The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey (2022) s01e01 Episode Script
Absence of the Mind
1
[PTOLEMY SIGHS.]
[TAPE RECORDER CLICKING.]
[PTOLEMY.]
Two plus nine equal 11.
- [TAPE REWINDS.]
- [CLICKS.]
[ON RECORDING.]
Two plus nine equal 11.
[CLICKS.]
[BREATHES DEEPLY.]
[CLEARS THROAT, GRUNTS.]
[SIGHS.]
Robyn.
I want you to know that my whole family is depending on you.
They mad right now 'cause I put you in charge of my affairs.
But in the long run, they're gonna be better off because of your strength.
I'm I'm sorry for what's about to happen here today.
But I got to set things right.
That That motherfucker got to pay for what he done.
[POUNDING ON DOOR.]
[PERSON AT DOOR.]
I know you in there, old man.
[POUNDING.]
- [PTOLEMY.]
Who is it? - You know damn well who it is.
Come on in.
It's open.
- [CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING.]
- [SIREN WAILING IN DISTANCE.]
[NEWS ANNOUNCER.]
Good morning.
Today is March 17, 2021, and welcome to Atlanta News 8 morning report.
Here are your top stories and international news.
[ANCHOR.]
Tensions throughout the Middle East remain high after a seventh straight day of bombings in the Afghan capital city of Kabul.
And the stability of the region continues to deteriorate.
[ANCHOR 2.]
We have breaking news.
A bomb has exploded in a Kabul mosque being attended by top Afghan officials.
Fourteen people were killed, with dozens more reported as injured.
The Afghan executive chief remains unharmed.
Reports are coming in from our sister station⦠[CLASSICAL MUSIC SWELLS.]
The US ambassador in Kabul is expected to make a statement giving an update on the situation, along with information on who the Afghani government suspects is behind this latest attack.
This is a developing story.
[CLASSICAL MUSIC ENDS.]
[RADIO ANNOUNCER.]
We just heard Johann Sebastian Bach's - Brandenburg Concerto no.
2 in F Major.
- [SIREN WAILING IN DISTANCE.]
- You're listening to WKCT⦠- [GRUNTING.]
⦠Atlanta's classical music station.
- Coming up, we have a viola concerto⦠- [SIGHS.]
[RADIO CONTINUES FAINTLY.]
[SIREN WAILING, LOUDER.]
[TRUCK HORN HONKING.]
- [SIREN FADES.]
- [CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING.]
[SIGHS.]
[BREATHING HEAVILY.]
[COYDOG.]
Stop playing around, Pity.
- [INSECTS CHIRPING.]
- [PTOLEMY.]
Coydog? Boy, you stop playing around.
Do what you promised.
[SIGHS.]
I⦠I forgot.
Forgot? I didn't give my life for you to forget.
[SIREN WAILING IN DISTANCE.]
[ELECTRICITY HUMMING.]
- [CHILD SCREAMING.]
- [PEOPLE SHOUTING.]
- [PERSON 1.]
Get her out of there! - [PERSON 2.]
Come on! Come on! Come on, Maude, pick your head up! - [PERSON 3.]
Come on, Maude! - [PERSON 4.]
Faster, now, faster! [PERSON 5.]
More water! - [SCREAMING.]
- [CHILD.]
Pity! - We got to save her, Mama! - [CHILD.]
Pity! - We got to! - [CHILD.]
Pity! No! Mom! - [MAMA.]
Pity! - [YOUNG PTOLEMY.]
Please let me go! I should've saved her.
[INHALES SHARPLY.]
I should've s-s - [BREATHING HEAVILY.]
- [CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING.]
[TV PLAYING, INDISTINCT.]
[EXHALES SHARPLY.]
- [PEOPLE LAUGHING.]
- [CAR HORN HONKS.]
[MAMA HUMMING, ECHOING.]
[HUMMING CONTINUES.]
[YOUNG PTOLEMY, ECHOING.]
Mama.
Mama? - [HUMMING.]
- Mama.
- Mama! - Yes, baby? Oh, hey, Maude.
How you doing? [SIGHS.]
Her mama been gone for three days, and Maude don't have nothing to eat.
[MAMA, ECHOING.]
Well, come on in.
Take a chair at the table.
I just made a mess of grits.
[MOUTHING WORDS.]
Thank you.
[POUNDING.]
[PERSON AT DOOR.]
Papa Grey.
[PERSON, ECHOING.]
Get him! - [GUNSHOTS.]
- [PERSON AT DOOR.]
Papa Grey! [SCREAMING.]
[KNOCKING.]
[PERSON AT DOOR.]
Papa Grey, you in there? Papa Grey.
[CHEF ON TV.]
To make these, we're gonna start with protein⦠[KNOCKING SOFTLY.]
[PERSON AT DOOR.]
Papa Grey? Who that? [PERSON AT DOOR.]
It's me.
Me? I'm me.
Is you that woman who wanna rob me? [PERSON AT DOOR.]
No.
I'm that man that's telling you that I'm here and that it's me, Reggie.
Reggie? [SIGHS.]
Uh, h-h-how I know it's you? [REGGIE.]
You know my voice.
[STAMMERS.]
I know the voice if I s-see the face who talking.
Uh, but, you know, sometimes Sometimes I don't know, you know? [REGGIE.]
Okay, okay.
So how I'ma prove to you that I'm me? Um⦠Well, what I always tell Reggie he got to do? [REGGIE.]
Uh, I got to take care of my kids.
I got to go to the doctor if I run a fever.
And And, uh, I got to put in at least ten dollars in the bank every time I get paid.
Well, anybody know that.
Wh What I tell Reggie about drinking? [REGGIE.]
You say, "Don't do it.
Don't do it.
'Cause when you do, you like to get mad.
" [CHUCKLING.]
That shit don't sound nothing like me.
[REGGIE.]
Papa Grey, open up.
[CLASSICAL MUSIC CONTINUES.]
[BOLT RATTLES.]
[LAUGHING.]
Told you.
[CHUCKLES.]
Good to see you, Papa Grey.
All right.
Right.
Here we go.
Work with me.
Uh Oh Uh Hey! There you go.
All right now.
- And? - [STAMMERS.]
Alway Always - Always lock the door.
- Always lock that door.
You don't want that woman coming back and robbing you again.
Uh-uh.
No, Lord.
Mm-mmm.
Mmm.
She slapped me down.
[CHUCKLES.]
Stole my Stole my change can a-a-and and and and and Yeah, yeah.
That's okay, Unc.
Hey, you got some ice water I could drink? - Hmm? - Ice water, to drink? Oh, yeah! Yeah.
Yeah, yeah.
Come on.
Come on, man.
You get the pitcher out the icebox here.
I'm gonna I'm gonna find your special glass I always keep for you to, you know, drink your water out of 'cause Yeah.
How's the hand? It's got a big old bandage on it, but it's It's aight.
I'ma find that glass, 'cause I know how you like your water, so I've always keeped your special glass in a special place.
Uh⦠You done ate three cans of beans in three days, Uncle.
That's good.
Oh, yeah.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Three cans ago, when you was here, - I washed the glass⦠- Okay.
⦠so it'd be ready for you when you came.
[REGGIE.]
Mm-hmm.
- [SIGHS.]
Where Where's - Mm-hmm.
- [REGGIE.]
What is that? - I can't remember where.
Why you got the alarm clock in the icebox, Papa Grey? Uh, I I I wanted to know w-what the temperature was, so I I was I think this would do you better by your sleeping table.
What you think? [STAMMERS.]
Yeah.
- Yeah? - Mm-hmm.
Okay.
All right.
All right.
[SIGHS.]
Oh! [LAUGHS.]
You put that up there, didn't you? - Because I know I didn't.
[LAUGHS.]
- [CHUCKLING.]
You're something else.
We've got a high-pressure system that could very likely⦠Whew.
I had a visitor just before you got here, but But that that was That was a long time ago.
And then then you showed up.
- They came inside? - Mmm.
Well, who was it? Uh [STAMMERS.]
A man I used to know.
[REGGIE.]
What man? You know what man.
One of them niggas hang out up on the corner? Uh, no no [CHUCKLES.]
No.
It's, uh It It's It's It's It's somebody from before your time.
- Who was? - Coydog.
Man who taught me my figures, how to read.
- Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Okay.
Coydog, huh? - Mmm.
You talking about the old days.
Uh-huh.
Okay.
[SIGHS.]
There was a fight somewhere out there too, 'cause 'cause I heard a lot a whole Whole bunch of clanging, you know.
Them cowbells cowbells was ringing.
- Hmm.
- Mm-hmm.
- Do you want some water, Papa Grey? - Mmm.
[SIGHS.]
[TV CONTINUES INDISTINCTLY.]
[PTOLEMY EXHALES, BREATHING HEAVILY.]
[GRUNTS.]
I think we're gonna have to shape you up before we present you to the world, Uncle.
Oh, no, no.
l I I like it like this.
Yeah.
Got a little Frederick Douglass going.
