A Promise To Astrid (2019) Movie Script
1
(birds chirping)
- [Woman] Oh sir,
sir, can you help me?
- Sure, what's wrong?
- My car, it stopped.
- Just stopped?
- Yes, I don't know what's
wrong, it just went kaput.
- Kaput, huh?
- Mm.
- Okay yeah, sure, yeah.
Do you mind my lookin'?
(hood clicks)
Okay, let's see.
That's okay.
Okay.
Oh, here you go.
One of your plugs
fell out of your cap.
- I wonder how that
could've happened.
- Yeah, that's strange.
That should be it, though.
Let's give it a try.
(engine rumbles)
- Oh, very good. (clapping)
- That's all it was,
you should be okay now.
Yeah you're okay,
that's all it was.
- [Woman] I don't
know what happened.
I'm glad you found out.
(trunk thuds)
- That's it.
- Thank you so much.
I want to offer you
my gratitude, please--
- No, no, no, thanks.
- Please, let me give you--
- It was nothing,
it was nothing.
Thank you, have a good day.
- Sir?
Do you need help?
- Where are you going?
- That's not what I asked.
Take this fainted heart
Take this tainted hands
Wash me in your love
Come like grace again
Even when my
strength is lost
I'll praise you
Even when I have no song
I'll praise you
Even when it's hard
to find the words
Louder then I'll
sing your praise
I will only sing your praise
- [Cindy] Billy! (gasps)
What is that?
- (gasps) What is that?
- He red.
- How do you do this?
(door knocks)
(crickets chirping)
- Can I help you?
- I brought your family a cake.
(playful instrumental music)
- Hi, I'm Cindy.
That's Bill and
Nick, and you are?
- Astrid Nicosia.
- That's a pretty name.
- It's Norwegian.
And this is a (speaks
in foreign language).
It is a cake meaning a blessing
for those starting
something new.
- Well, how
appropriate, thank you.
Well, I'm going to
get the kids to bed.
Nice to meet you.
- You're our neighbor?
- Yes.
- Over there?
- Yes.
- I saw a man with a
hat walking around.
- My husband, Dominic, yes.
- I'm Mike, Mike Tourville.
- Michael Tourville, it is
my pleasure to meet you.
- Just Mike.
(phone rings)
- Hello?
Yes, I met the
neighbors next door.
Lovely couple, they seem.
Yes, oh yes, yes,
I got the tulips planted
this morning, yeah.
If there's anything at
all you want me to do,
just let me know.
(traffic hums)
(gentle piano music)
- I wish you'd let
me go with you.
- This is my work, not
yours, Mr. Reynolds.
Please, go home.
- I mean, why do you
even have to do this?
Sometimes you just need
to pull yourself up
by your own bootstraps.
- Before a person can
pull themselves up
by their bootstraps, they
must first have boots.
(diners chatter)
- You're the lady from
a couple months ago.
- I beg your pardon?
- You gave my boyfriend
a hundred dollars for
his lottery tickets.
- You have beautiful children.
What are your children's names?
(tires screech)
(engine rumbles)
- Cindy, Cindy!
I got home as soon as I could!
- We're fine.
- What happened?
- A van, it ran into me.
He ran the red light, and
I was scared to death, I--
- Nobody got hurt?
- No, I'm not sure how
not, but we're fine.
(Mike sighs)
- The car, Mike.
I think it's totaled.
- I don't care about the
car, you sure you're okay?
- We're fine, honey.
I'm a little shaken up,
I'm not even sure the boys
knew what was happening.
- Where are the boys?
- In their room playing.
- So, where's the car now?
- It got towed away.
Rigg's Towing or something.
- What did the police say?
- [Cindy] Uh.
- You got a ticket?
You were charged for
running a red light,
you just said that he--
- I know, he lied, he
said it was my fault.
- [Mike] Who said?
- The guy driving the van,
he lied to the policeman.
I, I was--
- What did you tell the cop?
- Really nothing.
I was scared, I was
holding the boys,
it happened so fast.
- So he wrote you a ticket.
Cindy, we cannot afford this.
I mean, insurance
is gonna go way up.
- I know, I know.
Please, Mike, not now.
- The house, the car,
the kids, the truck.
(birds chirping)
(traffic hums)
(door creaks)
Hi, I was told officer
Campbell would be here
this afternoon.
- Okay, name please?
- Mike Tourville.
- Okay, just one moment,
I'll see if he's in.
- [Officer Campbell]
Mr. Tourville.
Have a seat, sir.
- My wife Cindy Tourville
was in an accident yesterday
and you cited her
with this ticket.
- Yes.
- The other driver,
the guy in the van,
he was the one that
ran the red light.
Did you even ask her
her side of the story?
- I did, she said she didn't
remember anything at all.
- Well, she does remember now.
She was a little shaken
up, a little intimidated,
but she's a great driver,
and she's never had a ticket,
no speeding, nothing.
He plowed into her, my
kids were in the car.
Can we appeal this,
is there a court?
- There is a court date
on this ticket, but--
- But what?
- Obviously your wife
doesn't feel as strongly
about fighting this as you do.
- What?
- She's already came
in and paid the fine.
- I'm sorry sir,
this case is closed.
- Thanks for your time.
(midtempo jazz music)
(diners chatter)
- Good afternoon, Astrid.
Late lunch today.
The usual?
- It's been a busy day.
And yes, please.
- We are doing a
chopped steak special
with gravy and mashed potatoes.
Of course not.
- Thank you, Astrid.
- What did I tell you, April?
- I know, I promised,
but thank you.
- Oh thank you,
thank you very much.
- You're very welcome.
- And could you please bag
up Dominic's lunch for me?
- Absolutely, it will all
boxed up and ready to go
when you leave.
- Thank you.
(crickets chirping)
(engine rumbles)
(door thuds)
- Kids in bed?
- Yep.
- So I went to the
police station today.
- What for?
- Your ticket.
- Oh.
- You paid it?
- Mike, you know I don't
like having things not paid.
And on the back of the ticket,
it said we had to
pay within 20 days.
I don't wanna be
late and in trouble.
- Yeah but Cindy,
that's one choice,
and there's another choice
that says you check this box
and you show up to court.
- Oh, oh.
Does that mean--
- Yep, you're guilty.
- Oh no.
Why did I do that?
I'm sorry.
- I don't know.
I spoke to the
insurance company today,
and they said the
car is totaled.
They want me to take
the license plate off
so we can get our stuff
and process the claim.
- That's odd.
- I know, but it will
give us enough time
to get our stuff
and get a new car.
- Maybe a minivan?
We need it.
- Mm, you need a ticket, you
red-light-runnin' bandit.
(phone rings)
Hello?
Yeah.
Yeah, I can come
in in the morning.
Okay.
- Really?
You already work
60 hours a week.
Next you'll be
volunteering your weekends.
- It's my job, honey.
(crickets chirping)
(birds chirping)
- Good morning, Michael!
- (sighs) It's Mike.
Morning, Astrid,
you're up mighty early.
- Do you have a second?
- Just a second.
Is your dryer broken?
- I don't have a dryer.
Oh, could you help me move her?
I like her more in the sunlight.
You know what they say,
sunshine is the best medicine.
- Sure, you have to do this now?
- Yes.
Ah, ooh, you're in
the linen business.
- Yeah, kinda, how's that?
- Uh, to the left.
And up a little bit.
Perfect.
The angel of mercy.
Her name is Zadkiel.
She is the angel that
prevented Abraham
from sacrificing his son Isaac.
- Okay, great.
- But Michael, you have
to be to work so early?
- You know what they say.
- What?
- Early bird gets the worm.
- Worm?
- Nevermind.
- When I moved to
New York from Norway,
I lived in a big building,
and the laundry, it was
down in the basement.
Oh, those ghastly
machines, I hated them.
There was no place outside
to hang up your clothes.
I remember I was doing
my laundry one day
down in the basement,
and I ran out of money.
I needed 20 more
cents to finish.
So I went outside to try to
find someone to give me change,
but I found no one.
On my way back down
to the basement,
I ran into a man, and I asked
him if he had two dimes.
He said no, but to
appease me, I think,
he put his hands in his pockets,
and what did he pull
out but two dimes,
two dimes exactly,
Michael, no more, no less.
He exchanged those
coins for my name.
And four months later, we
were exchanging wedding vows.
Not a bad deal, 20 cents
for the love of your life.
- Its a cute story.
- And how did you
meet your Cindy?
- Um Astrid, I
really have to go.
Can I get back to you on that?
- Promise?
- Promise.
(gentle piano music)
- Okay, we're good?
Have a blessed day, Michael.
(traffic hums)
(engine rumbles)
- What now?
Excuse me, sir, do you
know what's going on?
- Yeah, I just got a text
from my buddy in the force.
A really bad accident at the
ramp going to the interstate.
Happened just like
five minutes ago.
You headin' to the interstate?
- I was.
- (chuckles) I'd go
another way, buddy.
He said it was like
a 12-car pile up.
We're gonna be here a while.
- It's really my only way.
Five minutes ago?
- Yeah, somethin' like that.
Ain't we lucky?
(church bell tolling)
- Astrid Nicosia.
- Hi, I'm Pastor
Scott, Scott Seabury.
- Where did you
study, Pastor Seabury?
- Please, call me Scott.
Yale, Yale Divinity School.
- Married, Pastor Seabury?
- Yes, yes ma'am, I am.
God has blessed me with
three lovely daughters.
- Oh, that is good.
(Pastor laughs)
I look forward to meeting
your wife and your children.
- Thank you.
- I was up walking,
and I noticed an unfamiliar
vehicle in the parish house.
I figured it was our new
pastor, so welcome to you.
- Yes, thank you, thank
you very much. (laughs)
- Now, if there's
anything you should need,
anything whatsoever, Pastor
Seabury, please let me know.
I just live a few blocks over.
- Okay.
- Promise?
- (chuckles) Promise.
(children chattering playfully)
- [Cindy] Oh no,
can you fix this?
- Good morning, Cindy!
- Good morning!
- Can I lend you a hand?
- [Cindy] Sure.
- Oh, what a beautiful day.
You and I, we have to go get
our hair done some afternoon.
My treat.
- That would be great.
- Sunshine is the best medicine.
- I'm sorry?
- You need one of
those play things
with the slides and
the swings on it.
- A swing set.
- Yes, yes, a swing set.
- Not in the Tourville
daycare budget.
- They have one at the church.
- Oh, that's a bit
far for us to walk.
- But they're getting a new one.
- Oh, they are?
- Yes, I guess they are.
(playful instrumental music)
- [Cindy] Come on, let's go.
(mat slaps)
- Hey, you got a sec?
- Sure.
- I need a car.
- Okay.
- My wife wrecked hers.
- Is she okay?
- She's fine, but the
insurance totaled the car,
and they're gonna send
maybe 2,000 to replace it.
- Mm-hm.
- I have 700
if I max out my
credit cards, 2,700.
- You don't wanna finance?
I mean, there's
a lot of options.
- No, Cindy wouldn't
go for that.
Our house payment's enough.
- Okay.
Tell you what, come with me.
This is one of our trade-ins.
Just got it in, the guys are
cleanin' it up right now.
What do you think?
It's got a few miles on it,
but if you take care of it,
it should last you a while.
- Cindy would love this.
- You like it?
- I love it.
- I could let you
have this for 2,700.
- Really?
- Yeah.
(Mike laughs)
Let me know soon, though.
I have to wholesale
those out rather quickly.
- Oh man.
I really appreciate it, Dan.
- Yeah, you're welcome,
glad I could help.
- Thanks a lot.
(door thuds)
- [Astrid] Pastor Seabury?
- Oh hi Astrid, how are you?
- Oh!
Oh my!
- Oh, no, no, no,
no, no. (laughs)
This is not what you think.
I volunteer for an organization
that helps fight
human trafficking.
See the back here?
