Harmony in Paradise (2022) Movie Script

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Archie, breakfast. There you go.
Hi Mrs. Sullivan, welcome back.
Good morning Amelia.
Thank you so much for taking
care of Archie.
He was great as usual.
Come for a Cup of coffee? I
mean it's the least I can do.
I actually have a huge meeting
in a few minutes but thank you.
Oh, you work all the time.
You ever going to take a
vacation?
I mean one of these days.
Well maybe one day.
I'm hoping to start running my
own column soon.
You don't get there without
a lot of hard work.
Well you will get there. I know
it.
Good boy!
Well...
if you ever want to take a break
you know where to find us.
Thank you.
Say bye bye.
Oh bye Archibald.
Bye bye. Say bye bye.
Say bye bye.
Okay.
Good morning everyone.
Good morning.
Brad, what's that thing?
Bagel.
You know I'm on a juice cleanse.
Put that thing away.
Amelia, great job on the
South African penguins piece.
My mom told me that she
cried when she read it.
That's exactly the response we
were looking for.
Stories like that get us more
subscriptions.
Thank you and Brad your photos
were
incredible as usual.
Oh, I mean, your daily research
notes were key.
I empathize with them.
It made all the difference.
We make a great team.
I don't understand how you do it
without ever visiting
the places that you've written
about.
Well I'm really glad the story
got such a great response.
Actually my last few stories
have gotten great responses so
Madeline I was
hoping we could discuss
the possibility of starting my
own column.
I'm ready.
Hmm.
As you both know, Geographic
Lives one hundredth issue is
being published in one week. The
top story that we had planned
for the marine section turned
out to be a total bust
so now we are desperate for
a mind blowing story.
I just heard that there are two
baby manatees that are being
rehabilitated at a conservation
center Puerto Rico and ready to
be released back into the wild.
Baby manatees...
Our readers are going to eat it
up.
Amelia.
Are you in?
Absolutely, sounds like a great
story.
I'll get started on the research
right away.
Not this time. I need you on
the ground asap.
On the ground?
Mm hmm.
You're a great writer, one of
our best.
But if you truly want to become
an incredible one you need to
step out of your comfort zone,
get your hands dirty.
See you're great at that
research thing
but it's time for you to get in
the thick of the action.
Brad, of course you'll join her.
Yes, dream team.
I'll book you two a flight,
first thing in the morning
to Puerto Rico.
Tomorrow umm?
My house plants are super high
maintenance.
I really shouldn't
leave them alone.
Have your neighbor take care of
them.
You watch her dog,
like, all the time.
Well I sort of don't have a
passport.
You don't need a passport to
go to Puerto Rico, darling.
Right.
Well I...
Amelia, this is our
centennial issue.
The biggest issue
that we've ever done
and your work would be
the section's top story.
You nail this piece.
You'll get your column.
I'll send you over the briefings
this afternoon.
Gotta run.
Don't let me down.
Hello.
Brad, where are you?
Amelia?
Brad, where are you?
I got sick last night and I
slept through my alarm.
I missed the flight.
I'm so sorry you're sick but...
There's no way I can go to
Puerto Rico like this.
Trust me, you don't want
to be near me.
I feel terrible. I really do but
how am I supposed to do this
without you.
I'm not a photographer.
Your camera phone is probably
good enough.
All you have to do is point the
camera and push the button.
Well I don't think it's that
simple.
I'll just edit them for you,
from here.
Send them to me as you go.
Don't worry, Madeline never even
has to know.
Brad?
We're a team remember?
You got this.
Need a ride?
No, I'm good. Thanks.
Are you? Okay.
I'm Timothy from La Hoya de
Bahia.
Valeria sent me to pick up two
V. I. P.'s. You're Amelia.
Hi yes, actually it's
just gonna be me though.
Well great it's your lucky day.
You get the front seat.
Hop in.
Oh yeah.
So, uh, first time in Puerto
Rico?
Yes, uh huh, yep.
Welcome to the island.
I've been down here a little
over a year, from the states too
Chicago originally.
Yeah, I came down here on
business. I stayed in the villa
and I decided I never wanted to
leave so I went back, I quit my
corporate job and
moved down here and now I'm
running the Philip Bar.
What a life right?
It sounds exciting.
Yeah, so you travel much?
Not really.
Well, this is a good place to
start.
I tell you, once I got out
it changed my life.
