Original subtitles

[upbeat music]

You remember the spot?

It’s where we first met.

And I took your hand, just like this.

And it felt like our hands were meant to hold each other.

That was the moment.

That's when I knew.

Knew what?

Haley-you make my heart flutter and stutter and whisper and scream all at once.

Haley Rose Rivera, will you-

On your left! Left!

Help me out of these fucking vines.

I’m trying to-

Brett, you’re pathetic.

Why do you always got to be such a fucking bitch?

Excuse me?!

[upbeat music]

Hi.

I have an interview at noon.

Up the stairs, to the left.

Thank you.

Webster Headquarters.

Lexi?

Yes. Hi.

Well aren’t you lubricous.

Sorry. My flight got delayed, and then I lost my purse at he airport.

You flew here?

Yes, from North Carolina.

So.

What is it about this career path that's alluring to you?

I suppose I like definitions.

Clarity. Making sense of things.

Wonderful.

Define yourself.

What?

Who is Alexis Wilkins?

My resume encapsulated that pretty well, actually.

I beg to differ.

I'm a dedicated and approachable professional with lots of experience-

Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah!

Alexis, this position attracts a lot of intellectuals, cerebrals...

scholars who have spent so much time studying the humanities,

they've lost their own along the way.

Did you... your accent...

Fake.

Was it convincing?

I'm sorry.

I'm a bit confused.

Exactly.

That's the point.

Why do we make dictionaries?

To define of course.

To extract meaning and understand the world around us.

But the world is full of deceit,

discrepancies and contradictions.

The truth of the matter is, we have to pretend

to make sense of a world around us that is absolutely bonkers.

Okay, I'm still not comprehending the whole fake accent bit.

Alexis, we've been talking for an entire minute now,

and if I didn't know any better, I’d think you were a robot.

But you're not a robot.

Know how I know?

Your transcript.

Perfect GPA, all four years.

And in your last semester, all “C”s.

What's happened there?

Life.

Life-yes.

Life.

On each of these notecards is a verb.

Common, obscure, concrete, abstract-the whole gamut.

You’ll have 5 minutes to define five words of your choosing.

Don't think too hard.

This isn't a test on research and reasoning.

Then what's it testing?

Intuition.

[soft guitar music]

Oh!

Ow.

You gonna get that?

No worries.

What?

Sorry would did you say?

I'm wondering if you're going to retrieve my ball.

Oh, uh-yeah, sure.

So who's winning?

You know, because you're playing with your-against yourself.

I'm doing wall drills.

Yeah, I see that, I know.

But it was-it was a joke.

Oh.

Hey, you know, my friends just left.

I could use a tennis partner.

You should try the rec center.

Yeah, right.

[indistinct chatter]

So none of your friends play?

Or, like, why are you playing by yourself?

I'm here to train.

Yeah, no, me too.

But, you know, you only get better by playing with a better opponent, you know?

You think you're better than me?

I think I'm better than the wall.

Love, love.

Nice serve.

You ever wonder why they call zero love in tennis?

Zero resembles the outline of an egg.

The French word for egg is l’ œuf, which sounds a lot like love.

That's one theory, I guess.

The leading theory.

What's your major?

Linguistics.

15, Love.

Weren't you in Professor Burke's semantics class last spring?

Yeah.

I thought I recognized you.

You sat up front, right?

Correct.

30, Love.

Dang.

You’re good.

I'm Conner, by the way.

I don't think I ever introduced myself-

[footsteps]

Where are you going?

That’s game.

I thought we were just getting warmed-

Bye.

Bye, I guess.

Love: a score of nothing; nil.

[phone ringing]

Did you get my voicemails?

Lexi, I just had the most wondrous dream.

There was this giant mountain...

I called you seven times yesterday.

Where were you?

Yesterday?

Where was I?

Oh, I was at the vineyard.

Mom...

I'm sober as a judge.

Don't you worry.

Have you been going to your-

Lexi.

This rosé that I'm working on-liquid nirvana.

I'm going to send you a bottle.

I don't-

But wait.

Can you remind me, what’s your address?

It doesn't-You know, hold on. I have to find a pen.

There's nothing to write down, Mom.

I'm getting evicted.

What?

You said you sent the checks.

I did.

I mean, I thought...

it must have gotten lost in the mail.

If you could just give me the password to the ESA, I could-

No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

You don't need to be dealing with that financial nonsense.

I'll call you back.

Are you following me?

No, I-uh, uh-I live down the road.

I just saw you walking and...

well, I wanted to tell you my theory on love.

What?

In tennis, you know, certain players, like,

aren't that good at winning.

Some can't even score, like, a single point.

But they keep playing anyways because

you know, for the love of the game,

not for money or a prize at the end.

So at the end of the day, even with a score of zero,

they don't have nothing.

They have love.

So, anyways, you want a ride?

I, uh...

[street noise]

I'm okay.

Oh. Alright.

Uhh-uhh! Ow.

You okay?

Yeah, I'm fine.

This is just inconvenient.

You sure you don't need help?

I’m okay.

Thank you.

Hey, Lexi, you left your phone.

Oh.

They must’ve put that on the wrong door.

It-it gets stuck sometimes.

Woah-hey.

You know, my roommate has crutches and braces and stuff

from when he sprained his ankle a while back.

If you want.

Easy.

Just right over here.

There you go.

There you go.

Umm, you okay?

Yeah.

Your upholstery smells really nice.

Like babies.

Uh, thanks.

I just mean, I've never seen a college house so...

Clean?

Yep, that's me.

Mr. Clean.

Care if I...

