All language subtitles for Unexpected.Grace.2023.WEBRip.x264-ION10

This place
seems so much smaller

than I remember
as a kid.

A kid, huh?

You know what I mean.

Oh, they still have the--
the wishing well.

Can I have a quarter
for a wish?

A quarter?

Did you know
that, when you were little,

a wish only cost a penny?

It's called inflation, Mom.

Oh, really? Okay.

Well, these will have to do.

- Thank you.
- Two nickels.

I'll be right back.

So, Toni, are you gonna
tell me what you wished for?

Do I have to?

I'm your mother!
You have to tell me everything.

Fine!

Uh, with one nickel,

I wished for things to get
better between you and Dad.

Um... and the other,

I wished to find a best friend.

But you have a lot of friends.

Yeah, but...

it would be nice to find
a best friend

who isn't trying so hard

to impress everyone
all the time.

Someone I can hang out with
and just...

be.

I mean, we're called
"human beings," right?

I can be your friend.

Thanks, Mom, but someone
my own age would be nice.

- Okay.
- Yeah.

Um, one time,
at science camp,

we did an experiment where
we let go of a weather balloon.

It got about...
30 yards,

then it hit a spruce tree
and popped.

Hmm.

That gives me an idea.

- Okay.
- Come on. It's gonna be fun.

You see what he's doing there?

Blowing up the balloon?

No. It's called "inflation".

Oh! You made me snort!

I always do.

Mm.

What are you doing?

You want to find a friend?

Let the fates decide.

"But...

if the while...

I think on thee,
dear friend,

all losses are restored...

and sorrows end."

Of course you go
with Shakespeare.

"Sonnets" number 30.
Your turn.

Okay.

♪ We can last forever ♪

♪ If we stick together ♪

♪ In the here and now... ♪

So? What did you write?

It's a secret between
me and my future B.F.F...

Oh, okay!

- Are you ready?
- Yeah.

Five, four, three, two,

one.

♪ We belong, we belong ♪

♪ In this sweet oblivion ♪

♪ You and me ♪

♪ We belong... ♪

♪ We belong ♪

♪ In this sweet... ♪

♪ ...Oblivion ♪

♪ Oblivion ♪

♪ Ooh... ♪

♪ Oblivion ♪

Hey!

Hi.

Hey, Grace.

Grace! Hey.

Did you not plan
on eating today?

No, thanks.

I'll just grab
something at the snack shop.

Are you sure?
I put a cupcake in here.

I had a feeling.

You sure you don't
want me to drive you?

Nope. I'm good. Thanks.

All right.
Love you! Bye!

Teenagers are tough.

You can say that again.

Well, don't worry,
it gets easier...

but not for a while.

You have a teenager?

No, but I was one once,
and I have two sisters.

We did not make it easy
on my parents,

that's for sure.

How did they manage
three girls?

Well, my dad
mostly deferred to my mom.

Hmm.

It's just my daughter
and me.

I saw the moving trucks
a couple of months ago.

I've been meaning to come by
and introduce myself.

- Audrey Wollinsky.
- Hi, Audrey.

Jack McCabe.
Nice to meet you.

That's my daughter, Grace.

Must be hard
being a single father.

Well, feel free to let me know
if you need anything.

I just live down the street.
Green house.

Yeah, will do.

I have to head off to work.
I'll see you around, Audrey.

- Nice to meet you, Jack.
- Take care.

Go ahead.

You--
No, you.

All right.
Thank you.

Thank you.

Okay, everyone,
settle down.

I'm going to start
handing out your papers.

Hey, Liv.

Any big plans
for spring break?

We have a basketball tournament
up in Portland.

Nice.

I love basketball.

I used to play...

at my old school.

You guys can do better.

That's on you, McCabe.

Okay, I don't know
about your old school,

but it is very competitive here,

so if you want to be
my lab partner,

you're gonna need to step up
your game, big-time.

Let's look at the effects of...

Hi, Maya.

Hi.

I cannot wait
for this day to be over.

Hey, what did you get
on your project with Liv?

C-minus.

Ouch.

I bet she wasn't happy
about that.

She was brutal.

Don't worry about Liv.
She's harmless.

I thought
you liked science, though.

What happened?

Yeah. I don't know.

It's not the same
as my old school.

This place is different
than most places I've lived.

It's harder
to meet people here,

and you're the only person
who talks to me,

and that's only because
you're my peer tutor.

That's not true.

I mean, I get extra credit
for doing it,

but I think
you're pretty cool.

Thanks.
You too.

Have you eaten lunch yet?

No, I didn't.
I'm starving.

Here. Have half of this.

Thanks!

So good.

I haven't had a PB-and-J
since I was a kid.

That's my dad.

It's one of the only four foods
he knows how to make.

It's kind of cute

that he still makes your lunches
for you, though.

My dad just hands me money.

He still treats me
like a kid, though.

It's so annoying.

He didn't even ask
if I was okay moving here.

He just got a job,
and that was it.

Parents are like that.

All they care about
is their jobs and money.

Okay. I better go.

Hey, I was wondering

if you wanted to hang out
during the break.

I'd love to,

but I'm going to Whistler
with my parents.

Sounds fun.

Yeah.

Thanks again for the sandwich.

I'll see you later.

You're welcome. Bye.

"I grant,
I never saw a goddess go.

My mistress,
when she walks,

treads on the ground.

I think,
my love as rare

as any she belied
with false compare."

Emily?

What do you think

Shakespeare was trying to say
to the dark lady?

I don't know.

Maybe that she was, like,
pretty and stuff?

Talk more about
the "and stuff".

Is Shakespeare being...

sarcastic?

Flirtatious?

Perhaps... ironic?

Yeah, probably one of those.

I am aware that many of you

are taking this course
to fulfill a requirement,

but you may want to check
my office hours

before next week's
in-class essay,

if you need more help.

Class dismissed.

Have students
always been this disengaged?

I'm not sure
they're more disengaged,

but they're certainly
more interested

in the social aspects of college
over academics.

Yeah. I mean, I'm sure I was
the same way as an undergrad.

Oh, you and me both.

Being young isn't easy.

