Outerlands (2025) Movie Script
1
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(BEEPING IN RETRO VIDEO GAME)
(BEEPING CONTINUES)
(BEEPING GROWING LOUDER)
(THUMPING)
(VIDEO GAME STOPS)
(VIDEO GAME RESUMES)
(THUMPING)
(GIRL) Ow!
-(GIRL 2) Stop it.
-(GIRL 1) No!
-Give it back.
-No!
-It's my phone!
-No!
-Oh my God.
-No!
-What's going on?
-She hit me.
She wouldn't give me back
the phone.
I thought you were
with the tutor.
-She left.
-She hurt me.
She hurt me too.
-Okay, where does it hurt?
-Right here.
Zhoop!
Zhoop!
Can you be a pony
and we ride you?
-Charge!
-Hey, wait up.
(UPBEAT JAZZ PLAYS
IN BACKGROUND)
(LIVELY CHATTER)
-Any news on those shifts?
-No.
(MAN) Excuse me?
More bread, please?
Boo! Where you been, fam?
Haven't seen you out
in a while.
Yeah, just busy.
Gettin' busy, or...?
Hey, Javier and I are gonna
check out that new bar
on Kearny tonight.
Supposedly they have
a queer night.
Yeah, well, you know
how it is these days.
Beggars can't be--
(CLATTERING, GLASS SHATTERING)
(APPLAUSE)
I can't believe
I haven't done that.
Hey... you got
anything on you?
Kinda wanna turn up tonight.
-Leave it in your locker?
-Thanks, babe.
I'll text you
when we get to the bar.
(DOOR CREAKING OPEN)
(KEYS CLANK)
(SIGHS)
(ITEMS CLANKING ON NIGHTSTAND)
(SIGHS)
(BEEPING IN VIDEO GAME)
(MESSAGE CHIMES)
(VIDEO GAME TRILLS, STOPS)
(THUMPING MUSIC PLAYS,
BUILDING)
(ENGINE RUMBLING)
(THUMPING MUSIC
CONTINUES FROM BAR)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(ENGINE PUTTERING)
(ENGINE SHUTS OFF)
(DISTANT SIREN WAILING)
(SOFT DRONES OF A CHOIR)
("SPIRITUS SANCTUS"
BY HILDEGARD VON BINGEN PLAYS)
(MUSIC FADES)
(GARBAGE CLATTERING, THUMPING)
(GARBAGE TRUCK BEEPING,
RUMBLING)
(BRAKES HISSING)
(BOTTLES CLINKING SOFTLY)
(BOTTLES CLINKING)
(BIRDS CHIRPING, CAWING)
(ENGINE RUMBLING)
(BOTTLES CLINKING)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
...'cause I just wasn't aware
of this.
I'm just, like, slightly
confused right now because...
My work doesn't
actually pay me...
My work
doesn't actually pay me
for like another two weeks.
(K-POP SONG PLAYS ON RADIO)
(METALLIC CLANKING)
Hey.
Oh. (CHUCKLES)
Hi.
(METALLIC CLANKING)
You live around here?
Not far. You?
Down the street.
(KALLI) Oh, I got you.
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
That was so embarrassing
last night.
What was?
Dropping the tray.
Don't act like
you didn't see it.
I mean, we've all done it.
You've done that?
(SOFTLY) No.
Then shut the fuck up.
(BOTH CHUCKLE)
-What street are you on?
-Huh?
You said you live around here?
Oh yeah, we're, uh,
over on Taraval.
Just subletting
till we find something.
Who's "we"?
-My daughter.
-She's cute.
-Till she's not.
-I know how that goes.
I... I take care of kids.
Oh.
So you're like...
Mary Poppins?
More like Peter Pan.
So how come you're not out?
Saturday night.
Nowhere to go.
Is that bar down the street
any good?
It's okay.
Hey, your clothes are done.
Uh, thank you.
Do you want me to fix that?
My daughter's always doing
that to her sleeves.
(SOFTLY) That should do it.
Well, I guess
my clothes are done.
It was nice running into you.
That bar down the street
is actually pretty cool.
I mean, if you like dive bars.
Are you asking me out,
Peter Pan?
("NUNC APERUIT NOBIS"
BY HILDEGARD VON BINGEN PLAYS)
(LAUGHING SOFTLY)
(BOTH MOAN)
(SHOES CLUNKING OFF)
(LAUGHING)
Don't look at that. It's old.
(MOANING SOFTLY,
HEAVY BREATHING)
(SOFTLY) I want you inside me.
(DRAWER SLIDING OPEN)
Like this?
Yeah. (CHUCKLES)
(OBJECT RATTLES)
Nice lamp.
(LAUGHS)
(EXHALES)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(MUSIC FADES)
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
(CHILDREN CHATTERING)
-How was school?
-Good.
Did you learn a lot?
-Yeah.
-No.
Jeez, what do you have
in this thing, bricks?
(LAUGHS)
-Think we can make it?
-Yeah.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)
(MOTHER) So, okay.
Well, tell me some more.
How was your teacher today?
-(GIRL) She was good.
-(MOTHER) Uh-huh, uh-huh.
And did you play
with your friends?
-Uh-huh?
-(GIRL) Yeah, outside.
-(MOTHER) Yeah?
-(GIRL) And guess what?
(MOTHER) What?
We did art, science, math.
Uh-huh?
And at recess,
we played zombie tag
-and freeze tag.
-Ooh!
(GIRL) What are those cards?
This is how Mommy pays
for things.
Hey, remind me, um, how
to spell your last name again.
Oh, cash would be better,
if you have it.
Ooh, right. Sorry. (LAUGHS)
Okay, okay. Eighty, right?
-Can I do it?
-Uh... yeah, mm-hmm.
-Great.
-So, ten...
Mm-hmm.
Thirty.
-Forty.
-Okay, sweetie, sweetie,
I'm sure Cass
has somewhere to be.
(FAINTLY) So, twenty...
(GIGGLES)
(STRING TRIMMER WHIRRING)
Okay, here you go.
(LATIN POP MUSIC PLAYING)
(MUSIC STOPS)
(EXHALES)
(CASS) Shit.
(PHONE VIBRATING)
-Hey.
-(KALLI) Hi.
-Are you busy?
-No, not at all.
(KALLI) I'm so sorry
to call so early.
No, I mean, it's fine.
I've been awake for a while.
(KALLI) There's something
I wanted to ask you.
-Sure.
-It's kind of a big favor.
Okay.
I got this gig back in Reno.
It's just a couple days,
and I could really use
the work,
and I was wondering...
Is there any chance
you could watch my kid
while I'm gone?
Like, babysit?
(KALLI) I mean,
she's almost 12.
She doesn't really need
a babysitter,
but, you know,
it's a new city,
and I just don't want her
staying alone.
If it's too weird, no worries.
I'll figure something out.
It's just, I work late
some nights.
(KALLI) Oh, well,
she's used to that.
And she'd be super respectful
of your space.
Oh, she'd be staying with me?
(KALLI) Yeah.
My roommate's a guy...
I-I would just feel better
if she wasn't there... alone.
-Right.
-I'd pay you, obviously.
I mean, whatever your rate is.
If it's too much, don't worry
about it. I-I'll just...
I can watch her.
(KALLI) You can... (SIGHS)
Oh my God,
you're my fucking hero.
Oh, I got your text
last night.
Oh. Yeah, sorry about that.
I was just...
(KALLI) Don't be sorry.
I was thinking about you too.
(ENGINE RUMBLING)
(ENGINE SHUTS OFF)
(MELLOW MUSIC PLAYING)
(MUSIC FADES)
-You want help with that?
-I'm fine.
(DOOR CREAKING OPEN)
(KEYS CLANK)
The couch doesn't pull out
or anything,
but it's pretty comfortable.
I can get you more blankets
if you need them.
Just let me know.
You hungry?
We can order pizza.
I'm fine.
(RUSTLING)
Oh, there's one over there.
(ELECTRONIC VIDEO GAME MUSIC
PLAYING)
What time's your school start?
7:45.
I can take you.
Should we call your mom,
tell her you got here okay?
She's driving.
It's bad reception.
Well...
I'm gonna go shower.
You can smoke pot in here.
I don't care.
(DOOR CLOSES)
(WATER RUNNING)
(LINE TRILLING)
Hey, it's Kalli.
Leave a message.
-(BEEP)
-Hey, it's me.
It's Cass.
Just wanted to let you know
she's here
and everything's fine.
Anyway,
hope your drive's going okay.
Yeah, just give me
a call if you want.
-(BEEP)
-(AUTOMATED VOICE) Thank you.
(VIDEO GAME MUSIC CONTINUES)
(ALARM BEEPING)
(ALARM STOPS)
(TRAFFIC PASSING BY)
(PHONE CLOSES)
(PHONE CLACKS ON NIGHTSTAND)
(LATIN POP MUSIC PLAYING)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
You didn't miss much
the other night.
At the bar.
Oh yeah. Sorry.
Something came up.
Yeah, well, it was all, like,
21-year-olds on their phones.
What's the point
of going to a bar
if you're just gonna be
on your phone the whole time?
Hey. Either of you heard
from Kalli?
Girl asked for more shifts,
but she doesn't answer
my call.
Uh, yeah, I think she's having
problems with her phone.
Hm. Yeah, well, now she's
having problems with her job.
(WOMAN) Leo?
(LEO CLEARS THROAT)
(SUPPRESSED LAUGHTER)
So... you've been getting
to know the new girl.
It's not like that.
What's it like, then?
Nothing.
We just hung out
the other night.
(EMILE) Mm-hmm...
Hey, so this guy I'm seeing is
hosting a party for his office
at that new hotel
on Market Street.
Open bar.
You wanna come?
Do you need something?
No, silly. I'm inviting you.
Actually, I could use
some backup.
If I have to listen
to one more person
talking about how their app
is saving the world...
(LEO) Emile?
Can you help with this?
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
Sure.
-You'll come?
-Can I bring someone?
Of course you can, honey!
(ENGINE RUMBLING)
-(BRAKES SQUEAL)
-(ENGINE SHUTS OFF)
-Come on.
-Where are we going?
There's no food up there.
("RETURN" BY DAVE MIHALY
PLAYS IN BACKGROUND)
What game is that?
Hungry Ghosts.
