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- Avi. (gentle music)
Avi, talk to me?
- Once upon a time. - We should see someone.
Avi, what did you do?
- Once upon a time.
Once upon a time,
a brave young girl
was searching for the tallest tree in the forest.
The woods were so thick where she lived
that she had never seen the sky before.
- Never?
- Never. Or the sun.
You see, she lived her whole life in near darkness
under the canopy of trees.
- [Kaylah] What's a canopy?
- Canopy's like a...
It's like a roof.
The roof of the forest
- The leaves?
- That's right.
The leaves.
So one day she made a plan.
She would find the tallest tree in the forest,
then climb above the canopy
and finally see the light of day
and the stars at night.
Soon, our brave heroine came across a tree
whose trunk was the thickest she'd ever seen,
and whose top soared high above all the others.
And so...
- And so?
- And so...
- And so, she climbed.
- Kaylah!
(panting)
(train hooting)
(somber music)
Good morning, Beth.
- Don't you have to be at work?
- How are you?
- Cut the crap, Avi.
- Cookie? - The house.
- Really? You couldn't have called?
- I did call. How about answering the phone?
- What about the house?
- I showed it to Lauren and Miguel.
- Oh, no!
- [Beth] They love it, Avi.
- Of course they do. - They made an offer.
- Forget it. - It's got to go.
- It's my house. - Stop it, Avi.
We're not going through this again.
We agreed.
- You agreed. - We agreed.
I'm here to tell you to go out there
and get the things that you want
because the rest of it is up for sale.
I did pack up most of the house already.
Avi.
The house needs to go.
(somber music)
- When?
- This weekend would be good.
- Anything else? I need to get dressed.
- Avi...
- Please, Beth.
Anything else?
- No.
Except pick up the phone next time.
That's what the ringing is.
- Having a little trouble, Avi?
- Hello, Arnold.
- Won't start?
- No, won't start.
- You know, I saw Beth this morning.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
She talk to you about the house?
- Yes, Arnold. She did.
You think you can give me a jump?
- You're gonna be late.
- Yeah.
(car engine revving)
- Go to work, Avi.
♪ She got a sexy little waist ♪
♪ She move them hips ♪
♪ With her done up hair ♪
♪ And the glossy lips ♪
♪ She ain't ridin' off in her first class wigs ♪
- Avi.
- Hey, Tom.
- Late again, huh?
- Yeah, sorry.
I had car problems.
I really need something new (chuckles).
So, how's it going?
- It's good. Good, good.
Busy.
- Well, that's good. Busy is good.
So how's your old man?
- He's good.
Fighting that thing, you know.
And actually, Avi, we're not that busy.
So, not that good.
As a matter of fact, pretty slow and pretty awful.
- Oh!
Really?
- Yeah.
Sales are down five quarters now.
- That's...
Five?
- Yeah, look, we're gonna have to let you go.
- Yeah, where?
- No, I mean, we're making some changes.
Cutbacks.
- Cutbacks.
Am I...
I'm fired.
- Yeah.
There's no great way to tell you.
So, there it is.
I'm sorry, but five quarters, Avi.
- That's my fault?
- No, no, not specifically.
I mean, don't take it personally.
You're great.
We love you here.
- I'm still fired.
- Yeah, that's it.
You're low man, Avi.
- Tom, I have been-
- And you'll get a healthy severance.
I mean, well, two weeks basically, but,
we need you to leave today.
(all laughing)
- That was a good one.
- This wine is delicious,
and I for one would be in favor
of opening another bottle.
All in favor?
- [All] Aye!
- Avi, speaking of delicious,
we should have a small sampling of the book.
- Well, that's nice, Barton,
but I don't have it memorized.
- Now, I'm sure that's true.
That's why I asked Barbara for a little advanced copy.
- What? (gasping)
Why did you come with one of those?
- Avi, you should read.
- Yeah? - Yes.
Yes, you should read.
- (chuckles) Come on. - Come on.
You know you want to.
- Okay.
- Yeah. - Which passage?
- My favorite passage.
Yeah. - All right.
- [Man] Mr. Brickman.
- [Beth] Our daughter.
Avi, talk to me?
I know we should seek some help.
- Mr. Brickman. - A professional.
- [Man] Mr. Brickman, are you all right, sir?
- [Beth] Avi, what did you do?
So this is my fault. Is that it?
Our daughter.
(gentle music)
- [Clara] Thank you for calling Burton Financial.
This is Clara. I'm the supervisor.
How can I help you today?
- Hey, Clara. I'm Avi.
And as I was telling the other lady,
I'm looking for a little help.
Now, I'm looking at my statement,
the last month's statement,
and specifically the limit on my card.
Now, what I wanna know is if I can get an increase.
You know, pump it up a little.
Now, I realize that you-
- [Clara] Mr. Brickman, we have a fixed formula for limits.
