Original subtitles

[electricity crackling]

[sirens wailing in distance]

[panting]

[door hinges creaking]

[objects clattering in distance]

- [cat meowing] - [objects clattering]

[distorted screaming in distance]

I'm sorry we couldn't finish our game!

[distorted Voice whimpering] It's okay!

- It's okay. It's okay! - [objects clattering]

[breathing heavily]

[breath trembling]

- [gasps] - [shushes]

Your friend is never coming back.

- [gurgling, choking] - [gasps]

[whimpering]

[snarls]

[breathing heavily, whimpering]

- [snarling] - [gasps]

[thunder rumbling]

[doorknob rattling]

[door hinges creak]

[sobbing]

Please wake up.

- [door hinges creaking] - [growling]

[whimpering]

- [snarling] - [screaming]

[gasps]

[breathing heavily]

Jess? You okay?

[grunts] Spider?

[sighs]

Should we call an exterminator?

[laughing]

- [both laughing] - [sighs]

What I need is a new therapist.

Yeah. Another one.

I just thought they were stopping. You know?

Was starting to feel lighter. Finish the book.

[husband grunts] Look, it's this apartment. The move.

All the stuff with my ex. It's just too much stress.

- Hmm. [sighs] - Hey.

We don't have that much to tie up here.

Let's just go. What's a couple days early?

The house isn't ready, babe. [chuckles]

- They're not even finished painting. - Who cares?

I can keep the girls out of the way.

My dad's stuff is everywhere.

There's no storage at the assisted living place.

We still need to deal with that.

Come on. It's your happy place.

It's not the worst idea.

[chucking]

["Your Kind of Love" playing]

♪ Your kind of love, darling ♪

♪ ls the love for me ♪

[babbling]

♪ In your arms, darling ♪

[cheering] Look at Mommy!

[father] Pick it up, baby.

♪ Your kind of love ♪

Give me a kiss. Give me a kiss.

♪ Oh, baby ♪

[babbling]

[father] Pop the bubbles, baby.

♪ Is the love for me Oh, yeah... ♪

♪ Is the love for me ♪

[father] Come on. Come on. Oh. Oh. Oh.

You good?

♪ All of my life ♪

[both laughing]

♪ To you, I belong ♪

♪ And no one... ♪

[father] Hey, I see you. What you--

[all laughing]

Hi!

♪ Your kind of love ♪

♪ Your kind of love ♪

♪ Give your love to me ♪

♪ Your love for me ♪

♪ In your arms, darling... ♪

- [daughter 1 ] Wow! - [chattering]

It's so big.

Maybe Dad will let me get my Maltipoo now.

How great for you.

[chuckles]

- [objects clattering] - [chattering]

Did you draw all of these?

I must have.

You didn't get in trouble for doing art on the wall?

I guess not, if I kept doing it.

My grandma, who I moved in with after my mommy died,

she used to always say

that I turned every wall in her house into a canvas.

That must have started here.

Your grandma sounded nice.

My mom is too...

when she's not sick.

I'm sorry they're not done painting yet.

I wanted this house to be a blank canvas

for you and your sister when we moved in.

I like the drawings.

Then you should add to them.

Want this to be your room, Ali-Cat?

Sorry, but I already promised Alice I would help her pick a bedroom.

I'm thinking the big one at the end of the hall.

Without the creepy coloring-book walls.

Oh, and cool stepmom move.

But "Ali-Cat," that's kinda our thing.

Oh, no, no, it's fine. You know?

- That's our thing. - [sighs]

Taylor gives me a hard time,

I pretend it doesn't crush my soul.

[both chuckling]

[Jess chuckling]

[baby Jess babbling]

[Jess's mom] Oh, thank you.

[chuckles] Where'd you find that?

In one of my dad's boxes.

How does it feel being back?

Uh... [exhales]

Good.

I mean, I know I was happy here.

- Have a video to prove it. - [chuckles]

But the actual memories are so fuzzy.

Well, you were only five when you left.

I don't remember anything from that age.

Really, I just want this to be great for the girls, you know?

I don't wanna screw it up.

I want them to know I love them.

Well, the thing with kids is-- is that you just give out love,

and you trust that they feel it.

Hmm.

Even if they usually give you jack shit in return.

- [chuckles] - That sounds awful.

[both laughing]

Yeah, well, it is what it is.

You'll get the love back.

Just not how you'd expect.

[sighs]

I can't believe you get to draw and do fun stuff

even though you're a grown-up.

Me neither.

Simon kind of scares me.

- [Jess] Yeah? - [Alice] He's icky.

- You should kill him. - [laughs]

Characters who do bad things aren't all bad.

Simon the Spider helps Molly be a better millipede.

- [Alice] They gave you so many prizes. - [Jess sighs] Yeah.

Unfortunately, those don't help with deadlines

or when you can't think of what to draw.

Maybe you need a break.

We could play a game instead.

Of course we can.

Sixteen, 17, 18, 19, 20!

Ready or not, here I come!

[cell phone buzzing]

- [sighs] - [cell phone beeps]

- Hi, Colin. - [Colin] Jess! How's it going?

Good, good, just getting settled.

- Am I getting something soon? - Yes.

Yes, you'll still have the covers by Friday.

[voices whispering, echoing]

[voices whispering]

Why are you using that funny voice?

[door hinges creaking]

[snarling in distance]

Hello?

[voices whispering]

[straining]

[grunting]

[grunts]

[coughing]

[snarling]

[door hinges creaking]

Who left you all alone down here?

Jessica can be forgetful sometimes.

Do you have a name?

Chauncey? I like that.

[grunts]

[jaunty tune playing]

[jaunty tune stops]

There we go, Chauncey.

Safe now.

I'm hungry too.

[creaking]

Shit.

Alice?

Alice? Is it my turn to seek?

Alice?

[gasps] Uh...

Hey, sweetie. I'm so sorry, I got a work call. We can still play if you--

I found someone else to play with.

Oh.

Okay, well, maybe later?

