Joy of Horses (2024) Movie Script
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- [Joy] You're going to
be gone the whole summer?
- [Mark] [sighs]
I know, I'm sorry.
There's no other choice.
I have to be there at
the office until Larry
is cleared to travel
back to the country.
- [Joy] Why does this
always happen to me?
- [Mark] Joy, think of
all the time you'll get
to spend riding horses,
and all the fun you'll
have with your grandpa.
[Joy] I guess.
- There's that beautiful
granddaughter of mine.
Come over here and give
this old man a hug.
Grandpa!
Whoa, breakin' my ribs here!
I missed you.
I missed you too, kiddo.
- Mark.
- Tom.
How's it goin'?
- It was smooth sailing
up until Milwaukee,
but luckily I had this
one to keep me company.
[sighs] Look, Mark,
I know we haven't
always seen eye to eye
and I try to tell ya I'm...
- I'm sorry for your
loss too, Tom, okay?
You loved my daughter,
and for that I'll
always love you.
- Grandpa?
- Yeah?
Can we see all the horses now?
- Maybe after we have
somethin' to eat.
While we're talkin' about it,
why don't you take
your stuff inside
and I'll get started cooking.
Sure.
[Tom] I'm glad you're here.
I got a boy who comes a couple
times a week for chores.
He's no good with the
horses [chuckles].
- Hey, thanks for doin'
this, Tom, seriously.
Sure.
We're family.
Be sure and take your shoes
off before you go inside.
[Joy] I will, Grandpa.
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[handle thuds]
[Joy sighs]
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[Tom] Hey Joy, honey,
do you want green
beans on your plate?
Coming, Grandpa.
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[Joy sighs]
What'd you ask, Grandpa?
- I asked you if you wanted
green beans on your plate?
Yeah, sure.
I mean, yes, please.
Do you need any help with that?
Help stirring these beans?
No, I got this.
But you can take some fruit out
of the fridge and put
it in that basket.
[packaging rustling]
I can smell the steaks.
- Well, they need about
five more minutes.
So, how do you like your room?
It looks great.
Thank you for setting
everything up for me.
- I thought there was
gonna be more, really.
More what?
Oh, I don't know, junk,
like Justin Bieber posters.
- Grandpa, did you
just say that name
'cause you've heard it?
Like, can you name anyone else
who's had a hit
song this century?
I don't need to.
Music was better
when I was your age.
- Yeah, well you still only
listen to Kenny Rogers.
It's time to get
in with the new.
- Are you gonna come in here
and disparage Mr. Rogers?
That man had five
consecutive number one hits.
Yeah?
Well, Olivia Rodrigo
had four top 10 hits
on her first album
and she's not even 21.
So, what?
You saying this Olivia person
is better than Dolly Parton?
SZA, Doja Cat, Cardi B.
- Oh, you're just
namin' groups now.
Waylon Jennings, Glen
Campbell, Charley Pride.
- Drake.
- Charlie Rich.
- Taylor Swift.
- The Judds.
- Shawn Mendez.
- George Strait.
Lizzo and The Weeknd.
- Larry Gatlin &
The Gatlin Brothers.
- [Mark] Wasn't that
just one group, Tom?
- Well, I thought
hers was one group.
I win!
- Well, sometimes it's about
more than winning, you know?
- That sounds like
something a...
A person who didn't
win would say.
- Got about two
minutes for the steaks.
So, Tom, what's this all like?
What is she in for?
Well, what do you mean what?
- What's the day
like on the farm?
What does Joy have
to look forward to?
- Well, I get up around
4:30, have some breakfast,
go out and do chores till
about 11, and have lunch.
After lunch, I go back and
do more chores till dinner.
- Right.
- Come in, have dinner,
watch "Wheel of Fortune,"
go to bed between 7:30
and eight o'clock.
Wow.
"Wheel of Fortune."
You got so much to
look forward to.
- Oh, yeah.
- Yeah!
[Joy] Can't wait.
- Well, you'll have to because
on weekends I sleep in.
I'll get those steaks.
[Mark] All right.
- Dad, I'm not
getting up at 4:30.
- [Mark] Grandpa's
just pullin' your leg.
Really?
[Mark] Yeah.
Honey, nobody gets up
at 4:30 in the morning.
Are you sure?
You didn't grow up on a farm.
Well, we had a yard.
It was kinda similar.
It's not as big.
It was...
Mow the lawn sometimes.
There was no horses, but
it was a pretty big lawn.
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[rooster crows]
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[Tom] Rise and shine!
Grandpa?
I thought you said you
slept in on the weekends.
I did sleep in.
It's almost 7:30.
Come on, let's go.
- [sighs] I'm
having a nightmare.
- Come on, I've got
something to show you.
Or maybe you don't
wanna see horses.
Horses?
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[hooves clomping]
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How many are there?
- Well, there's the original
four that you remember.
So, Zeus and Thor and Billy.
This is Ruby.
And we've got 18 more
with room for some more.
Ruby, Ruby, Ruby.
Didn't you used to have
a little pony named Ruby?
- Colt, not a pony,
but one and the same.
But I thought you sold her?
- Well, the new
owners are friends
and when they heard
what happened...
Would you like to ride her?
Maybe another day.
Oh, come on.
You afraid you
don't remember how?
Kind of.
Look, it's easy.
Riding a horse is just
like riding a bicycle.
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Hey Grandpa, you were right.
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[horse snorts]
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Oh, look at that.
You don't waste any time.
It's eight in the morning.
- I was just getting ready
to come in and check on you.
God, she looks so happy.
Thank you, Tom.
Seriously, thank you.
My pleasure.
What do you say we go in
and get some breakfast?
[Joy] Sure.
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[Mark] Thanks.
- Wow, Grandpa, this
all looks amazing.
You did all this
before we woke up?
Well, I got errands to run.
The store's open at nine.
There's no sense being
any later than that.
But you didn't even eat.
I had my toast and coffee.
Sit with us for a bit.
- You know, she sounds
just like, well-
She does.
And she'd be right.
I should sit with my family.
Yeah.
- It's not an opportunity
you get very often.
Have some eggs.
Thank you.
- [Joy] How long do you think
you'll be in town for today?
Oh, a couple hours.
- Is it okay if my
friend Renee comes over?
- Well, that'd be fine, after
you do a couple of chores.
Really?
Yeah, I thought we'd start out
with something simple
like mowing the lawn.
[Joy sighs]
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[engine rumbling]
Hey, stop!
Stop!
Grandpa, someone's
stealing the lawnmower!
Hey, jerk, stop or else
you'll be chased already.
What are you crazy?
Me?
Who steals a lawnmower
in broad daylight?
I wasn't stealing it.
Tom pays me to mow
the lawn twice a week.
Tom?
That's my grandpa.
Why would he pay you when
I'm supposed to do it?
Then why weren't you doing it?
That's none of your business.
- [chuckles] You couldn't
get it started, could you?
You are the rudest thief ever!
- Look, I already told
you, I'm not a thief.
Is there a problem here, Joy?
Everything's fine, Grandpa.
I just stopped this thief
from making off with
the lawnmower is all.
Wait, Joy?
- Blake, I forgot
to tell ya last week
was the last time I
needed you to mow.
Blake from five summers ago?
Oh my goodness!
- Blake, how are you?
- I'm good.
- I didn't-
- I didn't know
that Tom was your grandpa.
- I didn't know you
still lived here.
You got so big.
Yeah, you didn't.
Oh, shut it.
Well, this is so amazing.
I can't believe this.
So wait, Tom,
does that mean I still
have a job here, though?
- There's plenty of work
here for both of you,
but as long as you're here,
would you take Joy
into town with you,
pick up a few things
from me at the store?
- [Joy] I thought you
were going to the store?
I was, now I ain't.
Yes Sir, what do you need?
- Just have him put
it on my account.
And get her some gloves
for those silly nails.
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- So yeah, I didn't make
the team my sophomore year
and that was pretty much the
end of my playing career.
[Joy] That's too bad.
It...
Whatever.
Gives me more time to
spend with your grandpa.
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And the next thing
we need is over here.
Really?
- Gentlemen, this test of the
Blake propelled shopping cart
will shatter land speed records.
I'm not...
No.
Will the test be a success
or will it fail due to
the engine's cowardice?
Come on.
- Only time will
tell if this engine
is pure grease lightning
or a yellow belly chicken.
Really?
Three, two, one, blast off!
- Hey, this isn't a
playground you two.
- [Blake] [chuckles]
Sorry, Mr. Stevens.
[Blake chuckles]
Oo!
We need a wiffle ball set.
Why?
- So that we can
play wiffle ball.
- Oh [chuckles], why
didn't I think of that?
- 'Cause you spend all
that energy growing
your body instead of your brain.
I'm gonna find my gloves.
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[sighs] Ice cream.
- [Joy's Mom] Sure
[speech echoing].
Should we see if your dad wants
some too [speech echoing]?
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Found them.
Hey, look what I found.
Do we have everything?
Yeah.
Are you okay?
Yeah, let's just get going.
Sure.
- I'm gonna wait by the truck.
- Okay.
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Hey, watch where you're...
I'm sorry.
Lemme get this for you.
You dropped this.
No, that's not mine.
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[sighs] I'm gonna miss you, Dad.
I'm gonna miss you too, kiddo.
But I want you to
have a great summer.
I'll try.
One more thing.
No.
Fine, what?
- I want you to
think about going
to church with your grandpa.
No, no, no, no.
Dad, I get one day to sleep in
without him coming into my room
in the middle of
the night whistling.
- Hey, I'm not telling you
what to do, but it's up to you.
And it would just
mean a lot to him,
and he's done so
much for us already.
- Why do you have to
phrase things like this?
Why can't you just
order me to do something
and then I can say
no like a normal kid.
But no, you have to
make it my choice.
- Because I know you're
gonna make the right choice.
This is so unfair.
Hey, I love you.
- I love you, too.
- Come here.
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Come on.
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[Joy] Morning, Grandpa.
- What are you
doing up so early?
- [Joy] I thought I'd
go to church with you.
Wonderful.
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- Grandpa, I'm
gonna look around.
Text me when it's time to leave.
Okay.
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- As we all know,
loss affects each one
of us really
differently, you know?
And we're not here to say
what we think other
people need to hear.
We're here to say what
feels real to us right now.
Does anybody feel
like they wanna share?
Any brave volunteers?
I lost my cousin recently.
We weren't that
close, but still...
I'm sorry, I shouldn't.
No, listen, loss is loss.
There's not a hierarchy to pain.
Well, we weren't that close,
but we were about the same age,
and we'd get together once
a year around Christmas
and it just keeps
hitting me that
we're never gonna do that again.