Your current income-
- Yes, she explained, but what I mean is,
isn't there usually a little wiggle room?
No?
- [Clara] I'm afraid not, Mr. Brickman.
I'm happy to send up this request, but...
- I've had this card for over a decade.
I pay the minimum amount on time every month.
I mean, at least the minimum.
- [Clara] I see you do, Mr. Brickman.
However, we have rules and-
- Fine.
Fine, just...
- [Clara] Would you like me to-
- Yeah, just send up the request?
Isn't there a supervisor, supervisor I can speak with?
- [Clara] No, I'm afraid not.
- All right, fine.
Just send up the damn request.
- [Clara] Please hold.
- Yeah.
(train hooting)
(wind chimes jingling)
- [Beth] Our daughter.
Talk to me.
A professional.
(somber music)
(Kaylah humming)
(phone ringing)
- And if I do these chapters you're suggesting,
think I can get the extra credit?
- Well, it's a possibility, Chad,
but I'd like to see an outline
and specifically how this will be incorporated
into the general theme.
Go work on it and I'll see you in class, okay?
- Yes, sir.
Thank you.
- Hello, Barton?
- Yes, Avi. How are you?
Come in.
I've got a class starting shortly, but yes, come in.
So, how are you doing, Avi?
- I'm good.
I'm fine.
How about you here in the school and classes?
- Oh, well, yes.
All good.
I'm busy.
- Busy.
Busy is good.
- Yes, busy is good.
As I said, I have a class-
- Barton, to tell you the truth,
I'm looking for a little extra work
and maybe a class.
- Avi.
- Maybe just an introduction to something.
Maybe just a creative writing section.
A freshman course or an analysis.
- Avi. - You know I'm qualified.
- Our schedule's set for the semester. You know that.
Plus we have an obligation to the people we already have.
- Barton, you know what it took for me to come in here?
- Avi...
(floor creaking)
- Right.
Right.
Of course.
- Weren't you working? I heard that you were working.
- Yes, yes. I am.
I'm just looking for a little extra.
A class, that's all.
- I would think some time from this place
would get you back into your writing.
Let you write another novel, perhaps.
Maybe an article.
- Barton, have I really burnt this bridge completely?
Okay. Okay.
Well, all right then.
Thank you for your time.
It was good to see you again, Barton.
(somber music)
- [Beth] Avi.
Avi, talk to me.
(train rumbling)
- Avi.
When did you write this?
- Recent.
Now, I thought it would be a good fit for Alan's section.
Now, I know you guys are already in print for this month.
So I was thinking that maybe-
- Avi!
When?
- Recent.
Maybe a few...
A year or maybe more.
- Look, Avi.
It's not bad.
I just don't think it's something we can use.
- Donald.
- Avi.
It's not right for what we do.
Plain and simple.
I told you that the first time you brought it to me.
I told you that the second time you brought it to me.
You get me?
Now, my suggestion.
You're a good writer.
Is to keep writing.
Keep writing.
(sirens wailing)
- Clara.
Babe.
What are you doing up?
I thought you'd be in bed.
Why are you dressed?
And a suitcase.
Going somewhere?
- You stink of sex.
- I told you I was working late.
Let's not do this, huh?
Come on, we can talk about this in the morning.
- In the morning, I'll be a million miles away from here.
And even further from you.
- You're upset.
I can see that.
I can see that you're upset, but just talk it out.
- No more talk.
- Clara.
You're overreacting.
Let's just calm down.
(gunshot blares)
(gentle music)
(train hooting)
(screaming)
(gentle chiming)
(gentle music)
- I know what you're thinking, Avi.
A grand finale.
- Yeah. Why not?
- One last visit.
Why don't you take a nice long, hot bath?
Relax your mind. Think things over.
- I've been thinking things over for the past five years.
Five years.
Hi, Arnold.
- What are you doing, Avi?
- I'm just sitting here. The car won't start.
- Look, I'm gonna be late.
You too, right?
- Well, actually I was laid off today, Arnold, so...
- Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, Avi.
- Yeah.
- So what are you gonna do?
- Do?
- I mean now, Avi.
What are you gonna do right now?
Where are you going?
Look, I gotta go.
- Okay.
- You know, maybe you should take a little time.
- Time?
- Yeah, to sort things through, you know?
Maybe do some writing.
- Yeah, maybe.
- Look, one door closes, a window opens.
It's gonna be all right.
You know how it goes.
So where are you going?
- Nowhere.
Get some dinner.
Maybe get some shrimps, some potatoes,
maybe some rice.
- No veggies?
- Oh, veggies, yeah.
Maybe I'll get some, pick up some, you know, salad,
spinach, some Brussels sprouts.
- I don't like Brussels sprouts.
- Okay. No sprouts then.
- You okay, Avi?
- Yeah.
Fine.
- You want me to call Beth?
- No.
Do not call Beth.
- Okay, I can call- - No.
I just hit my...
