Original subtitles

Oh, I'm just making a few tweaks to the first chapter

before I send it.

Well, it's still

the same novel, right?

I mean, it hasn't changed drastically

from what you read, but I just...

I hear a writer obsessing.

Nick? Nora?

Of course I'm obsessing.

I mean, it is my first novel.

If I didn't obsess about it, I would just chuck it all.

Well, just no more changes, please.

We'll obsess about everything when you get here.

But we need the manuscript by next Wednesday at the latest.

Okay.

No more changes... till I get to La Posada.

I really look forward to working on it with you, Aiden.

The book needs a new set of eyes.

Any chance you could get it to me a bit sooner?

No. No, I teach right up until the second that I leave.

But let me ask you this...

Someone's banging at my door.

Settle down, you guys.

Bobby? Is that you?

I have to go.

Is everything okay?

Yeah, I'm fine.

It's, uh, just my nephew.

I hope you like enchiladas.

This brand is from my local health food store.

100% organic.

Five minutes in the microwave.

That's about the extent of my cook...

It's been so long since I've seen you.

You must be, what,

16 now?

Ketchup.

Ketchup?

You want ketchup on your enchilada?

Okay.

Does your, um, father know you're here?

I don't think I have his current number.

Oh...

Oh, okay don't think about that.

We can... worry about that tomorrow.

Do you want to spend the night here?

Well, you can sleep in the study.

Actually, it's the second bedroom, but, um...

I've turned it into my office, it's...

It's really comfortable.

Stop it. Stay.

Out. Out. Out. Out.

Out, out, out, out, out.

Go on outside.

Go on. Good puppies.

They say that dogs are really smart...

Bobby?

Bobby are you...

Oh, my!

I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry.

Bobby?

Bobby, come on in.

Bring your stuff.

You sure you don't want to take a shower first?

Good night.

I'll handle this.

Robbie?

I said I'll handle this.

This place is a disgrace.

Oh...

His diapers are sopping.

He looks hungry,

when was the last time he ate?

Robbie?

Priscilla?

Just take him.

It's what you want, isn't it?

Vicki, you and Ruth

gather up the baby's things

and take him to the car.

Let's go!

Come on, Bobby.

Robbie?

We just don't want to be parents anymore.

What kind of world

let's mental patients get married and have kids?

Jeff... how's the baby?

He's malnourished. Dehydrated.

We put him on an I-V drip.

Will he be okay?

Are Rob and Priscilla here?

No...

Bobby won't be going back to them.

I got to be honest, Bob.

There are indications of possible abuse.

Oh, no, no, Robbie would never...

I'm obliged to file a report

with the authorities.

No need to do that.

We're going to raise Bobby now.

Nothing like this will happen again.

My main concern is your grandson's welfare.

Then we're in complete agreement.

I take full responsibility for him from here on out.

I don't know, Bob.

You have my word.

Thanks, Jeff,

for taking such good care of our grandson.

Okay, let's get little Bobby

to Ruth and Chet's.

Is Bobby our brother now?

Yes, honey.

You always wanted

a son, didn't you Chet? Yep.

This all worked out for the best.

How can you say that Mother?

Well, your father and I can't raise him,

and you certainly couldn't handle a baby.

You've been asleep

for 16 hours.

Sit.

You had some pretty rough dreams last night.

Do you remember?

Well, that's okay.

I never remember my dreams, either.

Your dogs stink.

You should talk.

You don't like it?

I don't like health food.

It's not health food, Bobby.

It's just... it's healthy.

Hello?

Victoria?

Hi, Mom.

Bobby's missing.

Bobby?

Rob called.

Priscilla's frantic.

They're both worried sick.

Your brother is going

to lose it if we don't find Bobby.

Mom, Rob lost it a long time ago.

Bobby'll probably show up sooner or later.

My guess is he's escaped for his own good.

Well, how would you know what's good for Bobby?

None of us has seen him in ten years.

Oh, right, Mom.

I never know anything.

Oh, I wish your father was still alive.

He'd know just what to do.

I've got to go.

If, um, I hear anything, I'll call you.

Bobby,

you've got to tell me what you're planning here.

I could take you back to Ruth and Chet's.

You were happy there.

I don't remember 'em.

Of course you do.

You lived with them till you were six years old.

Bobby, you were like a son to them.

You had your own room.

It was decorated with pictures of different trucks

that went along the top of the wall.

Uh, hey man, could you help us out?

We've got $9.25,

and we just need 75 cents more for the bus,

so we can get back to the shelter...

I'm sorry. We don't have any change.

Outside, pal. What?

Come on.

Huh.

Two jumbo cheeseburgers, French fries,

apple fritters, brownie, chocolate milkshake.

Bobby, this stuff is so unhealthy.

I like it.

So, what do you think?

This is all you have to wear, Bobby?

Would you...? Help me fold.

I'm a teacher, not a maid.

Bobby, I really need to know what you're planning to do.

I could stay here.

Here?

What's wrong with that?

Well, you're a minor.

So...

if you did stay here...

for a little while, um,

I'd have to make sure that we're both legally protected,

because your parents won't hesitate

to go back to court.

My brother, Rob, met his wife, Priscilla,

in a psychiatric hospital,

but I don't think they really had the skills

or the knowledge to raise a child,

so, my sister, Ruth, and her husband, Chet, took Bobby

as a baby and raised him like he was their own son.

Ruth already had two daughters of her own,

and-and she was a great mom,

but, um, when my father died, everything changed.

How so?