[door hinges creaking]

["Burn It down" playing over speakers]

♪ I tried, yeah I tried ♪

♪ To forget that old life ♪

♪ 'Cause you're all that I carry, I know ♪

[sighs]

♪ I'll be the one that'll hold you For the rest of your life ♪

♪ Be my voice and a fire In the heat of the night ♪

[shutter clicks]

♪ Out of the ashes ♪

♪ Out of the ashes we'll be found ♪

♪ Burn it down ♪

You good?

Yeah. [chuckles]

Yeah, just-- Strange lady staring at my window.

Oh, Old Bag Patterson?

Ah, she's lived here forever.

I think she tried to buy your house.

She's probably just pissed she didn't get it.

Yeah, well, she can have it. [chuckles]

You know, it's not all bad.

Hey, you ever want a tour around town, my rates are cheap.

Well, what are you gonna show me?

Well, there is a bar that doesn't check IDs.

- Oh. - [Jess] Good to know,

I always forget mine.

Uh, hi, ma'am, I'm-- I'm Liam. [chuckles]

Nice to meet you.

You know, Taylor's only 15,

so maybe you could take a tour of the mall instead.

- [sighs] - No? How about minigolf?

Laser tag?

Please stop talking.

Chuck E. Cheese?

- Taylor, I'm so-- [sighs] - [Liam groans]

Look, I was just joking,

I wasn't trying to make you feel bad.

Taylor?

[cell phone buzzing]

Nice, Jess. [sighs]

[Alice] I know you can eat breakfast for dinner, Chauncey,

but you can't do dinner for breakfast.

[chuckling] Hey. What are you doing?

Come here. She's talking to her imaginary friend.

[Alice] I love you too, Chauncey.

- [scoffs] That's cute. - [chuckles]

You know, I had one when I was her age.

His name was Mr. Tough.

He knew karate, and he could make bombs out of anything.

[Jess] Hmm.

So, your imaginary friend was a terrorist?

[chuckles] Come on.

Every kid has an imaginary friend.

You didn't have one?

Um, I don't think so.

[Alice laughing]

[sighs] Well, after everything with her mum

and all the sessions with Dr. Soto,

it's just nice to hear her laugh again.

Yeah.

What's up, buttercup? You should be in bed.

You want me to read you a bedtime story?

Oh, no.

I'm playing hide-and-seek with Chauncey.

- He'll be looking for me soon. - Hmm.

- Okay. I know a spot, come on. - [Dad laughing]

Well, he'll see the lump I'll make.

Not if you're smooshed between us.

- Okay. - [Jess laughing]

- Careful, careful, careful. - [Alice giggling]

- Now sit down. - All right.

[Jess gasps]

You hear that?

[singsongy] Someone's coming.

It's Chauncey, he's gonna find us.

Okay.

[all laughing]

Just listen for his rumble tummy.

He's always hungry.

[Alice giggling]

- [door hinges creaking] - [footsteps in distance]

Wait, what was that?

I didn't hear anything.

Shh!

[whispering] Maybe it's Mr. Tough.

- Who? - Mr. Tough.

[footsteps in distance continues]

[whispering] You know who Mr. Tough-- I told you--

[Alice whispering] No, you didn't. I don't remember.

[Dad whispering] Yeah. I told you...

[Alice whispering] No, you didn't. You did not. So tell me.

[Dad whispering] When I was about your age...

[Dad and Alice whispering, indistinctly]

[Dad shushing]

[bed creaking]

- [screams] - [shrieks]

- [all laughing] - Why would you do that?

Why would you do that?

- Okay. - [Dad laughing]

Hate you both.

[all laughing]

[Alice] We do make a great team.

[Jess] Oh, my goodness.

[Alice] Jessica, I didn't know you would be such a scaredy-cat.

- [Jess] I wasn't. I wasn't scared. - [Dad] Yeah, yeah.

I don't know if she's gotta toughen up a little bit.

[all laughing]

[birds chirping]

[yawning] Hey.

[grunts]

Another night without bad dreams?

Mm-hmm.

Nice.

Operation: Relocation worked.

[chuckling]

[Dad sighs]

[Alice] "She never ever knows

what she'll find behind each door.

- Behind this door, she found more doors." - [pages rustling]

"So many doors in Molly Millipede's Mansion.

Molly needed to pick one."

I don't wanna read anymore, Chauncey.

I'm scared Simon is going to try and catch Molly again.

You think Simon is just scared too?

Of losing Molly?

Is that why he chases her through all those doors?

He misses his friend?

Huh.

[chuckles]

Hi. I'm playing a new game with Chauncey,

and I need something happy.

Oh.

A scavenger hunt list. That's fun.

It's kind of top secret.

Chauncey says you're not allowed to play with us.

Well, I didn't see anything.

Something happy.

- Something happy. - [both chuckling]

[ball bouncing in distance]

[sighs]

[sighs]

[ball bouncing]

Alice?

Sweetie, it's time for bed.

[ball bouncing]

Cute. [sighs]

Alice?

[ball bouncing]

[low growling]

[chuckles]

Alice?

[Alice] Would you like some tea?

One sugar or two?

That's too sweet for me.

I'm so glad you came.

The biscuits are my favorite.

Would you like a scone?

Oh, my God, Max.

So cute, she's having tea with her imaginary friend.

It's a doughnut from England.

[in British accent] Across the pond they pronounce it "scon."

[chuckles] She's a total daddy's girl.

[in normal voice] Your dress is so pretty.

[guest] Thank you.

[floorboard creaking]

She says he's right behind you.

[screaming] Stay away from her!

[both grunting]

[breathing heavily]

Mom! Mom!

- Mom, Mom! - [Mom breathing heavily]

Hey, are you okay?

[breathing heavily] There's something here.

[sobbing] I need to protect my girls.

[panting]

[sighs] Her name's Samantha Dooley. Um...

[clicks tongue] She's my ex-wife and the girls' mother.

How did she find out where we live?

Your oldest daughter admitted they've been texting.