You know maybe the same thing
will happen to you, right?
This island has a way of making
you fall in love.
Oh yeah.
We made it.
Hi.
Hola Amelia.
I'm Olivia.
Nice to meet you.
Welcome to be a guest and
welcome to La Hoya de Bahia.
The children of the bay.
It's beautiful.
She sure is.
Okay, well I'm gonna get the
jeep parked.
We'll, uh, see later. Welcome.
Thank you for the ride.
Oh we are so thrilled to be
hosting you. Let me show you to
your room. Follow me.
We have breakfast every morning,
outside in the courtyard and
the conservation center is next
to the beach. Not too far away.
And our pool is a lifesaver on a
day like today.
And what's your WiFi?
Oh WiFi info is all in that
book and there's also
information on fun
excursions we can help you book.
Like kayaking, snorkeling.
That's okay I'm just here for
work.
Where's your business center?
Oh, we don't have business
center.
But feel free to work in the
courtyard.
It's a wonderful place to read.
Great, thanks.
Well...
I leave you to get settled.
That's better right?
Just point the camera, press the
button.
Ow!
Hola.
Sorry, do you speak English?
Oh...
I was wondering if I could see
the photograph
that you took of me.
Oh sure.
Sorry, I didn't mean to...
I'm trying to practice.
No, no it's not bad.
You're just...
trying to be too symmetrical.
Take your subject.
Frame him up but
don't put him exactly center.
Okay, allow the world to
compliment his aura.
Exactamente, you got it.
Hey, actually
I'm a journalist in town on an
assignment and my photographer
bailed last minute.
Any chance you could help out?
Are you a professional
photographer?
I'm an artist. Most mediums, I
do it all but today I am a
photographer documenting this
beach cleanup but...
Hey I'll be happy to give
you tips whenever I can.
I'll be around.
Great. I'm Amelia by the way.
Luis.
Could I also suggest a visit
to my wife's dress shop
while you're here.
I can have her hook you up with
some new, like, island wear.
No, that's okay. I'm just here
for a few days.
Wait, how do I find you?
Ah, it's a small island.
The small island of Vieques is
home to manatees
and a small Puerto Rican
population who care deeply
about conservation.
Oh no... oh I'm so sorry.
Oh I'm so sorry. I can't believe
I did this.
It's from the... Amazon.
What? Was this...
a special pot from...
Please tell me I did not just
break a special pot from
the Amazon.
Si.
It was very special.
It's made out of a red clay
from the Amazon.
I'll be able to replace it
right?
No, it's one of a kind and
ancient.
Valeria will be devastated.
Oh, what should I do?
You should try to save the pot
so it's soul survives.
Try super glue.
Oh no. It's soul? Okay I can do
that.
Where can I find super glue?
Amelia, are you okay?
Valeria, I am so sorry. I was
out here working and my cord
must have gotten caught...
It's okay, it's okay dear.
I bought it off Amazon. I just
order another.
Hello?
What are you doing here?
You again?
Are you following me?
You know your joke earlier
was not funny.
Oh, maybe you just don't have a
sense of humor.
So, what are you doing in my
office?
Your office?
This is my office, yes.
You're Fernando Rivera, the head
of the conservation center?
And you are?
I'm Amelia Day. The
journalist from Geographic Life.
I'm here to cover the
release of manatees.
Really?
What? I don't look like a
journalist?
Sorry but now really isn't a
good time. Good luck.
I'd love to schedule an
interview with you and
of course meet the manatees
personally.
I told you, now
isn't a good time.
I can wait.
A manatee got caught
in a fishing net.
They need my help. I'll probably
be a while.
I could come back in
a few hours then.
Why do you even want to write
about us?
We're such a tiny operation.
It's a small story.
There's no such thing as a small
story.
Actually, wait, you invited
me here.
Actually...
I didn't.
Then who did?
Bye.
Well I see you've met my son
Jose.
Oh he's so cute.
I just stopped by to give you
this.
It's old but it'll do the trick.
I figured you could use it
while you're here.
Oh thank you so much. That's so
nice of you.
Oh por favor, de nada.
Are you sure you don't want to
check out my wife's shop?
She'd be happy to hook you up.
You know the days are only
getting hotter right?
That's okay I'm not here for a
long.
Wait, how did you find me?
I told you it's a small island.
Hola, Lisa.