Well, without my father around

to intimidate him, my brother decided

that he wanted Bobby back, but I still don't think

they really wanted to be parents.

So, your sister just gave Bobby back?

No. No, there was a trial. It was very messy.

In what way?

Rob and Priscilla's lawyer...

he pulled out all the stops.

He wanted me to testify against Ruth and Chet.

About what?

He wanted me to say that they were alcoholics.

Which, I mean, okay, maybe they drank a little bit,

but they were good parents.

They loved Bobby, and Bobby was happy with them.

Instead, I said that

if he went back to Rob and Priscilla,

I didn't think Bobby would survive.

And yet the judge still ruled in their favor?

They were supposedly on effective medication,

seeing a therapist regularly,

which, apparently, didn't last very long.

In most cases, the courts will rule in favor

of the biological parents.

But the Miller family is not most cases.

I mean, basically, this was the Mentals

versus the Alcoholics,

and the judge ruled in favor of the Mentals.

So, Rob and Priscilla took Bobby and...

and disappeared.

My sister, Ruth, was devastated.

My mother heard from them every now and again,

but we were never able to... to be a family again.

And then Bobby showed up on my doorstep a few days ago.

Bobby?

Is he all right?

He does this sometimes.

Hmm.

What was your intention

when you left home and went to your Aunt Vicki's?

I need to go to the bathroom.

You all right?

Yeah. Where is it?

It's down the hall to the right.

I need to determine if this is an abuse case.

Abuse?

Uh, neglect maybe,

but, uh, I-I...

I don't think my brother, Rob... Are you sure?

Well, I'm sure that he doesn't want to go back to them.

I'd like to hear him say it.

You'll be waiting a long time.

Take my word for it... he can't go back to them.

Your brother fought hard to get Bobby back once before.

He's going to go to court again.

That's why we're here.

Well, where do you think he should go?

With Ruth, or...

I don't know.

Would you adopt him?

Me?

Adopt?

No.

Of course I'm not really going to adopt him.

If I'd wanted a child, I would've had one.

Oh, Victoria!

I am trying to focus on my work.

I finally have the opportunity to be taken seriously

as a writer, and I don't want to blow that now.

Then why did you deliberately

withhold the fact that he was there?

Rob and Priscilla are insane with worry.

You've got the "insane" part right.

Now, don't talk like that.

Mom, if they were such concerned parents,

then why did Bobby show up here like damaged goods?

Well, what do you intend to do?

I've told you... I've hired an attorney.

Victoria!

That's so unnecessary.

We are family.

There is no telling what they'll do, Mom.

Now, Bobby can go back with Ruth and Chet...

where he should've stayed in the first place...

and grown up like a normal kid,

instead of roaming around the country with those two.

Well, can I at least talk to my grandson?

You might as well

pick up the phone and talk to the dial tone.

Victoria! Hold on.

Besides, he's asleep.

That's all he does is sleep.

Sounds like a perfectly normal teenager to me.

Right.

Okay.

Oh, bye-bye, sweetie. Bye-bye...

See ya. Take good care of Bobby.

Then, I try and have

a conversation with him, and he looks at me like I'm the enemy.

Oh? I mean, you have kids, right?

They're with their mother most of the time.

Well, that's not an option for Bobby.

It's very complicated, but both his mother

and his father are so messed up.

Anyway, I wanted to let you know

I've rescheduled your upcoming classes.

And now you won't have to worry about going to La Posada.

Oh. Oh, good. Thank you.

I still have to send in my latest draft.

You can't forget about things like that, Vicki.

I didn't forget. I, I... I've

just been more busy than usual.

Other writers would give their eyeteeth

to be invited to that conference.

I know.

You can't let your nephew get in the way of your writing.

I won't.

Bobby's just temporary. My writing is permanent.

Well, I just hope he doesn't murder you in your sleep.

I've heard that can happen with these abused kids.

Hey, Harold.

I see you got a guest.

Oh, it's just my nephew.

Don't worry, he won't be here long.

Hey, were the dogs okay?

Yeah, but I'm not sure about your guest.

Nick?

Nora?

Hey.

Hey.

Oh, yeah.

I guess he finally woke up, huh?

What are you doing?

That's my computer.

Just playing a game.

What are you thinking? You don't just take my computer.

That's my work!

You could've erased years of work!

Okay!

Hey, that is not how you turn it off!

It's all right.

I know computers.

Bobby, this whole house is such a mess.

I don't know how one human being

can create such chaos in one afternoon.

I mean, what were you thinking?

Bobby?

Would you...

Listen to...

Great.

Thanks for looking after things while I'm gone.

Hey, you get back down.

Where do you think you're going?

I'll be back in about two weeks.

All right. Thanks a lot.

Hey, you two, now don't you do anything I wouldn't do.

Come on.

Good luck, Bobby.

No, no, we're still about two hours away.

Aw, I can't stay for dinner.

I've got to drive straight through to Santa Fe.

Okay, I'll tell him.

Bye.

Ruth and Chet can't wait to see you.

They've been praying for this day ever since you left, Bobby.

You'll have so much more room there.

I don't remember them.

There it is.

Oh, here they are!

Hello! Oh, here they are!

Hello, Bobby.

Welcome home.

I'm so excited. Look at you!

Hey, Mom.

Oh, come on in. How are you?

Come on, your cousins are dying to see you.

Hey, Bobby, we'll get

your bags later on, come on in.

You remember your cousins?

Brittany and Brett.

Brett has two little ones of her own now.

Come on, girls, give him a big hug.

