A Dance in the Snow (2024) Movie Script
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(soft music)
#####
Snowflakes are falling
Streetlights are glowing
Another year older
Another year gone
Still get a stocking
Still hang mistletoe
We're all getting older
Oh where does time go?
I still feel like a kid
at Christmas
Still got wishes
on my wish list
With friends old and new
Believing it's still true
I still feel like a kid
at Christmas
With you
- Ready.
- You look magnificent.
- I know.
- Christmas dance, here we come.
- Wait! Weather check.
- Oh. Of course.
- Still safe. No snow.
- Let's go.
( Share My Christmas with You
by SATV Music)
Oh, your headphones.
I forgot them in the car.
- I'm fine.
- Yeah, it could get louder.
- C'mon!
- Oh!
(laughs)
- Okay, now put on a happy face.
- Don't worry about me.
This is your night. I'm great.
- I'm great too. Bye!
- Bye!
(sighs)
Guess I'll just uh...
chaperone the snacks.
- Do you need any help
with that?
(both laugh)
Hi, Melanie.
- Hi Mr. Hartman.
- Please, call me Daniel.
- Jenny is a fantastic student.
- Jenny talks about you all...
the time.
- She's my favourite student,
but don't tell anyone
I said that.
- I won't.
Well, around here, anyway.
(chuckles)
Uh, you really are
her favourite teacher.
- Thank you.
And you can tell everyone that.
- I do.
It's important for her
to have a teacher
that really appreciates her.
- But who wouldn't
appreciate her?
- A lot of people. They don't
mean to. They mean well.
But when they find out
that she's autistic,
they either expect
nothing of her or they think
she's a savant.
- Ah. Well, no judgment here.
I think she's great.
- She is.
(rock music)
(loud cheering)
Is that snow?
- Is everything okay?
- Just the sound, the snow.
I should've insisted
she wear her headphones.
- Can I help you?
- No. I just,
she needs me right now.
I've gotta find her.
(soft music)
Jenny. Jenny. Jenny.
(breathes deeply)
Are you okay?
- The snow.
- I should've seen that coming.
I'm sorry.
Come here.
- Can we go home?
- Yep. Let's go home.
Come on.
Hey. Whatcha workin' on?
- College applications.
- My little girl.
(laughs)
My little girl is a senior.
- I have been
for four months.
- Yes.
(chuckles)
That's very true.
So where are you thinking?
- I want to go to Hollinger.
- Hollinger? Like, California?
- They have the best
literature program.
- Yeah, yeah.
They, uh, of course.
But it's in California.
(sighs)
It's okay. You know what?
We'll think about it. Okay?
The holiday dance
is coming up soon.
Do you want to go shopping,
get a new dress?
- No, thanks.
- You wanna go
to the dance though, right?
(Daniel): "Two roads diverged
in a yellow wood.
And sorry I could not
travel both.
And be one traveler,
long I stood.
And looked down one as far
as I could"
And then Frost finishes
triumphantly with,
"Two roads diverged in a wood
and I, I took the one
less traveled by.
And that made
all the difference."
You see, this is what great
poetry can do.
Yes, yes, it makes you think.
But more...
it inspires you to feel.
So,
what do you feel?
Jenny.
- I feel excited.
I get to choose my road.
I get to choose
my life.
- Very good. And very true.
This is something I wish we'd
all remember more often.
So let these great words
inspire us today
and every day.
(bell rings)
Oh, and for tomorrow,
please read the chapter
on Edgar Allan Poe or you shall
receive good grades nevermore.
(students chuckling)
Nice work today, Jenny.
- I loved the poem.
- Great words can inspire us.
- They inspired me.
- Me, too.
Hey, is that a Hollinger crest?
You know, my sister
studied there.
- Not exactly sure it'll be
possible. It's far away.
- But they have an amazing
lit program there.
- I know.
- And you are an amazing
lit student.
- I know.
(chuckles)
- Good. Well, I'd be happy
to write a recommendation.
I mean it.
Have a good afternoon.
(Melanie): I just don't get it.
Could she pick a college
further from home?
- Maybe she just wants
to spread her wings.
- Uh, here you go, Gavin.
The volume should work
on those ones. Okay.
- You know, try something new.
Isn't that why you started
the Possible Center?
To show neurodiverse teens
the breadth of
their possibilities.
- Thanks, Vicky. I have
read our mission statement.
(laughs)
I think I wrote it.
But couldn't she just spread her
wings a little closer to home?
- Look, she is not trying
to leave you.
- I know.
- It is okay to be sad.
Even at Christmas time.
And it's okay to be mad
about the divorce.
To long for the past
or worry about the future.
- Thank you.
But this isn't about me.
This is about Jenny.
- Hmm.
- Maybe it's the weather.
There's no falling snow
in Southern California.
- She's still afraid
of the falling snow?
- It was bad before
but ever since the dance,
it's gotten worse.
(exhales)
(both): Oh!
(chuckles)
- I'm so sorry.
- No, no. I'm sorry.
I must've been a little
too focused
on my handiwork.
- Apparently.
(both laugh)
- It's good to see you, Melanie.
- Nice to see you too,
Mr. Hartman.
- Daniel.
- Right.
- Um... anyway,
I know the dance
didn't go really well
for you
and Jenny last year
and I just wanted you
to know if there's anything
that I can do to help
make it better
just let me know.
- You could run
for PTA president.
- No. That is Ms. Foy and she'd
wipe the floor with me.
(chuckles)
But honestly, I know they
started planning.
So, I think they meet every
Friday afternoon.
If you wanted to,
maybe we could...
- It's okay. I... I've got it.
But thank you.
- Of course, yeah.
- Poster looks great.
- Thank you.
(Melanie): Hi.
- Bye, Mr. Hartman.
- Bye, Jenny.
- Bye.
(Melanie): Jenny...
You okay?
Jenny?
- Hey, I was spinning.
- Hey, I was talking.
- Why are we talking?
- Are you seriously considering
not going to the Christmas
dance this year?
- I don't want to go.
- It's your last winter formal.
- So?
- So the Christmas dance has
always been a great way
for us to lift my--
- Winter blues, I know.
But they are your blues,
not mine.
- Good. But we love Christmas.
And the dance has always been
a great way to celebrate
that with everyone.
- I know.
- Is this why you want
to go to California?
Just too many bad
associations here?
Or are you still feeling stuck
about the dance last year?
- No!
- Jenny, you have
to understand that
if you can't handle a dance...
I can't in good conscience
send you to a school that's
halfway across the country.
- Mom, can we not talk
about this right now?
(sighs)
(indistinct TV chatter)
(bright music)
- And then, she just cut me out.
Can you believe it?
- Well yeah, she's a teenager.
- For a couple more
years, anyway.
It's her last opportunity
to go to the dance.
You know, this is...
a memory that she'll have
for the rest of her life
and she won't have it
if she never has the experience.
- I get it.
You just want her to be happy.
- The dance makes my mom happy.
But I messed it up.
- You didn't mess anything up.
- I don't want my mom to be sad.
- Then go to the dance.
- I do not want to go!
- You don't have to
if you don't want to.
We can just all
hang out together instead.
Do our own thing.
- You mean, have our own dance?
- Yeah? I mean, we--
- We can have our own dance.
A different dance!
With anyone who wants
to do that with us.
Then I can go
and my mom can go, too.
- What will it have?
- No loud music.
- I love loud music.
- What else?
Uh, no strobing lights?
- Yeah.
- And no falling snow.
- No falling snow.
We can invite
whoever we want.
- Like cute boys.
(giggling)
(Bella): Meet at lunch
to plan?
- Yes. We are going
to organize a dance.
(giggling)
Wait. I want it to be a secret
for my mom though,
so it'll just be our secret.
(both): Our secret.
(giggling)
- I just... I want her to
have a great senior year.
- I know.
- And the best Christmas ever.
- Of course you do.
- And I want her final
holiday dance to be joyful.
- Well, then, give her a dance
that beings her joy.
- What?
- Well, it's quite simple.
Use the skills that
you've acquired here
to make accommodations
at the dance.
- You think I can do that?
- I am quite sure that you can.
- Okay, well.
Where would I start?
- Join the PTA.
- Me on the PTA?
- Mm-hmm.
- They are meeting tomorrow.
- Well, then,
you can email the chair.
I'm sure that their email
is on the school's website.
- Okay.
- Okay.
- Yeah, I'll do that tonight.
- Good. Tonight?
- You want me
to do it right now?
- I'm waiting.
- Okay.
- Okay.
- I'm gonna do that.
- Okay, what's wrong?
- Nothing. I just...
I want this
to be a surprise for Jenny.
- Mmm.
- Keep it between us.
- Deal.
(curious music)
- Got any plans for today?
- Mm-hmm.
- Hmm. Wanna tell me about it?
- No.
Do you have big plans?
- No. No, nothing at all.
Nothing out of the ordinary.
- That's good.
- Yeah. It is good.
- Good.
- Yeah. Good.
Shall we go?
- Mm-hmm. Wait, weather check.
(phone): Currently 39
degrees and sunny skies.
- No snow.
- Perfect.
(boy snickering)
- What's the problem, new kid?
Can't speak?
No come on, answer me.
If you can.
- Why are you being mean?
- Let's go.
- You okay?
(soft music)
- Who's the new boy? He's cute!
(Bella): Do you know him,
Jenny?
- Earth to Jenny!
- Oh. Uh. No.
Never seen him before.
Anyways, the dance.
- Lots to discuss.
(Melanie): The mission of the
Possible Center
has always been to empower
individuals,
no matter their abilities,
to achieve their dreams
no matter how ambitious.
And also,
we have adults
on the spectrum that work here.
- Wow. Will is going to
love this place.
There was nothing
like this in our old town.
- Oh, there was nothing
like this here.
(laughs)
For kids, there's
tons of resources,
but once they become
teenagers...
Few and far between.
- Much too few. And way too far.
- Exactly. I saw a need
so I quit my job.
And along with my friend Vicky,
15 years later, here we are.
- It's very impressive.
- Um, yes I understand.
These things happen.
- Good news, right?
- Sure.
Good news is you have
the weekend off.
They had to cancel.
(sighs)
- We had a field trip planned
and the kids were really
looking forward to it.
- Oh, that's too bad.
- It's okay. You know what?
We'll figure something out.
After all, this is
the Possible Center
where anything is possible.
Except a field trip,
this weekend.
(both chuckle)
- You know,
the reason we moved here
is because my husband and I are
taking over my dad's property.
It's a stunning location.
There is a Christmas tree farm
and a Santa's village.
Of course, we do
events and weddings,
but it's a great place
for a field trip.
- As I said,
anything is possible.
That is incredibly
gracious of you.
(whispering): There's a meeting
room in the back we could go to.
It's really private.
- Okay, great.
- That's my daughter, Jenny.
Jenny, this is Mrs. Hawkins.
Her son Will is joining
the Possible Center.
They're new in town.
What are you guys up to?
- Uh, nothing really.
Just a project.
- It's funny. I asked Will to
meet me here after school, too.
Good to have everyone connect
before the big field trip day.
(Melanie): Yes.
(laughs)
(soft music)
- Sorry.
It takes him time
to warm up to people. To talk.
- You don't have to say sorry.
We don't apologize here.
Here, we understand.
- Thank you.
This place is beyond words.
It must keep you very busy.
- It does. Especially lately.
(Vicky chuckles)
(soft music)
(Hilary): We do want everyone
to have a good time
at the dance.
But we also want it to
be, well, a good time.
- Oh, absolutely. I mean,
but that's all that I want.
I'm only asking
that the holiday ball
be made more accessible
for students on the spectrum.
- Accessible?
- Well, yeah. Just as we've
made the school accessible
for people physically,
we would make
the dance accessible
for everyone's emotional
well-being, too.
- Well, how would we do that?
- Well, it's different
for each individual.
Generally,
lower volume of music.
Scheduled breaks.
We could do away
with strobe lights.
(chuckles)
- But the kids
love strobe lights.
- I am really not trying to take
away from everyone's enjoyment.
I'm only asking that we ensure
that these special experiences
be available to every student.