Yeah.
He had a kid and a wife
and it just keeps hitting me
that they lost their
father, their husband.
I just keep thinking
about how Christmas...
I don't know, I...
Makes me feel selfish.
[Dr. Brewer] Hm.
I don't know, it sucks.
And that's all I have to say.
Yeah, okay.
You know, I think it's difficult
when we lose someone not to let
that bring down all these
other areas in our life,
and you loved your cousin.
You looked forward to
spending time with them,
and you should not feel guilty
about mourning the loss of that.
[Mourner] Okay.
- Is there anything
else you wanna say?
Not right now.
Okay.
Thank you for sharing, and I
am really sorry for your loss.
Hey, do you wanna
pull up a chair?
- Oh, I'm just looking
for the bathroom.
- Okay, well, you can
join us anytime you want.
Who else would like to share?
- So, what's the
deal with Blake?
- Why do you have to just
blurt it out like that?
Sorry.
Nice weather we're having today.
How are your investments doing?
Hey, Blake Miller, who
lives just down the road
and who you used to have a
crush on, what's the deal?
Better?
Much.
Blake's...
I don't know.
We've just been hanging
out, that's all.
So, he hasn't asked you out?
- Well, he asked me to watch
the Twins game with him.
That's a date.
That's totally a date.
I don't know.
It was all, "If
you're gonna watch it,
you should watch it with me."
Why are boys like that?
Because they're idiots.
But this is exciting.
- We're just hanging
out, not dating,
Hanging out turns into dating.
That's what I'm excited for.
You're impossible.
[Renee chuckles]
So, what's been going
on in Renee's world?
- Well, aside from getting
my summertime bestie back...
So, you know my uncle
plays in that band, right?
Sure.
- Well, they're going to be
recording a couple tracks
in the cities at
the end of the month
and he invited me to
come hang in the studio.
- That's awesome.
- Yeah.
It's the same place where
Lizzo used to record.
That's amazing.
Are you singing or-
No, just watching.
But still, there's gonna be
an actual producer
there and all that.
- You should come.
- Can I?
Sure.
My uncle's pretty cool.
I'll text him.
[scoffs] No signal.
- I don't think you're
supposed to text and ride.
[Renee] That's not the law.
[gasps] Yeah, you can come.
Oh my goodness.
What should I wear?
Well, you have three
weeks to figure it out,
so try not to stress too much.
Of course not.
[gentle music]
Grandpa, did you put
away all of my clothes?
[Tom] I think so.
Why?
Are you sure?
- I'm pretty sure.
- What's pretty sure?
- [Tom] I'm pretty
sure I'm gonna go deaf
with you yellin' like that.
Sorry.
[Tom] What's the problem?
I have nothing to wear.
Oh, that's a relief.
What?
- Oh, I thought maybe
I'd had a stroke
and I was hallucinating
or something.
I'm serious, Grandpa.
None of these are right.
- Look, there's a few
more boxes in the garage.
They didn't have
your name on 'em,
but maybe there's
something in there.
Now you tell me?
[Tom sighs]
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Oh, Mr. Binky.
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Dad's workout junk.
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Perfect.
Grandpa?
Grandpa, I found
this in the garage.
What do you think?
Oh, that looks great.
Your mom used to wear that
all the time in high school.
- Oh, I didn't mean to-
It's fine.
I'm sure she'd want you to
have it if you really like it.
- I just-
- Take it.
It's better than
sitting in a box
in the garage collecting dust
until the mice or
the moths find it.
- You're right.
- Of course.
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[Joy sighs]
Grandpa!
- Thought you went to
bed early last night?
I tried.
It's not my fault.
I'm a teenager.
We're not meant to
get up this early.
Is there more coffee?
[Tom] Not for you.
What do you mean?
I barely made it
through last week.
If you expect me to be
doing this all summer,
I think I'm gonna need
to start drinking coffee.
Nope.
It's not good for you.
You're drinking it.
[Tom] It's different.
Why, because you're old?
I'm older, not old.
You're old.
Your name is literally Grandpa.
Fair point.
I am old.
But it'll stunt your growth.
- Grandpa, I think we need
to give up on any dreams
of a late growth spurt.
I've come to terms with the
fact that I'm fun sized.
It comes with its
perks like getting
to shop in the kids
section sometimes.
Now, where are the mugs?
[Tom sighs]
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[Joy groans]
- I asked Blake to
come by and help me
with that stump along
the north fence line.
Right.
North.
North.
You think you can handle
the horses on your own?
- With another cup of coffee,
all things are possible.
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You look so pretty all groomed.
You're right, I should
open a horse salon.
Why would I call
it Ruby's salon?
I don't believe you have
more followers than me.
You don't even own
your own phone.
How would you even
work it [chuckles]?
Hey.
- Hey.
- Easy there [chuckles].
How long have you been here?
Couple of hours.
Couple of hours?
What time is it?
Like, 12:30.
We're breaking for lunch soon.
- [sighs] Wow,
coffee is amazing.
That explains it.
Why I'm a little jumpy?
- How you managed to
clean the stables,
mow the lawn, feed the horses.
Oh yeah, that too, I guess.
[Joy sighs]
- So, I was thinking
if you wanted,
I could take you
to the pizza place,
mini golf and ice cream?
Oh.
You know, if you wanted.
Yeah, okay.
Cool.
[light music]
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[seatbelts clicking]
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- You didn't have to eat
it all once, you know?
But it was so tasty.
Hey, I know it sucks
why you came back to
Minnesota and all,
but it's been pretty
great having you here.
[chuckles] Yeah?
- Yeah, it's like you're my
weird girl buddy or something.
[Blake chuckles]
- Yeah, and you're
my dorky boy chum.
See, like who says chum?
That's weird.
Yeah, totally.
- Anyways, so I should
probably get going home.
See you next week?
[gentle music]
He said what?
Wait a minute, wait a minute.
What exactly did he say?
- "It's like you're
my weird girl buddy."
- Oof, then yeah,
that's not good.
- It was a perfect
chance for him
to tell me that I was beautiful,
or that he loved me or
kiss me or something.
Maybe I'll meet some
super cute successful guy
when we go to the
recording studio.
- I think all the super
cute successful guys
are gonna be in their
thirties or something.
- Yuck.
- Right?
- Why can't a fabulously
wealthy, handsome,
and famous person
just recognize me
as the divine creature I am
and sweep me off my feet to
a life of leisure and luxury?
- I don't even care if they're
handsome at this point.
- Renee, don't you care
about romance and love?
- That's what second
marriages are for.
[Joy chuckles]
Oh, and the studio
date actually moved.
It's on that Friday now.
Which one?
- It's the first one in
August, the 3rd or something.
Just five more weeks.
Heck yeah, I can't wait.
Ciao.
Five more weeks.
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[Joy sighs]
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I'm telling you Joy,
the last five weeks
have flown by.
Easy for you to say.
I feel like all I've done
is chores on the
farm and fall asleep.
- So we're gonna
pick you up tomorrow
on our way outta
town, like seven a.m.?
Perfect.
I'll get to sleep in for once.
Really?
- No, I still have to get up
and take care of the horses.
Anyways, I'm exhausted.
See you tomorrow.
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Ruby?
Come here, Ruby?
I have breakfast for you here.
Ruby?
Grandpa!
Grandpa, there's
something wrong with Ruby!
Grandpa, there's
something wrong with Ruby!
- Well Tom, your horse
definitely has the flu.
Now, I gave it an IV
to keep it hydrated,
but you're gonna wanna
keep a close watch on it
for the next couple of days.
[Tom] How close?
- Well, ideally
every hour or so.
- Hey, Joy-
- Grandpa.
- I know, but you
got a choice to make.
[Joy sighs]
Where you goin'?
Call Renee and let her know.
Can't very well live with
myself letting Ruby die, can I?
- Well, I've got
a full schedule.
I'll send Aidan by later this
afternoon to check on things.
He should be able to give it
a new drip if it needs one.
[Tom] Thanks, Linda.
No problem.
I know it's not your fault.
It's just I was really
looking forward to this.
Oh, sure, just ask them if they
can record a different day.
Do you know how hard it is
to get time in a
recording studio?
Well, of course she
doesn't have that problem.
She's a multi-platinum
worldwide superstar.
I'm talking about normal people.
Yes, normal people,
not rich people.
Oh, there you go,
on and on about the
plight of the proletarian.
That's what I get
for letting you read
my history textbook
from last year.
Yeah, horses love their marks.
I'm guessing you're Joy?
How'd you know that?
[Aidan] I talk to horses too.
- Huh?
- I'm Aidan.
My mom told me to come by
and check in on your horse.
This Ruby?
[Joy] Oh yeah, this is her.
How you doin', Ruby?
Feeling any better?
I get that.
What do you mean she doesn't
let you have any ice cream?
- [Joy] I let her
have ice cream.
- That was a joke, but
she really shouldn't
be giving the horse's ice cream.
I knew that.
I was testing you.
[Aidan] Sure.
Well, she looks to
be doing a lot better
than my mom said she was.
- So, I guess you'll
get going now?
Why?
Do you want me to go?
No, I just figured you would.
If you want me to go, I'll go.
That's not what I'm saying.
So, you want me to stay?
- No, you can do
whatever you want.
Yeah, I know,
but thank you for
giving me permission.
That's not what I mean.
What did you mean?
- I just meant I don't
have a preference at all.
Really? None at all?
I don't believe you.
- It's possible to be
neutral about something.
No, it's not.
What? Yes, it is.
- I disagree.
- What? Why?
- I think you like
something or dislike
it a little bit more
than you dislike it.
Never really truly
staying neutral.
Take you for example.
[Joy] Me?
I like you.
You don't even know me.
- Yeah, but you talk to horses,
so you can't be too bad.
And you're cute, so
that's a big plus.
- Don't call me cute like
that, I'll win this discussion.
- Fine, you're not cute.
- What?
Yes, I am.
You're gonna need to prove it.
How?
Dinner with me tomorrow night.
Done.
- Wait.
- Great, I'll see you then.
- That's not fair,
you tricked me.
You not want to go?
- Actually, that sounds nice,
but I don't have your number.
All right.
There, I'll see
you tomorrow night.
Wait, I need to watch Ruby.
I know.
I'm bringing dinner to you,
but feel free to leave her
alone for a few hours, you know?
The constant visual
probably isn't necessary.
- So this backup singer
was late, like super late.
And my Uncle Greg was
like, Renee sings,
why don't we just have her
fill in while we're warming up?
And they really liked me.
That's amazing, Renee.
Yeah, congrats.
- Thanks. They asked
her if I could come back
and replace the original lady.