But, yeah, I like to keep my space tidy.

One of the many perks of living by yourself, I guess.

I thought you had a roommate. Uh, I do.

I did. Two of them, actually.

I guess they decided to study abroad last second

and left me with this big old place all to myself.

That sounds amazing.

Yeah. Yeah, no, for sure.

How come you live on your own?

What do you mean?

Well, I thought all athletes live together or whatever.

How did you know...?

I saw your tag on your backpack.

Makes sense.

How good you are, I mean.

So why don't you live with your friends on the team?

I like my privacy.

Yeah, yeah, no, me too.

Just wish it was a little more affordable, you know?

You a Potterhead?

I don't read fiction.

I mean, there's a lot you can learn from a good story, though.

I mean, fiction’s truer than fact, most of the time.

That's debatable.

Just give it a try.

I mean, no pressure or anything.

So, um...

Can I have your number?

Just to, you know, get the brace and crutches back whenever you're done?

Right. Yeah.

New phone?

No, why?

Just-well, you only have two contacts in here, so I just...

I'm sorry.

I don't know why I even said that-

New SIM card...

relatively.

Silas sent you a message.

Oh.

Should be careful on there.

A lot of psychos.

I'm not...

never mind.

No, what were you going to say?

I'm not on there because I'm trying to...

Hook up?

Yeah, correct.

So what are you doing on Tinder?

I mean, not that it's any of my business.

I use it to practice.

Practice what?

Talking to people.

Yeah, I get it.

I get it. But,

you know, the truth is, the world is full of good talkers.

What's rare, what's really rare is to find somebody

who truly, really, actually listens to you.

You know, everyone...

you can be out to dinner with somebody and all they're concerned about

is what's going on on Instagram Reels and TikTok and all that.

And, you know, they'd rather Snapchat someone like halfway across the country

rather than focus on the person who's sitting there right in front of them

trying to have a real, genuine, honest connection with them, you know?

What were you saying?

Nothing. Never mind.

How would you respond to this?

Okay, so, he said, “How was your day?”

I mean, most people would just say, “good.”

What if it wasn't very good?

I'd say, you know, not bad.

Not bad implies that it was good.

Well, not really.

I mean, there's a difference between saying, like, Silas

looks like a nice guy versus Silas doesn't not look like a nice guy.

Are you saying-

That was just an example.

There's no point in being ambiguous.

Yeah, well, I mean, you kind of are, whether you know it or not.

It's like you never really know someone's true intentions.

If they're genuinely asking you how your day is or

if you're like their 12th attempt at getting laid for the day.

I guess that's why people choose to be more vague, you know?

You don’t have to lie, but,

you don’t have to tell the truth, either.

How’s that feel?

Not bad.

[crickets chirping]

Brace: a device fitted to an injured part of the body to give support.

Hey, you're Lexi, right?

Correct.

Cool I’m Otto.

I just transferred over from Xavier.

I know, I read the email.

You have, like, an attitude problem or something?

No.

Good.

Cause I didn't want to have to deal with the know-it-all of a partner.

Wait, what do you mean?

Coach thinks you and I would make great teammates.

You know, once you’re back on your feet and all.

But I'm a singles player.

Welcome to the doubles game.

Are you sure you couldn’t...

[street noise]

Hey.

Hi.

You don't want to ride up front?

I don't feel like talking.

Okay.

Where to?

The library.

School doesn't start for another week.

That's correct.

So, what are you doing at the library on a Friday night?

You hungry?

[water running]

Taste alright?

Really good. Thanks.

Yeah, no problem.

I suppose it's hard to cook

at your current place of residence, huh?

Of course, there's always that vending machine in between the periodicals, right?

The one by the study rooms is better.

More variety.

You know, they taze people for squatting in the library, right?

I mean, you've got to have some friends you can say with.

I'm looking at places this weekend.

You need some wheels?

No, it's okay.

How are you going to get around with that ankle?

I mean, don't waste your money on Uber, okay?

I got nothing going on.

I got you.

Come on.

How'd it go?

The kitchen was disgusting.

There were roaches everywhere.

I'm sorry.

I'm sure you'll find some better places tomorrow.

Hey, you know, we're not too far from this park I used to go to.

Might help to get outside and

take your mind off things.

Yeah. Okay.

Yeah?

Let's go.

[birds chirping]

Help yourself.

I've never met anyone who eats so much dried fruit.

It's nutritious.

My mom used to say that raisins were the devil's chocolate chip.

Yeah, well, my mom said that juice boxes were packaged diabetes, so.

Apricot?

Sure.

You’re a senior, right?

Correct.

Do you ever worry about,

you know, like, what you’re going to do when school's over?

No, not really.

I just mean, like,

where you’re going to go?

What you want to be?

I've had it planned ever since freshman year.

I’m going to move to Springfield, Massachusetts

where I'm going to be a lexicographer for Merriam-Webster.

Wow. That's, uh...

so specific.

That's cool, though.

You know, that you know what you want.

[notification sound]

That Si-Guy?

From Tinder?

Oh, Silas.

No, that, um, ended.

What happened?

He kept asking me to come over to his house,

but he couldn't even spell “come” correctly.

What?

Nothing.

You just-well, you don't look like you belong on there.

Yeah.

What are those?

Try one.

Can I, um..

Can I tell you something?

I think you're really good roommate material.

Oh. Thank you.

I just mean, like I, um...

Well, I have two open rooms and the landlord’s super chill.

Rent’s month to month. No credit check.

I mean, like, no pressure or anything.

I get it could be kind of weird moving in with a dude, you know?

