Original subtitles

I'm going to go with you.

Geez, I hate to see that go.

What, that old sofa?

Had my first on that sofa.

If you can call it that. Get out of here.

Mom almost caught us.

Carol Amory.

Remember her? Uh -uh.

Last I heard, she was teaching second grade somewhere.

Damn good sofa.

Here's Dad.

Thought he wasn't coming.

Changed his mind, I guess.

Also thought he wasn't supposed to be driving anymore.

We're doing the best we can, Pete.

I thought

you weren't coming.

You drove over?

Didn't have time to saddle the horse.

We're doing pretty good.

You're going to come out of this real nice.

You interested in that lamp, Barbara? Yeah, I think so. It's in good shape.

I'm real sorry about this point.

Huh.

Can you do a little better for me on this more?

Talk to Bonnie.

Tom.

Harvey. Very fine piece right here.

Oh, made that for Donna.

25th anniversary.

It's worth five times that much on the worst day of the week.

You know what they call yard sales?

Legal thievery.

You gonna get along all right?

Sure. Could be worse.

Bert Kemper's boy put him in a home last month.

At least your situation is better than that.

Could be lots worse.

I think we can give it one more day, Dad.

It was a lot better than I thought we would.

What happens to the stuff that isn't sold?

Well, we'll just have to dump it, I guess.

See if the goodwill wants anything.

Did you take your medicine, Tom?

Yes, Doctor.

You forgot yesterday.

Well, I remembered today.

What's for dessert?

Strawberry at the Pride.

How many did you have today?

I think one.

I thought I saw you light one up this morning, Dad.

You know what the doctor said.

Well, at least you changed your mind. About what?

You're checking.

It would have been an adventure.

Oh, yeah, so would jumping off a cliff.

Briefly.

You know, I don't know about you, but I sure wouldn't mind driving across

country in a $50 ,000 automobile. That car is not me.

So why did you accept it?

My father likes to give me things.

It would have hurt his feelings.

Ah. Well, that's very sensitive of you. How sharper than a serpent's tooth it

is. To have a thankless child.

Sure is a long way to drive alone.

Adam.

So how long do you think you'll be gone?

I don't know.

I've never driven across country before.

I'm in no hurry.

To get there or to get back to me?

Most of the best stuff was sold, hon.

But I managed to save some things, you know, like I said I would.

Oh, I saved our bed for my room.

A bit of a tight squeeze, but... I've been trying to remember if it was Kenny

and Pete both who were started in that bed.

I think it was just Kenny.

I don't know.

Anyway, I saved it.

Oh, and you remember that cabinet I made for you on our 25th?

Yep.

I think we saw this.

It's a real old one.

Didn't we see this?

Yeah,

I remember that part.

Very good.

I think I've already taken that, Bonnie. Twice a day.

Can't get absent -minded about your medicine, Tom.

It's warm in here.

You're sitting in a draft.

It's time for bed, don't you think?

Oh, God, she is funny.

What happened there?

He's still talking to himself.

Maybe he would, too, if you'd been all alone like he's been the past couple of

years.

I thought he'd stop now he's got us to talk to.

Yes, he prefers talking to himself.

How far are you going?

Chicago.

I'm not going through Chicago.

Whatever.

Living on the edge a little bit, aren't you there?

What? Hitching.

I'm careful.

And I've got me.

I thought about hitching myself.

What you doing?

Not a whole lot. Same thing I did yesterday.

I hate to see you just sitting around doing nothing, Dad. I really do.

I'm retired.

And I don't play bingo.

You got mail.

Me?

You Mr. Thomas Guerin?

Yeah, last time I checked.

It went to general delivery.

Somebody didn't know your address.

My check come?

Come Thursday.

Isn't today Thursday?

Tuesday.

I thought it was Susie.

I've got to get started on that kitchen before Bonnie divorces me.

You want to help?

Say when.

Okay.

Ronnie.

Can't be.

Four, five,

six, seven.

So, where's that letter from today?

Huh?

That letter you got without an address.

Oh, well, somebody used to know a long time ago.

Who's that?

You don't know her.

Haven't seen or heard of her in years.

A woman?

Used to live here in Beaumont. Says it's been 55 years.

55 years?

How'd you know you'd still be here?

Still alive, you mean?

What does she want?

She says she just wanted to say hello.

You gonna write her back?

That's two, three, four.

Triple word is twelve.

The average couple talks to each other 29 minutes a week.

Are you sure? 29 minutes a week.

That's only two hours in an entire month.

Honest to God, I read it somewhere.

Hard to believe.

Scary, I know.

Are you married?

I'm taking Tom into town to catch his check. You need anything?

Uh, a couple C batteries.

Anything else? Nope. Okay.

I'll meet you in the coffee shop in about an hour, okay? Yeah.

You want to get your prescriptions filled, or should I?

I'll do it.

It's like a circus to me.

Hasn't been a circus around here in 20 years.

30.

