Next to North Pole (2025)

[bunniefuu]

[jazz music]

Hey.

What is all this?

VICTORIA: I found toilet paper, Michael.

There were only two packs

left, and I snagged one.

You were out shopping again?

VICTORIA: Yeah.

MICHAEL: And you took

the truck too, didn't you?

Well, I'm not going grocery

shopping in the Mercedes.

Besides, I love my truck.

It got me down the Alcan in one piece,

and I only got a few things.

We need to eat, don't we?

You should have seen the shelves, Michael.

Everything was gone.

It was like a second wave hit.

I just... I got what I could.

MICHAEL: This is so,

ugh, ridiculous, Victoria.

And what?

Canned beets?

No one's going to eat this.

I can't handle this right now.

You are out of control.

It's past dinnertime.

You're panic shopping and...

Just... ugh.

VICTORIA: What?

Just put the sh*t away.

We need to talk after dinner.

[tense music]

[somber music]

Did you try putting some

cinnamon sugar on it?

Mom, these beets are barely adequate.

Yeah, they're yucky.

Don't be rude to your mother.

Do you even know what adequate means?

You should have better

table manners by now!

See?

I told you no one was going to eat these.

No dice, huh?

All right, girls, you can be excused.

Oh.

Make sure you brush your teeth.

I'll be up to tuck you in in a minute!

Michael, what is your problem?

[somber music]

Aren't you going to tuck them in?

They're waiting for you.

It's better if I don't.

Have a seat, Victoria.

I'm just going to come out and say it.

I'm having an affair.

What do you want, Michael?

I mean, if you want to

stay, I'll fight like hell for us,

for this family.

But if you want to go, go.

I want a divorce.

We're leaving tonight.

[tense music]

[heartbeat pumping]

["Silent night" playing]

ANNETTE: Daddy!

Daddy, please, please don't leave!

Don't go!

Don't go!

[water pouring]

VICTORIA: [sobbing]

[phone buzzing]

OLIVIA: Dear God, I

don't know if you're real.

But if you are, please help my mom.

She's really sad and I

don't know what to do.

[music playing]

VICTORIA: [gasps] Annette,

you scared me half to death.

Baby, you need to knock.

Remember?

ANNETTE: Sorry, Mommy.

I made you a bracelet.

[music playing]

Thank you, baby.

I'm sorry, honey.

OK, thank you.

I love it.

Come here.

I love you, Mama.

I love you too, baby.

Thank you.

[chatter]

OK, babies, have a great day.

Really, Mom?

OK.

Well, just have a decent day, OK?

Just I love you, and I'll

be back this afternoon

to pick you up.

You promise?

Yes.

Now go.

I made you a picture.

And this is you.

And this is me, I love you.

VICTORIA: OK, thank you.

It's great.

I love it.

Let's get out of the car, OK?

Go.

Go, go, go.

[car honking]

OK!

Get your freaking panties

out of a twist, Karen.

Doing my best here, OK?

[phone ringing]

What?

WOMAN (ON PHONE): Is that

how you answer your phone now?

VICTORIA: Hi, Mom.

ROBIN (ON PHONE): Hi, Vicky.

Mom, please don't call me Vicky.

ROBIN: What?

Oh, fine, Tori, Victoria.

No need to yell at me.

Have you thought about it?

[sighs] Mom, Mom, no one moves

to Alaska in the dead of winter,

OK?

It's ridiculous.

And kids need routine.

And I don't know what

Michael's doing with the house.

And I don't know...

I just... ROBIN (ON PHONE): Stop being...

I just don't know.

ROBIN (ON PHONE): about me, Vicky.

I'm just worried about

you and my grand babies.

I want you home so I can take care of you.

This is where you belong.

This is where your family is.

You belong here.

VICTORIA (ON PHONE): My [inaudible].

Oh, I don't know my [inaudible].

Vicky?

Vicky?

Hello?

Vicky?

VICTORIA (ON PHONE):

Yeah, Mom, I'm still here.

[sighs]

I'm still here.

ROBIN (ON PHONE): Did you hear what I said?

Alaska is your home.

VICTORIA (ON PHONE): I'll

have to talk it over with Michael.

You know, they're his kids, too.

We haven't spoken in a minute.

He lost all claim on you and those kids

when he walked out on you.

I think it's high time they find

out where their roots are from.

Oh.

Mm.

I got to go.

Outhouse is calling me.

[melancholic melody]

[sobbing]

Um, hello.

Do you do family counseling?

Yeah, good, because I need help.

My kids, my... my husband left us.

And I'm stuck.

I'm just... just stuck.

Yeah.

After school, like 3:30?

Yeah.

Next week?

OK, yeah.

sh*t.

Oh, sorry.

No, they're out of school now.

I'm late.

