Original subtitles

Read it to me?

Come on. Scootch in.

When you lose someone important to you

you don't lose them completely.

And then you would always say...

Go Clayton, you can do it.

"This mouse has advice...

always think twice."

They are always around somehow.

"To Ruby and Dan

because they know they can."

My mom was an amazing person.

She wrote about how beautiful life is, about everything.

Stories that make you notice things you just stopped noticing.

My mom is gone

but she still helps me and my dad live

and that's why she's my...

my personal hero.

But some days they're around a little more than others. Like today.

Every year on Mom's birthday, I made her a funny card

a birthday theme on whatever was happening in our lives at that time.

Inside jokes.

It was a tradition.

It's a tradition I plan to keep.

The trick now is finding the funny part.

Luckily, I have plenty of raw material.

Sam.

Give me a chance.

I can explain.

Can you, though, Samuel?

It's not what you think. You know...

What I think is you've created

a serious health and safety issue for the school.

But they're so cute. And so hungry.

Premium blend. Very thoughtful.

Twelve essential nutrients. Can't blame me, can you?

Samuel, the number of feral cats on school property

is growing exponentially. Can you please

- stop feeding them? - Yes.

Well, I've been doing this long enough

to know when a "yes" that fast means "no."

You're incorrigibly kind, Samuel.

Typical Sam move. Totally sweet. Totally not thought out.

I wish you could've met him.

And Mina and Ms. Amani and Ms. Price.

You would have loved them, Mom.

Dad?

Hey, Ruby.

Were you ju...

Oh, ya. I was just bringing in the...

- Laundry. Yeah. - Yeah.

Thank you. I was down to my last...

Listen, I... I gotta...

- Oh yeah, yeah. - Yeah.

- Okay, bye. - Bye.

I wish I had some space.

Who was that?

Was it a ghost? Don't tell me.

I don't wanna know. I do wanna know.

I don't think she was a ghost.

So, why did you see her?

And is she part of the wish, or no?

And what does it mean?

Oh. If you stood by the well

and said, "I wish I knew," do you think it would tell you?

I don't know. I...

She didn't just look at me

she saw me, Ruby.

I mean, no one's done that in a vision before.

Weird.

Creepy.

- Weirpy. - Weirpy.

And what was the wish?

"I wish I had some space."

There was a leather briefcase

a plastic credit card

a tiny keyhole

and a graphic

for The K.J. Murphy Podcast.

The K.J. Murphy Podcast?

Yeah.

That's gotta be Kevin Murphy

- from our school. - Yeah.

He helps out at the library.

Oh and the keyhole that I saw

had the numbers 109.

Okay. Speaking of the library

that small keyhole clue reminds me

- of something I've seen in there. - Yeah?

That.

You see? Tiny keyholes and

they even have numbers like you said.

But we're looking for 109

that only goes to eight.

Yeah. What's in there, anyway?

I was hoping it was a link

to our wisher, but it looks like

it's just a dead tarantula.

- Didn't mean to scare you. - Kevin.

Kevin Murphy.

Cool, huh?

It's called a cabinet of curiosities.

We're gonna fill it with everything

from weird stuff to really weird stuff.

Interesting.

Anything you'd, say

talk about on your podcast?

Podcast? I don't have a podcast.

You don't?

Nope. I mean, I thought about it.

I even made a title graphic once, but

never actually made one, no.

So...

whaddya looking for, anyway? A...

hackled orbweaver?

A southern black widow?

Spider.

Xavier, this...

this isn't a toy. Okay? This is

a carnivorous Brachypelma klaasi.

Can I pet it?

Totally.

Fuzzy.

Sorry. Sorry, sorry.

Let's leave the nice boy and his creepy-crawlies alone, okay, Xave?

Come on. Time to go.

Catch me first!

Come on, Xavier. Please.

Xavier.

Well, it's not a great start, two dead ends.

Yeah, but when one clue door closes, another one opens.

Look. The kid's mom dropped this.

The card from my vision.

Only it's not a credit card. It's her library card.

"J. Donovan. 17 Victoria Street."

Well, that must be her. She could be our wisher.

Mom and her pint-sized destructobomb have vaporized.

Maybe. But at least we know where to find them.

Whoa. Somebody has plans.