It's this damn car.
Time to get something new.
- Avi. - Arnold.
I owe you my life.
- No. Not your life, Avi.
- No, it's just a figure of speech.
Anyway, thank you for your help.
Now, you're not gonna call Beth.
- Are you sure you're okay?
- Yeah, I'm fine.
I just got to get to the market.
- Yeah.
(somber music)
- As she climbed the tree,
she could start to see the bright sky above.
And it came closer and closer, but suddenly...
- Suddenly, she heard a noise.
- And there, sitting on a large branch was a...
Was a...
- A bunny.
- Yes, a bunny.
A purple bunny with a long white beard
and large, floppy green ears.
And she said to the bunny...
- Bunny, what are you doing here?
Bunnies don't climb trees.
- [Wvi] "Well, I do," said the bunny.
"Have you ever been to the very top?" The girl asked.
"No," said the bunny.
"No? Why not?" asked the girl.
- Because I'm afraid to go to the very top by myself.
- And with that, the little girl turned to the bunny
and said, "You need to be as brave as me."
(birds cawing)
- Avi.
Avi.
Are you okay?
You seem a little out of sorts.
- Do I?
- [Adrian] What's been happening?
- Nothing.
- Did you speak with Professor-
- Barton? Yes, as a matter of fact.
- [Adrian] And?
- I'm still fired.
- That must be difficult.
- You think?
- How's the writing going?
- It's not.
- You said last time that you'd like to get back to it.
- No, I changed my mind.
- I enjoyed your first book.
- First and last.
- It doesn't have to be.
- No, of course.
And you're an expert?
- What's the new idea?
You said last time you had an idea.
- A man who murders his therapist.
- A comedy.
So the house.
- We're selling it.
- Yes. I know, Avi.
I mean the summer house.
Selling it as well?
Avi, are you going to sell the summer home?
- It's good to be home.
You hear me?
- Yes.
I hear you.
- I have this poem rattling around inside my head.
Care to hear it?
- No.
- Well, here it is anyway.
While fog creeps the air and lamp lights cover dear,
we wish upon a final day of happiness and cheer.
It's catchy, don't you think?
(somber music)
You seem upset, Avi.
- Leave me alone.
- No, I don't think I will.
Once more unto the breach dear friends.
Once more.
I played Henry, you know?
At the old Fisher Theater.
- Unlikely. - I was there, Avi.
- Up on the stage.
15 performances.
I think you get your creativity from me.
What are you writing?
Goodbye, dear friends.
Parting is such sweet sorrow.
Aye, but to die and go we know not where.
It's a coward's way out, Avi.
- It's my choice.
- And a bad one at that.
- I won't be missed.
- Dear boy, there is yet another act to be played.
- Who are you?
Hold on.
I'm Avi.
This is my house.
Who are you?
Who's upstairs?
- My daughter.
- Your daughter?
Who else is here?
Who else? - Just her? Just me and her.
- What are you doing my house?
Why?
What's happening?
What's going on?
- My name is Renata.
- Renata?
Why are you here?
(soft music)
Bleeding in my house.
- I've been staying here.
It was empty.
So I figured we could stay, just for a little while.
- Okay, and that's your daughter upstairs?
Is she okay?
- She's sick.
- What's wrong with her?
Okay, well, why don't you get cleaned up
and we can talk?
I'm Avi.
- You said. - Right.
Well, there is a bathroom over there
with a medical kit under the sink.
You should put some peroxide on it.
Do you need some help?
- No, I'll take care of it.
- Thank you.
And I'm sorry about the mess.
I'll clean it up.
- Oh, that's fine.
Go ahead.
- She seems nice.
- Leave.
- Are you kidding me?
The second act's about to start.
I'm on pins and needles.
(somber music)
- Mr. Brickman?
Mr. Brickman, are you alright, sir?
- Mr. Brickman.
- [Adrian] Are you okay, Avi?
Avi.
- Are you a man of faith?
- How do you mean?
- I mean religion.
God.
Are you a believer?
My mother was.
She believed in the afterlife.
Olam Haba, as the Jews call it.
- And what about you?
- Too good to be true.
- [Adrian] So you're an agnostic?
- Atheist.
- No faith at all?
- None.
- [Adrian] Superstitious?
- No.
- Then, why not sell the house?
- Because I like it.
It has a nice view.
- [Adrian] Have you seen the view recently?
When were you there last?
How many years, Avi?
- Where are you going?
- My daughter.
- Oh, she's sick, you say?
- [Renata] Yes.
- With what?
- I don't know.
- How's your foot?
- It'll be fine.
- Right.
Okay.
- We'll get our things and go.
(soft music)
- Did you put peroxide on it?
Your foot?
It would be bad if it got infected.
This place is filthy.
Hasn't been cleaned, I mean, nobody's cleaned it.
- You don't live here?
- Oh, I used to, I mean full time,
but I haven't been back here in a while.