Hey how'd the rescue go?
Is the manatee safe?
Yeah we got him. He'll be fine.
Hey, did you know anything about
that journalist coming here?
It's great right?
So you knew?
You know the center could use
some more funding.
Lisa?
What aren't you telling?
She told me not to tell you?
Tough day?
No I'm okay.
What's on your mind?
I'm not sure
who asked for Geographic Life
to come down here.
Or why.
And the head of the conservation
center was not
interested in talking to me.
He was not very welcoming,
to put it mildly.
Fernando?
I'm sorry. I didn't realize you
knew him.
He'll warm up to you.
He's a great guy, ok.
Loves his job.
Maybe give him another chance?
Well, that early flight is
hitting me now.
I'll see you tomorrow.
All right. Good night.
Thank you.
Good night.
Night.
So how was our guest this
evening?
She barely touched her plate.
Yeah I guess,
Fernando wasn't very nice to
her.
What why?
Something about not wanting to
do an interview today and he
didn't ask for a journalist to
come down here.
Fernando has such big dreams.
He used to talk about to
expanding the center
but now I feel he's like...
stuck.
I wanted to do something for
him.
You're like a mother to him he
knows that.
I thought maybe with this
article, the world could see how
wonderful he is at his job.
He could be reminded of all
those dreams.
I just want him to be happy.
Well, I think you should talk to
him because this article is
a great idea and who knows, if
it goes well,
you know, it means maybe more
visitors to the villa right?
Win, win.
You start early tomorrow
morning.
Meet me in the courtyard
at 6:00 AM.
6:00 AM?
Nature rises early.
6:00 AM.
Oh, Coming...
Ow. We have to stop doing that.
You're late.
I'm so sorry. I'm never late
just give me two minutes.
Thank you.
Okay, ready.
Is that how you wake up every
morning?
Yeah, why?
And you're bringing your books
with you?
Should I not?
What's wrong with my books?
So I was researching manatees
and Puerto Rico last night
and I have a lot of questions.
We'll get that.
Soon or?
This is Elisa Rodriguez. She's a
junior researcher and a pivotal
team member of the Moana and
Oceano project.
Elisa, this is Amelia Day.
She's the journalist from
Geographic Life.
Nice to meet you.
I would love to talk to you, as
well, at some point.
Um, is there a desk I can use?
Is that you?
Yes.
Wow, you look just like your
father.
You ready to go?
Food prep.
I thought you were taking me to
see Moana and Oceano.
Never said that.
Okay. This works too.
So would you say this is a
typical meal for... hey.
You want me to chop these?
Food prep is a very important
job at the conservation center.
Everything needs to be recorded
to make sure the manatees get
the proper nutrition.
I'm a journalist.
You can just admit you've never
chopped a vegetable before.
I have chopped...
I'm not dressed for cooking.
It's dirty.
You want me to tie it for you
too?
No, I got it. I got it.
Okay.
Here. Like this.
I got it.
Okay.
Fernando,
I'll be right back. Here's a
chart, how to cut of everything.
How much of everything. You can
handle it right?
I think I got it.
All right.
Manatees require specific
nutrition and lots of it.
The conservation center
maintains thorough logs of
the food needed for each manatee
in their care. Due to the remote
nature of the islands, all food
for the manatees
is locally sourced.
You ready to meet them?
For real this time?
Well you'll need a change of
clothes first.
We have some extras for
the volunteers.
What's wrong with what I'm
wearing?
The center operates a small cove
where we can safely rehabilitate
the manatees in a more natural
environment.
So tell me how did they end up
here?
Their mother died in the
hurricane. We rescued them.
They've been recuperating
for a few years now but they're
growing up so we'll have to let
them go.
So how does a conservation
center like yours take care of
baby manatees? Walk me through
it.
Okay, you'll see. We're almost
there.
Did you know manatees
can swim as fast as
fifteen miles per hour?
That's pretty impressive given
their size.
Yes, but only in short bursts.
Mangroves offer everything the
manatees need.
Come on in.
Oh no, that's okay I'm just here
to observe.
You don't come all the way here
just to observe.
Better?
And here they are Moana and
Oceano.
Wow.
Oh my gosh, they're incredible.
Say hello to Amelia, guys.
Wanna see where they're gonna be
released?
Absolutely!
Ok, the center keeps kayaks not
too far from here.
