Harvest, The (2023)

[bunniefuu]

I was born during the

harvest season...

In the season of fire.

But where there's

destruction...

There's birth.

Hey, Mah.

Yeah, I'm like...

three hours away.

I'll go pick up Sue.

Okay.

I'll see you soon.

Bye.

Sorry.

So, what did you think?

So I saw the whole thing,

and it's come to my attention

that you dance like a frog.

At least I don't look

like one, though.

I'm thirsty.

If we could work twinkle

fingers into our routine,

that'd be great.

We're gonna win...

Did you have to do that?

Do what?

The big brother thing?

Yeah.

I'm kinda entitled to it.

Yeah, kind of.

Did you see it happen?

Mom was doing overtime,

and Dad got pissed,

so he took our car to a chicken

fight, and then totaled it.

Now I won't have a car to

drive for at least two weeks.

So who was supposed to

pick you up today?

Chuck was gonna take me home.

Chuck?

Is he like your boyfriend?

Mom and Dad know?

What, are you gonna tell them?

Yeah.

Right.

And drive Dad crazy?

He finds out that you're

dating a Black guy,

he's just gonna marry you off

to the first Hmong guy he sees.

Don't say that.

It's not funny.

Your great son is back.

You too skinny now.

You don't eat enough?

I eat enough, Mom.

Aw, you a handsome man now.

Stop.

Well, welcome home.

Dinner is almost ready.

Right.

Hey, Dad.

The house looks good.

What's for dinner?

I'm not hungry.

Your father is not supposed

to eat anything with salt.

The doctor say it's

bad for his kidney.

But he doesn't like to listen.

Here, Thai.

Look, Mama cook your favorite.

That's good, Ma.

Thank you.

So...

Yesterday, your father

and I was at the store.

There was this white

lady that come up to him,

I think she thinks

he's a worker,

so she asked him, "What

type of tofu is the best?"

Why don't you tell

Thai what you say to the lady?

No.

Your father say to the lady,

"This dou-foo is good."

And...

The lady was so confused,

because...

your father kept saying dou-foo,

dou-foo...

dou-foo.

over and over again.

Oh my God.

And then she got

so mad, she say,

"Are you even speaking English?

I want tofu."

And then your father look

her in the eyes and yell...

"Dou-foo!

You say it correctly!"

She was so embarrassed.

She walk away so fast.

Ai-yo!

So...

How much it costs?

Your apartment

in San Francisco?

$1,500 a month.

For half a room?

No wonder you look so skinny.

So, do you have a

girlfriend?

Yeah.

Is she Hmong?

Yeah, Thai.

Is she Hmong?

Hey, you're not supposed

to eat the tip.

Why not?

Because you'll be cursed

with bad marriage.

And yeah, she is Hmong.

So, what's her name?

Casey.

What's her last name?

Yang.

Oh, Yang girls are

always pretty.

So, how about your job?

How many student you have?

Dad...

I stopped tutoring.

What?

Yeah, I work at a

restaurant now.

Why?

Tutor is a better job.

Yeah, but I have more

flexibility.

So I just could do more stuff.

Yeah.

So now you can come

home more, right?

How's Dad?

Well, now that his second

kidney is not working,

he's more tired.

More and more dialysis.

Now they don't even

call it kidney disease.

Sue...

what do you call that?

End stage renal failure.

Hey,

now I work double.

Need more pills.

And look...

All these forms, huh.

For this drug discounts,

and all kinds of

disability.

It's so complicated.

And Sue

cannot even help me,

because now she has no car

and she has too many homework.

Have important tests coming up.

You know what?

Now that you're here, you can

drag your father to dialysis

three times a week.

Okay?

I have to add shifts every day.

Okay, Mom.

Okay.

Thai?

Yeah, just hold on.

You're not sleeping yet?

Hm?

Are you tired?

I'm fine.

How are you?

Me?

I'm good.

Don't worry about me.

But your father...

He's soul sick.

He wouldn't say it,

but he miss you.

You know, every time

we go to the hospital,

he see all the other

sons visiting.

He hope you were there.

I know.

I'm sorry, it's...

Mom!

Mom!

What?

Why are you yelling?

These are too long.

Can you hem them for me?

Why can't you do it yourself?

You should learn how to sew.

