A Dance in the Snow (2024)

[bunniefuu]

(soft music)

Snowflakes are falling

Streetlights are glowing

Another year older

Another year gone

Still get a stocking

Still hang mistletoe

We're all getting older

Oh where does time go?

I still feel like a kid

at Christmas

Still got wishes

on my wish list

With friends old and new

Believing it's still true

I still feel like a kid

at Christmas

With you

- Ready.

- You look magnificent.

- I know.

- Christmas dance, here we come.

- Wait! Weather check.

- Oh. Of course.

- Still safe. No snow.

- Let's go.

( Share My Christmas with You

by SATV Music)

Oh, your headphones.

I forgot them in the car.

- I'm fine.

- Yeah, it could get louder.

- C'mon!

- Oh!

(laughs)

- Okay, now put on a happy face.

- Don't worry about me.

This is your night. I'm great.

- I'm great too. Bye!

- Bye!

(sighs)

Guess I'll just uh...

chaperone the snacks.

- Do you need any help

with that?

(both laugh)

Hi, Melanie.

- Hi Mr. Hartman.

- Please, call me Daniel.

- Jenny is a fantastic student.

- Jenny talks about you all...

the time.

- She's my favourite student,

but don't tell anyone

I said that.

- I won't.

Well, around here, anyway.

(chuckles)

Uh, you really are

her favourite teacher.

- Thank you.

And you can tell everyone that.

- I do.

It's important for her

to have a teacher

that really appreciates her.

- But who wouldn't

appreciate her?

- A lot of people. They don't

mean to. They mean well.

But when they find out

that she's autistic,

they either expect

nothing of her or they think

she's a savant.

- Ah. Well, no judgment here.

I think she's great.

- She is.

(rock music)

(loud cheering)

Is that snow?

- Is everything okay?

- Just the sound, the snow.

I should've insisted

she wear her headphones.

- Can I help you?

- No. I just,

she needs me right now.

I've gotta find her.

(soft music)

Jenny. Jenny. Jenny.

(breathes deeply)

Are you okay?

- The snow.

- I should've seen that coming.

I'm sorry.

Come here.

- Can we go home?

- Yep. Let's go home.

Come on.

Hey. Whatcha workin' on?

- College applications.

- My little girl.

(laughs)

My little girl is a senior.

- I have been

for four months.

- Yes.

(chuckles)

That's very true.

So where are you thinking?

- I want to go to Hollinger.

- Hollinger? Like, California?

- They have the best

literature program.

- Yeah, yeah.

They, uh, of course.

But it's in California.

(sighs)

It's okay. You know what?

We'll think about it. Okay?

The holiday dance

is coming up soon.

Do you want to go shopping,

get a new dress?

- No, thanks.

- You wanna go

to the dance though, right?

(Daniel): "Two roads diverged

in a yellow wood.

And sorry I could not

travel both.

And be one traveler,

long I stood.

And looked down one as far

as I could"

And then Frost finishes

triumphantly with,

"Two roads diverged in a wood

and I, I took the one

less traveled by.

And that made

all the difference."

You see, this is what great

poetry can do.

Yes, yes, it makes you think.

But more...

it inspires you to feel.

So,

what do you feel?

Jenny.

- I feel excited.

I get to choose my road.

I get to choose

my life.

- Very good. And very true.

This is something I wish we'd

all remember more often.

So let these great words

inspire us today

and every day.

(bell rings)

Oh, and for tomorrow,

please read the chapter

on Edgar Allan Poe or you shall

receive good grades nevermore.

(students chuckling)

Nice work today, Jenny.

- I loved the poem.

- Great words can inspire us.

- They inspired me.

- Me, too.

Hey, is that a Hollinger crest?

You know, my sister

studied there.

- Not exactly sure it'll be

possible. It's far away.

- But they have an amazing

lit program there.

- I know.

- And you are an amazing

lit student.

- I know.

(chuckles)

- Good. Well, I'd be happy

to write a recommendation.

I mean it.

Have a good afternoon.

(Melanie): I just don't get it.

Could she pick a college

further from home?

- Maybe she just wants

to spread her wings.

- Uh, here you go, Gavin.

The volume should work

on those ones. Okay.

- You know, try something new.

Isn't that why you started

the Possible Center?

To show neurodiverse teens

the breadth of

their possibilities.

- Thanks, Vicky. I have

read our mission statement.

(laughs)

I think I wrote it.

But couldn't she just spread her

wings a little closer to home?

- Look, she is not trying

to leave you.

- I know.

- It is okay to be sad.

Even at Christmas time.

And it's okay to be mad

about the divorce.

To long for the past

or worry about the future.

- Thank you.

But this isn't about me.

This is about Jenny.

- Hmm.

- Maybe it's the weather.

There's no falling snow

in Southern California.

- She's still afraid

of the falling snow?

- It was bad before

but ever since the dance,

it's gotten worse.

(exhales)

(both): Oh!

(chuckles)

- I'm so sorry.

- No, no. I'm sorry.

I must've been a little

too focused

on my handiwork.

- Apparently.

(both laugh)

- It's good to see you, Melanie.

- Nice to see you too,

Mr. Hartman.

- Daniel.

- Right.

- Um... anyway,

I know the dance

didn't go really well

for you

and Jenny last year

and I just wanted you

to know if there's anything

that I can do to help

make it better

just let me know.

- You could run

for PTA president.

- No. That is Ms. Foy and she'd

wipe the floor with me.

(chuckles)

But honestly, I know they

started planning.

So, I think they meet every

Friday afternoon.

If you wanted to,

maybe we could...

- It's okay. I... I've got it.

But thank you.

- Of course, yeah.

- Poster looks great.

- Thank you.

(Melanie): Hi.

- Bye, Mr. Hartman.

- Bye, Jenny.

- Bye.

(Melanie): Jenny...

You okay?

Jenny?

- Hey, I was spinning.

- Hey, I was talking.

- Why are we talking?

- Are you seriously considering

not going to the Christmas

dance this year?

- I don't want to go.

- It's your last winter formal.

- So?

- So the Christmas dance has

always been a great way

for us to lift my--

- Winter blues, I know.