Hey, stranger. Hi, Bobby.

Just give him a lot of space, okay?

Whoo-hoo!

Oh, Chet, it's the middle of the day.

Oh, come on.

It's a celebration. Right, Bobby?

I bet you'd like to see your old room.

Um, well, come on now. You know the way.

It'll be fine.

Here you are. Vicki.

We tried to keep the room exactly as Bobby left it.

And I do a little sewing here every once in a while.

Ooh.

He doesn't like to be touched.

Oh, Bobby, isn't it just great to be back here again?

Come on, everybody.

Brittany and Brett have made us a beautiful lunch.

♪ Da da da da dah... ♪

Couldn't you stay till morning?

No, I can't.

I've got to be there tonight.

Listen, just give him plenty of space, okay?

Well, he acts like he doesn't even know us.

Yeah, what's wrong with him?

Look, there's a couple things you should know.

When he sleeps, he looks like he's going ten rounds

for the heavyweight championship.

Don't worry. That's just how he sleeps.

Nothing to be alarmed about.

And as far as food goes, well, nothing healthy.

I don't understand all this fuss.

He's a typical teenager.

Bobby was happy here once.

He'll be happy here again.

Bobby is a very damaged boy.

Victoria, what do you

know about kids? You've never had one.

And it seems as if you never will.

Honestly.

Have a safe trip.

Um, okay.

Uh, this is Ned Alvarez.

He's the lawyer that we've been using.

He's already started legal proceedings

so that you can get custody.

Oh.

Thank you.

Yeah, okay, he's expecting your call.

Okay?

Thank you.

All right.

Take care.

Have fun at that writer's conference.

Do whatever writers do.

All right. I'm late. Bye.

All right.

Love you, Ruth. Bye, Chet.

Here you go.

Oh, thank you.

Hmm.

Is my anxiety that obvious?

Hey, we're in a room full of writers

that not only finished their books,

but actually got them published.

What are the odds?

I'm Aiden Byrnes.

You're Aiden?

Oh, I'm, uh... Victoria Miller.

It's written all over you.

So, what do you think of our, uh, literary lockup?

Uh-huh-huh, they do take their rules

very seriously, don't they?

No TV, no phone, no Internet.

Just nature and writing.

If I'm not careful, I just may finish my manuscript.

That's what I'm here for.

Nora.

Meet Victoria Miller.

Hello.

Nora Contada.

I know who you are.

You know, I have a dog named Nora.

N- N-N-No, I'm sorry.

I don't mean... I mean...

Well, I have two dogs, Nick and Nora,

and I named them after The Thin Man movies.

And whenever I read a book of yours,

because Nora's your first name, I...

Nora was on the selection committee this year.

She had some very nice things to say about your novel.

I am so honored.

Um, False Prophets was a seminal book for me.

Thank you, Victoria. Vicki.

I despise nicknames.

Now, I sense that your writing

has great promise.

Thank you.

But I think all that stuff about the family,

that-that doesn't ring true.

I mean they tend to go on and on and...

and it's just so confusing.

You don't know my family.

Maybe I don't want to know them. That's my point.

Nora, look who's here.

Oh, Phillip.

How wonderful to see you.

I thought that went well.

Especially the part about your dog.

My feeble attempt at humor.

Nora Contada thinks I'm an idiot.

Oh, she takes herself far too seriously.

Every time I read her,

I just want to slap her and say, "Hey, Nora.

Lighten up. "

Anyway, your humor's one of the things

I love about your writing.

Really?

Well, it's not all supposed to be funny, you know.

Oh, I know.

But the humor cuts through.

Sometimes I think you hide behind it a little.

Maybe protecting something deeper?

Anyway, if I'm pontificating too much,

you can use your free, uh, get-out-of-jail,

choose-another-advisor card.

No. No.

I really look forward to working with you, Aiden.

Me, too.

Tomorrow, bright and early?

Bright and early.

Tomorrow.

Well, not too early.

Good night.

"Belinda's mother seemed to wound her

with every word out of her mouth. "

"Seemed to"?

She does wound her.

She bludgeons her with every word.

Don't soften it.

We're dealing with killers here.

Emotional, psychological family warfare.

Family's a bloody business.

Exactly.

How about a break?

I'm starving.

Let's go into town.

Are we allowed?

I think we'll be okay.

Ooh, sneaky.

We slip out back.

Hello, Nora.

Aiden.

The lunch bell rung?

Uh, no. Actually we were headed into town for lunch.

Oh, I see.

Then you must've had a very productive morning.

Oh, I'm afraid I have a severe case of writer's cramp.

When I first came to La Posada,

I was just finishing Mercy Haven,

and I was blocked.

Miserably.

Just the way you are, Victoria.

And the esteemed novelist, Frederick Mansion...

certainly, you've read him?

Well, he was my advisor at the time.

And do you know what we did?

No, Nora, what did you do?

We wrestled with it.

We stayed in my casita for days.

We just shut out the rest of the world.

And we'd talk and write and then we'd throw it all away.

And then we'd write until we found the key.

The key that unlocked my book for me.

Sometimes we'd even forget to eat.

Well... you two enjoy your lunch.

Well, we should probably...

Run to the car before she comes back.

Okay.

Oh, that's not bad.

Can I have another?

You want to trade?

Oh, by the way, I...

I got you a little something.

Ah...

Aiden, that is so sweet.

Oh...

Kokopelli.

So you know about him then?

Well, he's the symbol that's sacred

to the Native Americans.