You don't have a place then?
A home.
- I will.
- [Avi] Oh?
- Someday.
It'll be a small place overlooking the ocean.
I can see it in my mind.
It's near a quiet town.
It has a guest room.
For you.
- For me?
- And a warm kitchen.
And we'll sit on the porch and drink tequila
and watch the waves and the beach.
And dream.
- And dream?
- [Renata] Of the future.
- I see.
- You look tired, Avi.
- You should go up.
- You shouldn't worry so much.
- Where'd you get this silly thing anyway?
It is a silly-looking pistol.
Like something from a Bogart film.
- Leave it alone.
- The stuff that dreams are made of.
- Put it down.
Put it down.
(woman laughing)
- You're a writer?
- Kind of.
- [Renata] Have you written any books?
- Just the one.
- What's it about? Your book.
- It's a noire.
- Dark.
Mysterious.
Like you.
- How's your daughter? How is she?
- She's been sick before.
You wanted to talk?
- I did?
- You said clean up my foot and then we can talk.
- Right, okay.
So, you're in my home, you broke in.
- Yes.
I'm sorry.
- Right, well then, we agree.
I wouldn't care if you wanted to stay, honestly.
It's just that my wife is coming, I suspect.
Perhaps soon.
- You're married?
- No. Sorry.
My ex-wife.
Ex-wife. We're not married anymore.
- And she's coming here?
Soon, perhaps.
- Well, I didn't tell her I was coming here.
It's just, I suspect my neighbor
may have said something, Arnold.
They were close. They're still friends.
- And what would he say? Arnold.
- [Beth] What did you do?
- Avi.
Avi.
- I'm sorry.
What was your question?
(soft music)
- My daughter's name is Angelina.
- Oh!
Pretty name.
How old is she?
- Eight.
- That's a good age.
- She's asleep.
- Oh, that's good.
- Avi, would you mind if we stay just until she wakes up?
Would that be okay?
- Oh, of course.
You can't possibly leave now anyway.
It's late.
- Thank you.
- [Beth] What did you do?
So this is my fault? Is that it?
- Who are you?
- I'm your muse.
(gasping)
- Excuse me.
- Why don't we come here in the winter?
- This is winter.
- It's quiet.
Peaceful.
- It's cold.
- I was thinking maybe we should paint, you know?
(somber music)
Fresh coat.
I was thinking something with a smile.
Something cheerful.
- Is that what you'd like?
- And the brave little girl
and the floppy-eared purple bunny climbed and climbed,
ever closer to the very top of the tree.
Closer and closer.
Avi.
- [Adrian] What do you love about Beth?
- Just dive in.
- You married her for a reason.
Do you remember?
- We were in love.
- Yes.
I'm sure you were.
But my question is more present tense.
- Very cute.
- Sometimes we need reminding.
- And sometimes the scales tip the other way.
Divorce is final. Papers are being signed.
- Perhaps that's for the best.
- She was fucking another man.
- And I wonder why that is.
- Who cares why?
It was the act of it.
- Is that all?
- Even Freud said, "Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar."
Whose side are you on?
- Yours?
- I won't have it.
- And you shouldn't. - That's right.
- What are you afraid of, Avi?
(gentle music)
- Hi, I'm Avi.
This is my house.
Mind if I sit?
This yours?
He have a name?
- She.
- She have a name?
- Bunny.
- Nice.
Did you know, in the woods behind this house,
there was a bunny who lived in a tree?
Did you know that?
It's true.
He, she, lived in the highest branch
in the tallest tree in the forest.
And all the animals would say to her,
"Why are you living in a tree?
Bunnies don't live in trees."
But she didn't care, even though they were mean to her.
Because this spot, her spot,
is where she could see the whole of the world
as far as the eye could see.
From the mountains behind the forest,
to the wide ocean of the west,
to the sky, the enormous sky,
like a canopy over the earth.
And she could watch it go from orange to purple to black
as soon as the sun went down.
And then all the stars would come out like a warm blanket.
And she would sit at the tippy top of the tree
and have the greatest view of all the creatures
in the forest below.
Come to think of it,
yes, I'm quite certain.
This bunny's name was Angelina.
- No.
- Yes, I'm sure.
- That's my name.
- You don't say.
Well, what a coincidence.
Have you had dinner, Angelina ballerina?
- I'm not hungry.
- All bunnies have to eat.
The big and the little.
It's where they get their strength to climb trees.
So let's see what we can do
to get you something to eat, okay?
What would you like?
- Oreos.
- Then Oreos it shall be.
- Avi, have you noticed
that it's getting a little dark in here?
Perhaps you should see
about having the electricity turned on tomorrow.
- [Adrian] Tell me about it.
- I was in the stone castle.
Very large.
Not just large, though, big.
Everything was heavy.
It's nonsensical.
- What happened next?
- There were hallways. Endless hallways.