I don't know that one.
The usual for you, sweetie?
-Yes, please.
-All right.
And what about you,
little miss?
How about a grilled cheese?
That's what my kids
are having.
-Okay.
-You got it.
(KIDS CHATTERING)
-How was school?
-Fine.
You have homework?
I did it at the library.
Have you heard from your mom?
I forgot to wash my hands.
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
(PHONE CLOSES)
(RUSTLING)
We can go by your apartment
if you need anything.
I'm fine.
I'm off in ten, but no rush.
-My mom will pay you back.
-I know.
Try in there.
(VIDEO GAME ACHIEVEMENCHIMES)
Hey.
(CHUCKLING)
Hey.
Watch this.
Oh! (LAUGHS)
Shoot.
(SERVER)
What is going on here?
-(CHUCKLES) Nothing.
-(SERVER) Mm-hmm!
(BOTH LAUGHING)
(SILVERWARE CLATTERING)
(BOTH LAUGHING)
(PEN CLICKS)
(MELLOW MUSIC PLAYING)
-(MUSIC FADES)
-(ENGINE RUMBLING)
-(CHILDREN CHATTERING)
-(ENGINE SHUTS OFF)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
See you at the library?
(SARCASTICALLY)
Hey, nice jacket.
(GIGGLING)
(LOBBY MUSIC PLAYS
IN BACKGROUND)
-(BANKER) You got the loan.
-(WOMAN SIGHS)
(LAUGHTER)
(BANKER) That's gotta be
a load off of your mind.
We'll finish the paperwork.
Congratulations.
All right, good to see ya.
Come on in.
(KEYBOARD CLACKING)
I know there are
some fees on there.
I tried to pay it
at the counter, but--
Give me a break.
Computer froze.
Sometimes I miss good old
pen and paper, you know?
Restart. (SIGHS)
(COMPUTER POWERING DOWN)
So, landlord's switching
things up on ya, huh?
They just wanna do
things differently.
Yeah, well, we know
how that goes.
-(COMPUTER CHIMES)
-Oh, okey-dokey.
(COMPUTER POWERING ON)
(KEYBOARD CLACKING)
Ah, here we go.
Looks like you had a couple
of overdrafts in January.
Looks like at, uh,
City Medical?
Yeah, I thought I made
a deposit to cover that.
Oh please.
When I was your age,
I was overdrafting
on whiskey and weed.
Okay, so,
you're gonna have to pay
the fees on the overages
and, oh, yeah, the charge
for going under
the minimum balance.
And, uh, yeah,
your monthly inactivity fees.
All this... adds up.
So, all told, we're looking at
$437.35.
That's what I owe?
Tell you what.
You cover the overdraft,
I'll make sure we don't
hit you with any more fees,
and then we can set up
a payment plan.
How's that sound?
I'll just pay the whole thing.
-Or that.
-Next week okay?
Sure. Of course.
Full disclosure.
I used to volunteer
for Safe Rides S.F.
Drove you home from The Grotto
a couple times?
I'm from Indiana...
we talked about the Midwest.
-Sorry.
-Oh, don't be.
That's what we were there for.
So, you been back
to Michigan lately?
No. Thanks for your help.
Of course.
I can probably get the money
sooner, like end of the week.
Whatever works.
(ENGINE RUMBLING)
(ENGINE SHUTS OFF)
(CHILDREN CHATTERING)
Hey, it's Kalli.
Leave a message.
-(BEEP)
-Hey, it's Cass.
Sorry to bother you.
I was just, uh, wondering
when you were coming back.
Maybe you told me
and I forgot.
Anyway, everything's fine.
Uh, I was just wondering.
Oh, um, Emile, you know,
from the restaurant,
he invited us to this thing
tomorrow night.
Maybe if you're back in time,
you'd want to go.
-Just let me know--
-(BEEP)
-(AUTOMATED VOICE) Thank you.
-(LINE DISCONNECTS)
(SIGHS)
(CHILDREN CHATTERING)
(WOMAN SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)
-(WOMAN) Good job.
-(CHILD CHATTERING)
(WOMAN) Keep your eyes
up front, okay?
I'd really appreciate it.
(LIBRARIAN) Today's story is
The Runaway Bunny.
"Once,
there was a little bunny
who wanted to run away.
So he said to his mother,
'I am running away.'"
"'If you run away,'
said his mother,
I will run after you,
for you are my little bunny.'"
(MELLOW MUSIC PLAYING)
"'If you run after me,'
said the little bunny,
I will become a fish
in a trout stream,
and I will swim
away from you.'"
"'If you become a fish
in a trout stream,
I will become a fisherman,
and I will fish for you.'"
And then look at the picture.
(LIBRARIAN GASPS)
Do you guys see?
You shouldn't leave
your stuff like that.
(CHILDREN CHATTERING)
-Are we going to the diner?
-Not tonight.
(WATER BOILING)
(MUSIC FADES)
-You have homework?
-I did it at the library.
What's that?
Oh. I forgot about that one.
(RUSTLING)
What's your mom doing
in Reno? She didn't tell me.
-She went for work.
-I know, but...
Probably selling clothes.
She makes clothes.
She can make me
anything I want her to.
Did she tell you
how long she'd be gone?
(PHONE VIBRATING)
(PHONE CHIMES)
(PHONE CLACKS ON TABLE)
(PHONE CLOSES)
This school is so easy.
My mom taught me these words
in fourth grade.
Usually she homeschools me.
The only reason why
I'm going to that school
is she was getting stressed.
-Does she get stressed a lot?
-Finished.
(SIGHS)
(BASS HEAVY MUSIC
PLAYS NEXT DOOR)
I think I left my charger
at the library.
Can we go back?
They're closed.
We'll get it tomorrow.
It should be ready.
My mom
doesn't let me eat that.
(PHONE VIBRATING)
(PHONE CHIMES)
(PHONE CLOSES)
-Come on.
-Where are we going?
Somewhere you'll like.
(MELLOW MUSIC PLAYING)
(DANCE MUSIC PLAYING)
-(VIDEO GAME MUSIC PLAYS)
-(GAMES DINGING)
This one's good.
(COINS JINGLING)
Be right back.
Where are you going?
I'll be back.
(NEARBY LAUGHTER)
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
(PINBALL MACHINE CLACKING)
-Can I get a beer?
-(WORKER) Yeah.
-Two, actually.
-(DANCE MUSIC CONTINUES)
(BOTTLE CLINKS)
Hey, this game's being played.
You can't let people get
in your space like that.
(COIN CLINKING INTO MACHINE)
Come on. Try again.
(VIDEO GAME MUSIC PLAYS)
The thing about this game is
it's all about
the turbo speed.
Watch. When you press
these two buttons together...
(VIDEO GAME BEEPING)
You watching?
-(BUTTONS CLICKING)
-(BEEPING CONTINUES)
(SIGHS)
(PROLONGED SOLEMN NOTE PLAYS)
(SOFT THUD)
(SOLEMN MUSIC PLAYING)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
Hi! Hi!
(ENGINE STARTING)
Come on. We're gonna be late.
(CAR HONKING)
(SCHOOL BELL CHIMING)
(CHILDREN SHOUTING PLAYFULLY)
Hey.
(ENGINE SHUTS OFF)
Remember where to leave it?
(SCHOOL BELL CHIMES)
("DESC ME" BY LENA RAINE
PLAYS)
(ENGINE SHUTS OFF)
(MUSIC FADES)
(DOORBELL BUZZING)
(THUMPING)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Is Kalli here?
She left last week.
Did she say
when she's coming back?
No.
-Who are you?
-A friend.
One sec.
(THUD)
(CLANKING)
Uh, she left this stuff.
Can't she just get it
when she gets back?
Oh, she's not coming back.
("HERE WE GO"
BY CHRISTOPHER OWENS PLAYS)
(PHONE VIBRATING)
(DOORBELL BUZZING)
Ari?
(BASS-HEAVY MUSIC
PLAYS NEXT DOOR)
-(SIREN WAILING)
-(CAR ALARM CHIRPING)
(BASEBALL GAME
PLAYING ON RADIO)
(PHONE LINE TRILLING)
(CAR ALARM WAILING)
You have reached
Ari's cell phone.
Leave a message
if you want to.
(BEEP)
(ALARM CONTINUES WAILING)
(UPTEMPO DANCE MUSIC PLAYS)
(PINBALL MACHINES DINGING)
What are you doing?
Maybe we should call someone,
a relative...
-No.
-But what if she--
-I said no!
-Ari!
-(ARI SOBBING)
-Hey, hey, hey!
No, she's coming back! She is!
-You stupid idiot!
-Okay, okay, okay, okay.
-I've got you. I've got you.
-(CRYING)
You're with me.
You're with me.
(SOBBING SOFTLY)
(PROLONGED SOLEMN NOTE PLAYS)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
-What's that?
-It's for the dog.
In case she comes back.
-Where'd you get that?
-I sold my game.
I was sick of it anyway.
It's for me.
(SHOWER RUNNING)
(SOLEMN MUSIC PLAYING)
(SHOWER TURNS OFF)
-(SILVERWARE CLINKING)
-(DRAWER SLIDING CLOSED)
Has she done this before?
Done what?
Left you with someone.
She forgot her charger.
That's why she hasn't called.
Who were those kids?
-What kids?
-At your school.
They said something to you
the other morning.
Just some stupid kids.
I don't care about them.
Do you ever say anything back?
Like what?
You have snot on your face.
-I don't.
-(CHUCKLING)
Try it.
Come on, you can do it.
You have snot on your face.
You have to really mean it.
Really see the snot.
You have snot on your face!
(BOTH LAUGH)
(PHONE VIBRATING)
(CASS SIGHS, CLEARS THROAT)
(CASS) I work late tonight.
You okay here alone?
Mm-hmm.
(BOWL CLACKING)
(CASS) That's yours.
Keep it as long as you want.
I'll just keep it
till my mom gets back.
What time will you be home?
One at the latest.
I cleared some space
for you on the shelf.
You can put your clothes
in there.
("AVE MARIA"
BY HILDEGARD VON BINGEN PLAYS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(BOTTLES CLINKING)
(MUSIC FADES)
Ari!
Sorry! Sorry!
I told her not to go up there.
Don't worry.
I gave her a bath.
