All language subtitles for In.from.the.Night.2006.1080p.WEBRip.x264

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. "