End human trafficking, bring
freedom and justice. (chuckles)
In a lot of the
developing worlds,
the young girls are
sold into slavery
and forced into prostitution,
so I work with a group,
it's called Freedom 424.
We get 'em off the streets,
provide food,
shelter, education.
It's pretty amazing.
Here's a photo of my wife
and kids in Thailand.
Here, here we have
some of the girls.
- They're so young!
- Yeah, it's sad, it's really
a modern-day form of slavery.
These poor girls feel
like they have no chance,
so we try to provide them
that chance and a way out.
- Pastor Seabury,
the church needs a swing
set for the children.
- It does?
- I insist, yes.
(playful instrumental music)
- Um.
- Do you have a truck?
- No no, I do not,
Astrid, I don't.
- Could you get a
truck this afternoon?
- Um--
- Today?
- Today, um, maybe?
- Yes or no?
- Probably?
- Again?
- Yes, yes, Astrid.
I will get a truck.
- Please do so.
- Wow, are you.
Are you wanting to donate a
swing set or an entire park?
- No, just a swing set.
And please, have the old
one delivered this afternoon
to the Tourville home,
put it in their backyard.
You understand?
- Yes, yes, I understand.
- And there's one
more condition.
You cannot tell anyone.
- Tell anyone what?
- What I've done,
that I've helped you.
Promise?
- I promise.
Thank you, Astrid.
Wow.
(engine rumbles)
- We're closed.
- Sign says five o'clock,
it's quarter till.
- It's Friday, we
close early on Friday,
what do you want?
- My car's right over there
I just need the license
plate off of it.
- You want your car,
then you gotta pay.
- I don't want the car,
I just need to get
the license plate.
- Hold it right there, buster.
You ain't takin' a
thing of that car
until you pay the bill.
- Bill?
- Towing and storage,
it's been 10 days of storage
at $50 a day, that's $500.
Plus 1 1/2 for towing.
That bill.
- That's $650, I can't pay
that, my insurance'll cover it.
I just need that license plate.
- I don't give a
crap what you need.
No money, no license plate.
If you want it today, it's $650.
You got 10 minutes, because
in 10 minutes it's $700.
Got it?
- Okay, yeah, I got it.
$60 in cash, 300 on this card.
Run this one for 150, and put
the rest on the bank card.
- 305 on this card--
- 305?
- Credit card processing fee.
- You've gotta be kidding me.
- Nope.
- Just run the cards, and
I'll go get the plate.
- Hey, you're gonna stay put
until all these clear, got me?
(car seat clatters)
(man chuckles)
- You wouldn't happen to have
a screwdriver, would you?
- Shop's closed up, now hurry!
- Can you open it?
- Nope. (laughs)
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(man laughing)
(pan clatters)
(range clicks)
(engine rumbles)
(phone rings)
- Hey.
- Hi, honey.
- You have no idea what
I've just been through.
I've got the plate, but
you're not gonna believe this.
I had the storage
and the towing fee
just to get our
stuff and the plate.
I didn't have a choice,
the guy was such a--
- Do we have that?
- When the insurance money
comes in, they'll reimburse us.
I just, I don't
know when that is.
- [Cindy] Um, we got a
letter from them today.
Do you want me to open it?
- Yeah.
- I'm so sorry,
Mike, but they're not
covering the vehicle,
towing, or the storage because
the accident was our fault.
- Our fault?
No, I was your fault!
(phone beeps)
(Cindy sighs)
(midtempo jazz music)
- Hello, my name is Madison.
- Astrid Nicosia.
And this is my
mechanic, Mr. Reynolds.
- Nice to meet you.
What can I do for you guys?
- Excuse me, can please
show me what you have here?
- Do you have an appointment?
- I met Ruth's mother, too.
She was telling me about
a special housing program
that you have.
Special needs.
- Okay yes, it'll be one
of the first in the state
to house adults
with special needs.
Those living there would be
specialized in personal care.
We'd give them a job,
they would basically
live a normal life
in a supervised, loosely
supervised environment.
- Is that the half-completed
structure I saw next door?
- Yes, uh-huh.
- I'd like to learn more,
but I have to get home,
I'm in a hurry to
see my Dominic.
(haunting electronic tones)
(distant gunfire popping)
(distant men shouting)
- Dominic?
Dominic, you all right?
- I need to get down
to the flight line.
The planes are coming in.
They'll be wounded onboard--
- Dominic--
- They'll need my help.
- Let's get you home.
- Oh, oh!
Oh! (sobbing)
Oh thank you,
Michael, thank you!
Where did you find him?
- He was out walking
on the bridge.
- Oh, can you please help
me get him into the house?
- Sure.
(Astrid sobbing)
- Oh my dear.
- Planes.
- It's all right,
it's all right.
Micheal, could you please
sit with him for a while
while I go get his
medicines and water?
- Of course.
- Thank you.
- [Dominic] And these kids.
Gotta help, gotta help.
Water.
- I brought you medicine.
You'll feel better soon.
All night, all day
Angels watching
over me, my Lord
All night, all day
Just watchin' over me
Oh, my brave, my
brave, brave man.
You can't go walking
like that anymore.
You have to stay
close to me, forever.
Close to me my love, my Dominic.
All night, all day
Angels watchin' over me
My Lord
(crickets chirping)
- Oh, I forgot to tell you,
I ran into Dominic tonight.
- What?
- Yeah, when I left,
he was outside walking
the street babbling.
He has dementia or
something, I don't know.
It's really scary.
And Astrid, I'd never
seen her like that before.
- Like what?
- I don't know, you know
how she is, all proper.
She was all upset, crying
when I brought him back.
- She's a good lady.
- Yeah, she's crazy.
But not in a bad way, you know.
I just can't quite
figure her out.
- How so?
- Like this morning, she had
me move a statue of an angel,
and then she tells
me this lengthy story
about how she met Dominic,
and then she looks up
into the sky in silence,
and it's 5 a.m., and she's
outside doing laundry.
I didn't tell you that.
- Laundry at 5 a.m.?
- Yep, 5 a.m. and she's
outside hanging clothes.
But here's the thing,
there was a horrible
accident on the interstate
that I just missed.
- It was all over
the news today.
Like two or three people
died or something.
- That's it.
What if she was stalling me
from being in that accident.
What if she's like an
angel or something?
She's fascinated by
angels, you know.
- So now you think she's
an angel, a crazy angel.
(gentle instrumental music)
You know, she was the one
that told me about the
swing set from the church.
And two hours later, the new
pastor delivered it himself.
Nice guy, but he never said
why he brought it over.
- See, she had something
to do with that.
- Well, is Dominic okay?
- She put him to bed, she
called him brave, her brave man.
(light clicks)
- Well, you're my brave
man, Michael Tourville.
- Sometimes I
don't feel like it.
Just wish things could be
easier for you, for us.
(light clicks)
- How's your cereal, boys?
We really made this
house into our home.
I can't believe you're
selling your truck.
That was your dad's truck.
You love that truck.
- It's no big deal.
If we're gonna be a one-vehicle
family, it can't be a truck.
(boys chattering)
(birds chirping)
Here, let me help you with that.
- Oh, thank you, Michael.
Dominic is going to plant them.
- I can plant them for you.
- That's all right,
Dominic can do it.
What, what is, oh, why are
you selling your truck?
Your car, Cindy's car,
Michael, where is it?
- How's Dominic?
- Dominic is fine, he's resting.
Thank you for helping him home.
- Mm-hm.
- But Michael,
where is your car?
- Cindy was in an accident,
so I'm gonna sell the truck
and get new car, maybe take
out a loan or something.
- Oh, is she okay, and the boys?
- They're fine.
- But a loan, no, no, no,
I'd rather you didn't.
And do not sell your truck!
- I feel the same, Astrid,
I'd rather not, but.
- Well then, I will help you.
- Oh, no no, but thank
you for offering.
- Please, let me help you.
- No, thanks.
- Really, I've helped many
people, and I can help you.
Oh please, let me
do this for you.
That is it.
I have made my decision.
- Okay Astrid, whatever you say.
That would be fine, where
do you want your flowers?
- On the porch.
(door knocking)
Please give this to Michael.
(birds chirping)
- That was Astrid
at the door, here.
(Cindy gasps)
- Are we dreaming?
- Why would she?
She told me to give this to you.
- Oh man, she said yesterday
she was gonna help
us buy a new car.
She saw the for sale sign.
- Well, we can't take it.
- I know.
- Are you going to give it back?
- Yes, yes, of course.
(Michael knocks)
- [Astrid] Good morning,
Michael, how are you?
- I'm fine Astrid, I
need to talk to you.
- This is my tea room.
I learned to love tea
when we lived in Japan.
My Dominic, he was stationed
there in the Air Force.
Do you like my tea room?
Would you like some tea?
- No, thanks.
- And the boys,
how are the boys?
- They're fine, but--
- That's good.
They're such little angels.
Ooh, and would you like
to try some chocolate?
- No thanks, it's too early,
I haven't had my coffee yet.
- I'd be happy to
brew you a cup.
- No Astrid, the money.
- Are you going to church today?
I hear we have a new pastor.
- Yes, we are, but.
- The chocolates
are most delightful.
- Astrid, I really
need to talk to you.
When you said you were
going to help us out,
this is not what we expected.
- Michael, I need to
ask a favor of you.
Will you promise me one thing?
- Sure, I promise.
- Regarding our
discussion yesterday
and the reason you
are here today,
you must never bring up this
topic before my husband.
Do you promise?
- Sure, I promise.
- That's good.
Dominic, would you come in here?
Michael has stopped in to
say good morning to us.
- Good morning.
- I will be going home.
(playful orchestral music)
- Mike, I can't believe
you didn't give it back.
- Well, it wasn't that easy.
- All you had to
do was just insist.
It shouldn't be that difficult.
- Okay, you try it then.
Good luck.
- Don't say a word.
That Astrid is smart.
She kept changing the subject,
and I didn't even know
what to say anymore.
I don't think there was any way
I could have her
take the money back.
I didn't have a choice.
- Well, I'm glad you
found out for yourself.
- And did you see all
those angels? (laughs)
- Did you say you
met the new pastor?
- I did.
Are we going this morning?
- I'd like to.
$1,752.28 exactly.
- That's an odd amount.
- No, that's an even amount.
(Cindy laughs)
(gentle choral music)
Ah
- Good morning
church, and thank you.
Now please be seated.
Thank you for being here,
and thank you for a
tremendous welcome
that, well, so many of
you have given to me
and to my family.
Massachusetts in the summer
is absolutely gorgeous,
and I want you to know that I'm
so very grateful to be here.
Being my first Sunday here,
I wanna do something a little
different this morning.
I'm just gonna read a quote.
It's a quote, well it changed
my perspective on life.
It was a quote that my
grandfather repeated
numerous times
and it was, well, it
is my life's mission.
And here it is now, so
please listen carefully.
"I shall pass this way but once.
"Any good, therefore, I can do,
"or any kindness that I can
show to any human being,
"let me do it now."
Let me do it now.
Those last words, shall they
touch our hearts this morning?
Let us be kind to
one another now.
So there's a way to get
to know all of my family,
my wife Linda and
our three daughters,
Chelsea, Kinsley, and Grace.
We have prepared
lunch downstairs in
the fellowship hall,
just below the sanctuary here.
I invite you and your
family to join us.
As your new pastor,
I'm very excited to meet
each and every one of you.
So without further ado,
please join us downstairs.
(congregation chatters)
I wonder what that's all about.
- [Linda] What's up?
- Astrid over there
talkin' to Caroline.
Her husband's in the hospital,
I guess he's been
there for some time.
It's pretty serious.
They've got one child.
I've been meaning to go
visit him in the hospital,
but I hear the news isn't good.
- You should go, you should go.
- Really?
- Mm-hm.
(congregation chatters)
- Hey, you know Astrid,
how about I give you
a hand in the yard,
and you said you had
a lot of work to do,
I have a couple hours a week.
I can start today, I promise.
