay, good,
so tomorrow then.

But I...

Okay.

Okay, cool.

Thanks for checking
on the big guy.

Oh, yeah, my pleasure.

Well, Frank, I think you have
stress-related symptoms.

Stress? What kind of
a medical diagnosis is that?

A diagnosis based on the fact
that you're frequently tired,

have a appallingly bad diet,
high blood pressure.

and you're easily agitated
and moody.

This may seem trivial
to you, Frank,

but if not dealt with,
it could lead to heart disease,

diabetes, migraines and--

Goodness, there's more
than all that?

I've heard enough.

Okay, okay.
I'll try to slow down, but...

it's just that this is
my busiest season!

I can't take a break.

Well, can Andy help maybe?

Oh, I get it.

Well, I'm just gonna put you
on some supplements for now.

They should help you relax
and sleep better.

And you must start
eating well.

No more cookies.

Grrrr!

All right, here we go,
we're close!

Okay, just tell me
when it's--

Okay, now push it up,
push it up!

- Good, good, good, good!
- Oh! You did it!

- Is it in?
- It's on!

Yay!

Aww...

- Like it?
- I love it.

So, Andy, will you
shoot straight with me

about what really goes on
at Holliday Shipping?

Well, I could see how
you'd be curious about that.

Dad's pretty private about
what he does in the town.

And if you still
plan to leave--

Do you still plan to leave?

I...

I don't know, Andy.

I know. I get it.
I get it. I do.

You know, I love
that tree topper.

You just don't see 'em
with so many colors like that.

Yeah, it's meant to remind you
of the Northern Lights.

Something special from Alaska.

Well, I think
you're pretty special.

And from Alaska.

I'm glad that you think so.

I wanted you to have something
you really loved,

to bring out that kid in you

who's always too busy
to celebrate Christmas.

Well, thank you.

Well, whatever happens,

this is the best Christmas
I've ever had.

And it's definitely
the most Christmas I've had

in a long time.

Just with work,
I just don't...

take the time to enjoy
everything else.

Like the best things in life.

Good night, Doc.

Good night, Andy.

Dad, you'll never guess
what I did today.

I know what
you're doing tomorrow.

You're getting on a plane
to Boston.

What?

The doctor who beat you
out of that fellowship?

He backed out, and now
you're their first choice.

But I'd have to go tomorrow?

I don't know
if I can do that, Dad.

Sweetie, there are
dozens of people

behind you
on the wait list.

You have 24 hours, or they're
gonna go the next candidate.

Hey. Morning.

Morning. Can we talk?

So I guess this is gonna be
the shortest relationship ever.

Andy--

Lauren, I thought we had fun.

- Last night was...
- Amazing.

It was absolutely amazing.

But after you left,
I got some news.

That fellowship in Boston?
It's mine.

If I want it.

Do you want it?

It's been my plan
for half my life.

It's everything
I've worked for.

You didn't answer my question.

Andy, I can't abandon years
of hard work and preparation

just for...

Just for me?

You know, deep down
I always knew

Garland wasn't gonna
be enough for you.

One doctor, one handyman.

Andy, please understand.

I do.

I really do.

I'm glad everything's
working out for you, Doc.

Just like you planned.

Good morning, Doc.
Usual coffee to go?

Not today, Hattie.

And, Hattie?

Thank you...
for everything.

No problem, hon.
Is everything okay?

Morning, Mr. Winn.
Keep up the exercise

and don't forget to do those
stretches we talked about.

Sure, Doc.

I don't know what
we ever did without you.

Everyone, I have some news.

We heard, Dr. Brunell.

Of course you did.

Good luck, Doc.

It's been real nice
knowing you.

Gonna miss having you around.

We liked having you here...

Doctor.

You got along without me before,
Billie, and you'll do it again.

You're like
some kind of super nurse.

Thanks for everything, Billie.

Lauren!

Hi, Frank.

Frank, did you
say something?

Oh!

Lauren!

Hello, sweetie.
What brings you by?

I, um...

I came to say goodbye.

Goodbye?

Yeah, the fellowship
came through in Boston.