Isn't that what we all
want for our children?
- We certainly do,
it's just...
Sounds like a whole
lot that would need to be done,
and the dance
is only nine days away.
And we'd need someone
to chair that
and the whole committee
has their hands full.
- What if I put together
a proposal for you to approve?
- You need a faculty liaison
and with finals underway,
they're all overloaded as it is.
If only you had come
to us with this sooner.
- If only.
- I'll do it.
Apologies for my tardiness.
But I did overhear what
Ms. Austin was suggesting
and I'd be happy
to be her faculty liaison.
- You would?
- Yeah.
(Hilary): Great.
You two are officially
the accessibility team.
All in favour?
(jaunty music)
- So I guess we should figure
out how we're going to do this.
- You didn't say that
you were on the PTA.
- Oh, I said I wasn't running
for president of the PTA.
I'm not.
So, what's next?
- I will work up a plan
and show it to you for
the official stamp of approval.
- I don't want to just be a
token stamp of approval, though.
I don't even own a stamp.
No, I want to help.
I want to actually
help make this happen.
- Oh, I appreciate that.
But this isn't something
that can just be dreamed up.
(chuckles)
I've spent Jenny's life
learning how to do this.
You know,
a song that's too loud.
A light that's too bright.
Unexpected snow.
One wrong move and this
can all be for nothing.
- No, I get that. I do.
And I've spent my whole
career as a teacher
making sure that my students
can be their best selves, right?
Isn't that
what your dance is about?
So, this weekend?
- Oh, I can't this weekend.
The center is going on a field
trip to a Christmas tree farm.
- Oh yeah. No, that sounds
like a terrible place
to plan a Christmas dance.
I'll join.
- Oh, did I invite you?
- I don't know. Did you?
- Okay. Okay.
(stutters)
But can we please keep the
planning of this a secret?
I really want it to be
a surprise for Jenny.
- Okay.
- Thank you.
You know, and then he
just invited himself.
Can you believe that?
- Oh, that he wants to help,
yeah. Scoundrel.
- I don't need his help.
I have a Vicky.
- Yeah, well, I need help, so
that's why you have a Daniel.
Plus, Jenny. She loves him.
So he can't be all that bad.
- Wait, no. I never said
that he was all that bad.
- Mm-hmm.
- He inspires Jenny to write.
And he is a very good teacher.
- Well, he's not just a teacher.
He's a published poet.
I've read his work.
It's beautiful stuff.
- Hmm.
- Hmm? Look, here's the kids.
- Oh, hey everyone!
Okay, you are all
free to explore.
Oh, and the Hawkins
have generously offered
for each of you to pick
your very own tree
and bring it home
for the holidays.
So please, let's all remember to
thank them on our way out. Okay.
Go! Explore! Have fun!
(Vicky): Yes. Oh,
hey, Daniel!
- Hey.
- Do you lose points
for tardiness?
- Oh, in school I'm prompt, but
when that bell rings... rebel.
(both laugh)
- I'm gonna go
help them find a tree.
I'll see you.
- See you later.
- Thank you for coming.
I'm sorry if I was--
- Hi, Mr. Hartman.
Why are you here?
- Well I heard so much about
what your mom was doing
with the Possible Center
so I wanted to come
and see what this
was all about.
- She created the whole thing.
- I'm sure she did.
- Okay. Well,
I'm glad you're here.
And I liked reading
Edgar Allan Poe. Nevermore.
- Nevermore.
Well, at least
someone's glad I'm here.
- She sure is.
- You know, I actually do
need a Christmas tree myself.
Do you think they
sell one around here?
- Follow me.
- Solid technique you got there.
(laughs)
- Well, I've cut my fair share
of Christmas trees.
(sawing)
- Apparently so.
Gosh, it's so
beautiful around here.
Don't you love
this time of year?
- Yeah.
- Oh I'm sorry. Sore subject?
- It's just...
ever since the divorce,
this time of year can be tough.
I have a name for it.
I call it the winter blues.
(laughs)
- Is Jenny's father still
in the picture?
- Yeah, yeah.
He's still in her life.
He lives about an hour away.
She'll spend New Year's
with him.
- And you'll miss her every
single day
she's gone, I'm sure.
(both laugh)
- Yes. Yes I will.
Have at 'er.
- Watch this.
Okay. You ready?
- Yeah.
(grunts)
Oh!
(laughing)
A poet and a lumberjack.
- Ha!
- Luckily I loosened it for you.
- Yeah.
I wouldn't exactly call
myself a poet, though.
- I heard that
you were published.
(exhales)
- That was a long time ago.
- What changed?
- Well, my bank account,
for one.
It's kinda hard to pay
the bills as a poet. You know.
- I'm sorry.
- No, don't be.
I mean, there was definitely a
time where I dreamed
about going to Paris,
you know?
The cafes where Fitzgerald
and Hemingway
and Zelda used to frequent?
- Hmm.
- That would've been amazing.
But then I became a teacher.
And I realized that,
that was my true calling.
So... I mean,
poetry, it...
- I understand.
Yeah, when you have something
that you really love
it's hard to find time
to do anything else.
- Yeah.
(Daniel): So, I'm excited about
this. What are we thinking?
- Oh, uh, alternatives for
students with diverse needs.
- You know, I would love
to find a substitute
for the blaring speakers.
- Yes, exactly!
And a low stim area
that has games!
- We could do specialized foods.
- Yes. And drinks.
- This is great.
Yeah, okay. Um...
- Why do I feel like
there's a "but" coming on?
- Oh, no, no. No buts.
However...
- Oh.
- This is gonna cost more money
than the PTA has on hand.
- Hmm.
We'll raise the funds.
The Possible Center is holding
its holiday fundraiser,
and the money is supposed
to go to an event,
so what better event than
a all-inclusive dance?
- That sounds like
a perfect plan.
- Ha, thank you. Now pick up
your end, lumberjack.
- Sorry, sorry.
- Okay, this way.
- Okay, so we are going to need
a venue, activities, food,
and not to mention a whack ton
of money to pull this off.
- How much money
do we think we need?
- More than we have.
- It's okay. We are going to
figure it out.
- I got it!
- Volume.
(whispering): I got it.
We can sell our own items.
Candles, cards we make.
- Oh, maybe one of the poems
you wrote
in Mr. Hartman's class?
- One of my poems?
- Sure.
- I love your poems.
- Okay, where can we sell them?
We don't exactly own
a posh store somewhere.
- Well, how about here?
I can ask Mrs. Hawkins.
- Yeah! People are spending
lots of money already.
- Yeah, that is
a great idea, Jenny.
- And then all the money we
raise can go towards the dance.
We can do it!
- And then it would still be
part of the dance, right?
So it makes sense if
we can do it--
- Hey, girls!
(chuckles)
Oh, it's great you're here.
We're here, too.
- Yeah, we can see you.
- Of course you can.
(Daniel): Yeah.
- What are you guys doing?
You don't have a tree!
- Mom, we already have a tree.
- We do.
- Is everything okay,
Ms. Austin?
(stuttering): Oh, we're just,
she's tired.
It's a lot of work,
cutting down my tree.
I mean, I did most of the work.
- No you didn't.
- Okay, I didn't. Um.
It's nice though,
right? Majestic?
- Yes, but ours is even better.
- Well, I'm sure.
- Okay. Bye.
- Bye!
- Toodles.
- Have fun!
- Surprise maintained.
- Well done, you.
(exhales)
So, did you have fun?
- Yes. And so did you.
- I did. Thank you.
- You're welcome.
- Oh, I forgot my clipboard.
Be right back.
- Um, excuse me, that's my...
Hi.
(soft music)
Why don't you like to talk?
You don't have to right now
if you don't want to.
But I would be happy
to listen if you do.
I like your train.
- Oh.
(groans)
- I win.
- I was so close.
- Nope.
(chuckles)
Today was a good day.
- I know, right?
- You and Mr. Hartman had fun.
- Yeah. Well, um, sure.
Yeah, we get along.
- He talked to you?
- We talked to each other.
Why?
- What if someone doesn't
wanna talk to me?
- Well...
maybe they just don't
wanna talk.
- Why?
- I don't know.
But I know that it has nothing
to do with you. Okay?
- Okay.
- Rematch.
- No, I won.
- Yes! No, come on.
- I'm the winner.
Oh, get out,
I deserve to have a rematch!
(phone chimes)
(Will): Hi.
(soft music)
(inhales)
(Jenny): Hi. I liked seeing you
today. And your train.
(Will): I liked seeing you.
So I texted you.
(phone chimes)
- Thank you. I'm glad you did.
- You are planning an event?
(phone chimes)
- A dance.
You wanna help?
(breathes deeply)
(phone chimes)
(Will): Yes.
(sighs)
(soft music)
(humming Jingle Bells)
(phone chimes)
- I am. Thank you for today.
See you tomorrow.
Lots more to do.
- Sweet dreams, Mr. Hartman.
(exhales)
Sleigh bells ringing
in the snow
Leading me back home
It's evergreens
and mistletoe
And I'm the one below
I feel so good this holiday
My spirit's high, I want
to make you feel the same
I want to give a little joy
Spread the cheer
I want to give a little joy
this time of year
I wanna give a little
love and laughter to you
That warm cozy feeling
I wanna give a little joy
under the tree
I wanna give a little joy,
it's all in me
I wanna give a little love
and laughter
Just like I could grant
all your wishes
I wanna give a little joy
Joy to your world
this Christmas
(all giggle)
- Hi.
- Hey, Jenny.
Hey gang.
You doing some
Christmas shopping?
- Christmas selling.
- Oh, like what?
"When fear sets
in I get to choose.
To smile away the winter blues.
With Christmas love
so pure and bright.
The season fills
my heart with light."
Did you write this, Jenny?
- Yes. After you read
the poem in class.
- It's beautiful.
- It's for sale. Five dollars.
- 10 dollars!
- I mean, hey.
Even at that price,
it's still a bargain.
- There you go.
- Thanks.
- Have a good day.
- 10 dollars!
(giggling excitedly)
Four days 'til the dance.
- Daniel Hartman,
reporting for duty.
- Thank you for coming.
There is lots to sell
and lots to buy. Come on.
- Great. Uh, like what?
- Oh, just, you know.
Something that'll help
the PTA pass the proposal.
- Are you talking about bribing
PTA president Foy?
Ms. Austin,
that is scandalous.
- No, no. Not yet, anyway.
(both chuckle)
No, just things that'll help
sell the idea. Um...
- Merry Christmas.
- Thank you, Liam. I love it.
(chuckles)
You know, like decorations
that don't flash
or no falling snow.
Jenny does not like
falling snow.
- Can I ask?
You know what, forget
it. I am here to help, not pry.
- When Jenny was a little girl
we were driving
and it started to snow
and I hit a patch of ice.
My car got stuck.
I called a tow truck.
When I was talking
to the tow truck driver,
Jenny got out of the car and
wandered off and I didn't see.
- Yeah, you must have
been terrified.
- But when I finally
found her, I mean...
she was shaken
but she seemed fine.
But then the next time
that it snowed...
And then, the time at the dance.
- Yeah.
- It just triggered her
and it made it so much worse.
And she still
doesn't wanna talk about it.
- I'm sorry.
Communicating can
be really tough at times.
- Jenny and I are definitely not
communicating lately.
- Ah, hence
the secret dance planning.
- I'm not trying to
micromanage her.
I'm just trying to help her
create a clear path for success.
Why are you giving me those
judgmental teacher eyes?
- Oh it's not judgmental.
It's admiration.
You do so much for Jenny,
so much out of so much
love for her. That's all.
- Thank you.
(bright music)
- Thanks so much.
And happy holidays.
We're almost sold out
of Christmas cards.
- With this much money, we could
buy a place to have the dance.
- A few more million
cards, maybe.
- We're doing it!
Will, we're really doing it!
Will?
- We are.
But we're gonna need
to sell a lot more
to pay for everything
that we want at the dance.
(Caitlin): Well, what if we
make more cards?
- I don't think
it's gonna cut it.
- Then what are we gonna do?
What can we do?
- Trees.
