Mom (2024) Movie Script
1
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()
()
(INSECT CRAWLING)
()
()
(INSECT CRAWLING)
()
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
(CREAKING)
(WATER DRIPPING)
()
(WATER RIPPLING)
()
()
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(CROW CAWING)
(SIGHS)
- Okay.
- Wait up, we gotta mark this.
Hey, I'm... I'm exhausted.
Hey, just give me a sec, hey.
Okay.
This is all yours, slugger.
(CHUCKLES)
You did it, babe.
(COOS)
(BOTH GRUNT)
Is somebody here?
Uh, your sister
was here earlier.
She probably just left the door
unlocked.
Oh my God, everything hurts.
(SIGHS)
Oh my God, it stinks in here.
Just a little musty.
(DOOR CREAKS)
MEREDITH:
Oof!
I can't believe
all that came out of me.
(SIGHS)
It was like a pipe exploded
between your legs.
Gross.
But then look what came after.
Come here. Oh.
()
(CRIES)
(GRUNTS)
(JARED SHUSHING IN BACKGROUND)
(GRUNTS)
JARED:
(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
(BABY ALEX COOS)
Yeah.
(BABY ALEX COOS)
Yeah.
Hmm.
Shh, you're so cute.
The itsy-bitsy spider
went up the waterspout
Down...
(SHUSHES)
Came the rain
and washed the spider out
The itsy-bitsy spider
went up the waterspout
- (BABY CRIES)
- (SHUSHES)
The itsy-bitsy spider
Hi.
Okay, put him down.
Put him down,
I got you somethin'.
Okay.
Hey.
All right. Whoops.
Hey.
There. No, no, no, no.
(SHUSHES)
(BABY ALEX CRIES)
- There.
- (SIGHS)
Um, just like... yeah.
Yeah.
(SHUSHES)
There. Ain't that better?
Um, it's a push present.
I was told
that's a thing guys do.
Thank you.
I think I'm actually touchin'
the water.
JARED:
What?
I think I'm actually touchin'
the water!
What did you do to me?
You can do origami
with these things.
Just stop worrying.
It's normal.
(BABY ALEX CRYING)
How'd you feel if your dick
stretched past your knees?
I mean, I'd like it.
That was a bad example.
The internet moms say
you'll shrink back to normal
in like another week or so.
What do the internet moms know
about my fucking destroyed
vagina?
Hey, hey, hey, hey,
we talked about swearing.
No, I just don't get
why you're readin' stuff online.
Because I wanna learn.
And, uh, these women
are hilarious,
but they're also like a...
A supportive community.
Yeah, community.
More like a judgy fucking coven.
(SIGHS)
We like his name, right?
MEREDITH:
Uh, I think. Don't you?
He's such an Alex.
Lil' slugger.
What does that even mean?
He can't be an Alex.
He didn't even do anything ye.
(SIGHS)
MEREDITH:
You can't just decide
to change his name
like a month later.
(GRUNTS)
I don't wanna go back to work.
Are you gonna be okay
without me?
Yeah.
Of course I'll be okay.
I know it's a lot.
Taking care of him in the house
and get dinner ready.
Dinner?
You love cooking.
It doesn't have
to be every night,
but we need to get
into some sort of routine.
Didn't need a routine before.
We weren't a family before.
(GRUNTS)
You know what I miss?
- Mm-hmm.
- Your roast.
Oh, I thought you miss this.
(KISSING, GRUNTING)
()
(BABY ALEX COOS)
Oh yeah, we're good,
you and I, huh?
Yeah.
Okay. Okay. Hmm.
(EXHALES)
(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
Ooh, I didn't know
this was a bump.
(BABY ALEX CRIES)
(SHUSHES)
(DOOR KNOB RATTLES)
What the fuck?
(SCRIBBLING)
(MEREDITH SIGHING)
Tell me what brought you here.
(BABY ALEX CRYING)
()
Oof, stinky.
Ooh!
(SHUSHES)
Oh.
No, no, no, no, no!
Oh!
Oh my God,
you have the worst timing.
Oh!
Oh my God, you're a hose.
You're my dearest hose.
- Hey.
- (COOS)
()
()
(BABY ALEX CRYING)
(MEREDITH SIGHING AND SHUSHING)
Let me see that smile.
Let me see that smile.
Yeah.
Oh yeah.
(BABY ALEX CRYING)
(MEREDITH SHUSHES)
MEREDITH:
(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
Oh, stinky.
Okay, yeah.
Oh, of course, yeah.
I think I finally
got it off the chair.
Ugh, man, this reeks.
- Oh!
- (SHUSHES)
JARED:
What are you...
what are you doing?
Use this.
(SIGHS)
You need to support him.
Oh yeah. Okay.
Good night.
(BABY ALEX CRYING)
Oh, hey.
(SHUSHES)
Oh.
(BABY ALEX CRYING)
There you go. All clean.
See? You don't need to cry.
Hmm?
(INDISTINCT CHATTER OVER PHONE)
(SIZZLING)
KATHERINE:
(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
absolutely driving me bonkers.
My boss's whole family's
comin' to town
and I have to go this restaurant
that's good with kids.
They're bringin' their kids!
I mean, what am I supposed
to do with this?
KATHERINE:
M? Hello? Are you listening?
I miss Mom.
(SCOFFS)
KATHERINE:
Yeah. She'd be babysitting
the fuck out of Alex right now.
Yeah, that would be really nice.
KATHERINE:
She would have been really
proud of you.
All nesting and shit.
I wanna see his face.
Come over then.
KATHERINE:
well, I can't today.
Tomorrow then.
KATHERINE:
I'll try. How is he?
MEREDITH:
He's fine. He's starting
to look like Grandpa.
KATHERINE:
Well, let's hope
he grows out of it.
Hey, what's that crap
around your neck?
Shut up. It's not crap.
It's my present
for rippin' myself in two.
KATHERINE:
That calls for diamonds.
Come on, it's nice.
At least it's not
a fucking horseshoe.
(SCOFFS)
- (TIMER BEEPING)
- (GASPS)
Fuck!
(BABY ALEX CRYING IN BACKGROUND)
KATHERINE:
What... what happened?
(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
M?
(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
Meredith!
(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
(SIGHS)
(BABY ALEX CRYING IN BACKGROUND)
(BANGING)
(TAKES DEEP BREATHS)
JARED:
Hello?
M? I'm home.
Hey, hey.
I lost it.
JARED:
What?
My mind. My temper. I...
I smashed the smoke detector.
(SIGHS)
Is he hungry?
No, I fed him.
When?
I don't know.
Breakfast, lunch.
He's... he's full.
(BABY ALEX CRYING)
Okay, well, maybe, uh,
maybe he just needs
to be changed.
I need a break.
When you get home,
just give me a minute.
I'm just saying I don't think
he should be sitting there
in a dirty diaper.
Well, then why don't you go
change him?
Okay, yeah, I will.
I'm happy to.
(SHUSHES)
JARED:
Hey, yeah,
let's get you comfortable.
(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
...nice clean clothes.
Yeah.
(JARED SHUSHES)
DR. SIMON:
Do you have any help? Parents?
Uh, mine are dead.
Mine are, uh, um,
we're not close.
DR. SIMON:
I'm sorry.
What do you see
when you look at Alex?
Um...
Mm, what do I see? I...
Hey.
MEREDITH:
I don't know what I see.
Um, I see a helpless baby.
Well, do you see accomplishment?
Uh, a burden? The present?
The future?
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
(CRIES)
Hey.
(SHUSHES)
Come here, baby.
(BABY ALEX BURPS)
Oh gosh.
Okay.
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
Oh.
(SHUSHES)
Oh.
(CRIES)
(SHUSHES)
(SHUSHES)
(DOOR CLOSES)
()
(GROANS)
(CRIES)
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
(DOOR RATTLES, CREAKS)
(DOOR KNOB RATTLING)
(DOOR CREAKING)
ALEX:
There it is.
(WIND BLOWING)
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
(BABY ALEX CRYING)
Alex?
(PANTS)
ALEX:
Mommy.
Alex?
(BABY ALEX CRYING)
(TAKES DEEP BREATHS)
(FOOTSTEPS THUDDING)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(SHUSHES)
(SCREAMS)
(PANTS)
M?
MEREDITH:
Yeah.
(BABY ALEX CRYING IN BACKGROUND)
What are you doing?