- That would not be
necessary, Michael.
By all means, a
promise is a promise.
(birds chirping)
- [Astrid] You should
put these on, Michael.
- I use my bare hands every
day, it's good for 'em.
Look at that, a bird's nest.
- Michael, leave it be.
- There's two chicks in there.
I hope the mom returns.
- She may or she may
not, but Michael,
please leave it alone.
- Well, if she doesn't
return, they're gonna die.
- No, there are other
birds watching over them.
- I'm sorry?
- If a mother bird is out
or she is killed
while she's hunting,
these birds would not die.
Other birds would come
in and take care of them
and feed them if they were born.
Well, in fact, if a bird
is blind or crippled
or it cannot fly,
the other birds in the
community would care for it.
It is an expression
of loving one another
just like our Lord taught
us to love other people.
Oh Michael, how
is your job going?
- Eh, it's okay.
I think I'm gonna
change careers.
- What would you like to do?
- Management.
I'm tired of delivering
tablecloths and uniforms.
- Have you thought
about checking out
this company in town,
Mass Mutual?
- Yeah, I think we
deliver to them.
I don't know if
there'd be a position
for someone like me, though.
- I hear they are always hiring.
- Well maybe I'll go and apply.
- Oh Michael, I was really
not expecting you to do this.
- Well, I--
- You are so kind.
- Well, if you're not
gonna take that money back,
we need to pay you back somehow.
- Michael.
A gift is not to be paid back,
it is to be paid forward.
- Astrid, we are
paying you back.
(phone ringing)
- Oh, I need to get this call,
but Michael, there are
splinters down in this mulch.
You need to put those gloves
on, Michael Tourville.
(engine rumbling)
- Thank you.
- All right, see you.
Mike.
- Hi, Dan.
- How you doin'?
- You still have that van?
- Absolutely, been
holdlin' it for you.
- Can I put a deposit down?
I'm trying to sell my truck,
I've got a few
people interested.
Maybe I can get the rest
to you in a few days.
- No problem.
- $1,752.28.
- Okay.
Let me get you a receipt.
- Excuse me, hi.
I'm Pastor Seabury.
We have a member of our
church here, Ronald Carter.
His wife Caroline Carter,
I think it's room 116.
- Oh, she's such a sweet lady.
I was so happy for
her this morning.
Pastor, they airlifted
Mr. Carter and his wife
and the kids to a
heart specialist
in California this morning.
- In California?
- I know, it was
an answered prayer.
- This morning.
(monitors beep)
Wow.
(engine rumbles)
- Astrid.
What are you doing?
- I brought you a flower.
Did you get your car yet?
- No, not yet.
- You need more
money, don't you?
- Oh no, no more money, Astrid.
Actually, I want to
talk to you about that.
Yesterday with the gloves--
- I need to give you more money.
- No, Astrid, Cindy and I do
not feel comfortable with that.
- Do you remember the
promise you made to me?
- Yes, but he's not here.
I'll be over tomorrow to
help you with the yard again.
A deal's a deal.
(Astrid laughs)
- Suit yourself, Michael.
- And no more funny glove
business, I mean it.
- [Cindy] I made you a plate.
- [Mike] Dinner so early?
- The kids are in their room.
Can you give them a bath?
(chips crunching)
- That Astrid, she was
outside hanging a flower.
- [Cindy] I thought
I heard something.
- Why is it so hot in here?
- [Cindy] I don't know.
- Is the air conditioning on?
- [Cindy] I don't know.
- Or did you turn it
off to save electricity,
I know it's hard, but--
- Mike I don't
know, I don't know.
I need to borrow the truck
to get lunch for the kids.
- It's after seven o'clock.
- We only have one car.
It's hard enough for
them to stay in the house
all day in this heat.
Do you want them to starve?
- What, are you blaming me?
- No!
(keys clatter)
- Hey, little man. (laughs)
Let's go get your brother.
And you guys can sleep in
mom and dad's room tonight.
(door knocking)
Hello, Astrid.
(fan whirs)
(crickets chirp)
- Michael, are you all right?
How are you?
- [Mike] Sleepy, what's up?
- Well, the other morning,
I ask you how you met Cindy.
- Yeah?
- You said you'd get back to me.
- (clears throat) Really?
- You promised.
How did you meet Cindy?
- Well, we met
after high school,
she was adopted here
from The Ukraine.
My best friend and I were at
the big fair here in town,
and we saw two girls
approaching us,
and he started flirting
with both of them.
And one of them caught my eye,
and the more he kept flirting,
the more I got jealous,
which was crazy, because
I don't even know her,
so how could I be jealous?
But there was
something about her
that I knew that I would
be the only one she'd want.
Not my best friend, no.
And I wouldn't let her escape
without her phone number.
All night I couldn't
stop thinking
about how soon it would be
till I got to talk to her,
and the next day, we talked
for three hours on the phone,
and I haven't stopped
listening to her since.
And believe me, she
doesn't stop talking.
And it wasn't long after that
until we had wedding plans,
and a chance encounter
for a happy family.
- I'm sure she's
still very happy.
- I don't know.
- Oh, Michael.
I am always charmed by
how two perfect strangers
can suddenly mean the
whole world to one another.
Appreciate that fact and the
joy that it has brought to you.
- You left this.
(midtempo instrumental music)
(playful instrumental music)
(bell dings)
- I need to use
the world wide web.
- Excuse me?
- I need to do some research.
Do you have the internet here?
- Yes ma'am, we have computers
over in the loft area
that you can use.
- Thank you.
- Yeah.
(door thuds)
(keys clicking)
- Miss?
Miss?
Could you offer to help me?
- Sure.
(uptempo electronic music)
- (gasps) Oh my.
I need to use this
world wide web.
(keys clicking)
- There you go.
- What do I do now?
- Type in what
you're looking for?
What exactly is it
you're lucking for
in this world wide web?
- Buying a girl for $24.
- I'm sorry?
- Oh, no not.
I need to know more
about organizations
that help and support people
who are being bought and sold.
- Human trafficking?
- Yes.
That is the proper wording.
(keys clicking)
- More specifically, what
are you looking for, ma'am?
- My name is Astrid Nicosia.
- Nice to meet you.
- What is your name?
- Heather, Heather Reams.
- What do you do, Miss Reams?
- I go to college.
- What are you studying?
- Journalism.
- Why are you not
in college now?
This looks more
like your office.
- Well, I'm not, I didn't
enroll this semester.
Just taking some
time off, you know?
- I do know.
- Can I ask you a question?
- Mm.
- Why are you looking
up human trafficking?
Like, what is it
you want to know?
It's a very ugly and rampant
business around the world.
- What do you know about it?
- Last semester,
I wrote this paper
on the trafficking of minors
in countries like
Thailand and India.
It was awful.
It's the fastest growing
crime in America.
It's a $150 billion
a year business.
- Oh.
- That's with a B.
150 billion is spent
to enslave women, kids.
Forced into the trade for
financial and cultural reasons.
- I want you to write it
down and bring it to my house
tomorrow morning.
- How many pages?
The the history, single space?
- No, just focus on what
you have told me already.
Where is the biggest
need right now?
(midtempo jazz music)
- Mike.
- Hey.
This is my wife, Cindy.
- Nice to meet you, I'm Dan.
Did you bring me some lunch?
- (chuckles) No, that's the
rest of the money for the van.
- All right.
Have a seat, and let's
do some paperwork.
(midtempo jazz music)
All right, guys.
We sold you the minivan
for $2,700 even, wholesale.
I have your down
payment at $1,752.28.
That brings the total,
after taxes, title, tag,
to $3,204.16.
So the balance that
you owe is $1,451.88.
All right, let's count it.
(coins clatter)
- I hope it's enough.
- I just hope I'm not breakin'
a kid's piggy bank here.
- [Mike] No, it came that way.
- Six, seven,
eight, look at that.
$1,451.88 exact.
- What?
- To the penny.
You guys must be
really good at math
to figure that out in advance.
- No, we weren't.
Are you serious?
- (laughs) Yeah.
You now own a minivan.
(car dings)
- Hey boys, come on!
You wanna see mommy's new car?
(birds chirping)
(door thuds)
Hey!
- Hi, Mom!
- Already ordered pizza.
- [Cindy] Great.
(Mike knocks)
(Mike knocks)
(Mike knocks)
- [Astrid] We need to
have strong leadership
in the White House.
- Astrid?
- And all of the houses
governing around the world.
Oh, come in Michael, sit, sit.
Yes, and keep and
eye on Mr. Reams,
and also that lady
at the hospital.
But I really have to
go now, I have company.
I love you.
Goodbye.
- Who was that?
- God.
- Of course it was.
God?
- Yes.
I try to speak to God every
day, sometimes twice a day.
- I got the car, van today.
- Michael, do you speak to God?
- I do.
- No, I mean do you
really talk to God?
- I try to pray with
the boys every night,
we pray in church, you know?
- And does God talk back to you?
- No, is the phone
talking to you?
Are you hearing voice, Astrid?
- Oh, Michael.
You really oughta
try it sometime,
you might be surprised
on what the voice
on that other end says to you.
Oh, you got your car.
- Thank you again for
the loan for the car.
Cindy and I came up with a plan.
You've loaned us
$3,204.16 exactly,
which is bizarre, because
that's exactly what we needed.
- I didn't know.
God knew.
- Um, so we're gonna pay
you $100 a month, with 4%--
- Oh no, no, no, wait.
All right, Michael.
You can pay me back, but you
have to do it on my terms.
Promise?
- Sure, I promise.
- All right.
First, you can pay me back
one dollar every week,
nothing more.
- But Astrid, that's--
- I'm not finished.
You cannot pay me anything
until six months from today,
do you understand?
- I understand, but Astrid,
that's gonna take a long time--
- Michael, you agreed to
my terms, you promised.
One dollar a week in
six months, that's it.
- Okay.
- And one other thing.
If you are ever in the position
to help someone, do it.
I know you will.
That's part of the promise, too,
but I'm sure you
already knew that.
And finally, there is
something you can do for me.
I'd like to have some more
lilies planted before I go.
- Go?
Where are you going?
- You'll need gloves.
- Oh, no, no, no.
(Astrid laughs)
- Oh, that's all for
today, Michael, go home.
I need to get Dominic
up and fix his dinner.
- All right.
- Do you think it's too hot
in the boy's room tonight?
- Oh, they'll be fine,
I'm gonna get a few
more fans tomorrow.
- What do we need to fix it?
- They said 1,100,
it's the compressor,
but we'll be fine.
Responsible is
R-E-S-P-O-N-S-I-B-L-E?
- Yes, what are you working on?
- I'm updating my resume.
I'm gonna send it that
company, Mass Mutual.
I heard they have
a few openings.
I just have to get
my foot in the door.
- [Cindy] So?
- So, what?
Your conversation with
Astrid about the money.
- Oh yeah, well after
I interrupted her
phone call with God.
- What?
- Yeah, uh, nevermind.
She gave us a loan
repayment plan.
- The one we discussed?
- Not quite.
Dollar per week starting
six month from today's date.
- What?
Did you hear her right?
- Yep, trust me, her
terms were non-negotiable.
She was very specific, I
just had to go along with it.
- That will be easy to remember.
That's March 8th,
two days after Billy'
birthday on the sixth.
I'm going to mark
it on the calendar.
Do you have a pen over there?
- Do you think we should do
like four dollars a week,
instead of going over there
every week with a dollar?
Seems a little ridiculous,
don't you think?
- No, we're going to pay the
whole amount on March 8th.
Somehow, we'll find a way.
- Let's just keep it between us.
(gentle instrumental music)
(keys clicking)
- It's time.
I'm ready to go.
(door knocks)
- Hello, Cindy, Cindy?
- Astrid.
Who are those people?
Where are you going?
- Dominic and I are
going on holiday.
- Astrid, I can't.
- My dear, there's
no cash in it.
Please make sure
Michael gets this.
- No cash?
- Absolutely not.
