Original subtitles

Previously on LA Law.

You want to see my scar?

Yeah.

Ruby, you and I both know you advised me to perjure myself.

But the decision was mine. I'm not blaming you because I got shot.

I know my right. You can't lock me up without due process. LA is under siege.

We're doing you a favor by locking you up. I was on my way to get married.

Do you want to be the bride or the groom?

I can have Jeff do some opposition research.

Euphemism for digging up dirt.

Ellis has momentum. We have to drop him in his tracks.

Go on the offense.

All right.

Let's go after Ellis.

You don't know how much tissue was actually

damaged when he was beaten.

You know, I've been a neurologist.

Half my life.

I've seen miraculous recoveries. Or he could stay this way forever.

I hate exercising on that machine.

Let's get rid of it.

Ha, you say that now.

Wait till my fanny falls around my ankles.

You have an adorable fanny.

38 minutes, Stuart. Level 4.

That beats your old record by 17%.

How'd you do that so quickly?

I like numbers.

Making real progress.

I'm very proud of you.

I'm proud of you.

Level 4, 38 minutes.

17 % improvement.

Let's do it.

Stuart, I've missed you.

I just think pursuing this one is a mistake. Carla Ortiz has prior arrest.

conviction three years ago. Drug possession. After arraignment this

met with Carla and her parole officer. She's straight.

She's so straight, why was she arrested looting? Thousands of people got caught

up in a frenzy. Carla stole baby formula to feed her child.

Let's give her a break.

Tell that to store owners who had their shelves cleared, entire inventories,

village. I'm up for re -election, and believe me, now more than ever, the

mandate of the people is they want justice.

What about probation for Carlos? Zoe!

You work for the district attorney, not the public defender. If you can't handle

it, I'll ask for a continuance and get someone else. I can handle it. You do

that.

Should we get started?

First up, people versus Douglas Brackman.

You caught the law and the law won.

The 90 days in jail? Arnold, I know this isn't your primary area of expertise,

but Douglas insisted on our representation.

Yeah, of course. He doesn't want to pay.

Just do your best to get him released.

Yes, please. Billable hours, accounts receivable, subbing for Douglas, and I'm

drowning in red ink.

All right, next, Weston v.

Weston. Yeah, Ann's still working at home. I've been assisting summarizing

depositions, and we go to trial next week unless a settlement can be reached.

If you have any questions or Ann is unavailable, you come to me. This firm

Alec Weston's business.

Anything else, Leland?

Yes, don't forget Election Day is just around the corner.

And if the latest polls are any indication Jonathan Rollins could use

support, we could muster.

That's all.

In and out, that's what a staff meeting's all about.

Banks are getting pretty thin here.

Any sooner we can get together in the elevator.

Or the unemployment line.

All right, now listen up. Douglas and I have made no secret of the fact that our

situation here at McKenzie Brackman is precarious at best.

However, you should be equally clear of the fact that I have poured my lifeblood

into this firm, and I'll be damned if I'm going to give up now.

I expect the same commitment from all of you.

Becker, get a haircut.

You look ridiculous.

34821, people versus Kevin Richards, one count of sexual battery.

Gretchen Oliver for the defense.

Assistant DA Harold Chambers for the people, Your Honor. How does the

plead? My clients leave not guilty.

At this time, given this is my client's first offense, I request bail to drop

the case out.

Not living together is one thing. I haven't seen you in over a week.

Uh, Ruby's got me wading through the backlog prosecutions from the riots. I

arsonists, I got looters.

You're avoiding me.

Yeah, kind of. I got a lot on my mind.

Can I help? Thanks.

My problem.

Oh, listen, I want to get a jump on the competition.

Tell me about this Marlene Branson.

You haven't met?

I only talk by phone.

All I can say is pray.

She's that tough, huh?

Mr.

Ballin, how did your client bleed? Not guilty, Your Honor.

Request defendant be released O .R. The people have no objection.

So ordered.

The preliminary hearing day after tomorrow.

Santa Ana, stop blowing. There go my sinuses.

Is your dad here yet?

Nuh -uh.

Is Dad taking me home after? No, no, you go back to your aunts until Social

Services finishes their investigation.

People versus Joseph Russell.

Back in a flash.

Tommy Mullaney for the people.

Sorry I'm late, Your Honor.

Marlene Branson for the defense.

Sidebar, Your Honor.

Approach.

