1
The street was familiar.
The same well-groomed lawns,
the same cared-for houses.
Everything was just as it should be.
But that wasn't enough for Mr. Poppins.
Mr. Poppins had seen the same grass
and these same houses and this same world,
day after day, week after week,
month after month.
He wanted to see something different,
something exciting.
So, he packed a knapsack
with everything it would fit
and he left this place
that was so familiar,
to begin an adventure into the unknown.
Sack with everything it would fit
and he left this place
that was so familiar...
Oh, Michelle, honey,
I had that all set for the call.
Sorry, Mommy, just wanted
to hear it again.
Oh, don't worry,
you sound just as good today
as you did last night.
Your voice reading those words
is gonna be like the cherry on top
to charm those publishers.
I have no doubt.
Okay.
I mean, you really like this one, right?
Yeah. But where do you think
Mr. Poppins will go?
Well, that's the best part.
When this becomes a book series, well,
he can go wherever we want him to.
The jungle, the beach.
The moon?
Anywhere you want.
Speaking of adventures, what happened?
It was Bobby Whitlock.
- Oh?
- He thumped me during recess.
Oh, right. Well, maybe next time,
we don't play with Bobby Whitlock.
What do you say, hmm?
Hmm?
Oh!
Don't forget your lunch.
- No crusts?
- No crusts.
What's wrong, sweetie?
Nothing.
Oh! That must be the, uh...
The book people.
Hello?
Oh, hi. Yeah, could you, um...
Could you just give me one minute?
- Mom, I'm gonna be late.
- One minute, honey.
Um, yeah, I just have to get
my, uh, daughter out the door.
No, no, no. All right, thank you.
Okay, let's have one last look at you.
Aw.
Beautiful as always.
I love you, Mom.
I love you, too, sweetie.
Have a good day.
Hi. Yes. No. My, uh... My daughter
just had a bus to catch.
Uh-huh.
So you like it? Oh, that's wonderful.
Mmm-hmm. Ah!
Yes.
Mr. Poppins and I
are more than ready for that.
911 dispatch.
What's your emergency?
My daughter.
My daughter's missing. Please!
Your daughter?
She didn't show up at school
this morning. She's gone.
Okay, ma'am. It's gonna be all right.
Let me get some details. What's your name?
Cathy. Cathy Rhodes.
And your daughter?
My daughter's name is Michelle.
Where's my toothbrush?
- What?
- Toothbrush.
I think I packed it.
What?
I packed it.
I'm using yours, then.
No, that's gross.
Throw it out when you're done.
Ah...
Mmm...
No. I'm reading.
Oh, you're reading, huh?
- Yeah.
- Is that what you're doing?
- Hmm?
- All right, I'm going to take a break.
How are you feeling?
Sleepy.
Come on. About tomorrow.
I don't wanna talk about it.
It's okay to be excited.
I have to take my eyes out.
It'll be great.
That's what you keep saying.
New job, new city...
Town.
It's a town, not a city.
New York is a city.
This is small-town America.
A small town, bigger house.
Isn't that what you want?
I do.
I'm just nervous, and I'm excited...
And...
What?
And wishing
I did not have to start a new job
two weeks before you can be out there.
And wondering if you realize
what a big change this is gonna be.
Michelle, we've got this.
You're gonna love your job.
I'm gonna love writing
the next great American novel.
In just two weeks, we're gonna love
this new small-town life together.
Well, at least one of us is convinced.
Okay.
Good night, Jonathan.
Sorry to just throw you
right into the fire like this.
We normally have a whole orientation
and training period
with meetings and assessments
and, you know, all that.
But you usually aren't replacing someone
in the middle of the school year.
Exactly. When Mr. Cochran left,
it really put us in a tight spot.
That's Ashley. She's down here
with the K through second kids.
They stay pretty busy,
so I wouldn't expect to hear much
- from her during the day.
- All right, kids. Carpet, now.
Come on, over here.
Your office is up here on the left.
It's a mess, but it's your mess now,
so make yourself at home.
I got another thing in five minutes,
so, uh, if you need anything,
any help, just yell.
Someone might actually respond.
Hi, you must be the new EEPM.
EEPM?
Early Education Program Manager.
Oh, yeah. I guess that's me.
And you're our teacher?
Ashley. At your service.
Michelle.
Sorry, it's nap time,
and I'm not supposed
to let them out of my sight.
But the office phone's broken,
so I figured, message by shoe
was my next best option.
Shh. My break lasts as long as they sleep.
- Sorry.
- Yeah. Here.
Call yourself and then I can leave
my shoe on next time.
So, I'm guessing a broken office phone
isn't the only issue around here?
Cochran left us a pretty solid mess.
He was more of
the "if it's broke, don't fix it" type.
- Well, I'm here to help.
- Great.
'Cause I have a wish list.
New teaching materials,
toys that aren't broken, updated books.
Sounds like we need the works.
Oh, early. Of course.
- Who's that?
- Ms. Cathy!
Ms. Cathy Rhodes. Local celebrity.
What does she do?