When did you leave?
I don't know.
You were screaming.
Was I?
I think he's hungry.
Oh no.
(SIGHS)
()
(CRIES)
MEREDITH:
I saw him as a young boy.
I had a vision
of him as a young boy
the other day.
And he spoke.
It felt real.
Well, that's really good
that you see past
this exhausting stage.
It means that you see a future
in your dreams.
That's not how it feels.
I'm going to, um, give you
something to take.
DR. SIMON:
It'll help you feel
a little bit more like yourself.
()
MEREDITH:
I don't get it.
It's so easy for you.
You didn't even want this.
(SIGHS)
Neither did you,
but when it happened,
we wanted what was best, right?
Now he's here.
And I'm a dad, thanks to you.
And you're a mom, thanks to me.
Call me if you need anything.
Mm-hmm.
Just you and me, buddy.
There you go.
See? You don't need to cry.
THE ENTITY:
Meredith.
There you go.
(BABY ALEX CRYING)
(FOOTSTEPS THUMPING)
Hey, hey.
Look! Look, what I got you.
Hey.
Oh fuck, come on.
(WATER DRIPPING)
(LOUD THUDDING)
(FOOTSTEPS)
Hello?
(PANTS)
Oh my God.
Oh no.
Oh. Alex?
()
Oh fuck.
(SHRIEKS)
(PANTS)
Jesus.
You scared the shit out of me!
Oh my God.
KATHERINE:
I didn't mean to.
Oh, it's okay.
What are you doin' here?
(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY) ...okay.
I missed my nephew.
Why didn't you ring
the doorbell?
I did.
You didn't answer,
and I got sick of waiting.
I was just in the basement.
I found a bottle in the fridge.
He was hungry.
Yes, you are.
(TAKES DEEP BREATHS)
MEREDITH:
I was just getting a swing.
Why don't you come over
more often?
You're a pro. You don't need me.
No.
(DOOR CREAKS)
You want a little help
with this?
It's only been three years.
Uh, I don't know
where everything goes.
Well, I'm taking this.
I need a printer.
Just there's so much space
that I feel like nothing fits.
Oh, you're complaining
about too much space?
You're a teacher.
I'm not complaining.
Oh, you loved these.
Double-under queen!
KATHERINE:
You shouldn't have stopped.
You're obsessed.
MEREDITH:
Not anymore.
()
(RADIO STATIC)
ALEX:
Wake up.
Mom.
Wake up. She's here.
(GASPS)
- (BABY ALEX CRYING)
- Oh my God! No!
(SCREAMS)
Go away! (SCREAMS)
- Hey. Hey, hey!
- Go away!
Hey, it's okay. It's okay.
It's me. It's me there.
It's okay.
(PANTS)
Okay. It's okay.
(SOBS)
()
(MACHINE PUMPING)
(MUFFLED SPEECH)
(GASPS)
He just did the cutest thing.
He farted and burped
at the same time.
His face was like, Oh,
what the fuck just happened?
MEREDITH:
Great.
Look at what Betty gave us.
You... you put it on his thingy
when you change his diaper,
so he doesn't pee all up
in the air.
No more hosin' us down!
Gonna keep you contained,
slugger.
(CHUCKLES)
No more hosin' us down.
(SIGHS)
Hey, you sure I should go?
Yeah. Why?
No, it's all good.
Um, I thought maybe
you could clean up a bit
while I'm at work.
I'm not on vacation, Jared.
No, I just mean
when he's napping or something.
Oh, that I shouldn't
take a break
so you can come home
to a perfect house.
Okay.
Will you just stop putting words
in my mouth?
I haven't complained about you
not cleaning.
I haven't said anything about
wanting a perfect house.
Clearly perfect
is not the bar we're setting.
Uh-huh.
And I'm fine with that.
I don't know.
(SIGHS)
JARED:
Okay, what... what are you doing?
Hmm, here.
Nice and tidy for Prince Jared.
JARED:
S... stop it.
Stop what? I'm cleaning. What?
Just... you're being childish.
Huh?
I... I haven't asked for or...
Or wanted a housewife.
I just want some help.
You need help?
Oh!
Yeah, M, just like I help you.
(PANTS)
- Fuckin' go away!
- Go!
- Hey, enough!
- (GROANS)
- Oh, I'm so sorry. Oh my...
- (CRIES)
Fine, fine. It's fine.
Hey. Hey.
(SCREAMS, PANTS)
What is wrong with you?
What is wrong with you?
DR. SIMON:
Do you wanna hurt Alex?
No.
I love him.
DR. SIMON:
I know you do.
Do you feel depressed?
More like I should be replaced.
Like he deserves someone better.
This is so fucked up.
Do you wanna... do you not wanna
be a mom anymore?
That's not at all what I said.
DR. SIMON:
Tell me about
the kitchen incident.
JARED:
She... she's erratic.
Seeing things.
Yelling. Violent.
I'm obviously
twistin' things in my head.
DR. SIMON:
What makes you say that?
I keep seein' our neighbors.
They won't leave me alone.
They're just gardening.
Like always.
I, uh, it's not the first time
I see them.
Of course you fuckin' see them.
They're the neighbors.
They live next door.
They're our friends.
I get that this is fucked up,
Jared.
I... I'm here, aren't I?
I'm... I'm here.
And it's good that you're here.
JARED:
It's good.
I feel like I've woken up
in someone else's life.
DR. SIMON:
You did.
A mother's life.
MEREDITH:
But everything feels off.
(SHUSHES)
No, no, no, no, no, no.
(SHUSHES)
DR. SIMON:
There's so much pressure
to instantly connect.
But every relationship takes
time to grow.
Even with our own children.
It's better that you accept
that you need to try
than to be ashamed
that you need to try.
(SHUSHES)
(BABY ALEX CRIES)
()
JARED:
(MUFFLED SPEECH)
Jeff was up in his face
over $30.
Suddenly it's like all
our expenses
are being scrutinized.
I mean, you should have
seen Claire
trying to hide
the new coffee machine.
I was pissing my pants.
Jeff?
Yeah.
Oh, I told you,
he's the new guy
tightening everyone's belt.
Why all of a sudden?
Are you guys losing money?
Yeah, the money
they're spending on Jeff.
(LAUGHS)
Oh, he smiled!
Oh.
MEREDITH:
It's just gas.
He's too young to smile.
Uh, no, no, I'm telling you,
he liked my story, he smiled!
I'm glad he smiled for you.
I'm sure it's just gas.
Hey.
(GRUNTS)
Work sounds fun.
(SIGHS)
You should take him out.
You both need air.
We're fine. We like bein' home.
(SIGHS)
What does that feel like?
(CRIES)
(SHUSHES)
Like it sounds.
Oh, well, uh,
I did the last feed.
Don't you wanna try?
You don't think I don't try
all day?
You can do it.
It's supposed to be the most
natural thing there is.
Well, maybe it doesn't come
naturally to me.
You could be so good at this
if you tried.
(CRIES)
Quiet!
(COOS)
Fuck me. Holy shit.
I'm sorry.
(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
(SOBS)
()
(BABY ALEX CRYING)
Oh, just... oh.
(SHUSHES)
(CRIES)
I love you.
(SHUSHES)
(BABY ALEX CRYING ON SPEAKER)
(SHUSHES)
MEREDITH:
Come on.
What is wrong with you?
Hmm? Hmm?
(CRIES)
(SIGHS, TAKES DEEP BREATHS)
MEREDITH:
Am I a bad mother?
JARED:
This is not normal.
She doesn't take him
when he cries.
She... she barely talks to him.
Why do you think he cries
with you, Meredith?
Because I'm not good at it.
Because he's scared.
I'm scared.
I mean, we're scared.
DR. SIMON:
Face what scares you.
It takes its power away.
Remember as a child
when you stared hard enough
at the monsters in your room,
you'd realize
they were just shadows?
Um, pile of clothes in a heap,
or your toys.
Just stare at it.
Count to ten.
The monsters aren't real.
There's nothin' to be scared of.
Okay, there's the owl.
Okay, that's the elephant.
(CRIES)
MEREDITH
That's the elephant mommy, okay?
(SHUSHES)
MEREDITH:
And that's Daddy.
Hi.
MEREDITH:
And there's the owl.
(SHUSHES)
Go to sleep.
Go to sleep. Sleep.