I guess this isn't the
first time she's done this,
so I'm sure they just wanted
to find someone
passable to fill in.
No, don't do that to yourself.
You're crazy talented and
people are taking notice.
You're right.
I just didn't wanna have
to be the one to say it.
And you're modest too.
- It's one of my many
amazing qualities.
Hey, I'm gonna get ice cream.
You guys want some?
- I'm good.
- Yeah, I'm good too, thanks.
Okay.
[water trickling]
So a nice day, huh?
Really nice.
- So, I've been thinking-
Don't strain anything.
That's hilarious.
- Renee has her amazing
qualities, and I have mine.
You really are.
What?
Amazing.
Oh, whatever.
I like spending time with you.
Yeah, I know.
I'm your weird girl pal.
That's not what I...
I mean, I like spending
time with just you.
- Hey, you're the one who
crashed beach day with Renee.
I know.
I just saying I like, like you.
- [smirks] Shut up,
that's not funny.
[Joy sighs]
I'm serious.
Serious?
Okay, that's...
I know, it's a lot.
Yeah.
- Well, do you feel
that way about me?
- [Renee] Hey y'all,
you have to try some
of this mango ice cream.
It's amazing.
[light music]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[sighs] You're right.
I have known Blake longer,
but Aidan was more assertive,
and that's attractive too.
Yes, Aidan is cooler,
but Blake's more polite.
I like polite guys.
Yeah, you're right.
Blake is a little too
shy and Aidan's bold.
But Aidan's too
much of a player.
Blake, Blake's loyal [sighs].
Hey girl, how are you feelin'?
A little better I hope.
[sighs] I tell ya,
I've got problems
and I don't know what to do.
I wish you gave me
some real advice.
You know what I mean.
Horse advice is good and all,
it's just a little
one track sometimes.
No, eating more hay
wouldn't fix my problem.
At least I don't think it would.
I guess I've never tried.
Yeah, I don't think Grandpa's
gonna be any help here.
I miss my mom.
I know she'd know what to do.
Do you miss your mom?
How long are horses supposed
to be with their moms?
"Under natural conditions,
foals stop nursing
from their dam
at approximately
nine months old,
but their bond persists
until one and a half
to two and a half years of age.
In contrast, in horse breeding,
foals are genuinely
artificially weaned
and totally separated
from their dam
at five to seven months."
So you get it too.
You didn't have as much time
with your mom as
you needed either.
[gentle music]
[engine rumbling]
[music continues]
[music continues]
You're early.
- Actually, I never
said when I'd get here,
but I figured on the farm
five o'clock was a safe bet.
Come on, sit for a moment.
Oh, and these are for you.
You brought Chinese?
And I forgot the plates,
but I did bring forks,
and I promise this
isn't a scheme
to "Lady and the Tramp" you.
- It'd be kind of hard to
do that with fried rice.
Chow mein would've
been a better bet.
Well, dig in.
This looks really good.
[spits] But it tastes terrible.
- What?
- Have you had this before?
No, but...
[Aidan spits]
Yeah, that's not for people.
Oh, well.
Better to try something new
than wonder what if, right?
- [Joy] That's actually
really good advice.
I'm full of it.
- I bet you get that
a lot, don't you?
- Mostly just from
people who think
they're more clever
than they are.
Oh, I'm exceedingly clever.
In fact, back home
my name meant clever.
People would be like, "Oh,
that's so Joy," all the time.
It got a little
confusing to be honest
because joy is also a word.
I can imagine.
- I'm guessing people mostly
say someone's being Aidan
if they're being a
little presumptuous,
you know, like tricking
people into dinner,
that sort of thing.
- Then dinner with
me Saturday night
with someone else cooking.
- No tricks.
- Okay.
Did that sound Aidan of me?
[Joy chuckles]
Gramps, I need your help.
Of course.
What do you need?
Well, you know Blake, right?
- Blake, who works here
on the farm every week?
Yes, I believe our
paths have crossed.
Well anyway, you know how him
and I are just friends, right?
And?
- I think he maybe wants to
be more than just friends.
Well, what makes you say that?
He told me he really likes me.
- And you think that
means that maybe
he wants to be more
than just friends?
Yes.
- [sighs] What is wrong
with your generation?
In my time when a
boy courted a girl-
Courted?
Yes.
We didn't go around
saying maybe he just wants
to be more than just friends.
Why, you didn't even kiss
until the third date,
and by then you'd
already met the parents,
arm wrestled all the brothers.
It was quite a gauntlet
you had to go through
before you got to
lay lips on anyone.
But at the end of that,
you knew what you wanted.
Is any of that true?
You're darn right it is.
We didn't sit around and
wait like you kids do.
- [scoffs] I don't
know what to do.
[Tom] Do you like him?
Yes.
Well, then what's the problem?
Aidan asked me to dinner.
Aidan?
Aidan, the vet's son?
[Joy] Yep.
- So, yesterday you
had no boyfriends,
today you have two.
That's a pretty good trick.
I could learn a thing
or two from you.
- I'm serious,
Grandpa, I need help.
- You're making this a lot more
difficult than it really is.
Which one do you like more?
Blake, I guess.
I don't really know Aidan.
- Well, then go with Blake.
- Really?
Trust your gut.
That's what I always do and it
almost never steers me wrong.
Thanks, Grandpa.
What are you doin'?
- Letting Aidan
know dinners off.
You can't cancel that way.
Why not?
- Well, did he ask
you out by text?
No.
- Then you have to
deliver your no in person.
It's the respectful thing to do.
[splutters] All right.
Good girl.
So, he just asked you out?
Yeah.
He is such a boss.
- But-
- And a hottie.
- But-
- But, but, but what?
But what about Blake?
What about Blake?
He's nice, he's fun.
- He's-
- Meek and dorky.
Okay?
- Well-
- Oh, what?
I like him.
- Wow, you're his
weird little gal pal
or whatever he said, remember?
Yeah.
- Okay, then, let's
talk about Aidan.
But Blake.
Oh my goodness.
Okay, so just date them both.
Wait, can I do that?
- You are a modern
woman in 2024.
You can do whatever you want.
- Well, but like
should I do that?
Um, yes.
I'm going to bed.
Goodnight, Renee.
[bright music]
[music continues]
[music continues]
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[engines rumbling]
[music continues]
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Great.
What?
The pigs are here.
Why?
You don't know why.
How we doin' today?
I'm Officer Kaizer from
the Oakland Police-
Man, I wasn't speeding.
No sir, you were not.
But I did notice that your
passenger side front tire
is very low on air.
[Aidan] Is that a crime?
- No, it's not a
crime, son, but-
- But I guess you're gonna
run my license anyway.
- Listen, low tires
lead to blowouts.
Blowouts often lead
to a flipped car.
Now, ordinarily
that's bad enough
but a couple of young people
like yourselves
in a convertible,
I don't wanna see
anybody get hurt.
Look, there's a service station
about two miles up the
road here to the left.
Why don't you follow
me down there?
We'll get some air in that tire.
If you don't know
how I'll show you.
- Have you picked up your
schedule for school yet?
[Joy] No, did you?
- Yeah, I picked it
up yesterday morning.
- I see your mom
couldn't make it today.
No, there was an emergency.
Are they all in the barn?
Joy's in the barn.
She can tell you who's who.
- I could drive you
tomorrow if you want.
- [Joy] Yeah, sure,
that'd be fine.
How's my favorite girl doin'?
Great, she's great.
Just eating her
lunch, that's all.
- Hey, I'm Joy's-
- Blake!
Been helping her on the farm.
Been doing it all summer.
Gosh, there is just no
way we'd get anything done
without good old
Blake, that's for sure.
So anyways-
- I'm-
- Aidan, the horse doctor!
Well, not really.
His mom is, but he gets
the job done in a pinch.
We should really be making
the checks out to you.
- I'm-
- well, ya met!
That's wonderful.
Blake met Aidan, and Aidan met
Blake and I was here for it.
Isn't life wonderful?
Connecting people who
otherwise wouldn't connect?
It's truly just a marvel
when you think about it.
I mean, billions of
years of evolution
to get us all here in this spot.
It's wild when you
think about it.
Just-
[phone ringing]
Phone, phone!
I need to take it.
Renee? Hey.
Can't hear you inside the barn.
I'm gonna take this.
I'm gonna go inside the house.
Could be awhile.
Don't wait up for me.
Oh my goodness, Blake
and Aidan are both here.
What? Why?
I don't know it.
Aidan just showed up.
I think it's something
to do with the horses.
[Blake's throat clears]
Yeah?
- Hm?
- Oh.
- Nevermind.
- Nothin'.
Oh, nevermind.
- Ugh, well what
did you tell them?
Nothing.
I just started talking
so they wouldn't say
anything to each other.
Where are they now?
They're both in the barn.
- Aren't you worried
they'll start talking?
I just don't know what to do.
What do I do?
You do you girl.
I don't know what that means.
I think I need to choose
one, but it's so hard.
Blake is so nice and
Aidan is so much fun.
Anyways, I'm just glad
you called when you did
and got me out of there.
Wait, why did you call?
So, you know how I sang
with my uncle's band
A couple weeks back?
The producer asked me if I
was available to come back
and do some recording on Monday.
- Oh my goodness,
that's amazing.
Right?
Apparently he really liked me
and there's some new group
that needs a female vocalist,
so I was wondering if you
wanted to come with me?
Of course I do.
- Okay, I'm gonna
stay with my uncle
so I'm heading out
tomorrow at like noon.
Does that work?
No, I can't.
I need to help my
grandpa tomorrow.
It's a Sunday.
- I told him I would help him
do something at the church.
Maybe I can get out of it.
It's okay.
There'll be other chances.
Promise?
Promise.
Well, that's all.
See ya.
[phone chiming]
- "And now unto him, who
is able to do exceedingly
and abundantly above all
that we ask or think,
according to the mighty
power that works within us,
unto Him the glory in the church
and our Lord Jesus Christ,
now and forevermore,
and the church says-
[Congregation] Amen.
Go in peace.
Pies.
Pies here.
They're good pies.
Tom!
Do you mind using that
big voice of yours
to let the people know what
we're doin' when they come out?
Of course, Julie.
Pies for sale, whole
or by the slice.
Get 'em here.
How's that?
- It was good, but maybe tell
'em how good the pies are.
Good idea.
Good pies here.
If you like good pies,
well, these here are good.
That ought to do it.
[Joy] Grandpa, can I try?
- [Tom] What was
wrong with that?
- You heard the Lord's
good word, folks.
Now try something downright
divine on a plate.
Yes, Sir.
We're serving up a taste
explosion for just $3 a slice.