Let me help you out.
So like I was saying, Unc, uh, Nina, she ain't too happy around here no more.
So, I was thinking of packing her and the kids up and moving on down to Texas.
Mm-hmm.
Yeah.
All right.
What you think about that? Think it'd be all right if somebody else came to check on you from time to time? Mm-hmm.
Yeah.
Yeah.
The more the better.
Mm-hmm.
[CLASSICAL MUSIC SWELLS.]
[PHONE RINGING.]
What's wrong with that woman, Reggie? Over there.
Lower your voice.
You see she got that big old lump on her neck like a head about to grow out of it? What's wrong with her? Nothing wrong with her, Papa Grey.
Just be quiet.
Why I got to be quiet when she got something that look like a big grapefruit about to bust out of her neck? - I wanna know what's wrong with her.
- Ptolemy? - Don't you? - Ptolemy Grey? Yes, ma'am.
Whew.
Come on, Unc.
- What? - Let's go to the doctor.
- You need to shut him up.
- I'm so sorry.
[PTOLEMY.]
What she say? Why you got me in here when that woman out yonder with that big old thing on her throat? [CHUCKLES.]
Well, that's, uh, Ms.
Pine, and she's got what we call a goiter and a thyroid infection.
And we're just prepping her for a trip to the hospital.
Oh, you know, Coydog used to say hospital where Black folk went to die.
Well, as a resident I practically lived in a hospital, and somehow I made it out alive.
Yeah, but you ain't but so Black.
[BOTH CHUCKLE.]
- Hand's completely healed.
- Mmm.
It's amazing.
Told ya.
Ain't nobody sticking needles in me, wrapping my hand up like it's a ornery hog.
- [SNICKERS.]
- Well, Mr.
Grey⦠Um, people your age, with a burn like that, would take months to heal.
[PTOLEMY.]
No, I heal fast.
Old Black man in the cotton fields, he can't be playin' sick.
Mmm.
Once upon a time I could pick 300 pounds of cotton on a summer day.
Them other niggas be passing out in the dirt from the heat.
Not me.
[SCOFFS.]
I worked till the June moon come up.
- The June moon.
- [CHUCKLES.]
The way they tell the story is that he was only 12 when he came up from the Delta up north.
- He walked barefoot - Uh-uh! I ran.
- He r - [CHUCKLING.]
Mr.
Grey.
Do you remember when I used to live in your building when I was a kid? Mmm.
No.
You don't remember when I used to trick-or-treat by your apartment door and you you you'd give out apples.
- Apples? - Yeah.
No.
Come on, Papa Grey.
[CHUCKLING.]
You remember.
Remember what? Excuse me one second.
- Uh, Ms Ms.
Kamal? - Yes, Doctor? Um, Mr.
Grey, would you like a pop? Dr Pepper? - A Dr Pepper? You got it.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Mrs.
Kamal, could you please take Mr.
Grey to the snack room - and get him a Dr Pepper? - Yes.
Yep, I got you.
Come with me now, honey.
We'll get you a soda.
- All right.
- You coming? Mm-mmm.
No, I-I-I'ma talk to him for a minute.
You know what he's gonna tell you, right? You need to lose some weight.
[REGGIE, MS.
KAMAL CHUCKLE.]
[SIGHS.]
[PEOPLE CHATTERING.]
- [SIGHS.]
- He's slipping, I know.
No, it's it's it's not the slipping.
It's the rate of the decline.
Only a few weeks, and he's already deteriorated You don't have to tell me.
You don't I'm the one that's there, right there with him.
The only one.
[SIGHS.]
Hey, but otherwise, physically he's Oh, he's healthier than either one of us.
[CHUCKLES.]
I mean⦠[STAMMERS.]
â¦his hand, his recuperative ability.
And see, that's that's why I suggested this study and why they're interested in him.
Now, Dr.
Rubin wants to sit with the both of you.
He'll offer some examinations, maybe ask for some tests.
Like on a guinea pig? [SIGHS.]
Look, I am told that Dr.
Rubin has had lots of success - with patients just like your uncle.
- [REGGIE SCOFFS.]
First off, ain't nobody just like my uncle.
[CHUCKLES.]
Yeah.
W-What you saying, Milton? You telling I should go along with these tests? That's the move? All I'm saying is that this Dr.
Rubin knows more about dementia than anyone I've ever met.
- Hmm.
- Yeah.
- That's all you got for me? - That's all I got.
Other than the alternative.
[SIGHS.]
Look, it's Coy.
- [REGGIE.]
Huh? - Coydog! - [REGGIE.]
What? - Hey, Coy! I'm coming - [REGGIE.]
Papa Grey! Papa Grey! - [CAR HORN BLARING.]
[TIRES SCREECH.]
What you doing, Unc? You've got to pay attention, man.
Hey, motherfucker.
Whoa, what's up with all the loud talk, partner? [DRIVER.]
The fuck wrong with this old man? He slow? [REGGIE.]
Nah, he old.
What's wrong with you? [PEDESTRIAN.]
Girl, this nigga be getting on my damn nerves.
[REGGIE.]
Get back in this piece of shit.
I told him to call yesterday.
He didn't do that.
- Hello, ladies! - [CHUCKLES.]
Are y'all going down to Miss Deena's? Is you a player, Granddad? [SCOFFS.]
I ain't been to Miss Deena's in about 90 years.
- I bet she miss you too, huh? - Whoo-hoo-hoo.
I don't even know where it's at no more.
I bet you could find her if you looked.
I bet you I get older, I can still cut a rug though.
[PEDESTRIANS LAUGH.]
Sensie.
Sensie.
- [ENGINE STARTS.]
- Sensie.
- Don't touch me.
What's wrong with you? - [STAMMERS.]
I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry.
He old.
He thought you were somebody else.
Don't touch me.
Have a nice day.
Papa Grey, what you doing? The onliest woman I ever loved, right there.
God's one true gift to me.
Sensia Howard.
[SIGHS.]
Come on, Unc.
Let's go eat.
- [MUSIC PLAYING SOFTLY.]
- [DINERS CHATTERING.]
[SERVER.]
You know I sent Mr.
Johnson packing? - [REGGIE.]
What? - Mm-hmm.
I told the nigga that if he didn't find some kind of regular job in six weeks, he had to go.
- Huh.
Can't fault you there.
- Mm-hmm.
You look like you losing weight, Mr.
Grey.
Uh, he He mostly only eats when I'm around.
He needs to eat more.
[CHUCKLES.]
Okay? [CHUCKLES.]
You want some pie, Uncle? - Uncle? - [PTOLEMY SIGHS.]
You know, Reg, it seem like Seem like I can't remember nothing no more.
Like, I-I I sit and I think about when little Maude Petit come live with us, then I try to say what day it is.
Ain't got a clue.
Mmm.
So you want me to take you to that special doctor? Mmm? The special doctor that might help you remember things.
Mmm.
[SIGHS.]
When that chicken gonna come? Yeah.
- Uh, Sonia.
- Yeah, baby? [REGGIE.]
Can you bring out some more fried thighs? - [SONIA.]
Uh-huh.
- Yeah, we still hungry.
[CHUCKLES.]
[SONIA CHUCKLES.]
Okay.
Uh, hello? - Yeah, is this Dr.
Rubin's office? - ["FÃR ELISE" PLAYING.]
Hi.
Yeah.
Uh, my name's Reginald Lloyd, and I was told by Dr.
Milton Riley down at the People's Clinic that I can expect an appointment for my great-uncle Ptolemy Grey.
[STAMMERS.]
You heard of him, huh? [CHUCKLES.]
Yo.
Uh [STAMMERS.]
Hold on.
Uh, next week? Hold on.
Uh, okay.
Uh-huh.
As you can see, traffic is backed up for miles due to a multi-vehicle pileup⦠[REGGIE.]
Okay.
All right.
Got it.
Thank you.
â¦a semitruck blew a tire, lost control and slid across multiple lanes going southbound where 285 connects to I-85.
[SIGHS.]
Papa Grey.
- [SONG CONTINUES.]
- [TV CONTINUES, INDISTINCT.]
- Papa Grey.
- [GRUNTS.]
Uh, yeah, boy? [CLEARS THROAT.]
Uh⦠Unc, you ever worry about losing your woman? Your family? Family Family the most important thing you got.
Unc, I got something I need to say, and I don't know who else to say it to.
It's about, um, Nina and me.
See, Nina, um⦠[ECHOING.]
Nina got this ex-boyfriend who went to prison for killing somebody.
[SONG CONTINUES.]
[REGGIE CONTINUES, ECHOING, INDISTINCT.]
[ANCHOR, ECHOING.]
A dozen were treated for minor injuries and released on-scene.
At this time, no casualties have been reported.
Georgia Highway Patrol⦠[VOICES AND MUSIC OVERLAPPING, ECHOING.]
⦠the devastating scene.
- [NORMAL VOICE.]
You still with me, Unc? - Hmm? Oh, yeah, yeah.