- Well, she was right, no cash.
- Did you tell her about
the air conditioning?
- No.
- Because you said--
- $1,100.
- And the check is
for $1,100, honey.
- I don't get it.
My dearest Michael,
please apply these funds
to the servicing of the yard
until I return from holiday.
- Best, Astrid.
- Are you going to use the
money for the air conditioning,
or the servicing of the yard.
- Air conditioning.
But I'm gonna make her
yard look incredible
for when she returns.
- I'll help, too.
To plant a garden is
to believe in tomorrow.
(playful orchestral music)
(man knocks)
- [Mike] Hi, can I help You?
- Yeah, are you
Michael Tourville?
- Mike, yes.
- Astrid Nicosia
is in the hospital,
and you should know.
- Astrid's in town?
- Yeah, she's at
Preston Memorial.
- Do you have any
more information?
- Not really.
I wasn't sure I
should even stop by
'cause I'm not sure
how much you knew or--
- Well, thanks for
letting us know.
(rain patters)
Hey, there was a
guy at the door,
and he said Astrid's back,
and she's in the hospital.
- Oh my goodness, is she okay?
- He didn't say.
Can you watch the kids, and
I'll go see her tomorrow?
- Of course, yeah,
yeah, you should go.
- Thank you.
Excuse me, can you tell me
what room Astrid Nicosia's in?
- Sure, let me check.
Let's see here, it looks
like she's in room 204,
so if you take
this hallway here,
you'll see the
elevator on your left.
Go to the second
floor, make a right,
and you'll see room 204.
- Great, thank you.
- You're welcome.
(somber music)
(monitor beeps)
- Astrid?
- Michael?
My glasses.
- Okay.
- Yes, Michael.
How did you know I was here?
- A man came to my door
last night and told me.
(Astrid chuckles)
- How is Cindy?
And the boys?
- Great, Billy just
turned four yesterday.
- (chuckles) That's great.
- Astrid, what's going
on, where've you been?
Where's Dominic, is he here?
Do you need somebody
to look after him?
What's going on?
- Shh, it's okay.
You're still in
the linen business?
- No, I finally got
a job at Mass Mutual.
- That's good.
- Customer service.
- Michael.
I need, I need you
to a favor for me.
Over there, my luggage.
Under that, there's a key.
Yes.
Now I will be leaving here soon.
I need you to go to my
house and get it ready.
I'm expecting some
company tomorrow.
- Who?
- That's right.
It doesn't matter who, Michael.
This is my neighbor,
my neighbor Michael.
- Astrid's told me
a lot about you.
- I so appreciate everything
you've done for me, Michael.
If you could do one more thing.
Would you promise me something?
(Astrid whispers)
Promise?
- I promise.
- I just had to give her
something to help her rest.
Could you come back tomorrow?
- Yeah, I can do that.
(gentle piano music)
(Astrid whimpers)
("Even When It Hurts"
by Hillsong United)
Take this mountain weight
Take these ocean tears
Hold me through that trial
Come back home again
Even when the
fight seems lost
I'll praise you
Even when it hurts like hell
I'll praise you
Even when it makes
no sense to sing
- [Cindy] Are you
going to open it?
- It's gotta be money.
- Maybe not.
- She said she's
coming home soon
and wants me to
get the house ready
for people coming over tomorrow.
- Who?
- I don't know.
- Why is she in the hospital.
- She never said, but
she didn't look good.
Tomorrow, I'm gonna
go see her again,
and I'm gonna take this,
and I'm gonna open it,
right in front of her.
Maybe there'll be witness
there, somebody like her nurse.
She does this to surprise me,
so I'm gonna surprise her.
- Who are you kidding, you
can't surprise her. (giggles)
I will only sing your praise
And my heart
burns only for you
You are you are all I want
And my soul waits
only for you
And I will sing till
the morning has come
And my heart
beats only for you
You are all, you
are all I want
And my soul waits
only for you
And I'll sing until the
miracle comes, yes, yes
- [Cindy] Hello.
- You're the one who told me
Astrid was in the hospital.
Are you related?
- No, I'm her mechanic.
I was her mechanic.
- Astrid didn't have a car.
(wife chuckles)
- It's a long story.
- Who are all these people?
- I don't know.
- How did you know to come?
- She invited me,
I got this letter.
- Ah.
(Cindy giggles)
Astrid.
Well, I'm Mike Tourville,
and this is my wife Cindy.
- Hi.
- Nice to meet you.
- Let's go inside and figure
out what this is all about.
- I run a daycare
center at my house,
I have plenty of toys, come on.
- Oh, thank you,
thank you, go on.
You'll be fine.
- Thank you.
- Okay, I'm not sure
why we're all here,
but I suspect Astrid will want
us to talk about ourselves
and maybe talk about
how we know her.
That'd be my guess.
- Are we breaking our promises?
- I think it's probably okay.
- Yeah, now you said
you were her mechanic?
- Yes.
Um, one day, I guess this
was about five years ago,
I was walking
alongside the road.
You see, back then I was
drinking and carrying on,
and I couldn't keep a job.
I'd been a mechanic
my whole life.
A darn good one, and
everybody knew it,
but with the drinking and
this bein' a small town,
nobody would hire me.
I guess I was only
about a day or two away
from her walking out on me.
Astrid took me to the diner
over on Memorial Drive.
- I remember that.
- She, she gave.
She cared for me.
She cared for us.
- Oh, I'm so sorry
to keep you waiting.
Thank you for ordering
my tea, Mr. Reynolds.
Now, Mr. Reynolds, I will
help you open your shop
and keep it open, but I need
you to make me a few promises.
- Promises?
- Yes.
- Okay.
- Is that a yes?
- Yes.
We talked for a little while.
We talked for hours,
and I told her I wanted
to open up my own shop,
and she said okay.
I said I had a perfect
spot, she said great.
And then, she wanted me
to make her a promise.
The shop I wanted was about
two blocks from her house, and
(bell rings)
I remember the day we opened
she was there, and
I took her keys.
I told her I would drive her
anywhere she wanted to go,
she just needed to
come down to the shop.
So, I guess I was
her chauffeur, too.
(group chuckles)
- I met you and her this
past summer and the center,
and now at the new home.
- Did y'all get that built?
- We did.
And Ruth here is
our first tenant.
Astrid met Ruth and her mom
at the same diner, apparently.
Heard about the project we
were building and came out,
and wanted to help.
- Astrid.
- Oh, Ruth.
Yes, I will send you
the money that you need.
- I'm sorry?
- But there is one condition.
You can never tell anyone
where that money came from.
- Are you serious?
- Of course I am.
- She paid for the final
phase of the project.
I only met her once.
- I remember that, too.
But that's what she did.
I watched her just
about every day.
She was always just looking
for ways to help people.
Sure, she was quirky.
And maybe a little bit snooty.
But she was so good to us there.
Every day.
- May I?
- Oh sure.
- Who are you?
- I'm sorry?
- My name is Astrid Nicosia,
I come here every day for lunch,
and I've never seen you before,
and I've never seen
your friend, either.
Does she work here?
- Well, that's my
daughter, her name is Ruth,
and yes ma'am, she works here.
- Oh, outstanding.
(tray clatters)
- Mom.
- It's okay, it's okay.
You think I can help?
Okay, put it with
the others, good job.
- She changed my life.
Just knowing her.
I'm a better mom, a better wife.
I'm a better person.
- Well, Astrid, she
saved my life, literally.
I mean, I wouldn't be here
today if she hadn't intervened.
As most of you know, I have
congestive heart failure,
severe aortic stenosis.
It just boils down to I
had to many cheeseburgers.
Anyway, so after
what, 35 days in ICU,
they were gonna pull the
plug, for insurance reasons.
- Astrid would have
no part of that.
- No, and she paid my bill,
I mean, the whole bill.
- Later, we found a
specialist in California
that would take Rodney's case,
and she didn't flinch,
she covered it all,
and never did she seek
praise or anything.
My daughter has her
dad because of her.
- Well, I guess I'll go.
I met Astrid at the library
when she wanted to know
where to buy girls
in foreign countries.
- What?
- I'm serious,
she was on this crazy charge
to end human trafficking.
- Oh yeah, that was my fault.
- Yeah, she mentioned her
pastor gave her the idea.
- Well, that's me,
I'm her pastor.
What did she do?
- She asked me to write a report
on where we need resources
to help these girls
being trafficked, but.
- [Astrid] Now tell me,
why is it that you're not
in college this semester?
- Finances.
My father passed away last
year, but you already knew that.
- I'm sorry?
- You paid for him to be
buried and the service,
and all the flowers.
- I did.
- Why?
- I read his obituary
in the newspapers,
and the tribute that
you wrote to him,
it was obvious that
you were raised right,
but I gather that you didn't
have any other family members.
So I called the funeral home.
- But you didn't even know him.
- No, I did not
know your father,
but I know that he
was very proud of you,
and I am sure he can't wait
to see all the things you will
accomplish with your life.
- My name is Robin, I own the
Sheer Perfection Beauty Salon
here in town.
I did Astrid's hair every week,
and I'm also the
daughter of Dominic.
Astrid was my stepmother.
They moved here
about five years ago
to be closer to me,
and you should know,
my father passed away
a few months ago.
He was suffering
from Alzheimer's.
Astrid had found
a clinic upstate
where they could
move in together,
and he could get
better care there.
But your stories about
Astrid don't surprise me.
She was an amazing lady.
- You really should
come over sometime.
He'd love to see you.
- He doesn't even know who I am.
- (gasps) Oh, look
at that picture.
I haven't seen it for years.
- Found that in an old box.
- (gasps) Look at you.
- I remember when
they got married.
He was so in love with her,
but these last few years,
his memory declined, and, well,
he didn't even recognize me.
They helped me get the
salon up and running.
She was a very wealthy lady,
who lived her life
to give it all away,
just to help people.
- You did the free haircuts.
- Yes, every Sunday.
- I heard about that.
That's awesome.
- Thank you.
- Well, I'm preaching
her funeral tomorrow.
Is there any other family
that we should contact?
- I'm not sure.
Astrid didn't speak
much of family.
There was a sister, but
I think she's passed now.
As for any other family
members, I'm just not sure.
- I'm sorry for your loss.
- Thank you.
- She loaned my wife and
I, I'll never forget it,
$3,204.16 to buy a
car, and with the fees,
and all the taxes and
everything, it was
exactly $3,204.16.
(chuckles) I didn't think
Astrid had that kind of money,
but the craziest thing
was she said to pay her
a dollar a week, but
wait six months, and, uh.
Wait a minute.
(laughs) Astrid.
- What, what is it?
- Today.
She died today, March
8th, a dollar a week.
That rascal, she knew. (laughs)
(phone rings)
Hello?
(phone clicks)
I guess that was Astrid
calling from heaven
to make sure we're all here.
(gentle piano music)
- Some would call
Astrid Nicosia an angel.
But hey, you're right.
She was indeed, a special person
who allowed God to
work through her life
and reaching out to others
in simple, unassuming,
yet meaningful ways.
I do believe that
she was, in fact,
God's angel here on Earth.
Now a number of
people here today,
we know that Astrid
changed people's lives.
God worked through
his angel Astrid
in a series of meaningful
odd incidences,
and she served a model to
me and to so many others
of caring, giving, and loving.
May we call keep our
promise made to Astrid
to help others whenever we can.
("Even When It Hurts"
by Hillsong United)
The words louder then
I say your praise
I will only sing your praise
Take this mountain weight
Take these ocean tears
Hold me through the trial
Come back home again
Even when the
fight seems lost
I'll praise you
Even when it hurts like hell
I'll praise you
Even when it makes
no sense to sing
Louder then I'll
sing your praise
Ooh I will only
sing your praise
Ah, I will only
sing your praise
I will only sing your praise
Even when the morning comes
I'll praise you
Even when the fight is won
I'll praise you
Even when my time
on Earth is done
Louder then I'll
sing your praise
I will only sing your praise
(birds chirping)
- [Woman] Oh sir,
sir, can you help me?