No, that sounds... I'll think about it.

Cool.

Yeah just let me know sooner rather than later.

Cause, uh,

I kind of have a lot of guys interested, so...

Then why are you asking me?

Well, I guess it's because I really like you.

[birds chirping]

Want another date?

What?

Another date?

I, um... I didn't know that this was...

When?

When what?

When do you want to do it?

Do what?

Go on another... um...

Oh, oh my God.

You thought I meant like a “date” date, right?

I was...

Oh! Right.

I just, I was...

Yeah. No, it's. It's all good. No worries.

I'm sure you're just being polite.

I mean, what kind of psycho would ask a girl to move in with him on a first date anyway, right?

Yeah. So glad we got that cleared up.

Date: the brown, oblong, edible fruit of a palm.

[soft guitar music]

Bathroom’s on the left.

I'm down the hall.

And this is you.

So these sheets are brand new, and I just vacuumed. So...

I tried to clean up as best I could for you.

Oh, yeah.

My roommate was kind of gay for Tom Brady.

Why did he leave all this behind?

Yeah, good question. I don't know.

He was kind of in a hurry to get out of here for some reason.

You know what? I can put all this in a storage closet for you.

Don't worry about it.

I'll only be here a month.

Alright, well,

I'll just be down the hall if you need anything.

Conner?

Yeah?

Thanks.

[country music]

Lexi?

Oh-hey.

Just brought you some clean towels.

Sorry.

Thanks.

Let me guess.

NPR?

No, just music.

Oh, cool.

Mind if I, uh...

Who is this?

I doubt you'd recognize him.

What?

I doubt you’d to recognize him.

You know, I might.

I actually have a ton of rockabilly on vinyl.

The fifties was such a cool era to me.

The music, the style, the clothing, all that.

You know, besides all the racism and wife beating.

But yeah, I actually have a ton of records

if you ever want to listen to them sometime.

I got Coltrane, Elvis, all the greats.

Yeah, that sounds nice.

Cool.

Oh, um, I forgot to give this back to you.

Not your thing?

No, I really liked it, actually.

I just finished Deathly Hallows.

You just-it's been two weeks.

How did you finish the whole series in two weeks?

I've been spending a lot of time at the library.

Actually, I have the whole DVD box set, if you ever want to watch those some time.

It's not as good as the book, obviously, but I'd be down if you want.

Yeah.

Okay.

Cool.

[suspenseful music]

[wind blowing]

Healed up?

I'm only cleared for warm up, but it's a start.

I'm sorry if I came off as-

A bitch?

I was going to say unenthused.

I just wasn't expecting a partner.

But I'm excited, though, to play together.

Coach tell you to say that?

Alright, let's see what you got.

It's actually kind of nice having a partner again.

Yeah?

I've always been so against doubles, but maybe I just never had the right partner.

You know?

Yeah, no, totally.

Oh, um, I got you something.

It's not my birthday.

I figured.

Espresso Patronum. Wow.

This is a top shelf mug right here.

Seriously, what's the occasion?

Nothing.

Just a thank you for being an adequate roommate.

Adequate.

Well, at least I’m up to par.

What-what’s that?

I had that showing today.

Those apartments on Mulberry.

The retirement community.

Most of the residents are over 70, which is great.

It's quiet, affordable.

That's the most important thing.

Pretty far from campus, though, don’t you think?

It's right on the Green Line.

20 minute bus ride max.

I think the manager likes me.

It's probably because I'm young.

It's not really good for business

having tenants expire before their leasing agreement.

Wow, that's so morbid.

They had a resident just pass away recently.

So that means if I can get this application in right away,

I can move in as soon as next month.

You said that place was over on Mulberry, right?

You know, I can drop it off for you if you want.

It's okay. I can-

No, seriously.

I have a doctor's appointment that way anyways, so it’d be no trouble.

Look, I'm not going to forget.

Okay?

I got it.

Thanks.

Hey, if you're not doing anything tomorrow

we should go out to the mountains.

Do some hiking or something.

Yeah, okay.

Cool.

[street noise]

Want any snacks?

I'll be in in a second.

Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry.

No, you're fine.

I'll buy you another one.

No, it's okay.

Are you sure?

What the hell?

Who was that?

I have no idea. Wow.

That was weird, huh?

Come on, we're burning daylight.

So the Mountains to Sea Trail comes through about right over there.

Go down about a mile, and there's this amazing swimming hole.

Or we can go further up the road to Mount Pisgah. That's not too far.

What do you think?

Lexi?

The girl from the gas station.

What do you think she was so scared of?

I don't know.

You're overthinking it.

There's no such thing as overthinking.

Yeah, but that's why we came out here, remember?

To clear your head.

My brother and I used to come

to this overlook all the time back in high school.

I didn't know you had a brother.

I do. Well...

I did. Until he...

You know.

I'm sorry.

No, it's totally cool.

I'm really-I'm just really glad you're here.

Me too.

[birds chirping]

So...

would you...

do you maybe want to... I don’t know

start seeing each other?

Like, romantically?

Yeah. Yeah. If you-if you want.

I mean, like,

I get that it's totally weird with us, like, living together right now, and I-

you know, but maybe if you moved out or not, I...

Okay.

Okay?

You mean, like...

Okay.

Overlook: a high place affording a good view.

[Music]

[country music]

Hey. Hey!

You sent that rental application, correct?

Yeah. Yeah.

A few weeks ago when I had that appointment, remember?

Okay.

It's just weird because I never heard back from them.

Huh.

So I called

and they said they never received the application.

Yeah, that's...

yeah, I don't know what happened.