(MEREDITH SHUSHING)
(LIGHT FLICKERS)
(DOOR CREAKING)
(BABY ALEX CRYING)
(SHUSHES)
Hey, this is your hallway.
Look, this is your hallway.
Okay. It's okay, baby.
Hey, this is your hallway.
Look, this is your hallway.
Okay.
(SHUSHES)
Don't be afraid.
Not of me.
(SNIFFS)
Oh, oof!
You need a bath.
Hey, baby, hey.
(BABY ALEX CRYING)
()
(SHUSHES)
Hey.
You like this.
(WATER DRIPPING LOUDLY)
I love you.
ALEX:
Mommy?
Mommy.
Mommy.
(TAKES DEEP BREATHS)
She is calling you.
Who?
Oh my God, no, please.
Please leave us alone.
1,
2...
4,
5...
(TAKES DEEP BREATHS)
(WATER DRIPPING)
()
And that's the owl.
JARED:
No, no, no. No, no!
That's the elephant.
JARED:
Oh God!
That's the monkey.
JARED:
What did you do?
That's the elephant.
(JARED CRYING IN BACKGROUND)
And that's the owl.
()
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Everyone's here.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER
IN BACKGROUND)
Um, so, uh, we, um,
we know that, uh, nothing
will ever take this pain away.
And, well, that you
probably wanna die.
But you'll see one day
you'll turn around
and realize that...
(MUFFLED SPEECH)
ROB:
(MUFFLED SPEECH)
KATHERINE:
(MUFFLED SPEECH)
I should've prepared
more things.
Maybe tidied up a bit.
Come over more.
Maybe take him off your hands
like Mom would have.
Why is it so big?
ROB:
Does it matter, Betty.
She said he needed space
to grow.
(SIGHS)
She was unwell,
and I let it simmer.
(SNIFFLES)
ROB:
Accidents can happen to anyon.
(SIGHS)
You need help.
You broke.
But you're not a monster.
When are they coming?
In a half hour.
You want me to stay?
No.
I'm gonna pack
her favorite sweater.
I'll go see her tonight.
She might need me.
No.
Let's just...
She's gonna need to be able
to trust at least one of us
after that.
(INSECTS CRAWLING)
()
(FOOTSTEPS THUMPING)
Not real.
Just stare.
1, 2, 3...
ALEX:
Mommy?
Alex?
Are you real?
Oh my...
You're real.
(DOORBELL BUZZING)
(DOORBELL BUZZING)
They're... they're here
to take you to the hospital.
I can't leave him.
You need help.
They just... they just wanna
take care of you.
Take care of me? What...
For how long?
A few months.
A few months!
Don't you understand
what you did?
A few months in a hospital
is the best
of many terrible options.
Think of our son.
You couldn't be
with our real child,
but you want us to be here
for the ghost in your head?
We're a family.
I can't do this anymore!
Then you go!
Why do I have to go?
I'm staying!
No! What is wrong with you?
Get off of me!
Just... I said...
Okay. Okay.
Get off!
(MEREDITH SOBS, SCREAMS)
(SCRIBBLING)
DR. SIMON:
Are you gonna stay with her?
(SIGHS)
DR. SIMON:
Jared?
JARED:
I don't know,
but I can't be in that house.
DR. SIMON:
Does she know that?
JARED:
Yes, I think
she understands that.
DR. SIMON:
She has to be checked on.
The aftercare plan needs
to be followed.
JARED:
I know.
()
I'm so sorry.
It wasn't better.
(SOBS)
()
(DOOR UNLOCKS)
(DOOR CREAKING)
Jared?
Katherine?
Alex?
(WATER DRIPPING)
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
(RAIN PATTERING)
(WIND BLOWING)
MEREDITH:
1,
2,
4,
3,
5,
7,
6,
8,
9,
(GLASS SHATTERS)
JARED:
What did you do?
No, no. Oh God!
What is wrong with you?
- (LIGHT FLICKERING)
- (RUMBLING)
Mommy.
MEREDITH:
It's not funny anymore.
THE ENTITY:
Meredith.
(THE ENTITY GRUNTS)
(BABY ALEX CRYING)
ALEX:
She is calling you.
She is calling you.
(MUFFLED SPEECH)
- (LOUD BANG)
- Wake up!
(EXCLAIMS)
KATHERINE ON VOICEMAIL:
You've reached Katherine.
I'll call you right back.
(BEEPS)
Hey, it's me.
You were right.
It's a lot bein' home.
God, the pills
are making me crazy,
giving me nightmares.
Come over.
I miss you.
Oh, I'm ramblin'. I'm ramblin'.
Okay? Anyway, bye.
Oh my fucking God.
It's so hot.
(PANTS)
Oh God.
(GRUNTS)
(TAPPING)
Oh fuck.
Oh God.
(GRUNTS)
(PANTS)
(TAPPING)
(INSECTS CRAWLING)
ALEX:
Mom.
Oh my God.
Mom?
Alex.
I've missed you so much.
Please don't leave again.
I won't. I love you.
(TAKES DEEP BREATHS)
JARED:
How you holdin' up?
You seem good.
I am.
You should come over.
I redid his bedroom.
I cleaned up.
It's never been like this
here before.
JARED:
Good, good.
I'm happy to hear that.
You deserve to feel good.
MEREDITH:
Come for dinner this weeken.
JARED:
Um...
MEREDITH:
Katherine's comin'. Betty...
JARED:
Uh, I'm still not ready.
I can't be there.
MEREDITH:
It's just a dinner.
Yay!
MEREDITH:
Just a normal dinner.
How am I supposed to...
(CHUCKLES)
Oh my God.
(GRUNTS)
(CHUCKLES)
JARED:
I don't know.
MEREDITH:
Come on.
We have to start somewhere.
Please, just... just a dinner.
I love you right up to the moon.
And back.
Hey, slugger, get over here.
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday, dear Alex
Happy birthday to you
(BLOWS OUT CANDLES)
JARED:
Okay. Just a dinner.
KATHERINE:
Can you please bring me
the wine glasses?
(MUFFLED SPEECH)
KATHERINE:
Can you please
bring me the wine glasses?
(UTENSILS CLANKING)
Okay.
Okay.
(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
Hey.
What?
It's gonna be okay. Hmm?
Yeah. Okay.
(TAP RUNNING)
(RUMBLING)
Alex. Alex.
BETTY:
Oh, God!
The fucking squirrels
destroyed it all.
Driving me mental.
(MUFFLED CONVERSATION)
ROB:
I spent 200 bucks on tomatoes
and peppers.
You know how many I ate?
Not one.
They ate everything.
And wasteful, too.
They take a bite, drag it off.
You should get that, um,
mesh stuff.
The chicken wire stuff.
Oh, I hate the way
that stuff looks.
MEREDITH:
Mm.
It's like vegetable jail.
(MEREDITH CHUCKLES)
How you feeling?
She's fine.
You don't need to answer for me.
Well, look,
how well you're doing now, hu?
I'm just saying it was, uh,
it's good for you.
(OVEN BEEPS)
Hope everyone's hungry.
Hmm.
JARED:
Her roast is fucking delicious.
Mm, friendly. Not friends.
They're friends.
MEREDITH:
Done.
Hope you all like it pink.
Looks perfect.
Wow, M,
you really outdid yourself!
Beautiful.
So, what were we all
talkin' about?
KATHERINE:
Work. Chit chat.
BETTY:
Mm, boring stuff.
Oh, I can handle borin' stuff.
BETTY:
Well, I... I can't even remember
the topic.
Your, um, your beautiful roast
just wiped my thoughts clean.
Okay, well,
we don't all need to tiptoe.
ROB:
Tiptoe?
We never tip toe around you.
Well, you certainly love
to tiptoe around my windows.
Hey, hey.
How's Sam?
Good.
Uh, we got him all packed up
for summer camp.
(CHUCKLES)
BETTY:
Well, Walmart was having a sale
on ponchos,
so I went out and bought five.
Uh, but then had to return them
because I remembered
that the camp wanted
a full rain get-up,
pants and all.
Um, I mean, sounds exhaustin',
your life.
Buyin' things, returnin' things.
BETTY:
And in traffic,
it's like a whole day.
ROB:
Sam hit two home-runs
at the last game.
We still lost,
but he's getting so good.
Well, Alex was thinkin'
of tryin' out next season.
Hmm?
