I'll Play Mother (2024)

[bunniefuu]

That's right, Isla.

Left leg in front of the crease,

right one behind.

Stand up straight,

for God's sake, straight!

Bend your knees a little.

Bend them.

Straight!

Yeah, go on.

All right. Come on, Ruby.

Remember what I told you.

Use your wrist

to generate momentum.

All right, girls.

Good effort today.

Time to get changed.

They're gonna be competing

before long, aren't they?

- Yeah, yeah.

- They really don't

know how lucky they are

to have you, you know--

Good-- good to see you

today, Claire.

Ah!

Hiya, Mish.

Who?

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah.

Uh-huh.

Fine.

We could--

All right. I'll be home in five.

Okay. Bye. Love you.

Hello?

Hi.

Cyrus...

it's happening.

I think it's back on.

-The family we wanted. I--

-Okay. Slow down.

-Hi.

-Cheers. Hi.

I thought the mum--

What changed their minds?

Who cares?

Maybe their biological mother

couldn't make it work after all.

So there's a new social worker,

Sian, or something,

and she called me.

And we have a meeting tomorrow.

We'll get all the details done.

So this is a thing.

Yes.

Yes.

Mm-hmm.

Smells amazing.

- It does.

- Do you not wanna...

Uh, no.

Margaret dropped this 'round.

-Neighbor Margaret?

-The very same.

-Sitting at the table.

-Mm-hmm.

Very nice.

Well, it's a big night.

Think about what

your mother would say.

Isn't she, like, 90?

Margaret? Margaret's 85.

Since when do our

neighbors bring stuff 'round?

Is she trying to drug us?

-Oh, come on.

-Promise me,

if I get as bad as that,

swear you'll roll me

off the side of

the nearest f*cking cliff.

Come on, stop being so macabre.

I'm not afraid of death.

Because you know

nothing about it.

She was standing outside

in a storm in her underwear.

She was just

getting her washing.

Lord, for what we're about

to receive, we're grateful.

You walk around in

your underwear too.

But the difference is--

I mean, the difference is,

I look good doing it.

Hey.

This is lovely. Thank you.

Margaret.

Thank you, Margaret.

I'm-- I'm sorry.

No, no. I like being married

to a middle-aged woman.

Don't joke about this.

I really thought

I'd have children by now.

They just look like

the perfect pair. I mean...

a brother and a sister,

you know?

How rare is that?

And...

and it worked out.

It really worked out.

Mr. and Mrs. Panday.

Hello, I'm Michelle.

That's Cyrus.

Take a seat, take a seat.

Um, well, firstly,

my apologies for being late,

but we are

severely understaffed.

- No, no, we understand.

- Day from hell.

All right,

I'll-- I'll get to the point,

shall I? Um...

the siblings that the family

finder paired you with

a few months ago could be a

potential option for you again.

This is so great.

We'll take them.

If only it was that simple.

You've both been in the system

for quite a while now.

-Yeah, two years.

-And Elijah and Mia,

from the notes in their files,

you were both keen when

you were first matched.

We just thought the mother

had been cleared.

I mean, deemed fit for care.

You know,

when she came back on the scene

when the... father passed.

Well, the, uh,

situation has changed.

Sadly, their mother passed away.

Oh.

How?

If you're still interested.

Yes, we are.

We just wanna know

more about what happened.

Well, unfortunately,

it was an overdose.

-Oh, my God.

-Devastating, really.

We'll fill you in with

the details, as is procedure,

but I can tell you

that a placement order

is back on the table.

This is so great! Thank you.

You are still looking

at a minimum of six months

before the official

hearing to adopt.

Now, for clarity,

we would begin with

an observation of the children.

And at this stage,

we wouldn't meet with them,

just watch them.

I know you've been told this

a thousand times or more.

I'll reopen your case,

and I'll arrange what should be

the first of many meetings.

We-- we're ready to be a family.

Yes, we are.

Can I show you

the stats of the hybrid fund

I set up last quarter,

and then you'll see that--

Michelle, you've

been missing your targets,

and those upstairs

have noticed.

I need you to be

more responsive.

I need you here in the office

with me a lot more.

Can you do that?

I got it, Mark.

It's been hard for them.

They're quite reclusive.

Elijah rarely speaks.

Oh, and he's a sugar fiend.

Can't get him

to eat anything else.