I needed to get to the atrium for whatever reason.
- Just a feeling?
- Yes, and I was certain I knew the way,
but every corridor seemed to lead to another.
I didn't feel lost.
- Can you describe how it looked?
- I am. - I mean color, tone.
- It was a stone castle, doctor.
Everything was gray.
Big and gray.
Dark. It was dark.
- Why were you so disturbed by it?
- Does it seem like roses and unicorns to you?
It was disturbing.
I don't know why.
- It woke you up.
You couldn't go back to sleep.
- Yes.
So what of it?
- I don't know.
You brought it up.
What was disturbing about it specifically?
- I was trapped.
I felt like I was trapped.
- The old place could use a new coat, I'd say.
Something for the spring list.
- There isn't going to be a spring.
- Avi, seasons like the sun.
You're not responsible for their coming and going.
They just happen without your doing.
Now, let's get a list together for the spring chores.
- I'm not doing spring chores.
- You always hated that, didn't you?
Couldn't get you to take out the damn trash,
let alone paint the house.
- I did plenty if you recall.
- You did what you had to do, Avi.
It's called responsibility.
Like the seasons.
The coming and going.
- Don't lecture me.
I was here. Where were you?
- We were both here.
- In body, yes.
- Come on now, Avi.
I'm not a monster.
We were both adversely affected by your mother's passing.
- Adversely affected?
- You know what I mean.
Now listen, how about a nice, burnt orange?
- What?
- The color for the house?
Be a change from this drab coat.
Burnt orange, like the rising sun.
The house phoenix above the door.
- Where are you going?
- I met your daughter.
- Angelina?
- She's very sick, Renata.
I thought I'd go up the road and get some food.
There's a market up there.
She needs to eat.
Is there anything inside?
- No.
- My mother would make me a delicious chicken noodle soup
when I was ill.
Thick and salty.
I'll go.
I won't be long.
- She's gone now? Your mother?
- Yes. She died in this house.
- I'm sorry.
- Yeah.
Well...
(somber music)
Please.
But no, like a relentless ivy,
the needs of the day crept into his mind.
The professor would soon hobble in, begging for his coffee.
Then Albert would scurry into the kitchen
wanting an update on the menu for the mayor's party.
It's very important, he will say again,
as if the emphasis will ease the stress.
- [Both] Celine will continue a never ending story
and complain of poor tips and being overworked.
- And then there was Sally and lunch and the rain.
So much for a picnic.
No matter.
There was no doubt she had an alternate plan.
- As much as Martin looked forward
to seeing her round, glowing face,
and hearing the usual running commentary
on the state of the road...
No sooner had the peace and the rain
come back to the forest,
when the alarm's annoying yelp cut in.
Time to move on.
And for the rest of my dear friends,
you're just gonna have to buy the book.
(laughing)
(heavy knocking)
- Avi.
- Beth.
What are you doing here?
- I saw your car.
What's going on? Did you break in?
Where's Anthony?
- Anthony is not here. He must've closed early.
- So you did break in.
- What are you doing here, Beth?
- You're you're a criminal now. Is that it?
- I'll leave money.
- Well, don't do it for me.
- I wouldn't.
Why are you here, Beth?
Just passing by?
A couple of hundred miles out of the way?
- I spoke to Arnold.
- Of course.
- He was concerned.
- [Avi] No need to be.
- No?
- I'll leave money.
- Avi, what are you doing?
- You said to pick up my stuff and that's what I'm doing.
- Yeah, from the house.
- I needed supplies.
- So you break into Anthony's store?
- Stop saying that.
I said I'd leave money.
- Well, why did you come at night?
Don't you think it would make more sense
to come in the morning when it's light and say open?
Start fresh?
- No, I don't.
- Arnold said you lost your job.
- I like Arnold.
He's just got a big mouth.
- He was concerned, Avi, and I'm concerned too.
- Sure you are.
- I just drove 100 miles.
- You could have called.
- I did, again.
When you didn't answer,
and after everything that Arnold said...
- What did Arnold say?
- I was concerned, okay?
Worried.
- Why?
- Okay.
Okay.
I'll come by the house in the morning.
In the meantime,
I'm staying over at Maria and Harvey's place.
So you can find me there if you need whatever.
You're bitter, aren't you?
- Yeah.
- I'm sorry for what I did.
I needed you and you weren't there.
People care about you, Avi.
- Thanks for coming over.
- Tell me I have nothing to worry about.
- Thanks for your concern.
Tell Maria Hi for me and tell Harvey to go fuck himself.
- I will not.
- Fine.
(ominous music)
- Where's she going?
Maybe she's not going anywhere.
I mean, maybe she's not walking toward anything,
but away from something.
I'm just saying, maybe.
- Oh yeah.
Well, maybe she's walking into a trap
and she has no idea what's about to happen.
And if she only knew, she wouldn't have left
in the first place.
- Maybe.