Why would he be here? I thought he was with you.

You check the barbershop?

What about the Paradise?

I'm standing in it.

I've looked everywhere.

Maybe he decided to walk home.

Why would he walk two miles from home when I've got the car?

Well, we both know he's been kind of absent -minded lately.

If he decided to try and walk home, and he had one of his spells, he could be

lying on the side of the road right now.

Look, you stay right there. I'm driving in.

Maybe you'll see him on your way. Okay.

A little early for the show, old -timer.

Oh, I'm sorry.

I must have fallen asleep.

You okay?

Yeah. I'm Marco.

Oh, man.

The possibility of rain is 30... Compliments of the house.

Oh, are you sure?

Yeah, free advertising.

How are you feeling?

Much better, thank you. Good.

You from here in Beaumont? Yeah, all my life.

Yeah, I grew up here too.

With a name like Marco?

Well, it used to be Mark.

Left when I was 16.

Haven't looked back.

Well, you ran away and joined the circus, did you?

Yeah, something like that.

Come on, I'll buy you a cup of coffee.

No point in us going crazy looking for him. He probably bumped into Harvey or

some other friend of his. I'm sure he'll call.

Kent, we've got to have him looked over. I can't handle this.

Don't start this again.

You're as stubborn as he is.

I'll see you.

You're just never going to find me living one of those lives of quiet

desperation. I will swallow pills first, I promise you. You know what I'm

saying?

I was born on Barrow Street.

Then we moved over to West Pike Avenue.

West Pike.

Yeah, the Harrisons used to live on West Pike.

Dick and Evelyn, maybe you remember them.

Don't believe I do.

They're dead now.

Both of them.

How long is the circus going to be here? I got a granddaughter supposed to visit

next month.

Just the weekend.

Oh.

Bonnie was in here looking for you, Tom.

Oh, ye gods, I forgot I was supposed to meet my daughter -in -law here.

What time you got, Patty?

Half past four.

You're kidding.

Oh.

Well, thanks for the pie.

You need a ride home?

No, no, it's not a long walk, and I know a shortcut.

Why don't you come by tonight, tomorrow night, look for me.

I'm the guy in the top hat. You got it.

Oh,

no. No, Ivy, there's nothing to worry about. Just ask Harvey if he's seen him.

Okay.

Yeah, I will.

I'll let you know.

Where is that darn path?

I know it's along here someplace, isn't it?

We used to take it going to the Brownings. Remember, hon?

I don't know. I just sworn it was right along here someplace.

And I got... Now, wait a minute.

Hey, wait a minute. There it is. See?

I know I hadn't lost all my marbles.

He's about 5 '10", 5 '11", I think, isn't he?

Used to be.

People kind of shrink when they get older.

He just cashed his Social Security check.

Um, there's not much we can really do tonight.

Call me first thing in the morning if he hasn't shown up.

We will.

Kids must be fit to be tied.

I'll tell them that I was kidnapped to hell for ransom.

Until I overcame my captures and made my escape unscathed.

Ow!

Well, maybe a little scathed.

Hi.

When did you see him last?

Bonnie dropped him off in front of the bank yesterday around 1.

But we know he was in the coffee shop about 3 .30, 4 o 'clock.

You sure he didn't say anything about visiting a friend?

Nope. And we've called everyone.

He's getting on a bit.

Maybe he just forgot to tell you where he was going.

Are you okay?

He gets dizzy sometimes.

Loses his balance.

That's why we moved him in with us.

He can't have gotten very far.

Let's give it a couple more hours. My guess is he'll turn up safe and sound.

And if he doesn't?

We'll go and find him for you.

Deal?

God.

Letter drop.

Thank you so much.

How'd you hurt your leg?

That happened yesterday. I was trying to climb a tree.

You shouldn't be in such a hurry.

Funny thing is, I'm not.

Spare's still a little soft. You better check it at the next station.

Is there anywhere to eat around here?

I could use some breakfast.

The hilly's in.

Food's not great, but it won't kill you, I guess.

I don't know about the rooms, but it's about a mile down the road if you're not

too fussy.

Mm, life is a risk.

Which way are you headed?

That way.

Oh, well, hop in.

I'm Leanne. Hi.

Tom. That one word or two?

I'm sorry?

Leanne. One word or two?

One. No one calls me Lee and lives to tell about it.

Got it.

So where am I, anyway?

Kansas.

Oh, I know that. I meant where in Kansas.

Oh. Oh, about 150 miles this side of Wichita. You may have heard of Wichita.

the nearest town is Beaumont.

It's a mile and a half back that way.

Where are you headed?

California.

Oh.

Where about?

Carmel, up near San Francisco.

Is that anywhere near Monterey?

Right next door.

I'll be damned.

Why?

Oh, I just got a letter from somebody in Monterey, California the other day.

You have friends in Monterey? No, not... Well, not exactly. I got a friend,

maybe. Oh.

Huh.