[police radio chatter]

Dad, I am so sorry.

I shouldn't have texted Mom and I know that,

but I thought she was doing better so I did,

- but I... [sobbing] - It's okay.

- I just thought she was better. - It's okay, it's okay. [shushes]

- I thought she was better. - [shushes]

[Taylor sobbing]

[Jess] Hey.

Are you okay?

I'm fine.

Really?

You weren't scared?

When Mommy was in my room,

Chauncey made her look really pretty for me.

He said he might do that for me sometime.

Make these disappear.

I have scars too.

And I'm gonna have them my whole life.

But that's okay. You know why?

Why?

Because they become a part of who you are.

A part of your story.

And it's okay to feel scared.

Thanks, but I really wasn't scared.

I have Chauncey. He keeps me safe.

He told me you'd understand.

He said you had a friend just like him.

Night.

[Alice] I'm so glad you're here, Chauncey.

[Chauncey] Chauncey protect Alice.

Chauncey love Alice.

Is that...

Alice.

Doing Chauncey's voice.

Cute.

[chuckles]

I think she's soothing herself.

- [sighs] - I don't know.

Maybe...

Maybe that's what she needs right now? After tonight?

Yeah.

Hey.

She's a strong kid.

She's gonna be okay.

Let's go to bed.

Sleep well, Chauncey.

I don't want you to ever leave me.

[Chauncey] Never leave Alice.

[echoing] Never ever.

[birds chirping]

[door opens]

[door closes]

Hey!

Guess who's working on a Simon the Spider book?

The publisher liked the idea of telling the story

from Simon's point of view.

What do you think?

Simon doesn't seem so scary anymore.

More, hmm...

Sad.

I like it. [chuckles]

Can I have another paint brush, please?

- It's for my game. - Here.

- Here you go, Chauncey. - Thank you.

[Jess] There.

- Thanks. - [Jess] Mm-hmm.

[Alice] But don't you wanna sign your artwork first?

I use a little bitty brush to do that.

Like this.

- Thank you again, Jessica. - Have fun!

[Max] Are you absolutely sure?

I can still bail on this tour.

Go. Things are good, you know.

Taylor and I are finding our stride, Alice is in a better place.

Thanks to you.

You're helping them find their happiness again.

- You are too much. - [chuckles]

[Max] Hey.

Bye!

Bye.

Bye. Bye.

[whispering] Take me with you.

Look after your sister, okay?

Okay.

Okay. [chuckles]

It's gonna be great.

And I need this time with them.

- Yeah. - Okay.

[engine starts]

[Alice] Bye, Dad!

Love you guys.

[Alice] Bye!

- [Taylor] Love you, Dad! - [Alice] We'll miss you!

[neighbor] I just love your art.

Thank you.

- Um, I don't believe we've met. I'm-- - Jessica.

I'm Gloria.

I was your babysitter.

[chuckles] Years ago.

- I'm sorry, I don't remember. - No, no, of course.

You were so little and you moved away so quickly,

I never got a chance to say a proper goodbye.

- I'm a writer too, you know. - Oh.

Lovely. What do you write?

Oh, nothing as creative as you.

Just, um, scholarly volumes, self-published.

- Not big sellers. - Oh, please. [chuckles]

You were such a creative little girl.

I'm sure your stepdaughters...

- Yes. Yeah. -...are the same.

The, um, the younger one, Alice,

- she's very creative. - Hmm.

She even has this brand-new, uh, imaginary friend.

If you can even call it that. It's a stuffed animal.

- [chuckling] I'm not sure if that counts. - No, of course it counts.

So, Alice is just like you, then.

You-You were always drawing and inventing new games,

and playing with your imaginary friend.

You almost, sometimes,

had me convinced that he was real.

Well, uh, thank you for the kind words about my books.

I'm sorry I was being a bit of a Chatty Cathy there.

- It's fine. - [chuckles]

What are your grandkids's names so I can get them some signed copies?

Oh, no grandkids. No kids.

I'm just your fan.

Hmm.

Your dad was too, you know.

I understand he was unwell after your mother died.

But you should know he would devour your books.

Read, right up there on that porch.

Just lost-- lost in your stories.

I'm-- I'm sorry.

[stammering] I didn't mean to bring up such a complicated subject.

[Jess chuckles]

No child should ever have to go through what you did.

[Alice] Hey, Jessica.

I'm hungry.

Can you please make me some lunch now?

[Gloria] Patience, sweetie.

Miss Jessica and I were almost done talking.

Chauncey's hungry too.

Maybe he'll eat you for lunch.

Oh, you think so, do you? [laughs]

Oh, I just love children's imaginations.

What I don't love is when they get so violent.

Jess!

You gonna make Alice's lunch or am I gonna have to?

Oh, my God.

Duty calls.

Um, well, it was nice to meet you.

Again. I'm sure I'll be seeing you.

[Jess] Somebody smelled the brownies.

- You want one? Two? - [gasps]

- [clears throat] - Can I have some for Chauncey?

[both] He's always hungry.

- I know. - Thank you.

Hey, uh, I think I'm gonna head out for a bit.

Could you watch Alice?

You got it.

[sighs]

[chattering]

The nurse told me you started a new medication.

They seem optimistic.

Oh.

I brought your old camcorder.

- Your movies are so cool. - [camcorder beeps]

[children] ♪ Happy birthday to you ♪

- [laughing] - ♪ Happy birthday, dear Jessica ♪

Wow. [chuckles]

♪ Happy birthday to you ♪

[father] Blow out the candles!

I just-- I don't understand.

I know we were happy once.

How could you just...

change?

You know? I'm your baby girl.

How could you let them take me?

Oh, good, you're here.

Did you bring my dinner?

You're not my nurse.

He's supposed to be here with my food.

[trembling]

Yo, Ali-Cat, whatcha doing?

[flies buzzing]

It's for my scavenger hunt.

Ugh. I thought bugs freaked you out.

That's why Chauncey put them on my list.

He said I needed to show him how brave I could be.