Um,
I could ask my parents
to sell trees.
For the dance.
- You would do that for me?
- Will! Why don't you
show Jenny around?
It seems like there's a lot
of fun stuff to see here.
- If you want I would like
to go explore with you.
We don't have to,
but I would like it.
- I built a train layout.
Do you wanna see?
- I would love to see it.
.- Okay.
- These are good.
- Yeah.
No, no, don't.
- No, no, no.
You have to model them
for all your new customers.
- How do I look?
- Dashing.
(chuckles)
- Was that a reindeer joke?
- Maybe.
- I think you should stick
to teaching.
- Hey, no, keep them on.
It'll block out the rest
of my bad jokes.
- Have you ever heard
of silent disco?
- Yeah.
- It's where people wear
headphones and dance.
- Yeah.
- We could buy glowing
headphones
and we could decorate them
for Christmas!
With antler ears and...
- Elf ears.
- Yes!
- Oh, this is practical
and festive. I love it.
- We could just, you know, get
our own headphones
and make one for each PTA member
and decorate it
and give them proof of concept.
- Hey, we could use my
classroom.
Do like a Santa's workshop.
- That sounds fun.
Yeah, I could
bring art supplies.
- I'll bring the pizza.
(train whistling)
(upbeat music)
- This is the Hudson J class
4-8-4 steam locomotive.
The 4-8-4 means that it
has four lead wheels,
eight driving wheels,
and four trailing wheels.
It has an extra large boiler
and a huge fire box.
It weighs almost half
a million pounds
and it can pull up
to 18 cars.
Right now we have four, but
it can pull almost the entire...
I'm talking too much.
- Maybe.
(giggles)
- Sorry.
I talk a lot when
I'm excited about something
and I'm really excited
about trains.
- I noticed.
- You said you were happy
to listen?
- I am.
- Maybe we can take a five
minute break?
- Yes please.
- Okay.
You built that yourself?
- Yes. With my dad.
- Will you build one
for the dance?
- Yes.
- Why don't you like
to talk sometimes?
Is it because you get scared?
- Sometimes.
Sometimes I just
don't wanna talk.
- That's okay.
And it's okay to get scared.
I get scared
sometimes, too.
- What makes you scared?
Do you wanna talk about it?
Now look who's not talking.
- Oh, there is your lunch kit.
I forgot to make
your lunch last night.
- Oh, I got up early
and packed it already.
- You did? Good for you.
- Mom.
- Yeah?
- Do you ever worry you're
making the wrong choices
because you're scared
what other people might say?
- Yeah. I mean,
I think we all do.
- Then what do you do?
- I try to remember
that it doesn't matter
what other people say.
And then I try to do
what I think is right.
To follow my own instincts.
Like you should
follow your own instincts.
- You trust my instincts?
- 100%.
"As Freezing persons,
recollect the Snow
First Chill then Stupor
And then the letting go."
Ladies and gentlemen,
Emily Dickinson.
(bell rings)
Oh, and just a reminder,
your term papers are due
by the end of the week,
no extensions.
Get them in on time
or you get lumps of coal
and an F.
Watch it there.
- I liked that poem a lot.
- Right? Great words can have
all the power
in the world when
said at the right time.
- Remember when you said
you would help
with my college applications?
- Yeah, absolutely.
- Would you write my
recommendation letter?
- Of course.
Did you decide on
a school already?
- Hollinger.
- Wow, nice.
What does your mom
think about you going there?
- She told me to trust
my instincts.
- Well then, alright.
I'll get you that
recommendation by today.
- Thanks.
- Yeah. Bye, Jenny.
- Okay. The good news
first or the bad?
- Good.
- I managed to score us
a foosball table
from that party rental place
thanks to Will's parents
helping us raise more money.
- I also picked up a bunch
of decorations
and some supplies.
- Amazing.
- What's the bad news?
- We don't have a venue.
- What about the
community center?
- It's booked up.
- What about
the Possible Center?
- No, that would ruin
the surprise for my mom.
Oh no. Now what?
- Um. I have an idea.
I can show you if you want.
- Yes.
(Will): Okay, here you go.
Here it is.
- We can use this?
- My parents said yes!
As long as we decorate
it ourselves.
- And clean up.
I'm a great organizer,
so that shouldn't be too hard.
Okay, maybe it's a little hard.
- Yeah.
- We'll need Bella
and Caitlin to help.
- Tomorrow?
- Tomorrow.
- You know you can
talk to me, right?
- I know. I do.
- I mean when
you get scared, too.
You can talk to me.
- Thank you.
- You don't deserve
to be scared.
- What if I still am?
- That's when you talk to me.
- Ooh, look at you.
You're a natural.
- Thank you.
My grandfather was an elf.
- There's still some pizza
left if you're hungry.
- Yeah.
- Alright.
- So, this is where
the magic happens.
Where you inspire
the young readers
and writers of the future.
- I love it. Love it.
Honestly, seeing their
eyes just come alive
when they hear
great writing. I mean,
if I can inspire one student,
just one, it's a great day.
- You inspire Jenny every day.
- She loves literature.
I mean, I'm so happy your
daughter's pursuing it.
She's very talented.
- She is.
What about you?
- What about me?
- Well, you've got
all these books
on so many poets
but what about your own book?
The unflappable Daniel
Hartman's been flapped.
- Maybe a little bit.
(giggles)
- Do you share your poems?
- I used to love slam poetry.
You know, public performance
of my work.
And I share famous poems
with my students in class,
and I love it, I love it.
But I always wondered
if one day somebody would be
reading my work
to their students in class.
- Hmm.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
- And then, you know.
Life goes in other directions,
has other plans. Right?
Well, we are
on the home stretch.
We've got like, I don't
know, two more glue gun burns
before we have to... Ow, again.
Three. We have to present
to the PTA in like an hour.
- And this way, not only is it
a festive addition to the dance,
each student can
listen to the music
at a volume of their choosing.
All the same fun but with an
inclusive, positive twist.
- Guys. Come on.
This is a fresh take.
I swear, the kids are
gonna love it. Okay?
- Oh, it's a great idea.
It's just different.
Not bad, just...
- I know, I know that it is.
It is different.
But that's what makes
it wonderful.
You know, let's
try something different.
Traditions evolve.
This school prides itself
on inclusion.
We always have.
It's why Jenny loves it here.
- You're right.
I'm on board.
But you would need
to lead the charge.
Be my second in command.
- Absolutely.
- All in favour
of making Melanie
chairwoman of the dance?
(chuckles)
- Thank you all so much.
Goodnight, hon.
Did you want anything
before bed?
- No.
- Okay.
- What's that?
- Oh! Uh, it's just a little
bedtime reading.
(Jenny): Mom.
- Yeah?
- You seem happy.
- I feel happy.
- Then I feel happy, too.
- Good. Goodnight, sweetheart.
- Goodnight.
(phone chimes)
(Will):
I'm excited for tomorrow.
- Me too.
(exhales)
- So I'm thinking that
the hot chocolate cart
can go right over there.
Ooh, and the party favour table
will be at the main entrance
with the fidget spinners
and the headphones.
And the main directory will have
a map to the sensory room.
Oh, and the games
we're gonna put in the corner,
just to keep it a little bit
more secluded.
- Okay. Check and check.
Oh, but sadly the rental company
is out of the foosball table.
- What?
- Yep. Already rented.
- Check it out! I snagged
the last cornhole set
at the rental place.
- Perfect.
- And I've got this!
(snowman):
Let the jingle bells swing!
- No.
You okay?
How are the evites coming?
- I'm almost finished
making the list.
Everyone we want
to invite is here.
- Great. And I'll send
them out later tonight.
- Alright.
- We're gonna need
more activities.
And we're gonna need more games.
And in order for this to work,
we're probably
going to need more food.
And decorations.
The dance is two days away,
I don't know that
we're gonna pull this off.
- Hey. We'll get there, okay?
And you're doing a great job.
But right now,
we should take a break.
- We should.
- Definitely.
Let's get some fresh air.
C'mon. It'll
all still be here, I promise.
- Thanks for dinner.
- You're welcome.
- This is all so beautiful here.
- "She walks in beauty,
like the night
Of cloudless climes
and starry skies
And all that's best
of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect
and her eyes."
- That was lovely.
- That was Lord Byron.
He was a charmer.
- I read your poems,
you should know.
- What? How?
- I bought your book.
(laughs)
You are really talented.
- Come on.
- No I'm serious.
They were heartfelt
and honest.
And raw.
You should share them
with the world.
Or at least, you know,
have someone do
a reading of them.
- That'd be amazing.
Maybe one day.
If I can find the right reader.
- What about
your dream of Paris?
Is that still somewhere
in your head?
- Sure.
Taking a sabbatical?
Moving to Paris to write?
It's a wonderful dream.
It's just a dream.
- I love Paris.
And it is a good dream.
(laughs)
I would love to go there.
- Yeah that would be...
that would be fantastic.
- I imagine.
You should go.
You should apply
for a sabbatical
and just see what happens.
You have been inspiring
your students,
you have been inspiring Jenny
since she first sat
in your class.
You inspired me to
plan a dance for her.
It's time that you were inspired
to live out your dream.
- Where did the others go?
- They went home
to send the evites.
Or to leave us alone.
- Will.
There's something I've
been scared about lately.
Can I talk to you about it?
- Yes. Please.
- Um...
It's about the dance.
Last year it was bad.
It started snowing and I
don't like falling snow.
When I was younger,
we got into a car accident
and I wandered off
and got lost in the snow.
And that made me scared.
- I do not like to be scared.
That's when I don't talk.
- Then what do you do?
- Nothing.
When I feel like
talking again, I talk.
I get to decide.
And that makes
the scary things not so scary.
(phone chimes)
(phone): Currently 31 degrees
and snow falling
in 20 minutes.
- I have to go home.
- If you are scared,
we can keep talking.
- I can't. I can't talk.
I have to go home.
- No. Stop!
Jenny.
I can help!
- I don't want your help.
I have to go home!
- And how do you feel?
I know you've taken on a lot,
leading the charge
with this all lately.
- I've come to realize
that this isn't so much
about a dance.
This is more about
my little girl.
She's growing up.
And I want these memories
for her to be joyful,
you know, not fearful.
And then I can't help but
have this gnawing apprehension
that I'm not doing enough.
- Are you kidding me?
I don't think I've ever
seen a mother do more.
All while juggling
the Possible Center
and your own social life.
It's...
- My social life.
You mean my failing social life.
But that's
a whole other story.
- I don't think it's failing.
I quite like your social life
at the moment.
- I do, too.
- I guess this time
of the year isn't so...
- Blue?
(phone chimes)
- I'm sorry. Sheesh.
(sighs)
(Melanie): Is everything okay?
- Uh...
- I'm sorry. I have to go.
Jenny? Jenny!
Hey, sweetheart.
You okay?
- Hmm.
- I came as soon
as it started falling.
- Where were you?
- I'm sorry that I wasn't here.
- I came back as soon
as it started.
- Where were you?
- With friends.
(exhales)
- Okay.
Well, I'm here now.
Do you want to, I don't know,
beat me at a boardgame?
- I want to go to bed.
- Okay.
Goodnight, sweetheart.
- It was that bad, huh?
- Not what we expected to happen
when we ever so
subtly ditched you.
- I ran off and left him
and now he is avoiding me.
- No, no. I'm sure
he's not that mad.
- I guess there go
your chances of him
being your date
for the dance.
- Caitlin!
I probably ruined it
with Daniel.
I just ran out with
barely even saying goodbye.
- Hmm. Probably.
Assumptions again.
Seems like you're having
trouble communicating
with multiple people.
- I guess.
- So talk to Jenny.
Talk to Daniel.
- Uh, we need to talk.
Hey, Vicky.
- This guy's like Beetlejuice.
Say his name three times
and he appears.
(snickers)
Hi, Daniel.
- About last night.
I am so sorry.
- What? No. No, that's no
problem, at all.
Honestly I understand.
It's about the dance.
- Oh, just not here.
- Is there somewhere
we can go to talk?
- Yeah. Hey, Jenny...