Um, what did you just say?
I was thinkin' of givin' him
your old bat.
Hmm?
He... he can't try out
for the team, Meredith.
Take it easy. She just got out.
MEREDITH:
Got out?
I wasn't in jail, Jared.
I mean, you would know
if you'd visited, but...
I couldn't.
All I see is him.
He's right here.
Please, M, don't.
MEREDITH:
Finish up, Alex.
it's past your bedtime.
JARED:
He's not... just...
Meredith, you're fine.
You're okay, but he's not here.
M, he's not here.
He's not... he isn't here.
You're okay.
He's not here?
He's not here.
ALEX:
Yes, I am!
We should take her back
to the hospital.
That'll kill her.
She just needs to sleep.
She misses you.
You know, I'm gonna call you
tomorrow, okay?
I'll walk you.
I'm tellin' her.
Don't. Just wait.
I'm not getting promoted.
I'm sorry.
I just...
I can't afford both this house
and my place much longer.
Then get rid of the apartment.
I'm not moving back, M.
You just left me?
What I feel doesn't matter,
Meredith.
I can't move back in with you
even if I do love you.
We're family.
This is home.
I gotta go.
Okay, no, please.
I'm sorry.
Please just stay tonight.
Just until I fall asleep,
please.
Fine.
Just tonight.
And I mean it,
just until you fall asleep.
(SIGHS)
(INSECTS CRAWLING)
(GROANS)
()
Mommy?
Are you mad at me?
Come here.
Does Dad hate us?
No.
He hates himself.
But when he looks in the mirror,
he sees us.
This isn't his home anymore.
For the tooth fairy
to grant my wish.
I want Dad to die.
Don't say that.
Don't say that,
the three of us are family.
Yes. The three of us.
(THE ENTITY GRUNTING)
(GRUNTS)
Oh, what the...
What's this, M?
(CHUCKLES)
It's his first tooth.
JARED:
Enough.
MEREDITH:
What is wrong with you?
JARED:
Me? You need help. Oh my God.
MEREDITH:
Alex is upset!
JARED:
You're fucking crazy.
MEREDITH:
You upset him!
What the fuck?
MEREDITH:
You see?
(PANTS)
(SIGHS)
I just want you to get better.
I'm great.
I can't help you
if you don't let me.
(THE ENTITY GRUNTING)
ALEX:
She's here.
(PANTS)
Oh, please!
Oh, please, let him go!
DR. SIMON ON PHONE:
Look, we're worried about yo.
I heard what happened.
Maybe it's time to get back
on the pill.
Uh, I don't know.
They were making me crazy.
DR. SIMON ON PHONE:
Okay.
What happened with your tooth?
The tooth?
DR. SIMON ON PHONE:
Yeah.
Jared told you about that?
I... (SIGHS)
Um, well, I had a rotten tooth
and it was hurtin' me.
I can't believe he called you.
DR. SIMON ON PHONE:
Meredith, that's... that's...
I don't want them to come back!
DR. SIMON ON PHONE:
It's not what people do
when they have a rotten too.
We're gonna need to check you
more often.
.
DR. MON ON PHONE:
That's not how this works.
Now, you wanna come around more?
- DR. SIMON ON PHONE: Meredith.
- MEREDITH: Fuck this.
Alex, it's okay.
Nobody's coming back.
It's just you and me, buddy.
I wonder where Alex is.
Gotcha!
Oh.
Oh fuck!
ALEX:
Mommy!
Alex!
Alex?
Alex!
Alex, come out!
You're scaring me!
ALEX:
I want it to be just us.
It is. It will be.
ALEX:
Is Dad coming home?
Hey, it's his choice.
I want to choose.
MEREDITH:
Kids don't get to choose.
They just hope to hell
that they're born
in the right home and...
(SIGHS)
If they're not...
(SIGHS)
They're not.
But moms can choose.
We can be a family,
just you and me.
I can't believe
you made all of these.
I'm so proud of you.
What's this?
Is that me?
Is that you?
No.
That's me.
I'm the dragon.
And who's the dragon eating?
ALEX:
That's also Mommy.
()
MEREDITH:
Am I a bad mother?
(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
DR. SIMON:
Do you remember when you started
feeling this way?
(GROANS)
MEREDITH:
Think, Meredith.
Can you see it?
JARED:
What are you doing?
MEREDITH:
What? I'm changin' his diap.
You can't just leave him there.
Wake up.
Will you be okay without me,
taking care of him,
and the house,
and get dinner ready?
Dinner?
KATHERINE:
You're broken.
You're not a monster.
MEREDITH:
I thought you miss this.
(MEREDITH AND JARED MOANING
AND KISSING)
Yeah, I miss that, too.
Just a... just a few more weeks,
right?
The doctor said,
we'd be good to go by now.
Yeah, but you're not ready,
are you?
Not, that's...
That's not what I mean.
Don't do that thing
where you retreat.
Can you hear yourself?
Can you hear yourself?
KATHERINE:
You're not a monster.
MEREDITH:
Am I a bad mother?
I think it's, um...
It's too early to tell.
You knew and you did nothin'.
(RUMBLING)
DR. SIMON:
You ever wanna hurt Jared?
Or yourself?
MEREDITH:
I don't want to.
DR. SIMON:
Meredith?
(SIGHS)
MEREDITH:
When I was a kid,
I had a hamster Delia...
and she was pregnant.
And I was so excited.
It was amazin'.
All these tiny little pink
creatures.
She had like seven of them.
And even though
my mom told me not to,
I held one of the babies
right after it was born.
I held it.
I nuzzled it.
And then I put it back
in its cage
to be with its mother.
And I watched in horror
as Delia ate its head.
She nodded its neck
until it popped off.
I made this sound like...
Like when a cherry
is pulled from its stem.
(mimics a pop)
And it was all because of me.
I held her.
I held it.
I held the baby.
Uh, my smell transferred
and changed Delia's instinct.
My smell confused her.
She... she was
no longer hardwired to love.
Does Alex's smell confuse you?
All I smell is nothin'.
Like damp.
Like our house.
It's like he's been dragged
through its ducts.
You're a great mom.
You're the best kid.
DR. SIMON:
Think, Meredith.
Can you feel it?
See it.
Do you see?
Do you see?
Do you see?
(YELLS)
(PANTS)
Alex?
(SHRIEKS)
Jesus!
(PANTS)
Why are you here?
JARED:
This... this isn't okay, M.
Look around you.
We don't need your help.
Alex and I are fine.
Come on, Meredith.
Alex is dead.
Do you wanna see him?
Of course.
He's in bed.
(SIGHS)
JARED:
Meredith.
He's hiding.
He's scared of you.
Alex?
(SIGHS)
Alex?
Alex?
ALEX:
Mommy?
(DIALER TUNE)
KATHERINE ON PHONE:
Jared?
JARED:
Katherine, I'm, uh,
I'm sorry to call so late.
ALEX:
Mommy?
Mommy.
THE ENTITY:
Meredith.
Don't leave.
(GASPS)
(BABY ALEX CRYING IN DISTANCE)
I'm crying.
I don't wanna do this.
Meredith.
I don't wanna do this.
What are you doing?
No, get off me!
- Get up!
- No! No! Jared, no!
I'm taking you to the hospital!
(OVERLAPPING SPEECH)
He's gonna drown!
Oh, Alex!
Oh!
JARED:
Come with me.
(GROANS)
Just stop makin' it
so fucking hard!
Don't leave me!
(YELLS)
(GROANS)
Mommy!
Don't touch my son.
You don't have a son.
You were never meant to be
a mother.
(GROANS)
(YELLS, PANTS)
(PANTS)
What have we done?
ALEX:
We?
(WATER DRIPPING)
There.
Okay, in to bed.
Goodnight.
I have a present for you.
You're the double-under queen.
Thank you.
But that's not me anymore.
You're still you.
(RUMBLING)
(INSECTS CRAWLING)
There you go.
See? You don't need to cry.
1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9,
(DOOR UNLOCKS, CREAKING)
()
()
Hey!
Hey!
- Okay.
- Wait up, we gotta mark this.
Hey, I'm... I'm exhausted.
Just give me a sec, hey.
Okay.
This is all yours, slugger.
(CHUCKLES)
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
JARED:
You did it, babe.
Hey!
(RUMBLING)
(BANGING)
MEREDITH:
Is somebody here?