She writes the Mr. Poppins book series.
Kids love her,
but she runs on her own schedule.
And that schedule means
break time's over for me. We'll catch up.
We have the whole school year
ahead of us.
Sounds good.
All right, kids. It looks like
we have a special guest today.
Let's gather around and see
what Ms. Cathy has to share with us.
A Hoppy Trail Around The World.
"Once upon a time,
there lived a bunny, Mr. Poppins.
And Mr. Poppins loved
to travel the world."
Hello there.
Oh, hi.
I'm Cathy.
Uh, so I hear.
Oh, well, I take it, they warned you
about the eccentric old writer
who comes by every now and again
to read to the children.
They did not mention "eccentric."
Oh, well, that's very kind of them.
I'm sorry, but I didn't get your name.
Oh, uh, Michelle. The new EEPM.
Michelle. That's... It's a beautiful name.
Uh, yeah. I kinda like it.
And you are our new program manager.
Well, that is delightful.
Delightful, overwhelming.
Sounds like we'll be
seeing a lot of each other.
I'm sure we will.
I try to come by here
as often as they will let me.
Well, that's great.
It was really nice meeting you.
Oh, a real pleasure.
Uh, you know, uh, reading isn't
the only way I can help these children.
Um, although, no one's been
particularly receptive to my ideas.
But perhaps, we could do a tea
and discuss.
Yeah, I would love that sometime.
Oh, wonderful. Well, we could take my car.
Uh...
Oh, uh, wait, you mean now?
Well, I prefer not to put off
what could be done right away.
Uh, it's just, I'm still getting set up
and the movers will come,
I'm not sure when.
I understand.
I, and I, um...
I just know how quickly
someone in your position gets too busy
for a kooky old lady like me,
and, uh, it won't be the first time.
Uh, no, no. You know what?
There's no way the movers
would make it here that quickly.
I got some time.
That's wonderful.
All right.
So, tell me, what do you think?
Have you ever been
to a more beautiful place?
Well, I grew up in the city, so, no.
And that was kind of the whole point.
I've always wanted to try
the small town thing.
It's just...
It's just...?
No, it's just, you sort of have
this idea of things in your head,
but then you get there,
and suddenly, the school has no money,
the books are from the '70s,
and the toys...
may or may not have been recalled
a decade ago.
Well, this brings me to my point.
I know you're new,
but we're all family here.
And so if you need something,
you simply ask.
So what is it that the kids
need the most?
Well, Jonathan would be disappointed
if I did not say books.
Jonathan?
My fianc. He's a writer, too, actually.
Just not as successful as you.
A fianc who's a writer
and loves books?
Oh, that is perfect.
It is. Uh, he's still finishing up
some work in the city,
so the jury's out on whether this life
will even work out for him.
Why wouldn't it?
It's my dream that he's going along with.
I just don't wanna be a resentment.
Oh, sweetheart, if you're a resentment,
then he's not the right man for you.
Fair.
You haven't even touched your tea.
Waitress.
A bottle of Chardonnay.
It is so wonderful to have you here.
You're just what the school
and this town needs.
It really feels like it could become home.
Mmm. Wow. Oh, dear,
if you keep talking like that,
you're gonna make
your real family jealous.
I don't think that will be an issue.
No?
Real family is something
I've never really had.
What would you say you had?
A bunch of false starts.
How do you have a false start
with a family?
Were you adopted?
More like passed around.
Uh, my mother,
she tried to take care of me,
but eventually, the state got involved,
then took me away.
At least, that's what they told me.
I don't remember anything.
Well, for one so young, I doubt you would.
But it doesn't matter.
It's run its course,
and now I have Jonathan
and a real chance at a normal life.
The past can only change you
if you let it.
How old are you, sweetheart?
Uh, 27. Why?
You're just...
You're so wise for your age.
So, he packed a knapsack
with everything it would fit
and he left this place
that was so familiar
to begin an adventure into the unknown.
Thank you so much for everything.
I finally feel like
this may actually work out.
Well, again, it was my pleasure.
Do you like casserole?
Uh, sorry. It's just, it's...
It's casserole night tomorrow at my house,
and I was wondering what do you think
of having dinner with me and my husband?
Uh, casserole.
Uh, you know... Yeah, sure.
Count me in.
It's a date, then.
I don't know
what these kids do in their sleep,
but this is the second one this week.
Great, I'll throw blankets
on the list of stuff
we need to magically find money for.
Things don't look so promising, do they?
No, I think they are.
The budget is just such a mess,
and it's gonna take me weeks to figure out
where all our funds are actually going.
Oh, weeks, I can live with.
Do you wanna grab a beer?
You'd have better luck offering wine.
Well, lucky for you,
the bar here serves both.
Ugh, I could use it.
But the movers came yesterday
and I missed them,
so I got to be around
when they come back tonight.
I kinda need my iron.
Yeah. Good call.
Plus, I already have dinner plans
I need to cancel anyways.
Oh, well, if you're canceling,
then why don't we make new ones?
I can grab a pizza, some drinks,
eat at your place, help you unpack?