Problem, Mr. Mullaney? Well, with all due respect, Your Honor, Sister

attire could compromise a fair trial. A juror might infer that God is somehow on

her side. Ms. Branson has tried cases in my court before. There's never been a

problem. Yes, but this is... I instruct the jury that Ms.

Branson's religious affiliation is not germane in this case. And you get your

shot at voir dire. But what I'm talking about... You lost this one, Mullaney.

Step back.

Bless you.

KPM wants to do a live on -air debate with Ellis.

I don't know, Terry. We may be too close to the election.

Look, you're slumping. You need the exposure. You'll kill Ellis on the

Let me set it up.

Yeah. What is this crap?

Lies. Half -truths. Let me call you back.

Jeff, shut the door.

and make sure you're on the other side.

Let's save this for the debate, Ellis. No, you want a piece of me? Here I am.

You got something to say, say it to my face.

You're running for public office. The voters have the right to know the

of your character. Rollins, you wouldn't know the meaning of the word character.

And your lack of emotional stability. I overdosed when I was a teenager.

Nobody's stopping you from telling your side of the story.

Know what it's like trying to dig yourself out from under garbage,

You're going to find out.

Don't let him rattle you.

I'm not rattled.

It's still about who's the best man.

Judge Neiman is considering the petition to reduce your sentence.

I tried convincing her you were a model prisoner.

She wasn't moved.

Neiman hates me.

Well, from the court transcript, your conduct was the height of arrogance.

I was the victim of vicious lies. Say what you want. Just get me out of this

cesspool. Douglas, you haven't been... Violated? Don't be silly. That was John

Dean's fear, not mine.

Barney, help him.

I'll do my best.

Looking like that? Who's going to take you seriously?

Don't bite the hand that frees you.

Sweetheart, he's right. This only happened because I was desperate to

our vows.

You're still desperate for me, aren't you? Douglas, I'll be in touch. Sheila,

meet you outside.

You are hungry for me. More than you know, every night you are in my dreams.

While you're trapped in here, dream of the...

Yeah, what?

Oh, Sister Marlene. I need just a moment.

And Ms. Branson is fine.

Eight years of Catholic school, tough to break.

What can I do for you?

Joseph is prepared to plead guilty to misdemeanor child endangerment with

probation. He's also willing to enter family counseling. Reduce felony child

endangerment to a misdemeanor just because he promises to attend therapy.

I know guys like this.

apologizing, swearing. They don't know what came over. Joseph loves Gilbert.

That boy's only hope is his father.

The boy's only hope broke his jaw.

I'm sorry. No deal. I'll tell my client.

Sister, I don't appreciate being blindsided. You and I spoke half a dozen

by phone. You never mentioned you were a nun.

You still think the way I'm dressed will prejudice the proceeding? There isn't a

jury member who won't give you the benefit of the doubt during closing

arguments. And Judge Fiorella can rationalize till the saints come

I'm telling you, your habit affects people.

Clearly.

We're back on KPM AM on your dial all day, all night.

Ross Greenberg sitting in all this week. We're talking with city council

candidate Jonathan Rollins. Why don't we go straight to the phones?

Hello, you're on KPM.

Mr. Rollins, what's your stand on the year -round school calendar?

That issue's decided on the state level, dummy.

KPM, go ahead.

Hello? Hello? Turn your radio down.

Hello? Hello?

You're tough. No patience for the brain dead.

KPM, you're on the air.

Roth? Yes, ma 'am. Go ahead.

I'd like you to ask Mr. Rollins about his arrest two years ago for rape.

Funny. I have access to police records.

Ghost in the machine?

It was a sting.

Uh, part of a blackmail attempt by former D .A. Roboff. Bruce Roboff's been

guest on this show. Hard to believe he's watching you. Roboff wanted me to keep

quiet about my firsthand experience with police brutality in Los Angeles. Let's

not confuse the issue.

I want to know who paid off Rollins. Nobody was paid anything.

I was a suspect for probably ten minutes. Let's discuss those ten

discuss police brutality. We'll talk more about Councilman Rollins' rape

right after this. No formal charges were filed. My name was cleared. You don't

have to shout louder than that, Councilman. We just went to commercial.

Of course Weston is angry, Gwen. I told him we'd send him the settlement

proposal this morning.

Fax me a copy and call me back.

Stuart, what are you doing?

I want to hear some albums.

Well, the turntable's broken. That's why we bought the disc player.

Yeah, but I want to hear this.

Shouldn't you be doing your leg flexes? You know, your physical therapy's very

important. Not now.

I can make this work.