Oh, yeah, yeah.
Sure.
Mm-hmm.
So, what do you think I should do? - [SONG CONTINUES.]
- [TV CONTINUES, INDISTINCT.]
Um, that that That woman on the news.
You know, th know the pretty, Black one? She said there's a big wreck on the freeway, cars backed up for miles.
[GRUNTS.]
[CHUCKLES.]
Ain't that something? [TV CONTINUES, INDISTINCT.]
Yeah.
[SIGHS.]
All right, Unc.
Uh⦠This here, this your next appointment.
It's a big one, all right? Now, I'll be back by to take you, but, uh, I gotta run.
[STAMMERS.]
Already? Why don't you stay and play some dominoes? Nah, next time, Unc.
Next time.
I, uh I gotta go.
It's Latisha's birthday.
Birthday? Y'all having a party? - Nah, nah.
- [GROANS.]
Just Just a little cake, a few presents, you know.
I gotta go.
[SIGHS.]
Well, I'll be here.
- [REGGIE.]
Yep.
- [BREATHES HEAVILY.]
All right, now, when I leave, you throw the bolt.
- Throw the bolt.
- What you about to do? - Throw the bolt.
- That's right.
- Reggie.
- Yeah? [SIGHS.]
I'll be back to bring you to the doctor.
I'll be here.
- Yeah.
- Throw the bolt.
That's it.
[ANCHOR.]
There have been several deaths⦠[TV CONTINUES, INDISTINCT.]
[GRUNTING.]
[SIGHS.]
- [VEHICLE PASSES.]
- [CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING.]
⦠has that lavender⦠[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING.]
[TV CONTINUES, INDISTINCT.]
[BREATHING HEAVILY.]
[WHISPERS.]
Coy? Coydog, you in there? [SIGHS.]
It's environmentally friendly, reused soap.
You can feel really good about using this soap⦠[TV CONTINUES, INDISTINCT.]
[THUNDER RUMBLING.]
[PTOLEMY SIGHS.]
[LIQUID POURING.]
And this should come as no surprise to anybody who has lived in Atlanta for any length of time that again⦠[TV CONTINUES, INDISTINCT.]
Reggie? [TV PLAYING, INDISTINCT.]
[SNORES.]
[WATER RUNNING.]
[CLATTERING.]
R-R-Reg.
Reggie, no [BREATHING HEAVILY.]
No, no, no bean No more bean.
Reggie.
Reggie.
[MOANING.]
No beans.
[BREATHES HEAVILY.]
Throw the bolt.
Throw the bolt.
[SIGHS.]
- [SNORING.]
- [CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING.]
[TV PLAYING, INDISTINCT.]
- [KNOCKING.]
- [PERSON AT DOOR SHOUTS, INDISTINCT.]
[CHOKES, GRUNTS.]
Uh [STAMMERS.]
What? [CLEARS THROAT, GROANS.]
Oh.
- [CLASSICAL MUSIC CONTINUES.]
- [BREATHES HEAVILY.]
[KNOCKING.]
[GROANS.]
Uncle Grey.
Reggie? Nah, Uncle.
It's Hilly.
Who-lly? Hilly.
Niecie's son.
[TV CONTINUES, INDISTINCT.]
[PTOLEMY.]
Where Reggie at? He couldn't, uh He couldn't be here.
Mama sent me to come get you.
"Get me"? [GRUNTS.]
What that mean, "Get me"? [HILLY.]
Bring you to Niecie's house.
- Niecie.
- Yeah.
Niecie.
Hilda Brown, your sister June's daughter.
June June dead.
June June died long time ago.
[HILLY.]
Look by the wall, Papa Grey.
It's a Uh, it's the picture over there on the wall.
How you know what's in my house? - 'Cause I been here before.
- When? It was a long time ago.
But I I've been here.
Look by the wall.
There's a picture with a piece of tape on it.
It say "Hilliard.
" That's me.
What I'm looking for again? For "Hilliard.
" H-I-L-L - Okay, all right, all right, all right.
- It's right there by the wall.
[PTOLEMY.]
June had Niecie.
Niecie had Hilliard, who also named Hilly.
- Mm-hmm.
Yeah.
- Papa Grey, come on, old man.
All right, all right, all right.
Hold your horses.
[BOLT RATTLES.]
Damn, Uncle.
I ain't think you was gonna ever open up.
Something wrong with this boy, Pity.
I got eyes, Coy.
I can see.
What? - Come on in.
- [CHUCKLES.]
All right.
Well, you gotta move back to let me in.
What? [CHUCKLES.]
You gotta move to let me in, Unc.
Come on, now, move.
Goddamn.
- What the fuck is that smell? - [BOLT RATTLES.]
- I don't smell nothing.
- That's your toilet? It smell like you boo-booed on yourself.
- [MUTTERS.]
- Uh-uh, no, no, no! Now don't be touching things.
- Stop touching things.
- Okay.
Where Reggie at? He ain't He ain't been here.
And today Today bank day.
- Oh, you need to go to the bank? - Yeah, with Reggie.
He at Mama's.
I'll take you to the bank.
We go on over there.
Come on.
- [MUTTERS.]
- Oh, no! Shit! Look what you done did! Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no! Don't Don't touch 'em.
I'll I'll get 'em up.
- Go outside and wait.
- I'ma help you pick up - Go wait! I'll come out there.
- Oh, hell, man.
Papa Grey, I need you to come with me to Mama house.
All right.
But go go ahead.
Put on a clean shirt and come home, okay.
Uh-huh.
- We need to go to the house.
- Okay.
All right.
- I'ma be outside.
I'm waiting on you.
- I'm coming.
I'm coming.
- [BOLT RATTLES.]
- [BREATHING HEAVILY.]
Damn.
Messed up my stuff and touching on things⦠[BREATHING HEAVILY.]
[GROANS.]
[STRAINING.]
[GROANS.]
[BREATHING HEAVILY.]
One, two, three.
[CHATTERING.]
Got what you need, Uncle? Uh-huh.
One, two, three.
Hey, hold it right there, motherfucker! Hey! - What you doing? - Fuck you push me for, nigga? - What you fucking with my uncle for? - Your uncle? That motherfucker there owe me money.
He told me he was gonna give me money - for my rent.
- Mm-mmm.
He promised me, and you know he got it.
Everybody in here know he got a whole bag full of money in that apartment.
- [PTOLEMY.]
No.
- Look, he said no.
- I said yeah.
- Look, bitch.
You keep playing with me and I'ma break your fucking jaw! Get the fuck on.
He owe me.
Somebody owe your ass a bath.
Come on, Papa Grey.
She ain't gonna mess with you.
[WOMAN.]
I'm coming for you, nigga.
She don't mean that shit.
Come on.
What bank you been going to? That way.
I'ma find you.
All right, come on.
[SCOFFS.]
What's that about a bag of money? [HILLY SIGHS.]
Do this look like a bank to you? [PARENT.]
Slow down, baby.
Uh, ask ask Ask Reggie.
"Ask Reggie.
" All right, go ahead.
Ask Reggie.
Here.
Ask him.
You always asking about Reggie.
Ask Reggie.
- I'm tired of hearing that shit.
- What? You got no bank card on you? Where your wallet at? Wallet? Why? 'Cause I'm tryna get us to the bank, Unc.
You don't know where we at.
[SIGHS.]
Goddamn.
Okay, check's right here.
- [VEHICLE APPROACHING.]
- Grollier's Bank.
That shit ain't even on this street.
Shit, man.
Motherfuckers.
What's going on, gentlemen? Ain't nothing going on, Officer.
Uh, my name is Hilliard Brown, and this is my uncle Ptolemy Grey.
Just chilling.
That the case, sir? [POLICE RADIO CHATTER.]
- All right.
- You come with us.
[BYSTANDERS CLAMORING.]
Come on.
Ah, man.
Hold on, bro.
For what? [WHITE OFFICER.]
We're gonna detain you till we figure out what's - I checked him.
- [HILLY.]
Get your fucking hands off me.
Hold up.
Stop! Sto Uh, stop! Stop, he [WHITE OFFICER.]
We're detaining you.
- He who my nephew - Sir, you know this man? Do you know this man? He who my nephew sent to bring me where he at.
Reggie.
[STAMMERS.]
I mean, he ain't Reggie, but he taking me to where Reggie is.
That's my my sister's daughter's boy, Hilliard.
He taking me to see Reggie.
- Let me see some ID.
- What? - [BOTH.]
Show me some ID.
- All right.
[BYSTANDER.]
Why you always coming through, messing with folk? [HILLY.]
Just relax, bruh.
Chill.
[SIGHS.]
[BYSTANDER.]
Do what he say, youngblood.
Damn.
So why are you digging through his pockets? I'm just I'm just helping him cash his checks, man.
I'm walking my uncle to the bank.
He don't know where the bank is.
He's senile.
He don't know what the fuck we doing.
I'm just - Is this true? - Uh-huh.
[OFFICER.]