- Sure, what's wrong?
- My car, it stopped.
- Just stopped?
- Yes, I don't know what's
wrong, it just went kaput.
- Kaput, huh?
- Mm.
- Okay yeah, sure, yeah.
Do you mind my lookin'?
(hood clicks)
Okay, let's see.
That's okay.
Okay.
Oh, here you go.
One of your plugs
fell out of your cap.
- I wonder how that
could've happened.
- Yeah, that's strange.
That should be it, though.
Let's give it a try.
(engine rumbles)
- Oh, very good. (clapping)
- That's all it was,
you should be okay now.
Yeah you're okay,
that's all it was.
- [Woman] I don't
know what happened.
I'm glad you found out.
(trunk thuds)
- That's it.
- Thank you so much.
I want to offer you
my gratitude, please--
- No, no, no, thanks.
- Please, let me give you--
- It was nothing,
it was nothing.
Thank you, have a good day.
- Sir?
Do you need help?
- Where are you going?
- That's not what I asked.
Take this fainted heart
Take this tainted hands
Wash me in your love
Come like grace again
Even when my
strength is lost
I'll praise you
Even when I have no song
I'll praise you
Even when it's hard
to find the words
Louder then I'll
sing your praise
I will only sing your praise
- [Cindy] Billy! (gasps)
What is that?
- (gasps) What is that?
- He red.
- How do you do this?
(door knocks)
(crickets chirping)
- Can I help you?
- I brought your family a cake.
(playful instrumental music)
- Hi, I'm Cindy.
That's Bill and
Nick, and you are?
- Astrid Nicosia.
- That's a pretty name.
- It's Norwegian.
And this is a (speaks
in foreign language).
It is a cake meaning a blessing
for those starting
something new.
- Well, how
appropriate, thank you.
Well, I'm going to
get the kids to bed.
Nice to meet you.
- You're our neighbor?
- Yes.
- Over there?
- Yes.
- I saw a man with a
hat walking around.
- My husband, Dominic, yes.
- I'm Mike, Mike Tourville.
- Michael Tourville, it is
my pleasure to meet you.
- Just Mike.
(phone rings)
- Hello?
Yes, I met the
neighbors next door.
Lovely couple, they seem.
Yes, oh yes, yes,
I got the tulips planted
this morning, yeah.
If there's anything at
all you want me to do,
just let me know.
(traffic hums)
(gentle piano music)
- I wish you'd let
me go with you.
- This is my work, not
yours, Mr. Reynolds.
Please, go home.
- I mean, why do you
even have to do this?
Sometimes you just need
to pull yourself up
by your own bootstraps.
- Before a person can
pull themselves up
by their bootstraps, they
must first have boots.
(diners chatter)
- You're the lady from
a couple months ago.
- I beg your pardon?
- You gave my boyfriend
a hundred dollars for
his lottery tickets.
- You have beautiful children.
What are your children's names?
(tires screech)
(engine rumbles)
- Cindy, Cindy!
I got home as soon as I could!
- We're fine.
- What happened?
- A van, it ran into me.
He ran the red light, and
I was scared to death, I--
- Nobody got hurt?
- No, I'm not sure how
not, but we're fine.
(Mike sighs)
- The car, Mike.
I think it's totaled.
- I don't care about the
car, you sure you're okay?
- We're fine, honey.
I'm a little shaken up,
I'm not even sure the boys
knew what was happening.
- Where are the boys?
- In their room playing.
- So, where's the car now?
- It got towed away.
Rigg's Towing or something.
- What did the police say?
- [Cindy] Uh.
- You got a ticket?
You were charged for
running a red light,
you just said that he--
- I know, he lied, he
said it was my fault.
- [Mike] Who said?
- The guy driving the van,
he lied to the policeman.
I, I was--
- What did you tell the cop?
- Really nothing.
I was scared, I was
holding the boys,
it happened so fast.
- So he wrote you a ticket.
Cindy, we cannot afford this.
I mean, insurance
is gonna go way up.
- I know, I know.
Please, Mike, not now.
- The house, the car,
the kids, the truck.
(birds chirping)
(traffic hums)
(door creaks)
Hi, I was told officer
Campbell would be here
this afternoon.
- Okay, name please?
- Mike Tourville.
- Okay, just one moment,
I'll see if he's in.
- [Officer Campbell]
Mr. Tourville.
Have a seat, sir.
- My wife Cindy Tourville
was in an accident yesterday
and you cited her
with this ticket.
- Yes.
- The other driver,
the guy in the van,
he was the one that
ran the red light.
Did you even ask her
her side of the story?
- I did, she said she didn't
remember anything at all.
- Well, she does remember now.
She was a little shaken
up, a little intimidated,
but she's a great driver,
and she's never had a ticket,
no speeding, nothing.
He plowed into her, my
kids were in the car.
Can we appeal this,
is there a court?
- There is a court date
on this ticket, but--
- But what?
- Obviously your wife
doesn't feel as strongly
about fighting this as you do.
- What?
- She's already came
in and paid the fine.
- I'm sorry sir,
this case is closed.
- Thanks for your time.
(midtempo jazz music)
(diners chatter)
- Good afternoon, Astrid.
Late lunch today.
The usual?
- It's been a busy day.
And yes, please.
- We are doing a
chopped steak special
with gravy and mashed potatoes.
Of course not.
- Thank you, Astrid.
- What did I tell you, April?
- I know, I promised,
but thank you.
- Oh thank you,
thank you very much.
- You're very welcome.
- And could you please bag
up Dominic's lunch for me?
- Absolutely, it will all
boxed up and ready to go
when you leave.
- Thank you.
(crickets chirping)
(engine rumbles)
(door thuds)
- Kids in bed?
- Yep.
- So I went to the
police station today.
- What for?
- Your ticket.
- Oh.
- You paid it?
- Mike, you know I don't
like having things not paid.
And on the back of the ticket,
it said we had to
pay within 20 days.
I don't wanna be
late and in trouble.
- Yeah but Cindy,
that's one choice,
and there's another choice
that says you check this box
and you show up to court.
- Oh, oh.
Does that mean--
- Yep, you're guilty.
- Oh no.
Why did I do that?
I'm sorry.
- I don't know.
I spoke to the
insurance company today,
and they said the
car is totaled.
They want me to take
the license plate off
so we can get our stuff
and process the claim.
- That's odd.
- I know, but it will
give us enough time
to get our stuff
and get a new car.
- Maybe a minivan?
We need it.
- Mm, you need a ticket, you
red-light-runnin' bandit.
(phone rings)
Hello?
Yeah.
Yeah, I can come
in in the morning.
Okay.
- Really?
You already work
60 hours a week.
Next you'll be
volunteering your weekends.
- It's my job, honey.
(crickets chirping)
(birds chirping)
- Good morning, Michael!
- (sighs) It's Mike.
Morning, Astrid,
you're up mighty early.
- Do you have a second?
- Just a second.
Is your dryer broken?
- I don't have a dryer.
Oh, could you help me move her?
I like her more in the sunlight.
You know what they say,
sunshine is the best medicine.
- Sure, you have to do this now?
- Yes.
Ah, ooh, you're in
the linen business.
- Yeah, kinda, how's that?
- Uh, to the left.
And up a little bit.
Perfect.
The angel of mercy.
Her name is Zadkiel.
She is the angel that
prevented Abraham
from sacrificing his son Isaac.
- Okay, great.
- But Michael, you have
to be to work so early?
- You know what they say.
- What?
- Early bird gets the worm.
- Worm?
- Nevermind.
- When I moved to
New York from Norway,
I lived in a big building,
and the laundry, it was
down in the basement.
Oh, those ghastly
machines, I hated them.
There was no place outside
to hang up your clothes.
I remember I was doing
my laundry one day
down in the basement,
and I ran out of money.
I needed 20 more
cents to finish.
So I went outside to try to
find someone to give me change,
but I found no one.
On my way back down
to the basement,
I ran into a man, and I asked
him if he had two dimes.
He said no, but to
appease me, I think,
he put his hands in his pockets,
and what did he pull
out but two dimes,
two dimes exactly,
Michael, no more, no less.
He exchanged those
coins for my name.
And four months later, we
were exchanging wedding vows.
Not a bad deal, 20 cents
for the love of your life.
- Its a cute story.
- And how did you
meet your Cindy?
- Um Astrid, I
really have to go.
Can I get back to you on that?
- Promise?
- Promise.
(gentle piano music)
- Okay, we're good?
Have a blessed day, Michael.
(traffic hums)
(engine rumbles)
- What now?
Excuse me, sir, do you
know what's going on?
- Yeah, I just got a text
from my buddy in the force.
A really bad accident at the
ramp going to the interstate.
Happened just like
five minutes ago.
You headin' to the interstate?
- I was.
- (chuckles) I'd go
another way, buddy.
He said it was like
a 12-car pile up.
We're gonna be here a while.
- It's really my only way.
Five minutes ago?
- Yeah, somethin' like that.
Ain't we lucky?
(church bell tolling)
- Astrid Nicosia.
- Hi, I'm Pastor
Scott, Scott Seabury.
- Where did you
study, Pastor Seabury?
- Please, call me Scott.
Yale, Yale Divinity School.
- Married, Pastor Seabury?
- Yes, yes ma'am, I am.
God has blessed me with
three lovely daughters.
- Oh, that is good.
(Pastor laughs)
I look forward to meeting
your wife and your children.
- Thank you.
- I was up walking,
and I noticed an unfamiliar
vehicle in the parish house.
I figured it was our new
pastor, so welcome to you.
- Yes, thank you, thank
you very much. (laughs)
- Now, if there's
anything you should need,
anything whatsoever, Pastor
Seabury, please let me know.
I just live a few blocks over.
- Okay.
- Promise?
- (chuckles) Promise.
(children chattering playfully)
- [Cindy] Oh no,
can you fix this?
- Good morning, Cindy!
- Good morning!
- Can I lend you a hand?
- [Cindy] Sure.
- Oh, what a beautiful day.
You and I, we have to go get
our hair done some afternoon.
My treat.
- That would be great.
- Sunshine is the best medicine.
- I'm sorry?
- You need one of
those play things
with the slides and
the swings on it.
- A swing set.
- Yes, yes, a swing set.
- Not in the Tourville
daycare budget.
- They have one at the church.
- Oh, that's a bit
far for us to walk.
- But they're getting a new one.
- Oh, they are?
- Yes, I guess they are.
(playful instrumental music)
- [Cindy] Come on, let's go.
(mat slaps)
- Hey, you got a sec?
- Sure.
- I need a car.
- Okay.
- My wife wrecked hers.
- Is she okay?
- She's fine, but the
insurance totaled the car,
and they're gonna send
maybe 2,000 to replace it.
- Mm-hm.
- I have 700
if I max out my
credit cards, 2,700.
- You don't wanna finance?
I mean, there's
a lot of options.
- No, Cindy wouldn't
go for that.
Our house payment's enough.
- Okay.
Tell you what, come with me.
This is one of our trade-ins.
Just got it in, the guys are
cleanin' it up right now.
What do you think?
It's got a few miles on it,
but if you take care of it,
it should last you a while.
- Cindy would love this.
- You like it?
- I love it.
- I could let you
have this for 2,700.
- Really?
- Yeah.
(Mike laughs)
Let me know soon, though.
I have to wholesale
those out rather quickly.
- Oh man.
I really appreciate it, Dan.
- Yeah, you're welcome,
glad I could help.
- Thanks a lot.
(door thuds)
- [Astrid] Pastor Seabury?
- Oh hi Astrid, how are you?
- Oh!
Oh my!
- Oh, no, no, no,
no, no. (laughs)
This is not what you think.
I volunteer for an organization
that helps fight
human trafficking.
See the back here?
