Original subtitles

The stitches are holding,

- but you need to stay one more - day so we can rule out infection.

Tomorrow.

Sorry. What were you saying?

We should talk about it later. You should focus.

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

I told you that I would be free and... The hotel called?

Yes, there's another couple interested in the same cottage.

Then we will find another hotel.

Another hotel?

Michael, you loved that place.

I wouldn't say I loved it, but...

You wouldn't stop talking about how excited you were

to spend your honeymoon by the sea.

You sounded like a 16-year-old.

Michael, what is going on?

You've been acting strangely for weeks.

The doctor who was supposed to replace me, he backed out.

I will fly in the week before the wedding,

but I need to come right back here after.

How much longer will you stay?

Five, maybe six months.

I know you're upset, but once I'm back,

we can go on our trip another time and...

- You think this is about a vacation? - Ees...

No, I am upset because you promised

you would not extend your stay again.

- There was nothing I could do! - Oh, really?

How many other doctors did you call before you agreed, huh?

Look, I know how important your work is

and I love how passionate you are, but...

...if we're going to build a life together, we...

- Aissa, hang on. - Dr. Abani?

I don't know what you think you're doing here,

but Lieutenant... Lieutenant...

Michael, what's going on?

Get off. Take your hands off me.

- I'm a doctor! - Michael?

- No. You're a terrorist. - Michael?

- No, no, no, no. - Michael!

Synced & corrected by -robtor- www.addic7ed.com

Gatorade, tea, and lots of water.

The theme of the day is...

- Peeing? - Staying hydrated.

Mooms will be back to make you lunch in a couple of hours.

If you need anything...

I call you, Mooms,

or Mrs. Cartwright next door if the house is on fire.

I'm fine.

What you are is warm. I want you back in bed

as soon as you're finished eating. And no TV.

You know I can watch TV on my phone, right?

Well, don't. Feel better, honeybun.

Agnes?

- Pinky?

What are you doing here? You just missed Pops.

I did? Oh, well.

I heard you were feeling a little under the weather,

so I thought I'd come and cheer you up.

Pops has been looking for you, you know.

He seems pretty worried.

That's just part of his constitution.

But I'm here now,

and I have everything we need

for a quick recovery.

Ice cream for a sore throat...

and movies to feed the soul.

- Yeah?

- Congressman.

Uh-huh?

Arthur, that's the third all-nighter this month.

- What is it this time? - I'm not sure.

I was reviewing the FBI's discretionary spending budget last night.

How exciting.

Yeah.

Right there.

- Task Force 836. - Mmm-hmm.

The Bureau has dozens.

The Bureau has dozens, officially.

All formally authorized and subject to oversight.

But from what I could find, Task Force 836

only exists on this piece of paper.

So it's classified.

It's unacknowledged.

The Bureau's spending millions

that they have to account for somehow.

They assume nobody's looking closely enough to find it.

- They don't know you're... - Thorough?

Committed? Brilliant?

And humble. You thinking corruption?

I don't know, but I want to ask a few questions

without spooking Main Justice.

Uh, Senator Panabaker's the ranking member on Homeland Security, right?

- Yeah. - Call her office, please.

I want the first five minutes she has.

No sign of Raymond at the warehouse,

but I set up surveillance devices

covering the front and back.

We should be able to monitor it from here.

Which means I'm glued to the screens all weekend.

Please tell me you're getting up to something exciting at least.

I am.

The library finally received the book I requested.

The First 5,000 Years.

I'm sorry. A book on debt? That's your exciting weekend?

And I thought my life was dull.

- Anything on Reddington? - Not yet.

Too bad. I just got off the phone with Cynthia.

Apparently, Congressman Arthur Hudson

of the House Appropriations Subcommittee

on Homeland Security has been asking questions

about certain expenses in the FBI's discretionary budget,

expenses that point to the existence of our task force.

Is that a problem?

Surely, you've dealt with other government inquiries before.

This task force can only function if it remains a secret,

even from government.

In the past, we've been able to keep our work quiet

by delivering high-profile cases, but recently...

We've got nothing.

Unfortunately, yes.

I'm afraid we can't keep waiting for him to make contact.

Malik, head up to New York

and put eyes on Reddington's bathhouse.

If you find him, let him know

we're gonna need a new case, and fast.

Meanwhile, I've, uh, set up a meeting with an old friend

who worked with Hudson at the US Attorney's Office

- in Chicago.

Hopefully, he can give us a sense of who we're dealing with.