One slice not enough?
Take the whole thing home
with you for just $30.
Too rich for your blood?
Well, every dollar is
going to a worthy cause.
I can't promise your donation
will get you to
heaven when you die,
but I promise these pies will
take your mouth there today.
- [Julie] A little
more like that.
- You got any cakes?
- These are good.
- I'll just take
the two pies then.
Aidan?
What are you doing here?
- I just thought I'd swing by
support you and your grandpa.
Is everything okay?
- Of course, just
surprised is all.
- Well, in that case, can
I get a slice of apple pie?
Hey!
Get your hand off my girlfriend.
Blake?
- What are you-
- What are you talkin' about?
- That's my girlfriend
you're kissing.
Yeah, I don't think so.
We were pretty casual
for awhile now.
What?
It's not what
- it seems like.
- Joy.
- It's exactly
what it seems like.
- [sighs] Okay, so it
is what it seems like,
but you don't understand.
I wasn't trying to hurt anybody.
I just, you're both great
and I didn't know what to do,
so I kind of saw both of you.
But it's not like I'm
anybody's girlfriend.
- Well, you need
to make a choice.
What?
- Look, I never said
we had to be exclusive,
and I'm not trying
to control you.
[Joy sighs]
I'm done with that.
[gentle music]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[music continues]
- Well, it sounds like
today was pretty rough,
but you know, it
does get better-
No it doesn't.
- Do you wanna talk
about it and maybe-
- You say it gets
better, but it doesn't.
It's been months since she died
and it's just as hard as it was.
And everyone else
just moves along,
expects you to just
get along without them,
like you don't need her
to figure things out.
- We would love it if
you wanna sit down and-
No, I don't wanna share!
Because nothing can bring
them back when they're gone.
It's just you all alone
and none of this helps
and you're all just
wasting your time here!
[door slams]
[music continues]
Is everyone okay?
That's hard to hear.
But I think we've all kind
of been in that spot before.
- [Renee] So, Aidan said he's
not trying to control you.
- That's good.
- Yeah.
I mean, Blake doesn't own me.
Heck no.
Like, shouldn't he be angry
that I've also been going
on dates with Blake?
- The fact that Aidan
doesn't wanna control you,
really messed up.
I know, right?
- And the fact that Blake does-
- So 1950s.
- Exactly.
Why is this so hard
for boys to understand?
- [Joy] I'm turning
my phone off.
Do you wanna just go and
sit somewhere for awhile?
Sure.
[music continues]
So, tell me again
what they both said.
- Blake, "I just
wanna understand
and know what you're thinking.
I deserve that."
1950s energy again.
He deserves whatever
you say he does.
I don't know, I...
- Yes, don't apologize
for being a boss.
- It's just-
- No.
And tell me again
what Aidan texted you.
Aidan, "After you left,
the old bag just kept
trying to order rhubarb pie.
Couldn't understand
that we only had apple,
cherry and blueberry.
Lol."
- Much cooler and smoother
and he's cuter, too.
And then what?
- And then I turned
my phone off,
had it off all
day and all night.
Come on, it's super late.
I'll give you a ride back.
[Renee chuckles]
[music continues]
- Bye.
- Feel better.
Thank you.
[Joy sighs]
[music continues]
[music continues]
I'm sorry, I shouldn't
have done that.
Sorry.
I didn't have any service.
My phone died.
[music continues]
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Joy?
Joy, right?
I heard them say your name
when you ran out the other day.
I'm sorry.
I got tired riding my bike
and I saw your couch
and fell asleep.
I'm going to go.
- No, actually, why don't
you stay for a minute.
I'll get you some tea.
- No, I really should get-
Listen, let's hydrate you.
I don't want you
falling off your bike.
You want some honey?
- Yeah, I guess.
- Okay, I'll be right back.
Here you go.
Good?
It's good.
Aren't you gonna
ask me something?
[Dr. Brewer] Like what?
Why I'm here.
- I thought you said you
got tired riding your bike.
And do you believe that?
No, not for one second.
Is there something you
want me to ask you?
- Don't you want
me to apologize?
[Dr. Brewer] For what?
- For yelling and telling
people you were wrong?
For ruining your group?
You didn't ruin anything.
And believe me, you are
not the first person
that's yelled at me before.
It's a grief recovery group.
When people lose
someone, they get angry.
Actually, really natural.
Well, I'm sorry anyway.
- [Dr. Brewer] I
appreciate that.
It wasn't my dog.
I lost my mom in May.
I know.
I'm really sorry.
- I've tried moving on,
acting like things are normal,
but I really miss her,
and it feels like
no one else cares.
I mean, they didn't know
her, so why would they?
But it's been hard, really hard.
My dad lives in Chicago
with his work stuff,
so I just live with my grandpa.
But it feels like it's just me.
Grief is already so hard,
but it's even harder
if you don't have
a support system around you.
I mean, I have friends.
I had two boys who
both wanted to date me.
But even the thing
with Blake and Aidan,
I thought having a boyfriend
would make me happy,
but it didn't because I
couldn't tell my mom about it.
I can never tell her
how great I'm doing,
how miserable I'm feeling.
I can't do anything
with her anymore.
It's all just so hard.
And even smiling is hard,
but I keep doing it.
It feels like I'm
just pretending.
Life is full of ups and downs.
And right now you are going
through a really big down,
and it has gravity to it.
It kind of pulls
everything down with it.
But what you're
feeling is not wrong
and it's actually really normal.
- I know my mom would
know what to do.
She was amazing.
She always knew just what to do.
Heck, she'd tell me
which boy to pick.
She'd even tell me how
to feel better about
her not being here.
It's all just so hard.
I mean, I still have my dad,
so it's not like I'm an orphan,
but right now it
feels like I am.
And I feel bad for thinking I
have worse than other people
when other people
have it worse than me.
And then I feel sad
for how sad I feel,
and then I feel even more sad.
It's like gravity.
And then I get mad at my dad
because I feel like he
doesn't care at all.
I mean, I know he does,
but it feels like he
just wanted to be gone
so he could get back to work
and get back to life as normal.
- Have you tried
talking to him about it?
How could I?
He's not here.
- I would highly
encourage you to try
and talk to him as
soon as you can.
[Joy] You don't know my dad.
You're right, I don't,
but I suspect that he is going
through a really
hard time himself,
and I don't think he understands
how tough this has been on you.
How could he not?
[Mark] Joy?
Dad?
[Mark] Joy?
- Looks like you're
gonna get the chance.
- Let's get you in the
car, I'll get your bike.
[engine rumbling]
[door slams]
Grandpa's not gonna yell at you.
It's okay, come on.
Joy, come on.
Hey, is that your
mother's jacket?
I haven't seen that
thing in years.
I remember she-
- I wish mom was here
to gimme some advice.
[Mark] Well, I do too.
I know.
- Well, tell me what's
goin' on. I'll do my best.
- It's just [sighs],
I don't know.
- It has been a
long couple of days.
I totally understand, okay?
Let's just go inside.
No.
Nothing feels right
ever since Mom died.
You've been gone all summer
and this place feels like
some stupid summer camp
you shoved me in so
I'd be out of the way.
- Well, that's not what
this is, Joy, okay?
All of this, this has been
your recovery home, okay?
This is what you need.
I don't need a farm or horses
or you showing up acting like
everything's perfectly fine.
Everything is not
perfectly fine.
Mom is dead and
everything feels wrong
and I feel like I'm the
only person who cares.
I'm so sorry, okay?
I'm sorry.
Okay.
No, Dad.
Let me ask you this.
Do you even care that mom died?
- Joy, I put this in
so many words to you,
I care about your mother
more than you'll ever know.
I have missed her
every single second
of every single day since
she left this earth.
- Then why did you
make it harder?
Why couldn't we stay in Chicago?
- Why do we have to move?
- Joy,
because I couldn't
stay in the house.
Honey, everywhere I
looked, I saw her, okay?
I couldn't take it.
I couldn't physically
take it, okay?
And I didn't know that it
was making it harder on you.
Joy, you seemed like
you were doing fine,
like you were happy.
But I didn't feel happy, Dad.
And you never asked
me how I was feeling,
so I kept smiling
because I thought
that's what you wanted,
for me to wear a happy
mask all the time.
I'm so sorry, sweetheart.
Okay?
I didn't realize...
I love you.
You never have to
smile for me, right?
You wanna be sad, be sad.
You wanna be angry, be angry,
but you never have to
wear a mask for me, okay?
Come here.
[Joy] I just really miss her.
I miss her too.
I miss her so much.
Okay.
Advice.
You wanted advice on something.
Now, I'm not your mother, okay?
But if you let me,
I'll do my best.
I imagine this is something
about dating two boys.
Am I right?
You heard about that?
Grandpa was talking about it.
I don't know what to do.
Did you do the chart?
- Yes, and it
didn't help at all.
Okay, who makes you happier?
[Joy] I don't know.
- Blake and Aidan, right?
- Yeah.
- Who would you rather
be with right now?
Both, neither.
Huh?
Okay.
When your mother and I first met
I knew that I loved her
right away, first date,
but she wasn't sure that
she wanted to see me again.
Do you know the thing
that changed her mind?
The waitress.
The waitress?
- The waitress was
having a really bad day
that was servin' our table
and we didn't know
what it was about
but I decided to
write her a note.
It was like a little note.
I said, "Hey, hang in there.
God loves you."
And then I wrapped
it in a $20 bill,
which was worth
considerably more back then.
It was like 100% tip.
And even though I
couldn't afford it,
I couldn't afford not to.
And your mother didn't tell me
about that until years later.
You never told me that.
- Look, the spark of
every relationship
eventually wears out,
and then that's when
the real fire burns,
or completely fizzles out.
You remember what your
mother used to say?
She would say, "If you really
want to get to know someone,
don't look at the
way they treat you,
look at the way that
they treat others
who aren't as
important to them."
Look, I always thought
it was great advice.
I don't know if it helps
your current situation.
It does help.
- Thank you, Dad.
- Hey, thank your mom.
All right, let's go inside.
[bright music]
[music continues]
She looks happy.
It's good.
Yes, it is.
Yes, it is.
I'm glad you're here.
Thanks again, Dad.
- I'm happy being
out here with you.
Are you sure?
I like you, Blake.
I just needed you to lead
and you never made a move.
And then...
- I want you to
be my girlfriend,
officially without any doubts.
Yes.
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[dynamic music]
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[gentle music]
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- [Joy] You're going to
be gone the whole summer?
- [Mark] [sighs]
I know, I'm sorry.
There's no other choice.
I have to be there at
the office until Larry
is cleared to travel
back to the country.
- [Joy] Why does this
always happen to me?