End human trafficking, bring
freedom and justice. (chuckles)
In a lot of the
developing worlds,
the young girls are
sold into slavery
and forced into prostitution,
so I work with a group,
it's called Freedom 424.
We get 'em off the streets,
provide food,
shelter, education.
It's pretty amazing.
Here's a photo of my wife
and kids in Thailand.
Here, here we have
some of the girls.
- They're so young!
- Yeah, it's sad, it's really
a modern-day form of slavery.
These poor girls feel
like they have no chance,
so we try to provide them
that chance and a way out.
- Pastor Seabury,
the church needs a swing
set for the children.
- It does?
- I insist, yes.
(playful instrumental music)
- Um.
- Do you have a truck?
- No no, I do not,
Astrid, I don't.
- Could you get a
truck this afternoon?
- Um--
- Today?
- Today, um, maybe?
- Yes or no?
- Probably?
- Again?
- Yes, yes, Astrid.
I will get a truck.
- Please do so.
- Wow, are you.
Are you wanting to donate a
swing set or an entire park?
- No, just a swing set.
And please, have the old
one delivered this afternoon
to the Tourville home,
put it in their backyard.
You understand?
- Yes, yes, I understand.
- And there's one
more condition.
You cannot tell anyone.
- Tell anyone what?
- What I've done,
that I've helped you.
Promise?
- I promise.
Thank you, Astrid.
Wow.
(engine rumbles)
- We're closed.
- Sign says five o'clock,
it's quarter till.
- It's Friday, we
close early on Friday,
what do you want?
- My car's right over there
I just need the license
plate off of it.
- You want your car,
then you gotta pay.
- I don't want the car,
I just need to get
the license plate.
- Hold it right there, buster.
You ain't takin' a
thing of that car
until you pay the bill.
- Bill?
- Towing and storage,
it's been 10 days of storage
at $50 a day, that's $500.
Plus 1 1/2 for towing.
That bill.
- That's $650, I can't pay
that, my insurance'll cover it.
I just need that license plate.
- I don't give a
crap what you need.
No money, no license plate.
If you want it today, it's $650.
You got 10 minutes, because
in 10 minutes it's $700.
Got it?
- Okay, yeah, I got it.
$60 in cash, 300 on this card.
Run this one for 150, and put
the rest on the bank card.
- 305 on this card--
- 305?
- Credit card processing fee.
- You've gotta be kidding me.
- Nope.
- Just run the cards, and
I'll go get the plate.
- Hey, you're gonna stay put
until all these clear, got me?
(car seat clatters)
(man chuckles)
- You wouldn't happen to have
a screwdriver, would you?
- Shop's closed up, now hurry!
- Can you open it?
- Nope. (laughs)
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(man laughing)
(pan clatters)
(range clicks)
(engine rumbles)
(phone rings)
- Hey.
- Hi, honey.
- You have no idea what
I've just been through.
I've got the plate, but
you're not gonna believe this.
I had the storage
and the towing fee
just to get our
stuff and the plate.
I didn't have a choice,
the guy was such a--
- Do we have that?
- When the insurance money
comes in, they'll reimburse us.
I just, I don't
know when that is.
- [Cindy] Um, we got a
letter from them today.
Do you want me to open it?
- Yeah.
- I'm so sorry,
Mike, but they're not
covering the vehicle,
towing, or the storage because
the accident was our fault.
- Our fault?
No, I was your fault!
(phone beeps)
(Cindy sighs)
(midtempo jazz music)
- Hello, my name is Madison.
- Astrid Nicosia.
And this is my
mechanic, Mr. Reynolds.
- Nice to meet you.
What can I do for you guys?
- Excuse me, can please
show me what you have here?
- Do you have an appointment?
- I met Ruth's mother, too.
She was telling me about
a special housing program
that you have.
Special needs.
- Okay yes, it'll be one
of the first in the state
to house adults
with special needs.
Those living there would be
specialized in personal care.
We'd give them a job,
they would basically
live a normal life
in a supervised, loosely
supervised environment.
- Is that the half-completed
structure I saw next door?
- Yes, uh-huh.
- I'd like to learn more,
but I have to get home,
I'm in a hurry to
see my Dominic.
(haunting electronic tones)
(distant gunfire popping)
(distant men shouting)
- Dominic?
Dominic, you all right?
- I need to get down
to the flight line.
The planes are coming in.
They'll be wounded onboard--
- Dominic--
- They'll need my help.
- Let's get you home.
- Oh, oh!
Oh! (sobbing)
Oh thank you,
Michael, thank you!
Where did you find him?
- He was out walking
on the bridge.
- Oh, can you please help
me get him into the house?
- Sure.
(Astrid sobbing)
- Oh my dear.
- Planes.
- It's all right,
it's all right.
Micheal, could you please
sit with him for a while
while I go get his
medicines and water?
- Of course.
- Thank you.
- [Dominic] And these kids.
Gotta help, gotta help.
Water.
- I brought you medicine.
You'll feel better soon.
All night, all day
Angels watching
over me, my Lord
All night, all day
Just watchin' over me
Oh, my brave, my
brave, brave man.
You can't go walking
like that anymore.
You have to stay
close to me, forever.
Close to me my love, my Dominic.
All night, all day
Angels watchin' over me
My Lord
(crickets chirping)
- Oh, I forgot to tell you,
I ran into Dominic tonight.
- What?
- Yeah, when I left,
he was outside walking
the street babbling.
He has dementia or
something, I don't know.
It's really scary.
And Astrid, I'd never
seen her like that before.
- Like what?
- I don't know, you know
how she is, all proper.
She was all upset, crying
when I brought him back.
- She's a good lady.
- Yeah, she's crazy.
But not in a bad way, you know.
I just can't quite
figure her out.
- How so?
- Like this morning, she had
me move a statue of an angel,
and then she tells
me this lengthy story
about how she met Dominic,
and then she looks up
into the sky in silence,
and it's 5 a.m., and she's
outside doing laundry.
I didn't tell you that.
- Laundry at 5 a.m.?
- Yep, 5 a.m. and she's
outside hanging clothes.
But here's the thing,
there was a horrible
accident on the interstate
that I just missed.
- It was all over
the news today.
Like two or three people
died or something.
- That's it.
What if she was stalling me
from being in that accident.
What if she's like an
angel or something?
She's fascinated by
angels, you know.
- So now you think she's
an angel, a crazy angel.
(gentle instrumental music)
You know, she was the one
that told me about the
swing set from the church.
And two hours later, the new
pastor delivered it himself.
Nice guy, but he never said
why he brought it over.
- See, she had something
to do with that.
- Well, is Dominic okay?
- She put him to bed, she
called him brave, her brave man.
(light clicks)
- Well, you're my brave
man, Michael Tourville.
- Sometimes I
don't feel like it.
Just wish things could be
easier for you, for us.
(light clicks)
- How's your cereal, boys?
We really made this
house into our home.
I can't believe you're
selling your truck.
That was your dad's truck.
You love that truck.
- It's no big deal.
If we're gonna be a one-vehicle
family, it can't be a truck.
(boys chattering)
(birds chirping)
Here, let me help you with that.
- Oh, thank you, Michael.
Dominic is going to plant them.
- I can plant them for you.
- That's all right,
Dominic can do it.
What, what is, oh, why are
you selling your truck?
Your car, Cindy's car,
Michael, where is it?
- How's Dominic?
- Dominic is fine, he's resting.
Thank you for helping him home.
- Mm-hm.
- But Michael,
where is your car?
- Cindy was in an accident,
so I'm gonna sell the truck
and get new car, maybe take
out a loan or something.
- Oh, is she okay, and the boys?
- They're fine.
- But a loan, no, no, no,
I'd rather you didn't.
And do not sell your truck!
- I feel the same, Astrid,
I'd rather not, but.
- Well then, I will help you.
- Oh, no no, but thank
you for offering.
- Please, let me help you.
- No, thanks.
- Really, I've helped many
people, and I can help you.
Oh please, let me
do this for you.
That is it.
I have made my decision.
- Okay Astrid, whatever you say.
That would be fine, where
do you want your flowers?
- On the porch.
(door knocking)
Please give this to Michael.
(birds chirping)
- That was Astrid
at the door, here.
(Cindy gasps)
- Are we dreaming?
- Why would she?
She told me to give this to you.
- Oh man, she said yesterday
she was gonna help
us buy a new car.
She saw the for sale sign.
- Well, we can't take it.
- I know.
- Are you going to give it back?
- Yes, yes, of course.
(Michael knocks)
- [Astrid] Good morning,
Michael, how are you?
- I'm fine Astrid, I
need to talk to you.
- This is my tea room.
I learned to love tea
when we lived in Japan.
My Dominic, he was stationed
there in the Air Force.
Do you like my tea room?
Would you like some tea?
- No, thanks.
- And the boys,
how are the boys?
- They're fine, but--
- That's good.
They're such little angels.
Ooh, and would you like
to try some chocolate?
- No thanks, it's too early,
I haven't had my coffee yet.
- I'd be happy to
brew you a cup.
- No Astrid, the money.
- Are you going to church today?
I hear we have a new pastor.
- Yes, we are, but.
- The chocolates
are most delightful.
- Astrid, I really
need to talk to you.
When you said you were
going to help us out,
this is not what we expected.
- Michael, I need to
ask a favor of you.
Will you promise me one thing?
- Sure, I promise.
- Regarding our
discussion yesterday
and the reason you
are here today,
you must never bring up this
topic before my husband.
Do you promise?
- Sure, I promise.
- That's good.
Dominic, would you come in here?
Michael has stopped in to
say good morning to us.
- Good morning.
- I will be going home.
(playful orchestral music)
- Mike, I can't believe
you didn't give it back.
- Well, it wasn't that easy.
- All you had to
do was just insist.
It shouldn't be that difficult.
- Okay, you try it then.
Good luck.
- Don't say a word.
That Astrid is smart.
She kept changing the subject,
and I didn't even know
what to say anymore.
I don't think there was any way
I could have her
take the money back.
I didn't have a choice.
- Well, I'm glad you
found out for yourself.
- And did you see all
those angels? (laughs)
- Did you say you
met the new pastor?
- I did.
Are we going this morning?
- I'd like to.
$1,752.28 exactly.
- That's an odd amount.
- No, that's an even amount.
(Cindy laughs)
(gentle choral music)
Ah
- Good morning
church, and thank you.
Now please be seated.
Thank you for being here,
and thank you for a
tremendous welcome
that, well, so many of
you have given to me
and to my family.
Massachusetts in the summer
is absolutely gorgeous,
and I want you to know that I'm
so very grateful to be here.
Being my first Sunday here,
I wanna do something a little
different this morning.
I'm just gonna read a quote.
It's a quote, well it changed
my perspective on life.
It was a quote that my
grandfather repeated
numerous times
and it was, well, it
is my life's mission.
And here it is now, so
please listen carefully.
"I shall pass this way but once.
"Any good, therefore, I can do,
"or any kindness that I can
show to any human being,
"let me do it now."
Let me do it now.
Those last words, shall they
touch our hearts this morning?
Let us be kind to
one another now.
So there's a way to get
to know all of my family,
my wife Linda and
our three daughters,
Chelsea, Kinsley, and Grace.
We have prepared
lunch downstairs in
the fellowship hall,
just below the sanctuary here.
I invite you and your
family to join us.
As your new pastor,
I'm very excited to meet
each and every one of you.
So without further ado,
please join us downstairs.
(congregation chatters)
I wonder what that's all about.
- [Linda] What's up?
- Astrid over there
talkin' to Caroline.
Her husband's in the hospital,
I guess he's been
there for some time.
It's pretty serious.
They've got one child.
I've been meaning to go
visit him in the hospital,
but I hear the news isn't good.
- You should go, you should go.
- Really?
- Mm-hm.
(congregation chatters)
- Hey, you know Astrid,
how about I give you
a hand in the yard,
and you said you had
a lot of work to do,
I have a couple hours a week.
I can start today, I promise.
- That would not be
necessary, Michael.