I literally handed it to the lady at the front desk.

You want mushrooms? Or I can do half and half. What’re you feeling?

I don't care.

Lexi.

I know this sucks. Alright?

But if you absolutely had to you could stay here another month.

No biggy.

I can't afford this place.

Not long term.

Hey.

We'll figure it out, alright?

I’ll help you look at some places tomorrow.

In the meantime, I say we watch Order of the Phoenix.

Get your mind off things.

I think I'm just gonna head to bed.

Oh. Um...

Yeah. Okay, cool.

Goodnight I guess.

Goodnight.

Love you.

[beeping]

[owl howling]

Now, why can't you stay there?

It was a temporary agreement.

Honey, all agreements are temporary.

There's no such thing as forever.

Mom, I don't-have you found the password for my ESA?

I'm working on it as we speak.

The online systems acting up.

You know how it is.

I don't, actually-

What are you doing? What?

Sorry, I just...

It's my roommate. I'll call you back.

What are you wearing?

Oh, I was-I was thinking me and you could go as Ron and Hermoine for Halloween.

You know, I thought it could be...

Expelliarmus!

I’m so fucking stupid... I’m so fucking stupid...

Are you okay?

Am I okay? Yeah.

Yeah, Lexi, I'm fine.

I just-

You think you can just

sneak around with other guys behind my back?

What?

That was Silas, wasn't it?

That-that was my-

The guy from Tinder.

That was my mom. Oh really?

Then why did you say that... that I'm your

your roommate?

Because...

...you are.

No, Lexi, I'm your boyfriend.

Remember?

Your boyfriend, not your roommate.

[crickets chirping]

Why does this always happen to me?

I mean, like, I'm just so sick and tired

of people just taking advantage of me because...

because, what, I'm nice I guess?

Oh that’s it, I'm just too nice.

And I’m sick and tired of people taking advantage of me.

And I’ll just never, ever learn!

I fixed your wand-sort of.

It, uh, doesn't light up anymore.

I’m so sorry Lexi.

It's, uh...

it's okay.

No, it's not.

I hope I didn't scare you.

We can talk about it tomorrow.

Lexi, wait.

There's something about me you should know.

[typing]

Physically, we're there.

Regionals for sure.

Maybe even nationals.

Potentially. Potentially?

We've only been practicing for a couple of weeks, and we're already crushing.

You good?

Yeah, just roommate drama.

Shit. That's never any good.

But if that keeps up, let me know.

I'm trying to fill a room at my place.

That's good to know.

Yeah, I've been GoPuffing to make up for the extra rent.

What? Yeah.

You know, the delivery app

the entitled kids use to get their Juul pods and condoms delivered?

Shitty ass tippers.

You want to come by the spot later and check it out?

Yeah. Yeah.

I'll text you.

Hi.

What's this?

Just a little something-something for the best girlfriend ever.

I didn't know you were picking me up.

Yeah, it's Monday, right?

I always pick you up on Monday, silly.

So I got you some pumpkins-I need more space.

What?

Sorry, one more time-Hey, you forgot your water bottle.

Oh, thanks.

Who’s this?

Oh, um, this is my...

boyfriend.

Conner.

No shit.

I didn't know you had a man.

Yeah, it's recent.

Yeah, three weeks as of this Friday.

Ooo, a gentleman.

You should bring him to Friendsgiving.

Yeah. Maybe.

I don't really like parties.

It's not a party. It's dinner.

Yeah, but-We'll be there.

Otto, right?

We’ll be there, Otto.

I like him already.

[upbeat music]

You seem quiet.

Look, Lexi,

I really am sorry about last night.

I'm getting new meds this week.

The truth is,

my ex, she,

like, cheated on me

like, a few times.

So I kind of have, like,

trust issues or whatever.

Oh. I'm sorry.

No-I’m sorry.

I never wanted you to see me like that.

Because I do trust you, Lexi.

I really do.

I hope you feel the same way.

You do trust me, right?

Yeah.

[suspenseful music]

Now remind me, what's a Friendsgiving?

[wind blowing]

It's like a Thanksgiving, but for friends.

Sweetie, that sounds so wonderful. But...

Did you get the package?

Yeah, Mom.

You have to stop sending alcohol.

It's illegal.

Lexi, I am telling you, this dessert wine,

it's going to put Marsha's Vineyard on the map.

Have you sold any?

A few.

A couple. You know how it is.

It takes a while to work through the grapevine, but once it rains, it pours.

No, Mom, it can mist.

Or trickle. Intermittently.

You know...

...all this negativity?

This is why I can't tell you things.

What?

Well, if I tell you, you'll be yapping my ear off.

And that depletes-defeats-

the purpose of a silent partner.

What are you talking about?

Do you know that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday?

Do you remember those pilgrims

in first grade you made out of toilet paper rolls?

The ones with the little felt hats?

[drunken giggling]

Hey, you ready?

Yeah.

Woah, hey, Lexi. What the hell?

Jesus.

[fire alarm]

I thought you didn't drink.

Well, this is a very special occasion.

This is a $12,000 bottle of wine.

What?

Apparently, I've been the one funding her backyard winery.

And apparently, she's racked up a lot of debt under my name.

Wow. That really sucks.

Yeah.

You’ll figure it out.

You think I should pick up a pie?

What? For the party.

You know, since you burnt the casserole.

I'm thinking, like, banana cream or coconut.

Conner, I'm not going to the party.

Yeah, yeah, I heard you say that.

But I really think going to a party would cheer you up.

You don't have to worry about chipping in for the pie.

Lex?

Hey.