Those hormones
and wide-open future--

it's exhilarating and scary,
all at the same time.

Are you okay?

Yeah. You just reminded me
of something Toni once said

about everyone trying
to impress each other.

Oh. I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to--

No! It's fine, Chris. Really.

How are you doing
with everything?

"Grief makes one hour ten."

Shakespeare. He always
had an answer for everything.

Well, if you need to talk,
I won't even charge you.

Well, the benefits

of having a friend
that's a psych professor.

No, I'm fine.

But I might take you up
on that someday.

Absolutely.

I've been struggling all day

to find jobs
to keep my guys busy here.

They're ready to break ground.

I know that, Jack,

but I need you
to hold down the fort.

Can you do that?

Yes, sir.

You know how these things are,
Jack-- bureaucrats.

Yes, sir.

Yeah, I'll wait
on your go-ahead.

Enjoy the weekend.

You have a good weekend, too.

All right, guys...

pack it up for today.

Red tape, I guess.

See ya later, Jack.

Hey. What's up?
Did you see my calls?

Yeah.

So what's the point
of you having your own phone

if you don't even
answer my calls?

I was worried about you.

I didn't feel like talking.

You didn't feel like...

talking?

Great--

You found
your mom's necklace.

It looks nice on you.

- Thanks.
- Yeah.

Talk to me, Gracie.

What's going on?

I, uh, I have free time
this weekend.

Let's do something.

Okay. What's so important

that you just had
to check your phone

in the middle
of our conversation?

A singer I follow
just posted a picture.

I see you kids staring down
at your phones all day long.

'Kay, like...

like, look up
and appreciate the world.

Wow! The sky,
the clouds,

and...

What's in that tree?

Grace, come on.
I'm being serious.

No, seriously.
There's something in that tree.

I don't know.
Looks like a kite or something.

It kind of looks like
a cupcake.

Everything looks
like a cupcake to you.

Should I climb up
and get it?

No. I'll--
I'll grab a ladder later.

I'll knock it down.

Hey, quick game of "HORSE"
before dinner?

You know you want to.

You're on.

Are you boycotting your food
or something?

Did you know the term "boycott"
came from a man in the 1800s?

Charles Cunningham Boycott.

I did not know that.

I thought it came from

a bunch of boys
in sleepaway camp

protesting their beds.

"Boycott".

The joke is kind of
like this meal--

not your best effort, but...
not your worst.

Ooh, burn.

I think brats are my--

...wurst meal, ja?

I get it. Bratwurst.

Now, see...

you're the only 13-year-old
I can imagine getting that joke.

You trained me well.

Yeah, I did.

Which brings me
to the next topic.

How can such a smarty-pants

still be having a hard time
in her classes?

I got another email
from Mr. Brown,

saying your science grade
isn't improving,

even with the tutoring.

He's worried
that you're "underachieving".

How does he know
I'm underachieving?

I've barely been here
two months.

Maybe it's my normal achieving.

They've seen the transcripts
from your old school.

They know
you make straight "A"s.

Well, people change.

Do they? Or maybe
they make poor decisions.

Like moving away three states

in the middle
of the school year?

Grace, I...

Look, nowhere's perfect.

Look, I'm sorry.

I know
this hasn't been easy for you.

If you want to make new friends, just...

go be friendly.

It's not that easy, Dad.

I can't just walk up to somebody
and ask them to play.

I know. I know. I...

I know you're not a kid anymore.
I wasn't try--

Look.

Try harder in school, okay?

You have
such a brilliant mind.

Hey.

Audrey, right?

You remembered!
Yeah. Hi, Jack.

You baked us a pie?

Just a... a little
"welcome to the neighborhood".

That's so sweet of you.

Uh, come on in.

We are just finishing up dinner.

Um, I can put some coffee on.

- Sure.
- Yeah? Hey, Gracie!

This is our neighbor, Audrey.

She brought us this... this...

fresh pie.

Would you like a slice?

No, thanks.
I'm stuffed.

I'm gonna go
take out the trash.

Hmm.

"Looking for a friend?

You're not the only one.

I've never had a penpal,

but you look like
a good one to me.

Write to me
at the address below.

Toni."

Toni.

You're up early
for a Saturday.

Yeah.
Just going to a friend's.

Oh. I thought you said
you don't have any friends here.

Well, more like
a potential friend.

Mm? Mm-hmm.

Bringing your last cupcakes?

She must have
a lot of potential.

Hey, I thought
Audrey seemed nice, right?

Yeah, I guess.

The pie seemed like
a sweet gesture.

Very much like your cupcake.

Hey, you know what?
Hold on.

I can drop you off
at your friend's house,

- if you want.
- Sure.

♪ Sinking
Deeper and deeper ♪

♪ I won't stop ♪

♪ To come up for air ♪

♪ You've made me... ♪

All right.
I think this is it.

All right. Have fun.

Okay.

Bye, Dad.

Be careful.

I will.

And what do you do
when the phone rings?

Answer it.

Bye.

♪ This is it ♪

♪ It's the moment
and the magic ♪

♪ We can hold
and never forget ♪

♪ This is it ♪

♪ This is it ♪

Oh!

Sorry.

Hi.

Are you--

- You go ahead.
- No, you.

Please. Here.

It's fine, really.

Please, go ahead.

Have a nice day.

Thanks.

See ya.

"Dear Toni...

I found what was left
of your balloon

in a big tree
near my yard.

My name is..."

"...Grace McCabe..."

"...and I'm 13

and a freshman
at Ash Park High School.

My dad and I
just moved to town,

so, yes...

I'm also looking
for a friend.

I would love
to be your pen pal.

I assume by your balloon
that you must love cupcakes.

I love them, too.

But who doesn't, right?

So if you'd like

a balloon-finding,
cupcake-loving buddy,

you can write me back--
maybe email is easier.

Grace at GracieCakes dot-com.

P.S.-- Bonus points

if you happen to be
good at science,

'cause I'm not doing so hot
in that class.

P.P.S.-- Cool quote.

Was that Shakespeare
or something?"

Hey. That was fast.

How was your potential friend?

Oh, yeah.
She wasn't at home.

Oh...