Kayaks?
Do you know of a better way to
explore mangroves?
Umm...
no but that's okay, um, I
should just get back to
the center, ah, I can read
about manatee habitats in one of
the books I brought.
Come on, a real journalist would
say yes to adventure.
Don't worry it's not that deep.
Uh, I'm just...
not really a fan of the ocean.
How can a wildlife reporter be
afraid of the ocean?
What about...
snorkeling and coral reefs?
Wait seriously?
All right, that's what we're
doing next and I'm not taking no
for an answer.
I don't even have a swimsuit.
Fernando!
Oh.
Come on.
Wait! How am I supposed to take
notes?
You're not.
Come on. Come on, it won't bite.
Oh my gosh, what is that?
What! Oh my gosh, what is that?
I!
Oh my, this is so embarrassing.
Not at all. All right you're
just not used to it yet.
There's nothing scary
in the water, I promise,
Okay.
Just make sure you buy down like
this
and breathe normally.
Even under water?
Even under water. Got it?
Okay.
I have never seen anything...
anything like that.
Like what?
The ocean.
Yeah, it's a whole new world
down there isn't it?
Yeah.
I think that's what scared me so
much about it. There's just
still so much unknown about the
ocean but...
it's so beautiful.
I don't know what it was so
afraid of.
Oh, I have to write this down!
Now, where exactly were we?
You think that was beautiful?
You want see something truly
spectacular?
I've never seen anything like
this.
That is a yellow shouldered
blackbird. They live here in
the forest but lay their eggs in
the protection of the mangroves.
It's beautiful.
You seem very connected to this
place.
I am.
This is where I come to think.
It's always here if I need to
escape for a little while.
What got you interested in all
of this?
I studied marine biology in
college and got a job in
San Diego after graduating.
What brought you back here?
After the hurricane, Valeria
needed help and...
I realized this was paradise.
Why live anywhere else?
See this here?
Cereus Epiphyllum Oxypetalum.
Night blooming cactus.
Exactly, we commonly call it...
Queen of the night. They produce
a beautiful, white,
fragrant flower that only blooms
at night.
Individual plants can produce up
to a dozen blooms at a time
but each one only blooms for one
night.
As beautiful as it is
determined.
You really know your plants.
It's part of the job.
Here we are.
You were right.
This is amazing.
Now see those small islands over
there?
Vieques is part of the passage
islands.
Now each island historically
had different uses.
A group of islands working
together.
You hear that?
It sounds like...
music.
It's a symphony.
All of nature's instruments
working together,
in perfect harmony.
I can't believe I've been
missing this, all this time.
Well, you miss a lot, when
you're looking down at a book.
Even I take it for granted
sometimes.
Sometimes you miss what's right
in front of you.
I, uh,
I started with the conservation
center but
one day I want to expand and
work to protect more Puerto
Rican wildlife.
It all deserves protecting.
That you can quote me on.
Thank you for the fun day. It
was definitely memorable.
Yeah, I had fun actually.
Oh, welcome back! How was your
day?
She's getting there.
I'm helping her
become a real journalist.
Just when I thought we were
getting along.
Well, I'll see you tomorrow.
I'm looking forward to it.
What?
Oh nothing.
So, how's everything going?
Good, I think.
I still can't believe Geographic
Life wants to do
a story about us!
Why not?
We're a tiny operation man.
No one even knows about us.
Not yet, my friend.
I think this is going to be huge
for your center.
I know how much work you
put into that place man.
Your heart and soul.
Thanks man.
You know, all this has made me
start thinking about
expanding again.
That's great.
Amelia's really helping me
rediscover that.
So, you had fun with her?
Come on man. It's not like that.
Oh, you know, the center and
those manatees
can't be your only loves.
You're going to need to let
someone, like a person, in at
some point, like a human being.
Oh, okay, see that is enough
for me right now.
I don't have time for
anything else.
I'm telling you amigo,
this happens when you
least expect it.
Look at me and Yara.
I wasn't looking for a girl.
I thought it wasn't the right
time and then she finally
wore me down.
Made an honest man out of me.
I think you mean you wore her
down.
What's that supposed to mean?
You must be starving.
How did you know? Thank you.
So, tell me, what was your
favorite part of the day?
Oh, definitely meeting Moana and
Oceano.
Or kayaking through the
mangroves. So beautiful.