I'll be damned.

55 years? You're kidding.

She kept tabs on me, she says, through an old girlfriend of hers.

Well, who was she?

Name was Veronica.

Daisy. Veronica Daisy. No, I mean, who was she? Oh, oh, oh, oh.

We almost got married once.

Almost. I hate that word.

Unless you almost fell off a roof.

No, I didn't mean it like that. I meant it the other way.

Of all sad words of tongue or pen,

The saddest or the... it might have been.

You know, like that.

That's a quote, I guess.

So, why didn't you?

Marry Veronica Daisy.

Oh, that's a long story.

Why are you going to California?

Oh, I live there. My family does. It's home.

Your heart there?

I'm sorry?

Home is where the heart is.

That's a quote.

What do you do, work -wise?

I was a cabinetmaker.

What are you now?

Nothing.

Nobody's nothing.

Well, I'm retired.

Oh, I am never going to retire.

I don't know what I'll be retiring from, but I know I'm not going to do it.

Sometimes you have to. They make you.

Oh, golly, that reminds me.

Excuse me. I'll be right back.

How you doing?

I'm doing fine.

How are you doing?

Traveling with your granddad, are you?

No, he's not my granddad. I'm just with him.

Did you hear that?

She says she's with him.

I think she's pulling some leg here, don't you?

She can pull on mine anytime.

What's your name, sweetheart?

Ophelia.

Ooh, that's a pretty name.

What do you say me and you ditch old granddad here for a bit?

Get to know each other some.

Oh, he's really not my grandfather.

He's my lover.

You see, I used to be a hooker till I met George and then just turned my life

around.

Now we're engaged.

You're quite a little smart, ain't you?

What's my tab?

Seven even.

You ought to get that phone fixed.

Yeah, I know.

Why won't you believe me?

Do I look like a dishonest person?

I mean, I know it's hard to believe, but so many things are these days. Haven't

you noticed that?

How'd you like to notice a smack in the mouth, you wise little... Let's go.

Let go, you Neanderthal. Huh? Don't do that.

Your little girl here's got quite the mouth on her, ain't she? Let go.

Hey, hey!

All right, now, Russ.

Let's just see if it tastes sweeter than it talks, huh?

Russell, knock it off now.

You old son of a... Take it easy.

Let's call it a day, son, huh?

Do me a favor, mister. Get this girl out of here.

The restaurant wasn't all that great. I think we should pass on the motel. What

do you think?

I think that we should hurry right along out of here. It's nasty.

Call everywhere?

Unless he's got a buddy or two I don't know about.

I don't think so. They're dropping like flies.

Check the hospital. Three times. They're getting tired of hearing my voice.

Well, it could be lost wandering around someplace.

Oh, come on, Pete.

Dad could walk the whole county blindfolded at midnight.

Well, maybe not anymore.

I don't know if all his gears are messing lately.

I think better let the sheriff handle it. Go home and wait it out.

Go home and wait it out?

We're not talking about the family dog here. Kenny, I think you're

Better than not reacting at all.

Look, I know you two don't always see eye to eye. He's got you right where he

wants you, just like always.

You don't know what you've been about.

Hate to say I told you so, but it would have done my idea.

I hope someday your kids will say they want to put you in a nursing home. You

might see things differently then.

Yeah, well, at least they'll know where to find me.

I take it that was Mace. I think I used it all up.

Wow, you were great with the stick.

My hero.

It scared the hell out of me. No good after, though.

Gee, I never been in one of these before.

It's like floating on air. Yeah, it was a present from my father.

Let me know when you want me to drop you.

How far are you going?

Uh -oh.

Do you think that they're coming after us?

Maybe they're not coming after us.

Maybe they like the mace so much they're coming back for more.

What do you think?

I think we better not let them catch us is what I think.

Good thinking.

I'm really sorry about this.

Watch it!

It's going to take a week to restore to some semblance of its former glory.

How's your leg?

Mama goes to the doctor. He says, Doc, every time I do this, it hurts.

Doc said, don't do it.

That joke is so old that only someone as young as you could laugh at it. How's

your elbow?

No, a girl goes to a doctor and says, Doc, it hurts when I go.

So where were you headed when fate threw us so dangerously together?

Ah, home.

Where your heart is?

My heart is not there.

Why not?

It's not my home.

I lost my home recently. I've sold it.

I live with my son and daughter -in -law now.

You have a wife?

She passed away.

It'll be three years this April.

I'm sorry.

It gets easier, so they say.

How many kids?

Two daughters in Florida.

Two sons here.

Two daughters -in -law.

Seven grandkids.

One of the daughters -in -law is in the process of not being that.

Ah, marital discord.

Pete's wife. She's been cheating on him for years.

Do you have any brothers or sisters?

Had a brother and three sisters. They're all gone now.

I'm an only child.

You don't sound too thrilled with your living arrangements.

Well, my arm got twisted a bit.

I get a touch of high blood pressure now and then.