Well, it's said that Kokopelli

would bring the Pueblo success

in planting and harvesting crops,

so I thought he might bring you success

in planting the seeds of your first novel.

Thank you, Aiden.

Vicki?

There's a call for you.

It's Nora Contada.

She wants to know why we're not working.

Shh, shh, shh.

You can take it in here.

Hello?

I...

Bobby?

Is that you?

What's wrong?

What? Bobby, I can't hear you.

Vicki...

I wanna come home.

I can't take it. I don't know why I'm here.

I just... I want...

Okay.

Don't worry about it. Everything's gonna be okay.

I'll come take you home.

You're not gonna tell me what... what this is all about?

It's about my family.

It's not about books.

It's not about writing.

It's not about metaphors.

It's about...

...my screwed-up family.

Well, they are related.

Do you think I want to go?

I've dreamed of coming here, of working with you.

Of maybe...

just maybe... finishing my novel.

I've been working on it for ten years, Aiden.

Ten years.

Sometimes, life intervenes.

Yeah, well, who asked it to?

Well, are you certain that there's no one

who can handle this for you?

No, I have to go. I have to.

My nephew needs me.

Okay.

It just didn't work out.

Oh, please. Was it too much to ask him

to get out of bed in the morning? Chet!

He's just not the same kid.

You did the right thing, telling him to call.

We didn't tell him anything. He just did.

You take care, Bobby...

You all drive safe, now.

"It's a boy?"

It's totally inappropriate, Mom.

I just have temporary legal custody, just temporary.

We just wanted you to know that there are no hard feelings.

I mean, if Bobby wants to live with you.

Uh, "we"?

The family.

Me, Ruth, Chet.

And we let Rob know we feel that way, too.

Rob knows he's here?

He has to know. He's Bobby's father.

And maybe when you all get settled,

they can see each other.

No, Mom.

Not unless Bobby wants to see him.

Victoria, you are my daughter. Rob is my son.

And I will not take sides.

I have to go.

Don't ask.

I've... ve got...

I've got your breakfast here, Bobby.

Okay.

Okay, I need to know the name of your school

so I can get your records.

Which one?

Well, whatever one you attended most recently.

Well...

I signed up, but I never went.

And then before that, in Prescott,

I quit because they wanted to put me in Special Ed.

And then before that...

Okay, why don't you just give me the name

of the last school that you actually attended

where you got a report card.

Why?

Because I really, truly think

you're a smart kid.

Because I think that your life can change.

I think you can be anything.

But you've got to wake up before 3:00 in the afternoon, Bobby,

and-and you've got to go to school.

Don't try and save me.

Altruism is just a facade for selfishness.

"Altruism"? Well...

At least we know you have

an above-average vocabulary.

Where are you going?

To see some friends.

Friends? What friends?

Bobby. Wait.

Would you hold on?

Hey, we're not done here yet, okay?

I'm new at this.

There's a lot of really intense stuff going on that...

that we can't seem to handle on our own.

Maybe we should do some family therapy or some...

No. No therapy. No headshrinkers.

Bobby, please.

Your problem, Vicki, is you think I'm human.

But I'm not human.

Why is it suddenly my job to convince the most

depressed person I've ever met that he's human?

You wanted custody.

Well, I didn't exactly... I don't want it.

What I wanted was for Bobby to be okay.

What I want is to get back to work.

The last thing I seem to be able to do is write.

Your troubles still aren't over.

I just got this from your brother's lawyer.

He and your sister-in-law are contesting

your legal right to custody. You're kidding me?

Yeah, among other things, they say that

you won't allow them to see their son,

and they fear you're unstable.

Oh, I'm unstable? Come on.

You've seen him after ten years of life with them.

Yeah, but they are the parents.

It could be a tough day in court.

Okay, so what do we do?

If you really want to end this family tug of war,

I have a suggestion.

I hate eggs. I hate tomatoes.

I hate smoked salmon.

I hate tofu.

I hate liver and onions.

I hate anything green.

I hate anything orange.

I hate the Beatles.

I hate Metallica.

Most of all, I hate my mother.

I saw Ned, our lawyer, today.

He thinks you should be emancipated.

You know, legally become an adult,

even though you're not 18 yet.

It means you'll be free to decide

your own fate for once, Bobby.

Now, you'd have to, um, continue your education.

Don't worry, we wouldn't enroll you

in an actual school,

but I'd put you in a program where you could get

your General Equivalency Degree.

And you'd need a complete physical.

We'd need a statement to the court asking for emancipation.

And then there'd be a hearing with your parents.

Okay, what will it be?

Order anything you'd like, Bobby.

Portions.

I beg your pardon?

You know, portions?

How much to eat at one time.

How much do regular people eat?

And how often?

Why don't I give you a little bit more time?

And what about sleep?

I mean, when are you supposed to do that?

They never told me.

I know you don't like to talk about things much, Bobby,

and that's fine.

But... I want you to know

that you can talk to me about anything.

If anyone ever...

hurt you or...

Has anyone...?

You see these crystals?

They seem dead.

But they're not.

This one absorbs bad vibes.

Well, we'll be needing a lot of these.

I told you, I'm not his mother.

I don't know if he had the measles, mumps

or chicken pox. Well, who was your previous pediatrician?

My previous pediatrician took care of me.

There could be many reasons for Bobby's sleep disorder:

Diet, change in surroundings.

Well, is there any medication that can help?

Before we decide that, I'd like him to see a specialist.

They're doing amazing things in the field now.

And I think someone should really

observe his sleep patterns.

I have a court order giving me temporary legal custody here.