You're okay? - Oh, yes, sir, Mr.
Bull.
Yes, sir.
- Are you sure you're okay? Yes, sir.
Yes, sir.
Keep it up, Hilliard.
Sh [SIGHS.]
[SIGHS.]
Here.
[SIGHS.]
Man, you trying to get me killed, bruh? - What? - Come on, we need to go to the bus.
- You the one fighting with the police.
- [MUTTERS.]
P-T-O-L-E-M-Y.
Cross the T.
[SCOFFS.]
You get three checks every month? Social security.
This my pension from the post office.
And this is death benefits from Sensia Howard.
One, two, three.
[SCOFFS.]
You a lucky motherfucker, Unc.
If I had that type of money, my life would be made.
All right.
Excuse me, sir.
Hi.
I'm Shirley.
Shirley Wring.
- Shirley Wring? - [CHUCKLES.]
Uh, W-R-I-N-G.
[CHUCKLES.]
Hello, W-R-I-N-G.
[CHUCKLES.]
Um, my name, uh, is is Ptolemy.
This is a little embarrassing.
I came here to pay my phone bill, but I'm short.
I need about $40.
All I have is this.
My father gave it to my mother 60 years ago.
[PTOLEMY.]
Ooh.
[CHUCKLES.]
This a treasure.
And all I ask is that you let me buy it back when I get my social security This what Coydog was trying to tell me.
A treasure to save all the Black peoples.
[BANK TELLER.]
Hello, Mr.
Grey.
Do you remember me? Kora Brooks? Uh, uh-huh.
Mr.
Brown here says that you want him to cash your checks.
Uh [STAMMERS.]
Reggie is over his house, and Hilliard is taking me there.
So, you know Mr.
Brown? - [HILLY.]
He just told you that.
- [STAMMERS.]
Uh, yeah.
He, um He's my sister's daughter's child.
- Uh, Niecie's boy.
- Niecie's boy.
I told you that, lady.
I got her on the phone, I can call her now and ask her.
That's not necessary.
- Come with me, Mr.
Brown.
- Thank you.
Man.
You know, we got shit to do.
Come on.
So, can you lend me the money, Ptolemy? [MS.
BROOKS.]
Okay, that's three checks.
- That's $300.
- [SIGHS DEEPLY.]
[HILLY.]
Come on, Unc.
Let's go, we already late.
Hey, this here Miss, uh, W-R-I-N-G.
- [SHIRLEY.]
Mmm.
- Hey.
Come on, let's go.
I need my money.
- I'ma hold on to it for you.
- I need it now.
All right.
Damn.
[CHUCKLES.]
Where are the other two envelopes? They only put the money in one envelope.
[PTOLEMY SIGHS.]
[GRUNTS.]
Count out what you need.
Ah.
I took an even 50.
Thank you so much, Ptolemy.
And this⦠is my gift to you.
- [SOFTLY.]
Oh.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Come on, Unc.
Let's go.
Hell yeah, man.
Police tried to tase me in my neck and everything, bruh.
It is what it is though.
All right, my bruh.
All right.
Unc, put your money away, man.
Whenever I go to the bank with Reggie, I always end up with near about $300.
One, two, three.
This here ain't but one.
One hundred.
You don't remember you gave your money to the old lady? Mmm.
Mm-mmm.
An even 50.
That's what she took.
Even 50.
Nah, she took almost two.
I'm telling you.
I saw her.
She took almost two.
- Let me count it again.
- Hands off my money.
You stole enough of my money already.
Thief.
Here we are.
This Reggie birthday party? [GRUNTS.]
Kinda.
[GRUNTING, MOANS.]
[GRUNTS.]
Ooh.
[BREATHING HEAVILY.]
[CHATTERING.]
[NIECIE.]
Pitypapa.
Hey, baby.
Oh, it's been too long.
[CHUCKLING.]
Oh.
It's me, Pitypapa.
Your favorite niece.
Niecie.
- Uh, June June's girl.
- That's right.
[CHUCKLES.]
You remember.
Oh, that's right.
Ain't nothing wrong with you.
And here you are in my house.
W-Where Reggie? He ain't He ain't been to my house eight, nine bean cans.
Um Robyn.
Robyn! Where [SIGHS.]
We ran out of the ribs, but we got enough fried chicken.
Ms.
Hannah brought the coleslaw, but I can still go get Hawaiian Punch mix.
Don't worry about that now.
There's somebody I want you to meet.
Pitypapa, this here is my best friend Frida's little girl, Robyn.
Frida died, so now Robyn live here with me and Hilly.
Robyn, this is my mother's brother, Mr.
Ptolemy Grey.
Hey.
Robyn.
First bird of spring.
[CHUCKLES.]
She might be coming by to help you out sometime.
Ain't that right? I guess.
[SIGHS.]
You hungry? Well, I wanna see Hilly I-I mean Reggie.
I-I wanna see Reggie.
[EXHALES SHARPLY.]
Oh, um, get something in your stomach first, yeah? Then Reggie.
Hmm? Robyn, can you please put the phone down? Take your uncle and go fix him a plate, please.
That is not my uncle.
Well, come on.
Wh-Where Reggie? The The thief said he was gonna be here.
- The what? - Where Reggie at? He got in trouble 'cause he stayed in town so long taking care of you.
Reggie in trouble? Where at? We got to go help him.
He ain't in trouble no more.
He's fine.
Greens? Yes, ma'am.
Yams? Oh, yeah.
Coleslaw? I already got greens on my plate.
And what about fried chicken? Oh, yeah.
Thigh, please.
[CHUCKLES.]
Oh! Oh! Sorry, I dropped it.
It's It's my fault.
I'm sorry.
I dropped it.
Here.
Wipe yourself off, little sister.
I got you.
[SIGHS.]
It's [GRUNTS.]
It's all good, Mr.
Grey.
- It's all right.
- I know you? Oh.
[CHUCKLES.]
Yeah.
Billy Freres, sir.
Uh, Me and Reggie been best friends since we were little boys.
Don't you remember? We used to come to your house all the time.
You let us look through your old magazines.
National Geographic.
Jet.
- Y'all was looking for naked girls.
- [BOTH LAUGH.]
Yeah, you remember that.
[LAUGHS.]
Hey, want some fried chicken, Mr.
Grey? - [STAMMERS.]
Thighs.
- Mmm.
I got you.
Mmm.
[CHATTERING CONTINUES.]
Psst.
Look at him.
Just eating like a pig, don't know shit.
Well⦠he was there for Reggie when he needed a gentle hand.
[CHUCKLES.]
When we were kids, he used to let us play for hours, and never, not once, did he say a bad word.
[SOUL MUSIC PLAYING, ECHOING.]
- You want anything else? - [MUSIC STOPS.]
Uh⦠Uh, I-I wanna see Reggie.
Come on.
[GRUNTS.]
Ooh.
Say excuse me, man.
Sorry, sir Ooh, nice nice gators.
Who he? Alfred somebody.
Think he a friend of Reggie's.
- [GUEST 1.]
He shouldn't be doing that.
- [GUEST 2.]
I was trying [ROBYN.]
Nina.
- Oh, look who it is.
- [LAUGHS.]
- What's up, Robyn? - Hey.
- This is Reggie's great-uncle.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Oh, yeah, Papa Grey.
I'm glad you're here.
Reggie talked a lot about you.
Well, where Reggie at? [ROBYN.]
This way.
[CHUCKLES.]
His little children like me and Maude Petit was down in Burdette.
[CHUCKLES.]
[BREATHES SHAKILY.]
[SWALLOWS.]
How come [BREATHING SHAKILY.]
How come y'all got him in here like this? - Somebody shot him.
- [MUTTERS, WHIMPERS.]
Ain't nobody tell me.
Didn't n Didn't nobody say.
- Nobody ain't call you? - Nobody said.
No, don't think so.
No.
I I don't remember.
I-I don't remember.
I don't think so.
[SOBS.]
[CRYING.]
Oh, Reggie.
Oh, God.
Oh, God.
[SOBBING.]
R Oh, God, Reggie! Oh, please, God, no.
[SOBBING.]
Please.
Please, Reggie.
Please, get up.
Don't be dead.
[SNIFFLES.]
Please, don't be dead.
[SOBBING.]
There he is.
- Yeah, I'ma take him home.
- I'm supposed to take him.
Yeah, well, he don't like you.
Says you messed up his stuff.
His stuff was already messed up when I got there.
Yeah, you made it worse.
Yeah.
And he he he stole my one, two and just give me three.
[HILLY MUTTERS.]
What's he talking about? [HILLY.]
I don't know.
You know he crazy.
Let Robyn take him.
You'll be home soon, Pitypapa.
Aight, come on.
I'll take you to the bus and get you to your house.
Reggie gonna come later? Yeah, he gonna be there.
[CHUCKLES.]
[GRUNTING.]
[SIGHS.]
[SIREN WAILING IN DISTANCE.]
[SHOUTS.]
You all right? Reggie really dead? Yeah.