And as for Mia...

...she can surprise you.

She ebbs and flows.

Happy, then completely shut off.

They won't be easy.

Then again, no adopted child--

well, no child is ever easy.

I should know. I've had four.

Oh, my gosh. You went through

this entire process four times?

Oh, no, no, no, no.

All mine. Biological.

Home births, every one.

So, you're a cricketer?

-Uh, coach.

-Right.

Climbing that greasy ladder.

Mum used to do it.

Pains, I suppose.

But yeah,

I'll be the one to stay home.

Oh.

Very modern.

Want a taste?

No one's ever really watching,

Elijah.

-Not when it matters.

-Oh! Sweetie!

Are you hurt?

Let's get a plaster for that,

yeah?

You all right?

We can finally be a family.

A real one.

How was today's session?

-Seems improving.

-Mmm.

She wrote us a note.

The board said you do have

a future in coaching.

Just not yet.

Cyrus,

I said it's two o'clock.

Don't cram any more

rubbish in there.

Yeah, it'll be done

before Sian gets here.

You could help.

Ah!

Cyrus!

Cyrus?

- Hello!

- Hello!

- Hi, come in, come in.

- Go inside, go inside.

- There you go.

- Look who's here!

- Look who's here.

- Oh, my God. Hello!

- Hello!

- Welcome home.

Can I have a hug?

Um... Mia!

-It's-- it's fine. It's fine.

-It's Mummy.

She doesn't need to. It's fine.

Now, we've had lots

of meetings at the center

with Mummy and Daddy.

You remember.

I missed you guys so much

over the last days.

Shall we go and see

your new bedroom?

Yes!

We'll talk,

and we'll show you around

your new home.

Why are computers so smart?

Because they always listen

to their motherboard.

Our mother's dead.

Well, right, children.

Remember what Mummy said?

Get our muddy boots off, please.

Would you like

something to drink?

Oh, okay.

After you.

-No, after you.

-Just up the stairs, kids.

Okay.

That was just fun and games,

you know.

This is the bathroom.

Come on.

This leads to the kids' room.

We keep it locked,

always for safety.

And Sian, I actually wanted

to ask a question.

- Elijah doesn't want--

- Hey, Mia.

I'm just talking to Sian

for a second.

Honey, honey, honey,

don't talk over the children.

Love, what is it

you wanted to say?

Whatever it is, you can always

come to me

and speak to me, okay?

We'll check in

from time to time.

You've got the schedule.

- Yes.

- But in between visits,

- if there's ever a problem--

- There won't be.

And if we ever need to call

you, we know how to contact you.

You have my number.

All right, thank you. Enjoy.

-Yes. Thank you so much.

-Thank you.

- See you later.

- Okay.

Um...

Didn't you say you wanted

to change this photo?

Yeah.

Just--

That's my favorite picture.

Professional debut.

Mark took it.

Come on. It's time to move on.

Really.

Just change it.

-Are you coming?

-Yeah.

Okay, love, now, you're

gonna like this much better.

Mish, that's not breakfast.

Hey, I won't let him starve.

He's not going to starve.

Look. Here you go.

Mm.

That is his.

He's not going to eat it.

How do you know?

And I think

he should have it

if he feels like it later,

you know?

Ah, I have one for you, too.

Shall we go to the park today?

You not sleep well, sweetie?

I don't like the portraits.

Portraits?

On the wall in our room.

The face is scary.

I've got one for you too, love.

Look. Enjoy.

Oh, hey, Mia. Um...

What a great morning, isn't it?

Yeah.

Best way to tire out

the children.

All right. I'll remember that

for when my little one grows up.

Thank you.

-Making friends?

-Yes.

Tired already?

Yes.

I didn't sleep all night.

I can't believe

they're here now.

We are parents now.

I'm a dad.

Yeah.

And you'll be the best.

Shh!

How can I leave them?

So stay.

And I'll go to work.

I can't do this.

I'm so jealous.

I love you.

And I love them already.

Is that even possible?

Cyrus.

Please try.

What?

Well, shower them with love.

You're good at this, bunny.

We need them to know that

we are right for them.

-This is the right outcome.

-I know.

I've got this.

-You go to work.

-Hm.

-Save us from destitution.

-Mm-hmm.

It's very clear

you and the kids won't enjoy

the workhouse anyway.