By all means, a
promise is a promise.
(birds chirping)
- [Astrid] You should
put these on, Michael.
- I use my bare hands every
day, it's good for 'em.
Look at that, a bird's nest.
- Michael, leave it be.
- There's two chicks in there.
I hope the mom returns.
- She may or she may
not, but Michael,
please leave it alone.
- Well, if she doesn't
return, they're gonna die.
- No, there are other
birds watching over them.
- I'm sorry?
- If a mother bird is out
or she is killed
while she's hunting,
these birds would not die.
Other birds would come
in and take care of them
and feed them if they were born.
Well, in fact, if a bird
is blind or crippled
or it cannot fly,
the other birds in the
community would care for it.
It is an expression
of loving one another
just like our Lord taught
us to love other people.
Oh Michael, how
is your job going?
- Eh, it's okay.
I think I'm gonna
change careers.
- What would you like to do?
- Management.
I'm tired of delivering
tablecloths and uniforms.
- Have you thought
about checking out
this company in town,
Mass Mutual?
- Yeah, I think we
deliver to them.
I don't know if
there'd be a position
for someone like me, though.
- I hear they are always hiring.
- Well maybe I'll go and apply.
- Oh Michael, I was really
not expecting you to do this.
- Well, I--
- You are so kind.
- Well, if you're not
gonna take that money back,
we need to pay you back somehow.
- Michael.
A gift is not to be paid back,
it is to be paid forward.
- Astrid, we are
paying you back.
(phone ringing)
- Oh, I need to get this call,
but Michael, there are
splinters down in this mulch.
You need to put those gloves
on, Michael Tourville.
(engine rumbling)
- Thank you.
- All right, see you.
Mike.
- Hi, Dan.
- How you doin'?
- You still have that van?
- Absolutely, been
holdlin' it for you.
- Can I put a deposit down?
I'm trying to sell my truck,
I've got a few
people interested.
Maybe I can get the rest
to you in a few days.
- No problem.
- $1,752.28.
- Okay.
Let me get you a receipt.
- Excuse me, hi.
I'm Pastor Seabury.
We have a member of our
church here, Ronald Carter.
His wife Caroline Carter,
I think it's room 116.
- Oh, she's such a sweet lady.
I was so happy for
her this morning.
Pastor, they airlifted
Mr. Carter and his wife
and the kids to a
heart specialist
in California this morning.
- In California?
- I know, it was
an answered prayer.
- This morning.
(monitors beep)
Wow.
(engine rumbles)
- Astrid.
What are you doing?
- I brought you a flower.
Did you get your car yet?
- No, not yet.
- You need more
money, don't you?
- Oh no, no more money, Astrid.
Actually, I want to
talk to you about that.
Yesterday with the gloves--
- I need to give you more money.
- No, Astrid, Cindy and I do
not feel comfortable with that.
- Do you remember the
promise you made to me?
- Yes, but he's not here.
I'll be over tomorrow to
help you with the yard again.
A deal's a deal.
(Astrid laughs)
- Suit yourself, Michael.
- And no more funny glove
business, I mean it.
- [Cindy] I made you a plate.
- [Mike] Dinner so early?
- The kids are in their room.
Can you give them a bath?
(chips crunching)
- That Astrid, she was
outside hanging a flower.
- [Cindy] I thought
I heard something.
- Why is it so hot in here?
- [Cindy] I don't know.
- Is the air conditioning on?
- [Cindy] I don't know.
- Or did you turn it
off to save electricity,
I know it's hard, but--
- Mike I don't
know, I don't know.
I need to borrow the truck
to get lunch for the kids.
- It's after seven o'clock.
- We only have one car.
It's hard enough for
them to stay in the house
all day in this heat.
Do you want them to starve?
- What, are you blaming me?
- No!
(keys clatter)
- Hey, little man. (laughs)
Let's go get your brother.
And you guys can sleep in
mom and dad's room tonight.
(door knocking)
Hello, Astrid.
(fan whirs)
(crickets chirp)
- Michael, are you all right?
How are you?
- [Mike] Sleepy, what's up?
- Well, the other morning,
I ask you how you met Cindy.
- Yeah?
- You said you'd get back to me.
- (clears throat) Really?
- You promised.
How did you meet Cindy?
- Well, we met
after high school,
she was adopted here
from The Ukraine.
My best friend and I were at
the big fair here in town,
and we saw two girls
approaching us,
and he started flirting
with both of them.
And one of them caught my eye,
and the more he kept flirting,
the more I got jealous,
which was crazy, because
I don't even know her,
so how could I be jealous?
But there was
something about her
that I knew that I would
be the only one she'd want.
Not my best friend, no.
And I wouldn't let her escape
without her phone number.
All night I couldn't
stop thinking
about how soon it would be
till I got to talk to her,
and the next day, we talked
for three hours on the phone,
and I haven't stopped
listening to her since.
And believe me, she
doesn't stop talking.
And it wasn't long after that
until we had wedding plans,
and a chance encounter
for a happy family.
- I'm sure she's
still very happy.
- I don't know.
- Oh, Michael.
I am always charmed by
how two perfect strangers
can suddenly mean the
whole world to one another.
Appreciate that fact and the
joy that it has brought to you.
- You left this.
(midtempo instrumental music)
(playful instrumental music)
(bell dings)
- I need to use
the world wide web.
- Excuse me?
- I need to do some research.
Do you have the internet here?
- Yes ma'am, we have computers
over in the loft area
that you can use.
- Thank you.
- Yeah.
(door thuds)
(keys clicking)
- Miss?
Miss?
Could you offer to help me?
- Sure.
(uptempo electronic music)
- (gasps) Oh my.
I need to use this
world wide web.
(keys clicking)
- There you go.
- What do I do now?
- Type in what
you're looking for?
What exactly is it
you're lucking for
in this world wide web?
- Buying a girl for $24.
- I'm sorry?
- Oh, no not.
I need to know more
about organizations
that help and support people
who are being bought and sold.
- Human trafficking?
- Yes.
That is the proper wording.
(keys clicking)
- More specifically, what
are you looking for, ma'am?
- My name is Astrid Nicosia.
- Nice to meet you.
- What is your name?
- Heather, Heather Reams.
- What do you do, Miss Reams?
- I go to college.
- What are you studying?
- Journalism.
- Why are you not
in college now?
This looks more
like your office.
- Well, I'm not, I didn't
enroll this semester.
Just taking some
time off, you know?
- I do know.
- Can I ask you a question?
- Mm.
- Why are you looking
up human trafficking?
Like, what is it
you want to know?
It's a very ugly and rampant
business around the world.
- What do you know about it?
- Last semester,
I wrote this paper
on the trafficking of minors
in countries like
Thailand and India.
It was awful.
It's the fastest growing
crime in America.
It's a $150 billion
a year business.
- Oh.
- That's with a B.
150 billion is spent
to enslave women, kids.
Forced into the trade for
financial and cultural reasons.
- I want you to write it
down and bring it to my house
tomorrow morning.
- How many pages?
The the history, single space?
- No, just focus on what
you have told me already.
Where is the biggest
need right now?
(midtempo jazz music)
- Mike.
- Hey.
This is my wife, Cindy.
- Nice to meet you, I'm Dan.
Did you bring me some lunch?
- (chuckles) No, that's the
rest of the money for the van.
- All right.
Have a seat, and let's
do some paperwork.
(midtempo jazz music)
All right, guys.
We sold you the minivan
for $2,700 even, wholesale.
I have your down
payment at $1,752.28.
That brings the total,
after taxes, title, tag,
to $3,204.16.
So the balance that
you owe is $1,451.88.
All right, let's count it.
(coins clatter)
- I hope it's enough.
- I just hope I'm not breakin'
a kid's piggy bank here.
- [Mike] No, it came that way.
- Six, seven,
eight, look at that.
$1,451.88 exact.
- What?
- To the penny.
You guys must be
really good at math
to figure that out in advance.
- No, we weren't.
Are you serious?
- (laughs) Yeah.
You now own a minivan.
(car dings)
- Hey boys, come on!
You wanna see mommy's new car?
(birds chirping)
(door thuds)
Hey!
- Hi, Mom!
- Already ordered pizza.
- [Cindy] Great.
(Mike knocks)
(Mike knocks)
(Mike knocks)
- [Astrid] We need to
have strong leadership
in the White House.
- Astrid?
- And all of the houses
governing around the world.
Oh, come in Michael, sit, sit.
Yes, and keep and
eye on Mr. Reams,
and also that lady
at the hospital.
But I really have to
go now, I have company.
I love you.
Goodbye.
- Who was that?
- God.
- Of course it was.
God?
- Yes.
I try to speak to God every
day, sometimes twice a day.
- I got the car, van today.
- Michael, do you speak to God?
- I do.
- No, I mean do you
really talk to God?
- I try to pray with
the boys every night,
we pray in church, you know?
- And does God talk back to you?
- No, is the phone
talking to you?
Are you hearing voice, Astrid?
- Oh, Michael.
You really oughta
try it sometime,
you might be surprised
on what the voice
on that other end says to you.
Oh, you got your car.
- Thank you again for
the loan for the car.
Cindy and I came up with a plan.
You've loaned us
$3,204.16 exactly,
which is bizarre, because
that's exactly what we needed.
- I didn't know.
God knew.
- Um, so we're gonna pay
you $100 a month, with 4%--
- Oh no, no, no, wait.
All right, Michael.
You can pay me back, but you
have to do it on my terms.
Promise?
- Sure, I promise.
- All right.
First, you can pay me back
one dollar every week,
nothing more.
- But Astrid, that's--
- I'm not finished.
You cannot pay me anything
until six months from today,
do you understand?
- I understand, but Astrid,
that's gonna take a long time--
- Michael, you agreed to
my terms, you promised.
One dollar a week in
six months, that's it.
- Okay.
- And one other thing.
If you are ever in the position
to help someone, do it.
I know you will.
That's part of the promise, too,
but I'm sure you
already knew that.
And finally, there is
something you can do for me.
I'd like to have some more
lilies planted before I go.
- Go?
Where are you going?
- You'll need gloves.
- Oh, no, no, no.
(Astrid laughs)
- Oh, that's all for
today, Michael, go home.
I need to get Dominic
up and fix his dinner.
- All right.
- Do you think it's too hot
in the boy's room tonight?
- Oh, they'll be fine,
I'm gonna get a few
more fans tomorrow.
- What do we need to fix it?
- They said 1,100,
it's the compressor,
but we'll be fine.
Responsible is
R-E-S-P-O-N-S-I-B-L-E?
- Yes, what are you working on?
- I'm updating my resume.
I'm gonna send it that
company, Mass Mutual.
I heard they have
a few openings.
I just have to get
my foot in the door.
- [Cindy] So?
- So, what?
Your conversation with
Astrid about the money.
- Oh yeah, well after
I interrupted her
phone call with God.
- What?
- Yeah, uh, nevermind.
She gave us a loan
repayment plan.
- The one we discussed?
- Not quite.
Dollar per week starting
six month from today's date.
- What?
Did you hear her right?
- Yep, trust me, her
terms were non-negotiable.
She was very specific, I
just had to go along with it.
- That will be easy to remember.
That's March 8th,
two days after Billy'
birthday on the sixth.
I'm going to mark
it on the calendar.
Do you have a pen over there?
- Do you think we should do
like four dollars a week,
instead of going over there
every week with a dollar?
Seems a little ridiculous,
don't you think?
- No, we're going to pay the
whole amount on March 8th.
Somehow, we'll find a way.
- Let's just keep it between us.
(gentle instrumental music)
(keys clicking)
- It's time.
I'm ready to go.
(door knocks)
- Hello, Cindy, Cindy?
- Astrid.
Who are those people?
Where are you going?
- Dominic and I are
going on holiday.
- Astrid, I can't.
- My dear, there's
no cash in it.
Please make sure
Michael gets this.
- No cash?
- Absolutely not.
- Well, she was right, no cash.