You alright? You look like you saw a ghost.

- I have to go. - You want some company?

I mean, the last time you ran out of here like this,

you got shot, captured, and tortured.

Alright, suit yourself, but I don't hear from you

every half-hour, I'm calling SWAT.

A glass of Burgundy, please.

No.

Excuse me?

You heard me.

Twice a week, you sit at this bar,

you order a glass of wine that you do not touch,

and you stare at your book.

I'm tired of seeing good wine go to waste.

So...

either you ask for my number, or leave.

What makes you think I want your number?

Maybe the sound of the bar helps me focus,

and I order a glass of wine

because I don't drink... but don't wish to be rude.

It's possible.

But no.

No, I think you are scared.

Scared? Of you?

I guess we'll have to see.

I'm Aissa.

Dembe.

I'll call you.

You better.

Aissa.

Come in.

Is everything okay with Isabella?

She and your granddaughter, they are...

They... They are fine.

I didn't want to bother you,

but I didn't know what else to do.

It's about Michael.

Your boyfriend.

Fiance. We got engaged last May.

I thought Isabella told you.

No. She must have forgotten.

Congratulations.

So, what happened with Michael?

Two days ago, he was abducted from his medical clinic

outside Taiz by Yemeni soldiers.

I called the State Department, our Congressman.

I even tried the Nigerian embassy.

Because Michael is just a green card holder here,

and no one can tell me anything.

I thought maybe with your contacts in the FBI,

you might be able to find out what is happening.

I'm so sorry, Aissa. I'll...

I'll find out everything I can.

Wait here. And I'll make some calls.

Dembe. Thank you.

I wouldn't have blamed you if you hadn't come.

I'll... I'll be right back.

So, uh, how's she look?

- Fine. - What do you mean "fine"?

You see your ex, Isabella's mother,

the woman you never speak about, and all you can say is "fine"?

Have you heard back from your contact at Hostage Affairs?

No. She's sending me an update any minute.

Are you with her now?

No. I'm in the hallway.

Ha. So you're hiding from her.

I'm making a call to a secure FBI facility.

I'm not hiding from her.

Whatever you say. Oh, man.

- What is it?

This is bad news.

Michael's being held at a military prison.

The Yemenis say that he was redirecting humanitarian aid

away from his clinic toward a group of Houthi rebels.

They're claiming he's a terrorist.

Do they have evidence?

No, State's trying to figure that out now.

Look. There's something else.

What is it? What happened?

Michael was immediately tried by a military tribunal.

They're planning to execute him in 72 hours.

What about a rescue operation?

It's unlikely.

The US military doesn't have many assets on the ground,

and since Michael isn't a US citizen...

The government won't risk it.

What about people from your world?

I'm not in that world anymore.

But I still have friends, contacts.

You mean Raymond.

We haven't been able to get ahold of him recently.

If I can, he'll need to know who the local players are.

Michael's NGO wasn't running a clinic without the cooperation

from both the rebels and the government.

We need to know

who Michael would have been in contact with on the ground.

You should talk to Jon. Jon Rapchinski.

He is the executive director of Michael's NGO.

He just got back from Yemen a few months ago.

I'll go see him now.

Do you think Michael may have been involved in the smuggling?

I only ask because it will affect

who we might approach and how.

Michael would never take anything from his patients. I know him.

We all keep secrets, Aissa.

Not Michael. Not from me.

For a while, I was waiting tables,

and then I started to train as a sommelier.

No wasted wine.

It's a sin.

After my father died, my mother wanted me

to come back with her to Cameroon,

but I stayed to finish my degree.

Public health.

And you're a chef, as well.

This is the most delicious thing I've ever had.

Can you cook?

If you're lucky, I'll teach you.

I'd like that.

So, how does a university student

afford designer clothing?

They were a gift, from a friend.

Does this friend have a name?

His name is Raymond.

We became close back in Kenya.

He offered me the chance to pursue my education.

It's like that, um, Dickens novel.

Great Expectations.

Literature student?

Economics. And history.

But I like to read.

And, uh, what kind of work does this Raymond do exactly?

International trade.

A little broad

for a student of economics and history, no?

You're deflecting.

Is it working?

Ah...

You don't have to tell me everything,

but you must never lie to me.

Do you understand me?

Dembe?

Hey. Dembe!

The CIA confirmed chatter about a US-based asset

operating in the region starting last spring.

Right after Michael arrived in Yemen.

- Thank you for your help. - Of course.

If the government's hands are tied

because of his citizenship status,

we're the only chance he has.