Sorry to disappoint you, Frank.

Well, I'm sorry
to disappoint you.

At least it's not
chocolate chip.

Well, thank you so much for your
hospitality while I was here.

I'm sorry it wasn't longer.

Goodbye, Lauren.

Bye.

Good luck with
the busy season, Frank.

Andy! You come to say goodbye?

Actually, I was
your ride into town,

and I'm your ride out.

Oh, right.

I'll be in the truck.

You wanna stop at the
General Store before you leave?

How about a coffee to go?
I mean, what's Hattie gonna do

with all that nonfat milk
she bought you?

No one here's gonna drink it.

Andy, I'd love to.
I'd love to stop at Hattie's.

I'd love to stop time,
so I could be here and still...

Still go?

Excuse me one second.

Hello?

What? When?

- Well, how bad is it?
- What?

She's still here. I'm supposed
to fly her to Anchorage.

Andy, what?
What's happening?

My dad.

He collapsed.

Well, turn around.

Okay. Uh, yeah,
we're on our way.

Talk to me.
What's happening?

He collapsed at work
with chest pains.

It's okay, Mom.
We're here now.

Frank, are you
still hurting?

No, not now.

Lasted about
five or ten minutes.

I told them I was fine, but they
insisted on bringing me here.

Well, I'm glad they did.

Now, where was the pain?

It was here and here.

And what were you doing
when it happened?

Walking up a flight of stairs.
The darn elevator was stuck.

Was it a heart attack?

I told him he needed
to slow down.

I told him he needed
to eat better.

He just won't listen.

It wasn't a heart attack.

But, Frank, if you don't
get it under control,

next time it could be
a lot worse.

- Oh, Frank.
- And we've already talked about

all the other things that
you could be doing to your body

by not eating well
and getting enough rest.

I know, I know.

No. I know, Frank.

You have a plan, right?

To just get through
your busy season

and then you'll take care
of yourself?

Well, I'll be the first
to tell you.

Sometimes our plans
don't work out.

For the better.

If you want to be around
for all of these people,

you have to slow down.

You want to be around
for years to come, right?

Not just through Christmas.

I know. You're right.

I need to slow down and
take better care of myself.

Yes, you do. And I know
you will under my watch.

I'm admitting you
for overnight observation.

Gonna give you plenty of fluids,
a healthy meal,

and a lot of rest.

Now, I've prescribed
these supplements for him,

but you should make sure that
he's taking them regularly.

And he should be eating a lot of
whole grains, high fiber foods,

low fat, a lot of lean meats,
chicken and fish,

not a lot of red meat,
organic.

Thank you.

It's the least I could do
for your family.

You're watching me sleep?

I'm not that bad off, son.

I know, Dad.

Thankfully, but...

let's keep it that way, okay?

Deal.

Listen, I know I complain
you work too much.

That's 'cause you don't have
a lot of help, so I'd like to...

I'd like to take
more responsibility

with the business.

I mean, if you're so dead set
on me staying in Garland,

you might as well give me
a reason to be here, right?

It's a fair point.

But are you sure
you really wanna be here?

If Lauren leaves...

I...

I just want you
to be happy.

Thanks, Dad.

But I wish it were that easy.

Sometimes what you want and who
you want aren't the same thing.

Don't worry about me
and Lauren, Dad.

Just take care of yourself
for once, okay?

Fine.

And how about you?
You gonna take care of me?

Absolutely.
What do you need?

A couple of Hattie's
famous Christmas cookies?

I don't know, Dad.

I don't think those
are on your approved diet.

I could probably rustle up
some carrot sticks or an apple.

Ohhh!

Hello?

- Hi, Mom.
- Hi, honey.

Let me hand the phone
to Dad.

Oh, no, I want to talk
to both of you.

Hold on.

Hi, honey.
How's Boston?

Well, I wouldn't know.
I'm still in Garland.

- Oh?
- Well, what happened?

Somebody in town
needed my help.

Did you call Richard? I'm sure
Charlestown would understand,

given the circumstances.

I will call Dr. Leeman.

Good.