Sounds good to me,
but what's in it for you?
This is a small town.
It's how we welcome people.
Hi, Mrs. Rhodes,
um, Cathy. It's Michelle.
Thank you so much
for inviting me over tonight.
But the movers came today
and I don't think I'll be able to make it.
Let's try again a different night.
You're so sweet to invite me
and I'm really looking forward to it.
Let me know when you're free.
All right, thanks. Bye.
Ooh.
To your new life in the sticks.
So wait, you got drunk with Cathy Rhodes?
I did not say "drunk."
We had some wine.
She was really sweet.
Okay, fine. But Cathy Rhodes?
And she asked you
to come over for dinner?
Why is this such a big deal?
I don't know.
She kinda keeps to herself,
except for story time, of course.
Really?
She did not seem like that at all.
Oh! You don't know.
What would I know?
I've been here two days.
About the books...
Why she spends all her time with kids.
'Cause she could never have kids
of her own?
Oh, no. She had a kid.
A daughter.
And she went missing
20 years ago.
Missing?
I... had no idea.
Yeah, it was one
of the worst things
that happened around here.
Everyone still talks about it.
And now she has over
a hundred children's books
about a wandering bunny.
Mr. Poppins.
Mr. Poppins. Travels the world, but...
You know the one place
Mr. Poppins never quite makes it?
Home.
I'm just saying that her
and her husband, well...
They're a bit off.
Thank you so much.
This would've sucked alone.
We made a pretty good dent.
I got your back anytime.
I'm just so excited.
I actually get to sleep on a bed tonight.
Yeah. Okay.
I guess we're officially friends now.
Yep. Just don't use it against me at work.
Mmm, no promises.
- Good night.
- Night.
What the...
Hey, sorry.
Just thought I'd try you again.
I think there's something off
with my cell service
because I'm not getting your calls.
And then they all just dump at once.
Anyhow, I'll figure it out.
I just want to hear your voice soon.
Miss you. Love you.
Bye.
Excuse me?
Uh, sorry.
Uh, I was just dropping off
some books for the kids.
I'm, uh... I'm Derek.
I'm... I'm Cathy's husband.
Oh. Uh, hi.
Hi.
Uh, nice to meet you. Michelle.
Uh, so those books are for us?
Yeah, uh, they're Cathy's idea.
She mentioned
that you needed some new books,
so I agreed to do the heavy lifting
and take all the credit.
Oh, awesome.
Uh, no, really. I'm just...
Just trying to be a good husband.
- All right, let me help you with these.
- No, no. Whoa! Oops.
Sorry, that was me.
No worries.
I thought, uh, I'd have
a chance to meet you earlier.
But, you know...
You missed out on one of
the best casseroles you'll ever have.
I'm so sorry about that.
No, no, no. I'm sorry.
No need to apologize.
The movers came, and I just...
I get it. You were busy.
People get busy. It's all right.
It's what people do.
- Cathy wasn't upset, was she?
- No, no. Not at all. She understands.
Very good. All right.
- Well, this way. Thank you.
- Okay.
Thanks. Of course, it's funny, you know?
What's that?
Well, Cathy was just
so nervous the other night.
You know, "What if Michelle's
a vegetarian?"
What if... What if she's allergic
to zucchini?
"What if she's a vegetarian
who's allergic to zucchini?"
I mean,
you wouldn't believe how this woman
could work herself up.
Uh, where do you want these?
There is fine.
Well, um, I guess
we'll just have to reschedule.
We will. Yeah.
I'll just go get the last box.
- Yeah.
- Okay.
What was that about?
Looks like we got a new library.
"And Mr. Poppins
looked on either side of him."
Buildings as high as clouds.
People clumped up and moving as one.
The city was alive and he could feel it.
And he took that with him.
And took the new friendships he made
and the interesting people he met.
And he smiled and he tipped his hat,
and he hopped along
to what new adventure
tomorrow would bring.
"The end."
Mr. Poppins really makes it everywhere,
doesn't he?
It's such a great idea for the kids.
Oh, you're too kind.
I just try to imagine
where he's going to wander to next.
Then I try to give him
the best experience there that I can.
I want him to be happy
wherever he goes.
So, um, will he ever make it home?
Well, that's the question, isn't it?
Perhaps.
I guess I'm just waiting
for the right time.
The grand finale.
I'm looking forward to it.
Cathy, the books you donated,
they're perfect.
I can't believe you did that.
Well, anything to help.
And I feel so bad about the other night.
I'd still love to come by sometime.
Oh, honey,
you are welcome whenever you like.
You just let me know when.
How about tonight?
So soon? Aren't you busy?
Sorry, is that too soon? It's just,
"Why put off
what can be done right away," right?
Well, are you sure?
For real this time.
Well, then tonight it is, and, uh...
Well, it's just gonna be wonderful.
You bring your appetite.
I will.
Hello?
- Oh, hey!
- Hey, what? How?
- Hey, baby.
- Aw!
Oh, my God. I missed you so much.