If you're feeling grateful, uh,

why don't you tell me about how you and Aissa met, then?

We met in Marseille.

I was in university,

and I had just begun working with Raymond.

I was young and curious and learning,

and she was the most amazing woman I ever met.

And then it ended.

No. No. That's... That's impossible.

Michael worked his tail off

to get those supplies to begin with.

He... He would never just give them away.

But he did oversee your supply procurement,

so, I mean, theoretically, it is possible

he could have been rerouting supplies,

and you never would have known.

It's a small clinic, so everyone wears multiple hats.

Michael always found a way to get whatever we needed.

At least, until...

Until what?

Well, last year, uh,

some soldiers dragged three kids out of the clinic.

The soldiers suspected the boys

of scouting for the Houthi rebels

and shot them out in the street.

Michael took it very hard.

He started arguing with the staff, with Aissa.

I told him to go home, clear his head, just...

But he wouldn't hear of it.

Who was your contact in the Yemeni military?

Uh, Lieutenant Abdul Hassan.

I've never met him myself.

If I ever needed something, I'd always go through Michael.

So if Dr. Abani wanted to contact the Houthis,

who do you think he would have turned to?

Uh, there was a man. Uh, Abu Saleh.

You know, the staff said that he worked with the rebels.

But Michael is a good man and an even better physician.

If there is anything that we can do to help...

I mean, a bribe, lawyers, supplies,

whatever it is, we will do it.

Thank you for your time, Dr. Rapchinski.

- We'll be in touch. - Thank you.

I've tried many varieties

of mint chip through the years,

and the really green stuff is never the best.

Maybe it's the food coloring.

Huh! Hmm.

How come you always come over here

and I never go to your house?

I don't really have a house.

- Not anymore, at least. - What happened?

Well, I sold one, gifted four.

I sunk numbers six and seven.

And eight and nine...

I'm not entirely sure what's happened to them.

How come you got rid of all your houses?

I suppose...

Well, recently, I've found myself

letting go more and more

so I can better hold onto what I really want

and still be light on my feet.

Mmm.

Ah.

Agnes, why don't you queue up one of the movies?

I'll put this stuff away and be right in.

Yes? What is it?

I know you didn't want to be interrupted,

but there was a signal at 7th and Wharf.

Obrigado, Giorgio. Ciao.

Raymond.

I wasn't sure you still had the location being watched.

I am. For emergencies only.

If Harold put you up to this, Dembe...

It's Aissa.

Aissa. My, my. Tell me.

I see. So you want me to help you save the man

set to marry the woman you loved?

That sounds like a number of emergencies rolled into one.

He's believed to be working with a Yemeni commander,

Lieutenant Abdul Hassan,

and a Houthi operative named Fadl Abu Saleh.

- I don't know either one. - Neither do I.

Not that it would matter much if I did.

That lieutenant's superior's superior

is locked in an intractable conflict between some of

the most badly behaved players in the Near East.

Getting one man out of that nightmare

couldn't be more complicated.

But I'll see what I can find out.

Thank you, Raymond.

Dembe...

That night in Marseille...

It's in the past.

I'll reach out when I have anything,

but in the meantime, Dembe,

you might consider that the past and the present

aren't as neatly divided as we'd like to believe.

Take a look at this. It's a statement for an account

in Michael's name at a bank in Istanbul.

These deposits...

Over $200,000 in the last six months.

Now, Michael wasn't providing supplies to the Houthis

out of humanitarian concern. He was doing it to get rich.

If that's true, the State Department

will never negotiate his release.

The Yemenis will execute him for sure.

You have to tell her.

- I can't. - Why not?

Because I lied to her once before, and it broke her heart.

I don't know if I can watch that happen again.

It was painfully boring!

It was brilliant.

Kieslowski is a genius.

It's the same woman.

One in France, one in Poland,

both dull. You want brilliant.

Point Break.

That was brilliant.

Will you come by tonight?

There is something I need to talk to you about.

How mysterious.

You're one to talk.

What is it?

I promised a friend I would help him study

for an exam this evening.

So come by after we close.

I'll make your omelet.

You always bite your lip when you're nervous.

- I... I... - Is there someone else?

What? No!

It's that blonde from the cinema, isn't it?

I love you.

Aissa.

I love you, too.

No. There's no time.

I have to open the cafe.

Go!

See you tonight.

For the last eight months, money has been flowing

into Michael's account from shell companies

associated with the Iranian proxies supporting the Houthi rebels.