I think, um,

whatever was up in this tree
must have blown down.

Want to do something fun today?

Want to go explore town?

Audrey was telling me

about this great hiking trail
not too far from here.

Maybe the three of us
can go together.

I did enough walking today.

Would you mind
if I went with Audrey?

Really?
She's our neighbor.

Yeah.
What's wrong with that?

You do whatever
you want to do, Jack.

It's "Dad,"

and I'll be home in time
for the Nuggets game.

Maybe...
finish unpacking your stuff?

"Dear Grace McCabe,

thank you so much for writing
to let us know

you found
Antonia's balloon."

"We did that experiment

to find a new friend,

and I guess
it was a success.

I hope you're enjoying
your new home.

It's a wonderful town
to grow up in.

Your new friend,
Noelle Webb.

P.S. There's a great
bookstore cafe

near your school.

It's a good place
to do homework,

check out comic books,
and meet other kids."

Oh, good!
You got the game on.

What's the score?

Nuggets up four.
Jokic already has 12.

Ahh!

Here.

Oh, man.

You're looking chipper.

I made a new friend. Noelle.

Remember that girl's house
I went to,

and she wasn't home?

Yeah?

Well, her sister
emailed me.

She told me about
this cool bookstore in town.

Hey. Good for you. See that?

Things are coming together
for you.

Now you just have
to concentrate on your grades.

...Goes for the shot, and--

Oh!

From downtown! Nice!
For three and one!

Oh, be right back.

You're just in time.
Hope you like pepperoni.

- Yeah, my favorite.
- Let me take your jacket.

Sure.
What are we watching? Hockey?

You guys can watch.

I'm gonna finish
unpacking my room.

Hey, wait-- seriously?

Why don't you just
finish your pizza?

I'm good.

"Dear Noelle and Antonia..."

"Hey, girlfriends."

"I was happy to--"
No.

"I was pleased
to hear from you."

A little help here?

"Dear Noelle...

I'm so happy
to hear from you.

Sorry for leaving a letter
on your front porch.

I hope
that didn't seem stalker-ish.

I was too excited
to wait for snail-mail.

Where's Toni?

Are you two
into Shakespeare?

Seems like he's
a pretty big deal in this town.

Thanks for the tip
about the bookstore.

I'll def check it out.

Do you ever feel like, sometimes,

people can leave us
at the absolute worst time,

but then the right person
can also show up

at exactly
the right time?

That's how I felt
when I saw that balloon.

It's like you literally
fell from the sky.

Anyway.

Hope you're having
a great day,

Grace."

Noelle Webb?

Yes.

You've been served.

Five-minute warning
to complete your essays.

Just a reminder--

I will be giving extra credit

to anyone who attends

"Sonnets Under the Stars"
tonight.

Hot chocolate?

Cool necklace.

Oh. Thanks.

I haven't seen you here before.

First time.

We moved to Ashland
a couple of months ago.

Nice. Well, welcome.

You found
the coolest place in town.

Congrats.

Good to know.

"Dear Grace,

Shakespeare once said,
'What's past is prologue,'

which, to me, means

the present is exactly
how it's meant to be,

because of the past.

I'm glad
you found that balloon.

Have a great rest of the day.

Your friend, Noelle."

What are you doing home
so early?

Um...

apparently, there's
some issue with our contract.

I am loving
this new mood of yours.

Did I hear you singing
when I came in?

My new friend, Noelle--

I feel like
she really gets me.

That's great.

Maybe you should invite her
over for dinner sometime.

Dad, we just met.

I don't want her to think
I'm desperate.

Right.

Got it.

Um, hey, Audrey wants to go

to this Shakespeare thing tonight...

Shakespeare?

I want to go.

You do? Okay, great.

I'll, um...
I'll let her know.

Cool.

Thanks for this, Audrey.
This is nice.

I always found
something romantic

about Shakespeare's words,

even if I don't
always understand them.

How about you, Grace?
Have you studied Shakespeare?

No, but I want to.

Ahem.

"Shall I compare thee

to a summer's day?

Thou art more lovely
and more temperate."

"Rough winds do shake
the darling buds of May,

and summer's lease hath
all too short a date,

but thy eternal summer
shall not fade,

nor lose possession
of that fair thou ow'st..."

"Nor shall death brag
thou wand'rest in his shade,

when in eternal lines
to time thou grow'st.

So long as men can breathe,
or eyes can see,

so long lives this...

and this gives life to thee."

"Noelle Webb".

Wait...

"Noelle, I went..."

"I went
to Sonnets under the Stars.

There was a Noelle Webb
reading Shakespeare."

"Is that you?

I thought
you were a kid.

Or maybe it's somebody else.

Confused.
Let me know."

Well, I imagine
getting divorce papers,

no matter how inevitable,

is still a shock.

It's just really sad.

16 years of marriage--
over.

And it's been...
what, two years now?

Mm-hmm.

But you were
having issues before?

You see, my experience
is that these things

either bring couples
closer together

or wedge them apart.

Well, we definitely
got the wedge.

Right.

There's something else

that I'd really love
to get your thoughts on.

Yeah, of course.

Hey, you're here again.

Oh, I was bored.

We got to be the only
two people still in town.

I'm Owen, by the way.

Grace.

Do you like comics, Grace?

Oh, yeah.

I don't know why I said that.
I actually don't own any.

Well, now you know
the guy to ask

if you ever want
to get started collecting.

Okay. Thanks.
That would be great.

No problem.

I'll just be over there,
if you need anything.

Thanks.

Did I go too far?
She thought I was her age.

Well, you never actually
said that you were a kid,

but you also didn't say
that you weren't one.

And you didn't tell her
about Toni either.

I mean, this poor girl thinks

that she's got
two new best friends.

But one of them's an adult,
and the other one's...

well, you know.

What should I do?

You have to end it.

I know
you have good intentions,

but I don't think
this is healthy

for either of you.

Send her a message.

And be direct.

Tch.

" Grace...

I am so sorry
for the misunderstanding.

I didn't mean to mislead you.

I was also
surprised and excited

that you found the balloon.

I didn't want
to leave you unanswered.

And yes, I am the same Noelle
from the other night.