Our phones
have been such garbage,
I thought, "Stuff it. You know what?
I'm gonna surprise you with me."
Why didn't you say something?
It's like a four-hour drive.
- Then it wouldn't be a surprise.
- Good point.
Oh, I'm just so happy to see you. Oh!
Oh.
- Yeah.
- They're beautiful.
Yeah.
So, what would you say to dinner
at the finest restaurant in town
to celebrate your first week?
Of course, you're gonna have to tell me
where that is since I have no idea.
What?
I have plans tonight.
Cancel them?
I can't. I already canceled once.
All right.
Where are we going?
Hi.
Michelle, sweetheart. Oh, and your friend.
Jonathan. Michelle's fianc.
Oh, of course, of course. Come on in.
- What did you say? Jimmy?
- Jonathan.
Ah. Yeah, well, come on in. Come on.
I hope everyone likes lasagne.
Oh, honey,
you've outdone yourself once again.
It looks delicious.
Here. Let me get some for you.
Right there. Oh.
Here.
I... Here we go. What?
Something wrong?
Uh, no. It...
Oh, shoot! Uh, Jonathan
is gluten intolerant.
It's not... It's not gluten. It's lasagne.
Yeah, but the, uh...
The pasta, like, the noodles, it's...
It's made out of gluten.
Oh. I've, uh...
I've never heard about that. Huh.
Uh, I could make something else.
Uh, you know what? I'll eat around it.
No, no, it's okay. If you're, you know...
allergic to pasta, then, uh...
I don't know, we got, like,
steak in the fridge maybe?
Really, I... I don't wanna put you
through the trouble.
No, no, no, that's fine, um...
You're not allergic to steak, are you?
- Huh?
- Yeah.
I see we finally got
the appetite out of this guy.
I certainly have one of those.
You know, maybe next time you can cook us
one of your gluten-free meals
and we can get an idea
of what you, uh, actually eat.
What?
Uh, Jonathan doesn't really cook.
What type of person doesn't cook?
The type of person that would
probably burn down the kitchen
if he tried.
Well, you're...
You're probably at work
most of the time, anyway.
Actually, work would be pretty much
from home now.
Jonathan is a writer, too.
Oh, that's right. You told me that.
He's gonna take some time off
and work on his novel.
He's really talented.
So you're gonna, you know,
stay at home, writing...
But you won't find any time
to make your lovely fiance a meal?
That is the miracle of take-out.
Which you'll probably buy
with the money that she's earning.
He got an advance, actually.
We're really excited to be coming here.
What's it about?
Your little story.
It's more on the sci-fi side of things.
It's, uh... It's based in the future,
when people can transfer
their consciousness
to a new younger body
at the end of their lives.
So, you know,
essentially they can live forever.
But people have to battle
with whether they wanna do that
when the people they know
who, maybe, can't afford it
are gonna start dying off.
It's a real morality tale.
Wow. That's so interesting.
So it's about loss.
Choosing whether
you're able to live with that
or moving on to whatever comes next.
Yeah, I guess so.
Sounds like a personal topic.
Yeah. I guess.
But also, sci-fi's real hot right now,
so it'll sell.
I'm just hoping the fresh air,
open spaces,
you know, would be good
for the creative brain.
It has been for Cathy,
she's published almost
a hundred children's stories.
Wow. Really?
Sweetheart,
you don't have to mention that.
No, that's amazing. There's a great market
for inspiring kids' dreams.
Well, I suppose so,
but I also think that a serious writer
starts by shaping their own.
Taking the... the greatest trials
of their life and expressing them.
Yeah, I guess that's
what we're in the business of.
Perhaps that's your issue,
young man.
You know, it's not a business,
it is an art.
You have to feel, not just think,
and you have to live it.
Yeah, sure, yeah, you feel, but you also
have to support your art, too.
I mean, it's easier to say
it's all about the art
when you've already published
a hundred books for little kids.
Well, maybe you don't know
the suffering one has to experience
to express 100 books of material.
Well, come on now.
Let's not get too serious.
Well, it's...
It's all relative, isn't it, really?
Um, you know, maybe we should
get together sometime.
Hmm, we can discuss Proust.
Oh, Proust.
No one talks about Proust anymore.
No one even reads Proust.
That's a shame.
Michelle, you wanna give me
a hand, sweetheart?
Yes.
I'm sorry.
He had a long drive today.
Thank you so much for having both of us.
He really surprised me.
He surprised all of us, I'd say.
He's just sweet like that, you know?
Sweet. Yes, I can see that.
Seems to mean well.
I snagged a good one.
But I can understand your concern.
Concern?
About him not liking our little town.
I mean, I... I think he likes it.
Oh, sure, he likes it now, but...
You know, a man like him,
he's gonna miss the excitement
of the big city, and...
there'll be adjustments.
There will, yes, but not anything
we can't handle together.
Perhaps.
Oh, no.
The two of you will be just fine.
I'm sure of it.
I think we will.
That was a fine steak.
The secret is in the soy sauce.
Soy sauce?
Soy sauce.