You think he really did this?

You think he was supporting terrorism?

It appears so. But there may be a silver lining.

If the task force can uncover the entire smuggling network

that Michael was working with,

it may be possible we can convince the Yemenis

to extradite Michael back to the US.

I'm sorry, Aissa.

Have you eaten? Sit down.

I'll make you something.

I should go.

I said sit down.

I just found out my fiance may be a liar helping terrorists,

so you're going to sit there while I make you some lunch

because if I don't do something with my hands,

I am going to scream. Is that what you want?

- No. - Then sit.

When I'm done, we're going to go through those papers

until I convince you that Michael is innocent.

- I'm not asking. Sit.

I gotta say, Harold, when you said you wanted to meet,

I thought we would talk about life in the private sector,

not Arthur Hudson.

Clearly, he made an impression.

How long did you two work together

at the U.S. Attorney's Office?

Four years.

Most AUSAs take a little while

to get their feet underneath them.

Not Arthur.

Political corruption cases

can be a nightmare for prosecutors.

They were Hudson's bread and butter.

Built his whole Congressional campaign around it.

I'm telling ya, nobody can see a story

around a few sticky numbers like Arthur Hudson can.

So he's tough, smart, and ambitious?

Almost makes me feel sorry for Congress.

Almost.

You sure everything's alright, Harold?

Fine. Yeah. Just a few questions about an old case.

Thanks for your time, Ronnie. My best to Bea.

Harold, if, uh, Arthur Hudson

is digging around for something,

I'd just assume that he's gonna find it,

and when he does, he'll let the whole world know.

You understand?

Mmm. That was even better than I remembered.

It's Michael's favorite, too.

It's how I get all my men.

When was the last time you two saw each other?

End of October.

We spent a week by the beach in Cyprus.

What?

I just never imagined you sitting on a beach.

Ah, Isabella is coming down with Ella.

I told her not to bother, but she insisted.

She'll be here soon.

Well, she's just as stubborn as her mother.

You know, I really was happy to hear you two were talking again.

You raised a wonderful daughter, you know.

I didn't do it alone.

Even with everything you were going through,

she always had you in her life.

I wish I could have been there more.

Thank you for staying. You know, you didn't have to.

Of course I did.

Ever since I met you,

I've never been able to say no to you.

Surely you know that by now.

You know, I was...

I was nervous to see you.

I was afraid you might think I looked...

Old?

I was afraid of the same.

Well, you don't.

"Oh, gosh, Aissa, you don't look..."

When was the last time you two were in Cyprus?

End of October. Why?

You were in Cyprus together on October 28th?

- You are sure? - Yes. Why?

According to this statement,

Michael made a withdrawal from a bank in Istanbul

that day in person.

Someone else has access to Michael's account.

The Yemenis are about to execute him

for a crime he didn't commit.

- Dembe. - Aissa.

I'm sorry, but we need to leave the city, tonight.

- Why? - There's a plane waiting

outside an airstrip outside Cabries.

It leaves in exactly 36 minutes.

I will tell you everything you want to know once we're there,

- but we need to leave now. - We?

I am not going anywhere until you...

You weren't helping a friend study.

- You were with him. - Aissa...

He's not just a businessman, this Raymond.

He's a criminal.

And... And what? You work for him?

It's complicated.

Then un-complicate it!

Raymond saved my life back in Nairobi.

Tonight, I saved his.

You have to understand,

he was the most important person to me...

until I met you.

You lied to me.

For him.

Yes.

I did, and I'm sorry.

I promise I will tell you everything you want to know,

but we need to leave, now.

Please.

The State Department is sharing what we learned

with the Yemenis now.

Hopefully, it will convince them to stay the execution.

Hopefully? He didn't do it.

I know, and I hope the Yemenis will agree,

but until we find out who was really running that account,

we can't be sure.

And even then, there's no guarantee.

I should go.

Dembe.

I know it must not have been easy for you,

leaving Raymond, joining the FBI.

I always knew you could do

something amazing with your life.

I'm proud of you.

I'm glad I was wrong about Michael.

I'll let you know when we have something. Wait here.

Okay.

Yemenis aren't budging.

They claim our evidence only proves

Michael had an accomplice, not that he's innocent.

They're still planning to move forward with the execution.

Maybe not. I just pulled the travel records for everyone

who had access to the supply chain within the NGO.

A Jon Rapchinski flew into Istanbul two days

before Michael's last alleged withdrawal...

and the time before that.