And where would you be going

if we're penniless?

Huh?

-Whorehouse?

-Mm-hmm.

That's more

my area of expertise.

Mm-hmm.

Cyrus, Cyrus.

What would your mother say?

That I should have been

a doctor.

Mm-hmm.

Out. Work. Now.

Money, money, money.

Funny, funny, funny.

What do you want to do today?

I used to love inset days.

No school.

We like school.

Kicking a ball about

in the park.

It's raining.

Whatever you want, mate.

I could teach you

how to bowl a cricket ball.

Football?

Lego?

We could--

we could set up

the racetrack Mummy bought us.

Huh?

We could play soldiers.

I swear there's a helmet

in the attic.

Hands up, soldier.

Just because he's a boy

doesn't mean he likes cricket

or soldiers.

You're right, Mia.

Terrible gender assumption

from me there.

Sorry.

Why don't we, um...

Come on.

Yes, Mia, come on.

Hey, what's up?

How's fatherhood?

Oh, piss off.

How's training?

Fine, the new coach has got us

doing some pretty

out there stuff.

Well, whatever gets the wicket.

You know it.

Oh, man, I've already made

a tit of myself here.

Good, good.

That's what dads are for.

How are the jokes coming along?

Absolute shite.

I just danced this morning.

Dad dancing? Strong start.

I know.

You all right, mate?

Mm... yeah.

It's a lot.

But, you know, we got each other

and that's what it's all about.

So, uh...

yeah.

If my mum were around

to see this...

Oh.

You all right, Elijah?

An apple a day keeps the...

doctor away, that's right.

Very good.

-Bye.

-Bye.

Wait.

Hey. Come on. Let's go.

Mia, have you felt this?

It's lovely.

Come on.

Just have a feel.

There you go.

You know Father Christmas

doesn't bring presents

to stinky children.

Want to be a stinky child?

Right. Come on.

Time for a bath, little man.

This has gone on too long.

-Just--

-Put me down!

- Stop wriggling.

- He doesn't want it.

No, it's fine. Come on.

Come on.

Elijah, let go.

Stop, stop.

Just stop wriggling.

-Stop!

-Stop wriggling and just try--

-Put him down!

-Just have a feel.

Look, no, it's fine. Come on.

-Stop!

-It's okay, it's okay.

He doesn't want it.

-It'll be--

-What's going on here?

They just need a bath.

Oh. Hey, baby.

Come here, baby.

Let's go. Come on.

Hey, we always knew

it would take time

for the children to settle.

So what,

they hate eating their veg.

So what, they hate bath time.

Doesn't everybody at one stage

hate having a bath, huh?

In no time, I have no doubt

the children will be fine,

and clean.

You know, this won't

last forever, I promise.

Maybe when school starts

in January, I could just maybe

spend some time back in the gym.

Hm.

I've been reading and with work,

my shoulder could,

I don't know...

Second Eleven T20 or...

Yeah, this sounds good, hm?

Look, I hate that

I have to work so much.

I really do.

I want the situation reversed,

believe me.

Look, my--

my fund value will go up,

I will get this bonus, then

I can restructure my hours

and then I will make the case

to remote work again.

You know, at least part-time.

They're going to k*ll me.

Oh, stop it.

The children will settle.

The children will settle.

Yes, the children will settle.

- Hello, hi. How's it going?

- Hello.

Yes, good.

-Do you want me to take your--

-Sure.

Let me just defrost,

a little bit cold.

Sure, sure, fine, fine, fine.

How's it going?

Yeah, yeah, yeah, you know,

kids, little devils.

Uh, where are they?

Yeah, D--

Uh, do you want some tea?

-No, no, no, thank you.

-Just through the door.

Right. Uh...

Right.

Mia! Elijah!

Yeah. We-- we passed.

Yeah, she seemed pleased.

Mia and Elijah were, um...

Yeah, chocolate yogurts.

Yeah, I know, but Sian

suggested it, sort of.

Um... yeah, and guess what?

No tears.

Yeah, I'm fine,

I'm just a bit tired, is all.

What's that?

Um...

Yeah, Mish, we've gotta, um--

Yeah, okay, bye.

Talk to you later. Love you.

It's a bill,

by the looks of it.

No.

Uh, it's a hangman.

It's a game.

Look, um...

And you just guess all the word,

this word.