Yeah. I think best when I'm cleaning

so those faucets are gonna sparkle.

Everything okay, Dan?

Yeah.

Dan.

It's just that this Saturday would have been Summer's birthday.

I'm so sorry.

How you holding up?

Yeah.

Right now, I just want to make sure I'm worried about what Ruby needs.

Yeah. It's hard.

Just wish I could, you know, take that hurt she's got inside and...

Different order of magnitude

but when Farhad and I separated, Mina struggled, too.

So what did you do?

Tried to fill the empty space with new adventures.

Made the tough conversations more bearable for both of us.

New adventures.

Okay.

Why not?

- Thank you. - Always.

The card, a woman's voice. "I wish I had some space."

With a kid like that, no kidding.

Maybe she's our wisher?

Hi.

Hi. Xavier's mom?

You dropped this at the library.

Oh, thank you. You didn't have to.

Oh, wow.

More chocolate milk.

Principal Donovan?

Samuel.

Kids, why are you on my porch?

We're not. Sorry.

Sorry.

Where's my little sweetheart?

Xavier.

Honey.

- Nana's home. - He's napping.

Sorry.

Wow. She's like a whole other person when she's in grandma mode.

I've got groceries.

Thanks for grabbing the groceries, Mom, but chocolate milk? Please.

You know, it's calcium.

- And sugar. - A natural source of food energy.

And cavities.

You know what? Do what you like, love

but I'm late for council so could you hand me my bag?

Yeah.

- Here. - Oh, thanks.

The attaché case.

We borrowed your card.

Oh, right. Okay.

So, whose card is it?

It's not Xavier's mom's, after all. It's Principal Donovan's.

Principal Donovan's library card.

Principal Donovan's briefcase.

Xavier's mom isn't our wisher.

Our principal is.

Principal Donovan is our wisher.

Question is why does she want some space?

Well, it's not the house. That thing is huge.

Okay, so, if it's not physical space

then maybe she wants space from a person.

Like a certain toddler and his mother?

Our principal isn't married anymore.

I heard her mention that her husband passed.

Yeah, maybe she wants to go on dates, but, you know, wants more privacy.

Or...

or maybe she's trying to get away from a long-lost ancestor

or a past life.

Let's skip past lives. I'll pry into Principal Donovan's private life.

Go for it. Sam and I will pry into her public life.

Gentle Repose? Homespun Charm?

Violet Dusk?

Who comes up with these colour names?

Not sure, but I just mixed two cans of Easter Bunny.

So...

I met Principal Donovan's grandson today.

- I didn't know she was a grandma. - Yeah.

Xavier's a ball of energy.

He takes after her.

Why?

Because she's so busy as principal

town councilor

and dating a new boyfriend?

Boyfriend?

I've only ever seen her with Charlotte and Xavier

since they moved in.

- Wait. They all live together? - Yeah.

Charlotte struggled a bit.

Jane invited them to stay with her so she could help.

Do they get along?

Let's just say

they have the occasional difference of opinion.

Everything from education standards to...

Chocolate milk.

I get it.

Moms and daughters, it happens.

Meanwhile, I'm wondering who on earth would pick the colour Easter Bunny?

- Amani's. - Hi, Ava.

Hey, Charlotte.

Your paint's ready.

Ooh. Easter Bunny.

Thanks so much for the recommendation.

No problem. I love it, too.

- I'm on my way. - Mother and daughter. It happens.

I'll see you later.

- Bye. - 'Kay, bye.

Now a roundabout is efficient

and safe and we deserve it

because this place is more than just where we live.

It's what we are.

She's so passionate about making the town better.

Maybe she needs more space in her schedule?

... all to have a look at. Everybody got a pen?

Really need some face time with her.

How? Unless she's in grandma mode, she's not exactly approachable.

I know it's odd, but I want

- to start... - So, we need to talk to her

in grandma mode, in her own house

with her guard down

And with a reason that interests her to want to talk to us.

Okay. Come and sit down.

You're doing a survey on what?

Our babysitting services.

- We're... - I know who you are.

Miss O'Reilly always has her hand up.

Miss Amani

always talking.

Samuel "Fancy Feast" Price.

Well, I'm always happy to chat with resourceful kids.

Granny, can I have orange fishies?

Oh, you sure can, my boy. Have them all. Go on, quick.