I got us a pie for us to share.

I'm okay.

[loud chewing]

Can you eat that in your room?

I mean, I could.

Is that what you want? Yes.

Okay.

Goodnight.

No, no, no, no, no, no.

You know something Lex?

I think you should have a bite of this pie.

Because I drove all the way down to Main Street, right?

By myself, in my car, using my gas after you burned our casserole

to get this gourmet dessert to share with my girlfriend.

So I really think you should just try a bite.

I don't want any. Just a nibble.

No, Conner. Pretty please?

Come on. Choo-choo, here comes the-Get out!

Get out!

You were never going to invite me to that party, were you?

You didn't want to introduce me to your friends.

Okay, I'm leaving.

You know, a real girlfriend would try a bite of pie.

A real girlfriend would do the things her boyfriend tells her to do.

[suspenseful music]

Impact: the action of one object coming forcibly into contact with another.

You have a very special brain.

Oh, thanks.

That's as much a criticism as it is a compliment.

Could you elaborate on that?

You defined love in the context of tennis?

All these words are polysemous.

You know what that means?

They have multiple definitions.

I have to do this again?

You get to do this again, unless you'd rather be done.

Fabulous.

You'll have five more minutes to revisit.

And Alexis.

Don't be afraid to dig a little bit deeper.

[soft guitar music]

God.

Oow.

My head is pounding.

Conner.

What happened last night?

I don't know.

I was going to ask you the same question.

What?

Maybe it was the wine?

I don't know.

You had half a glass.

Yeah, I'm a bit of a lightweight.

Laugh it up.

Okay, I don't-

I really shouldn't have been drinking with my medicine anyways.

I mean, it probably caused some sort of chemical reaction, I guess?

I don't know.

I'm not a doctor.

What did you do to my wall?

What's the last thing you remember?

I don't know.

You were being... aggressive.

Aggressive?

What did I do?

You, um... you smashed a pie in my face.

That doesn't sound aggressive.

I'm sure we were just fooling around, Lex. Like we always do.

Speaking of that...

How much fooling around did we do, huh?

We didn't...

What?

Oh no...

We didn't-you know.

What are you...

We didn't, right?

No, you knocked me out, Conner.

I was unconscious. You mean you blacked out?

No. When you pied me.

A pie knocked you out? Jesus.

No, you did.

I- look, I'm sorry, okay?

I don't understand what's going on.

I mean, I don't remember.

How do you not?

Look, you know, are you sure you’re not...

Never mind, never mind.

What?

I mean, are you sure you're not misremembering things, Lexi?

I mean, you drank a whole bottle of wine.

You don't remember that?

Look, okay, just to be safe,

I think maybe we should consider Plan B.

What was plan A?

No, like, the morning after pill?

Oh.

Here.

You can take my car.

That should cover most of it.

Are you serious?

There’s, like, a Walgreens, like, right-I'm not going by myself.

Okay.

I just, you know, thought that was kind of a girl thing.

You know what?

We could totally get it delivered.

There's an app.

You hungry?

Could throw in some Cheetos or something.

[doorbell]

I put in a request to leave it at the door.

Are you-Go get it.

You.

Don't be so awkward about it, Lexi.

Then why can’t-It's not big deal, get the door.

Then why can't you do it?

You better be tipping me good for this.

Hey. Hi.

You forgot your Cheetos!

[water running]

[crickets chirping]

Hey.

Hi.

So, you know, you don't have to be, like, embarrassed or-

I know.

Hey, are you still okay with me moving in?

Oh yeah-so I talked to my landlord, and he ran a background check on you.

Sorry Lex.

Nothing personal.

[footsteps]

[heavy breathing]

You should see a doctor about that.

Probably have asthma.

[knocking on door]

Hey.

Brought you some inventory.

The, uh, poster’s temporary, by the way.

I've got a guy coming to fix the wall tomorrow, so-

I'm busy right now.

Right. Yeah.

Sorry.

I'll-I'll just...

Goodnight.

Conner?

Yeah?

Do you really not remember?

No.

Sorry, Lex.

I wish I could.

[phone vibrates]

The girl who was going to move in flaked out.

So I mentioned that you were still interested.

So I'm approved?

If you're good for it. He needs first month's rent by tomorrow.

Yeah. Okay.

Oh, and he wants to meet you.

What?

I don't know.

Says a contract ain't worth nothing without a firm handshake.

Some old white guy shit.

Okay, what time?

Nine. And Lexi?

What?

I vouched for you hard on this.

Make sure you show, alright? For real.

Yeah, I'll be there.

Thank you.

Who was that?

Otto.

Just catching up or..?

I'm planning on moving in with her.

Oh.

You don't have to pretend, Lex.

Nothing's been the same since the other night.

I know I keep apologizing, alright?

And I really am sorry.

I just wish I could remember, you know?

So I could know what I was apologizing for.

Anyways, um-

Look-I just want to let you know

that I completely, completely understand if you want to break up with me.

Yeah.

Yeah...

Yeah what?

I don't want to be together anymore.

You sure?

Yeah.

Where are you going?

I just need to clear my head.

Yeah.

Don't call me.

Now, I know you got your whiskers all in a tangle over this money situation,

but just let me explain.

I don't want to talk about it.

Oh, well, okay.

You sound frazzled.

Me and Conner broke up.

Oh honey, did he give you a reason?

No, Mom, I broke up with him.

Oh.

He just stormed off.

He didn't even take his car or anything.

He's probably just at a friend's house blowing off some steam.

[incoming call beeps]

Conner?

Can you-Lexi?

[muffled crying]

I can’t...