Or snorkeling. That was new for
me.
I guess it's all new.
It sounds like Fernando was a
wonderful guide.
Oh, he's great.
I mean, so knowledgeable. He
gave me a lot to think about,
for the article.
Uh huh, for the article.
Here we go, ladies.
Valeria's favorite.
You sure know how to treat us
well, Timothy.
Well have fun.
Thank you.
Timothy's pretty great, huh?
He is.
You know, at first, I thought he
was joking when he asked for
a job. He was this corporate
business guy.
Thought he was so uptight...
but I was wrong.
Now, I can't imagine running
this place without him.
Excuse me.
Oh, I'll be back.
Hello. What? What happened to
her?
What's going on?
We were doing a lift test on
Moana. She panicked.
But, we did a practice one with
her last week. She was fine.
I know, something's wrong.
I should've been there.
Moana's still showing signs of
stress.
I don't think it's a good idea
to release her today.
You're right. And we can't
separate Moana from Oceano
which means...
which means, they cannot be
released into the wild today.
You've reached Fernando.
Leave a message at the beep.
Hey Fernando, it's Amelia, um...
I guess you must be running
late. I, on the other hand,
was early this morning.
Um, anyway, I'm still at
the villa, so give me a call,
when you get a chance.
South African penguins lay their
eggs when temperatures
are cooler. However, it is not
uncommon for the penguins to
become over heated, in the sun,
while guarding their eggs.
So they must make a difficult
choice.
Protect their young
or themselves.
Timothy, hey.
Hey.
Have you seen Fernando this
morning?
Uh, no, it's been pretty quiet
around here.
He told me to meet him here.
I've been trying to get a hold
of him all morning.
I'm sure he's just running late.
Good morning Val.
Good morning.
Morning.
Good morning.
I'm going to head over to the
center. If either of you hear
from Fernando please call me,
ok.
Of course, cario.
So hey, I have a good feeling
about her article and I figured,
you know, maybe some updating
around here, might be a good
thing so I already started on
the patio, around the pool.
That was you?
Of course, it was me. Did you go
and hire somebody when
I wasn't looking?
No.
Come on. It's just us.
You know, I don't thank you
enough, for all you
do around here.
Hey, you want to sit down with
me? I'm about to have breakfast.
Oh, I can't.
I have a few guests arriving
soon, so I have to check their
rooms, get everything ready.
Oh, you work too hard.
You're one to talk.
No release, no article. I mean
there's a chance that it might
happen tomorrow but...
Well that's life man, it
happens.
Amelia's counting on me and
Valeria thinks that
this article can help the villa
and Elisa thinks
that the article can help the
center get more funding and...
I feel like I'm failing them.
Nando, this is not your fault.
How can you predict that Moana
is going to react like that?
If I had been there,
she might not have.
Or she still would have!
It's going to work out man.
I don't know what I'm gonna do.
I have an idea.
I'll handle Amelia. You handle
the manatees, ok?
What are you gonna do?
I got this.
Luis?
Luis?
Gracias.
Luis?
Elisa, hey, is Fernando in his
office?
No he's not.
He's not?
No, he's probably
blowing off steam and we're all
really disappointed the release
didn't happen today.
What?
But my article is due tomorrow.
Aye, he didn't tell you? He, I
thought, he must have told you.
Aye, Amelia, I'm so...
Amelia!
What are you doing?
Working.
I'm trying to figure out a way
to salvage my career.
The release isn't happening
today.
Elisa let it slip.
So I'm just trying to figure out
a new approach to this article.
What about a break?
I should stay here. I'm having
trouble figuring this out.
You know,
my best ideas, sometimes come,
when I'm doing something else.
How about a distraction?
I'm here to entertain.
I don't need a distraction.
I need some divine inspiration.
Well, you won't find it here
looking at all of this.
I have read through all these
materials at least twice.
You could use some fun.
Mama! Mama!
Yara, I want you to meet Amelia.
Amelia, this is my beautiful
wife Yara.
Amelia, so very nice to meet
you.
I've heard wonderful things.
Nice to meet you too.
And you've already met my little
perrito.
Amelia here needs some new
island fashions.
I would be delighted.
Come, come.
Thank you for the fun day. I
needed it.
So what now? I thought I would
teach you how to surf.
Oh, I should really get back to
work.
How about some street food?
You must be starving.
Thanks but I really need to
check...