To tell him that I'm...

turning down the fellowship.

Why on earth
would you do that?

Because... going to Boston

will make me successful, but...

I think staying in Garland
will make me happy.

I think that's wonderful news.

I don't understand.

Dad, I'm sorry
to disappoint you.

I know that
we both would've been

Charlestown Memorial fellows.

I don't care about that,
sweetheart .

But you've worked so hard
and for so long

to suddenly
give up your dream.

Are you sure you want this?

Yeah, I'm sure.

And just because
I'm not gonna be a surgeon

doesn't mean I'm not giving up
my dream of being a doctor.

I work harder in Garland
than I ever have.

Well, I'm happy to hear that.

I finally understand
what Mom was telling me

before I came out to Alaska.

Oh? What's that?

That I've always
listened to my mind,

and this time
I'm following my heart.

Kiddo, you live
wherever you want,

but you better
come home to visit.

I promise.

And you guys better
come out to Garland.

Maybe in the spring?

That sounds good.

Yeah, we'll be there.

I gotta go, but I'll talk
to you guys soon.

Merry Christmas!
I love you.

- We love you too, sweetie!
- Merry Christmas!

- Well...
- Yeah.

Hi, Frank.
How are you feeling,

after a good night's rest
and some healthy food?

I feel better.

Oh, well, I'm so sorry
about that.

I know you're right about
all this, Doctor, I really do.

- But this is my busy--
- Busy time?

I know, I've said it all before,
but tonight is my busiest time.

- Christmas Eve?
- Yes!

Hmm. That's funny.
Most people have tonight off.

And the thing is, there's only
one other guy I know

who works that hard
on this particular tonight.

- Oh?
- Yeah.

It's too bad, Frank, that you
can't have the night off,

with your condition and all.

I promise if you let me go home,
I will rest tomorrow.

And the next day.
Days! Weeks!

And I'll get some extra help
at work.

And I'll eat oatmeal
for breakfast every day,

without brown sugar
or maple syrup or anything!

Okay.

Okay, I'll discharge you.

Consider it my gift.
Merry Christmas.

Thanks, Doc.

Don't thank me too much.

And don't eat
too many cookies, okay?

Hey, do you happen to know
where Andy is?

He's setting up the stages
and the booths for the festival.

You shouldn't miss it!

Doc!

We thought
you were leaving us!

Oh, not yet.

Hey, I was wondering, actually,
if you knew where Andy was.

He's around here somewhere.

Here, take a cookie
for the road.

Oh, thank you.

Mmm! Wow!

I know.

Merry Christmas, Dr. Brunell.

Merry Christmas, Hattie.

- Yeah!
- We have a winner!

Please pick a prize

from the most beautiful lady
in all of Garland.

Oh, Wyatt!

Hey, have you guys seen Andy?

Yeah, I think he's fixing
something in the reindeer pen.

Oh. Getting ready
to fly Santa's sleigh?

Thanks.

Must be exhausting being
the only handyman in town.

I'd say it's almost
as demanding

as being the only doctor
in town.

I didn't expect
to see you here.

Well, you know,
I had to come see

what everyone
was talking about.

And I wanted to ask you

if you would be my date
for New Year's Eve.

Really?

Yeah.

And Valentine's Day.

But I thought you were
going to Boston.

Everything I need
is right here in Garland.

What was it that you said?

We have everything
we need here...

And we don't worry about
anything beyond that.

Yeah.

I used to think
that was true.

You don't anymore?

No.

Garland doesn't have
everything I need...

when you're not here.

Ho ho ho!

Now I see why you needed
to work tonight, Frank.

Have a seat for a moment.
Try out the sleigh.

Okay!

Hey, Rudy!

Glad to see you
on your feet!

I don't mean to rush you,
but I've got a job to do!

Of course.

Come on, Rudy!
Let's get the show underway!

Lauren, you know how bad
I want you to stay, but...

I feel like you should know the
full story about Garland first.

Oh?

My dad's mysterious
shipping business,

the employees
sneaking around,

the sleigh, Rudy...

That's Garland for you.

Ho ho ho!
Merry Christmas!