I don't know how I...

You're not making any sense.

Where are you? Conner?

I'm sorry.

I know.

Where are you?

Doesn't matter.

Nothing matters anymore.

You're scaring me.

I know-I don't-I don't know what to do.

You don't have to do anything.

Just tell me where you are.

You don’t care.

I do,

Conner, I do.

Okay?

Okay.

[street noise]

Where do your parents live?

Why?

Because you-

You need someone who can help you.

You can help me.

No, I can't.

[car motor running]

What am I going to tell my mom?

Just tell her what happened.

Tell her what happened? Tell her what happened?

Tell her-I don't know. I can't explain what happened.

I don't know what happened.

I don't fucking know!

Okay?

Turn around.

Turn the car around.

It’s three in the morning.

I'm not going to drive back.

Give me the keys now.

Turn the car around Lexi!

Conner!

Conner!

Conner!

Conner! Conner!

Ow, ow, ow, ow!

[scream]

What's going on out here?

Uh, hi, Mom.

Uh-this is my girlfriend, Lexi.

Impact: to have a strong effect on someone;

to transform them; to change them; to sculpt them, or to whittle them,

to build them up or to break them down until they become a form

unrecognizable to that which used to be.

I am so glad you two decided to visit. But I wish you would have called.

You know, your brother’s out west on his big hunting trip.

Yeah. No, we wanted to surprise you.

Would you like some coffee, hun?

Sure.

You know, you must be pretty exhausted.

Conner told me about your ordeal last night.

He did?

The bears in these parts are usually pretty docile.

Never in a million years would I imagine one trying to attack

someone in my own driveway.

But honey, that's why you never come between a mama bear and her cubs.

Yeah, I got her pretty good with the bear mace too, Ma.

I don’t think she'll be coming back anymore.

That's my Conner.

Always saving the day.

I need more ice.

No, honey, you stay put.

I'll get that.

[Christmas music]

A bear attack?

Tell her what happened last night.

About your blackouts.

It's none of her business.

So you're going to lie?

I didn't lie, Lexi.

Look what I found.

Just look at those cheeks.

Bless his heart.

He was so fat he could barely crawl.

And this is the fourth grade play-

star of the show, as always.

And this is Halloween.

He was the same thing since the sixth grade.

Mom, could you maybe skip-Honey, I think it's cute.

Ron and Hermione every year.

Mom-Who is that?

Well that’s Stephanie.

Why would you still have these pictures?

Well, I'm not just going to throw that stuff away, Conner.

Well, maybe you should.

Well, I just-Conner has something he needs to tell you.

Okay.

What is It?

I have no idea what she's talking about.

Conner.

Wait.

What-you're not-

I am not ready to be a grandma.

What?

No, no-she's not-you’re not, right?

No!

Oh thank heavens.

Will you please just-

Lexi, calm down, alright?

I will calm down when you tell her.

Tell me what?

What did you do to that girl?

What girl?

In the photo. What, Stephanie?

She was at the gas station.

I saw the way she looked at you.

Honey, you don't need to be jealous of an old high school girlfriend.

That's not-

God, this is my fault.

I told you to skip that section. I knew those photos would upset her.

That's not what I'm upset.

I'm upset because you are dishonest.

You are exhausting, and you need some serious psychological help.

And I am not your fucking girlfriend.

Honey, she looks a little unhinged to me.

She's just stressed, Mom.

Well, I worry about you.

You know, you've been through so much already.

I thought your brother died.

I never said that.

[music]

[phone vibrates]

Remember this spot?

It’s the overlook.

Where we had our first date, remember?

God, that was such a fun day.

Okay, well. I'm going to get some air.

I need a phone charger.

Center console.

You know, you should at least come out and check out the view.

What view?

Overlook: to fail to notice something; to be blind to red flags and

and deaf to second thoughts; to be tricked by the illusion of clarity

only to find oneself trapped in a mirage so dense you have not the slightest idea where you’ve wandered.

[soft guitar music]

Hi.

How's it going?

You were supposed to be there.

I know, but I sprained my ankle.

So that means you couldn't pick up the phone?

I didn't-I mean-Save it, Lex.

You getting yourself injured again-our season's over.

You don't have to pretend to like me anymore.

Could we reschedule?

Lexi?

You lock the door now?

I mean... I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to disturb you.

Conner-we're not together anymore.

I know.

I just wanted to say I'm sorry.

Look, I know I need help

and I've been deflecting.

The truth is, I was just

too embarrassed to-I should get back to my homework.

Right. Yeah.

Okay, good night.

Lexi, by the time you're reading this

I’ll already be gone.

Don't freak out.

This isn't a suicide note.

But I bet that for a split second, you thought it might be.

Which is exactly why I had to go.

I decided to go home and finish out the semester remotely.

Don't worry about rent.

I took care of it already, for the both of us.

It's the least I could do, after everything I put you through.

Hopefully without me there, you'll find it easier to focus

and to heal.

[soft music]

The day I first met you was the best day of my life.

It is so unbelievably difficult to let you go.

But I feel so lucky to have had something that makes saying goodbye so hard.

Thanks for everything, Conner.

I don't get why he would pay my rent when I'm the one who broke up with him.

I'll tell you why.

He still loves you.

That's why.

I don't know.

Honey, I don't know all the details of why the two of you split

but it sounds to me like he's making a real effort to make things right.

Relationships are like a good Cabernet.

Sometimes you just have to shelf it, let the flavors mellow

and crack it back open when the time is right.

I don't want to crack anything back open.

Well, at least give it a good sip and swish before you dump the whole bottle.