Beth looked good.
- Okay, that's it.
If looks could kill.
- How do you mean?
- This is torture. That's what I mean.
- Your anger takes over when expectations increase.
- Do they?
- What do you expect of Beth?
- [Avi] What do I expect of Beth?
I expect her not to fuck other men, for starters.
- So this is my fault. Is that it?
- You walked out on me, remember?
- Did I?
- Welcome home?
- I got food. - Thank you.
- Listen, I need you to leave
as soon as the sun comes up tomorrow.
I'm sorry.
I have some money I can give you.
There's a motel up the road.
I'm happy to do that.
It's just that I can't have you stay here.
You see, my wife, my ex-wife, she's selling the house.
- It's your house, no?
- Yes, it is.
I'm selling it.
- That's too bad.
- Yes. Well, people are coming to look at it,
and it's complicated.
I got cookies. - Oreos!
My favorite.
I like to double stack them.
More insides, better.
- Yes, well, your daughter requested it.
- She likes the cookie part best.
- Chicken noodle. - Classic.
- I can make a fire.
I will heat this up.
And she should have some.
- She's not very hungry.
- No, but she needs to eat.
It's important.
- You are very kind.
(somber music)
- I'll go get some wood.
- [Connor] Do you remember once when you fell off the swing?
- No.
- [Connor] Oh, come on.
You remember.
- No, I don't.
- Sure you do.
You fell right on your ass.
You don't remember that?
- I said no.
- I had to take you to the hospital.
It was quite a spill.
- I don't remember.
Why do you insist on going on about it?
- No need to lash out.
It made you a bit fearful after that.
- Is that so?
Well, it's understandable under the circumstances.
- I used to tell you.
You can't get over the fear without persistence.
Get back on the horse.
- Sure.
The horse practically killed me,
but get back in the saddle, is that it?
- So you do remember?
Don't forget some kindling.
- I'm aware.
- You loved that swing.
I used to grab hold of you and hurl you into the air.
You loved it.
It must be that feeling of weightlessness
you get at the top.
Freeing, I suppose.
Oh well, you were afraid after that fall.
- Yeah, well, who can blame me?
- Fear and self-doubt, Avi.
It pushes on us.
It can bring us to ruin.
It can.
But we can't let it control us, can we?
(somber music)
Nothing like a toasty fire at home.
My daughter, God rest her soul.
Your mother used to say the Sabbath prayer
every Friday night.
Do you remember?
I can see her.
The candles, the light, the table set.
- A lot of good it did her.
- How dare you?
She was deeply religious.
- God didn't help her.
And he sure as hell wasn't by her bedside when she...
- It was hope, Avi.
It gave her hope.
- There was no hope.
Not for her.
- No.
She had hope for you.
- Don't put that on me.
Don't do it.
- Avi. - I don't want it.
Do you hear me?
That responsibility.
I don't want it, I don't want your...
- Come on, Avi.
Find the word.
- Babbling, halfwit wisdom.
- Three words, and a hyphen to boot.
- It's cold tonight.
- Yes, it is.
- I can hear the trees.
Listen.
I've always been a little afraid of the woods.
- Oh?
- It makes me feel small.
- Well, here at small land, there's plenty to be afraid of.
Angelina.
Sleeping?
- Yeah.
- Good.
That's good
- Dance with me.
- I don't dance.
♪ All my lonely ♪
♪ Days are over ♪
- Everybody dances.
♪ And my nights ♪
♪ Are filled with joy ♪ - How's your foot?
Better? ♪ All those lonely days ♪
- Good. ♪ Have gone away ♪
- Listen, I'm so sorry it's cold here.
♪ Little toy ♪
♪ All my lonely ♪
- I haven't been here in a while.
♪ Days behind me ♪
- I turned off the heat.
♪ I can taste ♪
♪ Sweeter things ♪
- I hate to get rid of the place, but my wife...
- Ex!
- My ex-wife, she insists.
She's right, of course.
I'm not here.
I haven't been here in a long time and...
- Move with your hips, Avi, like this.
♪ A cup of coffee ♪
♪ Is better shared ♪
♪ And the grass is green ♪
♪ My socks are clean ♪
♪ And there's spring time ♪
(Angelina coughing)
- I'll get back to it.
- It's so dark.
Mysterious.
Like your book.
Your mother, she must have been in love with this home.
And your father.
- My father?
(somber music)
My father, he was...
He was restless.
We left the city and moved out here when I was just born
and he tucked us away in this quiet.
One day, he went to work and never came back.
I guess he must have been bored of family life or something.
Anyway,
he left us.
- I'm sorry.
- It's fine.
- No, it's not.
So just the two of you stayed here?
Your mother and you?
- Yeah, and my grandfather, although he was mostly drunk.
- Be nice, Avi.
- He pretended to be an actor of some sort.
- Ouch.
- An alter cocker before his time,
- I resent that.
- A what?