- Did you tell her about
the air conditioning?
- No.
- Because you said--
- $1,100.
- And the check is
for $1,100, honey.
- I don't get it.
My dearest Michael,
please apply these funds
to the servicing of the yard
until I return from holiday.
- Best, Astrid.
- Are you going to use the
money for the air conditioning,
or the servicing of the yard.
- Air conditioning.
But I'm gonna make her
yard look incredible
for when she returns.
- I'll help, too.
To plant a garden is
to believe in tomorrow.
(playful orchestral music)
(man knocks)
- [Mike] Hi, can I help You?
- Yeah, are you
Michael Tourville?
- Mike, yes.
- Astrid Nicosia
is in the hospital,
and you should know.
- Astrid's in town?
- Yeah, she's at
Preston Memorial.
- Do you have any
more information?
- Not really.
I wasn't sure I
should even stop by
'cause I'm not sure
how much you knew or--
- Well, thanks for
letting us know.
(rain patters)
Hey, there was a
guy at the door,
and he said Astrid's back,
and she's in the hospital.
- Oh my goodness, is she okay?
- He didn't say.
Can you watch the kids, and
I'll go see her tomorrow?
- Of course, yeah,
yeah, you should go.
- Thank you.
Excuse me, can you tell me
what room Astrid Nicosia's in?
- Sure, let me check.
Let's see here, it looks
like she's in room 204,
so if you take
this hallway here,
you'll see the
elevator on your left.
Go to the second
floor, make a right,
and you'll see room 204.
- Great, thank you.
- You're welcome.
(somber music)
(monitor beeps)
- Astrid?
- Michael?
My glasses.
- Okay.
- Yes, Michael.
How did you know I was here?
- A man came to my door
last night and told me.
(Astrid chuckles)
- How is Cindy?
And the boys?
- Great, Billy just
turned four yesterday.
- (chuckles) That's great.
- Astrid, what's going
on, where've you been?
Where's Dominic, is he here?
Do you need somebody
to look after him?
What's going on?
- Shh, it's okay.
You're still in
the linen business?
- No, I finally got
a job at Mass Mutual.
- That's good.
- Customer service.
- Michael.
I need, I need you
to a favor for me.
Over there, my luggage.
Under that, there's a key.
Yes.
Now I will be leaving here soon.
I need you to go to my
house and get it ready.
I'm expecting some
company tomorrow.
- Who?
- That's right.
It doesn't matter who, Michael.
This is my neighbor,
my neighbor Michael.
- Astrid's told me
a lot about you.
- I so appreciate everything
you've done for me, Michael.
If you could do one more thing.
Would you promise me something?
(Astrid whispers)
Promise?
- I promise.
- I just had to give her
something to help her rest.
Could you come back tomorrow?
- Yeah, I can do that.
(gentle piano music)
(Astrid whimpers)
("Even When It Hurts"
by Hillsong United)
Take this mountain weight
Take these ocean tears
Hold me through that trial
Come back home again
Even when the
fight seems lost
I'll praise you
Even when it hurts like hell
I'll praise you
Even when it makes
no sense to sing
- [Cindy] Are you
going to open it?
- It's gotta be money.
- Maybe not.
- She said she's
coming home soon
and wants me to
get the house ready
for people coming over tomorrow.
- Who?
- I don't know.
- Why is she in the hospital.
- She never said, but
she didn't look good.
Tomorrow, I'm gonna
go see her again,
and I'm gonna take this,
and I'm gonna open it,
right in front of her.
Maybe there'll be witness
there, somebody like her nurse.
She does this to surprise me,
so I'm gonna surprise her.
- Who are you kidding, you
can't surprise her. (giggles)
I will only sing your praise
And my heart
burns only for you
You are you are all I want
And my soul waits
only for you
And I will sing till
the morning has come
And my heart
beats only for you
You are all, you
are all I want
And my soul waits
only for you
And I'll sing until the
miracle comes, yes, yes
- [Cindy] Hello.
- You're the one who told me
Astrid was in the hospital.
Are you related?
- No, I'm her mechanic.
I was her mechanic.
- Astrid didn't have a car.
(wife chuckles)
- It's a long story.
- Who are all these people?
- I don't know.
- How did you know to come?
- She invited me,
I got this letter.
- Ah.
(Cindy giggles)
Astrid.
Well, I'm Mike Tourville,
and this is my wife Cindy.
- Hi.
- Nice to meet you.
- Let's go inside and figure
out what this is all about.
- I run a daycare
center at my house,
I have plenty of toys, come on.
- Oh, thank you,
thank you, go on.
You'll be fine.
- Thank you.
- Okay, I'm not sure
why we're all here,
but I suspect Astrid will want
us to talk about ourselves
and maybe talk about
how we know her.
That'd be my guess.
- Are we breaking our promises?
- I think it's probably okay.
- Yeah, now you said
you were her mechanic?
- Yes.
Um, one day, I guess this
was about five years ago,
I was walking
alongside the road.
You see, back then I was
drinking and carrying on,
and I couldn't keep a job.
I'd been a mechanic
my whole life.
A darn good one, and
everybody knew it,
but with the drinking and
this bein' a small town,
nobody would hire me.
I guess I was only
about a day or two away
from her walking out on me.
Astrid took me to the diner
over on Memorial Drive.
- I remember that.
- She, she gave.
She cared for me.
She cared for us.
- Oh, I'm so sorry
to keep you waiting.
Thank you for ordering
my tea, Mr. Reynolds.
Now, Mr. Reynolds, I will
help you open your shop
and keep it open, but I need
you to make me a few promises.
- Promises?
- Yes.
- Okay.
- Is that a yes?
- Yes.
We talked for a little while.
We talked for hours,
and I told her I wanted
to open up my own shop,
and she said okay.
I said I had a perfect
spot, she said great.
And then, she wanted me
to make her a promise.
The shop I wanted was about
two blocks from her house, and
(bell rings)
I remember the day we opened
she was there, and
I took her keys.
I told her I would drive her
anywhere she wanted to go,
she just needed to
come down to the shop.
So, I guess I was
her chauffeur, too.
(group chuckles)
- I met you and her this
past summer and the center,
and now at the new home.
- Did y'all get that built?
- We did.
And Ruth here is
our first tenant.
Astrid met Ruth and her mom
at the same diner, apparently.
Heard about the project we
were building and came out,
and wanted to help.
- Astrid.
- Oh, Ruth.
Yes, I will send you
the money that you need.
- I'm sorry?
- But there is one condition.
You can never tell anyone
where that money came from.
- Are you serious?
- Of course I am.
- She paid for the final
phase of the project.
I only met her once.
- I remember that, too.
But that's what she did.
I watched her just
about every day.
She was always just looking
for ways to help people.
Sure, she was quirky.
And maybe a little bit snooty.
But she was so good to us there.
Every day.
- May I?
- Oh sure.
- Who are you?
- I'm sorry?
- My name is Astrid Nicosia,
I come here every day for lunch,
and I've never seen you before,
and I've never seen
your friend, either.
Does she work here?
- Well, that's my
daughter, her name is Ruth,
and yes ma'am, she works here.
- Oh, outstanding.
(tray clatters)
- Mom.
- It's okay, it's okay.
You think I can help?
Okay, put it with
the others, good job.
- She changed my life.
Just knowing her.
I'm a better mom, a better wife.
I'm a better person.
- Well, Astrid, she
saved my life, literally.
I mean, I wouldn't be here
today if she hadn't intervened.
As most of you know, I have
congestive heart failure,
severe aortic stenosis.
It just boils down to I
had to many cheeseburgers.
Anyway, so after
what, 35 days in ICU,
they were gonna pull the
plug, for insurance reasons.
- Astrid would have
no part of that.
- No, and she paid my bill,
I mean, the whole bill.
- Later, we found a
specialist in California
that would take Rodney's case,
and she didn't flinch,
she covered it all,
and never did she seek
praise or anything.
My daughter has her
dad because of her.
- Well, I guess I'll go.
I met Astrid at the library
when she wanted to know
where to buy girls
in foreign countries.
- What?
- I'm serious,
she was on this crazy charge
to end human trafficking.
- Oh yeah, that was my fault.
- Yeah, she mentioned her
pastor gave her the idea.
- Well, that's me,
I'm her pastor.
What did she do?
- She asked me to write a report
on where we need resources
to help these girls
being trafficked, but.
- [Astrid] Now tell me,
why is it that you're not
in college this semester?
- Finances.
My father passed away last
year, but you already knew that.
- I'm sorry?
- You paid for him to be
buried and the service,
and all the flowers.
- I did.
- Why?
- I read his obituary
in the newspapers,
and the tribute that
you wrote to him,
it was obvious that
you were raised right,
but I gather that you didn't
have any other family members.
So I called the funeral home.
- But you didn't even know him.
- No, I did not
know your father,
but I know that he
was very proud of you,
and I am sure he can't wait
to see all the things you will
accomplish with your life.
- My name is Robin, I own the
Sheer Perfection Beauty Salon
here in town.
I did Astrid's hair every week,
and I'm also the
daughter of Dominic.
Astrid was my stepmother.
They moved here
about five years ago
to be closer to me,
and you should know,
my father passed away
a few months ago.
He was suffering
from Alzheimer's.
Astrid had found
a clinic upstate
where they could
move in together,
and he could get
better care there.
But your stories about
Astrid don't surprise me.
She was an amazing lady.
- You really should
come over sometime.
He'd love to see you.
- He doesn't even know who I am.
- (gasps) Oh, look
at that picture.
I haven't seen it for years.
- Found that in an old box.
- (gasps) Look at you.
- I remember when
they got married.
He was so in love with her,
but these last few years,
his memory declined, and, well,
he didn't even recognize me.
They helped me get the
salon up and running.
She was a very wealthy lady,
who lived her life
to give it all away,
just to help people.
- You did the free haircuts.
- Yes, every Sunday.
- I heard about that.
That's awesome.
- Thank you.
- Well, I'm preaching
her funeral tomorrow.
Is there any other family
that we should contact?
- I'm not sure.
Astrid didn't speak
much of family.
There was a sister, but
I think she's passed now.
As for any other family
members, I'm just not sure.
- I'm sorry for your loss.
- Thank you.
- She loaned my wife and
I, I'll never forget it,
$3,204.16 to buy a
car, and with the fees,
and all the taxes and
everything, it was
exactly $3,204.16.
(chuckles) I didn't think
Astrid had that kind of money,
but the craziest thing
was she said to pay her
a dollar a week, but
wait six months, and, uh.
Wait a minute.
(laughs) Astrid.
- What, what is it?
- Today.
She died today, March
8th, a dollar a week.
That rascal, she knew. (laughs)
(phone rings)
Hello?
(phone clicks)
I guess that was Astrid
calling from heaven
to make sure we're all here.
(gentle piano music)
- Some would call
Astrid Nicosia an angel.
But hey, you're right.
She was indeed, a special person
who allowed God to
work through her life
and reaching out to others
in simple, unassuming,
yet meaningful ways.
I do believe that
she was, in fact,
God's angel here on Earth.
Now a number of
people here today,
we know that Astrid
changed people's lives.
God worked through
his angel Astrid
in a series of meaningful
odd incidences,
and she served a model to
me and to so many others
of caring, giving, and loving.
May we call keep our
promise made to Astrid
to help others whenever we can.
("Even When It Hurts"
by Hillsong United)
The words louder then
I say your praise
I will only sing your praise
Take this mountain weight
Take these ocean tears
Hold me through the trial
Come back home again
Even when the
fight seems lost
I'll praise you
Even when it hurts like hell
I'll praise you
Even when it makes
no sense to sing
Louder then I'll
sing your praise
Ooh I will only
sing your praise
Ah, I will only
sing your praise
I will only sing your praise
Even when the morning comes
I'll praise you
Even when the fight is won
I'll praise you
Even when my time
on Earth is done
Louder then I'll
sing your praise
I will only sing your praise