I don't know.

You just guess the letter.

Look, we can do it together.

Um...

How about E?

E.

E.

E.

Now, how about H?

H.

Now, your turn.

Hmm... A.

Incorrect.

-Try again.

-B.

Incorrect.

You'll have to try

harder than that. Go on.

Um... D.

- Nope.

- O?

God, who taught you?

Huh?

T.

R?

You have one more chance.

Hmm...

-U.

-No!

You are wrong.

And, look.

You're dead.

It was...

Eggshell.

- Oh.

- Get it?

E-G-G-S-H-E-L-L.

-Hmm.

-Do you like it?

Do you like puzzles?

I like magic tricks.

I have a knife, and it looks

real, but it isn't.

I used to get Mummy with it,

but it never hurt.

And I have a little hat

that hides little flowers.

It makes people smile.

One day I'll pull a rabbit out.

A white one, like a magician.

You know, I think one day

you will.

Do you want to play again?

You guess the word this time.

Okay.

-It's Saturday.

-Yeah.

Am I supposed to say something?

That you'll stay?

Oh! You saw that bill.

-You thought it was an error.

-Yeah.

This time.

Hey, I need to go in.

Mark called this morning.

We have this huge new client.

What am I supposed

to do?

-Well, decorate, as planned.

-Without you?

Yeah, but...

We have the children now.

I have the children now.

Excuse me?

What's that supposed to mean?

- Okay, forget it.

- Oh, okay.

You know what?

I need to go to work,

and you need to remember

why we're doing this.

Very good, thank you.

Could you pass me those ba*ls?

Thank you.

Please?

One round.

Then we have to finish

decorating

before Mummy gets back.

-Promise?

-Yeah.

Go on.

A.

Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!

Well done, Mia.

P.

Hmm.

Um... S.

Ooh! Very good.

Star?

You're getting too good for me.

Ten points for Mia.

Yay!

Can we go again, please?

Hang the man! Hang the man!

No.

It's just Hangman.

One more round.

Just one.

I mean it.

Um...

R?

Yes, that's it.

N.

No.

A?

G.

- I?

- No.

Z?

O.

E?

S?

Oh! Finally.

D.

- No.

- Dammit.

What is it?

Hmm!

Huh!

That's me.

Elijah!

You mustn't play with these.

Elijah, you listening?

You mustn't play with scissors.

And don't go in the attic.

Ever.

Go to your room.

Come on.

Mm! Mm!

This is my mum's favorite.

Whoops.

Shh! Don't tell Mummy.

It's roasting in here.

What are they doing up?

Cyrus?

Hey! Cyrus!

Cyrus!

He's eating.

Cyrus?

Hey, Cyrus?

We should respect their space.

Come.

Ah!

Ah! f*ck!

Guys.

You mustn't run the bath

without an adult present.

Me or Mummy, okay?

So, with Hansel trapped in the

small cage, it was up to Gretel.

When the old witch, Rosina,

was near enough

to the oven door,

with all her strength, Gretel

pushed the old woman in

and fastened

the bolt behind her.

Oh, how the witch howled

as Gretel left her to burn.

-What is it?

-Can I ask you something?

Well, anything.

You know that, darling.

Was the witch

ever Hansel's friend?

Um, well...

Mm. Good question.

I think it just

pretended to be, you know,

to be able to capture him.

So, she always

had a wicked plan?

Well, maybe.

Yes, I think Rosie

had one of those.

-Um...

-She tricked our mummy

into pretending

to be her friend.

Look.

I wouldn't worry so much about

what adults are up to.

It can be very hard to

understand what's going on

when you're a child.

We saw Rosie.

Why don't we just finish

the story, hmm?

So...

Gretel ran to Hansel crying,

"We are free at last."

Meanwhile, poor Rosina howled

as she burned.

And the two children ran back

to their parents,

who abandoned them in the woods

to begin with.

So, now it's bedtime.

Would you like to stay here

or go to your own bed?

Stay here? Okay. So.

Get in. Properly. Here.

Make space. Come here. So.

Hey.

I'm your mummy now.

And I love you very, very much.

Okay?

What is this here? Oh.

Did you hurt yourself?

I had a nightmare.

Nightmares don't cause bruises.

You know, nightmares are just

dreams who've forgotten

to put their smiles on.

Nothing can hurt you now.