You know, they say,
"Don't mix grape with grain,"
but...
But I won't tell anybody.
You know, it's interesting
you're writing a novel.
I was never much
of a reader myself.
You know, dime Westerns,
that type of thing.
Right.
Hey.
That thing work?
Wouldn't be worth a damn if it didn't.
Oh.
Oh.
Hmm.
Oh!
You really had to get so drunk tonight?
Baby...
He kept pouring.
Oh, yeah. "He kept pouring."
You're pretty.
And you're gonna be hung over.
Do you have to work tomorrow?
Maybe.
Well, go drink some water, then.
Mmm.
You think you're gonna be happy here?
I am happy everywhere.
Why?
I don't know.
It just seems like you might get bored.
That's not gonna happen.
I suppose you'll have local icon,
Cathy Rhodes, around
to discuss your favorite literature.
Man. Who were those two?
They made us dinner.
But it was weird, right?
It was just different.
They don't like me.
Made that pretty clear.
You're being sensitive.
Proust!
No one reads Proust.
She was just trying to belittle me.
She was not trying
to belittle you.
She was taking a genuine interest.
Yeah.
- Well, I say, next time, we...
- stick to my plan.
We find a restaurant...
I get it. There's gonna be some weirdness.
Again, this is not the city.
People are different.
Things will be different.
But as long as we do this together,
we're gonna figure it out, okay?
And the Rhodes have been through a lot.
Jonathan?
Hon?
- I know, it's just, not having you...
- I'm sorry.
It's just another week, I'll be back.
- I just wish you were here.
- I know. I know. I love you.
Okay.
Oh. Hey, stranger.
You're in early. Everything okay?
Uh, yeah, I'm fine. I just couldn't sleep.
Jonathan surprised me last night.
Surprised you? With what?
Himself.
Oh, wow! So you bailed
on Mrs. Rhodes again?
No, uh, he came with me, actually.
Oh, God. That's why
you're acting so weird.
Uh... I don't know.
How can two people I get along with
so well be so far apart?
Like, they don't relate at all.
Maybe you need a new perspective.
What do you suggest?
I suggest...
the Rhodes aren't an easy introduction
for someone from the city.
Why don't you come out
with me tonight?
Meet some people you can relate to
a bit more and build from there.
We have a regular group
that goes out on Fridays.
Where do you even go out here?
Crossroads.
It's literally the only bar in town.
I... I don't know.
Promise you'll think about it.
Okay. Okay, I'll think about it.
Okay. Great. We go out at 6:00. Be ready.
Uh...
Mom, we're gonna be late.
I love you, Mom.
Yeah. I think I do too. Um, Elvis!
Can I have...
another beer, please. Thank you.
Oh, hey. Hey, this is Michelle.
- Hi. Hey.
- How are you?
- Good to see you.
- Nice to meet you.
- Good.
- Hi.
Jack, can I get a beer please?
Yeah, thank you.
Mmm-hmm.
All right. Here you go.
Mr. Poppins had seen the same grass
and these same houses,
and this same world,
day after day, week after week,
month after month.
Jonathan.
Ah, pick up.
Pick up!
Cathy, hi.
Michelle, everything okay?
Yeah, I'm sorry, it's just...
I haven't heard from Jonathan.
I mean, we were having issues
with the service,
but, usually,
something goes through by now.
It's just such a long drive
and I know accidents happen,
and I just wanna make sure he's okay.
I think I might know what the issue is.
What?
Oh, how did you...
It's been blaring
all morning and...
and I... I saw all these calls from you,
so I assumed it must be his.
Oh, you poor thing.
You must be worried sick.
Yeah. I have been.
How'd you know where to bring it?
What do you mean, dear?
How do you know this is where I live?
Hello?
Oh, my God!
Do you have any idea
how worried I've been?
I am so sorry. I must have lost my cell.
I didn't even realize it was gone
until last night...
You didn't realize?
No, no, no, I don't wanna hear it.
Just hold on.
Uh, sorry. I... I got to deal with this.
Of course, sweetheart.
I don't care what happened.
You have any idea how scared I've been?
You thought what? You could just disappear
for a day and it wouldn't matter?
I have your phone, okay?
I have it because you left it
at the Rhodes' house
and Cathy just stopped by with it.
Oh, man, those two?
- Took 'em long enough to find it.
- "Took 'em long enough"? You serious?
Were they just sitting on it all day
or something?
That's weird. They're weird.
Michelle, they're like...
There's nothing weird, okay?
They're decent people who realized
how worried I would be
and brought back the phone
- that you couldn't bother remembering.
- I just forgot it, okay?
I have a lot going on
trying to get wrapped out of here.
Think it's easy not having my phone?
Oh, you think not having you here
is easy on me?
While you're wrapping
out of work all weekend,
I'll be here alone!
Unpacking all our stuff alone
and setting up our house
and our life, alone.
Look, I got to go.
I'm sorry I can't be there.
Maybe your new friends that hate
everything about me can give you a hand.
I need you, okay?
Now more than ever.
I... I can't stand not being able to talk.