Crap, crap, crap, crap, crap, crap, crap.

What?

Oh, it's Victoria, Olivia,

and Annette Murray.

Yes.

Uh-huh?

What?

Yeah, next week, OK.

Uh-huh, bye.

[car door slams]

THERAPIST: Their routine is already altered

so drastically, Victoria.

But isn't moving just as stressful

as having a family member die?

That's true.

But at this point, I

don't think moving would

be as detrimental as you think.

In fact, I'd argue that attachment

trauma is just as devastating.

Family can be a healing balm for that.

Girls.

THERAPIST: There you go.

I don't like sanitizer.

It stings.

VICTORIA: Hon, you

need to say no, thank you.

No, thank you.

Olivia, can you take her

and wash her hands, please?

Fine.

Here.

Green now?

Go wash your hands.

Can we have the blue one for me to eat?

THERAPIST: [chuckles]

Put your masks on.

You need a support system.

They need a support system.

And if your family can be

there for you in this time,

I strongly suggest you consider it.

Same time next week?

Yes.

All right.

See you all later.

Bye, girls.

[relaxing music]

GIRLS: Bye.

[chatter]

VICTORIA: Hi, babies.

Hi.

Happy Valentine's, Mommy.

Thank you, baby.

You're so sweet, just like candy.

OLIVIA: [gasps] Candies!

Thank you, Mom.

VICTORIA: You're welcome.

Thank you, Mommy.

You're welcome.

Sanitize your hands first.

You gotta sanitize, OK?

OK, get your bag off.

Ready?

- Got it?

- Mm-hmm.

VICTORIA: All right.

That was three drops for me.

OK.

Yup, you get... get your buckles on.

All right.

Buckle up, buttercups.

ANNETTE: Buckle up, buttercups.

OLIVIA: Daddy's here.

VICTORIA: What?

Daddy!

Daddy!

I missed you.

Hey, Happy Valentine's Day, girls.

You remembered.

You didn't think I'd forget

about my little girls, did you?

OLIVIA: Are you coming

inside with us, Daddy?

MICHAEL: Oh, no.

Olivia, I just came by to drop these off.

So we just... yeah, yeah, here.

Girls, you should take

your gifts inside, please.

Go on.

Olivia, shut the door.

What are you playing at?

Showing up here like this.

MICHAEL: Now, don't start overreacting.

You can't bring her here!

MICHAEL: It's my house, Victoria.

Fine.

You can have it.

I don't need it.

We're moving.

What?

You hear that, home wrecker?

You can have him and the house!

Keep your voice down.

The neighbors will hear.

There's no need to cause a scene here.

A scene?

[scoffs] You're so worried about

what everyone thinks about you.

I don't understand how

you can be so concerned

about the neighbor's opinion and yet you

park your sex toy in the

middle of the street for everyone

to see!

That's enough!

What's gotten into you, Victoria?

I don't know, Michael.

Why don't you tell me?

You're good at telling me what I'm thinking

and how I'm feeling.

Why don't you explain to me

what is happening right now?

Well, it's a good thing you want to move

because I've listed the house.

I wanted to tell you in person

because I thought that was

the decent thing to do.

Decent?

I'm done with your surprises.

[sighs] Can you tell me at

least where you're moving to?

I can help get the girls settled,

cover your first month's rent.

We figure out weekends, and...

I don't need your money.

Really?

Because you haven't

written anything or worked

since college, you don't

have the savings to get

a place just out of the blue.

I'm moving home to Alaska.

What?

You can't take the girls up there.

Don't start overreacting, Michael.

You know, you lost any

say when you walked out.

[scoffs] Get serious.

Alaska?

What about... what about the weirdos?

And there's...

Nothing about it.

You never traveled home

with me, not for a holiday,

not once, like my family was beneath you.

What is this?

The papers?

You brought divorce

papers here on Valentine's?

[screaming, sobbing]

What's a home wrecker?

[somber music]

ROBIN (ON PHONE): I don't understand

why you can't come up now.

We agreed that I'll come

up after the kids are out

of school.

ROBIN (ON PHONE): Aren't

they back in remote learning yet?

Yes.

But there's been a spike in cases,

and we want them to finish

out the school year here.

And then when breakup

season is in full swing,

we can head up North.

ROBIN (ON PHONE): I don't see

how them staying at home all day

is better than coming up here.

Ah!

They'd like the snow.

And there's probably only going

to be a couple more weeks of it

left anyway.

The ice sculptures at the Pioneer Park

are already melting.

[phone beeping]

Hang on, Mom.

I'll call you right back.

Michael's calling.

Hello? [Giggling]

MICHAEL (ON PHONE): Hey, glad I caught you.

The realtor called and said there's

some interested buyers who

want to look at the house today.

VICTORIA: But it's Saturday. Exactly,

MICHAEL (ON PHONE): There are...