()
()
()
()
()
()
(INSECT CRAWLING)
()
()
(INSECT CRAWLING)
()
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
(CREAKING)
(WATER DRIPPING)
()
(WATER RIPPLING)
()
()
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(CROW CAWING)
(SIGHS)
- Okay.
- Wait up, we gotta mark this.
Hey, I'm... I'm exhausted.
Hey, just give me a sec, hey.
Okay.
This is all yours, slugger.
(CHUCKLES)
You did it, babe.
(COOS)
(BOTH GRUNT)
Is somebody here?
Uh, your sister
was here earlier.
She probably just left the door
unlocked.
Oh my God, everything hurts.
(SIGHS)
Oh my God, it stinks in here.
Just a little musty.
(DOOR CREAKS)
MEREDITH:
Oof!
I can't believe
all that came out of me.
(SIGHS)
It was like a pipe exploded
between your legs.
Gross.
But then look what came after.
Come here. Oh.
()
(CRIES)
(GRUNTS)
(JARED SHUSHING IN BACKGROUND)
(GRUNTS)
JARED:
(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
(BABY ALEX COOS)
Yeah.
(BABY ALEX COOS)
Yeah.
Hmm.
Shh, you're so cute.
The itsy-bitsy spider
went up the waterspout
Down...
(SHUSHES)
Came the rain
and washed the spider out
The itsy-bitsy spider
went up the waterspout
- (BABY CRIES)
- (SHUSHES)
The itsy-bitsy spider
Hi.
Okay, put him down.
Put him down,
I got you somethin'.
Okay.
Hey.
All right. Whoops.
Hey.
There. No, no, no, no.
(SHUSHES)
(BABY ALEX CRIES)
- There.
- (SIGHS)
Um, just like... yeah.
Yeah.
(SHUSHES)
There. Ain't that better?
Um, it's a push present.
I was told
that's a thing guys do.
Thank you.
I think I'm actually touchin'
the water.
JARED:
What?
I think I'm actually touchin'
the water!
What did you do to me?
You can do origami
with these things.
Just stop worrying.
It's normal.
(BABY ALEX CRYING)
How'd you feel if your dick
stretched past your knees?
I mean, I'd like it.
That was a bad example.
The internet moms say
you'll shrink back to normal
in like another week or so.
What do the internet moms know
about my fucking destroyed
vagina?
Hey, hey, hey, hey,
we talked about swearing.
No, I just don't get
why you're readin' stuff online.
Because I wanna learn.
And, uh, these women
are hilarious,
but they're also like a...
A supportive community.
Yeah, community.
More like a judgy fucking coven.
(SIGHS)
We like his name, right?
MEREDITH:
Uh, I think. Don't you?
He's such an Alex.
Lil' slugger.
What does that even mean?
He can't be an Alex.
He didn't even do anything ye.
(SIGHS)
MEREDITH:
You can't just decide
to change his name
like a month later.
(GRUNTS)
I don't wanna go back to work.
Are you gonna be okay
without me?
Yeah.
Of course I'll be okay.
I know it's a lot.
Taking care of him in the house
and get dinner ready.
Dinner?
You love cooking.
It doesn't have
to be every night,
but we need to get
into some sort of routine.
Didn't need a routine before.
We weren't a family before.
(GRUNTS)
You know what I miss?
- Mm-hmm.
- Your roast.
Oh, I thought you miss this.
(KISSING, GRUNTING)
()
(BABY ALEX COOS)
Oh yeah, we're good,
you and I, huh?
Yeah.
Okay. Okay. Hmm.
(EXHALES)
(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
Ooh, I didn't know
this was a bump.
(BABY ALEX CRIES)
(SHUSHES)
(DOOR KNOB RATTLES)
What the fuck?
(SCRIBBLING)
(MEREDITH SIGHING)
Tell me what brought you here.
(BABY ALEX CRYING)
()
Oof, stinky.
Ooh!
(SHUSHES)
Oh.
No, no, no, no, no!
Oh!
Oh my God,
you have the worst timing.
Oh!
Oh my God, you're a hose.
You're my dearest hose.
- Hey.
- (COOS)
()
()
(BABY ALEX CRYING)
(MEREDITH SIGHING AND SHUSHING)
Let me see that smile.
Let me see that smile.
Yeah.
Oh yeah.
(BABY ALEX CRYING)
(MEREDITH SHUSHES)
MEREDITH:
(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
Oh, stinky.
Okay, yeah.
Oh, of course, yeah.
I think I finally
got it off the chair.
Ugh, man, this reeks.
- Oh!
- (SHUSHES)
JARED:
What are you...
what are you doing?
Use this.
(SIGHS)
You need to support him.
Oh yeah. Okay.
Good night.
(BABY ALEX CRYING)
Oh, hey.
(SHUSHES)
Oh.
(BABY ALEX CRYING)
There you go. All clean.
See? You don't need to cry.
Hmm?
(INDISTINCT CHATTER OVER PHONE)
(SIZZLING)
KATHERINE:
(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
absolutely driving me bonkers.
My boss's whole family's
comin' to town
and I have to go this restaurant
that's good with kids.
They're bringin' their kids!
I mean, what am I supposed
to do with this?
KATHERINE:
M? Hello? Are you listening?
I miss Mom.
(SCOFFS)
KATHERINE:
Yeah. She'd be babysitting
the fuck out of Alex right now.
Yeah, that would be really nice.
KATHERINE:
She would have been really
proud of you.
All nesting and shit.
I wanna see his face.
Come over then.
KATHERINE:
well, I can't today.
Tomorrow then.
KATHERINE:
I'll try. How is he?
MEREDITH:
He's fine. He's starting
to look like Grandpa.
KATHERINE:
Well, let's hope
he grows out of it.
Hey, what's that crap
around your neck?
Shut up. It's not crap.
It's my present
for rippin' myself in two.
KATHERINE:
That calls for diamonds.
Come on, it's nice.
At least it's not
a fucking horseshoe.
(SCOFFS)
- (TIMER BEEPING)
- (GASPS)
Fuck!
(BABY ALEX CRYING IN BACKGROUND)
KATHERINE:
What... what happened?
(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
M?
(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
Meredith!
(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
(SIGHS)
(BABY ALEX CRYING IN BACKGROUND)
(BANGING)
(TAKES DEEP BREATHS)
JARED:
Hello?
M? I'm home.
Hey, hey.
I lost it.
JARED:
What?
My mind. My temper. I...
I smashed the smoke detector.
(SIGHS)
Is he hungry?
No, I fed him.
When?
I don't know.
Breakfast, lunch.
He's... he's full.
(BABY ALEX CRYING)
Okay, well, maybe, uh,
maybe he just needs
to be changed.
I need a break.
When you get home,
just give me a minute.
I'm just saying I don't think
he should be sitting there
in a dirty diaper.
Well, then why don't you go
change him?
Okay, yeah, I will.
I'm happy to.
(SHUSHES)
JARED:
Hey, yeah,
let's get you comfortable.
(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
...nice clean clothes.
Yeah.
(JARED SHUSHES)
DR. SIMON:
Do you have any help? Parents?
Uh, mine are dead.
Mine are, uh, um,
we're not close.
DR. SIMON:
I'm sorry.
What do you see
when you look at Alex?
Um...
Mm, what do I see? I...
Hey.
MEREDITH:
I don't know what I see.
Um, I see a helpless baby.
Well, do you see accomplishment?
Uh, a burden? The present?
The future?
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
(CRIES)
Hey.
(SHUSHES)
Come here, baby.
(BABY ALEX BURPS)
Oh gosh.
Okay.
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
Oh.
(SHUSHES)
Oh.
(CRIES)
(SHUSHES)
(SHUSHES)
(DOOR CLOSES)
()
(GROANS)
(CRIES)
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
(DOOR RATTLES, CREAKS)
(DOOR KNOB RATTLING)
(DOOR CREAKING)
ALEX:
There it is.
(WIND BLOWING)
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
(BABY ALEX CRYING)
Alex?
(PANTS)
ALEX:
Mommy.
Alex?
(BABY ALEX CRYING)
(TAKES DEEP BREATHS)
(FOOTSTEPS THUDDING)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(SHUSHES)
(SCREAMS)
(PANTS)
M?
MEREDITH:
Yeah.
(BABY ALEX CRYING IN BACKGROUND)
What are you doing?