Okay?

Not now that you're with me.

So, good girl.

I'll wish you good night.

And you sleep well.

And you dream something nice.

Love you.

Oh, come here.

Did Mia hurt herself today?

Why?

What's that supposed to mean?

As in, why do you ask?

No, she didn't hurt herself.

Uh, she's got bruises on--

How?

Well, this is why I ask you,

did she hurt herself?

Hey, you need to calm down.

You just accused me

of hurting a child.

I didn't accuse you

of anything.

I'm sorry.

-I need-- I'm just really tired.

-Hey.

What is wrong with you?

With me?

Yeah, I didn't accuse

you of anything.

Should I have?

Can we just go to sleep?

You could tone it down, please.

I've done everything

for these children. Everything.

Shh! So, and I've done nothing?

I haven't seen you.

Making food, playing games,

tidying up.

No, just me, all me.

So, and who do you think pays

for all the food, the clothes,

washing, cleaning, the entire

house in fact, huh?

Who is that, Cyrus?

It's me, because I

support this family.

-A family I didn't...

-Want?

-No.

-Wow.

Were we not already a family?

Was I not enough?

You know what?

This is so unfair.

I stood by you through

all these years.

I supported you while you

trained and trained and trained

and trained and managed

to injure yourself

and trained again.

I back funded our lives

while you were down,

and still--

You get to play mother now

while I stay away--

I had dreams too.

Without action,

dreams are nothing.

I would have thought that your

mother, with all her pushing,

would at least have managed

to teach you that.

Where are you going?

I'm going to sleep downstairs.

Great, good idea.

Hey, buddy.

What are you doing out of bed?

Bad dream?

Come on.

Will you sing to us

like our mummy used to?

-Sing like our mother.

-Stop, shush.

You're not singing

like our mummy!

-Go back to bed.

-You're not singing

-like our mummy!

-Please.

Sing like her!

No, no, no!

I'm not Mummy!

I'm not Mummy!

You--

I shouldn't...

I'll just ask.

Well, just throw it away.

Do something to stop it.

It's their mother's voice, Mish.

I can't get rid of it.

They need to move on.

Okay, you know what?

Let me take care of it.

Give it to me.

You see? Done.

So, okay.

I'll be gone a couple of days.

-Mish--

-You have everything here.

Well, there's this--

there's this new client,

and he's holding a fundraiser.

It's a very good time for me,

and, you know, for the fund.

Oh, I forgot something.

I need to... hey.

We knew this was

going to be hard,

but I'm tired

of fighting about it.

No.

-Excuse me?

-You're not going.

We have responsibilities now.

You need to be a mother.

-I am being...

-It's the weekend,

and they need you.

Cyrus, I am being a mother,

but this is work,

-and you need to go...

-I said no.

So now you want to be the man

in this relationship?

Where has he been

the last ten years?

Hi, Mark.

Well, I have a little situation

here at home.

Can I call you back

in two minutes?

Okay, I'm out.

And you explain to my son that

it's never okay

to hit a woman.

Mish.

Elijah?

Elijah, I'm...

I'm sorry you had to see that.

Sometimes adults get upset too,

but it's

never appropriate to...

Elijah.

What are you doing?

What is this?

He wants you

to leave our mummy alone.

Okay, um...

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

Through cooperation?

That's what you say.

This is going to be difficult.

Focusing on purpose--

There are no bodies.

No one is buried out there.

This is all just

in your imagination,

like I told you on the phone.

You aren't

investigating anything.

The crime is fiction.

Do you want this deal?

Do you?

I thought we--

we made it clear.

You shouldn't be

scared of dead things.

They always come back.

Elijah. Elijah, Elijah--

Hey. Hey!

Hey. It's okay.

It's okay. It's okay.

It's just a room.

I've got you.

I've got you.

I'm here.

It's just a room.

This is

Michelle Panday.

Please leave a message.

I'll be calling back

as soon as possible.

Hey, it's me.

I'm sorry.

Again.

Um...

Yeah, not great here.

Elijah's having night terrors.

I looked them up

and, well, yeah.

Night terrors.

Uh, he's okay now,

we're just both a bit tired.

But he's asleep.

Anyway, I'm, um... Sorry.

I'm rambling a bit so

I'm going to end this voicemail.

But, yeah.

I love you.

And, uh...

I'm sorry.