But they are your blues,

not mine.

- Good. But we love Christmas.

And the dance has always been

a great way to celebrate

that with everyone.

- I know.

- Is this why you want

to go to California?

Just too many bad

associations here?

Or are you still feeling stuck

about the dance last year?

- No!

- Jenny, you have

to understand that

if you can't handle a dance...

I can't in good conscience

send you to a school that's

halfway across the country.

- Mom, can we not talk

about this right now?

(sighs)

(indistinct TV chatter)

(bright music)

- And then, she just cut me out.

Can you believe it?

- Well yeah, she's a teenager.

- For a couple more

years, anyway.

It's her last opportunity

to go to the dance.

You know, this is...

a memory that she'll have

for the rest of her life

and she won't have it

if she never has the experience.

- I get it.

You just want her to be happy.

- The dance makes my mom happy.

But I messed it up.

- You didn't mess anything up.

- I don't want my mom to be sad.

- Then go to the dance.

- I do not want to go!

- You don't have to

if you don't want to.

We can just all

hang out together instead.

Do our own thing.

- You mean, have our own dance?

- Yeah? I mean, we--

- We can have our own dance.

A different dance!

With anyone who wants

to do that with us.

Then I can go

and my mom can go, too.

- What will it have?

- No loud music.

- I love loud music.

- What else?

Uh, no strobing lights?

- Yeah.

- And no falling snow.

- No falling snow.

We can invite

whoever we want.

- Like cute boys.

(giggling)

(Bella): Meet at lunch

to plan?

- Yes. We are going

to organize a dance.

(giggling)

Wait. I want it to be a secret

for my mom though,

so it'll just be our secret.

(both): Our secret.

(giggling)

- I just... I want her to

have a great senior year.

- I know.

- And the best Christmas ever.

- Of course you do.

- And I want her final

holiday dance to be joyful.

- Well, then, give her a dance

that beings her joy.

- What?

- Well, it's quite simple.

Use the skills that

you've acquired here

to make accommodations

at the dance.

- You think I can do that?

- I am quite sure that you can.

- Okay, well.

Where would I start?

- Join the PTA.

- Me on the PTA?

- Mm-hmm.

- They are meeting tomorrow.

- Well, then,

you can email the chair.

I'm sure that their email

is on the school's website.

- Okay.

- Okay.

- Yeah, I'll do that tonight.

- Good. Tonight?

- You want me

to do it right now?

- I'm waiting.

- Okay.

- Okay.

- I'm gonna do that.

- Okay, what's wrong?

- Nothing. I just...

I want this

to be a surprise for Jenny.

- Mmm.

- Keep it between us.

- Deal.

(curious music)

- Got any plans for today?

- Mm-hmm.

- Hmm. Wanna tell me about it?

- No.

Do you have big plans?

- No. No, nothing at all.

Nothing out of the ordinary.

- That's good.

- Yeah. It is good.

- Good.

- Yeah. Good.

Shall we go?

- Mm-hmm. Wait, weather check.

(phone): Currently 39

degrees and sunny skies.

- No snow.

- Perfect.

(boy snickering)

- What's the problem, new kid?

Can't speak?

No come on, answer me.

If you can.

- Why are you being mean?

- Let's go.

- You okay?

(soft music)

- Who's the new boy? He's cute!

(Bella): Do you know him,

Jenny?

- Earth to Jenny!

- Oh. Uh. No.

Never seen him before.

Anyways, the dance.

- Lots to discuss.

(Melanie): The mission of the

Possible Center

has always been to empower

individuals,

no matter their abilities,

to achieve their dreams

no matter how ambitious.

And also,

we have adults

on the spectrum that work here.

- Wow. Will is going to

love this place.

There was nothing

like this in our old town.

- Oh, there was nothing

like this here.

(laughs)

For kids, there's

tons of resources,

but once they become

teenagers...

Few and far between.

- Much too few. And way too far.

- Exactly. I saw a need

so I quit my job.

And along with my friend Vicky,

15 years later, here we are.

- It's very impressive.

- Um, yes I understand.

These things happen.

- Good news, right?

- Sure.

Good news is you have

the weekend off.

They had to cancel.

(sighs)

- We had a field trip planned

and the kids were really

looking forward to it.

- Oh, that's too bad.

- It's okay. You know what?

We'll figure something out.

After all, this is

the Possible Center

where anything is possible.

Except a field trip,

this weekend.

(both chuckle)

- You know,

the reason we moved here

is because my husband and I are

taking over my dad's property.

It's a stunning location.

There is a Christmas tree farm

and a Santa's village.

Of course, we do

events and weddings,

but it's a great place

for a field trip.

- As I said,

anything is possible.

That is incredibly

gracious of you.

(whispering): There's a meeting

room in the back we could go to.

It's really private.

- Okay, great.

- That's my daughter, Jenny.

Jenny, this is Mrs. Hawkins.

Her son Will is joining

the Possible Center.

They're new in town.

What are you guys up to?

- Uh, nothing really.

Just a project.

- It's funny. I asked Will to

meet me here after school, too.

Good to have everyone connect

before the big field trip day.

(Melanie): Yes.

(laughs)

(soft music)

- Sorry.

It takes him time

to warm up to people. To talk.

- You don't have to say sorry.

We don't apologize here.

Here, we understand.

- Thank you.

This place is beyond words.

It must keep you very busy.

- It does. Especially lately.

(Vicky chuckles)

(soft music)

(Hilary): We do want everyone

to have a good time

at the dance.

But we also want it to

be, well, a good time.

- Oh, absolutely. I mean,

but that's all that I want.

I'm only asking

that the holiday ball

be made more accessible

for students on the spectrum.

- Accessible?

- Well, yeah. Just as we've

made the school accessible

for people physically,

we would make

the dance accessible

for everyone's emotional

well-being, too.

- Well, how would we do that?

- Well, it's different

for each individual.

Generally,

lower volume of music.

Scheduled breaks.

We could do away

with strobe lights.

(chuckles)

- But the kids

love strobe lights.

- I am really not trying to take

away from everyone's enjoyment.

I'm only asking that we ensure

that these special experiences

be available to every student.