For a lot of reasons,

I'm afraid it's probably best
if we stop communicating.

You are a very special
young lady,

and I wish you the best.

I am confident
that, when you settle in here,

you will make many
great friends your own age.

Best, Noelle."

Hey, sweetness.

Don't you have work today?

No.

So I have a little time.

Um, there's a standing
flea market in town.

I was telling Audrey about it.
She wants to go.

Do you want to come with us?

No, thanks.

Thought it'd be fun.

You used to love flea markets.

I used to love
going to them

because Mom loved
the flea market.

Yeah. Yes, she did.

She would always find
such great little treasures,

like that necklace.

Are you trying to get Audrey
to like everything Mom liked,

or something?

I didn't think about it
like that.

I just thought it'd be
something fun to do.

Audrey's a friend.

She definitely wants
to be more than friends.

And if you don't want more,

you probably shouldn't
lead her on.

You think I'm leading her on?

I don't know, Dad.

She seems perfectly nice,

but I can tell
you're not interested in her.

We have to live next to her.

The longer you take
to break up with her,

the more awkward
it will be.

Well, we don't have to break up
because we're not together.

Okay.

Have fun at the flea market
with your not-girlfriend.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!

Hey, hey, hey.

Ah.

I never thought I'd be

the guy getting dating advice
from his daughter.

Just so you know,

this road goes both ways,
so if--

if you ever need advice with...

you know, with boys, of course,

but with anything,
I just--

I want you to know
that I am here for you.

I'm good, Dad.

Great talk.

I'm going for a walk.

Can I help you?

It's me. Grace.

Grace.

Uh, what are you doing here?

I wanted to meet Toni.

I thought maybe
she still needed a friend,

like the balloon said.
Is she home?

Um, no.
No, she's not.

Well, come on in.
Get warm.

You must be freezing.

Uh... well,
can I get you some tea?

Sure.

I thought you were, like,
my age this whole time.

Toni's sister or something.

Is that her?

Yeah.

So you're her mom?

Yes.

Look, I'm sorry
that you thought I was a kid.

As I said,
I didn't mean to mislead you.

The truth is, I kind of
enjoyed our little messages.

It was nice
to talk to someone again.

My mom died
when I was seven.

Breast cancer.

My dad takes me to fundraisers
for breast cancer...

the walks
and the special events...

helping others
helps me feel close to her.

He sounds like a good dad.

He tries his best.

But...

sometimes, a girl
just needs her mom.

Um... okay, well,

would you like
chamomile or green tea?

Chamomile would be great.

Okay.

What made you change your mind
about the flea market?

You know, Grace reminded me

that it was sort of
her mom's favorite thing,

and I just...
I don't think it'd be right.

I understand.

Good. Hey, look, Audrey,
I wanted to talk to you.

I feel like we--

Jack?

You don't need to say it.

It's pretty obvious.

It is? Okay.

Well, thank you. I--
It has nothing to do with you.

I think
you're a great person.

I just... I, uh, I'm in
a different place, right now.

Jack? It's okay.

Thanks.

Hey, Gracie?

All right. Here you go.

Some nice hot tea.

Careful. It's hot.

Everything okay?

Mm. Just my dad,
and he's coming to pick me up.

He worries about me too much.

Mm. That's what parents do.

They worry.

Toni looks like you.

Oh.

May I use the restroom?

Um, sure. Yeah.
It's just up the stairs.

Grace?

I'm so sorry.
I was just curious.

That's okay.

That must be your dad.

Wait.

You're Grace's dad?

Yeah.

Um...

I'm Noelle Webb.

So... you're Noelle?

Okay, so let me get
this straight.

So you two have been...

you've been
e-mailing back and forth,

but you thought
that she was a kid,

but that was
a big misunderstanding?

I'm sorry
for the confusion.

Okay.

Why do I feel like there's
so much more to this story?

Noelle is Toni's mom.

Oh... okay. Got it.

So where--
where is Toni?

- She's not here.
- She isn't?

What-- where is...
where is she, then?

Why are you here?

Why did you come?

I didn't know she wasn't here
until I got here.

Okay, you left

without telling me
where you were going.

You didn't call,
you didn't text.

And so I'm-- I was--
I was, like, I was worried.

I just didn't think
it was a big deal.

You didn't--? Come on!

We always talked--
like, Noelle,

that would be a big deal
if Toni did that, right?

Right.

I'm not just trying to be
the bad guy all the time here.

Right? I mean...
it's called being a parent.

Isn't that right, Noelle?

Look, there's something
that you should know.

Okay. I get it, Dad.
I'm sorry.

Thank you.

I'm sorry. What-- um,
what did you want to say?

You know what?

Let's just talk about it
another time.

All right.

Um...

hey, if you and your family
want to come over

this week for dinner, that way,

we can kind of get to know
each other the proper way?

And I'd love to meet

your husband
and your daughter as well.

Well, we're not
together anymore.

Offer still stands--

if you want
to exchange numbers,

we can make plans.

Sure. Yeah.

I'll be in touch.

Great. Um... oh!

I wanted to say,
the, uh...

the Shakespeare thingie you did
the other day, that was...

it was beautiful.

And, uh, yeah, I thought
you were the best one.

You really were!

Thank you.

Yeah.

You know I love you, right?

I can't always

relate to the struggles
of a teenage girl,

but...

I'm trying.

I know, Dad.

You should know,
I talked to Audrey.

You broke up with her?

She, um...

she sort of broke up
with herself.

It was--
It was weird.

Yeah.

But, um, we never made it
to the flea market, so...

maybe you and I could go
together sometime?

Sure. I'd love to.

Okay. Me too.

All right. Enjoy that.

You gotta get ready
for bed, okay?

'Night, sweetness.

Goodnight, Dad.

"Noelle...

Sorry for tonight.

I hope Toni and I
can still be friends

when she gets back."

How was your tournament?

We got second.

That's too bad.

Out of, like, 30 schools.

Mr. Brown?

I'd like to request
a new lab partner, please?

In the real world,

you can't always choose
who you work with,

so... neither can you.

Yeah. I'll be over
in one sec.

How's it going, Jerry?