Your neighbors checked,
and she doesn't have a chip.
(CASS) She can't stay.
But your building allows them.
-Come on, we're gonna be late.
-I'm not going!
Yeah, you are.
(ENGINE RUMBLING)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
She has food outside.
She'll be fine.
(BANKER) No, no,
you gotta rotate your tires.
(LAUGHING)
(LOBBY MUSIC PLAYS)
You are rent control, right?
They can't be running
credit checks
on rent control tenants,
I mean, they can be,
but can't use the score
to get you out.
You still have your lease?
-I think so.
-Good.
Hold onto that
and pay your rent on time.
I don't think
this has anything to do
with what's happening here.
I think they're trying
to scare you.
Do you think you could write
the letter anyway?
Sure. Give me a few? Okay.
Uh, you can stay.
(CHUCKLES) Okay. "Dear...
Verge S.F."
(CHUCKLES)
What are they on the verge of?
Eating this city alive?
(LAUGHS)
(KEYBOARD CLACKING)
(UNDER BREATH) Got it.
-Are they yours?
-Huh?
Oh, hell no.
No. This is me...
in sixth grade.
My first sponsor was really
into that inner child thing.
Said if I ever felt
like using,
I should just talk
to my younger self.
(CHUCKLES)
I know. It's woo-woo,
but it works.
I usually keep her
in my wallet, but...
I had a couple of bad days
last week, so...
(KISSES)
Pretty much filled up half of
that journal talking to her.
Kid's got a lot to say.
Okay, where were we? Uh-huh.
And...
You were in my apartment,
right?
Uh, I...
I was wondering
if you remembered that night.
Only some of it.
(CHUCKLES) Well, don't worry.
You're hardly the first person
I've ever had to put in bed.
(GASPS) Do you still have
that wooden beaver lamp?
Because that lamp is amazing!
-I'm such a fucking idiot.
-Don't say that.
-Why? It's what I am.
-(BANKER GROANS)
What did I say?
I probably said
some fucked-up shit, right?
Oh...
No, you just, uh...
just found out
about your mother.
Must've been hard
growing up like that.
Yeah. She had
a fucked-up childhood.
I meant you.
Yeah.
Well, sorry if I unloaded
some sob story on you.
-Not a sob story.
-I was fine.
Had way more
than lots of kids.
Yeah?
Well, maybe you needed more.
I'll just come back
for the letter. Is that okay?
Sure.
Hey, Cass.
I still got about a half hour
left of my lunch.
Wanna grab a coffee?
I'm fine. Thanks, though.
(LIVELY CHATTER)
(JAZZ MUSIC PLAYS
IN BACKGROUND)
Ma'am?
Uh, this isn't what I ordered.
Sorry. I'll check on that.
Hey.
-Sorry about the party.
-You could've texted.
Yeah. Sorry.
Something came up.
Do you know how often
you say that?
Look, if you want me to stop
trying to be friends with you,
-you can just say so.
-Table nine.
That's me. Do you mind?
(VIDEO GAME BEEPING)
("SEVEN EIGHT SONG"
BY HOLCOMBE WALLER PLAYS IN BACKGROUND)
(GAME TRILLS)
(KEYS CLANK)
(DOOR CLOSES)
She was cold.
(TV THUMPING)
(GAME CONSOLE CLACKING)
(CLICKS, TV BUZZING)
(SOFT VIDEO GAME MUSIC
PLAYING)
What is it?
(CASS) You're an astronaut
lost in this other galaxy.
You have to find your way
back to the Mothership.
(BUTTONS CLICKING)
You're lucky.
My mom won't let me get
one of those.
My grandma
didn't know I had it.
(DOG WHIMPERS)
Has she gone out?
(DOG SNIFFING)
(WAVES LAPPING)
(GENTLE, MELODIC VOCALIZING)
(WAVES CRASHING)
("AVE GENEROSA" BY HILDEGARD
VON BINGEN PLAYS)
-(DOG YIPS)
-(ARI TALKING TO DOG)
(DOG BARKING PLAYFULLY)
(ARI) Where are you going?
(CHOIR FADES)
(WAVES CRASHING)
See that?
It's a cave.
Goes deeper than you'd think.
-I slept in a cave once.
-You did?
It was in these woods
near my grandma's house.
The high school kids used to
go there to drink and stuff,
but then the cops
got onto them
so they found a new spot.
My friend Jenny, she was
my best friend in sixth grade,
she helped me bring
all my stuff.
I had this whole setup.
Sleeping bag, comic books.
Even had a little oven
to cook food.
Jenny stayed with me
the first night, but...
then she got in trouble
and had to go home.
You didn't get in trouble?
You wanna go in?
You can't be so scared
all the time.
-I'm not scared.
-Yeah, you are.
Why did you live
with your grandma?
-Hmm?
-Why did you live--
Why do you think?
Hey!
Don't go too far back there.
-(ARI GRUNTS)
-(CASS GROANS)
-What are you doing?
-You haven't said.
-Said what?
-If she can stay!
I'll ask my landlords
tomorrow.
(ARI) Up! Look!
Look what she can do!
Up!
Are you watching?
(VOICE ECHOES)
(STATICKY, TENSE MUSIC BUILDS)
(MUSIC ENDS)
(BUTTONS CLICKING)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
Shit.
(PHONE THUDS ON TABLE)
(SIGHS)
It doesn't matter. They'll
count me as absent anyway.
(DOG YIPS)
There's no food.
(DOG WHIMPERING)
Okay.
Okay.
Okay. Okay.
("MERCE" BY DAVE MIHALY
PLAYS IN BACKGROUND)
-Everything okay here?
-Yeah.
Can I get another beer,
actually?
(SERVER) Sure thing.
How far did you get
in the game?
How come you're drinking
if that's what made you sick?
What?
You got sick
in the bathroom last night.
I must have eaten
something bad.
Doesn't Joanna work today?
-(SERVER) Uh, she got let go.
-Why?
(SERVER) Uh, they didn't like
her bringing her kids to work.
You wanna go
to the arcade after this?
(ALUMINUM CAN RATTLING)
Can you stop that?
(CAN RATTLING AWAY)
(KALLI) Hey!
I've been trying to call.
Hey, Mama!
You miss me?
What's that?
It's a van, sweetie.
Go up and get
your things, okay?
Ariella.
I'm sorry that took so long.
I... (SIGHS)
Will you let me know
if this is enough?
-And if it's not, I can--
-Where have you been?
-I told you, I got this job.
-We've been calling you.
I know. I was confused
because I told you
I'd be gone for five nights
and wouldn't be able
to talk to you--
-Let me see your arms.
-What?
Or do you shoot it
somewhere else?
You don't fucking know me.
(ARI) Mom, I need help!
What? You don't need it?
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(BASS HEAVY ELECTRONIC MUSIC
PLAYING NEXT DOOR)
(ARI) It won't zip.
Jesus, Ari.
What do you have in here?
-I didn't know you had a dog.
-(CASS) I don't.
-Ari, no.
-You said when we moved.
-I said maybe.
-You said we could get a place
-that allowed them.
-I just got back.
I'm not going
if she can't come!
You're going
where I tell you to!
-No, I'm not!
-Oh!
(KALLI GROANS)
-(CASS) Are you okay?
-(KALLI GROANS)
-Ari!
-(DOOR CLOSES)
(KALLI SIGHS)
-Ari, open it.
-(DOOR HANDLE RATTLING)
Ari!
-Does this thing open?
-Not when it's locked.
You got another one of those?
Last one.
I'll be down the street
if anybody needs me.
(DOOR CLOSES)
(CASS) You okay, Ari?
("WITHOUT IT" BY HOLCOMBE
WALLER PLAYS IN BACKGROUND)
(KALLI) I found out
that day that I called you.
I just needed
another week on rent.
My roommate's such an asshole.
Why didn't you just tell me?
I just... I didn't want you
to think...
I-I don't know. I'm so sorry.
Use it for your next place.
No. That's yours.
Trust me.
I made more last week
than the whole time
we've been here.
Can I ask you something?
That night
after the laundromat,
-was that just so I would--
-No.
I wanted that.
-Is he on your tab?
-Uh, it's "them."
They go by "them."
(BARTENDER) Sorry.
(KALLI) I told Ari
I wouldn't be able to call.
When I saw her texts...
(SIGHS) You must think
I'm the worst mother.
No, I don't.
(KALLI) I got this.
Sorry. I can wake her up.
Just stay here tonight.
I'll take the couch.
(WHISPERING)
Can I turn this off?
-(BIRDS CHIRPING)
-(DOG BARKING)
(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)
(PHONE RINGING)
Roger, hey! How are ya?
(LAUGHS)
(SOFT JAZZ SONG PLAYS
IN BACKGROUND)
(MELLOW MUSIC PLAYS)
(PHONE LINE TRILLING)
-(EMILE) Hi.
-(CASS) Hey.
I just wanted to say I'm sorry
about the other night.
(EMILE) Thanks.
I'm sorry for snapping.
I was having a bad day.
Do you want to get
a drink or something?
(EMILE) I would, but...
my mom's sick.
I'm not sure
if I ever told you that.
No.
(EMILE) I'm at her place
taking care of her
for a few days.
Do you need anything?
(EMILE) That's sweet.
My sister's here too.
She's making dinner.
You all right?
Yeah.
(SPOOKY VIDEO GAME MUSIC
PLAYING)
-(BUTTON CLICKS)
-(MUSIC STOPS)
(MELLOW MUSIC PLAYING)
(YOUNG CASS) Dear Mom, I made
this book of instructions
for my favorite video games.
When you come get me
at Grandma's,
I can show you how to play.
When are you coming back?
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
-(MUSIC STOPS)
-(BIRDS CHIRPING)
Shit.
Did you know our mom
and dad are getting a divorce?
You're not supposed
to tell anyone.
-Mom said I could.
-No, she didn't.
-Your mom told me.
-Oh.
Did your parents
get a divorce?
-Mine were never married.
-Then how did they get you?
You're so dumb.
People can still have kids
when they're not married.
Claire.
Claire!
(TIRES SCREECH)
(ENGINE RUMBLING)
(GIGGLES)
(MELLOW MUSIC PLAYING)
(MOTHER) Do you know
how much I missed you today?
-(CLAIRE) This much.