Isn't that what we all

want for our children?

- We certainly do,

it's just...

Sounds like a whole

lot that would need to be done,

and the dance

is only nine days away.

And we'd need someone

to chair that

and the whole committee

has their hands full.

- What if I put together

a proposal for you to approve?

- You need a faculty liaison

and with finals underway,

they're all overloaded as it is.

If only you had come

to us with this sooner.

- If only.

- I'll do it.

Apologies for my t*rd.

But I did overhear what

Ms. Austin was suggesting

and I'd be happy

to be her faculty liaison.

- You would?

- Yeah.

(Hilary): Great.

You two are officially

the accessibility team.

All in favour?

(jaunty music)

- So I guess we should figure

out how we're going to do this.

- You didn't say that

you were on the PTA.

- Oh, I said I wasn't running

for president of the PTA.

I'm not.

So, what's next?

- I will work up a plan

and show it to you for

the official stamp of approval.

- I don't want to just be a

token stamp of approval, though.

I don't even own a stamp.

No, I want to help.

I want to actually

help make this happen.

- Oh, I appreciate that.

But this isn't something

that can just be dreamed up.

(chuckles)

I've spent Jenny's life

learning how to do this.

You know,

a song that's too loud.

A light that's too bright.

Unexpected snow.

One wrong move and this

can all be for nothing.

- No, I get that. I do.

And I've spent my whole

career as a teacher

making sure that my students

can be their best selves, right?

Isn't that

what your dance is about?

So, this weekend?

- Oh, I can't this weekend.

The center is going on a field

trip to a Christmas tree farm.

- Oh yeah. No, that sounds

like a terrible place

to plan a Christmas dance.

I'll join.

- Oh, did I invite you?

- I don't know. Did you?

- Okay. Okay.

(stutters)

But can we please keep the

planning of this a secret?

I really want it to be

a surprise for Jenny.

- Okay.

- Thank you.

You know, and then he

just invited himself.

Can you believe that?

- Oh, that he wants to help,

yeah. Scoundrel.

- I don't need his help.

I have a Vicky.

- Yeah, well, I need help, so

that's why you have a Daniel.

Plus, Jenny. She loves him.

So he can't be all that bad.

- Wait, no. I never said

that he was all that bad.

- Mm-hmm.

- He inspires Jenny to write.

And he is a very good teacher.

- Well, he's not just a teacher.

He's a published poet.

I've read his work.

It's beautiful stuff.

- Hmm.

- Hmm? Look, here's the kids.

- Oh, hey everyone!

Okay, you are all

free to explore.

Oh, and the Hawkins

have generously offered

for each of you to pick

your very own tree

and bring it home

for the holidays.

So please, let's all remember to

thank them on our way out. Okay.

Go! Explore! Have fun!

(Vicky): Yes. Oh,

hey, Daniel!

- Hey.

- Do you lose points

for t*rd?

- Oh, in school I'm prompt, but

when that bell rings... rebel.

(both laugh)

- I'm gonna go

help them find a tree.

I'll see you.

- See you later.

- Thank you for coming.

I'm sorry if I was--

- Hi, Mr. Hartman.

Why are you here?

- Well I heard so much about

what your mom was doing

with the Possible Center

so I wanted to come

and see what this

was all about.

- She created the whole thing.

- I'm sure she did.

- Okay. Well,

I'm glad you're here.

And I liked reading

Edgar Allan Poe. Nevermore.

- Nevermore.

Well, at least

someone's glad I'm here.

- She sure is.

- You know, I actually do

need a Christmas tree myself.

Do you think they

sell one around here?

- Follow me.

- Solid technique you got there.

(laughs)

- Well, I've cut my fair share

of Christmas trees.

(sawing)

- Apparently so.

Gosh, it's so

beautiful around here.

Don't you love

this time of year?

- Yeah.

- Oh I'm sorry. Sore subject?

- It's just...

ever since the divorce,

this time of year can be tough.

I have a name for it.

I call it the winter blues.

(laughs)

- Is Jenny's father still

in the picture?

- Yeah, yeah.

He's still in her life.

He lives about an hour away.

She'll spend New Year's

with him.

- And you'll miss her every

single day

she's gone, I'm sure.

(both laugh)

- Yes. Yes I will.

Have at 'er.

- Watch this.

Okay. You ready?

- Yeah.

(grunts)

Oh!

(laughing)

A poet and a lumberjack.

- Ha!

- Luckily I loosened it for you.

- Yeah.

I wouldn't exactly call

myself a poet, though.

- I heard that

you were published.

(exhales)

- That was a long time ago.

- What changed?

- Well, my bank account,

for one.

It's kinda hard to pay

the bills as a poet. You know.

- I'm sorry.

- No, don't be.

I mean, there was definitely a

time where I dreamed

about going to Paris,

you know?

The cafes where Fitzgerald

and Hemingway

and Zelda used to frequent?

- Hmm.

- That would've been amazing.

But then I became a teacher.

And I realized that,

that was my true calling.

So... I mean,

poetry, it...

- I understand.

Yeah, when you have something

that you really love

it's hard to find time

to do anything else.

- Yeah.

(Daniel): So, I'm excited about

this. What are we thinking?

- Oh, uh, alternatives for

students with diverse needs.

- You know, I would love

to find a substitute

for the blaring speakers.

- Yes, exactly!

And a low stim area

that has games!

- We could do specialized foods.

- Yes. And drinks.

- This is great.

Yeah, okay. Um...

- Why do I feel like

there's a "but" coming on?

- Oh, no, no. No buts.

However...

- Oh.

- This is gonna cost more money

than the PTA has on hand.

- Hmm.

We'll raise the funds.

The Possible Center is holding

its holiday fundraiser,

and the money is supposed

to go to an event,

so what better event than

a all-inclusive dance?

- That sounds like

a perfect plan.

- Ha, thank you. Now pick up

your end, lumberjack.

- Sorry, sorry.

- Okay, this way.

- Okay, so we are going to need

a venue, activities, food,

and not to mention a whack ton

of money to pull this off.

- How much money

do we think we need?

- More than we have.

- It's okay. We are going to

figure it out.

- I got it!

- Volume.