I'm fine, but the kids got all in a panic.

Well, at least you're with your family.

My boyfriend's parents put his grandmother in an old age home last

lasted two months and that was it.

It can happen, they tell me.

You got a boyfriend, huh?

Yeah, yeah, I guess so.

I kind of feel like I need my space right now.

I know that feeling.

Well,

you've got a week to kill before you get your car.

No, I'll just pick it up on the way back.

From where?

California.

Uh -huh.

You going to rent a car? You going to fly out?

No, I'm going to hitchhike.

What? Hitchhike?

What the heck would make you do a damn fool thing like that? That's what I

wanted to do in the first place. It was written.

Huh? It's an Arabic thing. It's what they say when they believe that

was meant to be.

It was written.

You're going to get home all right. Okay.

How

would you like

some company?

What do you mean? To California.

How would you like some company?

What company?

You're putting me on.

I got money.

Plenty. I cashed my check yesterday.

Wait, you're telling me you want to go to California with me just like that?

Just like that may be the best way. May be the only way. And I won't slow you

up. You really want to hitchhike to California?

You better say yes or no before I lose my nerve.

But you don't have your clothes or your toothbrush or... What about your kid?

I'll call him at the next stop and I'll buy whatever I need along the way as I

need it.

You're serious?

It was written.

He gave you no indication where he was calling from?

He might have.

I couldn't hear.

It sounded like maybe he was in a lot of trouble and he couldn't talk.

Let's not go jumping to conclusions just yet.

We'll do a little poking around, see what we can find.

At least we know he didn't get hit by a car or anything.

Your dad got a beef with anybody?

Nobody I can think of.

Except maybe his doctor for telling him not to drive.

This is harder than I thought.

I got an idea. Why don't I go back in the bushes, and then when the car stops,

which I have no doubt it will do for you, you tell them that you're saddled

a guy with a bum ankle, and up I'll pop.

Now, they gotta be too embarrassed to turn us down unless they're totally

lacking in human feelings.

Well, a distinct possibility. Do you think it'll work?

Well, it did for Claudette Colbert.

Who? In a movie. Here comes one.

So he got extremely upset.

You know, he couldn't understand.

You know, if only he'd had the courage to understand. You know, sometimes it

takes courage to understand.

Courage is character.

Character is destiny.

You know what I mean.

Took the words right out of my mouth.

Here's where I turn off.

Maybe you can pick up a ride.

There's a bus that'll stop you if you flag it.

Thanks a lot.

Much obliged.

Hey, what was she talking about, do you know?

I'm working on it.

Your father's gonna be upset about that car.

Not really.

He'll just be glad I wasn't hurt.

You too, of course.

Oh, that's nice to hear.

I know those that would be more upset about the car than those that were in

Not my dad.

He's one of the good ones.

What's he do?

He was a lawyer.

Retired, is he?

No.

Not exactly.

It's kind of a long story. How far is the next town?

Do you know?

What, a real town?

60 miles?

Maybe more.

Oh, my God.

That is amazing. I never knew anybody who could do that. I never knew anybody

who thought that was amazing before.

Hey, there's the bus.

There's only one unit left.

In the nick of time, fortune smiles.

Maybe we should try the next one along.

Why? We'll take it.

I'm her granddad.

Thirty -two dollars for a double.

Coffee shop opens at seven.

I haven't had a shower in two days. Maybe you were beginning to notice.

I thought it was me.

Oh, I hate you.

How's it feeling?

I think it's going to take a microwave to thaw it out.

Well, the swelling's gone down.

Yeah. We'll just get a bandage and wrap it up.

It'll be okay.

So, what are your plans for the millennium?

Huh? The what?

New Year's Eve, 2000, the 21st century. It's going to be here before you know

it.

Well, I never thought about that. I don't know. I hope I'm still alive, I

More of me. I'm going to be in Paris.

New Year's Eve, me on top of the Eiffel Tower.

I don't know about you, but I am wiped.

Please tell me that you don't snore.

No, no, I... No, don't snore.

How come you didn't come to bed?

I did come to bed.

Well, I meant all the way. I came far enough.

You didn't even get undressed.

Well, you got undressed enough for the both of us.

Are you a morning grump by any chance?

No. Ow.

Well, you're upset.

Why are you upset?

Well, I may be an old man, but I'm not that old, damn it.

What old?

For you to be doing a damn strip tease right in front of me. Strip tease?

I got undressed. I was going to bed. I couldn't help but notice that.

Why are you so upset?

Geez, you're like my grandfather.

I'm not your grandfather.

And even if I were.

That's not what I meant. What I meant was you're old.

It's not what I meant.

It's not what I meant.

I waited for you.

Coffee in our shoes, please.

Have you chilled out?

I mean, are you still mad?

I know what chilled out means.

Oh, you're not that old.

I'm sorry.

I shouldn't have flown off the handle.

Sure you should have.

It was insulting what I did.