When did you leave?
I don't know.
You were screaming.
Was I?
I think he's hungry.
Oh no.
(SIGHS)
()
(CRIES)
MEREDITH:
I saw him as a young boy.
I had a vision
of him as a young boy
the other day.
And he spoke.
It felt real.
Well, that's really good
that you see past
this exhausting stage.
It means that you see a future
in your dreams.
That's not how it feels.
I'm going to, um, give you
something to take.
DR. SIMON:
It'll help you feel
a little bit more like yourself.
()
MEREDITH:
I don't get it.
It's so easy for you.
You didn't even want this.
(SIGHS)
Neither did you,
but when it happened,
we wanted what was best, right?
Now he's here.
And I'm a dad, thanks to you.
And you're a mom, thanks to me.
Call me if you need anything.
Mm-hmm.
Just you and me, buddy.
There you go.
See? You don't need to cry.
THE ENTITY:
Meredith.
There you go.
(BABY ALEX CRYING)
(FOOTSTEPS THUMPING)
Hey, hey.
Look! Look, what I got you.
Hey.
Oh fuck, come on.
(WATER DRIPPING)
(LOUD THUDDING)
(FOOTSTEPS)
Hello?
(PANTS)
Oh my God.
Oh no.
Oh. Alex?
()
Oh fuck.
(SHRIEKS)
(PANTS)
Jesus.
You scared the shit out of me!
Oh my God.
KATHERINE:
I didn't mean to.
Oh, it's okay.
What are you doin' here?
(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY) ...okay.
I missed my nephew.
Why didn't you ring
the doorbell?
I did.
You didn't answer,
and I got sick of waiting.
I was just in the basement.
I found a bottle in the fridge.
He was hungry.
Yes, you are.
(TAKES DEEP BREATHS)
MEREDITH:
I was just getting a swing.
Why don't you come over
more often?
You're a pro. You don't need me.
No.
(DOOR CREAKS)
You want a little help
with this?
It's only been three years.
Uh, I don't know
where everything goes.
Well, I'm taking this.
I need a printer.
Just there's so much space
that I feel like nothing fits.
Oh, you're complaining
about too much space?
You're a teacher.
I'm not complaining.
Oh, you loved these.
Double-under queen!
KATHERINE:
You shouldn't have stopped.
You're obsessed.
MEREDITH:
Not anymore.
()
(RADIO STATIC)
ALEX:
Wake up.
Mom.
Wake up. She's here.
(GASPS)
- (BABY ALEX CRYING)
- Oh my God! No!
(SCREAMS)
Go away! (SCREAMS)
- Hey. Hey, hey!
- Go away!
Hey, it's okay. It's okay.
It's me. It's me there.
It's okay.
(PANTS)
Okay. It's okay.
(SOBS)
()
(MACHINE PUMPING)
(MUFFLED SPEECH)
(GASPS)
He just did the cutest thing.
He farted and burped
at the same time.
His face was like, Oh,
what the fuck just happened?
MEREDITH:
Great.
Look at what Betty gave us.
You... you put it on his thingy
when you change his diaper,
so he doesn't pee all up
in the air.
No more hosin' us down!
Gonna keep you contained,
slugger.
(CHUCKLES)
No more hosin' us down.
(SIGHS)
Hey, you sure I should go?
Yeah. Why?
No, it's all good.
Um, I thought maybe
you could clean up a bit
while I'm at work.
I'm not on vacation, Jared.
No, I just mean
when he's napping or something.
Oh, that I shouldn't
take a break
so you can come home
to a perfect house.
Okay.
Will you just stop putting words
in my mouth?
I haven't complained about you
not cleaning.
I haven't said anything about
wanting a perfect house.
Clearly perfect
is not the bar we're setting.
Uh-huh.
And I'm fine with that.
I don't know.
(SIGHS)
JARED:
Okay, what... what are you doing?
Hmm, here.
Nice and tidy for Prince Jared.
JARED:
S... stop it.
Stop what? I'm cleaning. What?
Just... you're being childish.
Huh?
I... I haven't asked for or...
Or wanted a housewife.
I just want some help.
You need help?
Oh!
Yeah, M, just like I help you.
(PANTS)
- Fuckin' go away!
- Go!
- Hey, enough!
- (GROANS)
- Oh, I'm so sorry. Oh my...
- (CRIES)
Fine, fine. It's fine.
Hey. Hey.
(SCREAMS, PANTS)
What is wrong with you?
What is wrong with you?
DR. SIMON:
Do you wanna hurt Alex?
No.
I love him.
DR. SIMON:
I know you do.
Do you feel depressed?
More like I should be replaced.
Like he deserves someone better.
This is so fucked up.
Do you wanna... do you not wanna
be a mom anymore?
That's not at all what I said.
DR. SIMON:
Tell me about
the kitchen incident.
JARED:
She... she's erratic.
Seeing things.
Yelling. Violent.
I'm obviously
twistin' things in my head.
DR. SIMON:
What makes you say that?
I keep seein' our neighbors.
They won't leave me alone.
They're just gardening.
Like always.
I, uh, it's not the first time
I see them.
Of course you fuckin' see them.
They're the neighbors.
They live next door.
They're our friends.
I get that this is fucked up,
Jared.
I... I'm here, aren't I?
I'm... I'm here.
And it's good that you're here.
JARED:
It's good.
I feel like I've woken up
in someone else's life.
DR. SIMON:
You did.
A mother's life.
MEREDITH:
But everything feels off.
(SHUSHES)
No, no, no, no, no, no.
(SHUSHES)
DR. SIMON:
There's so much pressure
to instantly connect.
But every relationship takes
time to grow.
Even with our own children.
It's better that you accept
that you need to try
than to be ashamed
that you need to try.
(SHUSHES)
(BABY ALEX CRIES)
()
JARED:
(MUFFLED SPEECH)
Jeff was up in his face
over $30.
Suddenly it's like all
our expenses
are being scrutinized.
I mean, you should have
seen Claire
trying to hide
the new coffee machine.
I was pissing my pants.
Jeff?
Yeah.
Oh, I told you,
he's the new guy
tightening everyone's belt.
Why all of a sudden?
Are you guys losing money?
Yeah, the money
they're spending on Jeff.
(LAUGHS)
Oh, he smiled!
Oh.
MEREDITH:
It's just gas.
He's too young to smile.
Uh, no, no, I'm telling you,
he liked my story, he smiled!
I'm glad he smiled for you.
I'm sure it's just gas.
Hey.
(GRUNTS)
Work sounds fun.
(SIGHS)
You should take him out.
You both need air.
We're fine. We like bein' home.
(SIGHS)
What does that feel like?
(CRIES)
(SHUSHES)
Like it sounds.
Oh, well, uh,
I did the last feed.
Don't you wanna try?
You don't think I don't try
all day?
You can do it.
It's supposed to be the most
natural thing there is.
Well, maybe it doesn't come
naturally to me.
You could be so good at this
if you tried.
(CRIES)
Quiet!
(COOS)
Fuck me. Holy shit.
I'm sorry.
(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
(SOBS)
()
(BABY ALEX CRYING)
Oh, just... oh.
(SHUSHES)
(CRIES)
I love you.
(SHUSHES)
(BABY ALEX CRYING ON SPEAKER)
(SHUSHES)
MEREDITH:
Come on.
What is wrong with you?
Hmm? Hmm?
(CRIES)
(SIGHS, TAKES DEEP BREATHS)
MEREDITH:
Am I a bad mother?
JARED:
This is not normal.
She doesn't take him
when he cries.
She... she barely talks to him.
Why do you think he cries
with you, Meredith?
Because I'm not good at it.
Because he's scared.
I'm scared.
I mean, we're scared.
DR. SIMON:
Face what scares you.
It takes its power away.
Remember as a child
when you stared hard enough
at the monsters in your room,
you'd realize
they were just shadows?
Um, pile of clothes in a heap,
or your toys.
Just stare at it.
Count to ten.
The monsters aren't real.
There's nothin' to be scared of.
Okay, there's the owl.
Okay, that's the elephant.
(CRIES)
MEREDITH
That's the elephant mommy, okay?
(SHUSHES)
MEREDITH:
And that's Daddy.
Hi.
MEREDITH:
And there's the owl.
(SHUSHES)
Go to sleep.
Go to sleep. Sleep.