Should we go check out some
light salsa?
There's a great band playing
tonight in the town square.
I really need to talk to
Fernando.
Find out when this release
is going to be happening.
Tomorrow.
What?
The release got delayed a day.
I heard from Fernando that it's
happening tomorrow.
Oh, um, you sure?
Uh, huh.
Okay. Tomorrow.
Tomorrow.
Thank you for the distraction.
Um, if you hear from
Fernando tell him to call me.
Okay.
Okie dokie.
Dude.
I had to tell Amelia the release
is happening tomorrow.
You said there was
a chance right?
Well, you have to figure out
what to do and...
you owe me an ice cream.
The front page?
I went over all of the
pieces and yours was
the most compelling.
So yes, you have been selected
for the front page
of Geographic Life's centennial
issue.
Thank you, Madeline.
If your work is what I expect it
to be,
then it's all going to
come down to that.
I am putting a huge amount of
trust in you.
The whole magazine is.
Are you up for the task?
Absolutely, yes.
Thank you for being honest about
the release being pushed.
It's going to make things a lot
tighter but I have faith in you.
I'm going to be
checking in a lot more.
It'll be good enough for the
cover.
I promise.
And Brad's photos, hmm.
Looks like he's trying a new
style.
But it's working. I like it.
Gotta run.
Amelia, the front page of
Geographic Life is within your
grasp now. Make it spectacular.
Bye for now.
What's gotten in to you?
Oh nothing.
Just that my boss told me that
my article is going to be
the front page story of the
centennial issue.
Oh, my dear I'm so happy for
you.
Can you believe it?
I'm so excited.
As long as I nail the release
coverage
the cover's ours.
It sounds like you need a night
out on the town.
I should probably stay
in and prep for tomorrow.
Nonsense, you need to celebrate
his achievement.
You deserve it.
By myself?
On this island, you're never
alone.
You win.
I won?
You win.
Thank you!
Enrique is a local legend, you
know.
I'm impressed.
Don't sound so surprised.
Um, about today I, I should have
called you.
Yes, you should have.
And I, about that...
Listen, it's okay, as long as
the release happens tomorrow
we're all good because...
the article is going to be the
front page story.
The...
It's a great isn't
it? See? Very impressive.
Do you want to dance?
Because I can dance.
Come on, I'm Puerto Rican.
You got it.
Sorry!
I might have talked a big game
before.
I'm more used to dancing alone.
It' all right. I can teach you.
It's a very basic step, okay.
Start here.
One and two. Back,
three and four. Again.
Now get your hips into it.
Like this?
Yeah, I think you got it.
Come here.
You got it. There you go.
All right.
Luis!
Amelia, give me that camera. You
can't dance with that much
space in between you.
He's right you know.
Salsa is a dance of passion.
Heat. Two partners connecting.
I, uh, I want to show you
something.
What are we doing out here?
Just wait.
We are in Mosquito Bay, the
brightest bioluminescent bay
in the world.
I thought this was all destroyed
in the hurricane.
Oh it was.
But like Puerto Rico, the bay
was resilient and it recovered.
You ok?
I'm just in awe at how beautiful
it all is.
Thank you.
Time to go.
You hungry?
Starving actually.
I'll head to the
kitchen to see what we have.
Meet me there?
Sounds great.
Okay.
Oh, you look nice.
Laundry day.
You look great too.
Wine?
Yes please.
Oh it already smells really good
in here.
I am making you Arroz Con
Grandules,
a classic Puerto Rican rice
dish.
Sounds great. I've never had it.
Would you mind?
There we go.
Thank you.
So what's in this dish?
Very simple. We have rice,
gandules,
which are pigeon peas, olives
uh, tomato sauce, spices
and the most important
ingredient sofrito.
Okay, masterchef.
How did you learn to do all
this?
Well, I was food prepping
all the time for the manatees.
I've figured I'd use that skill
to feed myself.
So I had Valeria teach me.
Right here.
And the last special step is to
put the foil on the lid
like this.
And now we wait.
Oh, what just happened?
Okay good, the gas stove is
still working.
There are some candles in that
cabinet.
Wow, this looks
delicious. Thank you so much.
My pleasure.
To unexpected adventures.
Unexpected adventures.
Wow, Fernando this is...
I had a really good sous chef.
Go ahead.
I was just saying, I read
some of your work.