Jack...

I just want to give you
a heads-up.

There's a good chance
I'm gonna lose our funding.

The new governor's
tightening the purse strings.

What does that mean for me
and my guys?

No funding, no building.

We have a two-year contract.
I moved here for this job.

I know.

That's why
I'm giving you the heads-up.

We should know more
by the end of the month,

but I'm just sorry
to be the bearer of bad news.

You can order food
if you want.

No, no, no. I'm--
I'm just reading the menu.

"The Hamlet omelet,"
"the Macbeth and cheese--"

your town really likes,
really likes Shakespeare.

Yeah. My favorite one
is the "Julius Caesar" salad.

Hey, um, you and I both work
for the same institution.

I'm foreman for the construction
project on campus.

At the science center?
Is that still happening?

I don't...

I'm still waiting
on final approval.

I...
I wish I had a nickel

for every time they told me
"one more day."

So your daughter
sent me an email,

telling me that she still wanted
to be friends with Toni

when she got back.

It's probably my fault, so...

I've been worried about her and...

So I'm-- I'm a single dad,

and she is my entire world,

um, even if she often wants
nothing to do with me,

um, so,
yes, it's fine with me,

if Grace is friends with Toni
when she gets back.

Jack...

...the thing is,

Toni isn't coming back.

What do you mean?

Toni died...

...a little under two years ago.

And in that final Spring
with her,

we tied a note to a balloon,
a cupcake balloon,

that ended up in your tree.

And in that note...

Toni was asking
for a best friend.

Grace found that balloon
and saw the note?

Yeah.

And she left the balloon
and letter on my porch

that day that we almost
ran into each other again?

Oh... yes.

Grace wanted a real friend
so badly,

just like my Antonia did.

And so you...

you wrote back,
pretending to be Toni?

No.

No, I wrote back as "Noelle,"

but your daughter assumed
that I was Toni's sister.

Oh...

I hope that you understand

that, when I read
that letter...

it was like my daughter
reaching out to me.

Grace is the same age
that Toni was when she passed.

And I just... I couldn't
bring myself to tell her

that Toni wasn't
with us anymore.

I didn't know
how she would take it.

I think you did
the right thing.

So, ever since Grace's mom died,

she doesn't handle loss
or change very well.

I...

So I... I think
it would be best

if we told her together,

as soon as possible?

I agree.

That gives me an idea.

Will you and Grace meet me
later today?

Sure.

Cool.

Hey.

Do you think it's strange

that you and I
bumped into each other twice

in the same week?

I don't think anything
is strange anymore.

What are we doing here?

Well, I thought
this would be

the best place
to share my story.

Two years ago,

I came here
with my daughter, Antonia,

to start off
the first day of Spring.

Toni made two wishes...

and she dropped them
in this wishing wall.

And with one nickel,

she made the wish

that her father and I
would get along better.

Now, the funny thing
about wishes is,

sometimes they do come true--

just not in the way
that you think they will.

Her father and I
are... better now.

We found a peace
and respect apart that we...

we didn't have
when we were together.

What was Toni's other wish?

To find a new best friend.

After making the wish,

Toni got a cupcake balloon
and she attached a note to it

and she released it
into the sky.

It was beautiful.

But there's more to the story.

Shortly after that day,

Antonia got sick...

and she passed away.

I...
I don't understand.

It all happened so quickly.

She's not with us
anymore, sweetie.

I...

However, a part of Toni
was still clinging to that tree

in your yard,

waiting for the stars to align

so that, one day,
you would come along,

and you would find her...

...and you did.

You did find her.

And you found me.

I... I-I thought,
this whole time,

it was my mom
who's doing all of this.

It seems to me

that your mom and Toni
are in cahoots on this one.

Listen, Grace,

there's something
I've been trying to do

for a very long time.

Can I get your help?

I've been wanting to pack up
Toni's clothes and things,

but I haven't been
able to do it.

If you want to keep any of it,
you can.

Really?

Take your time.

Would you like
something to drink?

Water, coffee...
beer, wine?

Is it too early for wine?

No, I think
it's exactly wine'o'clock.

Chardonnay?

No. No, it's "Jack",

but you can call me Chardonnay,
if it makes you feel better.

You are much dorkier
than I thought--

...but you made me
snort a little,

and I haven't snorted
for a very long time.

You know, Antonia and I
had a running tally

on who could make
the other one snort the worst.

Yeah. Who was ahead?

Oh, I was.

She--
She just loved to laugh,

and I knew
what would make her snort.

That's really sweet.

These days, I've been getting
the groan from Grace.

Oh.

"Oh, Dad!"

She's so cool now.

She's too cool
for my corny Dad jokes.

To snorts and groans.

Yeah, I... I can't bear
to take down any of the photos

with Antonia in them.

Yeah, I hear you.

It sounds really hard.

And, uh, it's not about
missing my ex.

It's just...

missing being together.

Now I'm just a professor
and a divorcee, and...

I loved being a mom.

I loved having a family.

I, uh, I guess
I kind of felt that, too.

I miss...

I miss my wife.

I miss... being a husband.

Now I'm a widower,
I'm a "single dad".

It's like...
it's-- it's...

these terms

that just make people
feel sorry for you.

It's the little things
that I miss.

Toni used to come up to me

when I was in line
at the grocery store,

and she would
just grab on to my leg.

I miss her holding on to me.

We're a couple of sad saps, huh?

Yes.

To sad saps.

Okay, tell me something good.

When do you feel
closest to Grace?

We played basketball
the other day

and that was the first time
in a long time

where we just
had fun together.

Oh, that sounds nice.

It was nice.

It brought back
a lot of good memories.

I miss-- I miss...

when she was little
and I would just scoop her up,

and I'd spin her around
until she belly-laughed.

I miss...

God, I miss when she would
run into my room

during a storm--

the little pitter-patter

of her feet coming
down the hallway.

Your turn, Noelle.

When's the last time
you had fun?

Today.

Tonight.

Just having
the two of you here.

My house doesn't feel
quite so empty.

Hmm.

What are you doing Friday?

You should come over for dinner.

Friday night
is "goulash night".

Goulash?