What Hmong girl don't

know how to sew?

Ah-ya!

No one will marry you!

Eddie.

Where are you going?

Meeting up with Eddie.

I'll be back later.

Oh, okay.

Don't stay out too late, huh?

I won't.

Are you serious?

How come I don't get

to go out late?

You get to go out late

when you learn how to

sew your own pants.

Eh.

Hey.

Thai? You home?

Yeah.

Eddie didn't tell you?

No, he didn't.

Um, how's your dad?

Hey! There he is.

How you been, bro?

Good, man.

About time you came home.

Yeah, it's been a while.

Now, I wanna welcome

you home properly.

That, my friend, is Mary.

She's new in town,

recently single,

and someone's been

talking you up.

It's all yours.

Yeah, I'm good.

I'm good, man.

She's not Hmong, but

you can have some fun.

I'm good.

I mean, it's not like

you're getting married.

Oh, really?

That's why we're here.

Oh.

Ceremony's Saturday.

Your whole family's coming over,

which means, so will you.

I'm gonna go get another

drink, you guys.

You two should just catch up.

Mhm.

Come here.

Let's get you to a drink, man.

Come on.

Hey, you guys remember

Thai, right?

Yeah.

What's up, man?

It's been a long time.

We heard you're in Chicago now?

No, I'm in the Bay Area now.

Yeah.

-Drea!

-Oh.

See you later.

Congratulations!

Thank you.

Cheers.

Cheers!

So you're Eddie's friend?

Yeah. Eddie and Jenny.

Thai!

Hey.

How you been, man?

Good, man. How you doin'?

Hey.

Let's take another drink, man.

- Okay.

- Come on, come on.

One more.

Nah, I'm good.

Driving.

So how was life in the Bay?

It's hard.

Writing and working

at the same time.

And you?

Ain't nothing new here, man.

You know, everyone's just

doing the usual.

Getting married and dropping

babies left and right.

And where's yours?

Hey.

I'm still wrapping it up, okay?

Oh, come on.

Same old Eddie.

Yup.

You ready?

I guess.

I mean, our parents

turned out okay.

Yeah...

Miserable and suffocating...

in a loveless marriage.

Yeah.

Man, you haven't changed either.

Always looking at

the negatives...

Instead of the positives.

You know the way?

Yeah, Mom told me.

She has no direction.

I tell you the way.

Hey, Nancy.

Hi, Mr. Moua.

Are you a doctor?

You can wait out here.

Oh, you know the drill.

Let me get your weight.

Step on the scale there.

Oh.

Okay.

Well, got a new session.

How are you feeling today?

Any new discomfort today?

Okay.

Hey, Mom.

Thai--

Hey, I have to work

late tonight.

Can you heat up Sue's dinner?

Um...

did you want me to

pick her up?

Oh, no.

Her friend said that

they're gonna drop her off.

So, are you still at

the dialysis center?

Yeah, I'm just waiting.

Okay.

So... I

will talk to you later, okay?

Okay.

Okay, bye.

Okay.

Have a good day.

And please remember to fill

your blood pressure medication,

Mr. Moua.

It's important.

Mr. Moua?

Mr. Moua?

Please, fill your prescriptions.

Dad.

You shouldn't be doing that.

Your mother.

She's planting

useless Hmong herbs

for my kidney.

Are you stupid?

I can't have that much water.

Hey, hey, hey, hey!

Don't throw away.

It's expired.

Still can be used.

Look at me.

Who will say no?

Let's go fishing.

You remember how?

Yeah, come on.

Is this a saltwater fish?

What you waiting for?

Eat!

Dad,

they're waiting for you.

And remember...

good cooking

take practice

Thank you, Mom.

I'll remember to cook more.

That's my dream for a long time.

I finally get it.

That's nice.

Xiong's son is 27,

and an investment banker.

As a matter of fact,

he just bought me

a classic car.

Yes.

It's a '69 Z28.

Yes, yes, I'm very happy too.

Yeah.

Cher? How's your son doing?

Did he graduate?

Yes, he's working now.

Oh, that's great.

What does he do?

He's a good writer.

Oh, that's good.

That's good.

It's okay.

Thai!

You came back with

the baby, huh?

Yeah.

It's Aunt Her's baby.

Oh.

She should be handing them out

the way she's popping

them out these days.