Hey, is everything alright?
I...
(door slams)
I really hate to do this
to you two days in a row,
but I have to go talk
to my daughter.
- Yes. You two have
a lot to sort out.
(door opens)
- Everything okay in here?
You wanna talk about it?
- What if there was something...
that you really cared about...
But then you ruined it?
- Oh, honey. I highly doubt
that you've ruined anything.
You know,
sometimes things happen
and we make assumptions
about them.
And then we realize later
that our assumptions
were way off.
Do you think it's
possible that maybe
what you think you've
ruined you haven't?
- I guess maybe not.
- The only way to know for sure
is to ask the tough questions.
And not be afraid
of the answers.
And know that you are
a very good person, Jenny.
With the best of intentions.
And the rest will just
fall into place.
I should probably
take my own advice.
- So, everything will be okay?
- I can't promise you that
everything will be okay,
but I can promise you
that if things aren't,
I will always be here.
And I love you so much.
- Thanks, mom.
- Do you feel better?
- Not all the way better.
But better.
- Come here.
- I love you.
- Love you.
- Looking for Daniel?
- No.
- Hmm.
- Maybe.
- He just left.
You could still catch him.
- Oh, uh. Wait!
I just wanted
to say thank you
for helping me
with everything.
- It was my pleasure.
- Would you like to have dinner?
- Are you asking me
out on a date?
- Ah...
You don't have to
if you don't want to.
- I'd love to.
- Okay. Great. Six tonight?
I'll send you the details.
But I have to
get everything ready.
- Everything?
- Will, are you here?
- Surprise!
- Wow. This is so cool.
- Thanks. I've been
working on it all day.
- I thought you were mad at me.
- Mad? Why?
- Because I got upset yesterday.
- No. You were scared.
I'm sorry I couldn't
help you be not scared.
But I wouldn't
be mad at you for that.
- Will. Do you like me?
- Yes. I like you.
- Do you like me enough
to be my date to the dance?
Is that a no, or are you just
not talking again?
(chuckles)
Yes.
Entrez.
- Wow.
(laughs)
Wow, this is...
- A surprise.
- A wonderful surprise.
- My friend Marin owns it.
Her daughter used to come
to the Possible Center.
And I asked her if I could turn
it into Paris for the night.
(chuckles)
- Well, it's perfect.
- To complete the look.
- Of course.
(chuckles)
C'est magnifique.
How does it look?
- Perfect.
- Yeah?
- Yes.
- I love the beret, by the way.
- Thank you. Um, to Paris.
- To you.
- I got you something.
- Okay?
- I bought it to inspire you.
Because you've inspired
so many people.
- Wow.
Melanie, this is...
Thank you.
I mean, we have our own
Parisian cafe.
You know, actually,
I've been thinking a lot
about what you said.
About taking a sabbatical.
- You're gonna go?
- I mean, it wouldn't be until
the next school year.
And it's not for sure. But...
there's a writers
in residency program
at the Shakespeare
and Company in Paris.
- You should do it.
- I haven't decided yet.
- Why wouldn't you go?
- Well, I mean...
Because for the
first time in a long time
it feels like here is
where I should really be.
Well, Ms. Austin.
- Mr. Hartman.
- I had an excellent time.
- So did I.
- And Paris was better than
I could ever have imagined.
- Well, I'm no literary giant.
- No, you're something better.
Look, I know we're both grown
adults but I was wondering
if maybe you would
do me the honour
of being my date to the dance?
- Yes.
(Jenny): Mom?
- Hi.
- You and Mr. Hartman?
- You and Will?
(both): Why didn't you tell me?
(Melanie): Uh...
there wasn't anything to tell
you until a second ago.
Are you mad?
- No. Not if you are happy.
- I am. And you too.
- Mr. Hartman, I should hear
back from Hollinger any day now.
- That's amazing!
I'm proud of you.
- Wait, what? You applied to
Hollinger? And you knew?
- And you didn't?
- He wrote my
recommendation letter.
- There's some miscommunication
here. I'm sorry.
I mean,
you guys figured out
how to plan two separate
Christmas dances,
so we can probably figure this--
- Daniel.
Wait. I'm sorry.
Two Christmas dances?
Jenny, wait!
(sighs)
It was supposed
to be a surprise.
- You didn't listen to me.
I don't want to go to the dance!
- I know, but that's
why I wanted to do this.
I wanted it to be a dance
that you would want to go to.
- You never asked me
what I wanted!
(footsteps thumping loudly)
- Jenny, I...
(door slams)
- Um, Will.
Why don't you go
wait outside?
I'll be out there
in a second, okay?
I'll give you a ride home.
Yeah?
(door shuts)
(sighs)
- The dance. College.
Her new boyfriend.
Apparently I don't know
anything about my daughter.
- Hey, come on. That's not true.
- No, it is true.
And you know what,
I should be spending time
with her, not doing...
(melancholy music)
I think you should go.
I need to spend some time
with my daughter alone.
- We'll talk soon.
- Aren't you going
to eat breakfast?
Jenny?
(door slams)
Now we're not talking at all
and she won't
even answer my texts.
How did we get to this?
- Oh, Mel.
- I just want her to be happy.
- Hey. I see you and Jenny
together all the time.
And she's happy.
Especially when you're happy.
And since you've been
seeing Daniel,
this is the happiest that I've
seen you in a long time.
Especially at Christmas.
- I just feel...
like I've ruined everything.
And I don't have the answers.
- Then ask the questions.
What do you want?
What does Jenny want?
Not what you want for Jenny,
but what does Jenny
want for herself?
- How do I talk to her when I
don't know where she is.
- Where has she been going
lately when she needed a break?
(soft music)
(Melanie): Jenny?
Wow.
Jenny?
This is beautiful.
Hey.
How are you?
- I needed some time to think.
- You did all of this?
This is the dance
that you were planning?
There's snowman cookies.
- I made them
in honour of you.
Do you like it?
- I love it.
I am so sorry that I
wasn't open with you.
I just...
I wanted it to be a surprise.
I wanted to show you
that I was doing enough.
- Doing enough?
- After the dance
last year, I...
felt that I needed to do more.
- But you do
everything for me.
I wanted to do
the dance for you.
So you could be happy.
And so that you could
see I can do this.
- Why would I need to see that?
- So you won't have to worry
when I go to college.
You don't have to worry, Mom.
I'll be okay.
And when things aren't okay,
you'll always be here.
Loving me.
- Always.
Always.
Okay.
This came for you.
Looks like you got in.
I want you to go.
You've earned it.
(both laugh)
I'm so proud of you.
- Thanks.
- You got the foosball table?
- Well, we would've had
a ping pong table
but someone else rented it.
(both): That was you!
(Melanie giggles)
What are we gonna
do about the dance?
- What do you mean?
This is amazing.
- No, your dance.
- Didn't even think
about that. Um...
- We could combine the dances.
Right here!
- Sure you want to do that?
- Yes, of course.
- Okay. I will contact the PTA
and see if I can
get them on board.
- Alright,
start making phone calls!
- Okay!
(Jenny): Mr. Hartman
needs that in the barn.
(Caitlin): Christmas
decorations coming through!
- Bring that over
to the DJ booth.
- Hey.
- Hey.
- Congratulations.
This is really bringing
everyone together.
- Well, this is all
Jenny, really.
- I knew you two would figure it
out eventually.
- Yeah, I don't really know how
to thank you
for all of your help.
- I just hung a few lights.
- You've been
a real support to me.
Thank you.
- Oh, I mean,
the feeling goes both ways.
If it wasn't for you I would've
never taken the sabbatical.
- You're doing it.
- Yeah, yeah. I put in for it.
I mean, like you said,
it is something I need to do.
- So you'll be leaving at the...
- At the end of the school year.
Yeah.
- I'm happy for you.
- Thank you.
It'll be good.
It'll give me some time to
think, figure things out.
You know, I guess...
that's what everybody
needs sometimes, right?
Space?
(softly): I guess.
- We're still gonna go to the
dance together though, right?
- Yeah, yeah. Of course.
Of course.
- Okay. Okay.
Well, I should let you
get back to this
because you're busy
and these are still tangled.
- Okay.
- Yeah.
- Okay. See you later.
s- We almost have everything
done. It's going to work!
- Great.
- Are you okay, mom?
- Yeah. Yes, of course.
We gotta go home, we have
a dance to get ready for.
- Okay.
(laughs)
Happy happy holidays
- Oh!
- You look magnificent.
- In the words of a young
Jenny Austin,
"I know."
Jenny! Come on in.
Don't you look
dapper young man?
Jenny?
(soft music)
- What do you think?
- I think...
you're beautiful.
- I know.
- Alright. Shall we go?
Jenny, you okay?
- The snow.
- Jenny. Breathe.
Jenny. We can talk through this.
(groaning)
- We can't talk away the snow.
- You are scared of the snow?
- No, Will. Don't go!
Will!
- When there's moisture
in the air
and the atmospheric
temperature drops
below 32 degrees Fahrenheit,
snow starts to fall.
- I do not like falling snow.
- Snow forms when water
crystalizes in the air.
But when it's colder outside,
the water doesn't
stick together as much.
But when it's not as cold out
then the moisture
and the water--
- Will. You are talking
a lot again.
- I know. I talk a lot when
I'm excited about something.
- You are excited about snow?
- No.
I'm excited about you.
(soft bright music)
- You're okay?
- I'm okay.
Deck the halls
with boughs of holly
Fa la la la la, la la la la
- Welcome.
- Hi, welcome to
the Holiday Ball for All!
(man): Thank you.
- Welcome.
- Welcome!
- Hey.
- Mrs. Hawkins. Thanks for
helping make this dance happen.
- No, Jenny, thank you.
You two have fun!
- Hey! You okay?
Winter blues striking again?
- No! No, I'm fine.
Okay, no I'm not.
- What's the problem?
Oh, I get it.
- He's taking a sabbatical
in Paris next year.
And he wants space.
- Well, why don't you
be a part of that space?
I mean, with
Jenny going out of town,
you are going to have a
lot of free time on your hands.
- What are you saying?
Go to Paris too?
- Why not?
- Because I don't know that
Daniel wants me to go with him.
If he did,
he would've said something.
- Mom, you are assuming again.
- Hmm.
- You do so much
to make me happy.
To make everyone at
the Possible Center happy.
But Mr. Hartman
makes you happy.
And you deserve that.
You like him?
- I do.
- Then tell him.
- I'm not sure how.
- Show him.
(bright music)
Hi, everyone.
I hope you're all having
a great time.
Today has had
a lot of surprises.
And now we have one more.
Please welcome to
the stage the person
who helped me make this dance.
My mom, Melanie Austin.
(crowd applauding)
- Hello, everyone.
What a beautiful night.
I would really like
to acknowledge how beautiful
we all are
in our own unique ways.
More often than not,
we make assumptions
that people will judge us
if they get a glimpse
of that uniqueness.
And those assumptions
can be right.
People can be judgmental.
And so then we dim that beauty
before we give it
a chance to shine.
But oftentimes
those assumptions are wrong.
And I would like to read
a poem on that matter
by a very talented poet.
Assuming he's alright with it?
This poem was written
by our very own Daniel Hartman.
(crowd applauding)
(clears throat)
"A voice inside
so quick to chide
Casting doubts both far and wide
'You're not enough,'
it often cries
Planting fears
and spreading lies
Assumptions form, we start to
fear that other eyes will sneer
and jeer
But listen close
and you will see
A strength within,
a bold decree
Question the thoughts
that cloud your mind
Leave those fears
and doubts behind
For in your heart
a truth so bright
Silence the doubt
And step into the light."
(cheering)
I hope that you didn't mind.
- Ha! Not at all.
I was honoured.
- It's a good poem.
- You're incredible.
In every way.
What you've done for your
daughter, for the students,
for me.
To inspire me to go for
what I want.
- What is that, Mr. Hartman?
What do you want?
- I want you to come
with me to Paris.
Explore with me.
Laugh with me. Just be with me.
- Yes.
- Yeah?
- Yes.
- Great. Because I
don't want this to end.
- This is just the beginning.