What?

Well, apparently you're not supposed to swallow.

Who knew?

This metaphor isn't working.

Well, it's just my two cents honey.

Yeah, well, you owe me a lot more than that.

Excuse me?

I thought we were done with that nonsense.

Stealing $12,000 from your daughter isn't nonsense, Mom.

I- why am I even talking to you?

Now, Lexi-

[soft music]

Hey.

Um, sorry, I thought you’d be at tennis.

We practice in the morning now.

Gotcha.

Yeah, I just came to grab a few things.

I’ll be in and out really quick.

Yeah, no rush.

So how have you been?

Good. Good. Yeah.

Doing a lot of self... uh, you know.

It's been good.

How about you?

I've been fine.

Yeah?

Yeah.

What have you been up to?

School.

Tennis.

Watching the last Harry Potter movie.

Right on, the last one.

What’d you think?

There's a lot of death.

Right.

Hence the name.

So did you want any-

I got your letter.

Oh.

Yeah. Um...

I just wanted to wish you the best and...

Yeah, end things on a good note.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

It's crazy that we graduate in a month, huh?

Hey, feel free to say no to this, but

would you want to maybe go on a little picnic or something?

Oh. Uh...

I just think it’d be really nice to hang out one last time before we graduate, you know?

I think both of us could use some closure.

What do you say?

Mustard?

I'm okay.

Hard to be in a bad mood on a day like this, huh?

Ever since I switched, I just feel so much more...

lighter.

Maybe it's my new meds? I don’t know.

You've been seeing someone?

No, no, no way.

Have you been seeing other guys?

I meant, are you seeing a psychiatrist?

Uh, right. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Telehealth, mostly. Um.

I don't even have bipolar disorder it turns out.

I was misdiagnosed. What was the diagnosis?

Eh, it was a couple of things.

Don’t worry-it’s not contagious.

So have you been looking at a jobs at all?

I have sent out a few applications.

You hear anything back?

Not yet.

Graduation’s approaching pretty quick.

What are you going to do if you don't find anything?

I'll figure it out.

I know you will.

Just-if things don't line up the way you want,

you don't really have anyone to fall back on, you know?

I'm actually moving myself in a couple of months.

That’s why I came by to get my stuff.

Mmm.

Yep. Springfield, Massachusetts.

It's exciting.

What?

Yeah, and my job is fully remote, so I can go anywhere I want.

And you chose Springfield?

Yeah, just threw a dart at a map and that's where it landed so I thought, why not?

So it wasn't because I told you that I wanted to live there?

What?

You never told me that. Come on.

No, I did. The first time we came here, in that gazebo.

No, I don't think so.

But that reminds me...

from our date in the park the first time?

I asked if you wanted a date.

You thought I meant like a “date” date.

But I was just talking about dates.

But, uh...

I'm glad you said yes.

What are you doing?

I thought-

Conner, we are not together.

This was a stupid idea.

Then what are we, Lexi?

I don't know. Friends?

Friends.

Friends?

So this entire time your just leading me on with your little love letters?

It wasn't a love letter.

You wrote it in cursive.

That doesn't-

I was just trying to say goodbye.

Then send an email next time

instead of baiting me with your flirtatious fucking penmanship.

And to think this whole time I've been paying your rent?

I asked you-That’s not something I would do for just a friend, Lexi.

I asked you to stop in my letter.

You didn’t mean it.

Sorry.

Next time when I make my request, I'll use a less charged typography.

How about Times New Roman or Helvetica Neue?

Shut up!

Shut up!

Shut the fuck up!

God damn it.

[heavy breathing]

I’m sorry.

You don’t...

I don’t know. I don’t know.

You don't know what it’s like, Lexi.

I know.

Show me that you care.

Show me that you’re not going to abandon me like everyone else.

I'm sorry.

Conner!

No!

Lexi?

Lexi?

Lexi, wake up.

Lexi, wake up.

Oh fuck...

Date: a display of courtship, often resulting in a kiss or a miss,

along with acts of admittance, insistence, persistence,

and in the worst of cases, resistance.

[soft guitar music]

70 degrees.

Honeysuckle in the breeze.

It's the air of new beginnings.

I don't know how you feel,

but I'm here to assist in any way I can.

How can I be there for you?

What are you doing? What?

I can see the paper.

Uh.

Yeah.

I was talking to the doctor, and

she strongly recommended that I use the pamphlet.

Mom, I didn't try to kill myself.

Why won't believe me?

Lexi, there's no reason to deflect.

I'm-Hey.

Hey sweet pea.

Sorry, am I interrupting something?

Not at all.

Did you get the sofritas?

Yep, sure did. Extra guac and sour cream on the side.

You're a lifesaver.

No pun intended.

Swung by the store on the way back. Thought this might give you a boost.

You are such a sweetheart.

Poor thing’s not going to be able to eat anything solid for who knows how long.

Conner, we need to talk.

I'll just see you guys at the cafeteria.

What is wrong with you?

What do you mean?

I'm on suicide watch.

Everyone thinks I tried to kill myself.

Well, I mean, didn't you?

Lexi, hold on a second.

Wait, wait a second.

Lexi.

Look, I blacked out again, okay?

I woke up and I saw you just...

just lying there.

I figured...

I don't know. I figured that's what happened.

Let go.

Lexi, please, just give me a chance to explain.

I said let go.

What do you want me to do?

Say sorry? Apologize?

For what, saving your life?

Where are you going?

To file a restraining order.

They're not going to believe you.

Lexi. Lexi.

Lexi, please.

You don't...

You don't need to do this. Okay?