I don't know
if I've ever had goulash.

No?
Well, then you have to come.

Grace says

it's one of the four foods that
I actually know how to make.

- Really?
- Mm-hmm.

What are the other three?

Oh, you're gonna
have to find that out.

Mm.

But seriously,
you should come.

Sure.

I mean, how can I say no
to your famous goulash?

Right? It's such a fun word
to say, isn't it?

"Goulash!"

I guess so!

I think that's why I make it,

'cause it's a ridiculous word--

It's a fun word! Yeah.

Mr. Brown?

Gary.

Hi, Gary. Jack McCabe.

Hey, thanks for coming in.

Yeah, of course.

I, um, I really--
I really want to figure out

how to support Grace.

I know she's struggling,

and I think the stress
from the move,

along with teen stuff,

changing hormones, all that.

It's a lot.

Yeah.

Grace is extremely gifted.

She may be intellectually understimulated,

and letting the social aspects
of school distract her.

How are things at home?

It's been hectic lately.

She found this balloon

and this note in the tree
when we were playing basketball,

and that's turned into
this whole thing.

Grace plays basketball?

Yeah. Yeah,
she's pretty good, actually.

Well, I mean, look, she's not
the most athletic kid

in the world,
but she's got heart.

Did you know I coach

the freshman girls'
basketball team?

I did not know that.

It just so happens
that we're down a guard.

We could use another player.

I mean, she'd have to do
a little tryout.

Okay.

I think she'd like that.

It might help
to incentivize Grace.

All our student athletes

are required to maintain
a C-plus average.

Right now,
she's hovering at a "C".

If she agrees
to do the science fair,

I can give her extra credit,
help boost her grade,

and we can discuss next steps.

Okay. Yeah!
I mean, that sounds great.

Thank you.

No problem.

You guys
really surprised me!

I am so proud of
all the effort and thought

that you put into
these essays.

So, for next class,

I want you to write
your own sonnets

about your own lives,
in your own voices!

See you Monday!

Good job!

They seem more engaged.

You want to get
a cup of coffee?

I can't. Brian's coming over
for the divorce papers.

Oh, so you signed them?

No.

But I'm ready to.

Hey, Grace.

Hi, Owen.

Are you going to the cafe today?

I have something
I want to show you.

Yeah, I'll be there.

Did that just happen?

Owen barely talks to any girls.

He talks to me.

Unbelievable.

Wait till Liv hears about this.

To be honest,

I wasn't sure
you were going to sign this.

Signing these doesn't change
what we had.

We made a beautiful girl

whose star
just burned out too soon.

I will always be so grateful
to you for giving me Toni.

Looks like
you're starting to move on?

No...

I'm just trying
to let go of the grief

and find some kind of joy
in the memory of her.

I just wish there was a way
I could hold on, somehow.

I have something for you
that I think might help.

Thanks, Noelle.

Yeah.

I am not
looking forward to Sunday.

Hard to believe
it's been two years.

Are you gonna do anything?

To celebrate
the worst day of my life?

No.

You?

I was gonna to go up
to the cabin...

she loved it there,

but I got to be in Portland
and then Seattle for work.

Feel free to use it,
if you want.

I don't know. Maybe.

Thanks.

Take care of yourself.

Hey, Grace.

Where'd you get that jacket?

From Toni's mom.

You knew Toni,
didn't you?

You liked her?

I did.

I think she would've
wanted you to have this.

It was in her jacket pocket.

She liked you, too.

Thank you.

Here.

I'll make you
a hot chocolate.

Noelle!
Come on in.

Welcome, welcome.

Smells wonderful.

All right.

Hey.

Hi.

Dad, stop being so awkward.

I don't know
what she's talking about.

Anyway, welcome to dinner
at the McCabes'.

Thank you.

It's nice to see you again, Chardonnay.

No, it's Jack,
but I love the comedy callback.

I'm impressed.

Wait a minute--
are you impressed,

or are you Jack?

Am I supposed

to find these jokes funny
when I'm older?

Hopefully!

Hey, would you mind taking
Noelle's coat for her, please?

Milady?

Oh. Thank you.

Would you like
to open this right now?

It looks delicious.

- Sure.
- All right.

How can I help?

Just make yourself at home.

Sit down,
get comfortable,

get yourself ready
for a delicious feast.

Ahh.
What actually is goulash?

I'm glad you asked.

"Goulash" is
a traditional Hungarian meal.

Dates back
to the early-9th century.

Ooh.

Don't let it
make you impressed.

I saw him Google that earlier.

What--

Are you gonna tell her
all my secrets?

Fun fact--

do you know why the Hungarians
first made goulash?

No. Why?

'Cause they were Hungary.

Oh, wow.

That was so obvious.

You're obvious.

All right, let's see.

Looks good.

Here. Taste.

Mm.

It's delicious.

You get
my seal of approval.

All right! That's it.
We're ready to go.

Oh!

Well, you might have to open up
your own goulash restaurant.

Really? Thank you!

What--
but what would I call it?

"Jack's Goulash Garage".

- Oh...
- No, no, no--

Grace's Goulash Garage--
alliteration?

Uh-huh.

Oh! "The Hungry Hungarian".

That's a really good idea.
You're not gonna do that.

It's good, right?

If you don't mind,
I'm going to excuse myself.

I have a ton of homework to do.

Are you serious?
It's Friday.

Never seen you do homework
on a Friday.

Well, if I'm going to try
and make the basketball team,

I need to get
my grades in order.

Okay. Night, sweetness.

Goodnight!

Goodnight.

♪ Your eyes ♪

♪ They sing louder ♪

♪ Than I have heard
in a while ♪

♪ All the while ♪

♪ The silence
is keeping the peace ♪

♪ Tell me ♪

♪ Where did you come from? ♪

♪ You're lovely ♪

♪ How did you learn ♪

♪ That life will... ♪

Thank you for this.

I don't even know
what this is, but it's...

...it's nice.

It's safe.

♪ ...It gets better ♪

I had a really wonderful
night, Jack.

Me too.

Okay. I think
I've seen enough.

Thanks for coming in, Grace.

Hey, check this out.