-(MOTHER) More.
(CLAIRE) This much!
That's so much!
(MOTHER LAUGHS)
What should we do tonight?
Should we order takeout
and watch a movie in my bed?
(BOTH GIRLS) Yeah!
(MOTHER LAUGHS)
Does that sound like fun?
(MELLOW MUSIC CONTINUES)
(PHONE LINE TRILLING)
(KALLI) Hey.
(CASS) Hey.
What are you doing?
(WAVES CRASHING)
(GENTLE, MELODIC VOCALIZING)
(KALLI WHOOPING)
("O IGNIS SPIRITUS PARACLITI"
BY HILDEGARD VON BINGEN PLAYS)
(KALLI YELLS INDISTINCTLY,
LAUGHS)
(KALLI WHOOPING, LAUGHING)
(KALLI)
Thanks for getting me out.
(MUSIC FADES)
I needed this.
(WAVES CRASHING)
I'm sorry.
I'm just...
Just trying to take it easy
right now.
We should live together.
(CHUCKLES)
(LAUGHS) Are you trying
to U-Haul me?
It's not like that.
What's it like?
Just living together,
the three of us.
You know, Ari talks
about you all the time.
Like you're some kind of god.
Bet she never talks
about me that way, huh?
I should probably get going
in case she wakes up.
Oh, no, keep it.
Till next time.
Hey, I saw a place for rent
on 40th and Noriega.
I can't afford it on my own,
but you should check it out.
(MELLOW MUSIC PLAYING)
(MOTHER LAUGHING)
-(MOTHER AND GIRLS LAUGHING)
-(MOTHER) Oh, that's gross.
Oh, sorry.
You were in the bathroom.
Okay.
Ooh, sweetie, sweetie,
please let me go.
I have to pay Cass, okay?
(PHONE LINE TRILLING)
(CASS) Hey, it's me.
I talked to the landlord,
and the place
is still available.
It's pet-friendly too.
He says we'd need
to wire the deposit
by Friday at the latest.
I gotta give 30 days' notice
on my apartment,
so just let me know
if you're sure
you wanna do it.
I'm in if you are.
(SILVERWARE CLATTERING)
("RETURN" BY DAVE MIHALY
PLAYS IN BACKGROUND)
Hey.
(BELLS JINGLE)
-She can meet me tomorrow.
-(ARI) Who?
The person who buys
my clothes in LA.
-Why?
-I told you, Mama.
I gotta get money
for the new place.
Are you sure it's okay
if she stays with you?
-Of course.
-I want to go with you.
No, baby, you have school.
But I haven't missed
any days yet.
(KALLI) I am gonna go
call my friend
and make sure
I can crash there...
I said I want to go with you!
Ari, I said no.
(BELLS JINGLE)
She didn't mean it.
(BASS HEAVY MUSIC
PLAYS NEXT DOOR)
(BOTTLES CLINKING)
(DOORBELL BUZZING)
(ENGINE RUMBLING)
(DOOR CLOSES)
You hungry?
I ordered us pizza.
I ate with my mom.
(VIDEO GAME MUSIC PLAYS)
Where'd you get that game?
My mom got it for me.
(CASS) Those things will rot
your brain, you know.
Maybe I want my brain to rot.
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(GARBAGE TRUCK BEEPING)
(GARBAGE THUMPING INTO TRUCK)
-Come on. We're already late.
-I'm not going.
-Yeah, you are.
-No, I'm not!
Fine. I don't care.
We're meeting your mom
at the bank at 4:00.
I'll pick you up
at the library.
Don't be late.
I'm missing some money,
eighty bucks,
from the box I keep
under the bed.
Have you seen it?
(DOOR CLOSES)
(ENGINE SHUTS OFF)
(PHONE LINE TRILLING)
(LIBRARIAN AND CHILD
CHATTERING)
I've been calling you.
Hi! I'm Jacki.
I'm the children's librarian
here.
-Are you...
-I'm friends with her mom.
Oh. (CLEARS THROAT)
One second, honey.
You know, Ari and I
were talking about how,
since she's been coming
to story time,
that maybe she'd like to be
my assistant.
You know, help pick out books
for the younger kids,
maybe even help read sometime.
She'd have to ask her mom.
Oh, of course.
She would say yes.
(CASS) We're late.
Let's talk about it later.
It sounds like you need
to check in with your mom.
(CHILD READING ALOUD
INDISTINCTLY)
(JACKHAMMERING IN DISTANCE)
Has she called your phone?
She might've gone
to the branch up the street.
(VEHICLE APPROACHING)
I'll look inside.
Keep your eyes out.
(DOOR OPENS)
(LOBBY MUSIC PLAYS)
Hey, you.
I got that letter for you.
Oh. Thanks.
I don't need it anymore.
Oh. Um... okay.
Appreciate the help, though.
She's not there.
Let's check the other bank.
Come on.
Hey, Mr. Bianchini, it's Cass.
I got stuck at work,
and I'm not sure
I can get to the bank in time.
Can we just give you
the deposit tomorrow?
Sorry about that.
Could you let me know
that you got this?
You know, if you'd just been
ready when I got there...
Hey, girl,
how you like that game?
I'll go back to the other one.
(SELLER) I got some new ones.
Come look.
(TENSE ELECTRONIC MUSIC
PLAYING)
Hey!
-You're a fucking little liar!
-Get off of me!
-What else did you take?
-I didn't take anything!
People who drink
forget things!
(CASS) Let me know
if she calls!
(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)
("SPIRITUS SANCTUS"
BY HILDEGARD VON BINGEN PLAYS)
(PHONE LINE TRILLING)
You have reached
Ari's cell phone.
Leave a message
if you want to.
-(BEEP)
-Ari, it's Cass.
I'm sorry about before.
Will you just let me know
where you are?
(PHONE LINE TRILLING)
Hey, it's Kalli.
Leave a message.
-(BEEP)
-Hey, it's Cass.
Where are you?
Will you call me?
(PHONE LINE TRILLING)
Hi, Cass. It's Jacki.
We met today at the library.
Ari showed up here when
I was leaving work tonight,
and I'm trying to figure out
what's going on.
I'll bring her back
to my place for now,
but will you just
give me a call?
(SOMBER MUSIC CONTINUES)
(SOMBER MUSIC CONTINUES)
(YOUNG CASS) Dear Mom,
last night I got to level nine
of Outerlands.
Grandma still hates
video games,
so I play it in my room
after she goes to bed.
I almost found the Mothership,
but don't worry,
I'll wait for you.
I want us to see it together.
(DARK MUSIC PLAYING)
(YOUNG CASS)
Are you coming back soon?
(MUSIC INTENSIFIES)
-(MUSIC ENDS)
-(OTHERWORLDLY WHIRRING)
(EERIE ELECTRONIC BEEPING)
(LOUD WHIRRING)
(DOOR WHOOSHING)
(EERIE WARBLING)
(PROLONGED DRAMATIC
ELECTRONIC NOTE PLAYING)
(NOTE FADES)
(SPOOKY VIDEO GAME MUSIC
PLAYING)
(CHILDREN SHOUT PLAYFULLY)
(MUSIC FADES)
Hey.
You okay?
-(CASS SOBS)
-Oh, sweetheart.
(PROLONGED DRAMATIC
ELECTRONIC NOTE PLAYING)
-(CASS SOBBING)
-(BANKER) Oh...
It's okay.
(SOBBING CONTINUES)
(BANKER) It's okay. I got you.
(NOTE FADES)
("O PASTOR ANIMARUM"
BY HILDEGARD VON BINGEN PLAYS)
(MUSIC ENDS)
(INSECTS CHIRRING)
(TRAFFIC PASSING BY)
(DENISE) Hey, Cass,
dinner's ready.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER ON TV)
(LAUGHTER ON TV)
(INSECTS CHIRRING)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER ON TV
CONTINUES)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(JACKI) Dear Cass,
I got your call
asking about Ari.
Sorry it's taken me a while
to get back to you.
It's been busy at the library.
Ari's doing okay.
She and her dog are living
with her aunt
while her mom's in rehab.
She asked me to send you
this book she made
in story time.
She said you'd know
what it was about?
Enjoy your new life,
Jacki.
(ARI) Night at the Beach,
by Ari Starr.
(WATER LAPPING)
(ARI) Once, I was visiting
a friend of mine.
They suggested we go
to the beach.
I'd never been to the beach
at night, only in the day,
but my friend told me
it was a good time to go.
(WAVES CRASHING)
There was a cave there.
It was very dark and deep.
I decided to go in.
I thought I would be scared,
but I wasn't.
Sometimes things aren't
as scary as they seem.
(INSECTS CHIRRING)
What are you scared of?
("WONDERFUL UNKNOWN"
BY INGRID MICHAELSON PLAYS)
(YOUNG CASS) Did you mean it?
(CASS) What?
(YOUNG CASS) What you said.
(CASS) Yeah.
(YOUNG CASS)
Could you say it again?
(CASS) You're not alone.
You're with me.
Oh
Let me wear your overcoat
My bones are super chill
and all
The ponies have gone home
Oh
Walking through Manhattan
With the ache
from last night's smile
Still smarting up
from my toes
Here we go
Dancing on our own
Inside this house
that we have
Never known
Never known
Here we go
Going in alone
Into the dark
and wonderful unknown
Let us go
Let us go
We make bread on Sundays
And the little ones
are climbing up the walls
Up the walls
Oh
Nothing lasts forever
But the sound of love
Astounds me every time
that it calls
Here we go
Dancing on our own
Inside this house
that we have
Never known
Never known
Here we go
Going in alone
Into the dark
and wonderful unknown
Let us go
Let us go
In the best way
You'll be the death of me
In the best way
You'll be the death of me
In the best way
You'll be the death of me
In the best way
Oh
Got your father's
wristwatch on
The one your mother
gave him
When they thought the world
won't end
Oh
We will be there one day
With a smile
and nothing more
To say goodbye to a friend
Here we go
Dancing on our own
Inside this house
that we have
Never known
Never known
Here we go
Going in alone
Into the dark
and wonderful unknown
Let us go
Let us go
Here we go
Dancing on our own
Inside this house
that we have
Never known
Never known
Here we go
Going in...