I'll come-I'll come clean.

I'll do whatever you say. I'll say whatever you want me to say.

Just please, you've got to listen to me, okay?

I'm sorry.

Lexi.

I love you.

I'm a fucking mess, but I love you, and that's the truth, okay?

Whether you believe me or not.

Look, you don't need to do this, alright?

Lexi, I just-even if I never see you again,

just give me one chance to make this right.

Please. Please, Lexi.

I'm sorry.

We’re strongly recommending a few weeks at our inpatient program.

It's one of the best-That won't be necessary.

Sweetie.

Resisting treatment is a common-

I have something to get off my chest.

Huh?

Sorry.

I didn’t have the heart to tell you.

Can I speak with you in the hallway?

I... I don't understand, what's going on?

Am I missing something?

I told you.

I didn't do it.

You mean...

No.

You don't believe me.

Honey, of course I believe you.

The whole thing had an air of sus about it.

Why would a girl as sharp as you off herself with a gut wound?

Where is that son of a bitch?

Ma'am-He tried to shish kebab my daughter.

Where is he?

The police station.

Turning himself in.

Filing a restraining order.

Inner hostility can often manifest itself as outward aggression.

The fuck’s that supposed to mean? Ma’am.

He stabbed my daughter. Lexi, tell her.

Is that true?

Did he come after you with a knife?

No, but-

Was the wound self-inflicted?

Well, it was-we were-Yes or no?

In a way, technically...

Alexis, there's nothing to be ashamed of.

Nurse Shay will help you settle in.

Legally, we’re obligated to hold you here for a minimum of 48 hours.

You are not keeping my daughter for 48 hours.

It’s for her best interest.

No, you need to listen to her story.

I am listening.

No, you're not.

This is what's best-You're asking the wrong questions.

He stabbed her.

I just need you to calm down.

No, I am not-don’t tell me to calm down.

No, don't apologize.

You need to listen...

Brace: to harden yourself; to become firm and steady and strong

so as not to completely shatter in the face of certain doom.

Okay, on the count of three now.

One, two, three!

Oh, come on.

Is that all you've got?

It hurts to move, Mom.

That's right, honey. I'm sorry. I forgot.

Okay, let's try this.

This is stupid.

Well if you wouldn't be so stiff, honey.

Come on, give me a smeyes!

A what?

A smile with your eyes.

That doesn't make any sense.

Can you just look at the camera?

Why would I be looking at the camera if I'm about to hit the ball?

Because it's a pose, honey.

I don't get the point in pretending to play tennis

when I already have pictures of me actually playing tennis.

Whatever.

Let's-let's do the champagne thing.

Lex?

Oh, hey.

Is this your mom?

Yeah. You must be Otto!

You sure this is your mom?

I could sense a kindred spirit!

I've heard so much about you.

Yeah. Nice to meet you.

Why don't you get in for a picture?

Yeah. Come on, take a picture.

Yeah, why not. Why not.

Beautiful!

How about you? You want to hop in here?

That would be great.

Okay.

I'm just going to put all this stuff in the car.

But remember, I want to get a picture of you by the Niners statue.

Don't let me forget.

Congrats on nationals.

Thanks. It’s exciting.

And in singles, too.

Yeah, you know, I didn't think I could do it on my own.

I'm still kind of in shock.

I'm glad it worked out.

Congrats to you too. For what?

You tripping?

Oh, right.

I've been kind of out of it.

Yeah.

So is it true?

You know, that you-Impaled myself with a chef's knife?

Yeah. That.

Somewhat-it’s complicated.

Yeah.

Most things are.

Alright, Lex.

Take care of yourself.

Keep in touch. For real.

What do you say we go have ourselves a nice dinner at the Cracker Barrel?

Yeah. Okay.

Hi Alexis.

I'm sure this is probably very confusing, but he's been upset.

Well, very upset about you not being able to be there today.

I've never seen him like this before. Like, like... I don’t know.

Who are you?

I can't help you.

You not being able to walk across that stage today broke his heart. Truly.

He just wants to talk.

You're Conner's mom.

He regrets filing legal action with that restraining order.

But you've got to understand this from his perspective.

He just didn't know what else to-Excuse me.

You think you can just walk up here thrusting the baton of your son's guilty conscience at my daughter?

What? You cannot be serious.

I am trying to be respectful.

With all due respect, tell your son to back the fuck off.

What the hell do you think you're doing?

I just want an apology. Is that so hard?

You know, you are so good at playing the Little Miss Innocent, aren't you, Alexis?

But he told me everything.

All about your stealing and your sleeping around.

And then you gaslight him to the point

where he blames every little thing on himself, and he doesn't trust anyone anymore.

Not even me.

So congratulations. You win.

You best be on your way.

Look,

I understand you trying to defend your daughter, but you don’t know the half of what happened.

I know the half that matters to me.

Yeah, figures.

He really did love you, you know.

You need to leave.

[suspenseful music]

Love: one of the easiest things to say, but the hardest to define.

Not because it's complicated, or confusing, or difficult to decipher,

but because it's one of the most abused words in the American lexicon.

In all my years of doing this, no candidate has ever used fewer than 15 words to define the word love.

You used three.

Oh, um, I could expand on the-

I think we’re done here.

Can you start Monday?

Start? As in...

Working here.

That was the point of this rendezvous, yes?

Yes! Yeah, correct.

Great. See you next week.

[soft music]

You might be wondering what I wrote.

How I defined it.

The vague and mysterious thing we call love.

But who cares?

It’s only words. An individual's interpretation.

So, what's yours?

[soft music]