(romantic music)
- Hey.
(soft music)
#####
Snowflakes are falling
Streetlights are glowing
Another year older
Another year gone
Still get a stocking
Still hang mistletoe
We're all getting older
Oh where does time go?
I still feel like a kid
at Christmas
Still got wishes
on my wish list
With friends old and new
Believing it's still true
I still feel like a kid
at Christmas
With you
- Ready.
- You look magnificent.
- I know.
- Christmas dance, here we come.
- Wait! Weather check.
- Oh. Of course.
- Still safe. No snow.
- Let's go.
( Share My Christmas with You
by SATV Music)
Oh, your headphones.
I forgot them in the car.
- I'm fine.
- Yeah, it could get louder.
- C'mon!
- Oh!
(laughs)
- Okay, now put on a happy face.
- Don't worry about me.
This is your night. I'm great.
- I'm great too. Bye!
- Bye!
(sighs)
Guess I'll just uh...
chaperone the snacks.
- Do you need any help
with that?
(both laugh)
Hi, Melanie.
- Hi Mr. Hartman.
- Please, call me Daniel.
- Jenny is a fantastic student.
- Jenny talks about you all...
the time.
- She's my favourite student,
but don't tell anyone
I said that.
- I won't.
Well, around here, anyway.
(chuckles)
Uh, you really are
her favourite teacher.
- Thank you.
And you can tell everyone that.
- I do.
It's important for her
to have a teacher
that really appreciates her.
- But who wouldn't
appreciate her?
- A lot of people. They don't
mean to. They mean well.
But when they find out
that she's autistic,
they either expect
nothing of her or they think
she's a savant.
- Ah. Well, no judgment here.
I think she's great.
- She is.
(rock music)
(loud cheering)
Is that snow?
- Is everything okay?
- Just the sound, the snow.
I should've insisted
she wear her headphones.
- Can I help you?
- No. I just,
she needs me right now.
I've gotta find her.
(soft music)
Jenny. Jenny. Jenny.
(breathes deeply)
Are you okay?
- The snow.
- I should've seen that coming.
I'm sorry.
Come here.
- Can we go home?
- Yep. Let's go home.
Come on.
Hey. Whatcha workin' on?
- College applications.
- My little girl.
(laughs)
My little girl is a senior.
- I have been
for four months.
- Yes.
(chuckles)
That's very true.
So where are you thinking?
- I want to go to Hollinger.
- Hollinger? Like, California?
- They have the best
literature program.
- Yeah, yeah.
They, uh, of course.
But it's in California.
(sighs)
It's okay. You know what?
We'll think about it. Okay?
The holiday dance
is coming up soon.
Do you want to go shopping,
get a new dress?
- No, thanks.
- You wanna go
to the dance though, right?
(Daniel): "Two roads diverged
in a yellow wood.
And sorry I could not
travel both.
And be one traveler,
long I stood.
And looked down one as far
as I could"
And then Frost finishes
triumphantly with,
"Two roads diverged in a wood
and I, I took the one
less traveled by.
And that made
all the difference."
You see, this is what great
poetry can do.
Yes, yes, it makes you think.
But more...
it inspires you to feel.
So,
what do you feel?
Jenny.
- I feel excited.
I get to choose my road.
I get to choose
my life.
- Very good. And very true.
This is something I wish we'd
all remember more often.
So let these great words
inspire us today
and every day.
(bell rings)
Oh, and for tomorrow,
please read the chapter
on Edgar Allan Poe or you shall
receive good grades nevermore.
(students chuckling)
Nice work today, Jenny.
- I loved the poem.
- Great words can inspire us.
- They inspired me.
- Me, too.
Hey, is that a Hollinger crest?
You know, my sister
studied there.
- Not exactly sure it'll be
possible. It's far away.
- But they have an amazing
lit program there.
- I know.
- And you are an amazing
lit student.
- I know.
(chuckles)
- Good. Well, I'd be happy
to write a recommendation.
I mean it.
Have a good afternoon.
(Melanie): I just don't get it.
Could she pick a college
further from home?
- Maybe she just wants
to spread her wings.
- Uh, here you go, Gavin.
The volume should work
on those ones. Okay.
- You know, try something new.
Isn't that why you started
the Possible Center?
To show neurodiverse teens
the breadth of
their possibilities.
- Thanks, Vicky. I have
read our mission statement.
(laughs)
I think I wrote it.
But couldn't she just spread her
wings a little closer to home?
- Look, she is not trying
to leave you.
- I know.
- It is okay to be sad.
Even at Christmas time.
And it's okay to be mad
about the divorce.
To long for the past
or worry about the future.
- Thank you.
But this isn't about me.
This is about Jenny.
- Hmm.
- Maybe it's the weather.
There's no falling snow
in Southern California.
- She's still afraid
of the falling snow?
- It was bad before
but ever since the dance,
it's gotten worse.
(exhales)
(both): Oh!
(chuckles)
- I'm so sorry.
- No, no. I'm sorry.
I must've been a little
too focused
on my handiwork.
- Apparently.
(both laugh)
- It's good to see you, Melanie.
- Nice to see you too,
Mr. Hartman.
- Daniel.
- Right.
- Um... anyway,
I know the dance
didn't go really well
for you
and Jenny last year
and I just wanted you
to know if there's anything
that I can do to help
make it better
just let me know.
- You could run
for PTA president.
- No. That is Ms. Foy and she'd
wipe the floor with me.
(chuckles)
But honestly, I know they
started planning.
So, I think they meet every
Friday afternoon.
If you wanted to,
maybe we could...
- It's okay. I... I've got it.
But thank you.
- Of course, yeah.
- Poster looks great.
- Thank you.
(Melanie): Hi.
- Bye, Mr. Hartman.
- Bye, Jenny.
- Bye.
(Melanie): Jenny...
You okay?
Jenny?
- Hey, I was spinning.
- Hey, I was talking.
- Why are we talking?
- Are you seriously considering
not going to the Christmas
dance this year?
- I don't want to go.
- It's your last winter formal.
- So?
- So the Christmas dance has
always been a great way
for us to lift my--
- Winter blues, I know.
But they are your blues,
not mine.
- Good. But we love Christmas.
And the dance has always been
a great way to celebrate
that with everyone.
- I know.
- Is this why you want
to go to California?
Just too many bad
associations here?
Or are you still feeling stuck
about the dance last year?
- No!
- Jenny, you have
to understand that
if you can't handle a dance...
I can't in good conscience
send you to a school that's
halfway across the country.
- Mom, can we not talk
about this right now?
(sighs)
(indistinct TV chatter)
(bright music)
- And then, she just cut me out.
Can you believe it?
- Well yeah, she's a teenager.
- For a couple more
years, anyway.
It's her last opportunity
to go to the dance.
You know, this is...
a memory that she'll have
for the rest of her life
and she won't have it
if she never has the experience.
- I get it.
You just want her to be happy.
- The dance makes my mom happy.
But I messed it up.
- You didn't mess anything up.
- I don't want my mom to be sad.
- Then go to the dance.
- I do not want to go!
- You don't have to
if you don't want to.
We can just all
hang out together instead.
Do our own thing.
- You mean, have our own dance?
- Yeah? I mean, we--
- We can have our own dance.
A different dance!
With anyone who wants
to do that with us.
Then I can go
and my mom can go, too.
- What will it have?
- No loud music.
- I love loud music.
- What else?
Uh, no strobing lights?
- Yeah.
- And no falling snow.
- No falling snow.
We can invite
whoever we want.
- Like cute boys.
(giggling)
(Bella): Meet at lunch
to plan?
- Yes. We are going
to organize a dance.
(giggling)
Wait. I want it to be a secret
for my mom though,
so it'll just be our secret.
(both): Our secret.
(giggling)
- I just... I want her to
have a great senior year.
- I know.
- And the best Christmas ever.
- Of course you do.
- And I want her final
holiday dance to be joyful.
- Well, then, give her a dance
that beings her joy.
- What?
- Well, it's quite simple.
Use the skills that
you've acquired here
to make accommodations
at the dance.
- You think I can do that?
- I am quite sure that you can.
- Okay, well.
Where would I start?
- Join the PTA.
- Me on the PTA?
- Mm-hmm.
- They are meeting tomorrow.
- Well, then,
you can email the chair.
I'm sure that their email
is on the school's website.
- Okay.
- Okay.
- Yeah, I'll do that tonight.
- Good. Tonight?
- You want me
to do it right now?
- I'm waiting.
- Okay.
- Okay.
- I'm gonna do that.
- Okay, what's wrong?
- Nothing. I just...
I want this
to be a surprise for Jenny.
- Mmm.
- Keep it between us.
- Deal.
(curious music)
- Got any plans for today?
- Mm-hmm.
- Hmm. Wanna tell me about it?
- No.
Do you have big plans?
- No. No, nothing at all.
Nothing out of the ordinary.
- That's good.
- Yeah. It is good.
- Good.
- Yeah. Good.
Shall we go?
- Mm-hmm. Wait, weather check.
(phone): Currently 39
degrees and sunny skies.
- No snow.
- Perfect.
(boy snickering)
- What's the problem, new kid?
Can't speak?
No come on, answer me.
If you can.
- Why are you being mean?
- Let's go.
- You okay?
(soft music)
- Who's the new boy? He's cute!
(Bella): Do you know him,
Jenny?
- Earth to Jenny!
- Oh. Uh. No.
Never seen him before.
Anyways, the dance.
- Lots to discuss.
(Melanie): The mission of the
Possible Center
has always been to empower
individuals,
no matter their abilities,
to achieve their dreams
no matter how ambitious.
And also,
we have adults
on the spectrum that work here.
- Wow. Will is going to
love this place.
There was nothing
like this in our old town.
- Oh, there was nothing
like this here.
(laughs)
For kids, there's
tons of resources,
but once they become
teenagers...
Few and far between.
- Much too few. And way too far.
- Exactly. I saw a need
so I quit my job.
And along with my friend Vicky,
15 years later, here we are.
- It's very impressive.
- Um, yes I understand.
These things happen.
- Good news, right?
- Sure.
Good news is you have
the weekend off.
They had to cancel.
(sighs)
- We had a field trip planned
and the kids were really
looking forward to it.
- Oh, that's too bad.
- It's okay. You know what?
We'll figure something out.
After all, this is
the Possible Center
where anything is possible.
Except a field trip,
this weekend.
(both chuckle)
- You know,
the reason we moved here
is because my husband and I are
taking over my dad's property.
It's a stunning location.
There is a Christmas tree farm
and a Santa's village.
Of course, we do
events and weddings,
but it's a great place
for a field trip.
- As I said,
anything is possible.
That is incredibly
gracious of you.
(whispering): There's a meeting
room in the back we could go to.
It's really private.
- Okay, great.
- That's my daughter, Jenny.
Jenny, this is Mrs. Hawkins.
Her son Will is joining
the Possible Center.
They're new in town.
What are you guys up to?
- Uh, nothing really.
Just a project.
- It's funny. I asked Will to
meet me here after school, too.
Good to have everyone connect
before the big field trip day.
(Melanie): Yes.
(laughs)
(soft music)
- Sorry.
It takes him time
to warm up to people. To talk.
- You don't have to say sorry.
We don't apologize here.
Here, we understand.
- Thank you.
This place is beyond words.
It must keep you very busy.
- It does. Especially lately.
(Vicky chuckles)
(soft music)
(Hilary): We do want everyone
to have a good time
at the dance.
But we also want it to
be, well, a good time.
- Oh, absolutely. I mean,
but that's all that I want.
I'm only asking
that the holiday ball
be made more accessible
for students on the spectrum.
- Accessible?
- Well, yeah. Just as we've
made the school accessible
for people physically,
we would make
the dance accessible
for everyone's emotional
well-being, too.
- Well, how would we do that?
- Well, it's different
for each individual.
Generally,
lower volume of music.
Scheduled breaks.
We could do away
with strobe lights.
(chuckles)
- But the kids
love strobe lights.
- I am really not trying to take
away from everyone's enjoyment.
I'm only asking that we ensure
that these special experiences
be available to every student.