- [Mark] Joy, think of
all the time you'll get
to spend riding horses,
and all the fun you'll
have with your grandpa.
[Joy] I guess.
- There's that beautiful
granddaughter of mine.
Come over here and give
this old man a hug.
Grandpa!
Whoa, breakin' my ribs here!
I missed you.
I missed you too, kiddo.
- Mark.
- Tom.
How's it goin'?
- It was smooth sailing
up until Milwaukee,
but luckily I had this
one to keep me company.
[sighs] Look, Mark,
I know we haven't
always seen eye to eye
and I try to tell ya I'm...
- I'm sorry for your
loss too, Tom, okay?
You loved my daughter,
and for that I'll
always love you.
- Grandpa?
- Yeah?
Can we see all the horses now?
- Maybe after we have
somethin' to eat.
While we're talkin' about it,
why don't you take
your stuff inside
and I'll get started cooking.
Sure.
[Tom] I'm glad you're here.
I got a boy who comes a couple
times a week for chores.
He's no good with the
horses [chuckles].
- Hey, thanks for doin'
this, Tom, seriously.
Sure.
We're family.
Be sure and take your shoes
off before you go inside.
[Joy] I will, Grandpa.
[gentle music]
[music continues]
[handle thuds]
[Joy sighs]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[Tom] Hey Joy, honey,
do you want green
beans on your plate?
Coming, Grandpa.
[music continues]
[Joy sighs]
What'd you ask, Grandpa?
- I asked you if you wanted
green beans on your plate?
Yeah, sure.
I mean, yes, please.
Do you need any help with that?
Help stirring these beans?
No, I got this.
But you can take some fruit out
of the fridge and put
it in that basket.
[packaging rustling]
I can smell the steaks.
- Well, they need about
five more minutes.
So, how do you like your room?
It looks great.
Thank you for setting
everything up for me.
- I thought there was
gonna be more, really.
More what?
Oh, I don't know, junk,
like Justin Bieber posters.
- Grandpa, did you
just say that name
'cause you've heard it?
Like, can you name anyone else
who's had a hit
song this century?
I don't need to.
Music was better
when I was your age.
- Yeah, well you still only
listen to Kenny Rogers.
It's time to get
in with the new.
- Are you gonna come in here
and disparage Mr. Rogers?
That man had five
consecutive number one hits.
Yeah?
Well, Olivia Rodrigo
had four top 10 hits
on her first album
and she's not even 21.
So, what?
You saying this Olivia person
is better than Dolly Parton?
SZA, Doja Cat, Cardi B.
- Oh, you're just
namin' groups now.
Waylon Jennings, Glen
Campbell, Charley Pride.
- Drake.
- Charlie Rich.
- Taylor Swift.
- The Judds.
- Shawn Mendez.
- George Strait.
Lizzo and The Weeknd.
- Larry Gatlin &
The Gatlin Brothers.
- [Mark] Wasn't that
just one group, Tom?
- Well, I thought
hers was one group.
I win!
- Well, sometimes it's about
more than winning, you know?
- That sounds like
something a...
A person who didn't
win would say.
- Got about two
minutes for the steaks.
So, Tom, what's this all like?
What is she in for?
Well, what do you mean what?
- What's the day
like on the farm?
What does Joy have
to look forward to?
- Well, I get up around
4:30, have some breakfast,
go out and do chores till
about 11, and have lunch.
After lunch, I go back and
do more chores till dinner.
- Right.
- Come in, have dinner,
watch "Wheel of Fortune,"
go to bed between 7:30
and eight o'clock.
Wow.
"Wheel of Fortune."
You got so much to
look forward to.
- Oh, yeah.
- Yeah!
[Joy] Can't wait.
- Well, you'll have to because
on weekends I sleep in.
I'll get those steaks.
[Mark] All right.
- Dad, I'm not
getting up at 4:30.
- [Mark] Grandpa's
just pullin' your leg.
Really?
[Mark] Yeah.
Honey, nobody gets up
at 4:30 in the morning.
Are you sure?
You didn't grow up on a farm.
Well, we had a yard.
It was kinda similar.
It's not as big.
It was...
Mow the lawn sometimes.
There was no horses, but
it was a pretty big lawn.
[gentle music]
[rooster crows]
[music continues]
[Tom] Rise and shine!
Grandpa?
I thought you said you
slept in on the weekends.
I did sleep in.
It's almost 7:30.
Come on, let's go.
- [sighs] I'm
having a nightmare.
- Come on, I've got
something to show you.
Or maybe you don't
wanna see horses.
Horses?
[music continues]
[hooves clomping]
[music continues]
How many are there?
- Well, there's the original
four that you remember.
So, Zeus and Thor and Billy.
This is Ruby.
And we've got 18 more
with room for some more.
Ruby, Ruby, Ruby.
Didn't you used to have
a little pony named Ruby?
- Colt, not a pony,
but one and the same.
But I thought you sold her?
- Well, the new
owners are friends
and when they heard
what happened...
Would you like to ride her?
Maybe another day.
Oh, come on.
You afraid you
don't remember how?
Kind of.
Look, it's easy.
Riding a horse is just
like riding a bicycle.
[music continues]
[music continues]
[music continues]
Hey Grandpa, you were right.
[music continues]
[music continues]
[horse snorts]
[music continues]
Oh, look at that.
You don't waste any time.
It's eight in the morning.
- I was just getting ready
to come in and check on you.
God, she looks so happy.
Thank you, Tom.
Seriously, thank you.
My pleasure.
What do you say we go in
and get some breakfast?
[Joy] Sure.
[music continues]
[Mark] Thanks.
- Wow, Grandpa, this
all looks amazing.
You did all this
before we woke up?
Well, I got errands to run.
The store's open at nine.
There's no sense being
any later than that.
But you didn't even eat.
I had my toast and coffee.
Sit with us for a bit.
- You know, she sounds
just like, well-
She does.
And she'd be right.
I should sit with my family.
Yeah.
- It's not an opportunity
you get very often.
Have some eggs.
Thank you.
- [Joy] How long do you think
you'll be in town for today?
Oh, a couple hours.
- Is it okay if my
friend Renee comes over?
- Well, that'd be fine, after
you do a couple of chores.
Really?
Yeah, I thought we'd start out
with something simple
like mowing the lawn.
[Joy sighs]
[light music]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[music continues]
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[music continues]
[engine rumbling]
Hey, stop!
Stop!
Grandpa, someone's
stealing the lawnmower!
Hey, jerk, stop or else
you'll be chased already.
What are you crazy?
Me?
Who steals a lawnmower
in broad daylight?
I wasn't stealing it.
Tom pays me to mow
the lawn twice a week.
Tom?
That's my grandpa.
Why would he pay you when
I'm supposed to do it?
Then why weren't you doing it?
That's none of your business.
- [chuckles] You couldn't
get it started, could you?
You are the rudest thief ever!
- Look, I already told
you, I'm not a thief.
Is there a problem here, Joy?
Everything's fine, Grandpa.
I just stopped this thief
from making off with
the lawnmower is all.
Wait, Joy?
- Blake, I forgot
to tell ya last week
was the last time I
needed you to mow.
Blake from five summers ago?
Oh my goodness!
- Blake, how are you?
- I'm good.
- I didn't-
- I didn't know
that Tom was your grandpa.
- I didn't know you
still lived here.
You got so big.
Yeah, you didn't.
Oh, shut it.
Well, this is so amazing.
I can't believe this.
So wait, Tom,
does that mean I still
have a job here, though?
- There's plenty of work
here for both of you,
but as long as you're here,
would you take Joy
into town with you,
pick up a few things
from me at the store?
- [Joy] I thought you
were going to the store?
I was, now I ain't.
Yes Sir, what do you need?
- Just have him put
it on my account.
And get her some gloves
for those silly nails.
[gentle music]
[music continues]
- So yeah, I didn't make
the team my sophomore year
and that was pretty much the
end of my playing career.
[Joy] That's too bad.
It...
Whatever.
Gives me more time to
spend with your grandpa.
[music continues]
And the next thing
we need is over here.
Really?
- Gentlemen, this test of the
Blake propelled shopping cart
will shatter land speed records.
I'm not...
No.
Will the test be a success
or will it fail due to
the engine's cowardice?
Come on.
- Only time will
tell if this engine
is pure grease lightning
or a yellow belly chicken.
Really?
Three, two, one, blast off!
- Hey, this isn't a
playground you two.
- [Blake] [chuckles]
Sorry, Mr. Stevens.
[Blake chuckles]
Oo!
We need a wiffle ball set.
Why?
- So that we can
play wiffle ball.
- Oh [chuckles], why
didn't I think of that?
- 'Cause you spend all
that energy growing
your body instead of your brain.
I'm gonna find my gloves.
[music continues]
[sighs] Ice cream.
- [Joy's Mom] Sure
[speech echoing].
Should we see if your dad wants
some too [speech echoing]?
[light music]
Found them.
Hey, look what I found.
Do we have everything?
Yeah.
Are you okay?
Yeah, let's just get going.
Sure.
- I'm gonna wait by the truck.
- Okay.
[music continues]
[music continues]
Hey, watch where you're...
I'm sorry.
Lemme get this for you.
You dropped this.
No, that's not mine.
[music continues]
[sighs] I'm gonna miss you, Dad.
I'm gonna miss you too, kiddo.
But I want you to
have a great summer.
I'll try.
One more thing.
No.
Fine, what?
- I want you to
think about going
to church with your grandpa.
No, no, no, no.
Dad, I get one day to sleep in
without him coming into my room
in the middle of
the night whistling.
- Hey, I'm not telling you
what to do, but it's up to you.
And it would just
mean a lot to him,
and he's done so
much for us already.
- Why do you have to
phrase things like this?
Why can't you just
order me to do something
and then I can say
no like a normal kid.
But no, you have to
make it my choice.
- Because I know you're
gonna make the right choice.
This is so unfair.
Hey, I love you.
- I love you, too.
- Come here.
[music continues]
Come on.
[music continues]
[Joy] Morning, Grandpa.
- What are you
doing up so early?
- [Joy] I thought I'd
go to church with you.
Wonderful.
[music continues]
[music continues]
- Grandpa, I'm
gonna look around.
Text me when it's time to leave.
Okay.
[soft reflective music]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[music continues]
- As we all know,
loss affects each one
of us really
differently, you know?
And we're not here to say
what we think other
people need to hear.
We're here to say what
feels real to us right now.
Does anybody feel
like they wanna share?
Any brave volunteers?
I lost my cousin recently.
We weren't that
close, but still...
I'm sorry, I shouldn't.
No, listen, loss is loss.