If either of you can score

with my girl Grace here
guarding you,

I'll give you 40 bucks--

dead serious.

Yeah, Grace!

Defense wins championships.

Thanks.

Okay.

You can come in for practice
on Monday, Grace.

But you need to get
your grades up,

if you want
to play in games.

Hope you come up
with a good subject

for the science fair.

Okay, everybody.

Let's welcome
your new teammate, Grace.

Hey, Jerry.

Yeah.

Yeah. I'll meet with him.

Sure. Yeah. Can't hurt.

Thanks for setting that up.

Oh, no, she didn't!

My girl!

Ah, I'm so proud of you!

Can I call Noelle?
I want to tell her the news.

Yeah.

Hello?

- Guess what?
- Hey!

What?

I made the team!

You did?

Congratulations!

I knew you would.

We'll have to celebrate.

For sure. Thanks.
Here's my dad.

- Hi.
- Hi.

Hey. Are you
around right now?

I gotta ask you something.

How about I meet you
at King Lear Bistro?

Okay, I'll see you soon.

Great.

Right.

Do you want to come with me
right now?

No, thanks.

I'm sweaty
and I should probably shower.

I might drop by the bookstore,
if that's okay?

Yeah, sure.
You going alone?

I made friends with
a boy who works there.

I'm sorry. What?

It's not like that.
He's nice.

Hmm?

Okay.
I guess it's all right.

Um, just stay for an hour.
All right?

Be careful.

- Okay.
- All right?

Hey! Proud of you.

- Hey.
- Hi.

Oh, I got you a coffee.

Ah.

Thank you.

Mm!

Everything okay?
You seem stressed.

I got a job opportunity
in Portland.

It starts on Monday,

and the guy wants to meet me... tonight.

Oh.

Aren't there any jobs
that are closer?

It's a backup plan.

I, uh, I can't go too long
without work.

I spent a fortune
moving us up here.

What about Grace?

That's what
I wanted to ask you about.

So, um, is there any way

you could watch Grace for me
until I get back?

Well, I'm going
to our cabin tonight.

Tomorrow is the two-year
anniversary of Toni's passing.

She loved it up there.

Oh, my goodness!

Right, right, right,
right, right.

- I'm sorry.
- No. No. I-It's fine.

No.

It's just--
I needed to do this.

I have to tackle my grief
head-on.

You know?

Yeah.

Good for you.

But, you know,
I could take Grace with me.

It's just
that I'd be staying overnight.

I couldn't--

I-I... no. I couldn't.

That's...

Wouldn't that be weird,
if you had Grace with you?

No.

No, actually,

I think having Grace there
would ground me.

You're wonderful.
Thank you.

You're welcome.

So, uh, I have to go up
to Portland today for work,

but I talked to Noelle--
she wants to take you

to their cabin
to spend the night,

if you want to go.

Yeah, that would be awesome.

Yeah?

Okay. She's gonna
pick you up at two.

Pack a bag...

bring your homework,

make sure
your phone's charged, okay?

- I will, I will.
- All right.

I love you! Bye!

Bye.

- Hi.
- Hello!

Thanks for coming.

I'd like to think
I'll handle this weekend

like a champion,

but if I don't,
I apologize ahead of time.

You'll be okay.

I feel like all of this
is happening for a reason.

Do you believe
in coincidences?

That they're random?

Or do you think
everything has a reason?

I don't know.

Both, maybe?

Some things seem too perfect
to be random,

and others seem perfect
because they're random.

What do you think?

Well, my mom used to tell me

that when coincidences happen,
that you couldn't explain,

it was the angels
playing with you.

Maybe.

"There are more things
on Heaven and Earth, Horatio,

than are dreamt of
in your philosophy."

That's Hamlet, by the way.

Okay, come on.

Let's get on the road.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Hi.

Jack McCabe.

Brian Webb.

Nice to meet you.

We're here!

Wow!

It's like a postcard.

Sorry about the snow.

I forgot
it takes longer to warm up

here in the mountains.

I should have warned you.

No! I like it.

No wonder Toni loved it here.

Come on in.

Oh.

She looks so happy.

It's one of my favorites.

She was a literal tree-hugger.

You know,
I often try to imagine

what she would look like
now, at almost 16...

what activities
she would like,

would she like
the same food?

Would she have a crush?

Did you know

that Owen Peters asked her
to the winter formal?

She wanted to say yes,

but she didn't get the chance
to tell him.

She must have really liked him.

I am so happy

that she had a chance
to feel these feelings.

I wish she would've told me.

She could have
told me anything.

Teenagers...

it's kind of complicated.

Sometimes I find myself

saying the opposite
of what I really mean to my dad.

Mm.

Like I...

want somebody to blame
for what happened to my mom.

And he's the closest one.

I know it's hard on him,
and he needs me.

And you need him.

Your mother will always
be a part of you,

and I am sure that she would
want nothing more

than for you
to be happy.

Is it okay if I ask my dad
to join us after his meeting?

He would love it here.

Of course, sweetie.

Of course. Okay.

Let's see
what kind of things we have.

Why? Everything okay?

Hey, there.

Hey, Jack. How'd that meeting
in Portland go?

They make you an offer?

It went well.
They need an answer by tomorrow.

Well, I got some news

that might make
your decision easier.

Our contract's
been officially terminated.

No more funding.

You should
take that job in Portland.

There's got to be
some other jobs in the area--

Medford?
Eugene?

Probably not till the summer.

Work's hard
to come by right now.

Portland's a great city.

Grace is not
gonna like this.

All right.

Thank you.

Really?

Now you're just messing with me.

What do you mean, "new"?

What about your current job?

So there is no "current job".

They shelved the project

and they terminated
the contract.

But the good news
is that I got a new job

at a great company
in Portland.

You already accepted it?

I had-- I had to let them know
right away,

or else I would have lost it.

So, it starts on Monday.

Hey.

What's going on?

What's going on is
my dad wants to ruin my life.

Grace, come on.

I want to talk to you
about this.

I don't want to talk about it,

and I don't want
to move to Portland.

Look, I know
this is hard for you,

and I'm sorry,
but I'm out of options here.

What about basketball?