("AVE MARIA"
BY HILDEGARD VON BINGEN PLAYS)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(BEEPING IN RETRO VIDEO GAME)
(BEEPING CONTINUES)
(BEEPING GROWING LOUDER)
(THUMPING)
(VIDEO GAME STOPS)
(VIDEO GAME RESUMES)
(THUMPING)
(GIRL) Ow!
-(GIRL 2) Stop it.
-(GIRL 1) No!
-Give it back.
-No!
-It's my phone!
-No!
-Oh my God.
-No!
-What's going on?
-She hit me.
She wouldn't give me back
the phone.
I thought you were
with the tutor.
-She left.
-She hurt me.
She hurt me too.
-Okay, where does it hurt?
-Right here.
Zhoop!
Zhoop!
Can you be a pony
and we ride you?
-Charge!
-Hey, wait up.
(UPBEAT JAZZ PLAYS
IN BACKGROUND)
(LIVELY CHATTER)
-Any news on those shifts?
-No.
(MAN) Excuse me?
More bread, please?
Boo! Where you been, fam?
Haven't seen you out
in a while.
Yeah, just busy.
Gettin' busy, or...?
Hey, Javier and I are gonna
check out that new bar
on Kearny tonight.
Supposedly they have
a queer night.
Yeah, well, you know
how it is these days.
Beggars can't be--
(CLATTERING, GLASS SHATTERING)
(APPLAUSE)
I can't believe
I haven't done that.
Hey... you got
anything on you?
Kinda wanna turn up tonight.
-Leave it in your locker?
-Thanks, babe.
I'll text you
when we get to the bar.
(DOOR CREAKING OPEN)
(KEYS CLANK)
(SIGHS)
(ITEMS CLANKING ON NIGHTSTAND)
(SIGHS)
(BEEPING IN VIDEO GAME)
(MESSAGE CHIMES)
(VIDEO GAME TRILLS, STOPS)
(THUMPING MUSIC PLAYS,
BUILDING)
(ENGINE RUMBLING)
(THUMPING MUSIC
CONTINUES FROM BAR)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(ENGINE PUTTERING)
(ENGINE SHUTS OFF)
(DISTANT SIREN WAILING)
(SOFT DRONES OF A CHOIR)
("SPIRITUS SANCTUS"
BY HILDEGARD VON BINGEN PLAYS)
(MUSIC FADES)
(GARBAGE CLATTERING, THUMPING)
(GARBAGE TRUCK BEEPING,
RUMBLING)
(BRAKES HISSING)
(BOTTLES CLINKING SOFTLY)
(BOTTLES CLINKING)
(BIRDS CHIRPING, CAWING)
(ENGINE RUMBLING)
(BOTTLES CLINKING)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
...'cause I just wasn't aware
of this.
I'm just, like, slightly
confused right now because...
My work doesn't
actually pay me...
My work
doesn't actually pay me
for like another two weeks.
(K-POP SONG PLAYS ON RADIO)
(METALLIC CLANKING)
Hey.
Oh. (CHUCKLES)
Hi.
(METALLIC CLANKING)
You live around here?
Not far. You?
Down the street.
(KALLI) Oh, I got you.
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
That was so embarrassing
last night.
What was?
Dropping the tray.
Don't act like
you didn't see it.
I mean, we've all done it.
You've done that?
(SOFTLY) No.
Then shut the fuck up.
(BOTH CHUCKLE)
-What street are you on?
-Huh?
You said you live around here?
Oh yeah, we're, uh,
over on Taraval.
Just subletting
till we find something.
Who's "we"?
-My daughter.
-She's cute.
-Till she's not.
-I know how that goes.
I... I take care of kids.
Oh.
So you're like...
Mary Poppins?
More like Peter Pan.
So how come you're not out?
Saturday night.
Nowhere to go.
Is that bar down the street
any good?
It's okay.
Hey, your clothes are done.
Uh, thank you.
Do you want me to fix that?
My daughter's always doing
that to her sleeves.
(SOFTLY) That should do it.
Well, I guess
my clothes are done.
It was nice running into you.
That bar down the street
is actually pretty cool.
I mean, if you like dive bars.
Are you asking me out,
Peter Pan?
("NUNC APERUIT NOBIS"
BY HILDEGARD VON BINGEN PLAYS)
(LAUGHING SOFTLY)
(BOTH MOAN)
(SHOES CLUNKING OFF)
(LAUGHING)
Don't look at that. It's old.
(MOANING SOFTLY,
HEAVY BREATHING)
(SOFTLY) I want you inside me.
(DRAWER SLIDING OPEN)
Like this?
Yeah. (CHUCKLES)
(OBJECT RATTLES)
Nice lamp.
(LAUGHS)
(EXHALES)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(MUSIC FADES)
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
(CHILDREN CHATTERING)
-How was school?
-Good.
Did you learn a lot?
-Yeah.
-No.
Jeez, what do you have
in this thing, bricks?
(LAUGHS)
-Think we can make it?
-Yeah.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)
(MOTHER) So, okay.
Well, tell me some more.
How was your teacher today?
-(GIRL) She was good.
-(MOTHER) Uh-huh, uh-huh.
And did you play
with your friends?
-Uh-huh?
-(GIRL) Yeah, outside.
-(MOTHER) Yeah?
-(GIRL) And guess what?
(MOTHER) What?
We did art, science, math.
Uh-huh?
And at recess,
we played zombie tag
-and freeze tag.
-Ooh!
(GIRL) What are those cards?
This is how Mommy pays
for things.
Hey, remind me, um, how
to spell your last name again.
Oh, cash would be better,
if you have it.
Ooh, right. Sorry. (LAUGHS)
Okay, okay. Eighty, right?
-Can I do it?
-Uh... yeah, mm-hmm.
-Great.
-So, ten...
Mm-hmm.
Thirty.
-Forty.
-Okay, sweetie, sweetie,
I'm sure Cass
has somewhere to be.
(FAINTLY) So, twenty...
(GIGGLES)
(STRING TRIMMER WHIRRING)
Okay, here you go.
(LATIN POP MUSIC PLAYING)
(MUSIC STOPS)
(EXHALES)
(CASS) Shit.
(PHONE VIBRATING)
-Hey.
-(KALLI) Hi.
-Are you busy?
-No, not at all.
(KALLI) I'm so sorry
to call so early.
No, I mean, it's fine.
I've been awake for a while.
(KALLI) There's something
I wanted to ask you.
-Sure.
-It's kind of a big favor.
Okay.
I got this gig back in Reno.
It's just a couple days,
and I could really use
the work,
and I was wondering...
Is there any chance
you could watch my kid
while I'm gone?
Like, babysit?
(KALLI) I mean,
she's almost 12.
She doesn't really need
a babysitter,
but, you know,
it's a new city,
and I just don't want her
staying alone.
If it's too weird, no worries.
I'll figure something out.
It's just, I work late
some nights.
(KALLI) Oh, well,
she's used to that.
And she'd be super respectful
of your space.
Oh, she'd be staying with me?
(KALLI) Yeah.
My roommate's a guy...
I-I would just feel better
if she wasn't there... alone.
-Right.
-I'd pay you, obviously.
I mean, whatever your rate is.
If it's too much, don't worry
about it. I-I'll just...
I can watch her.
(KALLI) You can... (SIGHS)
Oh my God,
you're my fucking hero.
Oh, I got your text
last night.
Oh. Yeah, sorry about that.
I was just...
(KALLI) Don't be sorry.
I was thinking about you too.
(ENGINE RUMBLING)
(ENGINE SHUTS OFF)
(MELLOW MUSIC PLAYING)
(MUSIC FADES)
-You want help with that?
-I'm fine.
(DOOR CREAKING OPEN)
(KEYS CLANK)
The couch doesn't pull out
or anything,
but it's pretty comfortable.
I can get you more blankets
if you need them.
Just let me know.
You hungry?
We can order pizza.
I'm fine.
(RUSTLING)
Oh, there's one over there.
(ELECTRONIC VIDEO GAME MUSIC
PLAYING)
What time's your school start?
7:45.
I can take you.
Should we call your mom,
tell her you got here okay?
She's driving.
It's bad reception.
Well...
I'm gonna go shower.
You can smoke pot in here.
I don't care.
(DOOR CLOSES)
(WATER RUNNING)
(LINE TRILLING)
Hey, it's Kalli.
Leave a message.
-(BEEP)
-Hey, it's me.
It's Cass.
Just wanted to let you know
she's here
and everything's fine.
Anyway,
hope your drive's going okay.
Yeah, just give me
a call if you want.
-(BEEP)
-(AUTOMATED VOICE) Thank you.
(VIDEO GAME MUSIC CONTINUES)
(ALARM BEEPING)
(ALARM STOPS)
(TRAFFIC PASSING BY)
(PHONE CLOSES)
(PHONE CLACKS ON NIGHTSTAND)
(LATIN POP MUSIC PLAYING)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
You didn't miss much
the other night.
At the bar.
Oh yeah. Sorry.
Something came up.
Yeah, well, it was all, like,
21-year-olds on their phones.
What's the point
of going to a bar
if you're just gonna be
on your phone the whole time?
Hey. Either of you heard
from Kalli?
Girl asked for more shifts,
but she doesn't answer
my call.
Uh, yeah, I think she's having
problems with her phone.
Hm. Yeah, well, now she's
having problems with her job.
(WOMAN) Leo?
(LEO CLEARS THROAT)
(SUPPRESSED LAUGHTER)
So... you've been getting
to know the new girl.
It's not like that.
What's it like, then?
Nothing.
We just hung out
the other night.
(EMILE) Mm-hmm...
Hey, so this guy I'm seeing is
hosting a party for his office
at that new hotel
on Market Street.
Open bar.
You wanna come?
Do you need something?
No, silly. I'm inviting you.
Actually, I could use
some backup.
If I have to listen
to one more person
talking about how their app
is saving the world...
(LEO) Emile?
Can you help with this?
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
Sure.
-You'll come?
-Can I bring someone?
Of course you can, honey!
(ENGINE RUMBLING)
-(BRAKES SQUEAL)
-(ENGINE SHUTS OFF)
-Come on.
-Where are we going?
There's no food up there.
("RETURN" BY DAVE MIHALY
PLAYS IN BACKGROUND)
What game is that?
Hungry Ghosts.
I don't know that one.