There's not a hierarchy to pain.
Well, we weren't that close,
but we were about the same age,
and we'd get together once
a year around Christmas
and it just keeps
hitting me that
we're never gonna do that again.
Yeah.
He had a kid and a wife
and it just keeps hitting me
that they lost their
father, their husband.
I just keep thinking
about how Christmas...
I don't know, I...
Makes me feel selfish.
[Dr. Brewer] Hm.
I don't know, it sucks.
And that's all I have to say.
Yeah, okay.
You know, I think it's difficult
when we lose someone not to let
that bring down all these
other areas in our life,
and you loved your cousin.
You looked forward to
spending time with them,
and you should not feel guilty
about mourning the loss of that.
[Mourner] Okay.
- Is there anything
else you wanna say?
Not right now.
Okay.
Thank you for sharing, and I
am really sorry for your loss.
Hey, do you wanna
pull up a chair?
- Oh, I'm just looking
for the bathroom.
- Okay, well, you can
join us anytime you want.
Who else would like to share?
- So, what's the
deal with Blake?
- Why do you have to just
blurt it out like that?
Sorry.
Nice weather we're having today.
How are your investments doing?
Hey, Blake Miller, who
lives just down the road
and who you used to have a
crush on, what's the deal?
Better?
Much.
Blake's...
I don't know.
We've just been hanging
out, that's all.
So, he hasn't asked you out?
- Well, he asked me to watch
the Twins game with him.
That's a date.
That's totally a date.
I don't know.
It was all, "If
you're gonna watch it,
you should watch it with me."
Why are boys like that?
Because they're idiots.
But this is exciting.
- We're just hanging
out, not dating,
Hanging out turns into dating.
That's what I'm excited for.
You're impossible.
[Renee chuckles]
So, what's been going
on in Renee's world?
- Well, aside from getting
my summertime bestie back...
So, you know my uncle
plays in that band, right?
Sure.
- Well, they're going to be
recording a couple tracks
in the cities at
the end of the month
and he invited me to
come hang in the studio.
- That's awesome.
- Yeah.
It's the same place where
Lizzo used to record.
That's amazing.
Are you singing or-
No, just watching.
But still, there's gonna be
an actual producer
there and all that.
- You should come.
- Can I?
Sure.
My uncle's pretty cool.
I'll text him.
[scoffs] No signal.
- I don't think you're
supposed to text and ride.
[Renee] That's not the law.
[gasps] Yeah, you can come.
Oh my goodness.
What should I wear?
Well, you have three
weeks to figure it out,
so try not to stress too much.
Of course not.
[gentle music]
Grandpa, did you put
away all of my clothes?
[Tom] I think so.
Why?
Are you sure?
- I'm pretty sure.
- What's pretty sure?
- [Tom] I'm pretty
sure I'm gonna go deaf
with you yellin' like that.
Sorry.
[Tom] What's the problem?
I have nothing to wear.
Oh, that's a relief.
What?
- Oh, I thought maybe
I'd had a stroke
and I was hallucinating
or something.
I'm serious, Grandpa.
None of these are right.
- Look, there's a few
more boxes in the garage.
They didn't have
your name on 'em,
but maybe there's
something in there.
Now you tell me?
[Tom sighs]
[music continues]
[music continues]
Oh, Mr. Binky.
[music continues]
Dad's workout junk.
[music continues]
[music continues]
Perfect.
Grandpa?
Grandpa, I found
this in the garage.
What do you think?
Oh, that looks great.
Your mom used to wear that
all the time in high school.
- Oh, I didn't mean to-
It's fine.
I'm sure she'd want you to
have it if you really like it.
- I just-
- Take it.
It's better than
sitting in a box
in the garage collecting dust
until the mice or
the moths find it.
- You're right.
- Of course.
[gentle music]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[Joy sighs]
Grandpa!
- Thought you went to
bed early last night?
I tried.
It's not my fault.
I'm a teenager.
We're not meant to
get up this early.
Is there more coffee?
[Tom] Not for you.
What do you mean?
I barely made it
through last week.
If you expect me to be
doing this all summer,
I think I'm gonna need
to start drinking coffee.
Nope.
It's not good for you.
You're drinking it.
[Tom] It's different.
Why, because you're old?
I'm older, not old.
You're old.
Your name is literally Grandpa.
Fair point.
I am old.
But it'll stunt your growth.
- Grandpa, I think we need
to give up on any dreams
of a late growth spurt.
I've come to terms with the
fact that I'm fun sized.
It comes with its
perks like getting
to shop in the kids
section sometimes.
Now, where are the mugs?
[Tom sighs]
[music continues]
[Joy groans]
- I asked Blake to
come by and help me
with that stump along
the north fence line.
Right.
North.
North.
You think you can handle
the horses on your own?
- With another cup of coffee,
all things are possible.
[gentle music]
[music continues]
You look so pretty all groomed.
You're right, I should
open a horse salon.
Why would I call
it Ruby's salon?
I don't believe you have
more followers than me.
You don't even own
your own phone.
How would you even
work it [chuckles]?
Hey.
- Hey.
- Easy there [chuckles].
How long have you been here?
Couple of hours.
Couple of hours?
What time is it?
Like, 12:30.
We're breaking for lunch soon.
- [sighs] Wow,
coffee is amazing.
That explains it.
Why I'm a little jumpy?
- How you managed to
clean the stables,
mow the lawn, feed the horses.
Oh yeah, that too, I guess.
[Joy sighs]
- So, I was thinking
if you wanted,
I could take you
to the pizza place,
mini golf and ice cream?
Oh.
You know, if you wanted.
Yeah, okay.
Cool.
[light music]
[music continues]
[seatbelts clicking]
[music continues]
[music continues]
- You didn't have to eat
it all once, you know?
But it was so tasty.
Hey, I know it sucks
why you came back to
Minnesota and all,
but it's been pretty
great having you here.
[chuckles] Yeah?
- Yeah, it's like you're my
weird girl buddy or something.
[Blake chuckles]
- Yeah, and you're
my dorky boy chum.
See, like who says chum?
That's weird.
Yeah, totally.
- Anyways, so I should
probably get going home.
See you next week?
[gentle music]
He said what?
Wait a minute, wait a minute.
What exactly did he say?
- "It's like you're
my weird girl buddy."
- Oof, then yeah,
that's not good.
- It was a perfect
chance for him
to tell me that I was beautiful,
or that he loved me or
kiss me or something.
Maybe I'll meet some
super cute successful guy
when we go to the
recording studio.
- I think all the super
cute successful guys
are gonna be in their
thirties or something.
- Yuck.
- Right?
- Why can't a fabulously
wealthy, handsome,
and famous person
just recognize me
as the divine creature I am
and sweep me off my feet to
a life of leisure and luxury?
- I don't even care if they're
handsome at this point.
- Renee, don't you care
about romance and love?
- That's what second
marriages are for.
[Joy chuckles]
Oh, and the studio
date actually moved.
It's on that Friday now.
Which one?
- It's the first one in
August, the 3rd or something.
Just five more weeks.
Heck yeah, I can't wait.
Ciao.
Five more weeks.
[light music]
[Joy sighs]
[music continues]
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[music continues]
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[music continues]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[music continues]
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I'm telling you Joy,
the last five weeks
have flown by.
Easy for you to say.
I feel like all I've done
is chores on the
farm and fall asleep.
- So we're gonna
pick you up tomorrow
on our way outta
town, like seven a.m.?
Perfect.
I'll get to sleep in for once.
Really?
- No, I still have to get up
and take care of the horses.
Anyways, I'm exhausted.
See you tomorrow.
[music continues]
[music continues]
Ruby?
Come here, Ruby?
I have breakfast for you here.
Ruby?
Grandpa!
Grandpa, there's
something wrong with Ruby!
Grandpa, there's
something wrong with Ruby!
- Well Tom, your horse
definitely has the flu.
Now, I gave it an IV
to keep it hydrated,
but you're gonna wanna
keep a close watch on it
for the next couple of days.
[Tom] How close?
- Well, ideally
every hour or so.
- Hey, Joy-
- Grandpa.
- I know, but you
got a choice to make.
[Joy sighs]
Where you goin'?
Call Renee and let her know.
Can't very well live with
myself letting Ruby die, can I?
- Well, I've got
a full schedule.
I'll send Aidan by later this
afternoon to check on things.
He should be able to give it
a new drip if it needs one.
[Tom] Thanks, Linda.
No problem.
I know it's not your fault.
It's just I was really
looking forward to this.
Oh, sure, just ask them if they
can record a different day.
Do you know how hard it is
to get time in a
recording studio?
Well, of course she
doesn't have that problem.
She's a multi-platinum
worldwide superstar.
I'm talking about normal people.
Yes, normal people,
not rich people.
Oh, there you go,
on and on about the
plight of the proletarian.
That's what I get
for letting you read
my history textbook
from last year.
Yeah, horses love their marks.
I'm guessing you're Joy?
How'd you know that?
[Aidan] I talk to horses too.
- Huh?
- I'm Aidan.
My mom told me to come by
and check in on your horse.
This Ruby?
[Joy] Oh yeah, this is her.
How you doin', Ruby?
Feeling any better?
I get that.
What do you mean she doesn't
let you have any ice cream?
- [Joy] I let her
have ice cream.
- That was a joke, but
she really shouldn't
be giving the horse's ice cream.
I knew that.
I was testing you.
[Aidan] Sure.
Well, she looks to
be doing a lot better
than my mom said she was.
- So, I guess you'll
get going now?
Why?
Do you want me to go?
No, I just figured you would.
If you want me to go, I'll go.
That's not what I'm saying.
So, you want me to stay?
- No, you can do
whatever you want.
Yeah, I know,
but thank you for
giving me permission.
That's not what I mean.
What did you mean?
- I just meant I don't
have a preference at all.
Really? None at all?
I don't believe you.
- It's possible to be
neutral about something.
No, it's not.
What? Yes, it is.
- I disagree.
- What? Why?
- I think you like
something or dislike
it a little bit more
than you dislike it.
Never really truly
staying neutral.
Take you for example.
[Joy] Me?
I like you.
You don't even know me.
- Yeah, but you talk to horses,
so you can't be too bad.
And you're cute, so
that's a big plus.
- Don't call me cute like
that, I'll win this discussion.
- Fine, you're not cute.
- What?
Yes, I am.
You're gonna need to prove it.
How?
Dinner with me tomorrow night.
Done.
- Wait.
- Great, I'll see you then.
- That's not fair,
you tricked me.
You not want to go?
- Actually, that sounds nice,
but I don't have your number.
All right.
There, I'll see
you tomorrow night.
Wait, I need to watch Ruby.