There's basketball
in Portland.

I'm going to bed.

I'm sorry, Noelle.

I'll see you in the morning.

Okay.

So you got the job?

I see.

Hi.

Hey.

Can I?

Please.

Was I wrong
for taking that job?

I don't know.

It might have been good
for you to talk to her about it

before you made
the decision.

Maybe that's why she was hurt.

You know, to be honest,

I don't feel too good
about you two leaving, either.

What if Grace stays
in Ashland with me? Uh...

Till the end of school term?

Grace is my daughter.

She comes with me,
no matter what.

Night, Noelle.

Jack--

Hey.

I'm not sure what I made here,
but I don't think it's coffee.

Industrial waste, maybe.

Oh, wow, thank you.

Looked like you needed that.

Ah, I did.

Did you sleep at all?

Mm. A little.

Good.

I'm sorry I got defensive
last night.

The thought of living
anywhere without Grace...

she's all I have,

and I would never leave her,

no matter
how "teenagery" she gets.

You know, I'm the one
that owes you an apology.

I was out of line
even offering--

No, no, no, no, no.
You weren't, you weren't.

You were being kind.

How are you feeling today?

Better than I thought
I would be.

Having you and Grace here
is comforting.

Good.

For the longest time,

whenever I pictured Toni,
it was...

it was in her final moments.

But seeing Grace here,

it made me think of
all the good times,

and there were
so many, many good times.

In the summer,
she would climb that tree...

and jump off the dock...

catch fireflies.

And in the winter,
we'd go sledding

and make hot cocoa
and play card games and...

She filled this place
with so much joy.

That's beautiful.

That's just...

beautiful memories.

I don't want to mourn her.

I want to celebrate her.

Yes!

Yeah, I love that.

Okay. What would...

What would what
would Toni want to do

if she were here right now?

Uh...

She would want pancakes.

- Pancakes?
- Yes!

Pancakes happen to be

one of the four foods
that I make very well.

Really?

We're doing this.

What do you say?

Let's do this.

- Yeah?
- Yeah.

Let's do it.

"Energy cannot be destroyed..."

Hey, how did you
get them so fluffy?

Wouldn't you like to know?

I figured out my topic
for the science fair project.

Our body is made
out of bones and flesh,

but we're also
made out of energy, right?

Right.

Energy can't be destroyed.

It just changes form.
That's what Einstein said.

So my mom and Toni...
they still exist.

I want to do
an energy conversion project

to honor them.

That's beautiful.

I like it.

Hey.

I'm sorry about last night.

I should've talked to you first
before I did anything.

I should've been honest with you
about what was going on.

You're not
a little girl anymore.

I know.

That's what I've been
trying to tell you.

Okay, I want to talk with you
more about it,

but I've got a pancake
that's burning over here,

and Noelle's gonna tell us about
the agenda for today.

We have an agenda?

Yes.

We've decided to have
a Toni Funday today,

if that's all right with you.

Sign me up.

Great!

So, when Toni was little,
she had this challenge--

she would stand out here
and she tried

to get the bubbles to float
all the way across the pond,

and then, sometimes,
we would come out here together

and we would see whose bubbles
went the furthest.

I used to love bubbles.

Can I try?

Sure. Of course. Here.

Okay, you two.
Quick bubble notes here.

What, Mr. Expert?

So...

If you just--
a little extra flick...

a little extra flick,
as you're going forward,

you exponentially
increase your bubbles.

My dad's one of those guys
who's annoyingly good

at random things.

- Oh.
- Like blowing bubbles.

And flipping pancakes.

"Annoying".
She already said "annoying".

Yeah.
So those are your two things?

Those are my--
It was a good day for me!

It was a good day.

Hello.

Brian?

I'll be right back.

I'll be right back.

Jack?

"Brian Webb".

Of course!
That's why you look familiar--

from the photos
in Noelle's house.

Wait.
You two know each other?

Brian hired me
for the job in Portland.

- Oh!
- Yeah!

So, what are you
doing here, Jack?

So I'm here...

I'm here because of
my daughter, Grace.

And...

it's all a long story.

I thought you were
gonna be out of town.

How is Seattle?

I...

I canceled it.

I wanted to come see
if you were okay.

Here, let's give them
a little alone time.

I just can't
stop thinking about her.

You were such a good dad.

I'm glad you're finding
your way through this.

I wish I was there,
but I'm not.

I feel like
I lost my purpose.

Help others.

What?

I think I know how
this is supposed to go now.

You and Jack
are supposed to work together--

just not the where-and-how
that you thought.

What are you talking about?

Hey! Come on over, guys.

What do you think
they're talking about?

I don't know, but I think
we're gonna find out.

Brian and I are thrilled
to be here today,

along with our project manager,
Jack McCabe,

his daughter, Grace,

and all of you.

We are here in honor
of our late daughter, Antonia,

to break ground on
our brand-new,

cutting-edge facility

that will save the lives
of countless children,

and help to assist
their families.

"So long as men can breathe
or eyes can see,

so long lives this...

and this gives life to thee."

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am so proud to present
the future home

of the Antonia Webb Center
for Pediatric Research.

♪ Keep your head ♪

♪ Keep on breathing ♪

♪ Like our hearts ♪

♪ Their endless beating ♪

You know why balloons
are so expensive nowadays?

Because of inflation.
That's my joke!

I've never heard you
say that joke before.

I was thinking it!

Okay. Let's do this.

I love you, Mom.

I love you, Toni. Forever.

And Toni, guess what--

they're biodegradable now.

Ready?

Ready.

Five...

four...

three...

two...

one.

♪ Are you looking in? ♪

♪ Love ♪

♪ It ain't easy to come by... ♪

To new beginnings.

To new beginnings.

I see that.

I have eyes
in the back of my head.

♪ Looking out for love ♪

♪ Are you looking in? ♪

♪ Love ♪

♪ It comes
and it comes and it comes ♪

♪ And it goes ♪

♪ It comes
and it comes and it comes ♪

♪ And it goes ♪

♪ It comes
and it comes and it comes ♪

♪ And it goes ♪

♪ It comes
and it comes and it comes ♪

♪ And it goes ♪