- Alter cocker.
Old fart, Yiddish.
(Renata chuckles)
Anyway, he died soon after my mother.
- It's hard to be alone.
- Yeah.
(somber music)
- So many books.
Where are yours?
- There's just the one and it's not here.
- I would like to read it.
And this?
You came here to write number two.
- No.
- No?
Why not?
- It's impossible here.
This whole house reeks of death, dead people, dead dreams.
- But you're alive.
- Excuse me, I'll get a pot.
- Oh, for a muse of fire
that would ascend the brightest heaven of invention.
A kingdom for a stage, princes to act
and monarchs to behold the swelling scene.
- Where the hell did she put the pots?
- To thine own self, be true.
- You're on a roll.
I have one for you.
To be or not to be?
- To be then.
(gentle music)
(ominous music)
- [Beth] We should see someone.
A professional.
Avi, what did you do?
So this is my fault? Is that it?
Our daughter out there.
Our angel.
- What time does your wife come?
- Ex-wife, and in the morning.
I don't know.
I ran into her at the store.
- Rendezvous at the store?
More mystery.
- No, it's not like that.
I didn't expect to see her.
- Yet you said she would come?
- Yes. No, not at the store.
I didn't expect that.
- But she will come here, right?
- Yes.
- For what?
Why does your ex-wife come here?
- That's a good question.
- To...
She'll want to inventory the house for the sale.
- Avi, tell her the truth.
- Actually, I don't know why.
- Liar.
- Why do you think?
- Yes. Why do you think?
- [Avi] I don't know what I'm doing here.
- [Adrian] You're seeking help.
- Help? With what?
Reconciling my relationship?
When is enough enough?
When is the line crossed?
My wife was having sex with another man in my own bed.
How am I the bad guy in this scenario?
- It's not about Beth.
- Then it should be.
- And what is your part in it?
- It was her choice.
- [Adrian] I'm asking you.
What is your part in your anger?
In your unhappiness?
- Are we not the sum of our past?
- Oh, come on, Avi.
We're so much more than that.
You're discounting the future.
- I have no future.
- Of course you do.
- No.
I don't and I'll prove it to you.
- What of the girl and her mother, huh?
Have you given them a moment's thought?
- They'll be gone in the morning.
- It's not what I asked, Avi.
Have you given them a moment's thought?
- What do you want from me?
- What do I want?
I want a new coat of paint on the house.
I want the upstairs toilet scrubbed
and the windows re-corked.
- You're a piece of work.
- And you're a lazy bum.
- And you're a drunk.
- And you're not?
Try living.
- I'm too busy dying.
(Connor laughing)
You sadistic fuck.
- Oh, Avi.
I'm not.
There was this family.
Father was a quirky bastard.
Had all kinds of peculiar tics.
- What are you talking about?
- I'm telling you a story.
In any case, (gentle music)
the father had a very, well, odd way of tying his shoe.
It was distinct as a fingerprint.
The way he-
- Would tie his shoe?
- Right.
Well, the father died during the wife's pregnancy.
It was a tragedy. Very upsetting.
- Yes, go on.
- And the child was born.
A boy.
- Mazel tov.
- Boy never knew his father.
He was raised by his mother.
Fine woman, hard worker.
Did what she could for her son.
Her only family.
- Yes, go on.
- One day, a neighbor in great need
asked her to borrow some money.
She didn't have much of course, but seeing the woman's pain,
she gave her what she could.
Some weeks pass and the woman's luck changes.
She's able to pay her back with interest.
In time, word of her gratitude spread
and she was able to make a sort of business out of it.
- She was a loan shark.
- Sort of.
- What of it?
- The woman and the boy lived,
and some years go by.
One day as the boy was off to school,
the woman looked down and to her bewilderment,
saw he was tying his shoe in the most peculiar way.
Distinct, like his father.
I remember when your father left.
I remember that night.
I remember him saying, "I'm too busy dying."
From his very mouth, Avi. MS.
- That's very good.
So you think I'm like my father?
- I don't know, Avi.
What's your father like?
- Oh, that's right.
You were pretty out of sorts at the time.
Let me refresh your memory.
- Avi.
- He hid us out here in the middle of the woods,
out of the way so he could go about his business.
His affair, cheating on my mother, your daughter.
And a sales job conveniently taking him away
night after night while she became sick,
and her illness eating away at her.
And his final act?
Bailing out on his family.
- Dodging responsibility.
- That's right. - Taking the easy road.
- Pretending the past didn't exist,
or if he or anybody else can be reborn.
- And you're angry.
- I'm nothing like my father.
- I hope not.
- Nothing like him.
- And yet you're willing to pick up that gun
and end your life.
- Like I said, I won't be missed.
- You will, Avi.
In any case, it's a coward's way out.
It's an easy solution to dodging pain.
- What do you know about pain?
- I lost a daughter.
- As I have.