You have no mechanical abilities, Stuart. That's why you went to Wharton's

became an accountant.

I can fix this. Gwen, you forgot the pension.

Gwen Taylor, please.

Hi, it's me. Look, first off... Stuart, turn that down!

What? Gwen, you forgot the pension fund!

A second, you didn't... Hold on!

Turn the damn thing down! I fixed it! See, I told you!

I'll call you back.

Stuart!

How am I supposed to work with all this racket?

I fixed the record player.

And I appreciate that.

It's just, it's hard to concentrate with so much noise.

You know how I did it?

No.

Me either.

Gilbert, how old are you?

Fifteen next month.

Any brothers or sisters?

Just me and my father.

Are you and your dad close?

Get along?

Not really.

He's always on my case.

About the way I dress, who I hang with. Tell me about the night your jaw was

broken. I was hanging in Brad Park.

I wasn't doing anything. We were just talking.

Next thing you know, my father's on me, yelling and screaming, telling me to get

my ass home. Watch your language, young man.

When did he hit you?

We got inside the house, and he just torqued out. He started hammering me

my boys, going out.

Then he grabbed the wood.

This? Yeah, I used that to hold up my window.

Your Honor, request this board be entered as People's Exhibit 3. So

on, Gilbert. What happened next?

Then he grabbed that, and the window slammed shut.

Glass flew.

Then he started beating me. Your Honor, these photos taken at County General are

offered as People's Exhibit 4.

So ordered. Let the record reflect injuries sustained when Mr. Russell

repeatedly hit his son.

Welts and open cuts on Gilbert's thighs and buttocks, as well as compound facial

fractures.

One last question, Gilbert.

Are you scared of your father?

Um, no.

Nothing further.

Gilbert.

The night this happened, before your father left for work, didn't he tell you

not to go to the park?

That's because he's always... Please, answer yes or no.

Yes. So it's easy to understand why he was angry with you. Objection. What Miss

Branson understands is irrelevant.

Sustained. Was there alcohol at the barbecue?

Objection. Irrelevant.

A little leeway, Your Honor. All right, you may answer.

There was some brew there.

Did you drink?

Yeah, so?

Your friends at the barbecue are members of the D .P. Deuces, isn't that right?

Objection irrelevant.

It goes to defendant's intent, Your Honor. I'll allow it. There were some

there, yeah.

And isn't it true that you have been trying to join the deuces for over a

Yes. Gilbert, hasn't your father forbidden you in no uncertain terms to

gang? Yes. And in all that time, has he ever done anything remotely like this?

No. Thank you.

Nothing further.

Hey, check out Tuxedo.

Yo, hey, Tuxedo.

Well, well, well. Look who's doing the fluffing, folks.

Tennessee Tuxedo. Hey, Tennessee, bet you never saw stains like this before,

huh? I'm just doing my job, fellas. Ah, what is it?

That you're a lawyer and that your lady's got a decent pair of bazoons. You

your business, I'll mind mine.

Hey, we just want to know if it's true.

Yes, my wife is well endowed.

No, no, no.

How about you being a lawyer?

I mean, well, lawyers suck.

You suck? You must, if you're a lawyer.

You think he's a lawyer?

I don't think he's a lawyer. No, I believe he's a lawyer because nothing

to lawyers besides getting a job done.

You think he's cute?

I don't think he's cute.

You guys are talking in circles. The only person who's going to be talking in

circles is you.

Hey, come on, Tennessee. Let's take a free ride, huh?

Take off!

Have a nice trip.

All right.

Detective Fowler, I'd like to ask you about your assault.

My report says you were pulled from your car and beaten.

Oh, uh... Stuart?

Mrs. Markowitz?

Yes, is something wrong?

Detective Fowler, I've been assigned to your husband's case.

We'd like him to try identifying potential suspects in his assault.

Oh, this is not the right time. No, I look at the photographs.

Photographs are good.

Five months and you still haven't caught these criminals.

We're doing everything we can.

Anne, I don't know these people.

Do you?

Hey. Hey yourself.

Looks like that leafy green's making a full recovery after all. You know what?

Some of these people hauled away looting. I don't know if it's funny or

pathetic.

A 55 -year -old man hits the dry cleaner, comes away with nine busboy

from a Chinese restaurant. Which brings us to dinner.

Kung pao chicken?