Oh, this is Andrew.

Hi.

Andrew, this is Thai.

Hi, umm... nice to meet you.

It's nice to meet you too.

Trip here was okay though?

Everything was good coming down?

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Umm...

I'm just gonna

go put him to sleep.

Oh, yeah, yeah, no.

Yeah, go ahead, yeah.

No, of course.

Such a cute kid. Seriously.

Did you get some good practice?

Yeah, sure.

-Here.

-Aw!

Okay.

Congratulations.

Bye!

So, who was that with Meng?

Meng?

Auntie Pang Doua's son?

Mm.

Well, someone say it's

his boyfriend.

Boyfriend.

Well, we don't know.

Maybe it's just his friend.

So what if they're

together?

Why does it matter?

I do not want you two

to talk to me.

I do not want anyone

to see you with him.

They will talk.

We do not need that.

Yeah, okay.

Whatever.

Sue!

Sue!

Yeah?

Can I pick you up after school?

-Uh-

-Maybe grab a bite to eat?

Um...

Yeah, sure.

See you later.

Chucky!

Your blood pressure's

a bit high.

Have you been taking

your medication?

Yes.

But he ran out of

his medication.

How long ago?

Um, a week ago.

Mr. Moua.

Your medication is vital.

Next time you're running

low, just call the clinic.

I'll write you a new

prescription,

and you can pick it up

from our onsite pharmacist.

It's crucial for your father

to take his blood pressure meds.

He has severe hypertension,

and he's anemic.

At 10% kidney function, we

don't have many options.

We're crossing fingers

for a match,

but if he refuses treatment,

he might be deemed

as non-compliant

and taken off the waiting list.

We can't be giving healthy

kidneys to patients

that won't take care of them.

Thank you.

We go?

Dad, maybe you should rest up.

"Rest.

Take medicine.

Don't eat this, don't eat that."

What good does it do if

I can't do what I want?

Dad, I have to leave soon.

I have work.

In a couple days.

If I don't, I'm gonna

lose my job.

Hey, maybe we go fishing

when I come back home.

Oh,.

I'm tired.

Hey, Sue.

Is that your brother?

Yeah, why?

Oh, wait.

What?

You didn't tell us

that he was cute.

-Ew!

-Cute, like-

Shut up, that's disgusting.

He's yummy!

No, he's not.

Ew, no.

You should bring him to

the party tonight.

That. Yes.

I don't know if I

can go, actually.

Oh, whatever.

It's a school night tonight.

You know how my parents

are, you guys.

I can't.

No, I can't.

No, whatever.

See you guys later.

Oh, thanks.

So, there's a party tonight.

Apparently you're now

on the guest list, so.

Oh, hey, thank you.

I got two milkshakes for

us.

I said I was 17, not 7.

You do not have to be a

kid to enjoy a milkshake.

You guys need anything

else?

No, we're

good, thank you.

So, you know what ummm...

colleges you're applying for?

Does it matter?

It's not like you'll

visit me at college.

I wanted to tell you something.

Look, I know Mom and Dad

are hard to live with,

and be around a lot

of the times,

but you should still

come home more.

It makes them happy.

Yeah, I know.

Then do it.

Anyways...

Did you order food yet?

Can you go with me to

the party tonight?

Nope.

Come on!

Mom and Dad won't let

me go out at night

unless I'm with you.

Nope.

If you don't come,

I'll tell 'em that you smoke.

-Hm?

-Yeah, I don't smoke.

Please, you smell that

all over your clothes.

Are you trying to

blackmail me now?

If I have to?

Yeah.

- Why are you blackmailing

me?

'Cause I have to.

Why are you becoming

so ruthless?

Ever since you left

us, you know?

Do you know where

you're going?

No.

I did not park over

there.

Where'd you park then?

Thai. Welcome home.

Uncle Neng, Uncle Lue.

Go upstairs.

We don't need you.

Thai.

We have something

important to discuss with you.

How are you?

Fine.

You are not in school anymore.

We all want you to go home.

We feel it's time for

you to step up.

Your father worked hard

all his life, for this family.

I understand that.

But I have a life

in San Francisco.

What life?

Your mother need you

here.

Your sister need you here.

We only see our father

in our dreams.

He could not see how hard it was

for us to make our life

here in America.