(whispering): I got it.

We can sell our own items.

Candles, cards we make.

- Oh, maybe one of the poems

you wrote

in Mr. Hartman's class?

- One of my poems?

- Sure.

- I love your poems.

- Okay, where can we sell them?

We don't exactly own

a posh store somewhere.

- Well, how about here?

I can ask Mrs. Hawkins.

- Yeah! People are spending

lots of money already.

- Yeah, that is

a great idea, Jenny.

- And then all the money we

raise can go towards the dance.

We can do it!

- And then it would still be

part of the dance, right?

So it makes sense if

we can do it--

- Hey, girls!

(chuckles)

Oh, it's great you're here.

We're here, too.

- Yeah, we can see you.

- Of course you can.

(Daniel): Yeah.

- What are you guys doing?

You don't have a tree!

- Mom, we already have a tree.

- We do.

- Is everything okay,

Ms. Austin?

(stuttering): Oh, we're just,

she's tired.

It's a lot of work,

cutting down my tree.

I mean, I did most of the work.

- No you didn't.

- Okay, I didn't. Um.

It's nice though,

right? Majestic?

- Yes, but ours is even better.

- Well, I'm sure.

- Okay. Bye.

- Bye!

- Toodles.

- Have fun!

- Surprise maintained.

- Well done, you.

(exhales)

So, did you have fun?

- Yes. And so did you.

- I did. Thank you.

- You're welcome.

- Oh, I forgot my clipboard.

Be right back.

- Um, excuse me, that's my...

Hi.

(soft music)

Why don't you like to talk?

You don't have to right now

if you don't want to.

But I would be happy

to listen if you do.

I like your train.

- Oh.

(groans)

- I win.

- I was so close.

- Nope.

(chuckles)

Today was a good day.

- I know, right?

- You and Mr. Hartman had fun.

- Yeah. Well, um, sure.

Yeah, we get along.

- He talked to you?

- We talked to each other.

Why?

- What if someone doesn't

wanna talk to me?

- Well...

maybe they just don't

wanna talk.

- Why?

- I don't know.

But I know that it has nothing

to do with you. Okay?

- Okay.

- Rematch.

- No, I won.

- Yes! No, come on.

- I'm the winner.

Oh, get out,

I deserve to have a rematch!

(phone chimes)

(Will): Hi.

(soft music)

(inhales)

(Jenny): Hi. I liked seeing you

today. And your train.

(Will): I liked seeing you.

So I texted you.

(phone chimes)

- Thank you. I'm glad you did.

- You are planning an event?

(phone chimes)

- A dance.

You wanna help?

(breathes deeply)

(phone chimes)

(Will): Yes.

(sighs)

(soft music)

(humming Jingle Bells)

(phone chimes)

- I am. Thank you for today.

See you tomorrow.

Lots more to do.

- Sweet dreams, Mr. Hartman.

(exhales)

Sleigh bells ringing

in the snow

Leading me back home

It's evergreens

and mistletoe

And I'm the one below

I feel so good this holiday

My spirit's high, I want

to make you feel the same

I want to give a little joy

Spread the cheer

I want to give a little joy

this time of year

I wanna give a little

love and laughter to you

That warm cozy feeling

I wanna give a little joy

under the tree

I wanna give a little joy,

it's all in me

I wanna give a little love

and laughter

Just like I could grant

all your wishes

I wanna give a little joy

Joy to your world

this Christmas

(all giggle)

- Hi.

- Hey, Jenny.

Hey g*ng.

You doing some

Christmas shopping?

- Christmas selling.

- Oh, like what?

"When fear sets

in I get to choose.

To smile away the winter blues.

With Christmas love

so pure and bright.

The season fills

my heart with light."

Did you write this, Jenny?

- Yes. After you read

the poem in class.

- It's beautiful.

- It's for sale. Five dollars.

- 10 dollars!

- I mean, hey.

Even at that price,

it's still a bargain.

- There you go.

- Thanks.

- Have a good day.

- 10 dollars!

(giggling excitedly)

Four days 'til the dance.

- Daniel Hartman,

reporting for duty.

- Thank you for coming.

There is lots to sell

and lots to buy. Come on.

- Great. Uh, like what?

- Oh, just, you know.

Something that'll help

the PTA pass the proposal.

- Are you talking about bribing

PTA president Foy?

Ms. Austin,

that is scandalous.

- No, no. Not yet, anyway.

(both chuckle)

No, just things that'll help

sell the idea. Um...

- Merry Christmas.

- Thank you, Liam. I love it.

(chuckles)

You know, like decorations

that don't flash

or no falling snow.

Jenny does not like

falling snow.

- Can I ask?

You know what, forget

it. I am here to help, not pry.

- When Jenny was a little girl

we were driving

and it started to snow

and I hit a patch of ice.

My car got stuck.

I called a tow truck.

When I was talking

to the tow truck driver,

Jenny got out of the car and

wandered off and I didn't see.

- Yeah, you must have

been terrified.

- But when I finally

found her, I mean...

she was shaken

but she seemed fine.

But then the next time

that it snowed...

And then, the time at the dance.

- Yeah.

- It just triggered her

and it made it so much worse.

And she still

doesn't wanna talk about it.

- I'm sorry.

Communicating can

be really tough at times.

- Jenny and I are definitely not

communicating lately.

- Ah, hence

the secret dance planning.

- I'm not trying to

micromanage her.

I'm just trying to help her

create a clear path for success.

Why are you giving me those

judgmental teacher eyes?

- Oh it's not judgmental.

It's admiration.

You do so much for Jenny,

so much out of so much

love for her. That's all.

- Thank you.

(bright music)

- Thanks so much.

And happy holidays.

We're almost sold out

of Christmas cards.

- With this much money, we could

buy a place to have the dance.

- A few more million

cards, maybe.

- We're doing it!

Will, we're really doing it!

Will?

- We are.

But we're gonna need

to sell a lot more

to pay for everything

that we want at the dance.

(Caitlin): Well, what if we

make more cards?

- I don't think

it's gonna cut it.

- Then what are we gonna do?

What can we do?

- Trees.

Um,

I could ask my parents

to sell trees.