Bye.

We're cold.

Run faster.

You'll warm up.

Mia?

Elijah?

Mia!

Elijah!

Mia!

Elijah!

Boo!

Don't do that.

Cheeky monkeys.

Come on.

Let's go.

Mia.

Did you see someone

called Rosie today?

No, I haven't seen Rosie

since Mummy went away.

Who is she?

Mummy's friend.

It's right there.

No, no, no!

What are you doing?

You're supposed to be in bed.

You just woke me up from sleep.

That's not a very nice

thing to do, is it?

It's eleven o'clock.

-What?

-We're hungry.

Okay.

Okay, sit down.

Sit down!

Okay. Breakfast.

Okay, there's no...

We're going to have cereal,

okay?

Can we have yoghurt?

We don't...

No, no, stop it with the...

Stop it.

We don't have yoghurt, okay?

No, no. Elijah.

No, no. Sit down.

It's breakfast time.

Come on, sit down.

Let's just sit.

We're starving.

We need food.

We're hungry.

Yes, okay, okay.

Just give me a second.

Okay, let's--

Come on, over here.

Sit down on the sofa.

I'll... I'll go and get

something from the shops.

I'll get yoghurts, okay?

I'll put the TV on. Yay.

A film.

Okay.

Cyrus, where the f*ck were you?

-What?

-Oh my God, you stink.

What?

-Where the f*ck were you?

-There was no food.

Are you f*cking kidding me?

The fridge is full.

-No.

-What were you thinking,

leaving them alone for so long?

I put a film on.

They're six and nine.

I really thought you'd be

better at this, more natural.

I think that's a little unfair.

It was one mistake.

No, with you, it's one mistake

after the other.

You know, most men get it,

obviously not you.

You don't seem to understand

the first thing about parenting.

Can you hear yourself

right now?

And I don't see you here

with me, helping.

Oh, my God.

Are we back to this?

-You love putting me down.

-What?

Admit it.

You hate the fact that I work,

that I provide for this family.

You hate it almost

as much as your mom did.

Hey, I'm sorting this out.

Why can't you just help me

until I get this done?

When have I ever not

supported you?

Right now, you're not

supporting me.

You're sabotaging this, me,

everything here, us.

I can't believe I didn't see

this before.

There's something wrong here.

You're doing this on purpose.

You want them to be taken away.

There's something wrong

with the children.

-What? Cyrus?

-Just listen to me.

It's Elijah's doll.

Cyrus.

Cyrus.

I put it here.

-I threw it away.

-You threw his doll away?

Why would you do this?

It's Elijah.

-It's Elijah.

-What?

Cyrus. Hey!

Hey, Cyrus, stop.

Stop, stop, stop it.

I know it's been tough

with work and everything,

but you need to stop.

Breathe.

Breathe.

-No, it was right there.

-Yes.

-It was right there.

-Breathe.

Come here.

What are you doing up?

Making a hangman.

Who's the hangman?

You are!

Morning.

How did you sleep?

Cyrus.

Sorry.

Oh, no.

Morning, darling. Hey.

What would you like to eat?

Would you like some cereal?

This is getting worse.

What is happening?

What is happening?

Do you have more?

Okay. Um...

Why don't we just go and have

breakfast in front of the telly?

Ah. Hi, Sian.

Yeah.

Yeah, of course we remember.

Yeah, we'll see you

this afternoon.

Okay. Bye.

I can't lose them.

Yeah, I know.

I'll-- I'll fix it.

Come closer.

I know it doesn't fit,

but if you just let me have

a go at it, just...

No, just--

Okay. Elijah,

just give this to me.

All right, straighten up,

very good.

Why don't we try this?

This is much softer.

Look, look how nice it looks.

My mum made this.

Just give me your arms.

Come on, Mia. Come on.

Good, good. How's that?

Yeah? It's good? No.

We've gotta keep this--

no, we've got to keep this--

This just needs

to be down. Okay?

Just pull it down.

Look, look, this is fun.

I just like this--

No, stop. Stop! Stop!

Cyrus, I'm making smoothies.

Would you like--

What have you got there?

Cyrus?

Sleeping pills.

What were

you going to do with those?

I wasn't.

With Sian's visit,

and the bruises--

I can't do this now.

You give them to me.

Cy, now you go for a walk,

you clear your head,

or whatever you need to do.