Isn't that what we all
want for our children?
- We certainly do,
it's just...
Sounds like a whole
lot that would need to be done,
and the dance
is only nine days away.
And we'd need someone
to chair that
and the whole committee
has their hands full.
- What if I put together
a proposal for you to approve?
- You need a faculty liaison
and with finals underway,
they're all overloaded as it is.
If only you had come
to us with this sooner.
- If only.
- I'll do it.
Apologies for my tardiness.
But I did overhear what
Ms. Austin was suggesting
and I'd be happy
to be her faculty liaison.
- You would?
- Yeah.
(Hilary): Great.
You two are officially
the accessibility team.
All in favour?
(jaunty music)
- So I guess we should figure
out how we're going to do this.
- You didn't say that
you were on the PTA.
- Oh, I said I wasn't running
for president of the PTA.
I'm not.
So, what's next?
- I will work up a plan
and show it to you for
the official stamp of approval.
- I don't want to just be a
token stamp of approval, though.
I don't even own a stamp.
No, I want to help.
I want to actually
help make this happen.
- Oh, I appreciate that.
But this isn't something
that can just be dreamed up.
(chuckles)
I've spent Jenny's life
learning how to do this.
You know,
a song that's too loud.
A light that's too bright.
Unexpected snow.
One wrong move and this
can all be for nothing.
- No, I get that. I do.
And I've spent my whole
career as a teacher
making sure that my students
can be their best selves, right?
Isn't that
what your dance is about?
So, this weekend?
- Oh, I can't this weekend.
The center is going on a field
trip to a Christmas tree farm.
- Oh yeah. No, that sounds
like a terrible place
to plan a Christmas dance.
I'll join.
- Oh, did I invite you?
- I don't know. Did you?
- Okay. Okay.
(stutters)
But can we please keep the
planning of this a secret?
I really want it to be
a surprise for Jenny.
- Okay.
- Thank you.
You know, and then he
just invited himself.
Can you believe that?
- Oh, that he wants to help,
yeah. Scoundrel.
- I don't need his help.
I have a Vicky.
- Yeah, well, I need help, so
that's why you have a Daniel.
Plus, Jenny. She loves him.
So he can't be all that bad.
- Wait, no. I never said
that he was all that bad.
- Mm-hmm.
- He inspires Jenny to write.
And he is a very good teacher.
- Well, he's not just a teacher.
He's a published poet.
I've read his work.
It's beautiful stuff.
- Hmm.
- Hmm? Look, here's the kids.
- Oh, hey everyone!
Okay, you are all
free to explore.
Oh, and the Hawkins
have generously offered
for each of you to pick
your very own tree
and bring it home
for the holidays.
So please, let's all remember to
thank them on our way out. Okay.
Go! Explore! Have fun!
(Vicky): Yes. Oh,
hey, Daniel!
- Hey.
- Do you lose points
for tardiness?
- Oh, in school I'm prompt, but
when that bell rings... rebel.
(both laugh)
- I'm gonna go
help them find a tree.
I'll see you.
- See you later.
- Thank you for coming.
I'm sorry if I was--
- Hi, Mr. Hartman.
Why are you here?
- Well I heard so much about
what your mom was doing
with the Possible Center
so I wanted to come
and see what this
was all about.
- She created the whole thing.
- I'm sure she did.
- Okay. Well,
I'm glad you're here.
And I liked reading
Edgar Allan Poe. Nevermore.
- Nevermore.
Well, at least
someone's glad I'm here.
- She sure is.
- You know, I actually do
need a Christmas tree myself.
Do you think they
sell one around here?
- Follow me.
- Solid technique you got there.
(laughs)
- Well, I've cut my fair share
of Christmas trees.
(sawing)
- Apparently so.
Gosh, it's so
beautiful around here.
Don't you love
this time of year?
- Yeah.
- Oh I'm sorry. Sore subject?
- It's just...
ever since the divorce,
this time of year can be tough.
I have a name for it.
I call it the winter blues.
(laughs)
- Is Jenny's father still
in the picture?
- Yeah, yeah.
He's still in her life.
He lives about an hour away.
She'll spend New Year's
with him.
- And you'll miss her every
single day
she's gone, I'm sure.
(both laugh)
- Yes. Yes I will.
Have at 'er.
- Watch this.
Okay. You ready?
- Yeah.
(grunts)
Oh!
(laughing)
A poet and a lumberjack.
- Ha!
- Luckily I loosened it for you.
- Yeah.
I wouldn't exactly call
myself a poet, though.
- I heard that
you were published.
(exhales)
- That was a long time ago.
- What changed?
- Well, my bank account,
for one.
It's kinda hard to pay
the bills as a poet. You know.
- I'm sorry.
- No, don't be.
I mean, there was definitely a
time where I dreamed
about going to Paris,
you know?
The cafes where Fitzgerald
and Hemingway
and Zelda used to frequent?
- Hmm.
- That would've been amazing.
But then I became a teacher.
And I realized that,
that was my true calling.
So... I mean,
poetry, it...
- I understand.
Yeah, when you have something
that you really love
it's hard to find time
to do anything else.
- Yeah.
(Daniel): So, I'm excited about
this. What are we thinking?
- Oh, uh, alternatives for
students with diverse needs.
- You know, I would love
to find a substitute
for the blaring speakers.
- Yes, exactly!
And a low stim area
that has games!
- We could do specialized foods.
- Yes. And drinks.
- This is great.
Yeah, okay. Um...
- Why do I feel like
there's a "but" coming on?
- Oh, no, no. No buts.
However...
- Oh.
- This is gonna cost more money
than the PTA has on hand.
- Hmm.
We'll raise the funds.
The Possible Center is holding
its holiday fundraiser,
and the money is supposed
to go to an event,
so what better event than
a all-inclusive dance?
- That sounds like
a perfect plan.
- Ha, thank you. Now pick up
your end, lumberjack.
- Sorry, sorry.
- Okay, this way.
- Okay, so we are going to need
a venue, activities, food,
and not to mention a whack ton
of money to pull this off.
- How much money
do we think we need?
- More than we have.
- It's okay. We are going to
figure it out.
- I got it!
- Volume.
(whispering): I got it.
We can sell our own items.
Candles, cards we make.
- Oh, maybe one of the poems
you wrote
in Mr. Hartman's class?
- One of my poems?
- Sure.
- I love your poems.
- Okay, where can we sell them?
We don't exactly own
a posh store somewhere.
- Well, how about here?
I can ask Mrs. Hawkins.
- Yeah! People are spending
lots of money already.
- Yeah, that is
a great idea, Jenny.
- And then all the money we
raise can go towards the dance.
We can do it!
- And then it would still be
part of the dance, right?
So it makes sense if
we can do it--
- Hey, girls!
(chuckles)
Oh, it's great you're here.
We're here, too.
- Yeah, we can see you.
- Of course you can.
(Daniel): Yeah.
- What are you guys doing?
You don't have a tree!
- Mom, we already have a tree.
- We do.
- Is everything okay,
Ms. Austin?
(stuttering): Oh, we're just,
she's tired.
It's a lot of work,
cutting down my tree.
I mean, I did most of the work.
- No you didn't.
- Okay, I didn't. Um.
It's nice though,
right? Majestic?
- Yes, but ours is even better.
- Well, I'm sure.
- Okay. Bye.
- Bye!
- Toodles.
- Have fun!
- Surprise maintained.
- Well done, you.
(exhales)
So, did you have fun?
- Yes. And so did you.
- I did. Thank you.
- You're welcome.
- Oh, I forgot my clipboard.
Be right back.
- Um, excuse me, that's my...
Hi.
(soft music)
Why don't you like to talk?
You don't have to right now
if you don't want to.
But I would be happy
to listen if you do.
I like your train.
- Oh.
(groans)
- I win.
- I was so close.
- Nope.
(chuckles)
Today was a good day.
- I know, right?
- You and Mr. Hartman had fun.
- Yeah. Well, um, sure.
Yeah, we get along.
- He talked to you?
- We talked to each other.
Why?
- What if someone doesn't
wanna talk to me?
- Well...
maybe they just don't
wanna talk.
- Why?
- I don't know.
But I know that it has nothing
to do with you. Okay?
- Okay.
- Rematch.
- No, I won.
- Yes! No, come on.
- I'm the winner.
Oh, get out,
I deserve to have a rematch!
(phone chimes)
(Will): Hi.
(soft music)
(inhales)
(Jenny): Hi. I liked seeing you
today. And your train.
(Will): I liked seeing you.
So I texted you.
(phone chimes)
- Thank you. I'm glad you did.
- You are planning an event?
(phone chimes)
- A dance.
You wanna help?
(breathes deeply)
(phone chimes)
(Will): Yes.
(sighs)
(soft music)
(humming Jingle Bells)
(phone chimes)
- I am. Thank you for today.
See you tomorrow.
Lots more to do.
- Sweet dreams, Mr. Hartman.
(exhales)
Sleigh bells ringing
in the snow
Leading me back home
It's evergreens
and mistletoe
And I'm the one below
I feel so good this holiday
My spirit's high, I want
to make you feel the same
I want to give a little joy
Spread the cheer
I want to give a little joy
this time of year
I wanna give a little
love and laughter to you
That warm cozy feeling
I wanna give a little joy
under the tree
I wanna give a little joy,
it's all in me
I wanna give a little love
and laughter
Just like I could grant
all your wishes
I wanna give a little joy
Joy to your world
this Christmas
(all giggle)
- Hi.
- Hey, Jenny.
Hey gang.
You doing some
Christmas shopping?
- Christmas selling.
- Oh, like what?
"When fear sets
in I get to choose.
To smile away the winter blues.
With Christmas love
so pure and bright.
The season fills
my heart with light."
Did you write this, Jenny?
- Yes. After you read
the poem in class.
- It's beautiful.
- It's for sale. Five dollars.
- 10 dollars!
- I mean, hey.
Even at that price,
it's still a bargain.
- There you go.
- Thanks.
- Have a good day.
- 10 dollars!
(giggling excitedly)
Four days 'til the dance.
- Daniel Hartman,
reporting for duty.
- Thank you for coming.
There is lots to sell
and lots to buy. Come on.
- Great. Uh, like what?
- Oh, just, you know.
Something that'll help
the PTA pass the proposal.
- Are you talking about bribing
PTA president Foy?
Ms. Austin,
that is scandalous.
- No, no. Not yet, anyway.
(both chuckle)
No, just things that'll help
sell the idea. Um...
- Merry Christmas.
- Thank you, Liam. I love it.
(chuckles)
You know, like decorations
that don't flash
or no falling snow.
Jenny does not like
falling snow.
- Can I ask?
You know what, forget
it. I am here to help, not pry.
- When Jenny was a little girl
we were driving
and it started to snow
and I hit a patch of ice.
My car got stuck.
I called a tow truck.
When I was talking
to the tow truck driver,
Jenny got out of the car and
wandered off and I didn't see.
- Yeah, you must have
been terrified.
- But when I finally
found her, I mean...
she was shaken
but she seemed fine.
But then the next time
that it snowed...
And then, the time at the dance.
- Yeah.
- It just triggered her
and it made it so much worse.
And she still
doesn't wanna talk about it.
- I'm sorry.
Communicating can
be really tough at times.
- Jenny and I are definitely not
communicating lately.
- Ah, hence
the secret dance planning.
- I'm not trying to
micromanage her.
I'm just trying to help her
create a clear path for success.
Why are you giving me those
judgmental teacher eyes?
- Oh it's not judgmental.
It's admiration.
You do so much for Jenny,
so much out of so much
love for her. That's all.
- Thank you.
(bright music)
- Thanks so much.
And happy holidays.
We're almost sold out
of Christmas cards.
- With this much money, we could
buy a place to have the dance.
- A few more million
cards, maybe.
- We're doing it!
Will, we're really doing it!
Will?
- We are.
But we're gonna need
to sell a lot more
to pay for everything
that we want at the dance.
(Caitlin): Well, what if we
make more cards?
- I don't think
it's gonna cut it.
- Then what are we gonna do?
What can we do?
- Trees.
Um,
I could ask my parents
to sell trees.