Well, who killed him? Nobody know.
I'ma find who did it.
I swear.
[TAPE RECORDER CLICKING.]
[PTOLEMY.]
Two plus nine equal 11.
- [TAPE REWINDS.]
- [CLICKS.]
[ON RECORDING.]
Two plus nine equal 11.
[CLICKS.]
[BREATHES DEEPLY.]
[CLEARS THROAT, GRUNTS.]
[SIGHS.]
Robyn.
I want you to know that my whole family is depending on you.
They mad right now 'cause I put you in charge of my affairs.
But in the long run, they're gonna be better off because of your strength.
I'm I'm sorry for what's about to happen here today.
But I got to set things right.
That That motherfucker got to pay for what he done.
[POUNDING ON DOOR.]
[PERSON AT DOOR.]
I know you in there, old man.
[POUNDING.]
- [PTOLEMY.]
Who is it? - You know damn well who it is.
Come on in.
It's open.
- [CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING.]
- [SIREN WAILING IN DISTANCE.]
[NEWS ANNOUNCER.]
Good morning.
Today is March 17, 2021, and welcome to Atlanta News 8 morning report.
Here are your top stories and international news.
[ANCHOR.]
Tensions throughout the Middle East remain high after a seventh straight day of bombings in the Afghan capital city of Kabul.
And the stability of the region continues to deteriorate.
[ANCHOR 2.]
We have breaking news.
A bomb has exploded in a Kabul mosque being attended by top Afghan officials.
Fourteen people were killed, with dozens more reported as injured.
The Afghan executive chief remains unharmed.
Reports are coming in from our sister station⦠[CLASSICAL MUSIC SWELLS.]
The US ambassador in Kabul is expected to make a statement giving an update on the situation, along with information on who the Afghani government suspects is behind this latest attack.
This is a developing story.
[CLASSICAL MUSIC ENDS.]
[RADIO ANNOUNCER.]
We just heard Johann Sebastian Bach's - Brandenburg Concerto no.
2 in F Major.
- [SIREN WAILING IN DISTANCE.]
- You're listening to WKCT⦠- [GRUNTING.]
⦠Atlanta's classical music station.
- Coming up, we have a viola concerto⦠- [SIGHS.]
[RADIO CONTINUES FAINTLY.]
[SIREN WAILING, LOUDER.]
[TRUCK HORN HONKING.]
- [SIREN FADES.]
- [CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING.]
[SIGHS.]
[BREATHING HEAVILY.]
[COYDOG.]
Stop playing around, Pity.
- [INSECTS CHIRPING.]
- [PTOLEMY.]
Coydog? Boy, you stop playing around.
Do what you promised.
[SIGHS.]
I⦠I forgot.
Forgot? I didn't give my life for you to forget.
[SIREN WAILING IN DISTANCE.]
[ELECTRICITY HUMMING.]
- [CHILD SCREAMING.]
- [PEOPLE SHOUTING.]
- [PERSON 1.]
Get her out of there! - [PERSON 2.]
Come on! Come on! Come on, Maude, pick your head up! - [PERSON 3.]
Come on, Maude! - [PERSON 4.]
Faster, now, faster! [PERSON 5.]
More water! - [SCREAMING.]
- [CHILD.]
Pity! - We got to save her, Mama! - [CHILD.]
Pity! - We got to! - [CHILD.]
Pity! No! Mom! - [MAMA.]
Pity! - [YOUNG PTOLEMY.]
Please let me go! I should've saved her.
[INHALES SHARPLY.]
I should've s-s - [BREATHING HEAVILY.]
- [CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING.]
[TV PLAYING, INDISTINCT.]
[EXHALES SHARPLY.]
- [PEOPLE LAUGHING.]
- [CAR HORN HONKS.]
[MAMA HUMMING, ECHOING.]
[HUMMING CONTINUES.]
[YOUNG PTOLEMY, ECHOING.]
Mama.
Mama? - [HUMMING.]
- Mama.
- Mama! - Yes, baby? Oh, hey, Maude.
How you doing? [SIGHS.]
Her mama been gone for three days, and Maude don't have nothing to eat.
[MAMA, ECHOING.]
Well, come on in.
Take a chair at the table.
I just made a mess of grits.
[MOUTHING WORDS.]
Thank you.
[POUNDING.]
[PERSON AT DOOR.]
Papa Grey.
[PERSON, ECHOING.]
Get him! - [GUNSHOTS.]
- [PERSON AT DOOR.]
Papa Grey! [SCREAMING.]
[KNOCKING.]
[PERSON AT DOOR.]
Papa Grey, you in there? Papa Grey.
[CHEF ON TV.]
To make these, we're gonna start with protein⦠[KNOCKING SOFTLY.]
[PERSON AT DOOR.]
Papa Grey? Who that? [PERSON AT DOOR.]
It's me.
Me? I'm me.
Is you that woman who wanna rob me? [PERSON AT DOOR.]
No.
I'm that man that's telling you that I'm here and that it's me, Reggie.
Reggie? [SIGHS.]
Uh, h-h-how I know it's you? [REGGIE.]
You know my voice.
[STAMMERS.]
I know the voice if I s-see the face who talking.
Uh, but, you know, sometimes Sometimes I don't know, you know? [REGGIE.]
Okay, okay.
So how I'ma prove to you that I'm me? Um⦠Well, what I always tell Reggie he got to do? [REGGIE.]
Uh, I got to take care of my kids.
I got to go to the doctor if I run a fever.
And And, uh, I got to put in at least ten dollars in the bank every time I get paid.
Well, anybody know that.
Wh What I tell Reggie about drinking? [REGGIE.]
You say, "Don't do it.
Don't do it.
'Cause when you do, you like to get mad.
" [CHUCKLING.]
That shit don't sound nothing like me.
[REGGIE.]
Papa Grey, open up.
[CLASSICAL MUSIC CONTINUES.]
[BOLT RATTLES.]
[LAUGHING.]
Told you.
[CHUCKLES.]
Good to see you, Papa Grey.
All right.
Right.
Here we go.
Work with me.
Uh Oh Uh Hey! There you go.
All right now.
- And? - [STAMMERS.]
Alway Always - Always lock the door.
- Always lock that door.
You don't want that woman coming back and robbing you again.
Uh-uh.
No, Lord.
Mm-mmm.
Mmm.
She slapped me down.
[CHUCKLES.]
Stole my Stole my change can a-a-and and and and and Yeah, yeah.
That's okay, Unc.
Hey, you got some ice water I could drink? - Hmm? - Ice water, to drink? Oh, yeah! Yeah.
Yeah, yeah.
Come on.
Come on, man.
You get the pitcher out the icebox here.
I'm gonna I'm gonna find your special glass I always keep for you to, you know, drink your water out of 'cause Yeah.
How's the hand? It's got a big old bandage on it, but it's It's aight.
I'ma find that glass, 'cause I know how you like your water, so I've always keeped your special glass in a special place.
Uh⦠You done ate three cans of beans in three days, Uncle.
That's good.
Oh, yeah.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Three cans ago, when you was here, - I washed the glass⦠- Okay.
⦠so it'd be ready for you when you came.
[REGGIE.]
Mm-hmm.
- [SIGHS.]
Where Where's - Mm-hmm.
- [REGGIE.]
What is that? - I can't remember where.
Why you got the alarm clock in the icebox, Papa Grey? Uh, I I I wanted to know w-what the temperature was, so I I was I think this would do you better by your sleeping table.
What you think? [STAMMERS.]
Yeah.
- Yeah? - Mm-hmm.
Okay.
All right.
All right.
[SIGHS.]
Oh! [LAUGHS.]
You put that up there, didn't you? - Because I know I didn't.
[LAUGHS.]
- [CHUCKLING.]
You're something else.
We've got a high-pressure system that could very likely⦠Whew.
I had a visitor just before you got here, but But that that was That was a long time ago.
And then then you showed up.
- They came inside? - Mmm.
Well, who was it? Uh [STAMMERS.]
A man I used to know.
[REGGIE.]
What man? You know what man.
One of them niggas hang out up on the corner? Uh, no no [CHUCKLES.]
No.
It's, uh It It's It's It's It's somebody from before your time.
- Who was? - Coydog.
Man who taught me my figures, how to read.
- Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Okay.
Coydog, huh? - Mmm.
You talking about the old days.
Uh-huh.
Okay.
[SIGHS.]
There was a fight somewhere out there too, 'cause 'cause I heard a lot a whole Whole bunch of clanging, you know.
Them cowbells cowbells was ringing.
- Hmm.
- Mm-hmm.
- Do you want some water, Papa Grey? - Mmm.
[SIGHS.]
[TV CONTINUES INDISTINCTLY.]
[PTOLEMY EXHALES, BREATHING HEAVILY.]
[GRUNTS.]
I think we're gonna have to shape you up before we present you to the world, Uncle.
Oh, no, no.
l I I like it like this.
Yeah.
Got a little Frederick Douglass going.
Let me help you out.