But for God's sake,

don't do anything I'll regret.

Ah.

Oh, wow.

How cute is this?

What a lovely thing to do.

Yeah.

Sorry, they're so tired

from all the fun.

I can wake them up.

Oh, no, no, no.

I don't want to leave you

with two groggy children

because I've interrupted

nap time.

Yes, shh, I'll tiptoe away,

but well done.

Thank you so much,

I'll follow you.

Hey.

They're asleep.

Well, yes, Cyrus,

this is what happens normally

after an afternoon full of fun,

a belly full of food,

and a bit of tantrum.

Children fall asleep.

Easy.

Wait,

what are you doing with that?

Shh, not now.

Thanks so much for coming by.

You must have both hands full

with your own family.

Oh, I really do.

But, you know.

You're doing a great job.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you, too.

Where are you going?

-It's Christmas Eve.

-I know.

Mr. Panday?

Um...

Can you tell me

how their mother died?

Well, I told you, she--

-k*lled herself.

-Yeah.

I read the adopter's report.

I just...

I just need to know if

there was anything suspicious.

Anything,

was there nothing unusual?

Mr. Panday,

you have to stop this.

Excuse me?

I'm sorry.

I just need

to know who Rosie is.

-Rosie?

-I've read and...

re-read the adoption report,

but there's--

there's no mention of her.

Well, then she's not relevant.

No, she is relevant.

I know that.

The children

keep talking about--

Mr. Panday...

all children are stressful.

They keep us up at night.

We worry about them

until we're sick.

And when

we're not worried about them,

we're generally worried that

we're doing something wrong.

Christmas can be

a really stressful time

for adopted children.

It can trigger past memories.

It can...

well, they can act up.

You're right. Um...

Sorry if I'm scaring you.

I'm just...

being a--

being a paranoid parent.

No, that-- that's

understandable. It's--

we usually recommend

playing down the festivities

over Christmas.

You know, maybe you've been

going a little overboard, maybe.

-Yeah.

-I will see you

after Christmas, all right?

And I'm only a phone call away.

I'm--

Look, I'm sorry. Uh...

Um, thank you for listening.

Okay.

Hey, you're back.

Hey, guys.

What are we doing?

Putting snacks out for

the reindeers, eh?

He's coming tonight?

Only if you're very good.

What have we got here?

A letter.

Who's it for?

Father Christmas.

Oh, wow. What's it say?

"To Father Christmas,

the carrots are for Rudolph.

Please bring my mummy back

for Christmas, Elijah."

Why would you want that?

Elijah?

Elijah, you don't

really want that, do you?

Elijah.

Elijah, your mum wasn't good.

I'm your mummy now.

-Babe.

-They should know.

What are you talking about?

Your mum, she didn't care

for you the way I care for you.

I've got

a surprise for you.

-She should've provided for you.

-It was meant for Christmas,

-but let's have it now.

-I've provided--

Michelle, enough!

All right, guys. Prezzie time.

Come on, come this way.

Bring the carrots.

Come on.

All right.

Do you want to open it, Elijah?

It's so nice.

Look.

Her name is Snowdrop.

And she's gonna help you

with all your magic tricks.

You can touch her, okay?

Look, I know

it's not been perfect, but...

we're a family now,

and we can get through this.

Daddy's here, and so is Mummy,

and now Snowdrop too, and...

we can all look

after each other, yeah?

So, you left to get a rabbit.

Pets are supposed to help

look after trauma, remember?

Maybe it'll be good

for all of us.

But I don't need help.

She wasn't a good mother.

Well, we don't know that, do we?

I think we should talk

about what happened downstairs.

Why?

You told them

their mother wasn't good enough.

Well, she wasn't.

But maybe we should talk

about the bruises, the drugs.

Look, Mish, I don't

think parenting is good for us.

We were okay before,

and now I...

-I don't know.

-If they knew

you are drugging children...

I didn't do it!

There is something

wrong with the children.

Maybe it was some

kind of trauma, or...

Oh, Cyrus,

of course they're traumatized.

They saw their mother dead,

for God's sake.

-How do you know that?

-Did your mum abuse you?

Sian never said they were there.

She did, you just never listen.

And now you've got us a rabbit.

You can barely look after them.

I heard you talking

to Mia about Rosie

the other night. Who is she?