The Yemenis will say it's a coincidence.

Well, maybe, but get this,

two hours after we met with him, he booked a flight to Lebanon.

He leaves tonight.

Find Rapchinski. Now.

You'll have a warrant by the time you arrive.

Okay, okay. Slow down, slow down.

Someone at your NGO set him up, Jon.

Who else in the organization had access to your supply chains?

I'm not sure. T-There's half a dozen organizations

who send us supplies.

Uh, um, aid workers on the ground, local volunteers.

Hello. This is Aissa Joachim.

I can't come to the phone right now, but...

Who else had enough information to set up

an account using Michael's name?

Aissa, it's me. Call me as soon as you get this.

I thought you told her to wait for your call.

I did.

Maybe someone who had access to our computer system.

Someone who had access who is in the country, yes?

That can't be more than a handful of people.

- Jon! - Yes. Right.

I'll call Fatima and get a list of those names.

Okay, okay. Good. Good.

Okay. Good.

Uh...

Isabella, where are you?

Dad, hey. Ella and I just got to Mom's place.

- Is your mother there? - I don't think so.

Wait. Did Mom cook for you?

Isabella, listen to me.

Did your mother say anything to you about where she might be?

No. Dad, you're freaking me out. What is going on?

- Mom. Look. - What is it?

Mom left a note.

It says she want to talk to Jon Rap-something.

- Rapchinski. - Dad, what is happening?

Does the note say what time she left?

- No. Dad, talk to me. - Your mother's in trouble.

- I'll call you back as soon as I can. - Dad...

I think I may have left my phone in the car.

- I'm so sorry. - Jon...

- I never wanted this to happen. - Jon, I ju...

They promised me that no one would ever find out.

You have to understand,

I thought I was doing what was best for everyone.

I thought if I agreed to help,

we'd get more supplies for the clinic, right?

And if that meant sending support to the rebels, so be it.

- Oh! - I...

I risked my life helping those people every day!

I paid bribes to the government,

the Houthis, everyone, out of my own pocket.

Why shouldn't I get a little of that money back?

I-If Michael had been in my position,

he would have done the same thing.

Nuh-uh! He didn't do this, Jon! You did!

For the life of me, I don't understand

why you would drag Michael's name into this!

I never meant to involve him. I really didn't.

I just... I showed up to the bank.

I-I couldn't believe what I was doing.

I was scared, so I-I gave them Michael's name.

I never thought that he would get hurt.

Okay. I believe you, Jon. I do.

But Michael is in trouble!

They are going to kill him

unless you and I go to the authorities right now!

The Yemenis are never going to give him up, even if I confess.

You don't know that!

I know he's your friend, Jon,

and I know that you care about him.

All you have to do is tell the truth

about what really happened, and we can save his life!

It's not too late!

I can't! I can't, okay?

Why did you come here? You shouldn't have come here!

Aissa!

I was afraid that I...

Are you okay?

House is clear.

- You alright? - Yes, I-I'm fine.

What happened? Where's Jon?

Well, since you two were taking your sweet time,

I got some help.

From a friend.

- General Thabit. A friend of Al-Ashabi's.

I watched him lose quite a bit of money

at a table in Lebanon years ago.

- Reddington? - Oh! He mentioned me.

Tell me, how did you get my number?

At the moment, Tamer, how I got your number

matters less than what I'm prepared to do for you.

From what I hear, you're feeding

and supplying three regiments of infantry.

The total cost to you and your Saudi backers

is just over $2 million US per month.

I'm prepared to cut those costs in half.

All I ask in exchange is that you see to it

that Dr. Michael Abani is released

from your prison outside of Taiz.

Your offer is generous, but I cannot simply allow

a convicted terrorist to go free.

Of course not, which is why I propose a trade.

We both know Dr. Abani is innocent.

Turn him over to the Americans,

and I'll deliver the man who was in fact supplying your enemies.

You can tell Prince whomever

that you're saving him over $11 million a year,

or you can treat your men, your mistress,

or yourself to just about whatever you please.

So, General, what do you say?

You know, I'm going to miss you.

Oh please, you won't even notice I'm gone.

Excuse me.

What can I get you?

A glass of Burgundy, please.

- Aissa... - You're alive.

I didn't think I'd ever see you again.

Ah!

My love!

Oh! Hello.

Thank you, see you later!

Oh.

How are you, my love?

Dembe.

There's someone I think you should meet.

This is Isabella, your daughter.

What?

Your daughter.

She just turned 14 months.