It's the lady I'm prosecuting, Carl Ortiz, a mother who stole diapers and

formula. Technically, she broke the law, but she's not a criminal. So? I became

a lawyer to help people. And you do that. Last week, it was asset forfeiture

forcing me to take away a woman's home because her son was caught dealing

The judicial process is a big practical joke, and my diploma is the whoopee

cushion.

Come on. Let me pull you out of this for an hour.

Thanks.

We're going to see you later?

I don't think so, Tommy.

Okay.

Try not to stay too late. Mm -hmm.

I'm going to give you my speech.

Shake a few hands. Remember,

everybody, tomorrow's election day. Vote early, vote often. How do you feel

about Stuart Markowitz?

He's a long -time associate. I like him. Then you're on his side.

What? Word on the street is the men who beat Mr. Markowitz were provoked. What

do you say?

We should refrain from judging anyone until the police completes the

investigation. The community leaders claim Markowitz called the niggers.

that qualify as racist?

Of course.

Was this a random act of violence?

No. Shouldn't you support your district?

Absolutely. Jonathan, we're late.

Would you prosecute this case? That's up to the DA's office. Who's telling the

truth? We'll find out. Then it's possible Markowitz provoked his

Anything's possible.

Hey, Mr. Councilman!

Have you tried less severe ways of disciplining your son everything I even

tried taking Gilbert to work with me But he couldn't get his homework done with

all the noise.

What upset you about those boys your son was with that night?

They gangbangers.

They put Gilbert's life in danger. Objection. What Mr. Russell believes is

irrelevant.

Overruled.

But these gangs go looking for trouble.

I'm afraid my son will get killed.

I don't want to lose my son.

He's all I got.

No more questions.

Mr. Russell, for the past month, Gilbert's been living with his aunt.

She's testified he hasn't been a problem. Why is that?

He's a good boy, just strong will.

Where we live, it doesn't take long for a boy's world to be turned upside down.

Would I have his jaw broken?

Argumentative, Your Honor.

Sustained. According to the police report, you grabbed this piece of lumber

you kept swinging to your raised welts on your son's backside.

Then you hit him... Objection!

Have you ever been convicted of criminal assault?

Five years ago.

Someone picked a fight. You lost your temper and you clobbered some poor...

Objection! You don't know what you're talking about. I'm talking about felony

assault, Mr. Russell. Look, that guy was way out of line. Just like your son?

Objection! Withdrawn.

Nothing further.

Mrs. Ortiz.

My name... Miss Clements.

Anything you have to tell my client, she'll say in front of me.

Excuse me.

Actually, you and I should talk in private.

Sure.

Listen, I want you to know that I tried, but the DA's office won't go for

probation. How about a lesser charge? I'm sorry.

So what?

Excuse me?

Oh, Miss Clemens, I'm being bombarded with dozens of cases like Carla Ortiz.

You know, it's the same on your end, rubber -stamping justice.

It's all part of the job, percentages.

But thanks for trying.

You're really digging in here.

Well, I want us to be prepared for next week. Alec Weston's an important client.

Have a seat.

How's Jules?

What? Oh, doing great.

He's taking a nap.

He's making real progress. He fixed the stereo yesterday.

So it shouldn't be long before he's his old self again.

Yeah?

I woke up thirsty.

Stuart, you remember Gwen?

Hi, Gwen.

Hi.

I'm going to go into the kitchen and get myself some orange juice.

Well, why don't we get to work on these depositions?

Anne, is there anything I can do?

Thanks. Really, there isn't.

Whoops.

Guess what I broke?

Mandatory sentence, one year in county jail.

Credit four months' time served. Next case.

Case number 34823, People v.

Carla Ortiz.

Mr.

Ballin, the meter is running.

Your Honor, at this time, the people request that all charges against Carla

Ortiz be dropped.

On what grounds, Miss Clemens?

Insufficient evidence.

Then why is this case on the docket?

I'm sorry, Your Honor. I've only recently been made aware of new facts in

case. Mr. Ballin, case dismissed.

Your client is free to go.

Miss Clemens, a little notice next time?

Court is adjourned.

I'm Jonathan Rollins. How you doing?

Mark Leland!

Came down to support the cause, huh?

The campaign headquarters told me where you were.

Can you spare a minute?

It's a really lousy time. How are you doing? Jonathan Rollins, city council?

How are you? According to the newspaper, you believe Stuart Markowitz provoked

his own attack? I don't believe everything you read.

Jonathan Rollins, city council.

How are you doing?

Whether you like it or not, your colleagues are confused.

Frankly, so am I. Jonathan Rollins?