For the dance.

- You would do that for me?

- Will! Why don't you

show Jenny around?

It seems like there's a lot

of fun stuff to see here.

- If you want I would like

to go explore with you.

We don't have to,

but I would like it.

- I built a train layout.

Do you wanna see?

- I would love to see it.

.- Okay.

- These are good.

- Yeah.

No, no, don't.

- No, no, no.

You have to model them

for all your new customers.

- How do I look?

- Dashing.

(chuckles)

- Was that a reindeer joke?

- Maybe.

- I think you should stick

to teaching.

- Hey, no, keep them on.

It'll block out the rest

of my bad jokes.

- Have you ever heard

of silent disco?

- Yeah.

- It's where people wear

headphones and dance.

- Yeah.

- We could buy glowing

headphones

and we could decorate them

for Christmas!

With antler ears and...

- Elf ears.

- Yes!

- Oh, this is practical

and festive. I love it.

- We could just, you know, get

our own headphones

and make one for each PTA member

and decorate it

and give them proof of concept.

- Hey, we could use my

classroom.

Do like a Santa's workshop.

- That sounds fun.

Yeah, I could

bring art supplies.

- I'll bring the pizza.

(train whistling)

(upbeat music)

- This is the Hudson J class

4-8-4 steam locomotive.

The 4-8-4 means that it

has four lead wheels,

eight driving wheels,

and four trailing wheels.

It has an extra large boiler

and a huge fire box.

It weighs almost half

a million pounds

and it can pull up

to 18 cars.

Right now we have four, but

it can pull almost the entire...

I'm talking too much.

- Maybe.

(giggles)

- Sorry.

I talk a lot when

I'm excited about something

and I'm really excited

about trains.

- I noticed.

- You said you were happy

to listen?

- I am.

- Maybe we can take a five

minute break?

- Yes please.

- Okay.

You built that yourself?

- Yes. With my dad.

- Will you build one

for the dance?

- Yes.

- Why don't you like

to talk sometimes?

Is it because you get scared?

- Sometimes.

Sometimes I just

don't wanna talk.

- That's okay.

And it's okay to get scared.

I get scared

sometimes, too.

- What makes you scared?

Do you wanna talk about it?

Now look who's not talking.

- Oh, there is your lunch kit.

I forgot to make

your lunch last night.

- Oh, I got up early

and packed it already.

- You did? Good for you.

- Mom.

- Yeah?

- Do you ever worry you're

making the wrong choices

because you're scared

what other people might say?

- Yeah. I mean,

I think we all do.

- Then what do you do?

- I try to remember

that it doesn't matter

what other people say.

And then I try to do

what I think is right.

To follow my own instincts.

Like you should

follow your own instincts.

- You trust my instincts?

- 100%.

"As Freezing persons,

recollect the Snow

First Chill then Stupor

And then the letting go."

Ladies and gentlemen,

Emily Dickinson.

(bell rings)

Oh, and just a reminder,

your term papers are due

by the end of the week,

no extensions.

Get them in on time

or you get lumps of coal

and an F.

Watch it there.

- I liked that poem a lot.

- Right? Great words can have

all the power

in the world when

said at the right time.

- Remember when you said

you would help

with my college applications?

- Yeah, absolutely.

- Would you write my

recommendation letter?

- Of course.

Did you decide on

a school already?

- Hollinger.

- Wow, nice.

What does your mom

think about you going there?

- She told me to trust

my instincts.

- Well then, alright.

I'll get you that

recommendation by today.

- Thanks.

- Yeah. Bye, Jenny.

- Okay. The good news

first or the bad?

- Good.

- I managed to score us

a foosball table

from that party rental place

thanks to Will's parents

helping us raise more money.

- I also picked up a bunch

of decorations

and some supplies.

- Amazing.

- What's the bad news?

- We don't have a venue.

- What about the

community center?

- It's booked up.

- What about

the Possible Center?

- No, that would ruin

the surprise for my mom.

Oh no. Now what?

- Um. I have an idea.

I can show you if you want.

- Yes.

(Will): Okay, here you go.

Here it is.

- We can use this?

- My parents said yes!

As long as we decorate

it ourselves.

- And clean up.

I'm a great organizer,

so that shouldn't be too hard.

Okay, maybe it's a little hard.

- Yeah.

- We'll need Bella

and Caitlin to help.

- Tomorrow?

- Tomorrow.

- You know you can

talk to me, right?

- I know. I do.

- I mean when

you get scared, too.

You can talk to me.

- Thank you.

- You don't deserve

to be scared.

- What if I still am?

- That's when you talk to me.

- Ooh, look at you.

You're a natural.

- Thank you.

My grandfather was an elf.

- There's still some pizza

left if you're hungry.

- Yeah.

- Alright.

- So, this is where

the magic happens.

Where you inspire

the young readers

and writers of the future.

- I love it. Love it.

Honestly, seeing their

eyes just come alive

when they hear

great writing. I mean,

if I can inspire one student,

just one, it's a great day.

- You inspire Jenny every day.

- She loves literature.

I mean, I'm so happy your

daughter's pursuing it.

She's very talented.

- She is.

What about you?

- What about me?

- Well, you've got

all these books

on so many poets

but what about your own book?

The unflappable Daniel

Hartman's been flapped.

- Maybe a little bit.

(giggles)

- Do you share your poems?

- I used to love slam poetry.

You know, public performance

of my work.

And I share famous poems

with my students in class,

and I love it, I love it.

But I always wondered

if one day somebody would be

reading my work

to their students in class.

- Hmm.

- Yeah?

- Yeah.

- And then, you know.

Life goes in other directions,

has other plans. Right?

Well, we are

on the home stretch.

We've got like, I don't

know, two more glue g*n burns

before we have to... Ow, again.

Three. We have to present

to the PTA in like an hour.

- And this way, not only is it

a festive addition to the dance,

each student can

listen to the music

at a volume of their choosing.

All the same fun but with an

inclusive, positive twist.

- Guys. Come on.

This is a fresh take.

I swear, the kids are

gonna love it. Okay?

- Oh, it's a great idea.

It's just different.

Not bad, just...

- I know, I know that it is.