For the dance.
- You would do that for me?
- Will! Why don't you
show Jenny around?
It seems like there's a lot
of fun stuff to see here.
- If you want I would like
to go explore with you.
We don't have to,
but I would like it.
- I built a train layout.
Do you wanna see?
- I would love to see it.
.- Okay.
- These are good.
- Yeah.
No, no, don't.
- No, no, no.
You have to model them
for all your new customers.
- How do I look?
- Dashing.
(chuckles)
- Was that a reindeer joke?
- Maybe.
- I think you should stick
to teaching.
- Hey, no, keep them on.
It'll block out the rest
of my bad jokes.
- Have you ever heard
of silent disco?
- Yeah.
- It's where people wear
headphones and dance.
- Yeah.
- We could buy glowing
headphones
and we could decorate them
for Christmas!
With antler ears and...
- Elf ears.
- Yes!
- Oh, this is practical
and festive. I love it.
- We could just, you know, get
our own headphones
and make one for each PTA member
and decorate it
and give them proof of concept.
- Hey, we could use my
classroom.
Do like a Santa's workshop.
- That sounds fun.
Yeah, I could
bring art supplies.
- I'll bring the pizza.
(train whistling)
(upbeat music)
- This is the Hudson J class
4-8-4 steam locomotive.
The 4-8-4 means that it
has four lead wheels,
eight driving wheels,
and four trailing wheels.
It has an extra large boiler
and a huge fire box.
It weighs almost half
a million pounds
and it can pull up
to 18 cars.
Right now we have four, but
it can pull almost the entire...
I'm talking too much.
- Maybe.
(giggles)
- Sorry.
I talk a lot when
I'm excited about something
and I'm really excited
about trains.
- I noticed.
- You said you were happy
to listen?
- I am.
- Maybe we can take a five
minute break?
- Yes please.
- Okay.
You built that yourself?
- Yes. With my dad.
- Will you build one
for the dance?
- Yes.
- Why don't you like
to talk sometimes?
Is it because you get scared?
- Sometimes.
Sometimes I just
don't wanna talk.
- That's okay.
And it's okay to get scared.
I get scared
sometimes, too.
- What makes you scared?
Do you wanna talk about it?
Now look who's not talking.
- Oh, there is your lunch kit.
I forgot to make
your lunch last night.
- Oh, I got up early
and packed it already.
- You did? Good for you.
- Mom.
- Yeah?
- Do you ever worry you're
making the wrong choices
because you're scared
what other people might say?
- Yeah. I mean,
I think we all do.
- Then what do you do?
- I try to remember
that it doesn't matter
what other people say.
And then I try to do
what I think is right.
To follow my own instincts.
Like you should
follow your own instincts.
- You trust my instincts?
- 100%.
"As Freezing persons,
recollect the Snow
First Chill then Stupor
And then the letting go."
Ladies and gentlemen,
Emily Dickinson.
(bell rings)
Oh, and just a reminder,
your term papers are due
by the end of the week,
no extensions.
Get them in on time
or you get lumps of coal
and an F.
Watch it there.
- I liked that poem a lot.
- Right? Great words can have
all the power
in the world when
said at the right time.
- Remember when you said
you would help
with my college applications?
- Yeah, absolutely.
- Would you write my
recommendation letter?
- Of course.
Did you decide on
a school already?
- Hollinger.
- Wow, nice.
What does your mom
think about you going there?
- She told me to trust
my instincts.
- Well then, alright.
I'll get you that
recommendation by today.
- Thanks.
- Yeah. Bye, Jenny.
- Okay. The good news
first or the bad?
- Good.
- I managed to score us
a foosball table
from that party rental place
thanks to Will's parents
helping us raise more money.
- I also picked up a bunch
of decorations
and some supplies.
- Amazing.
- What's the bad news?
- We don't have a venue.
- What about the
community center?
- It's booked up.
- What about
the Possible Center?
- No, that would ruin
the surprise for my mom.
Oh no. Now what?
- Um. I have an idea.
I can show you if you want.
- Yes.
(Will): Okay, here you go.
Here it is.
- We can use this?
- My parents said yes!
As long as we decorate
it ourselves.
- And clean up.
I'm a great organizer,
so that shouldn't be too hard.
Okay, maybe it's a little hard.
- Yeah.
- We'll need Bella
and Caitlin to help.
- Tomorrow?
- Tomorrow.
- You know you can
talk to me, right?
- I know. I do.
- I mean when
you get scared, too.
You can talk to me.
- Thank you.
- You don't deserve
to be scared.
- What if I still am?
- That's when you talk to me.
- Ooh, look at you.
You're a natural.
- Thank you.
My grandfather was an elf.
- There's still some pizza
left if you're hungry.
- Yeah.
- Alright.
- So, this is where
the magic happens.
Where you inspire
the young readers
and writers of the future.
- I love it. Love it.
Honestly, seeing their
eyes just come alive
when they hear
great writing. I mean,
if I can inspire one student,
just one, it's a great day.
- You inspire Jenny every day.
- She loves literature.
I mean, I'm so happy your
daughter's pursuing it.
She's very talented.
- She is.
What about you?
- What about me?
- Well, you've got
all these books
on so many poets
but what about your own book?
The unflappable Daniel
Hartman's been flapped.
- Maybe a little bit.
(giggles)
- Do you share your poems?
- I used to love slam poetry.
You know, public performance
of my work.
And I share famous poems
with my students in class,
and I love it, I love it.
But I always wondered
if one day somebody would be
reading my work
to their students in class.
- Hmm.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
- And then, you know.
Life goes in other directions,
has other plans. Right?
Well, we are
on the home stretch.
We've got like, I don't
know, two more glue gun burns
before we have to... Ow, again.
Three. We have to present
to the PTA in like an hour.
- And this way, not only is it
a festive addition to the dance,
each student can
listen to the music
at a volume of their choosing.
All the same fun but with an
inclusive, positive twist.
- Guys. Come on.
This is a fresh take.
I swear, the kids are
gonna love it. Okay?
- Oh, it's a great idea.
It's just different.
Not bad, just...
- I know, I know that it is.
It is different.
But that's what makes
it wonderful.
You know, let's
try something different.
Traditions evolve.
This school prides itself
on inclusion.
We always have.
It's why Jenny loves it here.
- You're right.
I'm on board.
But you would need
to lead the charge.
Be my second in command.
- Absolutely.
- All in favour
of making Melanie
chairwoman of the dance?
(chuckles)
- Thank you all so much.
Goodnight, hon.
Did you want anything
before bed?
- No.
- Okay.
- What's that?
- Oh! Uh, it's just a little
bedtime reading.
(Jenny): Mom.
- Yeah?
- You seem happy.
- I feel happy.
- Then I feel happy, too.
- Good. Goodnight, sweetheart.
- Goodnight.
(phone chimes)
(Will):
I'm excited for tomorrow.
- Me too.
(exhales)
- So I'm thinking that
the hot chocolate cart
can go right over there.
Ooh, and the party favour table
will be at the main entrance
with the fidget spinners
and the headphones.
And the main directory will have
a map to the sensory room.
Oh, and the games
we're gonna put in the corner,
just to keep it a little bit
more secluded.
- Okay. Check and check.
Oh, but sadly the rental company
is out of the foosball table.
- What?
- Yep. Already rented.
- Check it out! I snagged
the last cornhole set
at the rental place.
- Perfect.
- And I've got this!
(snowman):
Let the jingle bells swing!
- No.
You okay?
How are the evites coming?
- I'm almost finished
making the list.
Everyone we want
to invite is here.
- Great. And I'll send
them out later tonight.
- Alright.
- We're gonna need
more activities.
And we're gonna need more games.
And in order for this to work,
we're probably
going to need more food.
And decorations.
The dance is two days away,
I don't know that
we're gonna pull this off.
- Hey. We'll get there, okay?
And you're doing a great job.
But right now,
we should take a break.
- We should.
- Definitely.
Let's get some fresh air.
C'mon. It'll
all still be here, I promise.
- Thanks for dinner.
- You're welcome.
- This is all so beautiful here.
- "She walks in beauty,
like the night
Of cloudless climes
and starry skies
And all that's best
of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect
and her eyes."
- That was lovely.
- That was Lord Byron.
He was a charmer.
- I read your poems,
you should know.
- What? How?
- I bought your book.
(laughs)
You are really talented.
- Come on.
- No I'm serious.
They were heartfelt
and honest.
And raw.
You should share them
with the world.
Or at least, you know,
have someone do
a reading of them.
- That'd be amazing.
Maybe one day.
If I can find the right reader.
- What about
your dream of Paris?
Is that still somewhere
in your head?
- Sure.
Taking a sabbatical?
Moving to Paris to write?
It's a wonderful dream.
It's just a dream.
- I love Paris.
And it is a good dream.
(laughs)
I would love to go there.
- Yeah that would be...
that would be fantastic.
- I imagine.
You should go.
You should apply
for a sabbatical
and just see what happens.
You have been inspiring
your students,
you have been inspiring Jenny
since she first sat
in your class.
You inspired me to
plan a dance for her.
It's time that you were inspired
to live out your dream.
- Where did the others go?
- They went home
to send the evites.
Or to leave us alone.
- Will.
There's something I've
been scared about lately.
Can I talk to you about it?
- Yes. Please.
- Um...
It's about the dance.
Last year it was bad.
It started snowing and I
don't like falling snow.
When I was younger,
we got into a car accident
and I wandered off
and got lost in the snow.
And that made me scared.
- I do not like to be scared.
That's when I don't talk.
- Then what do you do?
- Nothing.
When I feel like
talking again, I talk.
I get to decide.
And that makes
the scary things not so scary.
(phone chimes)
(phone): Currently 31 degrees
and snow falling
in 20 minutes.
- I have to go home.
- If you are scared,
we can keep talking.
- I can't. I can't talk.
I have to go home.
- No. Stop!
Jenny.
I can help!
- I don't want your help.
I have to go home!
- And how do you feel?
I know you've taken on a lot,
leading the charge
with this all lately.
- I've come to realize
that this isn't so much
about a dance.
This is more about
my little girl.
She's growing up.
And I want these memories
for her to be joyful,
you know, not fearful.
And then I can't help but
have this gnawing apprehension
that I'm not doing enough.
- Are you kidding me?
I don't think I've ever
seen a mother do more.
All while juggling
the Possible Center
and your own social life.
It's...
- My social life.
You mean my failing social life.
But that's
a whole other story.
- I don't think it's failing.
I quite like your social life
at the moment.
- I do, too.
- I guess this time
of the year isn't so...
- Blue?
(phone chimes)
- I'm sorry. Sheesh.
(sighs)
(Melanie): Is everything okay?
- Uh...
- I'm sorry. I have to go.
Jenny? Jenny!
Hey, sweetheart.
You okay?
- Hmm.
- I came as soon
as it started falling.
- Where were you?
- I'm sorry that I wasn't here.
- I came back as soon
as it started.
- Where were you?
- With friends.
(exhales)
- Okay.
Well, I'm here now.
Do you want to, I don't know,
beat me at a boardgame?
- I want to go to bed.
- Okay.
Goodnight, sweetheart.
- It was that bad, huh?
- Not what we expected to happen
when we ever so
subtly ditched you.
- I ran off and left him
and now he is avoiding me.
- No, no. I'm sure
he's not that mad.
- I guess there go
your chances of him
being your date
for the dance.
- Caitlin!
I probably ruined it
with Daniel.
I just ran out with
barely even saying goodbye.
- Hmm. Probably.
Assumptions again.
Seems like you're having
trouble communicating
with multiple people.
- I guess.
- So talk to Jenny.
Talk to Daniel.
- Uh, we need to talk.
Hey, Vicky.
- This guy's like Beetlejuice.
Say his name three times
and he appears.
(snickers)
Hi, Daniel.
- About last night.
I am so sorry.
- What? No. No, that's no
problem, at all.
Honestly I understand.
It's about the dance.
- Oh, just not here.
- Is there somewhere
we can go to talk?
- Yeah. Hey, Jenny...
Hey, is everything alright?