I didn't mean to insult you. I just, I wasn't thinking, you know.

I'm really sorry, really.

Let's order.

I'm so hungry I could eat Nebraska.

It's on me. No, let's split it. You already paid me enough last night.

Don't pay any attention to her. She has a twisted sense of humor.

So what do you think?

About what? Me going to see Veronica, Ronnie. Oh, I think it'd be cool.

Yeah, why?

For freedom, you know what I mean?

No.

Freedom is the length of the chain between the imagination and the stake of

reality.

I'm going to have to think that one over.

I spent ten days on a reservation last summer, and this really amazing Native

American woman gave it to me.

It's supposed to help guide me towards my purpose.

And what is your purpose?

I'll know it when I get to it.

Look who's here.

What, you know this guy?

California?

Last time I saw this guy, he was on his way home, which was about 20 minutes

away two days ago.

He's taken the long way. The scenic route.

Well, I wish I could take you all the way.

We're about three hours from our next stop.

You see the show in Beaumont?

Never made it.

I didn't know there were little circuses still following around.

When I was a kid, I always wanted to run away with a circus. And now for the 11

o 'clock news update.

Authorities in Beaumont are looking for an elderly man who has been missing

since Friday.

Thomas Guerin is described as being 75 years old, about 5 '10", and 170 pounds.

That'd be me.

He was last seen at a restaurant near Beaumont on Friday afternoon in the

company of a young girl in her early 20s with blonde hair and wearing a red

leather jacket.

That'd be you. Relatives fear Mr. Guerin may have suffered a loss of memory or

some other disorienting episode, but the possibility of foul play has not been

ruled out. If you have any information as to the whereabouts of this man...

Contact.

What's going on?

I suffered a disorienting episode.

Oh, don't look at me. I had nothing to do with it.

You've got to call your kids.

What the hell is the matter with them spreading it all over the radio like

You just walked off without telling anyone.

Well, I'm over 21. I can do what I damn well please.

A couple of dizzy spells and they treat you like a little child.

At least let them know you're okay. I will. I will.

Call them and tell them you ran away with the circus.

Yeah.

You know anything about this girl?

Not a thing.

You think maybe she and your dad might have been up to something?

Like what?

Some kind of May -December situation.

Are you kidding me?

We're talking Tom Guerin here.

A fellow over in Dexter, 80 years old, just had a kid with his 26 -year -old

wife. It was in the paper a couple of weeks back.

My father was married to the same woman for 50 years.

He hasn't got any interest in women anymore, least of all a girl young

be his granddaughter.

Happens more than you think.

I'm telling you, he's not getting enough oxygen to the brain.

I had an uncle on my mother's side, went through the same thing. This is how it

starts. Excuse me, Sheriff.

You've got a call.

They're not gone but a couple, three hours.

It was him.

I got his name right here on the register.

Hers, too.

They shared a room.

I'd have called quicker, but I just now heard it on the radio.

Have you got something to blow?

Mm -hmm. Great.

Excuse me.

I haven't danced for a

long time.

Oh, it's like riding a bike.

Yeah, I haven't done that lately either.

So, you haven't called them yet, have you? Have you seen a phone?

God, you'd think I was some kind of a fugitive from justice, wouldn't you? The

way they put it out like that on the radio.

That ticks me off.

I bet you were a good father.

I did the best I could, you know, at the time. I supported them, sent them to

college, those that wanted to go.

If that's not enough, then shoot me.

Of course, they've all got a grievance, you know. That's the fashion.

I've got a daughter who says I was distant.

My shop was 15 yards from the house. She saw me every day of her life.

Distant. What kind of bull is that?

About how long?

They caught a ride about an hour ago.

They'll be well over the state line by now.

I got no jurisdiction.

I'll send a fax.

How could he do this to us after all we've done for him? Honey, we don't know

the whole story.

And what have we ever done for him that's so special anyway?

Broke my back at that yard sale.

I invited him to come live in my house.

You think he'd take his medicine if I didn't force him to twice a day?

He's my father. What's the alternative?

Don't answer that.

Honey, you know I love him.

But he's father's name.

And your sisters.

What about them? Why are we the only ones who care?

David put them in a home.

He's already so much as told me.

Kenny, this was supposed to be our time.

Kids are finally out of the house, and now we've got Tom to worry about?

It's like having another child.

No, it's not.

We are not responsible for him every moment.

Kenny.

Look at me.

We have not made love since the day your father moved in here.

For God's sakes, Bonnie, do we have to talk about this now?

When would you like to talk about it, Kenny?

Can't talk about it when he's back.

Well, maybe he won't be back.

Would that make you happy?

Thank you.

You're welcome.

What's that?

This plane.

Let's see.

Be careful. It's very sharp.

It's kind of beautiful, isn't it? Yeah.

For a tool.

Kind of came into my mind to keep it Everything was being sold off. Why I

you I'm retired I

just got old

Still have a coffee, please.