You're a really great writer.
Thank you.
Tell me, what's your
favorite place you've ever been?
Um, I would have to say here.
You're just saying that.
It's true.
I love this place, don't get me
wrong but you've been
everywhere. India, South Africa,
Australia.
Yes, on my computer.
Before now I had never left the
mainland USA.
Actually, more specifically,
I've never left the east coast.
What?
The irony is my parents named me
after Amelia Earhart but
before this week, I have never
even been on the plane before.
You're joking.
I swear. I don't even have a
passport.
Well, I must say I'm impressed.
I would have never
known after reading your work.
Well, growing up my parents
always wanted to travel
the world but couldn't afford
it. So they worked hard,
saved up and now they're retired
and seeing the world.
They keep trying to get me to go
with them but I'm always
so busy with work.
They must be proud of you.
They are. What about you?
Tell me about your parents.
They passed away when I was
young.
Oh I'm sorry, I didn't...
It's okay.
Valeria practically raised
me here in the villa.
She was their best friend.
They founded the center, you
know.
I knew they would have wanted me
to take over when I got
older but I just wanted to get
off this tiny island.
But after the hurricane, I came
back to help Valeria.
When I got back, I saw that the
center needed help too so
I volunteered.
This is my home. You know?
Well in my opinion, wherever
they are they're proud of you.
You think so?
I mean it's incredible what
you're doing.
I feel honored to be writing
about you.
I should probably turn in.
We have a big day tomorrow.
Yeah, yeah.
Can I help clean up?
No, no, no I got it.
Thank you for dinner.
Listen, about tomorrow...
It's gonna be great.
I am in the middle of a good
part.
This can definitely wait.
Are the baby manatees being
released tomorrow, Fernando?
No.
You owe her the truth.
She has lots of people counting
on her.
She was counting on me.
Elisa was counting on me. You
were counting on me.
Me?
I know you really wanted
this to happen.
I'm sorry I'm letting you down.
I let you all down.
No, no, no, no Fernando, it
was not about the article.
I want you to be happy.
No one wanted this to happen
more than I did.
I hoped we'd be able to make it
happen by tomorrow but
it's just not right for them.
You need to tell her the truth.
What are you looking at?
Do you have something you want
to tell me?
Do I?
I know, Amelia, Brad came clean.
He hasn't been there this whole
time
and you covered for him.
These are the type of things
that you need to tell me about.
Don't ever leave me
in the dark again.
This is the front page of
Geographic Life we're talking
about here. Your career.
I'm so sorry Madeline, it won't
happen again.
You have until end of day,
tomorrow,
to impress me with an amazing,
inspiring, heartwarming story.
No more surprises. Got it?
Yes, I won't let you down.
Because if you do,
it will be a very long time
before I trust you with another
cover, yet alone your own
column. Goodbye.
She's right.
No more distractions.
Now's not a good time.
Listen, about earlier...
Fernando it's late...
Amelia, please, it's really
important.
I have to tell you something.
We should keep things
professional.
We have a lot of work to do.
I'll meet you at the center
tomorrow, okay?
Yeah, me too.
Fernando, the manatees aren't
doing well today.
They haven't eaten all day.
That's not a good sign.
Listen, I know we want to do the
release today but we have to be
realistic I don't think
it can happen for
at least another month.
I know. It's my fault.
I should have been
there the other day supervising.
We should have postponed as soon
as that happened.
Man, don't put this all
on you. These things happen.
Maybe she can come
back when the time is right.
Amelia!
Amelia!
Fernando
Fernando.
Yes, I will personally keep you
updated on their progress.
Okay we'll talk soon, adios.
Elisa, take all my calls I have
to go.
Amelia, are you there?
Please, can we talk?
I can explain.
Amelia, I'm sorry you had to
find out this way.
I tried to tell you last
night but that's no excuse.
All right, the other day
Elisa ran a lift test to
prepare the manatees
for release.
They got scared and I wasn't
there.
They just aren't ready.
I know this means your article
won't happen.
I should have told you sooner.
I'm sorry.
Madeline.
Madeline, it's um, the release
isn't happening.
Cheer up kiddo, I'm sure
your boss will understand.
Everything is a mess.
I lost the cover, probably my
job.
My boss said we need to talk
when I get back to New York.
I just don't understand why
Fernando
couldn't be honest with me.
I thought we trusted each other.