I hope I can rectify this thing before it snowballs completely out of control.

Always had a broad -based report of McKenzie Bragman.

Jonathan Rollins.

You honestly believe Stuart Markowitz provoked his beating?

Of course not.

Then I suggest you clear this up as soon as you can.

Leland, I really resent you coming down here questioning my integrity.

What about Stuart's integrity?

It was a no -win situation.

If you believe that, be prepared.

Because if you lose this election and your remaining option is returning to

firm, it will be a cold place indeed.

Jonathan Rollins, be careful.

All right.

Feels like I'm beginning to lose track of time.

Minutes turn into hours, hours into days, days into weeks.

Don't you know any other tunes?

I'm not a big Stephen Foster fan.

You really should see an internist.

You could see mine. When you're released, I mean.

It'd be my way of thanking you for pulling me out of the dryer.

Watching over me.

Don't you know any Frank Sinatra?

Nobody's above the law.

But no principle can justify this kind of treatment.

We have prisons, but clearly it doesn't matter who occupies the cells.

I may have been a babe in the woods when I was thrown in here, but when I'm

released, watch out. I will not go quietly.

And obviously, neither will you.

In order to find my client not guilty, you must believe that his behavior was

reasonable under the circumstances.

To do so, you must consider the world in which Gilbert lives.

A dangerous place of gangs and guns and poverty.

And you must also consider what was at stake.

A young boy's future filled with dreams and possibilities which are easily

destroyed. If any of you saw your child walk in the path of a speeding train,

wouldn't you yank him out of the way even if it meant breaking a bone in the

process? This was Joseph Russell's dilemma.

Joseph Russell's fear for his son's life is understandable.

But is beating a child ever a reasonable form of discipline?

The defense says Joseph battered his son in order to save him.

But before you make your decision, you ask yourself this.

If you condone this man's actions as an acceptable form of salvation,

How will he save his son tomorrow?

Fathers owe their sons more than discipline.

Tough love is hypocrisy. Strength is a hug, a

compassionate smile, not a clenched fist or uncontrolled rage.

The body may heal.

The emotional wounds will never disappear.

If you think dismissing this woman's charges is some kind of defiance, some

misdirected act of conscience, you're mistaken. I'll reply. And I'll go to

Hanson and tell him I perjured myself in the Meacham trial and that you were the

one who advised me to frame my testimony.

Can't prove a thing.

Try me, Ruby.

All right.

You can have Carl Ortiz.

Thank you.

I will not be threatened by you again.

Because if I am, I will do everything in my power to make sure your career is

over.

It is over.

Matty decided to wear his lunch.

Stuart?

Are you okay?

I know that I'm 41 years old.

But I... I don't have memories that fill that time.

You have those memories, Stuart. But the doctor said... The doctor said... But

the doctor said... The doctor doesn't know anything.

And neither do I. I can't...

Why can't I remember?

I don't know the people in those pictures. I don't know the guy who cuts

lawn. I can't remember the name of our son. Why can't I? Stop it, Stuart. Stop

it.

Dad.

So the rumor's true, huh?

I quit.

Why am I the last to know? You were in court. I tried.

No, I have tried. I have tried for weeks to find out what's going on. Tommy,

listen. I've never stopped listening, so... I'm not only quitting the DA's

office.

What's that supposed to mean?

I'm leaving.

I thought that... My plane's tonight.

Where to?

I don't know.

I'm going to Portland first to stay with my mother a while. So you're tossing me

out of your life just like that? Tommy, after I got shot, you took care of me

and you got me back on my feet, but now I'm not standing in the same place.

The law, this job, L .A., I... I can't stay here.

I can't go back to being the person I used to be because...

I'd turn into someone I wouldn't like.

Someone you'd hate.

Damn you.

Leland.

Leland.

Who? Philip Darcy's on the top line.

Oh, thank you, Roxanne.

Would you close my door, please?

I'm worried about the old man. Spins his days just staring out the window. He's

had a rough couple of weeks.

Tell him to travel. Clear his calendar. Clear his head.

Everything that's going on at McKenzie, Brockman, haven't you taken a look

around yourself since you got back?

I thought you'd changed. Well, actually, I've mostly been looking inward, but

Leland was right about one thing. I could use a trim.

Oh, come on, Rox. I really appreciated the last one he gave me. It was great.

All right.

Rox.

Rox, we're just talking trim here, right?

It's been a long time since we've had a spare office.

Turning it into a nursery for your little girl?