Do you like crackers and dinosaurs and puddles?

Separate and together.

Oh. Okay. Bye, Sam.

Come on. Let's play.

Maybe she's tired of raising another kid for the second time?

So, space from Xavier, maybe?

Okay. Well, let's play.

Catch me.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait. Slow down. Slow down.

Okay.

First question: Kids can be rambunctious

so we offer babysitting at your house or ours.

Everything here looks...

spendy.

Maybe you wish Xavier had more space to run around?

Someplace less...

- smashable? - Yeah.

Oh, please, anything that's breakable can be replaced.

As long as he's having fun.

I gotta watch my ticker, you know?

Cool. Cool, cool, cool.

Okay, second question:

Our service creates value space for "me time."

On a scale of one to ten...

One being occasionally, ten being always.

How often would you say you wished you could have a break

for grown-up TV, or a meal without baby carrots?

Is there a zero for never?

I treasure every moment with that boy.

He is my "me time."

So, you're happy with your home space, it sounds like.

- Okay. Next question. - What?

Regarding your personal space.

Ever date someone clingy?

What? What has that got to do with babysitting?

Or... what are your views on outer space?

What?

Oh. Xavier.

- Are we done here? - Yup. Yup.

Thanks for your time. Go. Come on, go.

- Ruby, come on. - Sam, we're leaving. Mina.

How long was I in there?

Twelve minutes.

Okay, new question: How much have I aged?

The key with 109 on it. I'm pretty sure I know what it is.

I can't believe I didn't think of this sooner.

I feel left out of some big discovery.

Tomorrow. My mom's hardware store.

Just you wait.

An adventure?

Really?

Yeah. There's tons of cool stuff to do around here.

I bet you've never spelunked.

I bet I haven't, either.

And it's three hours away.

Treetop trekking, then?

- Four hours. - Ziplining?

Six hours.

Cool. Fine. Yeah.

When did you want to go?

How about this weekend?

This weekend?

Maybe Saturday.

Saturday.

But that's...

Any reason you want to do it on that particular day?

Why not?

- Unless you have any plans? - No.

No... no.

It's just...

Okay, great. Yeah. Ziplining, this Saturday.

Great.

I don't know what to say. It's just weird.

Do you think maybe he forgot your mom's birthday?

No, there's no way he'd forget.

Or...

if he did, I...

No, I can't even go there.

She's here.

Yes. Yes, I know.

I can only wait so long.

No, I understand and I will, okay?

Someone doesn't seem happy.

I said I'll get it done.

What do you think she needs to get done?

Whatever it is, she's really stressing about it.

Is that the keyhole from your vision? 109?

Not sure.

Hang on.

- Sorry. Sorry. - No, no, it's okay.

Thank you very much.

Miss O'Reilly?

You again.

- Thank you. - Yeah.

It's fine.

Okay, those letters weren't addressed to her.

They were addressed to M. B. Fraser.

Who's M. B. Fraser?

And why is Principal Donovan picking up their mail?

When I search M. B. Fraser, I get a seamstress

a dance teacher, an author and a veterinary histologist

but none of them live in Emerald.

Maybe they moved and Principal Donovan's picking up their mail?

But you can forward your mail.

Yeah, and plus, there's something she needs to "get done".

What do adults have to get done?

Taxes.

Hair. Oil change.

Oh, Charlotte came by to pick up some paint. Maybe a home reno?

Oh, she'd need some space for that.

Xavier should not be near open paint cans.

And she'd also need plenty of supplies.

I'll check back at the store, purchase database.

Oh, great.

Let me guess. Dad calling to hound me out of Emerald again.

Hey, Dad, is this you?

Sorry, no.

Oh. I'm sorry. Hello.

Hi. Who am I speaking with?

Daniel O'Reilly.

Hello, Daniel. My name is Alex

and I'm calling on behalf of St. Mary's College.

I'm looking for Summer O'Reilly.

Oh.

She's...

Not here.

This is her husband.

Well, as a valued alumna

we were hoping we could count on Summer for a donation.

It can be any size, nothing's too small, every dollar counts.

You know what?

Not this year. But thank you for calling.

Oh. No problem on the donation then, but...

Actually, you know what? I... I really have to get going here.