We would have made him so proud.

Don't you want to

make your family proud?

I can't do this.

We're done...

When you say we are.

That's how this family

is run, right?

I'm leaving in three days.

Sue, grab your stuff,

we're leaving.

Where are you going?

You know, you and Dad

are sorta alike, right?

You're both so stubborn.

You don't know how to walk

in anyone else's shoes

but your own.

And you both have no

problem using others

for whatever you want.

How am I using you?

You only gave me a ride tonight

because you needed to get

out of that situation.

Wow.

That's how you see me.

No.

That's how you are.

Where's Eddie?

I just dropped him off at work.

So you guys are not

going on your honeymoon?

No.

that's not my reality.

I'm now a primary

school teacher,

a 24 hour daughter-in-law,

and a wife.

Moments like these...

are gonna be rare.

Hey.

I know I should've talked

to you before I left.

You left after I said,

"I love you".

Yeah, I'm sorry.

It wasn't about you.

And I know I should've told

you that a long time ago.

Then why didn't you?

How do you even know

it was true love?

The love that we know

is just this obligation.

I'm not sure I understand

what you're saying.

Our parents.

They're like puzzle pieces

that were placed together

by someone else just

because it makes sense.

Maybe, but...

haven't they supported

each other

over the years?

I mean...

real love is defined by the

sacrifices that we make.

It's a choice,

it's not an obligation.

So you love Eddie?

Love is time.

He's a really good

son-in-law to my parents,

and marrying him and his family

makes them very proud and happy.

So...

who is she?

Who?

We're Hmong.

Your mom tells my

mom everything.

They wouldn't approve of it.

Not Hmong?

Not in the slightest.

But you love her?

Yeah.

I do.

After you texted me,

I... ah

Dug this up from my backyard.

Oh, God.

Our blood oath?

Yeah.

"We will love each other

till death do us apart."

God, we were so young.

We're supposed to burn it.

Yeah, it's just a

urban Hmong myth.

But you never know.

It's Sue.

Hey.

Hey, can you pick me up?

Are you okay?

Just come pick me up.

Sue, are you okay?

Just get me, okay?

All right, just gimme

a second, okay?

Bye.

It's Sue.

I gotta go pick her up.

Okay.

Hey.

You really think Eddie

and I are gonna be happy?

Yeah.

I know so.

Sue, wait!

I said I don't wanna

talk about it!

Sue!

Yo, just give her space.

Okay?

Do you want me to beat

up Chuck for you?

Forget it.

It was my fault.

What happened?

It was stupid.

I was in my head all night,

and he asked me what was wrong,

and I just got angry at

him for no reason.

Hey, hold your breath.

Make a wish.

Just do it.

What'd you wish for?

What'd you wish for?

For your happiness.

That's lame.

Oh, you're still awake?

It's so late.

I could not sleep.

Oh, okay.

Where have you been?

Well, ummm...

I was done with work,

and Sister Chung asked me to...

go to the casino,

so I went with her.

You have need to wear

makeup at the casino?

I have to look good for

the slot machines

so I can make some money.

Well, don't sleep too late.

Okay?

It's not good for you.

Why are you still up?

I try to remember as

many memories as I can

when I still have time.

Well, don't forget to

take your medicine.

Take medicine

don't take medicine.

What do you care now?

You were gone.

Stay gone.

Sister Chong give us

some Hmong tshuaj.

It's good for blood pressure,

and it helps to clean the

kidney of all the chemicals.

I have to get to work.

You got to watch the stove.

Okay?

You hear me?

Ah ya, you old man.

What, you only know

how to lecture,

but you don't know

how to listen.

Huh.

Hey, where are you going to?

I'm going for a run.

Your loving son is leaving

in two days.

What?

Why so soon?

Why don't you stay a bit longer?

Mom, I can't.

Oh, I have to go to work.

Okay?

We talk later.

Do you need a lift to school?

No, I'm good.

Chuck's outside.

Who?

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

Who is Chuck?

My boyfriend.

Dad, don't forget to

take your medicine, okay?

What are you doing?

I can't...

eat,

I can't sleep,

I can't work.

So...

I drink.

Yeah, you're not supposed

to drink on your medication.

Here, let me put you to bed.

I don't need your help.

You know something, Thai?