So like I was saying, Unc, uh, Nina, she ain't too happy around here no more.
So, I was thinking of packing her and the kids up and moving on down to Texas.
Mm-hmm.
Yeah.
All right.
What you think about that? Think it'd be all right if somebody else came to check on you from time to time? Mm-hmm.
Yeah.
Yeah.
The more the better.
Mm-hmm.
[CLASSICAL MUSIC SWELLS.]
[PHONE RINGING.]
What's wrong with that woman, Reggie? Over there.
Lower your voice.
You see she got that big old lump on her neck like a head about to grow out of it? What's wrong with her? Nothing wrong with her, Papa Grey.
Just be quiet.
Why I got to be quiet when she got something that look like a big grapefruit about to bust out of her neck? - I wanna know what's wrong with her.
- Ptolemy? - Don't you? - Ptolemy Grey? Yes, ma'am.
Whew.
Come on, Unc.
- What? - Let's go to the doctor.
- You need to shut him up.
- I'm so sorry.
[PTOLEMY.]
What she say? Why you got me in here when that woman out yonder with that big old thing on her throat? [CHUCKLES.]
Well, that's, uh, Ms.
Pine, and she's got what we call a goiter and a thyroid infection.
And we're just prepping her for a trip to the hospital.
Oh, you know, Coydog used to say hospital where Black folk went to die.
Well, as a resident I practically lived in a hospital, and somehow I made it out alive.
Yeah, but you ain't but so Black.
[BOTH CHUCKLE.]
- Hand's completely healed.
- Mmm.
It's amazing.
Told ya.
Ain't nobody sticking needles in me, wrapping my hand up like it's a ornery hog.
- [SNICKERS.]
- Well, Mr.
Grey⦠Um, people your age, with a burn like that, would take months to heal.
[PTOLEMY.]
No, I heal fast.
Old Black man in the cotton fields, he can't be playin' sick.
Mmm.
Once upon a time I could pick 300 pounds of cotton on a summer day.
Them other niggas be passing out in the dirt from the heat.
Not me.
[SCOFFS.]
I worked till the June moon come up.
- The June moon.
- [CHUCKLES.]
The way they tell the story is that he was only 12 when he came up from the Delta up north.
- He walked barefoot - Uh-uh! I ran.
- He r - [CHUCKLING.]
Mr.
Grey.
Do you remember when I used to live in your building when I was a kid? Mmm.
No.
You don't remember when I used to trick-or-treat by your apartment door and you you you'd give out apples.
- Apples? - Yeah.
No.
Come on, Papa Grey.
[CHUCKLING.]
You remember.
Remember what? Excuse me one second.
- Uh, Ms Ms.
Kamal? - Yes, Doctor? Um, Mr.
Grey, would you like a pop? Dr Pepper? - A Dr Pepper? You got it.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Mrs.
Kamal, could you please take Mr.
Grey to the snack room - and get him a Dr Pepper? - Yes.
Yep, I got you.
Come with me now, honey.
We'll get you a soda.
- All right.
- You coming? Mm-mmm.
No, I-I-I'ma talk to him for a minute.
You know what he's gonna tell you, right? You need to lose some weight.
[REGGIE, MS.
KAMAL CHUCKLE.]
[SIGHS.]
[PEOPLE CHATTERING.]
- [SIGHS.]
- He's slipping, I know.
No, it's it's it's not the slipping.
It's the rate of the decline.
Only a few weeks, and he's already deteriorated You don't have to tell me.
You don't I'm the one that's there, right there with him.
The only one.
[SIGHS.]
Hey, but otherwise, physically he's Oh, he's healthier than either one of us.
[CHUCKLES.]
I mean⦠[STAMMERS.]
â¦his hand, his recuperative ability.
And see, that's that's why I suggested this study and why they're interested in him.
Now, Dr.
Rubin wants to sit with the both of you.
He'll offer some examinations, maybe ask for some tests.
Like on a guinea pig? [SIGHS.]
Look, I am told that Dr.
Rubin has had lots of success - with patients just like your uncle.
- [REGGIE SCOFFS.]
First off, ain't nobody just like my uncle.
[CHUCKLES.]
Yeah.
W-What you saying, Milton? You telling I should go along with these tests? That's the move? All I'm saying is that this Dr.
Rubin knows more about dementia than anyone I've ever met.
- Hmm.
- Yeah.
- That's all you got for me? - That's all I got.
Other than the alternative.
[SIGHS.]
Look, it's Coy.
- [REGGIE.]
Huh? - Coydog! - [REGGIE.]
What? - Hey, Coy! I'm coming - [REGGIE.]
Papa Grey! Papa Grey! - [CAR HORN BLARING.]
[TIRES SCREECH.]
What you doing, Unc? You've got to pay attention, man.
Hey, motherfucker.
Whoa, what's up with all the loud talk, partner? [DRIVER.]
The fuck wrong with this old man? He slow? [REGGIE.]
Nah, he old.
What's wrong with you? [PEDESTRIAN.]
Girl, this nigga be getting on my damn nerves.
[REGGIE.]
Get back in this piece of shit.
I told him to call yesterday.
He didn't do that.
- Hello, ladies! - [CHUCKLES.]
Are y'all going down to Miss Deena's? Is you a player, Granddad? [SCOFFS.]
I ain't been to Miss Deena's in about 90 years.
- I bet she miss you too, huh? - Whoo-hoo-hoo.
I don't even know where it's at no more.
I bet you could find her if you looked.
I bet you I get older, I can still cut a rug though.
[PEDESTRIANS LAUGH.]
Sensie.
Sensie.
- [ENGINE STARTS.]
- Sensie.
- Don't touch me.
What's wrong with you? - [STAMMERS.]
I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry.
He old.
He thought you were somebody else.
Don't touch me.
Have a nice day.
Papa Grey, what you doing? The onliest woman I ever loved, right there.
God's one true gift to me.
Sensia Howard.
[SIGHS.]
Come on, Unc.
Let's go eat.
- [MUSIC PLAYING SOFTLY.]
- [DINERS CHATTERING.]
[SERVER.]
You know I sent Mr.
Johnson packing? - [REGGIE.]
What? - Mm-hmm.
I told the nigga that if he didn't find some kind of regular job in six weeks, he had to go.
- Huh.
Can't fault you there.
- Mm-hmm.
You look like you losing weight, Mr.
Grey.
Uh, he He mostly only eats when I'm around.
He needs to eat more.
[CHUCKLES.]
Okay? [CHUCKLES.]
You want some pie, Uncle? - Uncle? - [PTOLEMY SIGHS.]
You know, Reg, it seem like Seem like I can't remember nothing no more.
Like, I-I I sit and I think about when little Maude Petit come live with us, then I try to say what day it is.
Ain't got a clue.
Mmm.
So you want me to take you to that special doctor? Mmm? The special doctor that might help you remember things.
Mmm.
[SIGHS.]
When that chicken gonna come? Yeah.
- Uh, Sonia.
- Yeah, baby? [REGGIE.]
Can you bring out some more fried thighs? - [SONIA.]
Uh-huh.
- Yeah, we still hungry.
[CHUCKLES.]
[SONIA CHUCKLES.]
Okay.
Uh, hello? - Yeah, is this Dr.
Rubin's office? - ["FÃR ELISE" PLAYING.]
Hi.
Yeah.
Uh, my name's Reginald Lloyd, and I was told by Dr.
Milton Riley down at the People's Clinic that I can expect an appointment for my great-uncle Ptolemy Grey.
[STAMMERS.]
You heard of him, huh? [CHUCKLES.]
Yo.
Uh [STAMMERS.]
Hold on.
Uh, next week? Hold on.
Uh, okay.
Uh-huh.
As you can see, traffic is backed up for miles due to a multi-vehicle pileup⦠[REGGIE.]
Okay.
All right.
Got it.
Thank you.
â¦a semitruck blew a tire, lost control and slid across multiple lanes going southbound where 285 connects to I-85.
[SIGHS.]
Papa Grey.
- [SONG CONTINUES.]
- [TV CONTINUES, INDISTINCT.]
- Papa Grey.
- [GRUNTS.]
Uh, yeah, boy? [CLEARS THROAT.]
Uh⦠Unc, you ever worry about losing your woman? Your family? Family Family the most important thing you got.
Unc, I got something I need to say, and I don't know who else to say it to.
It's about, um, Nina and me.
See, Nina, um⦠[ECHOING.]
Nina got this ex-boyfriend who went to prison for killing somebody.
[SONG CONTINUES.]
[REGGIE CONTINUES, ECHOING, INDISTINCT.]
[ANCHOR, ECHOING.]
A dozen were treated for minor injuries and released on-scene.
At this time, no casualties have been reported.
Georgia Highway Patrol⦠[VOICES AND MUSIC OVERLAPPING, ECHOING.]
⦠the devastating scene.
- [NORMAL VOICE.]
You still with me, Unc? - Hmm? Oh, yeah, yeah.
Oh, yeah, yeah.
Sure.