As a graduate who's gone on to become a writer and illustrator

it'd be great if we could arrange a time to interview Summer.

It wouldn't take long

but we'd love to do an article on her for our quarterly alumni magazine.

That's not gonna be possible.

Okay. Well, if I could get some information

- we could put together... - She passed away.

Last year.

I'm so sorry. I didn't know.

I guess the college didn't receive that information.

It's okay.

Don't worry.

My condolences, Mr. O'Reilly.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

- Hey. Whatcha got? - Hey.

Okay, forget the reno.

Check out this old order of stuff Principal Donovan bought.

Metal detector, safety orange duct tape

and a headless mannequin?

- Weird. - That's what I thought.

But when it all comes together?

So tasty.

I knew it was the shy weirdo who did it.

It's always the shy weirdo.

Sorry. What?

The Secret of the Vanishing Stranger.

What'd you guys think of it?

I don't know. What did we think of it?

Well, it was a mystery club selection of the month for a reason.

4.8 average on BestReads.

Kevin, slow down. You're talking about a book?

Yes.

And if you haven't read it? Totes recommended.

What happens with the mannequin will rock your world.

I think we just got a copy back into circulation.

Yeah. Let me check.

Fran, Franz...

Here we go.

And just FYI

actually wasn't the shy weirdo.

Trust me.

Shocking.

M. B. Fraser.

The same name as on the mail Principal Donovan was picking up.

Maybe it is the author?

Why would she be picking up the mystery writer's mail?

Well, what if she's not?

What if it is actually her mail?

What do you mean?

Well, my mom used to know a ton of writers

and half of them used pen names.

What if M. B. Fraser is actually Principal Donovan's?

And she buys all of this weird stuff as research?

So, you're saying she's a principal, town councilor, a grandma.

Check, check and check.

And maybe, just maybe, a murder mystery writer.

"The author lives in a quiet town with her daughter."

Emerald, the town, and Charlotte, her daughter.

But no Xavier?

Xavier didn't exist then. Look, this was published six years ago.

Okay. But why would a principal write mystery novels?

Maybe it was a hobby that took off?

Okay, why use a pen name, then?

Yeah. These books are fun, but, you know, very "murder-y".

Yeah, not something that an upstanding principal

and town councilor would want to be associated with.

Meanwhile, I kinda wanna know what's up with this vanishing stranger.

Kinda want to know how to solve this wish.

Why don't we just go up and ask her?

After the babysitting disaster? Fat chance.

But we could ask a fan.

Test. One, two.

Testing.

- Hey. - Hey, Kevin? Whatcha doing?

Oh, that was the best idea, you guys. I'm totally doing it.

Doing what?

Podcast.

Here?

Yeah, they... they kicked me out of the library.

So, I figured I'd go to a place that was already noisy.

Classic Kevin Murphy logic.

And guess who I'm doing the first podcast on?

M. B. Fraser.

M. B. Fraser. Yeah.

You read a lot of her books?

Totally. She's amazing.

And you do know that M. B. Fraser is a pseudonym, right?

Yeah. No way. That's my whole podcast topic.

Yeah? So do you know who it is?

I have theories.

Actually, have a range of theories.

- Range of theories. - Yeah, yeah.

Just a matter of narrowing it down.

So, you have no idea, do you?

Not really, no.

- Okay then. - All right, fine.

- Then have a nice podcast. - See ya, Kev.

Okay. Bye. Yeah.

Yeah, even though he didn't know it.

Wait up, guys.

Why would Kevin Murphy's podcast be in your vision

if he doesn't even have one yet?

The well is getting trickier and trickier.

Guys.

There you are. Okay.

I gotta show you something.

Right after you guys left, Principal Donovan came in.

Halona gave her a quiet table.

Apparently, she had work to do, or something.

So, started recording my podcast.

Was going great, my whole M. B. Fraser "secret identity" thing.

Well, apparently, Principal Donovan found it really annoying.

No idea why.

Then, when I went to the bathroom, my mic was still on. Okay, listen.

Here's your tea, Jane. Remember

I need the table back at four, as usual. Evening rush.

Yeah, understood.

You look stressed.

- Is it, Charlotte? - No, not entirely.

I can't get the extension. I... I need 14 more days.

Since when do you need extensions?

Since Xavier decided that I build the best forts.