Don't tell Dad or Jess, but if I can finish my list,

Chauncey will take me on a trip.

To the place he's from.

Tell you what, Ali-Cat, you have fun with your friend,

and I'll have fun with mine.

[typing]

[buzzing]

[doorbell rings]

Your babysitter's here.

- Come on in. - [claps]

All right.

[gasps]

We're not supposed to have strangers over.

- [door closes] - Wait, cool.

Is that a jar of bugs? [chuckles]

Hey! Those are for Chauncey!

[Taylor] Chauncey's her imaginary friend.

Her "Bing Bong."

- From Inside Out? - Oh! Pixar.

Give them back now.

I'm doing my scavenger hunt,

so Chauncey will take me where he takes all his friends.

So, your imaginary friend has his own imaginary friends.

Can I hang out with him too?

He's not imaginary. And he's not your friend.

Don't touch my stuff again.

Ever.

[whispers] Psycho.

So, while Alice plays her game,

we could watch a movie or something?

How about "or something"?

[chuckles]

"Simon had the worst of intentions. Waiting for the lights to go out.

Lights out."

Okay.

I should head back to the house.

What house?

Our old house.

I moved in with my husband, Max, and his two girls, remember?

Jess, that you?

Yes! Yes, Daddy, it's me.

Nobody'll believe me.

I looked into their eyes.

To tell 'em where you went.

You disappeared.

- Daddy, I didn't disappear. - [sobbing]

I went to live with Grandma. You know that.

Stop that. Stop with talking at CB!

You were always talking at CB!

Daddy, what's CB? A radio? What...

- Your CB! Your CB! - [gasps]

Daddy, stop! You're hurting me!

Okay, okay.

[breathing heavily]

He's all right now. He's fine.

You okay?

Sorry, I-I should go.

...guess you can't be all that bad, Mr. Zombie.

- [Liam sighs] - [Mr. Zombie] My name...

[friend] You have a name?

[sighs]

[friend] What is your name?

[sighs]

[sucks teeth]

Are you sure you don't want one of these?

Last time I took this stuff,

my left eye saw 12 seconds into the future.

Nah, I'm good. Just watching the movie.

Okay.

Hey, who wants a drink?

Dude, no, my dad's gonna see that.

Oh, yes.

[bottles clinking]

All right.

Just fill it up with apple juice.

He'll never notice the difference.

[gasps]

Okay, just go upstairs to the bathroom and just--

I'll get a mop and you grab the towels, okay?

- [stutters] Okay. - Go now!

I know. I don't like him either.

Maybe you should eat him.

[exhales]

[scoffs]

[jaunty tune playing]

[jaunty tune continues playing]

[scoffs]

[chuckling]

Whoa.

[music stops]

[Alice, distorted] Hands off my stuff.

[scoffs]

[zipper opens]

- [blows raspberry] - [urinating]

[groans]

[jaunty tune plays]

[gasps]

Goddamn it!

Oh! [groans]

[sighs]

Be cool.

You're just tripping.

[sighs]

[electricity crackling]

[power shuts off]

[Alice, distorted] Never touch Alice things.

[breathing heavily] Hey!

- I know that's you, kid. - [soft snarling]

- [jaunty tune plays] - [grunts]

[jaunty tune stops]

Huh?

Oh. Ah.

[jaunty music resumes]

[grunts]

Gotcha.

[jaunty tune plays]

[jaunty tune stops]

[jaunty tune plays off-key]

- [roaring] - [screaming]

[breathing heavily]

- [Taylor] Dude? - [screams]

What are you doing?

Is that Alice's blankie?

- [Jess] No, Taylor. - [gasps]

[gasps]

What are you doing?

[sighs]

I've had a really long day.

I come home and find your son giving Molly to my 15-year-old.

I'm sorry, this isn't Molly.

This is my allergy medicine.

Get back to the house, you idiot.

[whispers] Psycho.

- Now! - [gasps]

[parent] What are you gonna do?

I'm so sorry.

Taylor, I am really trying to trust you.

Just no more guests without my permission, ever.

I already said I'm sorry.

How many more times do you wanna hear me say it?

I swear that that was not me.

- [sighs] - But I don't know why Liam

- would've destroyed your-- - I don't think it was Liam.

Or you.

Hey, kiddo. [sighs]

I know you're not really sleeping.

I'm sorry I wasn't here earlier.

[shutter clicks]

Alice?

Come on, sweetie.

I get it.

What happened, that should never have happened.

And I know you're angry with me.

I get angry too sometimes and rip up my own paintings

when I wanna feel something big.

When I need to feel something new.

But it's never okay to rip up someone else's stuff.

When I was little,

after my mom died,

my dad, uh...

they said his brain got sick,

and he-- he stopped acting like himself.

And one terrible night, he got really angry.

And they made me leave this house.

Leave the happiest place I ever knew.

And you should never have to say goodbye to the things you love.

So, I just need you to know

that none of this is your fault, okay?

None of it.

You deserve to feel safe and loved.

And I thought because of what was taken from me, that--

That I could never be a good mom.

But then I met you,

and your sister.

And, ooh, honey, the way I love you both

made me think that maybe I could--

[clattering in distance]

[Alice humming jaunty tune in distance]

[wind blowing]

[Alice grunting]

[grunts]

[gasps]

Hmm. I'm nervous.

You promise it won't hurt?

[soft snarling]

Okay.

- [Jess shrieks] - [breathing heavily]

You okay?

Let me see. Let me see.

You're okay.

- You're okay. - I'm sorry.

- It's okay. It's okay. - I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry.

Why would you do that? Why would you do that?

- I'm sorry. - Why would you do that?

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

[Alice sobbing]

[Jess] No, Max. I'm telling you it wasn't an accident.

Baby, I'm scared. I have never seen Alice like this before.

And Taylor-- God, I don't even know where to start.

I'm sorry. I thought I could do this.

I really did.

I just wanted to give 'em a safe place, you know?

To be a good mom.