It is different.

But that's what makes

it wonderful.

You know, let's

try something different.

Traditions evolve.

This school prides itself

on inclusion.

We always have.

It's why Jenny loves it here.

- You're right.

I'm on board.

But you would need

to lead the charge.

Be my second in command.

- Absolutely.

- All in favour

of making Melanie

chairwoman of the dance?

(chuckles)

- Thank you all so much.

Goodnight, hon.

Did you want anything

before bed?

- No.

- Okay.

- What's that?

- Oh! Uh, it's just a little

bedtime reading.

(Jenny): Mom.

- Yeah?

- You seem happy.

- I feel happy.

- Then I feel happy, too.

- Good. Goodnight, sweetheart.

- Goodnight.

(phone chimes)

(Will):

I'm excited for tomorrow.

- Me too.

(exhales)

- So I'm thinking that

the hot chocolate cart

can go right over there.

Ooh, and the party favour table

will be at the main entrance

with the fidget spinners

and the headphones.

And the main directory will have

a map to the sensory room.

Oh, and the games

we're gonna put in the corner,

just to keep it a little bit

more secluded.

- Okay. Check and check.

Oh, but sadly the rental company

is out of the foosball table.

- What?

- Yep. Already rented.

- Check it out! I snagged

the last cornhole set

at the rental place.

- Perfect.

- And I've got this!

(snowman):

Let the jingle bells swing!

- No.

You okay?

How are the evites coming?

- I'm almost finished

making the list.

Everyone we want

to invite is here.

- Great. And I'll send

them out later tonight.

- Alright.

- We're gonna need

more activities.

And we're gonna need more games.

And in order for this to work,

we're probably

going to need more food.

And decorations.

The dance is two days away,

I don't know that

we're gonna pull this off.

- Hey. We'll get there, okay?

And you're doing a great job.

But right now,

we should take a break.

- We should.

- Definitely.

Let's get some fresh air.

C'mon. It'll

all still be here, I promise.

- Thanks for dinner.

- You're welcome.

- This is all so beautiful here.

- "She walks in beauty,

like the night

Of cloudless climes

and starry skies

And all that's best

of dark and bright

Meet in her aspect

and her eyes."

- That was lovely.

- That was Lord Byron.

He was a charmer.

- I read your poems,

you should know.

- What? How?

- I bought your book.

(laughs)

You are really talented.

- Come on.

- No I'm serious.

They were heartfelt

and honest.

And raw.

You should share them

with the world.

Or at least, you know,

have someone do

a reading of them.

- That'd be amazing.

Maybe one day.

If I can find the right reader.

- What about

your dream of Paris?

Is that still somewhere

in your head?

- Sure.

Taking a sabbatical?

Moving to Paris to write?

It's a wonderful dream.

It's just a dream.

- I love Paris.

And it is a good dream.

(laughs)

I would love to go there.

- Yeah that would be...

that would be fantastic.

- I imagine.

You should go.

You should apply

for a sabbatical

and just see what happens.

You have been inspiring

your students,

you have been inspiring Jenny

since she first sat

in your class.

You inspired me to

plan a dance for her.

It's time that you were inspired

to live out your dream.

- Where did the others go?

- They went home

to send the evites.

Or to leave us alone.

- Will.

There's something I've

been scared about lately.

Can I talk to you about it?

- Yes. Please.

- Um...

It's about the dance.

Last year it was bad.

It started snowing and I

don't like falling snow.

When I was younger,

we got into a car accident

and I wandered off

and got lost in the snow.

And that made me scared.

- I do not like to be scared.

That's when I don't talk.

- Then what do you do?

- Nothing.

When I feel like

talking again, I talk.

I get to decide.

And that makes

the scary things not so scary.

(phone chimes)

(phone): Currently 31 degrees

and snow falling

in 20 minutes.

- I have to go home.

- If you are scared,

we can keep talking.

- I can't. I can't talk.

I have to go home.

- No. Stop!

Jenny.

I can help!

- I don't want your help.

I have to go home!

- And how do you feel?

I know you've taken on a lot,

leading the charge

with this all lately.

- I've come to realize

that this isn't so much

about a dance.

This is more about

my little girl.

She's growing up.

And I want these memories

for her to be joyful,

you know, not fearful.

And then I can't help but

have this gnawing apprehension

that I'm not doing enough.

- Are you kidding me?

I don't think I've ever

seen a mother do more.

All while juggling

the Possible Center

and your own social life.

It's...

- My social life.

You mean my failing social life.

But that's

a whole other story.

- I don't think it's failing.

I quite like your social life

at the moment.

- I do, too.

- I guess this time

of the year isn't so...

- Blue?

(phone chimes)

- I'm sorry. Sheesh.

(sighs)

(Melanie): Is everything okay?

- Uh...

- I'm sorry. I have to go.

Jenny? Jenny!

Hey, sweetheart.

You okay?

- Hmm.

- I came as soon

as it started falling.

- Where were you?

- I'm sorry that I wasn't here.

- I came back as soon

as it started.

- Where were you?

- With friends.

(exhales)

- Okay.

Well, I'm here now.

Do you want to, I don't know,

beat me at a boardgame?

- I want to go to bed.

- Okay.

Goodnight, sweetheart.

- It was that bad, huh?

- Not what we expected to happen

when we ever so

subtly ditched you.

- I ran off and left him

and now he is avoiding me.

- No, no. I'm sure

he's not that mad.

- I guess there go

your chances of him

being your date

for the dance.

- Caitlin!

I probably ruined it

with Daniel.

I just ran out with

barely even saying goodbye.

- Hmm. Probably.

Assumptions again.

Seems like you're having

trouble communicating

with multiple people.

- I guess.

- So talk to Jenny.

Talk to Daniel.

- Uh, we need to talk.

Hey, Vicky.

- This guy's like Beetlejuice.

Say his name three times

and he appears.

(snickers)

Hi, Daniel.

- About last night.

I am so sorry.

- What? No. No, that's no

problem, at all.

Honestly I understand.

It's about the dance.

- Oh, just not here.

- Is there somewhere

we can go to talk?

- Yeah. Hey, Jenny...