Well, good luck. Four o'clock, okay?

I know.

You know what that means?

Do we?

She wants to extend the school year by two weeks.

What kind of monster principal do we have?

- Wow. - Really.

Now I know what my next podcast is going to be about.

So, she's our mystery writer, all right.

And she wants a deadline extension.

She can't get one, but in order to write...

- she needs some space. - She needs some space.

As in peace and quiet.

And, just like that, the well comes through again.

So, all we have to do is tell Charlotte what the problem is

so that she can give her mom some space to write.

Easy-peasy.

Sam.

Come on. We're gonna go tell Charlotte how to help her mom.

Sam.

- Sam. - Sam.

Yeah. You're gonna make it all good with Charlotte and her mom.

I got it. Good luck.

Hi, Mrs. Donovan.

Oh. Oh, oh, boy.

Can we talk to you for a second?

Mom. Look at this.

One second, baby. I'm talking.

- What we were just trying to... - Say.

Sorry, it can be hard to finish conversations with him around.

Or get anything done, I bet.

What do you mean?

Well, you know your mom...

Go on.

- Maybe... maybe, I shouldn't. - We'll talk later, maybe. Yeah.

No. Let's talk now.

Hey, guys. Hey, Xave.

Sam.

Hey, buddy. How are ya?

Hey, Ms. Donovan. You gotta tell your mom she's got a new fan.

Sam? Maybe not now.

- Okay. - Man

I just love The Case of the One-Eyed Falcon.

- I mean, it's epic. - Sam.

You've gotta tell her I can't wait for her new one.

Sam, please, stop.

- We gotta go. We gotta... - Her new one?

What are you talking about?

Well, I...

Nothing. Nothing.

My mom's writing again?

- Careful. - What do you know about this?

No, we just... Your mom...

I...

- just... - well, she wanted some space

- and... - Some space?

Really.

I should've known.

- I'm done. - No.

Come on, Xavier.

No, I didn't...

No, please. Mrs. Donovan, I...

That's not what we meant.

What just happened?

Oh, you know.

Just another wish. Granted.

We're not wish granters, we're relationship wreckers.

Hey, wild idea. Maybe we should try to fix this?

Sure. Once we come up with a plan that won't backfire.

But first we need Sam's brain back. I mean, where is he?

Downstairs with his nose stuck in Death in the Parlor. He's hooked.

I mean, I get why Principal Donovan writes under a pseudonym

but why keep your writing a secret from your own daughter?

Maybe Charlotte's a failed writer, or she doesn't like her mother's books?

There's only one way to find out

and it involves me smoothing things over with Charlotte.

A coupon for free babysitting?

But it's conditional.

"Valid only if you agree to discuss something first."

Is this about my mom?

I feel terrible about what happened.

It's not your fault. It's mine.

What do you mean?

Growing up with a mother who writes means I learned some things.

Like giving her space?

Yup. And with me and Xavier here, she has none.

I should have known, but now I can fix it.

By finding her some space?

By finding my own.

I'm moving out. Moving supplies. Problem solved.

Moving out? But your mom loves having you here. I mean, she even told me.

For sure, but this was only supposed to be temporary.

Took everything in me to even ask.

I hate asking for help and then when I do, I'm in the way.

Well, I'm sure if you just talk to her.

She'd deny it.

- Okay, but... - But, hey.

Thanks for the coupon.

Xavier, c'mon sweetie. Time to go inside.

Okay.

Ouch.

And she left it at that?

Yeah. I mean, at least she thanked me for the coupon, but still. Denied.

So this wish is kicking my royal behind.

Parents. Kids. Will they ever understand each other?

I mean, just when I thought I solved Principal Donovan's wish

I found out that Charlotte and her son are moving out.

But I don't think that's what she or Principal Donovan want.

Charlotte made her choice and I made a mess of their family.

They need to talk.

- They do. - No more dancing around it.

Yeah. Get to the point.

- Say what you mean. - Say what you feel.

- Yes. - Yes.

I mean, when something's bugging you, that's what you do, right?

What? Are you supposed to be able to read each other's minds

just because you're family?

- No. - No.

Yeah.

Okay, there's a hard conversation

that Principal Donovan and Charlotte need to have.

And we solve this wish by making it easy for them to have it.

Easy to say. Hard to do.