I know.
I'm bringing dinner to you,
but feel free to leave her
alone for a few hours, you know?
The constant visual
probably isn't necessary.
- So this backup singer
was late, like super late.
And my Uncle Greg was
like, Renee sings,
why don't we just have her
fill in while we're warming up?
And they really liked me.
That's amazing, Renee.
Yeah, congrats.
- Thanks. They asked
her if I could come back
and replace the original lady.
I guess this isn't the
first time she's done this,
so I'm sure they just wanted
to find someone
passable to fill in.
No, don't do that to yourself.
You're crazy talented and
people are taking notice.
You're right.
I just didn't wanna have
to be the one to say it.
And you're modest too.
- It's one of my many
amazing qualities.
Hey, I'm gonna get ice cream.
You guys want some?
- I'm good.
- Yeah, I'm good too, thanks.
Okay.
[water trickling]
So a nice day, huh?
Really nice.
- So, I've been thinking-
Don't strain anything.
That's hilarious.
- Renee has her amazing
qualities, and I have mine.
You really are.
What?
Amazing.
Oh, whatever.
I like spending time with you.
Yeah, I know.
I'm your weird girl pal.
That's not what I...
I mean, I like spending
time with just you.
- Hey, you're the one who
crashed beach day with Renee.
I know.
I just saying I like, like you.
- [smirks] Shut up,
that's not funny.
[Joy sighs]
I'm serious.
Serious?
Okay, that's...
I know, it's a lot.
Yeah.
- Well, do you feel
that way about me?
- [Renee] Hey y'all,
you have to try some
of this mango ice cream.
It's amazing.
[light music]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[sighs] You're right.
I have known Blake longer,
but Aidan was more assertive,
and that's attractive too.
Yes, Aidan is cooler,
but Blake's more polite.
I like polite guys.
Yeah, you're right.
Blake is a little too
shy and Aidan's bold.
But Aidan's too
much of a player.
Blake, Blake's loyal [sighs].
Hey girl, how are you feelin'?
A little better I hope.
[sighs] I tell ya,
I've got problems
and I don't know what to do.
I wish you gave me
some real advice.
You know what I mean.
Horse advice is good and all,
it's just a little
one track sometimes.
No, eating more hay
wouldn't fix my problem.
At least I don't think it would.
I guess I've never tried.
Yeah, I don't think Grandpa's
gonna be any help here.
I miss my mom.
I know she'd know what to do.
Do you miss your mom?
How long are horses supposed
to be with their moms?
"Under natural conditions,
foals stop nursing
from their dam
at approximately
nine months old,
but their bond persists
until one and a half
to two and a half years of age.
In contrast, in horse breeding,
foals are genuinely
artificially weaned
and totally separated
from their dam
at five to seven months."
So you get it too.
You didn't have as much time
with your mom as
you needed either.
[gentle music]
[engine rumbling]
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You're early.
- Actually, I never
said when I'd get here,
but I figured on the farm
five o'clock was a safe bet.
Come on, sit for a moment.
Oh, and these are for you.
You brought Chinese?
And I forgot the plates,
but I did bring forks,
and I promise this
isn't a scheme
to "Lady and the Tramp" you.
- It'd be kind of hard to
do that with fried rice.
Chow mein would've
been a better bet.
Well, dig in.
This looks really good.
[spits] But it tastes terrible.
- What?
- Have you had this before?
No, but...
[Aidan spits]
Yeah, that's not for people.
Oh, well.
Better to try something new
than wonder what if, right?
- [Joy] That's actually
really good advice.
I'm full of it.
- I bet you get that
a lot, don't you?
- Mostly just from
people who think
they're more clever
than they are.
Oh, I'm exceedingly clever.
In fact, back home
my name meant clever.
People would be like, "Oh,
that's so Joy," all the time.
It got a little
confusing to be honest
because joy is also a word.
I can imagine.
- I'm guessing people mostly
say someone's being Aidan
if they're being a
little presumptuous,
you know, like tricking
people into dinner,
that sort of thing.
- Then dinner with
me Saturday night
with someone else cooking.
- No tricks.
- Okay.
Did that sound Aidan of me?
[Joy chuckles]
Gramps, I need your help.
Of course.
What do you need?
Well, you know Blake, right?
- Blake, who works here
on the farm every week?
Yes, I believe our
paths have crossed.
Well anyway, you know how him
and I are just friends, right?
And?
- I think he maybe wants to
be more than just friends.
Well, what makes you say that?
He told me he really likes me.
- And you think that
means that maybe
he wants to be more
than just friends?
Yes.
- [sighs] What is wrong
with your generation?
In my time when a
boy courted a girl-
Courted?
Yes.
We didn't go around
saying maybe he just wants
to be more than just friends.
Why, you didn't even kiss
until the third date,
and by then you'd
already met the parents,
arm wrestled all the brothers.
It was quite a gauntlet
you had to go through
before you got to
lay lips on anyone.
But at the end of that,
you knew what you wanted.
Is any of that true?
You're darn right it is.
We didn't sit around and
wait like you kids do.
- [scoffs] I don't
know what to do.
[Tom] Do you like him?
Yes.
Well, then what's the problem?
Aidan asked me to dinner.
Aidan?
Aidan, the vet's son?
[Joy] Yep.
- So, yesterday you
had no boyfriends,
today you have two.
That's a pretty good trick.
I could learn a thing
or two from you.
- I'm serious,
Grandpa, I need help.
- You're making this a lot more
difficult than it really is.
Which one do you like more?
Blake, I guess.
I don't really know Aidan.
- Well, then go with Blake.
- Really?
Trust your gut.
That's what I always do and it
almost never steers me wrong.
Thanks, Grandpa.
What are you doin'?
- Letting Aidan
know dinners off.
You can't cancel that way.
Why not?
- Well, did he ask
you out by text?
No.
- Then you have to
deliver your no in person.
It's the respectful thing to do.
[splutters] All right.
Good girl.
So, he just asked you out?
Yeah.
He is such a boss.
- But-
- And a hottie.
- But-
- But, but, but what?
But what about Blake?
What about Blake?
He's nice, he's fun.
- He's-
- Meek and dorky.
Okay?
- Well-
- Oh, what?
I like him.
- Wow, you're his
weird little gal pal
or whatever he said, remember?
Yeah.
- Okay, then, let's
talk about Aidan.
But Blake.
Oh my goodness.
Okay, so just date them both.
Wait, can I do that?
- You are a modern
woman in 2024.
You can do whatever you want.
- Well, but like
should I do that?
Um, yes.
I'm going to bed.
Goodnight, Renee.
[bright music]
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[engines rumbling]
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Great.
What?
The pigs are here.
Why?
You don't know why.
How we doin' today?
I'm Officer Kaizer from
the Oakland Police-
Man, I wasn't speeding.
No sir, you were not.
But I did notice that your
passenger side front tire
is very low on air.
[Aidan] Is that a crime?
- No, it's not a
crime, son, but-
- But I guess you're gonna
run my license anyway.
- Listen, low tires
lead to blowouts.
Blowouts often lead
to a flipped car.
Now, ordinarily
that's bad enough
but a couple of young people
like yourselves
in a convertible,
I don't wanna see
anybody get hurt.
Look, there's a service station
about two miles up the
road here to the left.
Why don't you follow
me down there?
We'll get some air in that tire.
If you don't know
how I'll show you.
- Have you picked up your
schedule for school yet?
[Joy] No, did you?
- Yeah, I picked it
up yesterday morning.
- I see your mom
couldn't make it today.
No, there was an emergency.
Are they all in the barn?
Joy's in the barn.
She can tell you who's who.
- I could drive you
tomorrow if you want.
- [Joy] Yeah, sure,
that'd be fine.
How's my favorite girl doin'?
Great, she's great.
Just eating her
lunch, that's all.
- Hey, I'm Joy's-
- Blake!
Been helping her on the farm.
Been doing it all summer.
Gosh, there is just no
way we'd get anything done
without good old
Blake, that's for sure.
So anyways-
- I'm-
- Aidan, the horse doctor!
Well, not really.
His mom is, but he gets
the job done in a pinch.
We should really be making
the checks out to you.
- I'm-
- well, ya met!
That's wonderful.
Blake met Aidan, and Aidan met
Blake and I was here for it.
Isn't life wonderful?
Connecting people who
otherwise wouldn't connect?
It's truly just a marvel
when you think about it.
I mean, billions of
years of evolution
to get us all here in this spot.
It's wild when you
think about it.
Just-
[phone ringing]
Phone, phone!
I need to take it.
Renee? Hey.
Can't hear you inside the barn.
I'm gonna take this.
I'm gonna go inside the house.
Could be awhile.
Don't wait up for me.
Oh my goodness, Blake
and Aidan are both here.
What? Why?
I don't know it.
Aidan just showed up.
I think it's something
to do with the horses.
[Blake's throat clears]
Yeah?
- Hm?
- Oh.
- Nevermind.
- Nothin'.
Oh, nevermind.
- Ugh, well what
did you tell them?
Nothing.
I just started talking
so they wouldn't say
anything to each other.
Where are they now?
They're both in the barn.
- Aren't you worried
they'll start talking?
I just don't know what to do.
What do I do?
You do you girl.
I don't know what that means.
I think I need to choose
one, but it's so hard.
Blake is so nice and
Aidan is so much fun.
Anyways, I'm just glad
you called when you did
and got me out of there.
Wait, why did you call?
So, you know how I sang
with my uncle's band
A couple weeks back?
The producer asked me if I
was available to come back
and do some recording on Monday.
- Oh my goodness,
that's amazing.
Right?
Apparently he really liked me
and there's some new group
that needs a female vocalist,
so I was wondering if you
wanted to come with me?
Of course I do.
- Okay, I'm gonna
stay with my uncle
so I'm heading out
tomorrow at like noon.
Does that work?
No, I can't.
I need to help my
grandpa tomorrow.
It's a Sunday.
- I told him I would help him
do something at the church.
Maybe I can get out of it.
It's okay.
There'll be other chances.
Promise?
Promise.
Well, that's all.
See ya.
[phone chiming]
- "And now unto him, who
is able to do exceedingly
and abundantly above all
that we ask or think,
according to the mighty
power that works within us,
unto Him the glory in the church
and our Lord Jesus Christ,
now and forevermore,
and the church says-
[Congregation] Amen.
Go in peace.
Pies.
Pies here.
They're good pies.
Tom!
Do you mind using that
big voice of yours
to let the people know what
we're doin' when they come out?
Of course, Julie.
Pies for sale, whole
or by the slice.
Get 'em here.
How's that?
- It was good, but maybe tell
'em how good the pies are.