Yeah. Having Lucy just down the hall is going to be terrific.

Leland was completely open to the idea.

Me too.

Children are our future.

Maybe you have changed.

Hello?

All clear.

Hey, who am I to fault Morales for striking a sweetheart deal and wanting

little kid nearby?

Anyway, with all the crying and whining going on around here, nice to know now

it'll be coming from a loaded diaper and not another three -piece suit.

Maybe you haven't changed.

Fox, I'm like water.

Nothing under heaven is more yielding than when it attacks something hard and

resistant.

Nothing can prevail.

Sit, Grasshopper.

Go ahead, make all the jokes you want.

You wait and see.

In the matter of the people versus Joseph Russell on the charge of felony

endangerment, we find the defendant not guilty.

Mr. Russell, you're free to go.

Gilbert Russell, I will recommend to social services that you be released

the custody of your father.

Court is adjourned.

It'll take time, Joseph.

You'll get your son back.

Congratulations, sister.

Maybe next time his old man will love him to death.

Who was it you saw when you looked at Joseph Russell?

If this is one of those religious mysteries, like how many angels can

the head of a pin, I don't have the time.

Was it your father?

Was he the one?

As a matter of fact, yeah.

Sorry. Don't be.

It was a long time ago.

And some things can't be forgiven.

Why not start with the things that can?

Good luck, Mr. Mullaney.

Ellis is leading by 16%. Fat lady singing.

It's not just us.

Ruby Thomas is getting hammered as well.

Well, speech writing's not for me anyway.

I'm going to try punching out some short stories.

But it was nice working with you, Jonathan.

Appreciate all you did, Jeff.

Oh, I know, I know.

Don't let the door hit me in the ass.

I'd like to say it's been nice working with you.

I'd be lying.

Earned a lot of bridges during this campaign.

Said things I didn't mean.

And for what? I got a valuable piece of information for you.

You make a lousy politician.

You take things too personally.

And you're not comfortable with compromises or trade -offs.

That's a compliment?

You're damn right.

Jonathan, take care of yourself.

Hey.

You're not sticking around for my concession speech?

I know who wrote it.

Oh.

Keep it.

Be a collector's item someday.

Take

a deep

breath. Fill your lungs.

You know what that is? Carbon monoxide.

To me, that's the smell of freedom.

How can I ever thank you, Arnie?

Let me practice entertainment law.

Did I mention your shave and haircut look great?

I'm going home.

I'll go home, too.

Not until I make this pledge, Sheila.

I have seen the underbelly. I've tasted some of the worst food imaginable. But I

survived. As soon as we get home, you'll get your reward.

Sheila, I'm being sincere.

I use the scoff of Mackenzie Brackman's pro bono work as a waste of time and

lost income. I hereby swear to pull at least one drowning man from the river

Styx and change his life forever.

But first, a hot shower, and I've got the loofah.

Our focus should be on rebuilding, repairing neighborhoods and

that have been damaged by neglect and anger.

Let us all create something from the ground up, dirty, fresh, and

full of possibility.

Come and say goodbye.

It's not forever.

You know, for the last couple of days, I have been thinking a lot about love.

Why, after all these years,

it feels so difficult for me.

But I... So...

Anyway...

This is for you.

Straight from the mini -mart.

Bread.

So that you will never know hunger.

that your life will be safe.

Wine, so that you will know joy and prosperity.

Grape juice?

So it's a young wine.

That's my cab.

Thank you Tommy.

I will always love you.

Be good to yourself.

Anne, I brushed my teeth.

Good.

Are you going to sleep with me again?

You ask me that every night, Stuart.

Sorry.

It's just that I'm in the hospital.

I got used to sleeping by myself.

Are you glad to be home?

Sort of.

Nate. Something wrong, Stuart?

No.

What's he doing here?

Matty's still running a little fever, so he's going to sleep with us.

Is that okay?

Yeah.

Because I'm very tired, so... As soon as he falls back to sleep, I'll take him

back to his bed.

Hey, Manny.

Ann?

Ann, I remember.

What, Stuart?

I remember the night our son was born.

It was raining, right?

You were in a lot of pain.

I told you to focus on your breathing.

When Matty came out, he had that

umbilical cord around his neck.

And you looked me in the eye, and I didn't want you to see that I was

I smiled at you.

You smiled back.

And then Dr. Parker just slipped away the cord.

And you put Matty on your chest, and he was healthy.

And he was safe.

And it was the most beautiful sight I ever saw.