The usual for you, sweetie?
-Yes, please.
-All right.
And what about you,
little miss?
How about a grilled cheese?
That's what my kids
are having.
-Okay.
-You got it.
(KIDS CHATTERING)
-How was school?
-Fine.
You have homework?
I did it at the library.
Have you heard from your mom?
I forgot to wash my hands.
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
(PHONE CLOSES)
(RUSTLING)
We can go by your apartment
if you need anything.
I'm fine.
I'm off in ten, but no rush.
-My mom will pay you back.
-I know.
Try in there.
(VIDEO GAME ACHIEVEMENCHIMES)
Hey.
(CHUCKLING)
Hey.
Watch this.
Oh! (LAUGHS)
Shoot.
(SERVER)
What is going on here?
-(CHUCKLES) Nothing.
-(SERVER) Mm-hmm!
(BOTH LAUGHING)
(SILVERWARE CLATTERING)
(BOTH LAUGHING)
(PEN CLICKS)
(MELLOW MUSIC PLAYING)
-(MUSIC FADES)
-(ENGINE RUMBLING)
-(CHILDREN CHATTERING)
-(ENGINE SHUTS OFF)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
See you at the library?
(SARCASTICALLY)
Hey, nice jacket.
(GIGGLING)
(LOBBY MUSIC PLAYS
IN BACKGROUND)
-(BANKER) You got the loan.
-(WOMAN SIGHS)
(LAUGHTER)
(BANKER) That's gotta be
a load off of your mind.
We'll finish the paperwork.
Congratulations.
All right, good to see ya.
Come on in.
(KEYBOARD CLACKING)
I know there are
some fees on there.
I tried to pay it
at the counter, but--
Give me a break.
Computer froze.
Sometimes I miss good old
pen and paper, you know?
Restart. (SIGHS)
(COMPUTER POWERING DOWN)
So, landlord's switching
things up on ya, huh?
They just wanna do
things differently.
Yeah, well, we know
how that goes.
-(COMPUTER CHIMES)
-Oh, okey-dokey.
(COMPUTER POWERING ON)
(KEYBOARD CLACKING)
Ah, here we go.
Looks like you had a couple
of overdrafts in January.
Looks like at, uh,
City Medical?
Yeah, I thought I made
a deposit to cover that.
Oh please.
When I was your age,
I was overdrafting
on whiskey and weed.
Okay, so,
you're gonna have to pay
the fees on the overages
and, oh, yeah, the charge
for going under
the minimum balance.
And, uh, yeah,
your monthly inactivity fees.
All this... adds up.
So, all told, we're looking at
$437.35.
That's what I owe?
Tell you what.
You cover the overdraft,
I'll make sure we don't
hit you with any more fees,
and then we can set up
a payment plan.
How's that sound?
I'll just pay the whole thing.
-Or that.
-Next week okay?
Sure. Of course.
Full disclosure.
I used to volunteer
for Safe Rides S.F.
Drove you home from The Grotto
a couple times?
I'm from Indiana...
we talked about the Midwest.
-Sorry.
-Oh, don't be.
That's what we were there for.
So, you been back
to Michigan lately?
No. Thanks for your help.
Of course.
I can probably get the money
sooner, like end of the week.
Whatever works.
(ENGINE RUMBLING)
(ENGINE SHUTS OFF)
(CHILDREN CHATTERING)
Hey, it's Kalli.
Leave a message.
-(BEEP)
-Hey, it's Cass.
Sorry to bother you.
I was just, uh, wondering
when you were coming back.
Maybe you told me
and I forgot.
Anyway, everything's fine.
Uh, I was just wondering.
Oh, um, Emile, you know,
from the restaurant,
he invited us to this thing
tomorrow night.
Maybe if you're back in time,
you'd want to go.
-Just let me know--
-(BEEP)
-(AUTOMATED VOICE) Thank you.
-(LINE DISCONNECTS)
(SIGHS)
(CHILDREN CHATTERING)
(WOMAN SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)
-(WOMAN) Good job.
-(CHILD CHATTERING)
(WOMAN) Keep your eyes
up front, okay?
I'd really appreciate it.
(LIBRARIAN) Today's story is
The Runaway Bunny.
"Once,
there was a little bunny
who wanted to run away.
So he said to his mother,
'I am running away.'"
"'If you run away,'
said his mother,
I will run after you,
for you are my little bunny.'"
(MELLOW MUSIC PLAYING)
"'If you run after me,'
said the little bunny,
I will become a fish
in a trout stream,
and I will swim
away from you.'"
"'If you become a fish
in a trout stream,
I will become a fisherman,
and I will fish for you.'"
And then look at the picture.
(LIBRARIAN GASPS)
Do you guys see?
You shouldn't leave
your stuff like that.
(CHILDREN CHATTERING)
-Are we going to the diner?
-Not tonight.
(WATER BOILING)
(MUSIC FADES)
-You have homework?
-I did it at the library.
What's that?
Oh. I forgot about that one.
(RUSTLING)
What's your mom doing
in Reno? She didn't tell me.
-She went for work.
-I know, but...
Probably selling clothes.
She makes clothes.
She can make me
anything I want her to.
Did she tell you
how long she'd be gone?
(PHONE VIBRATING)
(PHONE CHIMES)
(PHONE CLACKS ON TABLE)
(PHONE CLOSES)
This school is so easy.
My mom taught me these words
in fourth grade.
Usually she homeschools me.
The only reason why
I'm going to that school
is she was getting stressed.
-Does she get stressed a lot?
-Finished.
(SIGHS)
(BASS HEAVY MUSIC
PLAYS NEXT DOOR)
I think I left my charger
at the library.
Can we go back?
They're closed.
We'll get it tomorrow.
It should be ready.
My mom
doesn't let me eat that.
(PHONE VIBRATING)
(PHONE CHIMES)
(PHONE CLOSES)
-Come on.
-Where are we going?
Somewhere you'll like.
(MELLOW MUSIC PLAYING)
(DANCE MUSIC PLAYING)
-(VIDEO GAME MUSIC PLAYS)
-(GAMES DINGING)
This one's good.
(COINS JINGLING)
Be right back.
Where are you going?
I'll be back.
(NEARBY LAUGHTER)
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
(PINBALL MACHINE CLACKING)
-Can I get a beer?
-(WORKER) Yeah.
-Two, actually.
-(DANCE MUSIC CONTINUES)
(BOTTLE CLINKS)
Hey, this game's being played.
You can't let people get
in your space like that.
(COIN CLINKING INTO MACHINE)
Come on. Try again.
(VIDEO GAME MUSIC PLAYS)
The thing about this game is
it's all about
the turbo speed.
Watch. When you press
these two buttons together...
(VIDEO GAME BEEPING)
You watching?
-(BUTTONS CLICKING)
-(BEEPING CONTINUES)
(SIGHS)
(PROLONGED SOLEMN NOTE PLAYS)
(SOFT THUD)
(SOLEMN MUSIC PLAYING)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
Hi! Hi!
(ENGINE STARTING)
Come on. We're gonna be late.
(CAR HONKING)
(SCHOOL BELL CHIMING)
(CHILDREN SHOUTING PLAYFULLY)
Hey.
(ENGINE SHUTS OFF)
Remember where to leave it?
(SCHOOL BELL CHIMES)
("DESC ME" BY LENA RAINE
PLAYS)
(ENGINE SHUTS OFF)
(MUSIC FADES)
(DOORBELL BUZZING)
(THUMPING)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Is Kalli here?
She left last week.
Did she say
when she's coming back?
No.
-Who are you?
-A friend.
One sec.
(THUD)
(CLANKING)
Uh, she left this stuff.
Can't she just get it
when she gets back?
Oh, she's not coming back.
("HERE WE GO"
BY CHRISTOPHER OWENS PLAYS)
(PHONE VIBRATING)
(DOORBELL BUZZING)
Ari?
(BASS-HEAVY MUSIC
PLAYS NEXT DOOR)
-(SIREN WAILING)
-(CAR ALARM CHIRPING)
(BASEBALL GAME
PLAYING ON RADIO)
(PHONE LINE TRILLING)
(CAR ALARM WAILING)
You have reached
Ari's cell phone.
Leave a message
if you want to.
(BEEP)
(ALARM CONTINUES WAILING)
(UPTEMPO DANCE MUSIC PLAYS)
(PINBALL MACHINES DINGING)
What are you doing?
Maybe we should call someone,
a relative...
-No.
-But what if she--
-I said no!
-Ari!
-(ARI SOBBING)
-Hey, hey, hey!
No, she's coming back! She is!
-You stupid idiot!
-Okay, okay, okay, okay.
-I've got you. I've got you.
-(CRYING)
You're with me.
You're with me.
(SOBBING SOFTLY)
(PROLONGED SOLEMN NOTE PLAYS)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
-What's that?
-It's for the dog.
In case she comes back.
-Where'd you get that?
-I sold my game.
I was sick of it anyway.
It's for me.
(SHOWER RUNNING)
(SOLEMN MUSIC PLAYING)
(SHOWER TURNS OFF)
-(SILVERWARE CLINKING)
-(DRAWER SLIDING CLOSED)
Has she done this before?
Done what?
Left you with someone.
She forgot her charger.
That's why she hasn't called.
Who were those kids?
-What kids?
-At your school.
They said something to you
the other morning.
Just some stupid kids.
I don't care about them.
Do you ever say anything back?
Like what?
You have snot on your face.
-I don't.
-(CHUCKLING)
Try it.
Come on, you can do it.
You have snot on your face.
You have to really mean it.
Really see the snot.
You have snot on your face!
(BOTH LAUGH)
(PHONE VIBRATING)
(CASS SIGHS, CLEARS THROAT)
(CASS) I work late tonight.
You okay here alone?
Mm-hmm.
(BOWL CLACKING)
(CASS) That's yours.
Keep it as long as you want.
I'll just keep it
till my mom gets back.
What time will you be home?
One at the latest.
I cleared some space
for you on the shelf.
You can put your clothes
in there.
("AVE MARIA"
BY HILDEGARD VON BINGEN PLAYS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(BOTTLES CLINKING)
(MUSIC FADES)
Ari!
Sorry! Sorry!
I told her not to go up there.
Don't worry.
I gave her a bath.