Good idea.
Good pies here.
If you like good pies,
well, these here are good.
That ought to do it.
[Joy] Grandpa, can I try?
- [Tom] What was
wrong with that?
- You heard the Lord's
good word, folks.
Now try something downright
divine on a plate.
Yes, Sir.
We're serving up a taste
explosion for just $3 a slice.
One slice not enough?
Take the whole thing home
with you for just $30.
Too rich for your blood?
Well, every dollar is
going to a worthy cause.
I can't promise your donation
will get you to
heaven when you die,
but I promise these pies will
take your mouth there today.
- [Julie] A little
more like that.
- You got any cakes?
- These are good.
- I'll just take
the two pies then.
Aidan?
What are you doing here?
- I just thought I'd swing by
support you and your grandpa.
Is everything okay?
- Of course, just
surprised is all.
- Well, in that case, can
I get a slice of apple pie?
Hey!
Get your hand off my girlfriend.
Blake?
- What are you-
- What are you talkin' about?
- That's my girlfriend
you're kissing.
Yeah, I don't think so.
We were pretty casual
for awhile now.
What?
It's not what
- it seems like.
- Joy.
- It's exactly
what it seems like.
- [sighs] Okay, so it
is what it seems like,
but you don't understand.
I wasn't trying to hurt anybody.
I just, you're both great
and I didn't know what to do,
so I kind of saw both of you.
But it's not like I'm
anybody's girlfriend.
- Well, you need
to make a choice.
What?
- Look, I never said
we had to be exclusive,
and I'm not trying
to control you.
[Joy sighs]
I'm done with that.
[gentle music]
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- Well, it sounds like
today was pretty rough,
but you know, it
does get better-
No it doesn't.
- Do you wanna talk
about it and maybe-
- You say it gets
better, but it doesn't.
It's been months since she died
and it's just as hard as it was.
And everyone else
just moves along,
expects you to just
get along without them,
like you don't need her
to figure things out.
- We would love it if
you wanna sit down and-
No, I don't wanna share!
Because nothing can bring
them back when they're gone.
It's just you all alone
and none of this helps
and you're all just
wasting your time here!
[door slams]
[music continues]
Is everyone okay?
That's hard to hear.
But I think we've all kind
of been in that spot before.
- [Renee] So, Aidan said he's
not trying to control you.
- That's good.
- Yeah.
I mean, Blake doesn't own me.
Heck no.
Like, shouldn't he be angry
that I've also been going
on dates with Blake?
- The fact that Aidan
doesn't wanna control you,
really messed up.
I know, right?
- And the fact that Blake does-
- So 1950s.
- Exactly.
Why is this so hard
for boys to understand?
- [Joy] I'm turning
my phone off.
Do you wanna just go and
sit somewhere for awhile?
Sure.
[music continues]
So, tell me again
what they both said.
- Blake, "I just
wanna understand
and know what you're thinking.
I deserve that."
1950s energy again.
He deserves whatever
you say he does.
I don't know, I...
- Yes, don't apologize
for being a boss.
- It's just-
- No.
And tell me again
what Aidan texted you.
Aidan, "After you left,
the old bag just kept
trying to order rhubarb pie.
Couldn't understand
that we only had apple,
cherry and blueberry.
Lol."
- Much cooler and smoother
and he's cuter, too.
And then what?
- And then I turned
my phone off,
had it off all
day and all night.
Come on, it's super late.
I'll give you a ride back.
[Renee chuckles]
[music continues]
- Bye.
- Feel better.
Thank you.
[Joy sighs]
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I'm sorry, I shouldn't
have done that.
Sorry.
I didn't have any service.
My phone died.
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Joy?
Joy, right?
I heard them say your name
when you ran out the other day.
I'm sorry.
I got tired riding my bike
and I saw your couch
and fell asleep.
I'm going to go.
- No, actually, why don't
you stay for a minute.
I'll get you some tea.
- No, I really should get-
Listen, let's hydrate you.
I don't want you
falling off your bike.
You want some honey?
- Yeah, I guess.
- Okay, I'll be right back.
Here you go.
Good?
It's good.
Aren't you gonna
ask me something?
[Dr. Brewer] Like what?
Why I'm here.
- I thought you said you
got tired riding your bike.
And do you believe that?
No, not for one second.
Is there something you
want me to ask you?
- Don't you want
me to apologize?
[Dr. Brewer] For what?
- For yelling and telling
people you were wrong?
For ruining your group?
You didn't ruin anything.
And believe me, you are
not the first person
that's yelled at me before.
It's a grief recovery group.
When people lose
someone, they get angry.
Actually, really natural.
Well, I'm sorry anyway.
- [Dr. Brewer] I
appreciate that.
It wasn't my dog.
I lost my mom in May.
I know.
I'm really sorry.
- I've tried moving on,
acting like things are normal,
but I really miss her,
and it feels like
no one else cares.
I mean, they didn't know
her, so why would they?
But it's been hard, really hard.
My dad lives in Chicago
with his work stuff,
so I just live with my grandpa.
But it feels like it's just me.
Grief is already so hard,
but it's even harder
if you don't have
a support system around you.
I mean, I have friends.
I had two boys who
both wanted to date me.
But even the thing
with Blake and Aidan,
I thought having a boyfriend
would make me happy,
but it didn't because I
couldn't tell my mom about it.
I can never tell her
how great I'm doing,
how miserable I'm feeling.
I can't do anything
with her anymore.
It's all just so hard.
And even smiling is hard,
but I keep doing it.
It feels like I'm
just pretending.
Life is full of ups and downs.
And right now you are going
through a really big down,
and it has gravity to it.
It kind of pulls
everything down with it.
But what you're
feeling is not wrong
and it's actually really normal.
- I know my mom would
know what to do.
She was amazing.
She always knew just what to do.
Heck, she'd tell me
which boy to pick.
She'd even tell me how
to feel better about
her not being here.
It's all just so hard.
I mean, I still have my dad,
so it's not like I'm an orphan,
but right now it
feels like I am.
And I feel bad for thinking I
have worse than other people
when other people
have it worse than me.
And then I feel sad
for how sad I feel,
and then I feel even more sad.
It's like gravity.
And then I get mad at my dad
because I feel like he
doesn't care at all.
I mean, I know he does,
but it feels like he
just wanted to be gone
so he could get back to work
and get back to life as normal.
- Have you tried
talking to him about it?
How could I?
He's not here.
- I would highly
encourage you to try
and talk to him as
soon as you can.
[Joy] You don't know my dad.
You're right, I don't,
but I suspect that he is going
through a really
hard time himself,
and I don't think he understands
how tough this has been on you.
How could he not?
[Mark] Joy?
Dad?
[Mark] Joy?
- Looks like you're
gonna get the chance.
- Let's get you in the
car, I'll get your bike.
[engine rumbling]
[door slams]
Grandpa's not gonna yell at you.
It's okay, come on.
Joy, come on.
Hey, is that your
mother's jacket?
I haven't seen that
thing in years.
I remember she-
- I wish mom was here
to gimme some advice.
[Mark] Well, I do too.
I know.
- Well, tell me what's
goin' on. I'll do my best.
- It's just [sighs],
I don't know.
- It has been a
long couple of days.
I totally understand, okay?
Let's just go inside.
No.
Nothing feels right
ever since Mom died.
You've been gone all summer
and this place feels like
some stupid summer camp
you shoved me in so
I'd be out of the way.
- Well, that's not what
this is, Joy, okay?
All of this, this has been
your recovery home, okay?
This is what you need.
I don't need a farm or horses
or you showing up acting like
everything's perfectly fine.
Everything is not
perfectly fine.
Mom is dead and
everything feels wrong
and I feel like I'm the
only person who cares.
I'm so sorry, okay?
I'm sorry.
Okay.
No, Dad.
Let me ask you this.
Do you even care that mom died?
- Joy, I put this in
so many words to you,
I care about your mother
more than you'll ever know.
I have missed her
every single second
of every single day since
she left this earth.
- Then why did you
make it harder?
Why couldn't we stay in Chicago?
- Why do we have to move?
- Joy,
because I couldn't
stay in the house.
Honey, everywhere I
looked, I saw her, okay?
I couldn't take it.
I couldn't physically
take it, okay?
And I didn't know that it
was making it harder on you.
Joy, you seemed like
you were doing fine,
like you were happy.
But I didn't feel happy, Dad.
And you never asked
me how I was feeling,
so I kept smiling
because I thought
that's what you wanted,
for me to wear a happy
mask all the time.
I'm so sorry, sweetheart.
Okay?
I didn't realize...
I love you.
You never have to
smile for me, right?
You wanna be sad, be sad.
You wanna be angry, be angry,
but you never have to
wear a mask for me, okay?
Come here.
[Joy] I just really miss her.
I miss her too.
I miss her so much.
Okay.
Advice.
You wanted advice on something.
Now, I'm not your mother, okay?
But if you let me,
I'll do my best.
I imagine this is something
about dating two boys.
Am I right?
You heard about that?
Grandpa was talking about it.
I don't know what to do.
Did you do the chart?
- Yes, and it
didn't help at all.
Okay, who makes you happier?
[Joy] I don't know.
- Blake and Aidan, right?
- Yeah.
- Who would you rather
be with right now?
Both, neither.
Huh?
Okay.
When your mother and I first met
I knew that I loved her
right away, first date,
but she wasn't sure that
she wanted to see me again.
Do you know the thing
that changed her mind?
The waitress.
The waitress?
- The waitress was
having a really bad day
that was servin' our table
and we didn't know
what it was about
but I decided to
write her a note.
It was like a little note.
I said, "Hey, hang in there.
God loves you."
And then I wrapped
it in a $20 bill,
which was worth
considerably more back then.
It was like 100% tip.
And even though I
couldn't afford it,
I couldn't afford not to.
And your mother didn't tell me
about that until years later.
You never told me that.
- Look, the spark of
every relationship
eventually wears out,
and then that's when
the real fire burns,
or completely fizzles out.
You remember what your
mother used to say?
She would say, "If you really
want to get to know someone,
don't look at the
way they treat you,
look at the way that
they treat others
who aren't as
important to them."
Look, I always thought
it was great advice.
I don't know if it helps
your current situation.
It does help.
- Thank you, Dad.
- Hey, thank your mom.
All right, let's go inside.
[bright music]
[music continues]
She looks happy.
It's good.
Yes, it is.
Yes, it is.
I'm glad you're here.
Thanks again, Dad.
- I'm happy being
out here with you.
Are you sure?
I like you, Blake.
I just needed you to lead
and you never made a move.
And then...
- I want you to
be my girlfriend,
officially without any doubts.
Yes.
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