I...
(door slams)
I really hate to do this
to you two days in a row,
but I have to go talk
to my daughter.
- Yes. You two have
a lot to sort out.
(door opens)
- Everything okay in here?
You wanna talk about it?
- What if there was something...
that you really cared about...
But then you ruined it?
- Oh, honey. I highly doubt
that you've ruined anything.
You know,
sometimes things happen
and we make assumptions
about them.
And then we realize later
that our assumptions
were way off.
Do you think it's
possible that maybe
what you think you've
ruined you haven't?
- I guess maybe not.
- The only way to know for sure
is to ask the tough questions.
And not be afraid
of the answers.
And know that you are
a very good person, Jenny.
With the best of intentions.
And the rest will just
fall into place.
I should probably
take my own advice.
- So, everything will be okay?
- I can't promise you that
everything will be okay,
but I can promise you
that if things aren't,
I will always be here.
And I love you so much.
- Thanks, mom.
- Do you feel better?
- Not all the way better.
But better.
- Come here.
- I love you.
- Love you.
- Looking for Daniel?
- No.
- Hmm.
- Maybe.
- He just left.
You could still catch him.
- Oh, uh. Wait!
I just wanted
to say thank you
for helping me
with everything.
- It was my pleasure.
- Would you like to have dinner?
- Are you asking me
out on a date?
- Ah...
You don't have to
if you don't want to.
- I'd love to.
- Okay. Great. Six tonight?
I'll send you the details.
But I have to
get everything ready.
- Everything?
- Will, are you here?
- Surprise!
- Wow. This is so cool.
- Thanks. I've been
working on it all day.
- I thought you were mad at me.
- Mad? Why?
- Because I got upset yesterday.
- No. You were scared.
I'm sorry I couldn't
help you be not scared.
But I wouldn't
be mad at you for that.
- Will. Do you like me?
- Yes. I like you.
- Do you like me enough
to be my date to the dance?
Is that a no, or are you just
not talking again?
(chuckles)
Yes.
Entrez.
- Wow.
(laughs)
Wow, this is...
- A surprise.
- A wonderful surprise.
- My friend Marin owns it.
Her daughter used to come
to the Possible Center.
And I asked her if I could turn
it into Paris for the night.
(chuckles)
- Well, it's perfect.
- To complete the look.
- Of course.
(chuckles)
C'est magnifique.
How does it look?
- Perfect.
- Yeah?
- Yes.
- I love the beret, by the way.
- Thank you. Um, to Paris.
- To you.
- I got you something.
- Okay?
- I bought it to inspire you.
Because you've inspired
so many people.
- Wow.
Melanie, this is...
Thank you.
I mean, we have our own
Parisian cafe.
You know, actually,
I've been thinking a lot
about what you said.
About taking a sabbatical.
- You're gonna go?
- I mean, it wouldn't be until
the next school year.
And it's not for sure. But...
there's a writers
in residency program
at the Shakespeare
and Company in Paris.
- You should do it.
- I haven't decided yet.
- Why wouldn't you go?
- Well, I mean...
Because for the
first time in a long time
it feels like here is
where I should really be.
Well, Ms. Austin.
- Mr. Hartman.
- I had an excellent time.
- So did I.
- And Paris was better than
I could ever have imagined.
- Well, I'm no literary giant.
- No, you're something better.
Look, I know we're both grown
adults but I was wondering
if maybe you would
do me the honour
of being my date to the dance?
- Yes.
(Jenny): Mom?
- Hi.
- You and Mr. Hartman?
- You and Will?
(both): Why didn't you tell me?
(Melanie): Uh...
there wasn't anything to tell
you until a second ago.
Are you mad?
- No. Not if you are happy.
- I am. And you too.
- Mr. Hartman, I should hear
back from Hollinger any day now.
- That's amazing!
I'm proud of you.
- Wait, what? You applied to
Hollinger? And you knew?
- And you didn't?
- He wrote my
recommendation letter.
- There's some miscommunication
here. I'm sorry.
I mean,
you guys figured out
how to plan two separate
Christmas dances,
so we can probably figure this--
- Daniel.
Wait. I'm sorry.
Two Christmas dances?
Jenny, wait!
(sighs)
It was supposed
to be a surprise.
- You didn't listen to me.
I don't want to go to the dance!
- I know, but that's
why I wanted to do this.
I wanted it to be a dance
that you would want to go to.
- You never asked me
what I wanted!
(footsteps thumping loudly)
- Jenny, I...
(door slams)
- Um, Will.
Why don't you go
wait outside?
I'll be out there
in a second, okay?
I'll give you a ride home.
Yeah?
(door shuts)
(sighs)
- The dance. College.
Her new boyfriend.
Apparently I don't know
anything about my daughter.
- Hey, come on. That's not true.
- No, it is true.
And you know what,
I should be spending time
with her, not doing...
(melancholy music)
I think you should go.
I need to spend some time
with my daughter alone.
- We'll talk soon.
- Aren't you going
to eat breakfast?
Jenny?
(door slams)
Now we're not talking at all
and she won't
even answer my texts.
How did we get to this?
- Oh, Mel.
- I just want her to be happy.
- Hey. I see you and Jenny
together all the time.
And she's happy.
Especially when you're happy.
And since you've been
seeing Daniel,
this is the happiest that I've
seen you in a long time.
Especially at Christmas.
- I just feel...
like I've ruined everything.
And I don't have the answers.
- Then ask the questions.
What do you want?
What does Jenny want?
Not what you want for Jenny,
but what does Jenny
want for herself?
- How do I talk to her when I
don't know where she is.
- Where has she been going
lately when she needed a break?
(soft music)
(Melanie): Jenny?
Wow.
Jenny?
This is beautiful.
Hey.
How are you?
- I needed some time to think.
- You did all of this?
This is the dance
that you were planning?
There's snowman cookies.
- I made them
in honour of you.
Do you like it?
- I love it.
I am so sorry that I
wasn't open with you.
I just...
I wanted it to be a surprise.
I wanted to show you
that I was doing enough.
- Doing enough?
- After the dance
last year, I...
felt that I needed to do more.
- But you do
everything for me.
I wanted to do
the dance for you.
So you could be happy.
And so that you could
see I can do this.
- Why would I need to see that?
- So you won't have to worry
when I go to college.
You don't have to worry, Mom.
I'll be okay.
And when things aren't okay,
you'll always be here.
Loving me.
- Always.
Always.
Okay.
This came for you.
Looks like you got in.
I want you to go.
You've earned it.
(both laugh)
I'm so proud of you.
- Thanks.
- You got the foosball table?
- Well, we would've had
a ping pong table
but someone else rented it.
(both): That was you!
(Melanie giggles)
What are we gonna
do about the dance?
- What do you mean?
This is amazing.
- No, your dance.
- Didn't even think
about that. Um...
- We could combine the dances.
Right here!
- Sure you want to do that?
- Yes, of course.
- Okay. I will contact the PTA
and see if I can
get them on board.
- Alright,
start making phone calls!
- Okay!
(Jenny): Mr. Hartman
needs that in the barn.
(Caitlin): Christmas
decorations coming through!
- Bring that over
to the DJ booth.
- Hey.
- Hey.
- Congratulations.
This is really bringing
everyone together.
- Well, this is all
Jenny, really.
- I knew you two would figure it
out eventually.
- Yeah, I don't really know how
to thank you
for all of your help.
- I just hung a few lights.
- You've been
a real support to me.
Thank you.
- Oh, I mean,
the feeling goes both ways.
If it wasn't for you I would've
never taken the sabbatical.
- You're doing it.
- Yeah, yeah. I put in for it.
I mean, like you said,
it is something I need to do.
- So you'll be leaving at the...
- At the end of the school year.
Yeah.
- I'm happy for you.
- Thank you.
It'll be good.
It'll give me some time to
think, figure things out.
You know, I guess...
that's what everybody
needs sometimes, right?
Space?
(softly): I guess.
- We're still gonna go to the
dance together though, right?
- Yeah, yeah. Of course.
Of course.
- Okay. Okay.
Well, I should let you
get back to this
because you're busy
and these are still tangled.
- Okay.
- Yeah.
- Okay. See you later.
s- We almost have everything
done. It's going to work!
- Great.
- Are you okay, mom?
- Yeah. Yes, of course.
We gotta go home, we have
a dance to get ready for.
- Okay.
(laughs)
Happy happy holidays
- Oh!
- You look magnificent.
- In the words of a young
Jenny Austin,
"I know."
Jenny! Come on in.
Don't you look
dapper young man?
Jenny?
(soft music)
- What do you think?
- I think...
you're beautiful.
- I know.
- Alright. Shall we go?
Jenny, you okay?
- The snow.
- Jenny. Breathe.
Jenny. We can talk through this.
(groaning)
- We can't talk away the snow.
- You are scared of the snow?
- No, Will. Don't go!
Will!
- When there's moisture
in the air
and the atmospheric
temperature drops
below 32 degrees Fahrenheit,
snow starts to fall.
- I do not like falling snow.
- Snow forms when water
crystalizes in the air.
But when it's colder outside,
the water doesn't
stick together as much.
But when it's not as cold out
then the moisture
and the water--
- Will. You are talking
a lot again.
- I know. I talk a lot when
I'm excited about something.
- You are excited about snow?
- No.
I'm excited about you.
(soft bright music)
- You're okay?
- I'm okay.
Deck the halls
with boughs of holly
Fa la la la la, la la la la
- Welcome.
- Hi, welcome to
the Holiday Ball for All!
(man): Thank you.
- Welcome.
- Welcome!
- Hey.
- Mrs. Hawkins. Thanks for
helping make this dance happen.
- No, Jenny, thank you.
You two have fun!
- Hey! You okay?
Winter blues striking again?
- No! No, I'm fine.
Okay, no I'm not.
- What's the problem?
Oh, I get it.
- He's taking a sabbatical
in Paris next year.
And he wants space.
- Well, why don't you
be a part of that space?
I mean, with
Jenny going out of town,
you are going to have a
lot of free time on your hands.
- What are you saying?
Go to Paris too?
- Why not?
- Because I don't know that
Daniel wants me to go with him.
If he did,
he would've said something.
- Mom, you are assuming again.
- Hmm.
- You do so much
to make me happy.
To make everyone at
the Possible Center happy.
But Mr. Hartman
makes you happy.
And you deserve that.
You like him?
- I do.
- Then tell him.
- I'm not sure how.
- Show him.
(bright music)
Hi, everyone.
I hope you're all having
a great time.
Today has had
a lot of surprises.
And now we have one more.
Please welcome to
the stage the person
who helped me make this dance.
My mom, Melanie Austin.
(crowd applauding)
- Hello, everyone.
What a beautiful night.
I would really like
to acknowledge how beautiful
we all are
in our own unique ways.
More often than not,
we make assumptions
that people will judge us
if they get a glimpse
of that uniqueness.
And those assumptions
can be right.
People can be judgmental.
And so then we dim that beauty
before we give it
a chance to shine.
But oftentimes
those assumptions are wrong.
And I would like to read
a poem on that matter
by a very talented poet.
Assuming he's alright with it?
This poem was written
by our very own Daniel Hartman.
(crowd applauding)
(clears throat)
"A voice inside
so quick to chide
Casting doubts both far and wide
'You're not enough,'
it often cries
Planting fears
and spreading lies
Assumptions form, we start to
fear that other eyes will sneer
and jeer
But listen close
and you will see
A strength within,
a bold decree
Question the thoughts
that cloud your mind
Leave those fears
and doubts behind
For in your heart
a truth so bright
Silence the doubt
And step into the light."
(cheering)
I hope that you didn't mind.
- Ha! Not at all.
I was honoured.
- It's a good poem.
- You're incredible.
In every way.
What you've done for your
daughter, for the students,
for me.
To inspire me to go for
what I want.
- What is that, Mr. Hartman?
What do you want?
- I want you to come
with me to Paris.
Explore with me.
Laugh with me. Just be with me.
- Yes.
- Yeah?
- Yes.
- Great. Because I
don't want this to end.
- This is just the beginning.
(romantic music)
- Hey.