She's perfect.

The night you left,

I was going to tell you about her.

I swear, if I had known...

I'm so sorry.

I'm so sorry I haven't been here, but I'm here now.

Dembe. We won't be.

We are leaving.

I got a research position in America.

We're moving at the end of the month.

I'll go with you.

I appreciate the offer.

I do, but...

That man, the policeman at the bar,

no one else would know what he does for a living,

but you knew the second you walked in, didn't you?

And if you came with us,

you'd always be looking over your shoulder like that,

wouldn't you?

Yes.

And if someone did see you, then what?

Bags packed in the middle of the night?

On to a new city, with new names?

I love you, Dembe. I do.

But that's not the life I want,

for either of us.

I won't bother you again.

Do you want to hold her?

Yes.

Very much, but...

I should go.

Raymond.

Dr. Abani was just delivered

to the Red Crescent hospital in Sana'a.

He has a few cracked ribs and a bump the size of a plum

on the back of his head, but he should be fine.

What about Dr. Rapchinski?

Oh, he's on a Saudi transport out of Lisbon.

He'll be in Riyan by morning.

General Thabit assured me the Yemenis wouldn't

seek the death penalty, provided the good doctor

gives up his Iranian collaborators,

which I imagine he's eagerly doing as we speak.

Raymond, if you hadn't shown up in time...

You're still in love with her.

I think I always have been.

Raymond, you need to speak to Harold.

There's a congressman investigating the task force and...

I would have understood, if...

If you hadn't shown up that night at the airfield.

I know.

I knew then, too.

Good.

Goodnight, Dembe.

Goodnight, Raymond.

I don't understand. What's Hudson's angle here?

Hard to say, but there are more than a few congressmen

who think they can score political points

by criticizing the Bureau these days.

You think he'll call for a hearing?

I think Arthur Hudson wants answers.

If he can use the current politician climate

to advance his investigation, he will.

Well, if he subpoenas our records,

it's only a matter of time before Congress

finds out that Raymond Reddington

broke into a secret FBI facility,

murdered two men,

and corrupted every file in this place.

Opening all our former convictions to appeal.

Don't think I haven't thought about it.

If we're gonna survive Arthur Hudson,

we need to prove that we are still indispensable.

To do that, we need Reddington.

Dembe didn't get a sense of where he was?

Well, somewhere over the Atlantic,

but since then, who knows?

Maybe helping Dembe will inspire Reddington

to start delivering us cases again,

but I wouldn't bet on it.

Neither would I. I might not like it,

but there's not a thing we can do

to get Reddington to do what we want, when we want.

You want me to call Siya off?

Not yet.

We might not be able to force his hand,

but he should at least know we're waiting.

Oh, would you please hand me that?

Michael's on his way to Germany,

and my plane leaves in a few hours.

What's that?

An early birthday gift for Ella.

Did they leave?

Oh, they, uh, went to pick up, uh, dinner.

Oh. Thank you.

You're welcome.

I'm glad you two will be together.

Obviously, not under these circumstances, but...

Is that the truth?

You're glad Michael and I will be together again?

I'm glad he's safe.

Will you give this to Ella when she comes?

Stay for dinner.

You can give it to her yourself.

I don't want to impose.

It's no imposition.

I'm sure Ella would love to see you.

Stay.

Hey, there.

How you feeling, honeybun?

- A little better. - I'm glad.

Funny, I, uh... I don't remember

buying so much mint chocolate chip.

Pinkie brought it.

He came over to check on me right after you left.

I see.

And did Pinkie say anything about where he might be going?

He seemed... different.

Or maybe not different, but more so.

Oh? How's that?

I don't know.

It's like he's searching for something but can't see it.

And when he stops, it bumps into him.

It's like he's looking for something that's already there.

It's either in front of him or behind him.

And what do you suppose "it" is?

Life or death, I guess.

Isn't that what it usually is?

Life and death?

Like Charlotte's Web.

Yeah. Like Charlotte's Web.

I think for Pinkie, maybe it's always been life and death.

Maybe now it's just "more so," like you said.

You love him, don't you, Pops?

Sometimes he makes me so angry,

so worried,

and I hardly ever understand him.

But I suppose,

in a way,

maybe I do.

Oh, you definitely love him, Pops.

I mean, how could you not?

He's so soft and cuddly, like you.

I think maybe that's enough ice cream for tonight.

- Besides,

it's time for you to go to bed.

Night, Pops.

Goodnight, sweetheart.

"Soft and cuddly."