Now, calm down there,

Miss Marple,

-before you hurt yourself.

-Mish...

What are you not telling me?

Mummy?

Look at me.

Look at me. I know you...

and there

is something wrong here.

Cyrus.

This isn't working.

Just tell me,

and I can help you.

Hello, Mummy.

Turn this off.

Turn this off.

-She's not your mother.

-What's going on?

Hey, make it stop.

Turn it off.

-She's not their mother.

-Okay.

-No, she's not their mother.

-Can you just calm down?

Hey, shut up.

Shut up.

Stop. Stop it.

Stop it.

Hey, make him stop.

I'm trying.

Can you just calm down?

-I'm doing it.

-She didn't deserve you.

Do you understand?

She didn't deserve you.

She didn't deserve them.

She deserved to die.

What did you say?

You don't deserve them.

Rosie.

You don't deserve them.

What do you mean, Mia?

Hey, guys.

Guys, things

are going a bit nuts here.

Let's just...

It's Christmas.

Mish.

What did you do?

I spoke to my mummy.

She won't let you keep us.

Merry Christmas, my love.

This is our first Christmas

as a family.

And this is how you

wanted me, right? Doting...

Docile. Compliant.

-No, Mish...

-I should have known.

Where are the children?

I know what you did yesterday.

-What are you talking about--

-Sian.

Mish. You're

not making any sense.

I know what you told her because

she's been asking questions.

I'm so sorry, but

I had to call social services.

What?

You need help.

And frankly,

we'll be better off without you.

Safer.

She told me

how you behaved in the car.

Wait 'til

they discover the drugs

in Mia and Elijah's blood.

Well, I told you what

would happen if you were

trying to separate

me from my children.

Ah-ah-ah, I think you've

had enough of this.

Why are you doing this to me?

To you?

Cyrus, do you notice

it is always about you?

This is incredible.

I found you.

I built you. I built everything.

It was even me who had

to make sure we got our babies.

Thank God,

the world's full of idiots.

This adoption report.

Everything was there.

It's so crazy.

Home address.

Everything. So, yes.

Yes, I knew her.

It's not a big deal.

She was already struggling.

You know?

You wouldn't believe this.

She was addicted to

absolutely everything

she could shove

into this overactive,

self-obsessed, whinging,

f*cking mouth of hers.

Everything.

So, all I did was I helped

her to reach her inevitable

destination

this tiny bit earlier.

But you know what really got me?

Turns out,

you are not so much different.

She had the same pathetic

excuse for her inability.

to police,

the coroner, unanimous vote.

Single mother, poor woman.

k*lled herself,

of course, what else?

Why investigate any further?

I personally find

the opposite with children.

- They make me feel alive.

- Mish...

I'm their mom.

I love them.

There's nothing

I wouldn't do to protect them.

No.

Oh boy, what's going on?

-What is going on?

-No.

Mi-- Mish...

Mish. Mish, I'm sorry.

I'm sorry. Mish, I'm sorry.

Mish. Mish, Mish, Mish.

I love you.

Mish...

Mi-- Mi-- I'm sorry.

I-- I-- I love you.

I'm sorry.

Oh my God.

Eli...

Hey.

I'm sorry.

I'm really sorry.

Really-- really sorry.

Sian is coming, okay?

You like Sian, right?

Good, good.

You know, I've got

something I want to show you.

Is Rosie gone?

Yeah.

I'm sorry.

I'm really sorry.

Come on.

Before Sian gets here.

Come on.

This way. Over there.

We'll go down the stairs.

Sit down.

So...

He came early this year.

He does that

for the best children.

For your magic tricks.

You can pull a rabbit out.

Just like you wanted.

No, no. Stay there.

Open your presents.

I'll be two minutes. Okay?

Hey!

Welcome to the neighborhood.

I'm in number nine.

Hello.

Hey, it's a pleasure

meeting you.

-You okay?

-Yeah-- Oh, it's nothing.

It's nothing.

I'm happy to be here.

-Nice.

-It's a great neighborhood.

Yeah. Yeah. You got kids?

-Yes.

-That's the dream, right?

Big family. Maybe a dog.

A cat. If I have to.

Sure is.

-How many have you got?

-Two.

It's just the three of us.

Sounds perfect.

I'll bet you'd

do anything for them.

I'm their mother.

I'll k*ll for them.