Passable mom, at least. I don't know.

Maybe I'm not able to...

- [Max] Hey, hey, hey, Jess... - I don't know.

[Max] Don't say that. Don't say that. You've been amazing.

You've been the best thing in their...

[Jess] Doctor Soto, please come in.

[Dr. Soto] I'm happy to be here.

I'm looking forward to reconnecting with Alice.

Well, that's good to hear.

This has been a--

- It's been a lot. - I understand.

There are so many things outside of Alice's control right now.

Creating an imaginary friend, or what we call a paracosm

is her way of finding stability.

I should've put my foot down earlier.

Not encouraged her relationship with Chauncey.

You made the right decision.

It's important to honor Alice's truth

because if we don't, we might not get to the bottom of this.

- Where shall I set up? - Oh.

Please, right here.

I'll be ready for Alice soon.

[camcorder beeps]

[Dr. Soto] So good to see you again, Alice.

Jessica told me you've been spending time with a new friend.

Can Chauncey be here with us?

Of course.

Where would you like Chauncey to sit?

So, why don't you tell me about Chauncey?

He loves me a lot.

- He's always hungry. - [chuckles]

My favorite thing is his eyes. I can see anything I can imagine in them.

Mmm.

But then he asked you to do something.

Something that hurt you, right?

[sighs]

Chauncey said it was part of the game.

That's right. The scavenger hunt.

But does that seem like a game a good friend would want to play?

[sighs]

Chauncey doesn't want me to talk about that.

Nobody else was supposed to see the list but us.

I understand.

Maybe you should tell Chauncey how he made you feel.

Go ahead, Alice.

[inhales]

[breathes heavily]

Chauncey. [sighs]

That really scared me. I didn't wanna hurt my hand.

[Alice, as Chauncey] Just for fun.

[Alice] But I told you it made me scared.

[Alice, as Chauncey] Chauncey need Alice be brave.

Chauncey keep Alice safe.

I just wanna go back to having fun.

Like we did before.

[Alice, as Chauncey] No, no go back. New things to see.

Never-Ever. Never-Ever.

Let's pause there, Alice.

You said that you loved me.

- [Alice, as Chauncey] Nobody love Alice. - [Alice sobbing] That's mean.

[Alice, as Chauncey] Chauncey not mean. Fake mommy mean.

Fake mommy will leave.

[sobs] You're lying!

[Alice, as Chauncey] Fake mommy always leave.

Only Chauncey love Alice. Always.

Okay, let's explore these thoughts, Alice.

Why do you think Jessica wants to leave?

[Alice, as Chauncey] Fake mommy bad, fake mommy cruel,

- fake mommy hurt true friends. - That's not true. Don't say that!

Let's talk about this anger you're feeling towards Jessica.

Maybe we shouldn't play together anymore, Chauncey.

- [Alice, as Chauncey] No. - Maybe we shouldn't be friends!

[Alice, as Chauncey, shouting] No, no, no, no, no!

- Let's take a time-out, Alice. - [sobbing]

[Chauncey] Stupid doctor say anything

to Alice mom, I hurt you. And your three ugly granddaughters.

[Alice sobbing]

[crying]

No! [sobbing]

- Uh-- - What's--

- [door shuts] - [stutters] I need to ask.

Has Alice taken up any new hobbies lately?

- Ventriloquism? - "Ventriloquism"?

I'm sorry, no. I-I don't think so.

Um-- [sighs] Can we talk privately about next steps?

Of course. Uh--

Would you, uh, check on her? I'll be up in a minute.

[sobbing]

Hey.

Hey.

Chauncey's mad at me. [sobs] Will you stay with me, please?

- It's okay, Ali-Cat, all right? - [sobbing]

You're just gonna get comfy. You're gonna take a little nap, okay?

Okay. [sobs]

On our session today, Alice brought up something new.

Something that she called the "Never-Ever."

This reminded me of another paracosm case.

A patient I encounter over ten years ago.

[Dr. Soto] Luis.

Tell me more about Randy Rabbit.

[breathes deeply] Randy is my best friend.

He loves me.

[Dr. Soto] Did he also tell you to do that?

Luis?

It's okay to tell me.

He said not to say. That you'd never understand.

Never ever.

[Dr. Soto] Luis went missing a week after that.

The police never found him. He Vanished.

I read many cases, missing children, children with extreme paracosm attachments

who caused them to detach from their families

and leave home, just like Luis.

He said not to say.

That you'd never understand.

Never ever.

[video pauses]

Jessica?

[Jess sighs]

Did Alice draw that?

Those other kids you were talking about before,

the ones who disappeared, vanished. They all had friends they played with too?

Yes.

That's it.

I gotta destroy that bear.

What bear?

Chauncey. Alice's stuffed bear.

The stuffed bear Alice brought into the study?

[exhales] I-I-I don't understand.

[chuckles] What? What is this?

[camcorder beeping]

Take a look for yourself.

[Dr. Soto] Go ahead, Alice.

[Alice] Chauncey, that really scared me.

Yeah, and she put it down on the sofa there, right?

[camcorder rewinding]

[Chauncey] And your three ugly granddaughters.

[camcorder beeps]

[Jess breathes shakily]

What?

There was never any bear.

No, I-- [grunts]

Uh...

It's a doughnut from England.

[in British accent] Across the pond, they pronounce it "scon."

[breathing heavily]

[shudders]

Jessica, are you okay?

[Dr. Soto] Where would you like Chauncey to sit?

[Jess breathes heavily]

Hey, um, you've seen the stuffed bear, right?

Chauncey?

What? No. He's imaginary.

That's what imaginary friends are.

Hey! Those are for Chauncey!

I'm scared Simon is going to try...

-... Chauncey be here with us? - [Dr. Soto] Of course.

[door hinges creaking]

[indistinct whispering]

Is that you?

[whispering continues]

Where are you?

Can I ask how long have you been seeing this bear?

Um, since we moved back.

[Dr. Soto sighs]

There's been a lot of change going on recently.