Sam, a little help?

Sam?

- Sam. - Sorry.

I'm at such a good part.

You've been reading that all day.

Yeah. You want to know why?

The suspects are all locked in the parlor

and the detective is about to reveal all.

Everybody's hanging onto her every word.

Hanging on to her every word.

AKA really listening.

So, that's what we do.

That's exactly what we do.

Are you guys thinking what I'm thinking?

We solve this wish like one of her mysteries.

Let's play.

Okay. Anything but smash-up.

How 'bout that?

- No. - No?

No.

Sounds like Sam has his hands full up there.

Thanks again to all three of you for coming over to help.

That's what babysitters are for.

There were some boxes in the dining room that we weren't sure about.

Okay.

Principal Donovan?

We might have packed some of your stuff on accident.

Did you wanna go check?

Yeah.

Initiate "Operation trap 'em in a room

and make 'em be honest about their feelings

so we can finally solve this wish."

Catchy.

I thought this old radio bit the dust years ago.

I'll tell you what bit the dust.

Your relationship.

You know what that means?

I think I've read this one.

I think I wrote this one.

So?

Nobody leaves this room until this crime is solved?

Let the sleuthing begin.

I can't believe they're doing this.

Well...

it is kinda cute and...

I do like resourceful kids, so...

Based on the clothing, the position and the glass

I would say that this is Reginald Fenwick

the victim in Death in the Parlor.

Poisoned lemonade.

So should we look for some clues?

Don't have to.

The detective found the first clue hidden in the victim's collar.

Right. Okay.

"Why did you keep your writing a secret from your daughter?"

Excellent question.

Well, because I didn't want you to respond

in the way that you are responding.

Look, sure, we're a total delight.

But admit it, we're a nuisance.

No. You're not.

I mean, you are a bit too thoughtful.

I want you here.

That wasn't the reason why I was hiding it.

You know, when you were young, I felt guilty about writing.

I knew it, it took away from our time.

- It did. But... - Yes.

And I didn't want you

to think the same thing was going to happen with Xavier.

Now who's being too thoughtful?

Mom, your writing was part of our life.

I loved falling asleep to the sound of you on your typewriter because...

I knew you were there.

The chiming of the hour.

The murderer's confession was found hidden in the grandfather clock.

There isn't a grandfather clock in here.

No.

But there is a picture of Grandad.

"Confession time.

What are your hopes for the future?"

Simple. I want you to have writing time.

And I want to help put Xavier through school.

A little bit of writing on the side really helps.

The final clue in Death in the Parlor

secret message written in invisible ink.

Lampshade.

Heat from the light will reveal the message.

"How about one hour of writing time each day

and three hours on the weekend?"

What do you think, Mom?

I think it's perfect.

Are you sure it's enough? I...

We could get out of your hair for longer.

I won't stand for that.

This house is alive with you two in it.

Do you really mean that?

Yes.

You know, I like writing, I do, but...

I love you two kids.

My heart just flips every time I see you.

I feel so full.

Full?

I couldn't think of a better word than full. Some kind of writer I am.

Yeah, well, then...

I feel full, too.

Come here.

I love you.

And

we do have some pretty crafty babysitters.

We do.

She wasn't a part of the wish.

Which one?

What do you think?

You always picked the one that you thought nobody went to.

And then we'd end up feeling sorry for it

and then we'd pack up and go to Macrame World, or something.

You made anything fun.

Dad?

Hi.

I was just...

Were you...

I do it, too.

I know.

Macrame World was a blast.

Yeah. Yeah.

Hey, you remember the dog frog hat?

Or was it a frog dog hat?

Either way, an impressive piece of work.

Yeah.

I want to talk to you about something.

I don't want to go ziplining.

Or tree-trekking. Or spelunking. At least not this Saturday.

- I just thought that... - I... I know.

But...

this Saturday...

I just...

I just want to remember.

Me, too.

I got a better idea.

Yeah?

Yeah.

When you care about someone, you can tie yourself into knots

dancing around their feelings.

And when you do that

you spend all your time dancing and none of your time actually feeling.

But saying what you need...

hearing what someone else needs?

And finding a way for both of you to have what you need.

Do that and suddenly you're untangled

free to feel it all, together.

Happy birthday, my love.

Happy birthday, Mom.