But you're unable to tell us

any more about his medical history.

Look, I didn't raise him.

Well, who did raise him, then?

No one.

Wolves.

During the night, an EEG will measure Bobby's brain waves,

and those chest bands keep track

of his breathing movements,

and an EKG, his heart rate.

He won't be in any pain, will he? Oh, no.

None of these devices are painful.

And there are no needles.

Don't be afraid.

Go home and get some sleep yourself.

Well, I-I should stay.

Oh, no, no.

I have teenagers myself.

They're usually pretty brave

and really embarrassed by their parents hanging around.

But I'm not actually a parent.

Mm, close enough.

Go home. Okay.

I'll call you in the morning.

Bobby, I don't want to go. Bobby!

Bobby!

You better get in there. Right.

Bobby has severe sleep apnea.

Last night, during a three-hour period,

he stopped breathing nearly 140 times.

140?! Sometimes for 30 seconds at a time.

But he's breathing when he makes all those noises

and is wrestling around in bed.

Well, those noises happen when the brain stimulates him

to resume breathing once it's stopped.

They cause sudden jerky movements and loud guttural sounds.

Kind of like snoring.

Now, the apnea can also have quite an affect on his waking life.

His energy, his behavior, performance in school...

So is that what's causing the erratic antisocial behavior?

Partly, though not completely.

Bobby's living in a perpetual state of sleep deprivation,

so it can cause all sorts of social problems.

And I thought he was just having nightmares.

Never discount nightmares.

Could be symptomatic of something else.

So, can you help him?

I can at least improve Bobby's sleep.

I think we already have.

This is called a C-PAP.

It stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.

We treated Bobby with it last night, with great results.

Bobby sleeps with this mask, and pressure from this air blower

forces air through his nasal passages and down into his throat.

Come on, Bobby, make an effort.

Why don't you grab a vacuum.

What's this?

That's your dad... and me.

People used to say we looked like twins.

We were about as close as a brother and sister could be.

I can't think of you like that.

Like what?

His sister.

Bobby, it wasn't your dad's fault

that things got so messed up.

Our father... always made him feel...

...like he was nothing.

He was so...

badly treated.

He was just so abused.

I don't want to hear it.

How can you make excuses for him?

Don't you understand that he ruined my life?

Bobby, Rob didn't know how to be a father.

He should've learned.

He should've protected me.

From what?

From her.

Your mother?

Bobby, when I asked you before

if anybody had ever hurt you...

you didn't s-say anything.

You can tell me.

I'm family.

I can't think of you as family.

If I think of you as family, I'll have to hate you.

Bobby?

Bobby, what's the matter?

Why are you doing this for me?

Doing what?

The hearing, this whole emancipation thing.

Well, it-it's so no one in our family

can wreck your life anymore.

From now on, you'll be free

to wreck your own life.

And they have to be there?

Your parents? Yes.

And will you be there?

Yes.

I'll be there.

When we get in there, Bobby,

look at the judge when he asks you questions.

Tell him about the G.E.D. and the sleep therapy, okay?

Bobby, you got that?

Hello, Bobby, sweetie.

Can I see you two for a minute?

Rob and Priscilla are downstairs,

and, as you would expect,

they're very upset.

They haven't seen Bobby since... Mother,

get to the point.

They said they'll consent to the emancipation,

only if you're nowhere to be seen.

No, I'm staying with Bobby.

It's fine... she'll stay out of sight. Good.

Bobby...

Rob and Priscilla don't want me there at the hearing.

Don't worry, you'll be fine.

You know what to do.

Uh... where will... where will you be?

He's a free man.

You've turned him against us.

You always were a liar.

Excuse me.

Just try it, Bobby.

Once.

Hey, Harold. What's up?

I came to talk about the apartment.

The apartment?

In my garage.

Your nephew says he wants to rent it.

Oh, yeah, the apartment.

Now, I've got

to be honest with you, Vicki.

I sort of figured that the kid was kind of slow.

Slo... Bobby?

Uh, no. No, actually.

He's actually very bright.

Um, he's a little shy,

but you know he's getting his G.E.D.

Yeah, he told me he was emancipated.

Well, I suppose if you sign the lease,

with you being right here across the way.

Can he move in next week?

Next week?!

Yeah.

Uh... great, right.

I'll get back to you.

Good. See you, Vicki.

Well, I'm emancipated, right?

I'm just curious how you intend to pay for it.

I'll get a job.

Bobby, you have a lot of work to do before you graduate.

I'll study nights.

You have tutoring in the morning

and computer in the afternoon.

I know.

And we've just now gotten your sleep under control.

And frankly, Bobby, I don't know

that you have the skills to live alone.

Maybe I can help you.

Just for a while.

Pay your rent until you get your diploma.

I mean, that is the most important thing, right?

Okay.

But you've gotta do something for me.

What?

Therapy, Bobby.

You and me, together.

Okay.

Okay.

I've been meaning to buy

a new computer anyway, Bobby.

So I'm just gonna go ahead and give you this one.

It should be all you need for now.

I stocked the fridge full of some groceries.

And here's a few other healthy items.

We can go shopping if you want,

after I pick you up from your tutor's.

Thanks.

I thought maybe he could keep you company.

It's Cocapeli.

You're into mystical things.

He's the Hopi symbol for well-being.

I thought maybe he could help you

sow the seeds for your new life.

I have to admit, Bobby, you here with your own space...

me, with my office back, writing again...

this is a good idea.

Okay, Bobby, I'm across the way if you need me.