Maybe an incident from your childhood that you're dealing with.

But that doesn't explain why Alice is seeing it too.

Kids are very intuitive.

Far more than we think.

There are documented cases of children having the same dream as a parent.

My suspicion is that whatever is going on with you, Alice is tuning into.

I have a colleague I think you should talk to.

Please.

Call him.

Take care.

[scratching on floor]

There you are.

I'm not supposed to talk to you.

Dr. Soto said you weren't real.

[Chauncey] Chauncey real.

I'm sorry. Sorry I said I didn't wanna be your friend.

What?

[trembling]

[Jess sighs]

[Taylor] No, she was just here.

She was asleep. I--

[breathing heavily]

[sighs]

[Chauncey] Make it burn. Fire.

Magic.

I can't do this part. I'm sorry.

[snarls]

Alice?

Alice?

- Alice! - Alice?

[Taylor] Alice!

- Alice? - Alice!

Okay, well-- The basement.

Jess... [breathes heavily]...what's wrong?

What the hell is this?

We need to keep looking.

[footsteps departing]

[police radio chatter]

[breathing heavily] No one's seen her at all tonight.

The police are looking.

We'll find her.

You keep trying to make everything better, but you are only making it worse.

I mean, none of this even makes sense.

She was sleeping in her room. People do not just disappear.

"You disappeared."

What are you talking about? What--

It was something that my dad said.

I-- [scoffs] I didn't understand what he meant.

I thought he meant when I moved away, but-- Okay.

This is gonna sound out there... [inhales]

...but I think that my childhood imaginary friend

and Alice's are the same.

And I think the way that Alice just disappeared,

- maybe I, maybe-- - Just stop!

- Just stop, Jess! - Listen.

- I know it sounds cra-- - My sister is missing.

And she didn't disappear.

She ran away, because you forced your way into our life

and screwed everything up trying to be this perfect mommy.

Well, guess what, Jess?

You're not needed.

- Taylor, I've been-- - I'm going to walk the block again.

Maybe I'll see something.

[sobs, sniffles]

[breathing heavily]

[Taylor] Alice!

Alice!

Alice!

[breathes heavily]

[gasping]

[chuckles]

- [gasps] - Oh, wait. I-I didn't mean to scare you.

I know that Alice is missing,

but this is about Jessica and what happened when she was a child.

[breathing heavily]

I wanted to say something when Jessica first moved back here,

but it was clear she didn't remember.

Maybe she didn't want to.

But after Alice...

after tonight--

[Gloria] I'm-I'm sorry it's such a mess.

I don't entertain many guests.

But look, look. Look at this.

[Gloria sighs, gasps]

Look at this.

Jessica drew that for me once.

What does this have to do with Alice?

Well, when Jessica was little, she would talk about

a trip she was going to take to a secret place.

A place just for her and her imaginary friend.

[Gloria] Yeah, I thought it was just kid stuff until--

Well, until the last night I sat for her, and I saw something I couldn't explain.

Jessica opened a door.

A door that leads to the same place that I believe Alice went.

After Jessica moved away,

I became consumed with understanding what I'd seen.

It became my life's work.

My obsession.

You think Alice was abducted by a spirit?

Every culture has a name for it. Entities that tether to the young.

The Spanish call it "El Coco." The Trinidadians, the "jumbie."

We call them imaginary friends.

You're saying Bing Bong is real?

I know that sounds odd.

People don't believe in otherworldly things.

Until they must.

Kids, on the other hand, all have imaginary friends.

Most of them are benevolent.

Uh, helpful even.

Benign projections from an entity in the spirit world.

And the connection with the child almost always

fades naturally over time.

But sometimes when the child is separated from her imaginary friend,

in an unnatural or sudden way,

the trauma can cause the entity to hunger for the child's imagination.

Friendship isn't ever one way.

Imaginary friends thrive

off of a child's creativity and imagination.

It feeds that hunger.

Jessica's creativity was especially vibrant and powerful.

When their connection was severed, her friend's hunger turned violent.

So, Bing Bong is bad, and he has Alice?

The friend that Jessica was separated from didn't just disappear.

He waited in that house.

And his name is not Bing Bong.

It's Chauncey.

Isn't it?

[sighs]

[clattering]

[both gasp]

Taylor, please, you have to believe me.

What happened to Alice happened to me too.

Actually, I know it did.

[Gloria sighs]

[Jess] My dad kept repeating it.

"CB. Talking with that CB."

I thought he was delusional.

You know, ranting about some radio I had as a kid,

but he was saying the name of my friend.

"Seebee."

It was my childish way of saying Chauncey's full name.

You know, the name I gave him.

Chauncey Bear.

You-- You told me all about CB.

And you showed me the list that you made together.

I thought it was make-believe until you went away.

To the Never-Ever.

I think that the entity who was projecting the teddy bear image,

when he realized that he was gonna lose you,

he-- he tried to bring you back to his realm,

where he could keep you forever.

How could you forget all that?

Because I was five?

Because I'd just lost my mother to cancer.

Now this... thing took Alice because I abandoned him.

So how did you get back here from that place?

How do we get Alice back?

I think my list is the key.

[Taylor] I can only read half of that.

Those are so faded.

They're the same.

We're seriously doing a kid's scavenger hunt

to open a doorway to a magical spirit world?

- My sister is missing. - Taylor.

It's not about the actual items.

It's a benediction.

It's about how far you're willing to go to prove your devotion.

A paintbrush, something that burns.

Okay.

There was more to Alice's list.

Back side.

It was something that makes you mad,

that makes you cry.

I got the mad part and the crying part all in one.

The last few items were something that scares you,

something that you'll get in trouble for,

and something that makes you hurt.

Want me to send a bitchy text?

It needs to hurt. Really hurt.

You cut your arm.

And Dr. Soto's former patient cut off his thumb.

Alice tried to impale herself with that rusty nail.

[Gloria] That night when you went in,

you begged me to come with you and...

[sighs]... I wanted to, I wish I had,

but I was scared.