I like TV.

You can learn so much on TV.

I learned English,

how to cook food.

I can do everything by myself.

I don't need anyone's help.

Oh, okay.

I want to live like a man...

not a little bird.

I want to be reborn again, fly!

Fly away.

Are you guys okay?

Okay, Dad.

Stop talking like that.

But... but I want a

real Hmong burial.

Do you even know how?

Oh, are you listening to

me?

- You have little ears.

- Dad.

Little, little, little, little.

Come on, you have dialysis

tomorrow.

You need your sleep.

Little, little ears.

No, no.

-No dialysis.

-Dad, yes.

No more.

-Yes.

-No.

- You have dialysis tomorrow.

- I quit, okay?

-Sue, push.

-No, no more dialysis.

I am pushing.

Dad, you gotta go to sleep.

Grab the blanket.

Well, that was fun.

Hey.

Yeah?

Is Chuck a nice guy?

Of course.

Hey, how are you?

Are you okay?

Just wanted to see you.

Dad.

We gotta go soon.

Dad.

Make more food.

Guests coming.

What?

Make more food.

Who?

Who?

Who's coming?

Xiong and his son.

What for?

For Sue.

We have agreed.

Why?

So that someone will take

care of your daughter

when I am gone.

You cannot marry your daughter

to someone.

Okay?

She'll hate us forever.

This will be good for her.

She will see.

You stubborn, old man!

I won't allow it.

What's going on?

She will do what I say.

I am her father.

Mom, what's happening?

Sue, go back to your room.

Mom and Dad have to talk alone.

No, I don't want to.

Sue.

Maybe you should listen

to Mom and Dad.

Stop treating me like a child,

and just tell me

what's going on.

Xiong and his son

are coming over.

Xiong's son is a good man.

He will be a good husband.

No.

You can't make me.

He can't.

You have no heart!

Dad...

this isn't right.

What do you know about

what is right?

When I am gone,

who will take care

of this house?

You?

When you have a daughter,

you'll see.

Dad, please.

"Dad, please, Dad,

please, Dad..."

Enough "please"!

Think...

about what Sue wants.

Dad.

Sue...

is a daughter.

Sue?

Open the door.

Baby.

Don't cry.

Your father is just trying

to take care of you.

What? So you're letting

him do this.

No one can make you

do anything, okay?

You are the only one that

can make your own choices.

Here in America, you decide on

your fate and your happiness.

That's the right for

every woman here.

Then go tell dad that.

Your dad is a wall.

I'm not gonna be able

to change his mind.

We'll just let this pass.

Okay?

Even if they come,

it doesn't mean anything.

You never stand up to him!

You yell, and yell, and point,

but he always gets his way!

You think we haven't noticed?

I just don't wanna

become you, Mom.

Sorry.

No, don't!

I don't wanna talk to you.

Go talk to Sue.

Are you okay?

Can I sit down?

You wanna talk about it?

I don't think I can go

tonight.

I'm sorry.

Are you okay?

Yeah.

I'm okay.

I'll see you tomorrow at work.

Okay?

Mom...

I can explain.

Who are you talking to?

Dad!

Dad, Dad, Dad, Dad.

Who was that man?

Who was that man?

Dad, stop!

Stop, Dad!

I should've left you

a long time ago!

No, Dad.

Because of you...

He's now half a man.

Dad.

His soul is lost.

Dad?

Dad?

Dad!

Dad?

Dad?

Call 9-1-1!

Hey,

everything's gonna be okay.

Hear me?

Thai.

Thai.

The doctor say your

father has to stay

for a couple more days.

You wanna go see him?

You'll always be my son, okay?

That will never change, okay?

Mmhmm.

Dad.

Can I try?

It still tastes like hash.

Are you still thinking

of leaving soon?

Tus Txiv is not a good man.

We all know.

But he's also not a bad one.

He saved your life twice.

One time...

before you were born...

I didn't wanna keep you,

but he make me.

Then again on the day

you were born.

Then he gave me Sue.

I didn't want to

keep her either.

But your father...

Your father, he did.

One day you forgive him, yes?

Are you Mr. Moua's son?

Yeah.

I'm Thai.

Dr. Xie.

Your mom says to talk to

you about this matter.

Your father's creatine levels

have increased drastically

without dialysis these

couple days.