Okay, look, if you need something,
call my office line and I will call you
as soon as I can.
Okay? I love you. Bye.
- Cathy? Hi. You're still here.
- Oh.
I'm sorry.
Um, I... I don't want to impose.
It... Uh... It's fine.
What's up?
Uh, well, it's just, um,
I had some thoughts
for my final Mr. Poppins book.
And sometimes I...
I like to talk these things through,
out loud.
And, Derek, God bless him,
is not the most attentive audience.
I appreciate that, Cathy.
I just have so much
I need to get done right now.
Oh. Oh, not now, by any means.
No, of course not.
Um, I... I wanted you to come by.
Uh, maybe later this weekend.
I need to get this place set up,
get my life back together.
Okay.
Okay, I see.
How about Monday?
I can do Monday, after school.
Monday it is.
You have a good weekend, sweetheart.
Oh, my God. Cathy.
Bit jumpy, aren't we?
Sorry, it's just, it's usually...
There's no one in here this early.
- Just you?
- Mmm. Just me.
Oh, these kids can be a handful.
Right. Well, it's not like you have time
for them over the weekend.
Sure.
- Sorry.
- Mmm-hmm.
We all have lives outside of work.
Oh, I shouldn't expect someone
to give every second
of their life to education.
Right.
Especially, if they have
a certain lifestyle to maintain.
What lifestyle?
Let me ask you a question.
Mr. Cochran, he was miserable
at managing a budget.
Was he not?
Honestly, I have no idea
how we managed to stay open.
Oh, well,
I think if you look closely,
that you would find
a number of anonymous donations
that managed to fill the gaps.
Cathy, I know how much
the program means to you.
And I think that you'd find how impossible
it would be to maintain
this program without them.
And you have to know
how much it means to me as well.
How much it means to Michelle.
Oh, I know how much it means
to the both of you
and how devastating it would be
if the funding were to dry up.
Is there a reason to think it would?
It's hard to say just yet.
I think this program needs to be held
to the highest standards
by those who run it.
Which... it is.
And I was thinking,
"Is it prudent for us
to trust our children
with a young college dropout?"
I'm sorry,
why didn't you finish school, again?
Oh, it... It doesn't matter.
And then, for that dropout
to take our new manager
out drinking with her after school.
Cathy, there's nothing wrong
with going out on a Friday night.
Well, I guess that's up
for the parents to decide.
And I think they would have
all sorts of opinions
were they to hear
that the funding was being pulled
because of the behavior
of our new program manager and teacher.
You wouldn't.
Oh, I wouldn't want to. No.
But I guess it would depend
on how negative an influence
they had on the program.
And each other.
Well, it's just something to consider.
Hey! Missing my nap date today.
Sorry. Just busy.
Yeah. No, of course.
It's just, um...
Things kind of blew up
with Jonathan over the weekend.
You probably don't care that much,
but I was just needing someone
to talk to about it.
That sucks. But, um...
Look, let's talk later.
I got to stay on this.
Yeah. No, got it.
Tonight?
Pretty busy.
We'll talk soon, though.
Yeah. Sounds good.
Sweetheart, you made it.
I did.
Everything okay?
Yeah. Just, um...
Just a tough day.
Aw, well, let's head on in
and see if we can't cheer you up a bit?
Okay?
A glass for you?
I'm okay for now.
Honey...
Why don't you tell me
what's got you so worried?
It's nothing.
Just feels like things went from promising
to train wreck in a matter of days.
Well, you can always talk it out with me.
I know.
You've actually been
the only constant since I got here.
And I always will be.
Really, it's nothing, uh...
Look at me trying to take this over
when you wanna talk about your book.
Oh... Mr. Poppins' last adventure.
Hmm.
He finally coming home?
After our last talk, uh,
it got me thinking and...
it's time.
Well, that's exciting.
I feel you're right.
He's been out in the world,
he's seen all there is to see.
But now he's ready to come back.
And there'll be a big celebration
for all those who have missed him
when he was gone.
Because everyone finds their way home.
Eventually.
Don't you think?
I, uh... I think
that's a great direction to take it.
Can I show you something?
So, I'm sure that you've already heard
about my little girl.
And how she went missing so long ago.
I did.
I'm so sorry, Cathy.
Well, when your daughter
goes missing like that,
you make a lot of friends
in important places.
Friends who are willing
to help a mother out.
I'm sure.
And at first I thought
it was just a coincidence,
but I had a friend do a little favor...
and look up some
of your background information
from the times that you can't remember.
What do you mean?
When you first arrived
into state custody...
it was 20 years ago.
The exact same time my little girl...
my Michelle, went missing.
Her name was Michelle, too?
He was your favorite.
Mr. Poppins.
You loved him so much.
Do you remember, sweetheart?
You would always sleep with him.
You, you... You couldn't fall asleep
without him.
You left him.
You left him so I'd know you'd come back.
Uh, I, uh...
Cathy, I'm not her.
Uh, maybe if you smell him.
I can still smell you on him.
Uh...
Cathy, I'm not your daughter.