Feel free to turn the TV off at any time you want.

Good. Good.

Bobby!

Bobby!

Hi. Uh, is Bobby in there?

So you're the aunt.

You don't look like an aunt.

Is Bobby in there?

We have an appointment.

Oh, I'll send him right out.

You don't have to worry about a thing, Aunt Vicki.

Who are all those people?

Friends.

Is that your girlfriend?

No.

And the boy with the, um, burgundy hair?

That's Tristan.

Well, how many kids

are staying back there, Bobby?

And how long are they staying?

I don't know.

Is that why you needed the apartment?

Hold this.

You know, they can't just freeload, Bobby.

Are they eating all the food that I bought you?

They're my friends, Vicki.

I never had friends before.

I didn't even know about friends.

My parents never had any.

Tell me about your mother, Bobby.

What's she like?

Bobby?

He has this sleeping disorder

that we're treating

with a C-PAP. Bobby.

I said you could have the apartment

if you came to therapy.

It doesn't count if you sleep through it.

It's all right.

I thought it would be helpful

if we spoke to somebody else about...

about everything.

Everything's a big subject.

Let's get to know each other first.

What do you like to do, Bobby?

He likes, uh, video games.

Video games...

And computers,

right, Bobby?

You like computers, Bobby?

Yeah.

What do you like about them?

They're not emotional.

They're like me.

Like you in what way?

We're both machines.

What do you mean by that?

Here.

It's nothing.

I feel nothing.

And you prefer that?

Well, perhaps you can put your thoughts down in your computer.

Kind of a journal file.

It might help you to start exploring your feelings.

Well, there she is.

Vicki!

Aiden!

Hi. Hi.

I know I should've called,

but surprises are so much more fun.

Fun... now there's a word

I haven't used in a long time.

What are you doing here?

The Western Writers' Symposium... I ran into Abe;

he told me you'd be here today.

The Symposium.

I just haven't been able to go this year.

Your friend Nora Contada is reading tonight.

Oh, don't tempt me.

So, are you free for dinner?

I'm only here for a couple more days.

Yeah, I think so... Yes. Yes.

Dinner then. I'll call you.

See you, Abe.

I forgot you knew him.

Nice guy.

Yeah, he is.

I'm late.

Hi, where's Bobby? Is everything okay?

Yeah, everything's fine.

He's, uh, he's just helping

another student right now

with some new software.

He'll be right out. Oh, that's good.

I want to, uh, talk to you about Bobby.

Uh, I'm not so sure he really belongs in my class.

Okay, he loves computers and he loves your class.

And I know that he can be

a little bit difficult at times.

He has really poor social skills...

No, wait, wait, wait... Listen, please.

I just think that he's too advanced

for this class... or any class, for that matter.

I mean, he can probably get a job

in computer programming... at least part-time,

if that's what he wants to do.

Really? Really.

I mean, it's incredible.

Who'd-a thunk it?

Turns out that he knows more about computers

than his teacher.

I really think that the C-PAP machine

has made a huge difference.

Now if I could only get him to eat decent food.

You have no idea what kind of junk that boy consumes.

And the amount.

He eats enough for five people.

Thanks.

What are we celebrating?

Well, I just received a very hefty advance

for Fields of Autumn.

Oh, Aiden, congratulations.

I'm so happy for you.

Thanks.

And here's to Fields of Autumn.

Cheers.

So we've got to get you back to your writing.

That's impossible. I just can't.

I can't seem to find the time to concentrate

with driving Bobby to therapy and tutoring

and his computer classes and...

I should have a minivan.

I sound like one of those inconvenient single moms

that men avoid like the plague.

Well, I'm not avoiding you.

I know.

Those are the friends I was telling you about.

That's Tristan.

He seems to be the leader.

He really gives me the creeps.

Do you want me to go over there

and rough him up a little?

No, no. I don't know.

I don't know what I want.

I don't know what Bobby wants.

I know.

I can see my brother...

...at that exact age standing in my bedroom

in this stiff, gray military school uniform, so panicked.

Crying, "Please, Vicki, tell him I don't want to go. "

"Please tell him.

You're the only one he'll listen to. "

And my father, the whole time standing

at the bottom of the stairs.

"Get in the car!" Shouting, ferocious.

Counting to ten.

"It'll make a man of you. "

Do you know what my brother said?

He said, "I hate him so much I hate myself. "

I loved my... love my brother so much,

but I could never help him.

It's okay.

Now you see why I don't like to talk about my family?

You can't keep shutting them out.

Oh, speak of the devil.

Um, Bobby, this is my friend, Aiden.

Pleased to meet you, Bobby.

You okay?

I'm fine.

I have to go.

See you later.

Keep in touch.

I will. Okay.

Bye, Bobby.

Ice cream.

What?

We need ice cream.

Yeah... right.

Vicki.

We got a problem. What's wrong?

These kids hanging around. They're trashing the place.

They don't belong here.

I rented to you for your nephew.

Not a pack of street urchins. Okay.

Bobby, wake up.

You've got class.

What is this?

It's salt.

Salt? This place is such a mess.

It's magic.

I can't believe you, Bobby.

It wards off evil.

Well, it doesn't seem

to be doing a very good job.

Are you okay, Vicki?

This is completely, just completely...

Look at you.

A puff of wind could blow you away.

I don't know what you're talking about.

Someone could just pick you up and carry you off.

Bobby's voicing what he fears most;

that you won't be there for him.

Be there for him?

That's all I do.

And all he does is push me away.

To see if you'll bounce back.