Right. What would your boyfriend think about you hitchhiking across the

Not much.

Besides, he doesn't really tell me what to do, so... Yeah, you've got a long

freedom chain, huh?

You remembered.

I gave it some thought.

You think he's going to want to take you back once you decide you've had enough

space? He picked me because he knew I wouldn't stay.

You're kidding.

No, it's all subconscious.

You mean?

As soon as I get into a relationship with someone really normal and nice,

someone I can really count on, I run, screaming for the hills.

I had a shrink who told me once, because I don't believe there is such a thing

as a healthy marriage.

Why not?

You ever seen one?

I was in one.

Your wife thinks so, too?

As far as I know, the subject never came up.

I'm not saying it was perfect.

I had a temper when I was younger.

She just got quiet.

I think quiet is worse than yelling, if you ask me.

Yeah, we don't yell.

Repression is really big where I come from.

Then you'd be looking over at her, sitting on the couch, 30 years later.

And your heart kind of hurts because you love her so much.

Comes and goes.

You've got to be in it for the long haul, I guess.

You miss her a lot, don't you?

Excuse me?

Would you by any chance be Mr. Thomas Guerin?

Do you mind showing me some IDs, sir?

Okay, you got me.

What can I do for you, officer?

You are Mr. Thomas Guerin.

I haven't robbed a bank in 10 or 12 years.

We've been asked to keep an eye out for you, sir.

By who?

We got a fast on you.

As I understand, your folks are somewhat concerned as to your well -being.

Have you talked to them lately?

No, but I was just going to call them.

I'm not breaking any laws, am I? No, sir. No, you're not.

Not as far as I know.

You're going to tell them you saw me?

I imagine they'd appreciate hearing you're okay and have them fall in harm's

way.

Don't you?

Yeah, well, if I go home, they're going to lock me in that cellar again.

He's kidding.

Where are you headed, sir?

Home. Soon as I finish my coffee.

Why don't you ring your folks? Tell them that.

I will. I'll do that.

Got the ticket.

Have a nice day now. Okay, thank you. Thank you.

So are you?

Huh?

Are you heading home?

I've come too far to turn back now.

Whereabouts are you headed in California?

Monterey.

I can take you as far as Stockton if you like.

It's not too bad to hop from there to Monterey. Oh, we'd be much obliged.

you.

You related?

No.

I thought maybe you were a grandpappy.

I wouldn't mind that, but no. We just met up on the road.

If you don't mind me saying, you're kind of a peculiar pair to be hitchhiking.

Are we?

Daddy! Well, that's all right. You all right, love?

Everything's okay.

You all right? You were probably just dreaming.

It's okay.

You all right?

Okay. Everything's okay.

Where are we?

Almost through Nevada.

Oh, boy. California, here we come.

Always together Through all kinds of weather

He'd have been home by now, for sure.

Could be on his way. Yeah, could be. He'll never come back. Why wouldn't he

back? Well, why would he take off in the first place?

Oh, I don't know.

Maybe we shouldn't have made him sell the house.

Maybe.

Maybe he felt like he was getting in our way, living with us. Well, you know

what I think.

We're the ones that are taking care of him, not you. And you see how much he

appreciates it, don't you? What do you want from him? Nothing. I don't want

anything from him.

You should be with him anyway. What did he ever do to you? Nothing, not a damn

thing. Pete, I know he's not perfect. I know better than anybody. Yeah, but

you're still trying to prove something to him.

Don't you know you can't get blood from a turnip? Why do you think Marcy and

Janice moved so far away?

They like the weather down there.

After the

funeral,

After Mom died.

I saw one of Janice's kids sitting on Dad's lap.

I started to cry.

I had to leave the room.

I never sat on Dad's lap.

Which way are you going?

That way.

Oh.

Well, uh, I guess this is it.

Leanne, I want you to know it's been a real pleasure.

I guess there's a motel or two around here somewhere.

Oh, don't be ridiculous.

We're here.

Oh.

What a dump, huh? Yeah, I was hoping for something a little nicer.

The insurance is okay.

Mm -hmm.

Hello?

Hello?

Anybody home?

Hiya, beautiful.

Hi, Daddy.

Now, this is Tom Guerin. He's been traveling with me and my father, Greg

Bossert. Hello.

How do you do, sir?

I've invited him to stay.

Good.

The prodigal daughter.

Hello, Mother.

You arrived safely.

Plane crashed and I'm the sole survivor.

And who have we here?

This is you.

That's the John.

Relax, it's only a bedroom.

Uh -huh.

Would you like something to drink?

No, no thanks.

You promised.

I know.

Bonnie, it's me.

I'm fine.

I'm in California.

California? What the hell is he doing in California?

He said he felt like having a swim in the ocean.

I don't know who the girl is. He didn't say.

He didn't... He didn't say, okay?

Pete, if we hear from him again, I'll call you.

You think you know somebody.

Come to find out, you don't know him at all.