The street was familiar.
The same well-groomed lawns,
the same cared-for houses...
See, I used to record all my stories
and my ideas on tape and you'd help me.
You wanted to be just like Mommy,
I even got you your own tape recorder.
Look, I have to go.
Okay, but why this town?
You've always wanted this. Don't you see?
This... Uh, no. No, I'm sorry.
Where are you going?
He wanted to see
something different, something exciting.
You're home!
So, he packed a knapsack
with everything it would fit
and he left this place
that was so familiar,
to begin an adventure into the unknown.
Baby, you're home.
You've reached the desk
of Jonathan Corigan.
I've stepped away for a moment,
but just leave a message
and I will get back to you.
Hey, babe.
I know you won't get this till tomorrow,
but I am...
Just call me as soon as you can, okay?
Things got weird.
You were right.
Love you.
Hi, you've reached Ashley.
Leave me a message
and I'll get back to you soon. Bye.
Derek, hi. I... I didn't see you there.
Stop!
Slow down!
Get back here!
Hey, you. Look,
I'm sorry things got so awkward.
I've been thinking about it and,
you know, I was stupid.
I should have just told you
what was going on.
And, instead, I was a jerk.
Stop it!
Stop it!
Call me back, okay?
I have some stuff to talk to you about
and I hope I didn't scare you off.
Talk to you soon.
Hold right there. Hold it.
Everything was just as it should be.
It's okay, honey.
You're home now.
Everything's gonna be okay.
But that wasn't enough
for Mr. Poppins.
Day after day, week after week...
He packed a knapsack
with everything it would fit
and he left this place
that was so familiar,
to begin an adventure into the unknown.
Hey, babe.
I know you won't get this
till tomorrow, but I am...
Just call me as soon as you can, okay?
Things got weird.
You were right.
Love you.
Hi, it's Michelle. Leave a message.
Hi, it's Michelle. Leave a message.
Michelle!
Michelle?
Hi, it's Michelle. Leave a message.
Cathy?
Cathy!
Derek?
Uh, hi... Hi, Officer?
Please!
Hello?
Help!
Help me, please! Help! Help!
Michelle! Michelle!
Michelle! Michelle! Shh, shh, shh.
I know. I know you're scared right now.
But I'm gonna need you
to keep quiet for me, okay? Okay?
- Um, please, I won't tell any...
- Be... quiet.
Trust me, this...
This can get a whole lot worse
than it is right now.
Jonathan. What are you doing in town?
Hi, Mrs. Rhodes. Have you seen Michelle?
Um, yes, I have.
Last night, as a matter of fact,
she came by,
she wanted to hear about my next book.
Why? Is something wrong?
I don't know. She...
She's not at home.
She's not answering her phone.
Uh, well, it is Tuesday.
Did you check the school?
I mean, she should be working,
shouldn't she?
Yeah. I, uh...
Oh, well, so you haven't.
No, not yet.
Okay. Well, sweetie, I'd start there.
And then, um, maybe ask that Ashley woman
with whom she's been spending
all her time drinking.
Ashley? I don't know an Ashley.
Well, maybe you should.
Goodbye, Jonathan.
Michelle, my baby.
I am so sorry
we had to do things this way.
Why are you doing this?
It's gonna be hard, sweetie.
See, you've been away from us for so long,
you don't even remember who you are.
And that is not your fault.
Please, Cathy. I'm not her.
I'm not your Michelle.
I know you think that.
But just spend some time here.
Try to remember.
You'll come back.
You'll understand.
I'm just trying to take care of my baby.
Please, let me out!
Um... Can I help you?
Yeah. Yeah.
I'm looking for Ashley.
Well, you found her.
Do I know you?
I'm... I'm Jonathan,
I'm Michelle's fianc.
Oh, are you here to tell me
why she didn't show up today,
- why she didn't bother to call?
- You haven't seen her either?
Not since yesterday.
- Wait, you don't know where she is?
- No, she... She left a message.
She said something got weird last night.
Oh, God.
- What?
- Um, I don't know. She...
- What?
- What did she say?
Nothing else, really.
But I can't get a hold of her.
Okay. Did you try Cathy?
- They said she wasn't there.
- And the police?
I called. And they said
I could file a report,
but they need 48 hours
before they can take any action.
That's not really a thing, is it?
Apparently, they need
a reason to investigate.
And right now
they don't have enough to...
Enough to what?
I think I have an idea. Thanks.
Hey!
He had found his best friend
and they would go on as best friends
and live happily ever...
Keep it down.
Why don't you ever understand that?
I'm sorry, Daddy.
I was trying to be quiet.
Well, listen,
that's not good enough.
Ow!
Daddy, please. Stop it, it hurts.
Be quiet.
Why don't you listen...
Honey...
We're trying to make this easy,
but you've got to behave yourself.
Please, Cathy. Just let me go, okay?
I'm not gonna tell anyone,
I'll just leave.
What would you tell them?
That you're where you belong? Finally.
That you've come back home?
Oh, we should tell everyone.
It should be on the news.