Your neighbors checked,
and she doesn't have a chip.
(CASS) She can't stay.
But your building allows them.
-Come on, we're gonna be late.
-I'm not going!
Yeah, you are.
(ENGINE RUMBLING)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
She has food outside.
She'll be fine.
(BANKER) No, no,
you gotta rotate your tires.
(LAUGHING)
(LOBBY MUSIC PLAYS)
You are rent control, right?
They can't be running
credit checks
on rent control tenants,
I mean, they can be,
but can't use the score
to get you out.
You still have your lease?
-I think so.
-Good.
Hold onto that
and pay your rent on time.
I don't think
this has anything to do
with what's happening here.
I think they're trying
to scare you.
Do you think you could write
the letter anyway?
Sure. Give me a few? Okay.
Uh, you can stay.
(CHUCKLES) Okay. "Dear...
Verge S.F."
(CHUCKLES)
What are they on the verge of?
Eating this city alive?
(LAUGHS)
(KEYBOARD CLACKING)
(UNDER BREATH) Got it.
-Are they yours?
-Huh?
Oh, hell no.
No. This is me...
in sixth grade.
My first sponsor was really
into that inner child thing.
Said if I ever felt
like using,
I should just talk
to my younger self.
(CHUCKLES)
I know. It's woo-woo,
but it works.
I usually keep her
in my wallet, but...
I had a couple of bad days
last week, so...
(KISSES)
Pretty much filled up half of
that journal talking to her.
Kid's got a lot to say.
Okay, where were we? Uh-huh.
And...
You were in my apartment,
right?
Uh, I...
I was wondering
if you remembered that night.
Only some of it.
(CHUCKLES) Well, don't worry.
You're hardly the first person
I've ever had to put in bed.
(GASPS) Do you still have
that wooden beaver lamp?
Because that lamp is amazing!
-I'm such a fucking idiot.
-Don't say that.
-Why? It's what I am.
-(BANKER GROANS)
What did I say?
I probably said
some fucked-up shit, right?
Oh...
No, you just, uh...
just found out
about your mother.
Must've been hard
growing up like that.
Yeah. She had
a fucked-up childhood.
I meant you.
Yeah.
Well, sorry if I unloaded
some sob story on you.
-Not a sob story.
-I was fine.
Had way more
than lots of kids.
Yeah?
Well, maybe you needed more.
I'll just come back
for the letter. Is that okay?
Sure.
Hey, Cass.
I still got about a half hour
left of my lunch.
Wanna grab a coffee?
I'm fine. Thanks, though.
(LIVELY CHATTER)
(JAZZ MUSIC PLAYS
IN BACKGROUND)
Ma'am?
Uh, this isn't what I ordered.
Sorry. I'll check on that.
Hey.
-Sorry about the party.
-You could've texted.
Yeah. Sorry.
Something came up.
Do you know how often
you say that?
Look, if you want me to stop
trying to be friends with you,
-you can just say so.
-Table nine.
That's me. Do you mind?
(VIDEO GAME BEEPING)
("SEVEN EIGHT SONG"
BY HOLCOMBE WALLER PLAYS IN BACKGROUND)
(GAME TRILLS)
(KEYS CLANK)
(DOOR CLOSES)
She was cold.
(TV THUMPING)
(GAME CONSOLE CLACKING)
(CLICKS, TV BUZZING)
(SOFT VIDEO GAME MUSIC
PLAYING)
What is it?
(CASS) You're an astronaut
lost in this other galaxy.
You have to find your way
back to the Mothership.
(BUTTONS CLICKING)
You're lucky.
My mom won't let me get
one of those.
My grandma
didn't know I had it.
(DOG WHIMPERS)
Has she gone out?
(DOG SNIFFING)
(WAVES LAPPING)
(GENTLE, MELODIC VOCALIZING)
(WAVES CRASHING)
("AVE GENEROSA" BY HILDEGARD
VON BINGEN PLAYS)
-(DOG YIPS)
-(ARI TALKING TO DOG)
(DOG BARKING PLAYFULLY)
(ARI) Where are you going?
(CHOIR FADES)
(WAVES CRASHING)
See that?
It's a cave.
Goes deeper than you'd think.
-I slept in a cave once.
-You did?
It was in these woods
near my grandma's house.
The high school kids used to
go there to drink and stuff,
but then the cops
got onto them
so they found a new spot.
My friend Jenny, she was
my best friend in sixth grade,
she helped me bring
all my stuff.
I had this whole setup.
Sleeping bag, comic books.
Even had a little oven
to cook food.
Jenny stayed with me
the first night, but...
then she got in trouble
and had to go home.
You didn't get in trouble?
You wanna go in?
You can't be so scared
all the time.
-I'm not scared.
-Yeah, you are.
Why did you live
with your grandma?
-Hmm?
-Why did you live--
Why do you think?
Hey!
Don't go too far back there.
-(ARI GRUNTS)
-(CASS GROANS)
-What are you doing?
-You haven't said.
-Said what?
-If she can stay!
I'll ask my landlords
tomorrow.
(ARI) Up! Look!
Look what she can do!
Up!
Are you watching?
(VOICE ECHOES)
(STATICKY, TENSE MUSIC BUILDS)
(MUSIC ENDS)
(BUTTONS CLICKING)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
Shit.
(PHONE THUDS ON TABLE)
(SIGHS)
It doesn't matter. They'll
count me as absent anyway.
(DOG YIPS)
There's no food.
(DOG WHIMPERING)
Okay.
Okay.
Okay. Okay.
("MERCE" BY DAVE MIHALY
PLAYS IN BACKGROUND)
-Everything okay here?
-Yeah.
Can I get another beer,
actually?
(SERVER) Sure thing.
How far did you get
in the game?
How come you're drinking
if that's what made you sick?
What?
You got sick
in the bathroom last night.
I must have eaten
something bad.
Doesn't Joanna work today?
-(SERVER) Uh, she got let go.
-Why?
(SERVER) Uh, they didn't like
her bringing her kids to work.
You wanna go
to the arcade after this?
(ALUMINUM CAN RATTLING)
Can you stop that?
(CAN RATTLING AWAY)
(KALLI) Hey!
I've been trying to call.
Hey, Mama!
You miss me?
What's that?
It's a van, sweetie.
Go up and get
your things, okay?
Ariella.
I'm sorry that took so long.
I... (SIGHS)
Will you let me know
if this is enough?
-And if it's not, I can--
-Where have you been?
-I told you, I got this job.
-We've been calling you.
I know. I was confused
because I told you
I'd be gone for five nights
and wouldn't be able
to talk to you--
-Let me see your arms.
-What?
Or do you shoot it
somewhere else?
You don't fucking know me.
(ARI) Mom, I need help!
What? You don't need it?
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(BASS HEAVY ELECTRONIC MUSIC
PLAYING NEXT DOOR)
(ARI) It won't zip.
Jesus, Ari.
What do you have in here?
-I didn't know you had a dog.
-(CASS) I don't.
-Ari, no.
-You said when we moved.
-I said maybe.
-You said we could get a place
-that allowed them.
-I just got back.
I'm not going
if she can't come!
You're going
where I tell you to!
-No, I'm not!
-Oh!
(KALLI GROANS)
-(CASS) Are you okay?
-(KALLI GROANS)
-Ari!
-(DOOR CLOSES)
(KALLI SIGHS)
-Ari, open it.
-(DOOR HANDLE RATTLING)
Ari!
-Does this thing open?
-Not when it's locked.
You got another one of those?
Last one.
I'll be down the street
if anybody needs me.
(DOOR CLOSES)
(CASS) You okay, Ari?
("WITHOUT IT" BY HOLCOMBE
WALLER PLAYS IN BACKGROUND)
(KALLI) I found out
that day that I called you.
I just needed
another week on rent.
My roommate's such an asshole.
Why didn't you just tell me?
I just... I didn't want you
to think...
I-I don't know. I'm so sorry.
Use it for your next place.
No. That's yours.
Trust me.
I made more last week
than the whole time
we've been here.
Can I ask you something?
That night
after the laundromat,
-was that just so I would--
-No.
I wanted that.
-Is he on your tab?
-Uh, it's "them."
They go by "them."
(BARTENDER) Sorry.
(KALLI) I told Ari
I wouldn't be able to call.
When I saw her texts...
(SIGHS) You must think
I'm the worst mother.
No, I don't.
(KALLI) I got this.
Sorry. I can wake her up.
Just stay here tonight.
I'll take the couch.
(WHISPERING)
Can I turn this off?
-(BIRDS CHIRPING)
-(DOG BARKING)
(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)
(PHONE RINGING)
Roger, hey! How are ya?
(LAUGHS)
(SOFT JAZZ SONG PLAYS
IN BACKGROUND)
(MELLOW MUSIC PLAYS)
(PHONE LINE TRILLING)
-(EMILE) Hi.
-(CASS) Hey.
I just wanted to say I'm sorry
about the other night.
(EMILE) Thanks.
I'm sorry for snapping.
I was having a bad day.
Do you want to get
a drink or something?
(EMILE) I would, but...
my mom's sick.
I'm not sure
if I ever told you that.
No.
(EMILE) I'm at her place
taking care of her
for a few days.
Do you need anything?
(EMILE) That's sweet.
My sister's here too.
She's making dinner.
You all right?
Yeah.
(SPOOKY VIDEO GAME MUSIC
PLAYING)
-(BUTTON CLICKS)
-(MUSIC STOPS)
(MELLOW MUSIC PLAYING)
(YOUNG CASS) Dear Mom, I made
this book of instructions
for my favorite video games.
When you come get me
at Grandma's,
I can show you how to play.
When are you coming back?
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
-(MUSIC STOPS)
-(BIRDS CHIRPING)
Shit.
Did you know our mom
and dad are getting a divorce?
You're not supposed
to tell anyone.
-Mom said I could.
-No, she didn't.
-Your mom told me.
-Oh.
Did your parents
get a divorce?
-Mine were never married.
-Then how did they get you?
You're so dumb.
People can still have kids
when they're not married.
Claire.
Claire!
(TIRES SCREECH)
(ENGINE RUMBLING)
(GIGGLES)
(MELLOW MUSIC PLAYING)
(MOTHER) Do you know
how much I missed you today?
-(CLAIRE) This much.