As we plan the next steps,

his current line is infected,

and we need to put a temporary

line through his neck

to get his dialysis

back on track

and so we can run

some more tests.

We'll need to keep him for

observation for another week.

Dr. Williams and I are

a little frustrated

with your father, Thai.

He doesn't talk to us,

and it takes a lot of

convincing from us

for him to take his medication

properly.

He's in dangerous territory,

but he's still young.

The very best solution

at this point

is to move forward with

the kidney transplant

when it comes available.

But if a kidney becomes

available,

we need to make sure he's

medically stable enough

to receive it.

What did the doctor say?

He's stable.

Okay.

He has to stay here

for another week.

-Ma.

-Hm?

You should go home

and get some rest.

No

I'll stay.

Mom.

Can you go back

and grab me some clothes...

please?

After the tone,

please record your message.

Hi, how can I help you?

This is my lab work for Dr. Xie.

Hey.

Good luck on your test.

Thanks.

Hey.

Good morning, Mr. Moua.

We're going to prep you

for surgery today.

Surgery?

Today's your lucky day.

We have a match.

Page the anesthesiologist.

We'll be in OR 4.

Hi, Casey.

Hey, stranger.

You're here.

You need to rest.

Hey, Casey.

Hey.

Where's Thai?

The nurse took him

for a quick walk.

Oh, okay.

You must be hungry.

No, I'm fine, Mrs. Moua.

You here all night last night.

You are hungry.

I made Thai's favorite dish.

Chicken and tofu.

Gosh, he's so messy.

Ugh.

Hey, Thai.

-Hey.

-Hey.

How are you today?

How are you feeling?

I'm a little sore.

-Aw.

-Aw.

Let me help you out here.

Well, Chuck and I got

you some flowers.

Do you like 'em?

Sunflowers?

Well, yeah.

They're pretty cool.

And your favorite dish.

Are you cold?

A little bit.

Okay.

So how long have you

guys been together?

Uh, five years?

Really?

- Yeah.

- That's so cute.

Wait, don't eat that.

This?

Yeah.

Hmong superstitions state

that eating wing tips

can give bad luck to marriages,

even future ones.

Well, let's not mess

with superstitions.

Thanks, Mama.

So, what do you think

of the food so far?

It's really good.

This I can have, right?

Rice and chicken tofu?

Yeah.

Okay.

You like it?

So they didn't know

you were a match?

Not even Sue?

Just didn't know what

to tell them.

I don't know if I could

do what you did.

Yes, you would.

Okay.

Let me get some alcohol pads

in case nothing bursts open.

Thanks, babe.

I'll be right back.

Hey, Casey.

Hey.

-Hi.

-Hi.

Hey, Thai.

You left this in the

car, you dork.

Thanks.

So you're really leaving, huh?

Yeah.

Are you gonna be okay?

Yeah.

Of course you are.

No one can force you

into anything.

Even to take out the trash.

Ugh.

Your brother is right.

Trash is heavy.

I got it.

Thank you.

Thai...

are you gonna go see your

father before you leave?

Yeah.

I'll be right back.

Oh, no.

I got it.

- Yeah.

- Okay.

Okay, okay.

Your hands are full with

the wheelchair.

Thanks, Mom.

All right.

Dad.

I'm leaving.

I just wanted to say goodbye...

And I love you.

We'll try, we'll try.

-Hey.

-Hi.

Are you okay?

Aw, tu, I'm gonna miss you.

- Okay.

- Don't worry.

Call me when you

get there, okay?

Oh, God.

You ready for a fun ride?

Nope.

All right.

Buckle up your seat belts.

Going in 3, 2, 1!

Whee!

Casey, please drive carefully.

Okay?

I will, Mrs. Moua.

Have a good trip back.

Thank you.

Hey, call me, eh?

If you win first place.

And if you win second,

just text me.

Of course we're gonna

win first place.

Oh, God.

I'll take it from here.

-Oh, okay.

-Yeah.

Thank you.

Don't forget to call

us too, okay?

-Bye, guys.

-Love you.

Get home safe.

I was born during the

season of fire.

The season of destruction,

the season of rebirth.

But I wasn't alive.

I needed help to take

my first breath.

I needed someone to teach me...

That the nature of a son...

Is love.