"Missing child returns after 20 years."
But we first got to get
your memory back.
Anything yet?
There's nothing to tell.
I'm from Pennsylvania.
I was taken away when I was seven.
Okay. Before that.
That morning.
Do you remember that Tuesday morning?
The sandwich, with the crusts cut off?
Who took you?
I told you, my mom couldn't keep up,
so the state did.
I remember my mom, okay?
Stop!
That is what they told you.
That is not what happened.
Oh...
Not a peep.
What do you want?
Is my fiance in there?
Your what?
Michelle. Is she in there?
She wasn't here the first time you came.
She's not here this time, all right?
I don't believe you.
You believe whatever you want,
but that's not gonna change anything.
- I think it will.
- Really?
- Michelle!
- Hey.
- You in there? Talk to me.
- Hey! Knock it off.
- Anybody. Can you hear me?
- Stop it. Hey, listen. Stop it.
Can you hear me?
I'm looking for my fiance, Michelle!
Hey, you're creating
a domestic disturbance here, all right?
Yeah, I am. And we'll see what happens
when the cops show up.
Really?
Okay. Jonathan, son,
you're creating a scene.
You're damn right I am.
Do you want to see Michelle?
Uh-huh.
Okay. Well, she's here.
She's here,
but she doesn't wanna talk to you.
You... You think I'm gonna believe that?
She needed her space,
and she didn't want you to know
that she's here, so she had us lie.
No. No, if she's in there,
I need to see her right now.
Okay, fine.
Michelle, honey.
Jonathan wants to see you.
Jonathan.
Jonathan!
Please! Help me!
That boy's been nothing but trouble.
Look, don't worry. He'll be okay.
Hey, close the door. Quick.
- What'd you do to him?
- No, no!
You stay over there
or I'll keep this closed till morning.
He'll be fine.
Derek did not mean to hurt him.
It's just that he was making
so much noise out there.
What if someone had called the police?
Okay.
You know, um...
Why don't we try this again tomorrow?
You're in no shape to talk tonight.
Mama?
What did you say?
Mom.
Is this real or are you pretending?
I remember...
That morning.
Mr. Poppins.
You left him.
You almost always brought him
to school with you.
I did.
I left him.
Mama...
I know now why I forgot.
What is it?
It's hard for me to talk about it. I...
I was running away.
It wasn't you, Mama.
I hid it.
I didn't want you to find it.
I didn't want him to hurt you.
Stop it! Would you stop it?
You're not hurt. Shh, be quiet.
I told you not to cry. Don't you dare cry.
- Did you learn your lesson?
- Mmm-hmm.
This time it better stick.
And you remember
what happens if you tell Mommy.
You... You will hurt her, too.
That's right, Michelle.
And whose fault will that be?
Mine.
Right.
It wasn't you, Mama.
He used to hurt me so bad.
I did it for you, Mom.
That's... That's fine. Honey.
I think... I think we're making...
great progress.
I'm sorry.
- I'm sorry, Mom.
- Okay.
You just get some sleep.
We'll talk about this tomorrow.
Everything okay, honey?
Well, this one's gonna be a problem,
but I'll, uh...
I'll fix it. I'll make sure
he doesn't go near our little girl.
Mmm-hmm.
Hey, uh...
You okay, baby?
Yeah.
Well, um...
I'll go get some tape
to cover his mouth.
You make sure
he doesn't go anywhere, all right?
What did you do?
You're not a good man, Daddy.
You did very bad things to me.
You used to hit me so hard.
Stop it!
Come on!
Stop! Stop, stay down!
Stop it! Listen to me!
You're hurting me, Daddy!
You're hurting me
just like before.
Don't... Don't you pretend.
Not with me.
Mama knows now, Daddy.
She knows what you did to me.
You knew I ran away because of you.
'Cause you couldn't beat me if I ran.
Get over here!
You and I...
both know... Cathy wanted this.
She wants it all to be true.
So you have two choices.
You can either play along,
or I can tell her
that you ran away again...
And make sure that you never come back.
I will do anything for my wife.
I've always done anything
I could for my Cathy.
Oh, if you only knew what I've sacrificed,
what I've endured.
I just want to be a good husband.
I am a good husband.
Please, don't do it, Daddy.
Please, Daddy. Stop.
You... are not... my daughter!
Come here, baby. I got you. I got you.
I got you, baby. I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry.
You're gonna be okay.
You're gonna be okay.
Because we're together now.
And I'm never letting you go.
I won't leave you again.
911 dispatch.
What's your emergency?
My daughter... My daughter's hurt.
- You said your daughter?
- He tried to kill her.
Okay, ma'am. I'm sending help.
Is your daughter in danger now?
- No. Not anymore.
- And what is your name?
Cathy. Cathy Rhodes.
Michelle...
I don't think they gave us enough screws.
Can you pass me the instructions?
Yeah.
Thanks.
Thanks. I got it.
It's probably Ashley.
Hey.
Thanks.
It's for you.
Michelle...
you have to tell her the truth.
Michelle.
Please.