Mm-hmm.
So, what do you think I should do? - [SONG CONTINUES.]
- [TV CONTINUES, INDISTINCT.]
Um, that that That woman on the news.
You know, th know the pretty, Black one? She said there's a big wreck on the freeway, cars backed up for miles.
[GRUNTS.]
[CHUCKLES.]
Ain't that something? [TV CONTINUES, INDISTINCT.]
Yeah.
[SIGHS.]
All right, Unc.
Uh⦠This here, this your next appointment.
It's a big one, all right? Now, I'll be back by to take you, but, uh, I gotta run.
[STAMMERS.]
Already? Why don't you stay and play some dominoes? Nah, next time, Unc.
Next time.
I, uh I gotta go.
It's Latisha's birthday.
Birthday? Y'all having a party? - Nah, nah.
- [GROANS.]
Just Just a little cake, a few presents, you know.
I gotta go.
[SIGHS.]
Well, I'll be here.
- [REGGIE.]
Yep.
- [BREATHES HEAVILY.]
All right, now, when I leave, you throw the bolt.
- Throw the bolt.
- What you about to do? - Throw the bolt.
- That's right.
- Reggie.
- Yeah? [SIGHS.]
I'll be back to bring you to the doctor.
I'll be here.
- Yeah.
- Throw the bolt.
That's it.
[ANCHOR.]
There have been several deaths⦠[TV CONTINUES, INDISTINCT.]
[GRUNTING.]
[SIGHS.]
- [VEHICLE PASSES.]
- [CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING.]
⦠has that lavender⦠[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING.]
[TV CONTINUES, INDISTINCT.]
[BREATHING HEAVILY.]
[WHISPERS.]
Coy? Coydog, you in there? [SIGHS.]
It's environmentally friendly, reused soap.
You can feel really good about using this soap⦠[TV CONTINUES, INDISTINCT.]
[THUNDER RUMBLING.]
[PTOLEMY SIGHS.]
[LIQUID POURING.]
And this should come as no surprise to anybody who has lived in Atlanta for any length of time that again⦠[TV CONTINUES, INDISTINCT.]
Reggie? [TV PLAYING, INDISTINCT.]
[SNORES.]
[WATER RUNNING.]
[CLATTERING.]
R-R-Reg.
Reggie, no [BREATHING HEAVILY.]
No, no, no bean No more bean.
Reggie.
Reggie.
[MOANING.]
No beans.
[BREATHES HEAVILY.]
Throw the bolt.
Throw the bolt.
[SIGHS.]
- [SNORING.]
- [CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING.]
[TV PLAYING, INDISTINCT.]
- [KNOCKING.]
- [PERSON AT DOOR SHOUTS, INDISTINCT.]
[CHOKES, GRUNTS.]
Uh [STAMMERS.]
What? [CLEARS THROAT, GROANS.]
Oh.
- [CLASSICAL MUSIC CONTINUES.]
- [BREATHES HEAVILY.]
[KNOCKING.]
[GROANS.]
Uncle Grey.
Reggie? Nah, Uncle.
It's Hilly.
Who-lly? Hilly.
Niecie's son.
[TV CONTINUES, INDISTINCT.]
[PTOLEMY.]
Where Reggie at? He couldn't, uh He couldn't be here.
Mama sent me to come get you.
"Get me"? [GRUNTS.]
What that mean, "Get me"? [HILLY.]
Bring you to Niecie's house.
- Niecie.
- Yeah.
Niecie.
Hilda Brown, your sister June's daughter.
June June dead.
June June died long time ago.
[HILLY.]
Look by the wall, Papa Grey.
It's a Uh, it's the picture over there on the wall.
How you know what's in my house? - 'Cause I been here before.
- When? It was a long time ago.
But I I've been here.
Look by the wall.
There's a picture with a piece of tape on it.
It say "Hilliard.
" That's me.
What I'm looking for again? For "Hilliard.
" H-I-L-L - Okay, all right, all right, all right.
- It's right there by the wall.
[PTOLEMY.]
June had Niecie.
Niecie had Hilliard, who also named Hilly.
- Mm-hmm.
Yeah.
- Papa Grey, come on, old man.
All right, all right, all right.
Hold your horses.
[BOLT RATTLES.]
Damn, Uncle.
I ain't think you was gonna ever open up.
Something wrong with this boy, Pity.
I got eyes, Coy.
I can see.
What? - Come on in.
- [CHUCKLES.]
All right.
Well, you gotta move back to let me in.
What? [CHUCKLES.]
You gotta move to let me in, Unc.
Come on, now, move.
Goddamn.
- What the fuck is that smell? - [BOLT RATTLES.]
- I don't smell nothing.
- That's your toilet? It smell like you boo-booed on yourself.
- [MUTTERS.]
- Uh-uh, no, no, no! Now don't be touching things.
- Stop touching things.
- Okay.
Where Reggie at? He ain't He ain't been here.
And today Today bank day.
- Oh, you need to go to the bank? - Yeah, with Reggie.
He at Mama's.
I'll take you to the bank.
We go on over there.
Come on.
- [MUTTERS.]
- Oh, no! Shit! Look what you done did! Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no! Don't Don't touch 'em.
I'll I'll get 'em up.
- Go outside and wait.
- I'ma help you pick up - Go wait! I'll come out there.
- Oh, hell, man.
Papa Grey, I need you to come with me to Mama house.
All right.
But go go ahead.
Put on a clean shirt and come home, okay.
Uh-huh.
- We need to go to the house.
- Okay.
All right.
- I'ma be outside.
I'm waiting on you.
- I'm coming.
I'm coming.
- [BOLT RATTLES.]
- [BREATHING HEAVILY.]
Damn.
Messed up my stuff and touching on things⦠[BREATHING HEAVILY.]
[GROANS.]
[STRAINING.]
[GROANS.]
[BREATHING HEAVILY.]
One, two, three.
[CHATTERING.]
Got what you need, Uncle? Uh-huh.
One, two, three.
Hey, hold it right there, motherfucker! Hey! - What you doing? - Fuck you push me for, nigga? - What you fucking with my uncle for? - Your uncle? That motherfucker there owe me money.
He told me he was gonna give me money - for my rent.
- Mm-mmm.
He promised me, and you know he got it.
Everybody in here know he got a whole bag full of money in that apartment.
- [PTOLEMY.]
No.
- Look, he said no.
- I said yeah.
- Look, bitch.
You keep playing with me and I'ma break your fucking jaw! Get the fuck on.
He owe me.
Somebody owe your ass a bath.
Come on, Papa Grey.
She ain't gonna mess with you.
[WOMAN.]
I'm coming for you, nigga.
She don't mean that shit.
Come on.
What bank you been going to? That way.
I'ma find you.
All right, come on.
[SCOFFS.]
What's that about a bag of money? [HILLY SIGHS.]
Do this look like a bank to you? [PARENT.]
Slow down, baby.
Uh, ask ask Ask Reggie.
"Ask Reggie.
" All right, go ahead.
Ask Reggie.
Here.
Ask him.
You always asking about Reggie.
Ask Reggie.
- I'm tired of hearing that shit.
- What? You got no bank card on you? Where your wallet at? Wallet? Why? 'Cause I'm tryna get us to the bank, Unc.
You don't know where we at.
[SIGHS.]
Goddamn.
Okay, check's right here.
- [VEHICLE APPROACHING.]
- Grollier's Bank.
That shit ain't even on this street.
Shit, man.
Motherfuckers.
What's going on, gentlemen? Ain't nothing going on, Officer.
Uh, my name is Hilliard Brown, and this is my uncle Ptolemy Grey.
Just chilling.
That the case, sir? [POLICE RADIO CHATTER.]
- All right.
- You come with us.
[BYSTANDERS CLAMORING.]
Come on.
Ah, man.
Hold on, bro.
For what? [WHITE OFFICER.]
We're gonna detain you till we figure out what's - I checked him.
- [HILLY.]
Get your fucking hands off me.
Hold up.
Stop! Sto Uh, stop! Stop, he [WHITE OFFICER.]
We're detaining you.
- He who my nephew - Sir, you know this man? Do you know this man? He who my nephew sent to bring me where he at.
Reggie.
[STAMMERS.]
I mean, he ain't Reggie, but he taking me to where Reggie is.
That's my my sister's daughter's boy, Hilliard.
He taking me to see Reggie.
- Let me see some ID.
- What? - [BOTH.]
Show me some ID.
- All right.
[BYSTANDER.]
Why you always coming through, messing with folk? [HILLY.]
Just relax, bruh.
Chill.
[SIGHS.]
[BYSTANDER.]
Do what he say, youngblood.
Damn.
So why are you digging through his pockets? I'm just I'm just helping him cash his checks, man.
I'm walking my uncle to the bank.
He don't know where the bank is.
He's senile.
He don't know what the fuck we doing.
I'm just - Is this true? - Uh-huh.
[OFFICER.]
You're okay? - Oh, yes, sir, Mr.
Bull.
Yes, sir.