(MEREDITH SHUSHING)
(LIGHT FLICKERS)
(DOOR CREAKING)
(BABY ALEX CRYING)
(SHUSHES)
Hey, this is your hallway.
Look, this is your hallway.
Okay. It's okay, baby.
Hey, this is your hallway.
Look, this is your hallway.
Okay.
(SHUSHES)
Don't be afraid.
Not of me.
(SNIFFS)
Oh, oof!
You need a bath.
Hey, baby, hey.
(BABY ALEX CRYING)
()
(SHUSHES)
Hey.
You like this.
(WATER DRIPPING LOUDLY)
I love you.
ALEX:
Mommy?
Mommy.
Mommy.
(TAKES DEEP BREATHS)
She is calling you.
Who?
Oh my God, no, please.
Please leave us alone.
1,
2...
4,
5...
(TAKES DEEP BREATHS)
(WATER DRIPPING)
()
And that's the owl.
JARED:
No, no, no. No, no!
That's the elephant.
JARED:
Oh God!
That's the monkey.
JARED:
What did you do?
That's the elephant.
(JARED CRYING IN BACKGROUND)
And that's the owl.
()
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Everyone's here.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER
IN BACKGROUND)
Um, so, uh, we, um,
we know that, uh, nothing
will ever take this pain away.
And, well, that you
probably wanna die.
But you'll see one day
you'll turn around
and realize that...
(MUFFLED SPEECH)
ROB:
(MUFFLED SPEECH)
KATHERINE:
(MUFFLED SPEECH)
I should've prepared
more things.
Maybe tidied up a bit.
Come over more.
Maybe take him off your hands
like Mom would have.
Why is it so big?
ROB:
Does it matter, Betty.
She said he needed space
to grow.
(SIGHS)
She was unwell,
and I let it simmer.
(SNIFFLES)
ROB:
Accidents can happen to anyon.
(SIGHS)
You need help.
You broke.
But you're not a monster.
When are they coming?
In a half hour.
You want me to stay?
No.
I'm gonna pack
her favorite sweater.
I'll go see her tonight.
She might need me.
No.
Let's just...
She's gonna need to be able
to trust at least one of us
after that.
(INSECTS CRAWLING)
()
(FOOTSTEPS THUMPING)
Not real.
Just stare.
1, 2, 3...
ALEX:
Mommy?
Alex?
Are you real?
Oh my...
You're real.
(DOORBELL BUZZING)
(DOORBELL BUZZING)
They're... they're here
to take you to the hospital.
I can't leave him.
You need help.
They just... they just wanna
take care of you.
Take care of me? What...
For how long?
A few months.
A few months!
Don't you understand
what you did?
A few months in a hospital
is the best
of many terrible options.
Think of our son.
You couldn't be
with our real child,
but you want us to be here
for the ghost in your head?
We're a family.
I can't do this anymore!
Then you go!
Why do I have to go?
I'm staying!
No! What is wrong with you?
Get off of me!
Just... I said...
Okay. Okay.
Get off!
(MEREDITH SOBS, SCREAMS)
(SCRIBBLING)
DR. SIMON:
Are you gonna stay with her?
(SIGHS)
DR. SIMON:
Jared?
JARED:
I don't know,
but I can't be in that house.
DR. SIMON:
Does she know that?
JARED:
Yes, I think
she understands that.
DR. SIMON:
She has to be checked on.
The aftercare plan needs
to be followed.
JARED:
I know.
()
I'm so sorry.
It wasn't better.
(SOBS)
()
(DOOR UNLOCKS)
(DOOR CREAKING)
Jared?
Katherine?
Alex?
(WATER DRIPPING)
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
(RAIN PATTERING)
(WIND BLOWING)
MEREDITH:
1,
2,
4,
3,
5,
7,
6,
8,
9,
(GLASS SHATTERS)
JARED:
What did you do?
No, no. Oh God!
What is wrong with you?
- (LIGHT FLICKERING)
- (RUMBLING)
Mommy.
MEREDITH:
It's not funny anymore.
THE ENTITY:
Meredith.
(THE ENTITY GRUNTS)
(BABY ALEX CRYING)
ALEX:
She is calling you.
She is calling you.
(MUFFLED SPEECH)
- (LOUD BANG)
- Wake up!
(EXCLAIMS)
KATHERINE ON VOICEMAIL:
You've reached Katherine.
I'll call you right back.
(BEEPS)
Hey, it's me.
You were right.
It's a lot bein' home.
God, the pills
are making me crazy,
giving me nightmares.
Come over.
I miss you.
Oh, I'm ramblin'. I'm ramblin'.
Okay? Anyway, bye.
Oh my fucking God.
It's so hot.
(PANTS)
Oh God.
(GRUNTS)
(TAPPING)
Oh fuck.
Oh God.
(GRUNTS)
(PANTS)
(TAPPING)
(INSECTS CRAWLING)
ALEX:
Mom.
Oh my God.
Mom?
Alex.
I've missed you so much.
Please don't leave again.
I won't. I love you.
(TAKES DEEP BREATHS)
JARED:
How you holdin' up?
You seem good.
I am.
You should come over.
I redid his bedroom.
I cleaned up.
It's never been like this
here before.
JARED:
Good, good.
I'm happy to hear that.
You deserve to feel good.
MEREDITH:
Come for dinner this weeken.
JARED:
Um...
MEREDITH:
Katherine's comin'. Betty...
JARED:
Uh, I'm still not ready.
I can't be there.
MEREDITH:
It's just a dinner.
Yay!
MEREDITH:
Just a normal dinner.
How am I supposed to...
(CHUCKLES)
Oh my God.
(GRUNTS)
(CHUCKLES)
JARED:
I don't know.
MEREDITH:
Come on.
We have to start somewhere.
Please, just... just a dinner.
I love you right up to the moon.
And back.
Hey, slugger, get over here.
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday, dear Alex
Happy birthday to you
(BLOWS OUT CANDLES)
JARED:
Okay. Just a dinner.
KATHERINE:
Can you please bring me
the wine glasses?
(MUFFLED SPEECH)
KATHERINE:
Can you please
bring me the wine glasses?
(UTENSILS CLANKING)
Okay.
Okay.
(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
Hey.
What?
It's gonna be okay. Hmm?
Yeah. Okay.
(TAP RUNNING)
(RUMBLING)
Alex. Alex.
BETTY:
Oh, God!
The fucking squirrels
destroyed it all.
Driving me mental.
(MUFFLED CONVERSATION)
ROB:
I spent 200 bucks on tomatoes
and peppers.
You know how many I ate?
Not one.
They ate everything.
And wasteful, too.
They take a bite, drag it off.
You should get that, um,
mesh stuff.
The chicken wire stuff.
Oh, I hate the way
that stuff looks.
MEREDITH:
Mm.
It's like vegetable jail.
(MEREDITH CHUCKLES)
How you feeling?
She's fine.
You don't need to answer for me.
Well, look,
how well you're doing now, hu?
I'm just saying it was, uh,
it's good for you.
(OVEN BEEPS)
Hope everyone's hungry.
Hmm.
JARED:
Her roast is fucking delicious.
Mm, friendly. Not friends.
They're friends.
MEREDITH:
Done.
Hope you all like it pink.
Looks perfect.
Wow, M,
you really outdid yourself!
Beautiful.
So, what were we all
talkin' about?
KATHERINE:
Work. Chit chat.
BETTY:
Mm, boring stuff.
Oh, I can handle borin' stuff.
BETTY:
Well, I... I can't even remember
the topic.
Your, um, your beautiful roast
just wiped my thoughts clean.
Okay, well,
we don't all need to tiptoe.
ROB:
Tiptoe?
We never tip toe around you.
Well, you certainly love
to tiptoe around my windows.
Hey, hey.
How's Sam?
Good.
Uh, we got him all packed up
for summer camp.
(CHUCKLES)
BETTY:
Well, Walmart was having a sale
on ponchos,
so I went out and bought five.
Uh, but then had to return them
because I remembered
that the camp wanted
a full rain get-up,
pants and all.
Um, I mean, sounds exhaustin',
your life.
Buyin' things, returnin' things.
BETTY:
And in traffic,
it's like a whole day.
ROB:
Sam hit two home-runs
at the last game.
We still lost,
but he's getting so good.
Well, Alex was thinkin'
of tryin' out next season.
Hmm?
Um, what did you just say?