Hey, is everything alright?

I...

(door slams)

I really hate to do this

to you two days in a row,

but I have to go talk

to my daughter.

- Yes. You two have

a lot to sort out.

(door opens)

- Everything okay in here?

You wanna talk about it?

- What if there was something...

that you really cared about...

But then you ruined it?

- Oh, honey. I highly doubt

that you've ruined anything.

You know,

sometimes things happen

and we make assumptions

about them.

And then we realize later

that our assumptions

were way off.

Do you think it's

possible that maybe

what you think you've

ruined you haven't?

- I guess maybe not.

- The only way to know for sure

is to ask the tough questions.

And not be afraid

of the answers.

And know that you are

a very good person, Jenny.

With the best of intentions.

And the rest will just

fall into place.

I should probably

take my own advice.

- So, everything will be okay?

- I can't promise you that

everything will be okay,

but I can promise you

that if things aren't,

I will always be here.

And I love you so much.

- Thanks, mom.

- Do you feel better?

- Not all the way better.

But better.

- Come here.

- I love you.

- Love you.

- Looking for Daniel?

- No.

- Hmm.

- Maybe.

- He just left.

You could still catch him.

- Oh, uh. Wait!

I just wanted

to say thank you

for helping me

with everything.

- It was my pleasure.

- Would you like to have dinner?

- Are you asking me

out on a date?

- Ah...

You don't have to

if you don't want to.

- I'd love to.

- Okay. Great. Six tonight?

I'll send you the details.

But I have to

get everything ready.

- Everything?

- Will, are you here?

- Surprise!

- Wow. This is so cool.

- Thanks. I've been

working on it all day.

- I thought you were mad at me.

- Mad? Why?

- Because I got upset yesterday.

- No. You were scared.

I'm sorry I couldn't

help you be not scared.

But I wouldn't

be mad at you for that.

- Will. Do you like me?

- Yes. I like you.

- Do you like me enough

to be my date to the dance?

Is that a no, or are you just

not talking again?

(chuckles)

Yes.

Entrez.

- Wow.

(laughs)

Wow, this is...

- A surprise.

- A wonderful surprise.

- My friend Marin owns it.

Her daughter used to come

to the Possible Center.

And I asked her if I could turn

it into Paris for the night.

(chuckles)

- Well, it's perfect.

- To complete the look.

- Of course.

(chuckles)

C'est magnifique.

How does it look?

- Perfect.

- Yeah?

- Yes.

- I love the beret, by the way.

- Thank you. Um, to Paris.

- To you.

- I got you something.

- Okay?

- I bought it to inspire you.

Because you've inspired

so many people.

- Wow.

Melanie, this is...

Thank you.

I mean, we have our own

Parisian cafe.

You know, actually,

I've been thinking a lot

about what you said.

About taking a sabbatical.

- You're gonna go?

- I mean, it wouldn't be until

the next school year.

And it's not for sure. But...

there's a writers

in residency program

at the Shakespeare

and Company in Paris.

- You should do it.

- I haven't decided yet.

- Why wouldn't you go?

- Well, I mean...

Because for the

first time in a long time

it feels like here is

where I should really be.

Well, Ms. Austin.

- Mr. Hartman.

- I had an excellent time.

- So did I.

- And Paris was better than

I could ever have imagined.

- Well, I'm no literary giant.

- No, you're something better.

Look, I know we're both grown

adults but I was wondering

if maybe you would

do me the honour

of being my date to the dance?

- Yes.

(Jenny): Mom?

- Hi.

- You and Mr. Hartman?

- You and Will?

(both): Why didn't you tell me?

(Melanie): Uh...

there wasn't anything to tell

you until a second ago.

Are you mad?

- No. Not if you are happy.

- I am. And you too.

- Mr. Hartman, I should hear

back from Hollinger any day now.

- That's amazing!

I'm proud of you.

- Wait, what? You applied to

Hollinger? And you knew?

- And you didn't?

- He wrote my

recommendation letter.

- There's some miscommunication

here. I'm sorry.

I mean,

you guys figured out

how to plan two separate

Christmas dances,

so we can probably figure this--

- Daniel.

Wait. I'm sorry.

Two Christmas dances?

Jenny, wait!

(sighs)

It was supposed

to be a surprise.

- You didn't listen to me.

I don't want to go to the dance!

- I know, but that's

why I wanted to do this.

I wanted it to be a dance

that you would want to go to.

- You never asked me

what I wanted!

(footsteps thumping loudly)

- Jenny, I...

(door slams)

- Um, Will.

Why don't you go

wait outside?

I'll be out there

in a second, okay?

I'll give you a ride home.

Yeah?

(door shuts)

(sighs)

- The dance. College.

Her new boyfriend.

Apparently I don't know

anything about my daughter.

- Hey, come on. That's not true.

- No, it is true.

And you know what,

I should be spending time

with her, not doing...

(melancholy music)

I think you should go.

I need to spend some time

with my daughter alone.

- We'll talk soon.

- Aren't you going

to eat breakfast?

Jenny?

(door slams)

Now we're not talking at all

and she won't

even answer my texts.

How did we get to this?

- Oh, Mel.

- I just want her to be happy.

- Hey. I see you and Jenny

together all the time.

And she's happy.

Especially when you're happy.

And since you've been

seeing Daniel,

this is the happiest that I've

seen you in a long time.

Especially at Christmas.

- I just feel...

like I've ruined everything.

And I don't have the answers.

- Then ask the questions.

What do you want?

What does Jenny want?

Not what you want for Jenny,

but what does Jenny

want for herself?

- How do I talk to her when I

don't know where she is.

- Where has she been going

lately when she needed a break?

(soft music)

(Melanie): Jenny?

Wow.

Jenny?

This is beautiful.

Hey.

How are you?

- I needed some time to think.

- You did all of this?

This is the dance

that you were planning?

There's snowman cookies.

- I made them

in honour of you.

Do you like it?

- I love it.

I am so sorry that I

wasn't open with you.

I just...

I wanted it to be a surprise.

I wanted to show you

that I was doing enough.

- Doing enough?

- After the dance

last year, I...

felt that I needed to do more.