I'm-- I'm so sorry that I let you go in alone.

I should have been braver.

Jessica,

he opened the door for you once before.

I'm sure he'll do it again.

Something that hurts.

[exhales]

There's a first aid kit up in the hallway.

I need you to go and get it.

[inhales deeply]

Jess, no!

- [exhales sharply] - [gasps]

If we, uh... [stammers]

When we make it home,

we need to come through this door.

Stay back.

If anything happens, you'll have to get us out.

Remember what you felt like when you were that kid,

that creative kid.

You were lonely and scared

and missing your mom so terribly,

and wanting a new friend to love and to protect you,

take you away from that deep pain

that your father couldn't help you with.

Take you away to somewhere better.

[wind whistling]

- [electricity crackling] - [Gloria gasps]

[wind stops]

I... I...

I don't understand.

We followed all the steps.

No, it has to work.

We collected all that dumb shit.

Maybe you missed something.

No, try again.

Try again, Jess. You have to fix this.

[voices whispering]

I have to fix it. I do.

Why do I always have to fix your mistakes?

- Jess, I was-- - You're the reason Alice is missing.

You were supposed to be watching her.

- Stop, I-- - She's your sister.

She needed you, but you're so self-absorbed,

you couldn't be bothered to notice.

You're selfish, Taylor.

Just like your mother.

[sniffles]

Something that hurts.

The ritual needed pain.

Real pain.

Hurting your hand wasn't enough.

[electricity crackling]

- [wood creaking] - [wind whistling]

Hurt you more to say it.

Fuck, that was brutal, Jess.

[chuckles]

[wind whooshes]

- Taylor, get out! - [door slams shut]

[Jess] Taylor?

- [electricity crackling] - [high-pitched ringing]

[distorted] Gloria?

Hello?

- [gasps] - [echoing] Are you okay?

[breathing heavily] Are you okay?

- Yeah. - [muttering, shouting]

[thunder rumbling]

Holy shit!

[voices whispering indistinctly]

[child singing indistinctly]

[both breathing heavily]

[thuds]

Is that how we got here?

[Gloria gasps, pants]

Someone help me.

It's our only way out. The scissors.

[Taylor] Okay.

[Jess, Taylor panting]

Taylor.

You need to get out now, please.

No. She's my sister.

It's my fault she's gone. You were right about that.

So, we can look together or I'll find her on my own,

but I'm not going back without her.

- Okay. - [thunder rumbling]

Fine, just stay close, all right?

Okay.

[Gloria] All these years,

everyone said that my books were the nonsensical ramblings

of a crazy old lady,

but now, now I know for sure.

It's incredible! [laughs]

A kingdom of our imagination that can be whatever we want it to be!

So happy for you. Really.

[dad in distance] Jess?

[voices whispering indistinctly]

Jess?

[dad grunts]

[door slams open]

[breathing heavily]

Who is that?

It's...

me.

[breathing heavily]

[dad] Jess!

[grunting]

Daddy?

[entity snarling]

You can't have her!

[grunting]

[entity growling]

No.

[grunting]

[panting]

[grunting]

[grunts]

[sobbing]

[young Jess] I'm sorry we didn't finish our game.

It's okay. [sobbing]

It's okay!

It's okay!

He gave up everything to save me.

He looked into its eyes, its soul,

and he saw the combined imaginations of millions of children.

He wasn't strong enough.

It destroyed him.

It caused a cognitive break with reality.

He went in to rescue me.

Faced that thing and sacrificed his sanity.

Uh, where did Gloria go?

[Taylor] What are you doing?

[Jess, Taylor panting]

No. Oh, my God.

No.

You trapped us.

Your father should never have let you leave.

Oh, it's okay, it's okay.

The entity, it's been telling me to do this.

It wants us here. All of us.

I watched you go in all those years ago

while I was left behind, alone,

abandoned by you,

abandoned by him.

And now, none of us will be left alone.

This is what the entity promised me.

A place where you leave pain behind,

and where you leave--

Where you leave suffering behind,

and it's a place of joy,

of endless possibilities.

Jessica, you didn't come back to your old house by accident.

Deep down, you missed him, didn't you?

[dog barks]

- Was that... - A Maltipoo.

- Like Alice wanted. - See? [chuckles]

See, Alice's imagination is everywhere.

Think about it.

All the ways that kids play and dream

- come to life. [chuckles] - [thunder rumbling]

We can be young here.

We can create anything.

Be anything.

We'll be happy here.

All of us. Forever.

- [gasps, screams] - [Chauncey snarling]

- [gasps] - Gloria!

- [Jess, Taylor gasp] - [Chauncey snarling]

[screaming]

- [snarling continues] - [screaming]

- Gloria! - [gasps]

[door slams shut]

- [Gloria screaming] - [doorknob rattling]

- [Chauncey roaring] - [screaming continues]

- [flesh squelches] - [screaming stops]

We have to go.

We need to find Alice.

- [door slams shut] - [both gasp]

I don't think that scissors are going to stop that thing.

- Not just a thing. Chauncey. - [door creaking]

And he'll kill us all to keep Alice here.

[Alice's laughter echoing]

- Alice? - Taylor!

Alice?

Wait!

Get out!

[door hinges creaking]

[birds chirping]

[panting]

Okay.

Alice!

Alice.

We have to go, now.

[gasps] You're not her.

[distorted] I've been here too long.

[distorted, singsongy] Chauncey's coming for you.

[jaunty tune plays]

[thunder rumbling]

Come on. Come on.

[doorknob rattling]

[jaunty tune plays in distance]

[jaunty tune continues]

[jaunty tune's tempo increasing]

[Chauncey snarling]

[breathing heavily]

[grunts]

[grunts]

[gasps]

[distorted] Never ever. Never ever. Never ever.

Never ever! Never ever!

[both panting]

- You all right? - I think so.

We stay together unless I tell you to go.

- Promise me. - I promise.

[scratching in distance]

This way.

[scratching continues]

That's the number of our old apartment in the city.