- Are you sure you're okay? Yes, sir.
Yes, sir.
Keep it up, Hilliard.
Sh [SIGHS.]
[SIGHS.]
Here.
[SIGHS.]
Man, you trying to get me killed, bruh? - What? - Come on, we need to go to the bus.
- You the one fighting with the police.
- [MUTTERS.]
P-T-O-L-E-M-Y.
Cross the T.
[SCOFFS.]
You get three checks every month? Social security.
This my pension from the post office.
And this is death benefits from Sensia Howard.
One, two, three.
[SCOFFS.]
You a lucky motherfucker, Unc.
If I had that type of money, my life would be made.
All right.
Excuse me, sir.
Hi.
I'm Shirley.
Shirley Wring.
- Shirley Wring? - [CHUCKLES.]
Uh, W-R-I-N-G.
[CHUCKLES.]
Hello, W-R-I-N-G.
[CHUCKLES.]
Um, my name, uh, is is Ptolemy.
This is a little embarrassing.
I came here to pay my phone bill, but I'm short.
I need about $40.
All I have is this.
My father gave it to my mother 60 years ago.
[PTOLEMY.]
Ooh.
[CHUCKLES.]
This a treasure.
And all I ask is that you let me buy it back when I get my social security This what Coydog was trying to tell me.
A treasure to save all the Black peoples.
[BANK TELLER.]
Hello, Mr.
Grey.
Do you remember me? Kora Brooks? Uh, uh-huh.
Mr.
Brown here says that you want him to cash your checks.
Uh [STAMMERS.]
Reggie is over his house, and Hilliard is taking me there.
So, you know Mr.
Brown? - [HILLY.]
He just told you that.
- [STAMMERS.]
Uh, yeah.
He, um He's my sister's daughter's child.
- Uh, Niecie's boy.
- Niecie's boy.
I told you that, lady.
I got her on the phone, I can call her now and ask her.
That's not necessary.
- Come with me, Mr.
Brown.
- Thank you.
Man.
You know, we got shit to do.
Come on.
So, can you lend me the money, Ptolemy? [MS.
BROOKS.]
Okay, that's three checks.
- That's $300.
- [SIGHS DEEPLY.]
[HILLY.]
Come on, Unc.
Let's go, we already late.
Hey, this here Miss, uh, W-R-I-N-G.
- [SHIRLEY.]
Mmm.
- Hey.
Come on, let's go.
I need my money.
- I'ma hold on to it for you.
- I need it now.
All right.
Damn.
[CHUCKLES.]
Where are the other two envelopes? They only put the money in one envelope.
[PTOLEMY SIGHS.]
[GRUNTS.]
Count out what you need.
Ah.
I took an even 50.
Thank you so much, Ptolemy.
And this⦠is my gift to you.
- [SOFTLY.]
Oh.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Come on, Unc.
Let's go.
Hell yeah, man.
Police tried to tase me in my neck and everything, bruh.
It is what it is though.
All right, my bruh.
All right.
Unc, put your money away, man.
Whenever I go to the bank with Reggie, I always end up with near about $300.
One, two, three.
This here ain't but one.
One hundred.
You don't remember you gave your money to the old lady? Mmm.
Mm-mmm.
An even 50.
That's what she took.
Even 50.
Nah, she took almost two.
I'm telling you.
I saw her.
She took almost two.
- Let me count it again.
- Hands off my money.
You stole enough of my money already.
Thief.
Here we are.
This Reggie birthday party? [GRUNTS.]
Kinda.
[GRUNTING, MOANS.]
[GRUNTS.]
Ooh.
[BREATHING HEAVILY.]
[CHATTERING.]
[NIECIE.]
Pitypapa.
Hey, baby.
Oh, it's been too long.
[CHUCKLING.]
Oh.
It's me, Pitypapa.
Your favorite niece.
Niecie.
- Uh, June June's girl.
- That's right.
[CHUCKLES.]
You remember.
Oh, that's right.
Ain't nothing wrong with you.
And here you are in my house.
W-Where Reggie? He ain't He ain't been to my house eight, nine bean cans.
Um Robyn.
Robyn! Where [SIGHS.]
We ran out of the ribs, but we got enough fried chicken.
Ms.
Hannah brought the coleslaw, but I can still go get Hawaiian Punch mix.
Don't worry about that now.
There's somebody I want you to meet.
Pitypapa, this here is my best friend Frida's little girl, Robyn.
Frida died, so now Robyn live here with me and Hilly.
Robyn, this is my mother's brother, Mr.
Ptolemy Grey.
Hey.
Robyn.
First bird of spring.
[CHUCKLES.]
She might be coming by to help you out sometime.
Ain't that right? I guess.
[SIGHS.]
You hungry? Well, I wanna see Hilly I-I mean Reggie.
I-I wanna see Reggie.
[EXHALES SHARPLY.]
Oh, um, get something in your stomach first, yeah? Then Reggie.
Hmm? Robyn, can you please put the phone down? Take your uncle and go fix him a plate, please.
That is not my uncle.
Well, come on.
Wh-Where Reggie? The The thief said he was gonna be here.
- The what? - Where Reggie at? He got in trouble 'cause he stayed in town so long taking care of you.
Reggie in trouble? Where at? We got to go help him.
He ain't in trouble no more.
He's fine.
Greens? Yes, ma'am.
Yams? Oh, yeah.
Coleslaw? I already got greens on my plate.
And what about fried chicken? Oh, yeah.
Thigh, please.
[CHUCKLES.]
Oh! Oh! Sorry, I dropped it.
It's It's my fault.
I'm sorry.
I dropped it.
Here.
Wipe yourself off, little sister.
I got you.
[SIGHS.]
It's [GRUNTS.]
It's all good, Mr.
Grey.
- It's all right.
- I know you? Oh.
[CHUCKLES.]
Yeah.
Billy Freres, sir.
Uh, Me and Reggie been best friends since we were little boys.
Don't you remember? We used to come to your house all the time.
You let us look through your old magazines.
National Geographic.
Jet.
- Y'all was looking for naked girls.
- [BOTH LAUGH.]
Yeah, you remember that.
[LAUGHS.]
Hey, want some fried chicken, Mr.
Grey? - [STAMMERS.]
Thighs.
- Mmm.
I got you.
Mmm.
[CHATTERING CONTINUES.]
Psst.
Look at him.
Just eating like a pig, don't know shit.
Well⦠he was there for Reggie when he needed a gentle hand.
[CHUCKLES.]
When we were kids, he used to let us play for hours, and never, not once, did he say a bad word.
[SOUL MUSIC PLAYING, ECHOING.]
- You want anything else? - [MUSIC STOPS.]
Uh⦠Uh, I-I wanna see Reggie.
Come on.
[GRUNTS.]
Ooh.
Say excuse me, man.
Sorry, sir Ooh, nice nice gators.
Who he? Alfred somebody.
Think he a friend of Reggie's.
- [GUEST 1.]
He shouldn't be doing that.
- [GUEST 2.]
I was trying [ROBYN.]
Nina.
- Oh, look who it is.
- [LAUGHS.]
- What's up, Robyn? - Hey.
- This is Reggie's great-uncle.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Oh, yeah, Papa Grey.
I'm glad you're here.
Reggie talked a lot about you.
Well, where Reggie at? [ROBYN.]
This way.
[CHUCKLES.]
His little children like me and Maude Petit was down in Burdette.
[CHUCKLES.]
[BREATHES SHAKILY.]
[SWALLOWS.]
How come [BREATHING SHAKILY.]
How come y'all got him in here like this? - Somebody shot him.
- [MUTTERS, WHIMPERS.]
Ain't nobody tell me.
Didn't n Didn't nobody say.
- Nobody ain't call you? - Nobody said.
No, don't think so.
No.
I I don't remember.
I-I don't remember.
I don't think so.
[SOBS.]
[CRYING.]
Oh, Reggie.
Oh, God.
Oh, God.
[SOBBING.]
R Oh, God, Reggie! Oh, please, God, no.
[SOBBING.]
Please.
Please, Reggie.
Please, get up.
Don't be dead.
[SNIFFLES.]
Please, don't be dead.
[SOBBING.]
There he is.
- Yeah, I'ma take him home.
- I'm supposed to take him.
Yeah, well, he don't like you.
Says you messed up his stuff.
His stuff was already messed up when I got there.
Yeah, you made it worse.
Yeah.
And he he he stole my one, two and just give me three.
[HILLY MUTTERS.]
What's he talking about? [HILLY.]
I don't know.
You know he crazy.
Let Robyn take him.
You'll be home soon, Pitypapa.
Aight, come on.
I'll take you to the bus and get you to your house.
Reggie gonna come later? Yeah, he gonna be there.
[CHUCKLES.]
[GRUNTING.]
[SIGHS.]
[SIREN WAILING IN DISTANCE.]
[SHOUTS.]
You all right? Reggie really dead? Yeah.
Well, who killed him? Nobody know.
I'ma find who did it.
I swear.