-(MOTHER) More.
(CLAIRE) This much!
That's so much!
(MOTHER LAUGHS)
What should we do tonight?
Should we order takeout
and watch a movie in my bed?
(BOTH GIRLS) Yeah!
(MOTHER LAUGHS)
Does that sound like fun?
(MELLOW MUSIC CONTINUES)
(PHONE LINE TRILLING)
(KALLI) Hey.
(CASS) Hey.
What are you doing?
(WAVES CRASHING)
(GENTLE, MELODIC VOCALIZING)
(KALLI WHOOPING)
("O IGNIS SPIRITUS PARACLITI"
BY HILDEGARD VON BINGEN PLAYS)
(KALLI YELLS INDISTINCTLY,
LAUGHS)
(KALLI WHOOPING, LAUGHING)
(KALLI)
Thanks for getting me out.
(MUSIC FADES)
I needed this.
(WAVES CRASHING)
I'm sorry.
I'm just...
Just trying to take it easy
right now.
We should live together.
(CHUCKLES)
(LAUGHS) Are you trying
to U-Haul me?
It's not like that.
What's it like?
Just living together,
the three of us.
You know, Ari talks
about you all the time.
Like you're some kind of god.
Bet she never talks
about me that way, huh?
I should probably get going
in case she wakes up.
Oh, no, keep it.
Till next time.
Hey, I saw a place for rent
on 40th and Noriega.
I can't afford it on my own,
but you should check it out.
(MELLOW MUSIC PLAYING)
(MOTHER LAUGHING)
-(MOTHER AND GIRLS LAUGHING)
-(MOTHER) Oh, that's gross.
Oh, sorry.
You were in the bathroom.
Okay.
Ooh, sweetie, sweetie,
please let me go.
I have to pay Cass, okay?
(PHONE LINE TRILLING)
(CASS) Hey, it's me.
I talked to the landlord,
and the place
is still available.
It's pet-friendly too.
He says we'd need
to wire the deposit
by Friday at the latest.
I gotta give 30 days' notice
on my apartment,
so just let me know
if you're sure
you wanna do it.
I'm in if you are.
(SILVERWARE CLATTERING)
("RETURN" BY DAVE MIHALY
PLAYS IN BACKGROUND)
Hey.
(BELLS JINGLE)
-She can meet me tomorrow.
-(ARI) Who?
The person who buys
my clothes in LA.
-Why?
-I told you, Mama.
I gotta get money
for the new place.
Are you sure it's okay
if she stays with you?
-Of course.
-I want to go with you.
No, baby, you have school.
But I haven't missed
any days yet.
(KALLI) I am gonna go
call my friend
and make sure
I can crash there...
I said I want to go with you!
Ari, I said no.
(BELLS JINGLE)
She didn't mean it.
(BASS HEAVY MUSIC
PLAYS NEXT DOOR)
(BOTTLES CLINKING)
(DOORBELL BUZZING)
(ENGINE RUMBLING)
(DOOR CLOSES)
You hungry?
I ordered us pizza.
I ate with my mom.
(VIDEO GAME MUSIC PLAYS)
Where'd you get that game?
My mom got it for me.
(CASS) Those things will rot
your brain, you know.
Maybe I want my brain to rot.
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(GARBAGE TRUCK BEEPING)
(GARBAGE THUMPING INTO TRUCK)
-Come on. We're already late.
-I'm not going.
-Yeah, you are.
-No, I'm not!
Fine. I don't care.
We're meeting your mom
at the bank at 4:00.
I'll pick you up
at the library.
Don't be late.
I'm missing some money,
eighty bucks,
from the box I keep
under the bed.
Have you seen it?
(DOOR CLOSES)
(ENGINE SHUTS OFF)
(PHONE LINE TRILLING)
(LIBRARIAN AND CHILD
CHATTERING)
I've been calling you.
Hi! I'm Jacki.
I'm the children's librarian
here.
-Are you...
-I'm friends with her mom.
Oh. (CLEARS THROAT)
One second, honey.
You know, Ari and I
were talking about how,
since she's been coming
to story time,
that maybe she'd like to be
my assistant.
You know, help pick out books
for the younger kids,
maybe even help read sometime.
She'd have to ask her mom.
Oh, of course.
She would say yes.
(CASS) We're late.
Let's talk about it later.
It sounds like you need
to check in with your mom.
(CHILD READING ALOUD
INDISTINCTLY)
(JACKHAMMERING IN DISTANCE)
Has she called your phone?
She might've gone
to the branch up the street.
(VEHICLE APPROACHING)
I'll look inside.
Keep your eyes out.
(DOOR OPENS)
(LOBBY MUSIC PLAYS)
Hey, you.
I got that letter for you.
Oh. Thanks.
I don't need it anymore.
Oh. Um... okay.
Appreciate the help, though.
She's not there.
Let's check the other bank.
Come on.
Hey, Mr. Bianchini, it's Cass.
I got stuck at work,
and I'm not sure
I can get to the bank in time.
Can we just give you
the deposit tomorrow?
Sorry about that.
Could you let me know
that you got this?
You know, if you'd just been
ready when I got there...
Hey, girl,
how you like that game?
I'll go back to the other one.
(SELLER) I got some new ones.
Come look.
(TENSE ELECTRONIC MUSIC
PLAYING)
Hey!
-You're a fucking little liar!
-Get off of me!
-What else did you take?
-I didn't take anything!
People who drink
forget things!
(CASS) Let me know
if she calls!
(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)
("SPIRITUS SANCTUS"
BY HILDEGARD VON BINGEN PLAYS)
(PHONE LINE TRILLING)
You have reached
Ari's cell phone.
Leave a message
if you want to.
-(BEEP)
-Ari, it's Cass.
I'm sorry about before.
Will you just let me know
where you are?
(PHONE LINE TRILLING)
Hey, it's Kalli.
Leave a message.
-(BEEP)
-Hey, it's Cass.
Where are you?
Will you call me?
(PHONE LINE TRILLING)
Hi, Cass. It's Jacki.
We met today at the library.
Ari showed up here when
I was leaving work tonight,
and I'm trying to figure out
what's going on.
I'll bring her back
to my place for now,
but will you just
give me a call?
(SOMBER MUSIC CONTINUES)
(SOMBER MUSIC CONTINUES)
(YOUNG CASS) Dear Mom,
last night I got to level nine
of Outerlands.
Grandma still hates
video games,
so I play it in my room
after she goes to bed.
I almost found the Mothership,
but don't worry,
I'll wait for you.
I want us to see it together.
(DARK MUSIC PLAYING)
(YOUNG CASS)
Are you coming back soon?
(MUSIC INTENSIFIES)
-(MUSIC ENDS)
-(OTHERWORLDLY WHIRRING)
(EERIE ELECTRONIC BEEPING)
(LOUD WHIRRING)
(DOOR WHOOSHING)
(EERIE WARBLING)
(PROLONGED DRAMATIC
ELECTRONIC NOTE PLAYING)
(NOTE FADES)
(SPOOKY VIDEO GAME MUSIC
PLAYING)
(CHILDREN SHOUT PLAYFULLY)
(MUSIC FADES)
Hey.
You okay?
-(CASS SOBS)
-Oh, sweetheart.
(PROLONGED DRAMATIC
ELECTRONIC NOTE PLAYING)
-(CASS SOBBING)
-(BANKER) Oh...
It's okay.
(SOBBING CONTINUES)
(BANKER) It's okay. I got you.
(NOTE FADES)
("O PASTOR ANIMARUM"
BY HILDEGARD VON BINGEN PLAYS)
(MUSIC ENDS)
(INSECTS CHIRRING)
(TRAFFIC PASSING BY)
(DENISE) Hey, Cass,
dinner's ready.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER ON TV)
(LAUGHTER ON TV)
(INSECTS CHIRRING)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER ON TV
CONTINUES)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(JACKI) Dear Cass,
I got your call
asking about Ari.
Sorry it's taken me a while
to get back to you.
It's been busy at the library.
Ari's doing okay.
She and her dog are living
with her aunt
while her mom's in rehab.
She asked me to send you
this book she made
in story time.
She said you'd know
what it was about?
Enjoy your new life,
Jacki.
(ARI) Night at the Beach,
by Ari Starr.
(WATER LAPPING)
(ARI) Once, I was visiting
a friend of mine.
They suggested we go
to the beach.
I'd never been to the beach
at night, only in the day,
but my friend told me
it was a good time to go.
(WAVES CRASHING)
There was a cave there.
It was very dark and deep.
I decided to go in.
I thought I would be scared,
but I wasn't.
Sometimes things aren't
as scary as they seem.
(INSECTS CHIRRING)
What are you scared of?
("WONDERFUL UNKNOWN"
BY INGRID MICHAELSON PLAYS)
(YOUNG CASS) Did you mean it?
(CASS) What?
(YOUNG CASS) What you said.
(CASS) Yeah.
(YOUNG CASS)
Could you say it again?
(CASS) You're not alone.
You're with me.
Oh
Let me wear your overcoat
My bones are super chill
and all
The ponies have gone home
Oh
Walking through Manhattan
With the ache
from last night's smile
Still smarting up
from my toes
Here we go
Dancing on our own
Inside this house
that we have
Never known
Never known
Here we go
Going in alone
Into the dark
and wonderful unknown
Let us go
Let us go
We make bread on Sundays
And the little ones
are climbing up the walls
Up the walls
Oh
Nothing lasts forever
But the sound of love
Astounds me every time
that it calls
Here we go
Dancing on our own
Inside this house
that we have
Never known
Never known
Here we go
Going in alone
Into the dark
and wonderful unknown
Let us go
Let us go
In the best way
You'll be the death of me
In the best way
You'll be the death of me
In the best way
You'll be the death of me
In the best way
Oh
Got your father's
wristwatch on
The one your mother
gave him
When they thought the world
won't end
Oh
We will be there one day
With a smile
and nothing more
To say goodbye to a friend
Here we go
Dancing on our own
Inside this house
that we have
Never known
Never known
Here we go
Going in alone
Into the dark
and wonderful unknown
Let us go
Let us go
Here we go
Dancing on our own
Inside this house
that we have
Never known
Never known
Here we go
Going in...
("AVE MARIA"
BY HILDEGARD VON BINGEN PLAYS)