Fernando couldn't bear the
thought of disappointing you.
His intentions were good, I
promise you.
I don't know what I'm gonna do.
I shouldn't have come here.
You know, a long
time ago I spent a year
working for a cassava
farmer near the Amazon river.
It was there that I met
two marine biologists
who were studying the Amazonian
manatee.
They became my best friends
and ended up moving here when
deciding where to set up
the manatee conservation center.
Eventually, they got married.
They had a baby.
Fernando?
And now, of course, I care for
him as if he were my own son.
He is the greatest joy in my
life.
And none of that would have
happened
if I had just stayed home.
Being out in the world is how we
share unexpected experiences.
Make new connections.
Change our lives for the better.
Like nature, we are all links in
a chain
and we need those connections to
not just survive but thrive.
It all needs protecting.
Thank you, Valeria.
Oh.
Did this help?
More than you know.
Hello.
Madeline, it's Amelia, look I
know it's late but
I've got something really good.
Just give me one more chance.
I promise it'll be worth it.
Luis, hey I need your help with
something.
Good job, kiddo.
Come here.
Si, yes. Thank you so much.
We will. Thank you, bye bye.
What was that about?
That was the World Wildlife
Association.
They want to talk to you about a
potential sponsorship.
What!
Fernando! Fernando!
Open the Geographic Life
website right now.
Come on!
Links in the Chain by Amelia
Day.
Two orphaned, baby manatees,
ready to be released back into
the wild from a conservation
center.
That was a story I set out to
Puerto Rico to write.
The young manatees were
rescued after the hurricane and
have been rehabilitating in the
conservation center ever since.
Even though the manatees release
has been postponed and
they remain in the safety of the
conservation center
until they are ready.
My world has opened up in ways,
I never imagined possible.
Oh my gosh.
Puerto Rico has a rich
ecological landscape.
The mangroves.
The coral reefs.
The dry forests.
Each system, seemingly separate,
working together to thrive.
I can't believe you did this.
Me? I thought you did this.
You know, when you asked me
why I left everything behind and
I said I had my reasons...
It's really only just one...
The black birds that live in the
dry forest of Vieques,
lay their eggs in the protection
of the mangrove branches.
The mangrove roots provide a
safe environment for
marine life and plants to grow.
Manatees eat those plants and
keep the seabed healthy.
The manatees life isn't just
about the manatee.
It's about so much more.
Each piece contributes to the
next.
Much like a game of dominoes.
The same goes for all of us.
As a very wise woman told me.
We are all links in a chain.
Connected.
Even if you can't see those
connections at first,
they're there.
Humming together in perfect
harmony.
And once we open ourselves up to
these connections in each other,
we open ourselves up to a world
of unexpected adventures.
We open ourselves up
to love.
Thanks mom.
Yeah, tell Dad I love him too.
Oh, my boss is calling I
have to go.
Okay, I will.
Okay, love you, bye.
That was a bold move.
Risky. Totally changing up a
story like that
without sign off.
It's that kind of daring and
fearless attitude
that would get you
everywhere in this industry.
Congratulations!
Thank you Madeline.
Your story's going viral. You're
like everywhere.
I think you're the
breath of fresh air that
geographic life needed.
And with that said
I'd like to offer you your own
column.
Really?
There's a piece on sea turtles
that would take you to Greece
for few days. You'd be in charge
of the whole shebang.
You decide what you write.
Just the more personal the
better.
People want to hear from you.
Are you up for it?
Yes, I'm ready to experience
more.
That a girl. I knew I could
count on you.
Thank you Madeline, this means
the world to me.
Well, you earned it. You said
you were ready.
Now let's talk about your flight
back to New York tomorrow.
Actually...
I was wondering...
Amelia.
I, read your article.
I know you're leaving tomorrow
so I wanted to get you
a little something.
You glued it together?
I'm not sure why but
I thought it might mean
something to you one day.
Thank you, it does.
And actually I moved my flight.
I'm staying a little while
longer.
I can't believe I'm going to
admit this
but you have made me a better
journalist.
I was stuck before you got here
but now I'm seeing the world
with new eyes.
You reminded me my dreams are
possible and I'd like to
accomplish them all,
with you.
I'd like to have more unexpected
adventures with you.
This definitely was unexpected.
Do you hear that?
Perfect harmony.
How was breakfast?
Amazing!
It was good.