I was thinkin' of givin' him
your old bat.
Hmm?
He... he can't try out
for the team, Meredith.
Take it easy. She just got out.
MEREDITH:
Got out?
I wasn't in jail, Jared.
I mean, you would know
if you'd visited, but...
I couldn't.
All I see is him.
He's right here.
Please, M, don't.
MEREDITH:
Finish up, Alex.
it's past your bedtime.
JARED:
He's not... just...
Meredith, you're fine.
You're okay, but he's not here.
M, he's not here.
He's not... he isn't here.
You're okay.
He's not here?
He's not here.
ALEX:
Yes, I am!
We should take her back
to the hospital.
That'll kill her.
She just needs to sleep.
She misses you.
You know, I'm gonna call you
tomorrow, okay?
I'll walk you.
I'm tellin' her.
Don't. Just wait.
I'm not getting promoted.
I'm sorry.
I just...
I can't afford both this house
and my place much longer.
Then get rid of the apartment.
I'm not moving back, M.
You just left me?
What I feel doesn't matter,
Meredith.
I can't move back in with you
even if I do love you.
We're family.
This is home.
I gotta go.
Okay, no, please.
I'm sorry.
Please just stay tonight.
Just until I fall asleep,
please.
Fine.
Just tonight.
And I mean it,
just until you fall asleep.
(SIGHS)
(INSECTS CRAWLING)
(GROANS)
()
Mommy?
Are you mad at me?
Come here.
Does Dad hate us?
No.
He hates himself.
But when he looks in the mirror,
he sees us.
This isn't his home anymore.
For the tooth fairy
to grant my wish.
I want Dad to die.
Don't say that.
Don't say that,
the three of us are family.
Yes. The three of us.
(THE ENTITY GRUNTING)
(GRUNTS)
Oh, what the...
What's this, M?
(CHUCKLES)
It's his first tooth.
JARED:
Enough.
MEREDITH:
What is wrong with you?
JARED:
Me? You need help. Oh my God.
MEREDITH:
Alex is upset!
JARED:
You're fucking crazy.
MEREDITH:
You upset him!
What the fuck?
MEREDITH:
You see?
(PANTS)
(SIGHS)
I just want you to get better.
I'm great.
I can't help you
if you don't let me.
(THE ENTITY GRUNTING)
ALEX:
She's here.
(PANTS)
Oh, please!
Oh, please, let him go!
DR. SIMON ON PHONE:
Look, we're worried about yo.
I heard what happened.
Maybe it's time to get back
on the pill.
Uh, I don't know.
They were making me crazy.
DR. SIMON ON PHONE:
Okay.
What happened with your tooth?
The tooth?
DR. SIMON ON PHONE:
Yeah.
Jared told you about that?
I... (SIGHS)
Um, well, I had a rotten tooth
and it was hurtin' me.
I can't believe he called you.
DR. SIMON ON PHONE:
Meredith, that's... that's...
I don't want them to come back!
DR. SIMON ON PHONE:
It's not what people do
when they have a rotten too.
We're gonna need to check you
more often.
.
DR. MON ON PHONE:
That's not how this works.
Now, you wanna come around more?
- DR. SIMON ON PHONE: Meredith.
- MEREDITH: Fuck this.
Alex, it's okay.
Nobody's coming back.
It's just you and me, buddy.
I wonder where Alex is.
Gotcha!
Oh.
Oh fuck!
ALEX:
Mommy!
Alex!
Alex?
Alex!
Alex, come out!
You're scaring me!
ALEX:
I want it to be just us.
It is. It will be.
ALEX:
Is Dad coming home?
Hey, it's his choice.
I want to choose.
MEREDITH:
Kids don't get to choose.
They just hope to hell
that they're born
in the right home and...
(SIGHS)
If they're not...
(SIGHS)
They're not.
But moms can choose.
We can be a family,
just you and me.
I can't believe
you made all of these.
I'm so proud of you.
What's this?
Is that me?
Is that you?
No.
That's me.
I'm the dragon.
And who's the dragon eating?
ALEX:
That's also Mommy.
()
MEREDITH:
Am I a bad mother?
(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
DR. SIMON:
Do you remember when you started
feeling this way?
(GROANS)
MEREDITH:
Think, Meredith.
Can you see it?
JARED:
What are you doing?
MEREDITH:
What? I'm changin' his diap.
You can't just leave him there.
Wake up.
Will you be okay without me,
taking care of him,
and the house,
and get dinner ready?
Dinner?
KATHERINE:
You're broken.
You're not a monster.
MEREDITH:
I thought you miss this.
(MEREDITH AND JARED MOANING
AND KISSING)
Yeah, I miss that, too.
Just a... just a few more weeks,
right?
The doctor said,
we'd be good to go by now.
Yeah, but you're not ready,
are you?
Not, that's...
That's not what I mean.
Don't do that thing
where you retreat.
Can you hear yourself?
Can you hear yourself?
KATHERINE:
You're not a monster.
MEREDITH:
Am I a bad mother?
I think it's, um...
It's too early to tell.
You knew and you did nothin'.
(RUMBLING)
DR. SIMON:
You ever wanna hurt Jared?
Or yourself?
MEREDITH:
I don't want to.
DR. SIMON:
Meredith?
(SIGHS)
MEREDITH:
When I was a kid,
I had a hamster Delia...
and she was pregnant.
And I was so excited.
It was amazin'.
All these tiny little pink
creatures.
She had like seven of them.
And even though
my mom told me not to,
I held one of the babies
right after it was born.
I held it.
I nuzzled it.
And then I put it back
in its cage
to be with its mother.
And I watched in horror
as Delia ate its head.
She nodded its neck
until it popped off.
I made this sound like...
Like when a cherry
is pulled from its stem.
(mimics a pop)
And it was all because of me.
I held her.
I held it.
I held the baby.
Uh, my smell transferred
and changed Delia's instinct.
My smell confused her.
She... she was
no longer hardwired to love.
Does Alex's smell confuse you?
All I smell is nothin'.
Like damp.
Like our house.
It's like he's been dragged
through its ducts.
You're a great mom.
You're the best kid.
DR. SIMON:
Think, Meredith.
Can you feel it?
See it.
Do you see?
Do you see?
Do you see?
(YELLS)
(PANTS)
Alex?
(SHRIEKS)
Jesus!
(PANTS)
Why are you here?
JARED:
This... this isn't okay, M.
Look around you.
We don't need your help.
Alex and I are fine.
Come on, Meredith.
Alex is dead.
Do you wanna see him?
Of course.
He's in bed.
(SIGHS)
JARED:
Meredith.
He's hiding.
He's scared of you.
Alex?
(SIGHS)
Alex?
Alex?
ALEX:
Mommy?
(DIALER TUNE)
KATHERINE ON PHONE:
Jared?
JARED:
Katherine, I'm, uh,
I'm sorry to call so late.
ALEX:
Mommy?
Mommy.
THE ENTITY:
Meredith.
Don't leave.
(GASPS)
(BABY ALEX CRYING IN DISTANCE)
I'm crying.
I don't wanna do this.
Meredith.
I don't wanna do this.
What are you doing?
No, get off me!
- Get up!
- No! No! Jared, no!
I'm taking you to the hospital!
(OVERLAPPING SPEECH)
He's gonna drown!
Oh, Alex!
Oh!
JARED:
Come with me.
(GROANS)
Just stop makin' it
so fucking hard!
Don't leave me!
(YELLS)
(GROANS)
Mommy!
Don't touch my son.
You don't have a son.
You were never meant to be
a mother.
(GROANS)
(YELLS, PANTS)
(PANTS)
What have we done?
ALEX:
We?
(WATER DRIPPING)
There.
Okay, in to bed.
Goodnight.
I have a present for you.
You're the double-under queen.
Thank you.
But that's not me anymore.
You're still you.
(RUMBLING)
(INSECTS CRAWLING)
There you go.
See? You don't need to cry.
1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9,
(DOOR UNLOCKS, CREAKING)
()
()
Hey!
Hey!
- Okay.
- Wait up, we gotta mark this.
Hey, I'm... I'm exhausted.
Just give me a sec, hey.
Okay.
This is all yours, slugger.
(CHUCKLES)
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
JARED:
You did it, babe.
Hey!
(RUMBLING)
(BANGING)
MEREDITH:
Is somebody here?
()
()
()