- But you do

everything for me.

I wanted to do

the dance for you.

So you could be happy.

And so that you could

see I can do this.

- Why would I need to see that?

- So you won't have to worry

when I go to college.

You don't have to worry, Mom.

I'll be okay.

And when things aren't okay,

you'll always be here.

Loving me.

- Always.

Always.

Okay.

This came for you.

Looks like you got in.

I want you to go.

You've earned it.

(both laugh)

I'm so proud of you.

- Thanks.

- You got the foosball table?

- Well, we would've had

a ping pong table

but someone else rented it.

(both): That was you!

(Melanie giggles)

What are we gonna

do about the dance?

- What do you mean?

This is amazing.

- No, your dance.

- Didn't even think

about that. Um...

- We could combine the dances.

Right here!

- Sure you want to do that?

- Yes, of course.

- Okay. I will contact the PTA

and see if I can

get them on board.

- Alright,

start making phone calls!

- Okay!

(Jenny): Mr. Hartman

needs that in the barn.

(Caitlin): Christmas

decorations coming through!

- Bring that over

to the DJ booth.

- Hey.

- Hey.

- Congratulations.

This is really bringing

everyone together.

- Well, this is all

Jenny, really.

- I knew you two would figure it

out eventually.

- Yeah, I don't really know how

to thank you

for all of your help.

- I just hung a few lights.

- You've been

a real support to me.

Thank you.

- Oh, I mean,

the feeling goes both ways.

If it wasn't for you I would've

never taken the sabbatical.

- You're doing it.

- Yeah, yeah. I put in for it.

I mean, like you said,

it is something I need to do.

- So you'll be leaving at the...

- At the end of the school year.

Yeah.

- I'm happy for you.

- Thank you.

It'll be good.

It'll give me some time to

think, figure things out.

You know, I guess...

that's what everybody

needs sometimes, right?

Space?

(softly): I guess.

- We're still gonna go to the

dance together though, right?

- Yeah, yeah. Of course.

Of course.

- Okay. Okay.

Well, I should let you

get back to this

because you're busy

and these are still tangled.

- Okay.

- Yeah.

- Okay. See you later.

s- We almost have everything

done. It's going to work!

- Great.

- Are you okay, mom?

- Yeah. Yes, of course.

We gotta go home, we have

a dance to get ready for.

- Okay.

(laughs)

Happy happy holidays

- Oh!

- You look magnificent.

- In the words of a young

Jenny Austin,

"I know."

Jenny! Come on in.

Don't you look

dapper young man?

Jenny?

(soft music)

- What do you think?

- I think...

you're beautiful.

- I know.

- Alright. Shall we go?

Jenny, you okay?

- The snow.

- Jenny. Breathe.

Jenny. We can talk through this.

(groaning)

- We can't talk away the snow.

- You are scared of the snow?

- No, Will. Don't go!

Will!

- When there's moisture

in the air

and the atmospheric

temperature drops

below 32 degrees Fahrenheit,

snow starts to fall.

- I do not like falling snow.

- Snow forms when water

crystalizes in the air.

But when it's colder outside,

the water doesn't

stick together as much.

But when it's not as cold out

then the moisture

and the water--

- Will. You are talking

a lot again.

- I know. I talk a lot when

I'm excited about something.

- You are excited about snow?

- No.

I'm excited about you.

(soft bright music)

- You're okay?

- I'm okay.

Deck the halls

with boughs of holly

Fa la la la la, la la la la

- Welcome.

- Hi, welcome to

the Holiday Ball for All!

(man): Thank you.

- Welcome.

- Welcome!

- Hey.

- Mrs. Hawkins. Thanks for

helping make this dance happen.

- No, Jenny, thank you.

You two have fun!

- Hey! You okay?

Winter blues striking again?

- No! No, I'm fine.

Okay, no I'm not.

- What's the problem?

Oh, I get it.

- He's taking a sabbatical

in Paris next year.

And he wants space.

- Well, why don't you

be a part of that space?

I mean, with

Jenny going out of town,

you are going to have a

lot of free time on your hands.

- What are you saying?

Go to Paris too?

- Why not?

- Because I don't know that

Daniel wants me to go with him.

If he did,

he would've said something.

- Mom, you are assuming again.

- Hmm.

- You do so much

to make me happy.

To make everyone at

the Possible Center happy.

But Mr. Hartman

makes you happy.

And you deserve that.

You like him?

- I do.

- Then tell him.

- I'm not sure how.

- Show him.

(bright music)

Hi, everyone.

I hope you're all having

a great time.

Today has had

a lot of surprises.

And now we have one more.

Please welcome to

the stage the person

who helped me make this dance.

My mom, Melanie Austin.

(crowd applauding)

- Hello, everyone.

What a beautiful night.

I would really like

to acknowledge how beautiful

we all are

in our own unique ways.

More often than not,

we make assumptions

that people will judge us

if they get a glimpse

of that uniqueness.

And those assumptions

can be right.

People can be judgmental.

And so then we dim that beauty

before we give it

a chance to shine.

But oftentimes

those assumptions are wrong.

And I would like to read

a poem on that matter

by a very talented poet.

Assuming he's alright with it?

This poem was written

by our very own Daniel Hartman.

(crowd applauding)

(clears throat)

"A voice inside

so quick to chide

Casting doubts both far and wide

'You're not enough,'

it often cries

Planting fears

and spreading lies

Assumptions form, we start to

fear that other eyes will sneer

and jeer

But listen close

and you will see

A strength within,

a bold decree

Question the thoughts

that cloud your mind

Leave those fears

and doubts behind

For in your heart

a truth so bright

Silence the doubt

And step into the light."

(cheering)

I hope that you didn't mind.

- Ha! Not at all.

I was honoured.

- It's a good poem.

- You're incredible.

In every way.

What you've done for your

daughter, for the students,

for me.

To inspire me to go for

what I want.

- What is that, Mr. Hartman?

What do you want?

- I want you to come

with me to Paris.

Explore with me.

Laugh with me. Just be with me.

- Yes.

- Yeah?

- Yes.

- Great. Because I

don't want this to end.

- This is just the beginning.

(romantic music)

- Hey.