You know, I spend a lot of money trying not to be crazy.

I've been in therapy for years.

And now he's making me just like them.

Like who?

My family. Like them.

Who do you see when you look at Bobby?

Oh...

I see a kid who's been so beaten down

that he just can't look you in the eye.

I see, um, someone who never felt good enough about himself,

so he just finally checked out and became this zombie.

Are you sure you're seeing Bobby?

He reminds me so much of him;

my brother, Rob.

I'm so afraid I...

I just pray that he doesn't end up like him.

Bobby's got a tough road ahead of him

if he's willing to go down it.

He's been traumatized.

Imagine the shame and embarrassment he carries around.

If he could only trust me.

He chose to come to you.

I... I don't know how to do this.

Vicki, these kids,

they come to a point where they decide.

They push on and live or go on strike and end it.

Maybe by accident or accidentally on purpose.

You have to be prepared.

Bobby just might die.

No.

No, I won't let that happen.

Hey, Bobby.

Hey, what's up, man?

Where's Tristan?

I don't know.

Guess I'll be taking this for what Tristan owes me.

Actually, the computer's probably worth more.

Let me see it.

No, man. It's not Tristan's.

It's mine. It's mine.

What are you, a retard?

You don't know what this is all about?

Got any money retard?

Guess I'll be taking this.

No! Get out!

Thanks, buddy.

Bobby.

What happened?

Ow.

Oh, oh...

Shh...

Oh, my gosh. What...

Oh, Bobby, who did this to you?

Bobby?

One of your friends?

They're not my friends.

Aw...

Don't worry.

Shh...

Don't worry. We'll fix it.

We have all the pieces. We'll fix it.

Mm...

Okay.

"Vicki said my parents fought really hard to get me back.

"That it was what they wanted the most.

"Then why was I what they cared about the least?

Most of the time they forgot I was even there.

But what was worse was when they remembered.

Get in there!

Clean it up! He's your kid, too.

My mother controlled our universe.

Keep your hands up, Bobby. Higher.

Higher, Bobby When she wasn't taking her medication,

it got really interesting.

Reach for the heavens, Bobby. Reach.

I used to think I was an experiment.

And that they'd put a microchip in my brain

and were monitoring me to see just how much a person can take.

Tell me! Tell me, Bobby!

Talk to me! Come out...!

I'd just be gone.

Come out of there!

Completely numb.

Come out of there, Bobby!

Numb was definitely better.

Come out here! Come out here!

My life was nothing, and as I got older, I realized...

"I found a way to hide, so I didn't have to die. "

I'm so sorry, Bobby.

I never knew this was happening to you.

I couldn't tell anybody.

I was too ashamed.

Why should you be ashamed?

That I let them do it.

That I didn't run away sooner.

You say you feel this numbness.

Can you describe it?

Um... well, it starts in my fingers,

spreads to my hand, up my arm

and then into my entire body

till I can't feel anything at all.

Then a fog comes in.

Fills up the room.

A fog?

Yeah, but it rolls in

and I can't see or feel anyone or anything.

Is that what happens when I try to talk to you sometimes,

and you seem like you can't hear me?

They're called "dissociative episodes. "

Self-induced trances.

What do you think sets it off, Bobby?

I don't know.

Try to think.

Um, loud voices. Angry.

Sometimes when I see someone who looks like my mother.

Um, sometimes when I'm just

scared or anxious.

Bobby, you're suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

You're on hyper alert all the time.

You can never really sleep

because you have to protect yourself.

I thought that was because of the apnea.

Not entirely, no.

Bobby's having nightmares

caused by post-traumatic stress disorder.

It's an entirely separate affliction from the apnea.

But they're both contributing to his fits.

Even if Bobby didn't have the apnea,

he still wouldn't be able to let his defenses down entirely

or sleep deeply.

You can see the patterns.

You flinch from human touch.

Again trying to protect yourself.

And when it gets really bad,

you go into these dissociative episodes.

But I can't stop them.

Bobby, you devised this brilliant defense mechanism

to protect yourself from your parents.

But your parents can't hurt you anymore.

Hey, man.

How's it going?

Okay.

Hey, sorry about that thing with Snake.

That was bad.

I gotta go.

We need a place to crash, man.

I don't live there anymore.

Well, what about your... No!

Tristan, that part's over.

Hey, Bobby!

You want your crystals?

Still friends, right?

We're not friends.

My mother used to make this.

They didn't call it comfort food then.

Aren't you excited about your job interview tomorrow?

I hope you can handle ten hours with your course load, Bobby.

You've got to be honest with them about your hours.

Bobby, do you hear me?

Yeah, but muffled.

Can you see me?

Look at me.

Look at me.

This is the table, Bobby.

Look at it.

Here's the salt shaker.

Can you feel it?

Bobby, come on. Look at it.

Look at it, Bobby.

Do you see it?

Please come back.

Do you see it?

Yeah.

Is the fog gone?

Yeah, it's gone.

Yeah, I can... I can see you.

I can hear you.

Why did that happen?

Was it this job interview?

No. Tristan was here.

He gave me my crystals back.

Where is he?

He's gone.

Did he scare you?

Well, he made me nervous.

So you went into the fog because you were scared and anxious.

But you came out of it, Bobby. You did it.

You did it this time.

And you can do it again.

No one can hurt you.

I've never been to a wedding before.

Everyone's gonna be so proud of you, Bobby.

Look at you.

How far you've come in a year.

So, are you starting to get nervous?

Why?

Well, it'll be the first time you're at a Miller family event

with all of them.