I'd sure like to know why you took off.

Was it us?

All my life, all I ever wanted was to be close to him.

Now that he's retired, I thought...

People have different ways of being close.

I guess.

What brings you to California, Mr. Guerin? Do you have family here?

No. Ma 'am, no family. It just came on me to take a trip.

Impulse. Impulse, yeah, that's it.

It's a shame about the accident.

It was a beautiful car.

Tell you the truth, I really enjoyed hitchhiking, especially the company.

Likewise.

And how long will you be staying with us, Mr. Garen?

Uh... As long as he likes.

By all means.

I'm sure it will be no trouble at all.

I had to threaten him with bodily harm if he didn't come. He wanted to go to a

motel.

She can be persuasive.

Oh, she can.

Well, you know what the Arabs say.

Since when do you have to knock?

How's it going?

I like your traveling, pal.

He's a trip.

A trip on a trip.

But, ahem, hitchhiking?

Oh, but I love the danger.

I think Emily Dickinson had something else in mind other than hurling oneself

into the voracious jaws of a lunatic America.

Come back, Shane.

He got a letter too, Tom.

Of a summoning nature as well?

I don't think so.

I think he made it that, though.

Interpretation is all.

So, you still haven't answered my question.

How are you doing, Daddy?

How do I look like I'm doing?

A lot worse than I expected.

Your mother didn't give you the full rundown in her letter.

I asked you to be specific.

What's Daddy's 11th commandment class?

Thou shalt not tap dance.

Correct.

I think she did some tap dancing.

She said that the operation turned out iffy, but she didn't give me a clue

this.

Nothing iffy abouts, is it all?

Do me a favor.

Kick off your tap shoes, please.

I've got maybe three weeks.

If I knock off the jogging...

She should

have told me. Why didn't she tell me? If you'd known, you'd have flown.

Calm down.

I considered opting for a belated notification.

And I never would have forgiven you.

I know.

I think your visit may be a little longer than planned.

A certain degree of pluck and fortitude will be asked of you. You understand?

I'll try to measure up.

Your race is with me, kid.

Would it be all right with you if I started measuring up tomorrow?

Why didn't you tell me? Your father didn't want you to worry.

You would have let him die without seeing me. Don't be ridiculous.

You didn't want me here. You wanted him all to yourself, right up until the end.

You had to be in control. As usual, you see only what you want to see.

I'm going to bed.

Want to swim?

Never learned how.

Get out.

No.

I might flounder a bit if there was a lifeguard handy, but... My dad taught me

when I was a baby.

Yeah?

You're fond of your dad, aren't you?

Yeah.

But I, uh... I take it you and your mom don't exactly see eye to

eye?

Maybe she did the best she knew how.

I don't mean to pry, but he doesn't seem exactly up to par.

Your dad?

He's dying.

I'm sorry, sweetheart.

He's such a young man.

Life isn't fair, is it?

He's working, though.

Oh, he does some stuff in the morning and some at night.

As a consultant now.

Yeah, but I mean, he's still at it. He's working.

Why wouldn't he be?

Well, a fella in his condition physically, I mean, he might just want

a day.

He won't go gently into the night.

You know what I mean?

I think so.

So, you gonna look her up?

Oh, I already did.

You did?

Yeah, she's listed in the phone book.

Well, you gonna call her first? You just gonna show up at her doorstep and blow

her mind?

See, I haven't decided. What do you think is the best way?

You nervous?

Oh, it's cool as a cucumber.

Liar.

Ants on fire.

55 years. Wow.

You must have been like, what, in your 20s? Yeah, 21, 22.

I'm surprised you still remembered me.

Were you her first lover?

Oh, lighten up.

Yes. How old was she?

19. Really?

Wow, that's late.

I lost my virginity when I was 15.

Why do we say that? Lose our virginity. Like we left it on the bus or something.

Well?

I got you this far, now you're on your own.

What's the worst that can happen? She dies of shock.

Okay, okay, I'm gone.

You call me when you're ready and I'll pick you up, okay? Yeah.

It's not what you think, hon. I don't know what it is, but it is not what you

think.

Hello?

Oh, my stars.

Hi, Ronnie.

Tom.

Tom? Yeah, Garen. Tom Garen.

I guess I knew that, didn't I?

You still take lots of sugar?

Too much, so they tell me.

If we listened to they, we'd be dead and buried already.

You could have knocked me over with a feather, Ronnie. I guess you know that,

huh? When your letter came?

What about you ringing my doorbell?

What on earth are you doing here?

Well, I don't know. I was just taking a little walk and one thing led to

another.

You're not going to start teasing me again already, are you? No, no, I really

mean it. I bumped into this young girl.

You ran somebody over?

No, hell, I wasn't driving. I was walking.

I mean, I met her on the road.

And it turns out she was coming to Carmel.

And we started talking.

And thank you.

And she lives here, her folks.

She's a college girl.