- [door creaking] - [dog barks]

- [Jess gasps] - [barking]

[growls, barks]

[Taylor] This is what it looked like years ago.

Before I moved in.

I'm going to check her room.

[grunts]

Alice! Hey.

[Jess] Baby, it's time to go. Okay?

But I have everything I want here.

I have my new room in my old apartment,

lots of presents,

and a puppy!

And now you're all here.

My sister and both my moms.

[Jess gasps]

Keep away from her.

You don't have to feel threatened.

You can all stay.

Alice?

Sweetie, she's not real, okay? She's imaginary.

Oh, but you should honor Alice's feelings, Jessica.

I can help you become the perfect mom to these two perfect girls.

Alice, Taylor, it's time to go.

How? The blue door is closed.

[Samantha] Don't fight it.

Stay.

[Alice] Hey!

You're breaking them!

I told you she'd try and spoil it.

Jess, what are you doing?

Imagination has power here.

But we can use it to make something new.

Sometimes we create by tearing things apart. [grunts]

Don't mind them, sweetie.

- She's being bad. - Mm-hmm.

We love those books.

You should never have to say goodbye to the things you love.

[Jess] Come on, Alice.

It's fun.

See?

[Alice chuckling]

Alice? Sweetie?

It's working.

[grunting]

- [spraying] - [Taylor chuckles]

Why would you wanna leave your mom?

I'm ready to go home.

Alice, it's time.

Okay, let's get out of here.

[distorted] You can't have her.

- She's mine. - [gasps]

[Taylor shouts]

- [panting] - [electricity crackling]

[powers down]

[growling]

[snarling]

[roaring]

Go! I'll be right behind you.

This is crazy. We can't leave you.

He'll never stop coming for Alice. Go!

[Taylor, Alice panting]

Go on.

Okay. Run.

No!

- Alice is gone. - [growls]

- It's over. - [roars]

[Jess gasping, breathing heavily]

[whimpering]

[grunting]

You can't have her.

[grunts, screams]

[roars]

[bone cracking]

[groaning, panting]

[breathing heavily]

[doors creaking open]

[whimpering]

- [doors creaking open] - [gasps]

[sobbing]

[snarling in distance]

[growling]

[whimpering]

Please, please, please.

Please, please. No.

[sobbing] No.

Jess, come on!

- [gasps] - [growls]

Come on!

[growling]

[Jess sobbing]

[grunting, wincing]

[Alice] Come on, Jessica.

Coming.

Come on. Come on. Come on.

[Jess] "That was the end of the old story

and the beginning of a new one.

So what happens when a spider finally catches a millipede?

Maybe not what you think.

Simon had been chasing Molly for so long that he'd grown old.

He had no breath left in his lungs to speak.

So instead, he wrapped her up in his eight arms and hugged her,

which is a spider's way of saying,

'I've loved you all along."'

I know what you did for me, Dad.

How hard it must've been all these years.

[crying] I'm sorry you went through that alone.

I never really said thank you, Jess.

- I know I could be hard to deal with. - [laughs]

But you never gave up on me.

And you showed me I didn't need Chauncey.

I'm strong on my own.

Thanks...

Mom.

I'm still here.

[distorted] You said you'd never leave him.

[door creaking]

[Max, distorted] You lied.

Did you really think he'd let you go...

again?

[sobbing]

Alice was just the bait.

[dad, distorted] That's why he waited for you.

Your imagination was too strong.

[Jess gasps]

It fed him.

And now you will never leave.

[distorted] If you do,

he'll come back for Taylor,

for Alice.

[distorted] If you love them,

this is how you save them.

You can be happy here.

[sniffles]

Okay.

Okay.

I'll stay.

Just leave them alone. [sniffles]

Let them live.

[Chauncey, distorted] You're mine, finally.

Forever ever.

[Taylor grunts]

Forever's over, asshole.

Let's go!

- [Jess gasps] - [snarling]

[snarling]

[Taylor] Come on. Okay, come on.

[both grunting]

- Go! Go, go, go. - [grunts]

[Ben] Jess! Please don't go.

[thunder rumbling]

[chittering]

[snarling]

- [snarling] - [screaming]

[Taylor] Hurry!

- I'm okay. - [whimpers]

- We gotta go. - No, no!

That is not enough.

Help me.

- [Taylor] Paint faster. - [Jess] Okay.

Cover up the edges.

[screaming]

- Jess! - [Alice shrieks]

[Jess] No! No!

- [Taylor] Jess, come on! - [Alice] Come on!

- [snarling] - [Jess whimpering]

[Taylor grunting]

[Jess] No.

- [all grunting] - [Taylor shrieks]

- Come on. - [Alice] Come on.

- Alice, get back! - Come on, Jess! Come on.

[breathing heavily]

Don't look into its eyes!

Jess, please don't look!

Fire magic.

[Alice, Chauncey, distorted] Alice still...

my friend?

You were never my friend.

Never ever.

- [spider snarling] - [Jess, Taylor gasp]

Oh, my God!

Come on!

- [all panting] - Come on!

- [Taylor] Are you okay? - [Jess] Uh-huh.

- The house! We have to stop... - No!

Let it burn.

[sirens approaching]

[people chattering]

I see it too.

There you are.

Hey.

Rufus ran off on his own!

Sure he did, sweetheart. Come on, let's go sit.

Should we try the next hotel?

[both] Great idea.

Okay. Let's go.

Can we eat soon? Rufus is getting hungry.

Imaginary friends don't get hungry, sweetie.

But he's not imaginary.

[parent] Okay. All right.

[chorus] ♪ Chauncey, Chauncey Pal that you are ♪

♪ He's the kind of bear ♪

♪ Who really cares And helps you feel okay ♪

♪ Chauncey, Chauncey Pal that you are ♪

♪ He's by your side And grinning wide ♪

♪ Now it's time ♪

♪ To play ♪

[child giggling, echoing]

[chorus] ♪ Chauncey, Chauncey ♪