The same place, same time.

I'm not as nervous as you are.

I want everything to be perfect for Brittany's wedding.

Oh, here they are. Here they are!

Ooh, I'm so excited.

Oh...

Bobby!

Oh...

Look at you.

Oh, Vicki.

I hid all the ones of Bobby with Priscilla and Rob.

I didn't want to stir up any bad memories.

Hiding pictures doesn't work, Mom.

Bobby's onto that game.

Come and sit by me.

I can't tell you how wonderful it is to have you here.

All I ever wanted before I died

was to have the whole family here once more.

So, everyone is coming tomorrow?

You mean Priscilla and Rob?

Yes, they're coming.

Just checking.

Honestly, Vicki,

you should've been in touch with them before this.

Bobby's their son.

Bobby just needed to feel safe, away from them.

Apparently away from me, too.

You haven't been to visit since Bobby came to live with you.

This is your home after all.

My life has a different center now, Mom.

You've changed, Victoria.

I didn't have a choice.

I used to think that after a while, I could get over Bobby

and get on with my life, but...

Bobby's not something you'd get over.

This is my life, and... Bobby's in it for good.

You should write about all this someday.

You were always such a good writer.

Do I really have to wear this jacket?

It's gonna get hot out there.

Well, just wear it till after the ceremony's over.

You look so handsome.

Right.

What's up?

Well...

we should talk about seeing your parents this afternoon.

Bobby.

Yeah, yeah, I heard you.

I just want you to know

I'm gonna be right there by your side the whole time.

I know.

And this family can't hurt you anymore.

You've moved on.

They're not my family.

You and me...

we're our own family now.

Hey, Vicki.

I can't get over what a cutie Bobby is.

Last time, he was so out of it.

Hey, Aunt Vicki.

Oh, so pretty.

She sure is.

Oh, Vicki.

Somebody said they saw Rob arrive,

but I haven't seen him. Have you?

Rob's here? I better go find Bobby.

Did Mom tell you, Vicki?

One year sober.

Oh, Ruth...

Ruth, you never really had a problem.

Excuse me, I'm going to find Bobby before Rob does.

Well, Victoria,

he is actually the boy's father, you know.

You'll never get it, will you, Mom?

What did I do?

Hi, Vicki.

Where's...?

Priscilla's sick again.

She's in the hospital.

Maybe for good this time.

I'm sorry.

I think I kinda made a mess of things.

Come on, come on.

It's been so long since you've been back here.

Everybody is gonna be so glad to see you, Rob.

No.

I... I just... I wanted to see you.

I have to get back to the hospital.

How's Bobby?

I want you to see him.

Should we go find him?

No, no.

But... he should call his mother.

Oh. Rob...

She is his mother.

Yes.

That's true.

Bobby...

he's not like me, Vicki, he isn't...?

No.

Rob, he's fine.

He's very bright.

You should see him on the computer.

Computers, huh?

Yeah.

I have to go now.

Rob...

I miss you.

I'll give you my e-mail.

Bobby...

I've been looking everywhere for you.

Hey, what is it?

Oh, it's nothing.

It's just emotions, you know.

Yeah, okay, um...

It's okay. Excuse me.

I'm sorry for interrupting.

I'm sorry, it's...

Let's just... just go home.

Okay.

Ruth, I love you.

We're gonna go. Okay. Love you, too.

I wasn't so sure you should be driving today.

I'm sorry.

I guess I just panicked.

I couldn't find you and I thought maybe you'd seen

something that set you off.

I haven't seen the fog in a long time, Vicki.

Good.

You know our family's enough to make anyone revert.

I think I'm better at resisting them than you are.

I saw your father.

So did I.

You did?

It's okay. It's, um...

He can't hurt me anymore.

Thank you for taking me there.

I remembered things.

You know, good things for a change.

Like what?

I remember the pool.

Aunt Vicki, come swimming.

Okay.

I have to go change.

Come here, Bobby, you little sweet thing.

Come here. Come here, Bobby.

Aw...

I always loved you, Bobby.

Yeah.

That's why I came to you.

Don't forget to use this, Bobby.

Oh. What difference does it make?

College students never sleep anyway.

Hi, I'm Gina.

I'm over across the hall.

This is Bobby. Hi, Bobby.

We're having a party for the floor later.

Come over when your Mom leaves, if you want.

Yeah, okay.

See ya.

My mom?

Your mom.

Uh, I think she was flirting with you.

Was I supposed to flirt back?

That would be a good idea.

I don't understand girls.

I mean, how to be around them, dating...

Oh, now there's something I used to know something about.

Before me, you mean.

Was there ever a "before you," Bobby?

Well, maybe you can start dating again.

Call that Aiden guy.

He's just an old writing buddy.

Well, then start writing again.

Finish that book.

You'll have a lot more time with me out of your hair.

You know...

I'm thinking of starting a new one.

It's okay to come home, right?

Always, Bobby.

Never doubt that.

I promised I wouldn't cry.

Bye.

I love you.

Nobody's home, leave a message.

Hey, Rob.

Um, it's Vicki.

Just wanted you to know that Bobby's all moved into the dorm

and he starts classes tomorrow.

Well, we just wanted you to know that everything's gonna be fine.

Uh...

I guess that's it.

I love you.

Bye.

"Bobby, the boy who'd caused so much turmoil in our family,

"stood in my doorway.

"He blocked out the porch light, the street lights,

"even the moon.

"I imagined if I let him in for the night

"he would fill the house with darkness.

Instead, he filled it with light. "