So we got to talking, you know, one thing led to another. Before I knew it,

was going with her.

We thumbed it.

You're not telling me you hit drives all the way from Kansas, are you? So help

me God.

What's Beaumont like now?

The same, only different.

This town sure is pretty. How long you been here?

36 years. Oh. 24 in this house.

Wow.

It's a lovely family.

Yeah, three girls and one boy.

The girls are all married now and scattered around.

Seven grandkids.

Oh.

My boy was killed in Vietnam.

Oh, God, I'm sorry to hear that, Ronnie.

Oh, it seems so long ago.

But most things do, don't they? Yeah.

You told me about Charlie's passing in your letter.

Eight years ago.

Have you seen the ocean yet?

And what about Jack? How is he?

Oh, Jack was killed in the war in France.

Oh, what a shame.

Yeah. I was real fond of Jack.

So there's only me left of the bunch of us.

We went to visit his grave on the anniversary of the invasion, you know,

50th anniversary.

I guess you were in the war, too.

Oh, yeah, sure.

Charlie was hurt real bad at Iwo Jima.

Lost an arm, his left arm.

He used to say he was my right -hand man.

You ever miss home?

Oh, for a while after we left.

Charlie did more than me.

Seems like yesterday right now.

What does?

Oh, the day I heard that you and Charlie got married and left Beaumont.

Why did you anyway leave Beaumont?

I wouldn't have been too comfortable there after we got married.

You being there.

I wouldn't have been too comfortable myself.

I'm still trying to place Donna Wallace.

I think she was too grazed behind you.

I used to wonder why you didn't want to marry me.

Well, who says I didn't want to marry you?

You never asked.

Well... Why didn't you ever ask me? I didn't think you wanted me to.

I thought about it a lot.

Being married to me?

Oh, yeah.

You should have asked.

Boy, those were the best pork chops I have had in a long time.

I'm glad I had them.

I knew you were coming out of baked cake.

Yeah. Remember that song?

Oh, sure. If I knew you were coming out of baked cake.

Baked a cake, baked a cake. You can still sing.

Yeah, well, the pipes are a little rusty like everything else.

Listen to you, man who just walked halfway across the country.

Oh, hey, you're exaggerating. We're a little walking, but not all the way.

How long are you planning on staying in Monterey?

Well...

I guess I'd better be heading back tomorrow.

Well, that's when Betsy was just born.

That's her.

I put on lots of weight with Betsy.

He seemed to have lost it all.

Charlie sure kept his looks, didn't he?

Yeah, he was a handsome man. I'll give him that.

You have a picture of Donna? Yeah, sure.

No, I can't place her.

I heard about her passing away a couple of years ago, but I didn't think I

should write you so soon after.

It took a while before I could work up the nerve.

I'm glad you did.

Be right with you.

I don't expect we'll be seeing each other again, ever.

Well, today was more than I ever expected.

Me too.

And you never can tell, can you?

About what?

Well, you might just get it into your mind to pay a visit to Beaumont. I could

show you the new sights.

Never can tell.

Maybe you'll think about it.

I've been thinking about it for the past two hours.

What do you mean?

The fact is...

I'm going to visit one of my daughters and her family in Pennsylvania in April.

Are you? And I've been thinking how it would be if I just dropped by Beaumont

the way back. Oh, I think that's a darn good idea.

Why don't I just do that then? Okay, will you?

All right.

Let you know when I'll be coming. Good.

Hello? It's me.

Where are you?

Here.

You still in California?

You coming back? What's going on?

I'm leaving tomorrow. I'll be back in a couple of nights.

Tell him we'll come and get him.

Let me handle this, will you?

I'll be getting in a little late. There's a layover in Wichita.

And the day after I get home, we'll have a talk. You and Bonnie and Pete and me.

Uh -huh. What about it? Some things that need fixing.

Is he coming home or isn't he? Yeah, he's coming home. What kind of things,

Six and how?

Well, things like Bonnie always wrapping me up in blankets all the time.

Listen, Dad, I know we... You know that little shed you got out back that's

crammed full of junk you never use?

What about it?

That'll make a fine workshop.

A workshop?

For what?

Well, we'll have a talk. There's a lot of things I want to tell you. You and

Pete both.

Give my love to Bonnie.

I'll see you in a couple of nights.

Dad.

I'm glad you're coming home.

I am too, son.

There's just a couple of minutes.

Good.

I'm awful glad you almost ran me down.

Me too.

Here, I want you to have this.

I'm just going to buy some new tools.

Tom, I want you to be good to your kids.

And you let them be good to you.

There's not as much time as we think.

You know?

I'm beginning to.

Yeah.

I have something for you, too.

What, your freedom chair? Oh, no, I can't. No, I want you to have it. It

mean a lot to me.

Maybe it'll guide you back to your purpose.

Leanne. You're a good girl.

The next time you meet a good boy, you stick with him, you hear?

Yeah.

Well, then, so long, I guess.

So long.