(somber music)
- [Connor] And we must go on.
- I can't go on.
Don't you know that?
There's no reason.
There's no hope.
- There's always hope, Avi.
- And up, and up, and up she climbed
and she climbed, as branch after branch.
And as far away from the ground as she got,
it still felt like she hadn't climbed anywhere at all.
And then, suddenly...
- Suddenly, she heard a noise.
- And suddenly she heard a noise.
- Crunch!
Crunch! Crunch.
And there, sitting on a branch, eating a...
- A banana,
- Eating a loud banana,
there was a bright, purple bunny with a long white beard
and floppy, green ears.
- The story that would never end.
It twisted and turned with the wind.
Every day that story bloomed,
a child would climb up that tree
and every day meet the most bizarre characters.
- She never did reach the top though.
As far as she climbed.
- Well, time ran out, Avi.
- It did.
- Yes.
And it does.
Did she have the soup?
- She tried.
- Tried?
She needs to eat.
Yes, but I have no control.
- I see.
And when it's too late, will you cry?
"I have no control. There's nothing I can do."
- Avi.
- Everyone will believe you, of course.
(soft music)
It wasn't your fault, they'll say.
Everyone will believe you, except for you.
And do you know what that'll feel like?
If you have any idea?
Angelina.
Can you hear me?
You need to eat this.
Open your mouth.
Angelina, come on.
Open your mouth.
You need to eat this.
First thing in the morning,
we need to get her to a hospital, to a doctor.
Do you understand?
- Choices, Avi.
We have choices.
It's nearly time you made yours.
(wind chimes jingling)
- Our daughter, Avi.
(somber music)
Our angel.
Where are you?
- I'm right here, Beth.
- I don't see you.
- Mr. Brickman.
Mr. Brickman.
- I was working and writing something.
I heard a noise.
I went, I looked for her.
Kaylah.
(gentle music)
I couldn't find her.
Kaylah.
I couldn't find her.
(somber music)
- Avi.
Is she okay?
Give her to me.
- She's gone.
She's gone.
- What did you do?
- Nothing.
I was working and working and...
Beth, I didn't kill her.
- No.
It wasn't your fault.
- Not exactly heart-healthy, Beth.
- We should see someone.
A professional.
Lauren and Miguel gave me a name.
- We?
- Avi.
Avi, talk to me.
You need to- - Don't tell me what I need.
- I'm just saying- - Don't tell me, Beth.
You can just eat your toast,
put some butter on it, make a fucking egg sandwich,
but don't tell me what I need.
- I'm talking about what I need.
What I need, Avi.
And if you could just stretch your fucking imagination
for one minute, you would see it's what we need.
- I'm sick of eggs.
Sick of 'em.
(somber music)
It's a paradox.
- [Adrian] What's a paradox?
- Life.
God imposes his will on us indiscriminately.
Moves pieces like on a chess board for us to react to.
Yet at the same time, God tells us we have freewill.
Choices of our own.
- How we react to outside influences is our choice, Avi.
- Yes.
Yes, it is.
(somber music)
(chanting in foreign language)
What is she praying for?
- God's mercy?
- Make up your mind.
We either have our own choices or we don't.
- God told Abraham to kill his son,
but He didn't make him do it.
- A strong choice.
And he was about to.
- True.
But in the end, Isaac was spared.
- None of it makes any sense.
- What do you want, Avi?
- I want an explanation.
A reason.
A purpose.
I want God to take it back.
- It doesn't work that way?
- No. No, it doesn't.
You know why?
Because there is no God.
There is no destiny.
It's all on us.
We are the kingpins.
We make all the decisions.
- And we are responsible for those decisions. Yes?
- Yes.
(dramatic music)
Beth, what are you doing up?
Why are you dressed?
Are you going somewhere?
- I'm leaving.
- Let's not go there right now.
- Yes. Right now.
I can't do this anymore, Avi.
I don't wanna be alone anymore.
I just can't.
- You're not alone.
- Kaylah. - Stop.
- Kaylah is dead, Avi. - That's enough.
- Yes, it is. It is enough.
- Have you been seeing someone else?
- Yes.
- Someone with a heartbeat.
Someone with a breath.
Someone with a hard dick.
A human being, Avi.
With feelings, Avi.
- Get out. - Avi.
- Get out. Get out.
Get out.
- Get off.
Get off.
(Renata sobbing)
- What?
(somber music)
- Angelina.
My angel.
- No, no, no, no, no, no.
Angelina.
- Kaylah.
- Angelina.
Wake up.
She's not breathing.
No, no.
No, no, no.
No, no.
No.
Renata.
Beth.
(sobbing)
My baby girl.
Beth.
I need help.
Forgive me.
(soft music)
- I'll be right back, okay?
- Okay.
(somber music)
- Avi.
You're ready to go.
- Beth.
I can't leave this house.
- I know, Avi.
I know.
Come on.
(soft music)