VICTORIA: They have

pancakes and PJs on Saturday.

- You know that.

- Yum.

[giggling]

MICHAEL (ON PHONE): Need to tidy up...

VICTORIA: Hey, no stealing pancakes.

MICHAEL (ON PHONE): 9:00 to 12:00 or so.

9:00?

Wait a minute.

That's in, like, 15 minutes.

MICHAEL (ON PHONE):

Well, that's what she said.

You might want to put down a mat.

It's really coming down out there.

No.

What?

VICTORIA (ON PHONE): You heard me.

Victoria...

[phone dial tone]

ROBIN (ON PHONE): Uh-oh.

I can tell by your face

that that did not go well.

VICTORIA: Yeah.

There's change of plans, Mom.

We're coming up as soon as we can.

ROBIN (ON PHONE): Oh, really?

Oh, that's wonderful!

I will tell Mom.

She is going to be thrilled.

OK, bye.

[continuing soothing music]

[thunder cracking]

ANNETTE: Mom, what

is it like living in Alaska?

Lonely.

But we have each other.

OK?

Plus, it's not just Alaska.

It's the North Pole!

[gasps]

[somber music]

Why isn't everyone wearing their masks?

VICTORIA: People up here

just live by their own set of rules.

They've got Bears And

freezing weather to worry about.

So invisible germs just had to get in line.

Come on, let's go find your grandma.

Oh, my goodness.

I haven't seen you guys

since you were tiny babies.

Oh, look how you've grown.

How old are you now?

16?

I'm almost a 0-teen.

Oh, what is that?

VICTORIA: It's a pre-tween thing.

It means she's almost 9 going on 10.

ROBIN: [laughs]

Hi, Mom.

ROBIN: Hi, Vicky.

Mom, I don't go by Vicky.

OLIVIA: Do you have a nickname?

No.

ROBIN: Oh, she does.

I always called her Vicky.

And then in college, she

got all formal, always insisted

on being called Victoria.

[laughs]

OLIVIA: Really?

Oh, yes.

She used to be a lot more

fun... playing in the mud,

climbing trees.

I could hardly keep her in the house.

She always wanted to be outside

building forts behind the house.

Can I have a nickname?

I'd like to be called to Liv.

Oh, I love that.

No, no, Olivia.

We can't forget who we are.

Besides, your father wouldn't like it.

Oh, please, Vicky.

VICTORIA: Mom.

All right, fine.

Victoria, after you.

[laughs]

[gentle music]

[dog barking]

ROBIN: We're here, we're here.

Come in, come in.

ROBIN: Ah!

Look how big these girls are.

GAT: Hello, it's so good to see you.

Give us a kiss.

Oh, wait!

You need to quarantine.

Have you been exposed?

Exposed?

What a rude thing to ask.

Oh, shut up.

You know what I mean.

Nobody's kissing anybody.

Robin, take those bags downstairs.

I don't want them clogging up the entrance.

All right, fine.

Hi, Grandma.

Hi, Gat.

[laughs]

Uh, we're going to... we're

going to wash our hands.

(SINGING) This time,

won't you sing with me?

OK.

[clears throat]

This is Olivia, and this is Annette.

GAB: Of course, you are.

You're so beautiful.

[laughs]

This is your Great, Great Aunt Gat.

But you can call me Tonka.

Her real name is Sarah,

but nobody calls her that.

I gave your mom a bright yellow metal Tonka

truck when she was little.

And after that, she

called me Tonka for years.

We shortened it to G-A-now because we're old.

Yeah, that's an acronym

for Great Aunt Tonka

An acronym is sort of like initials.

Why does everybody

have a different name here?

I asked for a nickname,

Liv, but Mom said no.

Liv is a great name.

Well, we are not changing it.

ANNETTE: My name is

Annette, two Ns and two Ts.

Don't call me Annie because I don't sing.

GAT: [laughs]

Oh.

[laughs]

ROBIN: What did I miss?

NANCY: Oh, nothing.

Let's get dinner started.

These girls must be starved.

ROBIN: Mm.

[gentle music]

This is the junk drawer.

It's full of stuff just for kids.

OLIVIA: [giggling]

GAT: I bet some of this stuff

are, like, your mom's old toys.

ANNETTE: What's this?

OLIVIA: Oh, cool.

ANNETTE: Whoa.

[soft music]

What?

Well, it's our home now.

Come on.

We'll have to make the beds.

[whirring]

It'll be like camping.

You guys did well today.

I'm so proud of you.

Mom, I'm scared.

There's weird noises down here.

It's just pipes in here.

I'll be right here with you.

Would a night-light help?

I've got one.

Here we go.

There.

Is that better?

ANNETTE: Not really.

I'll be right upstairs if you need me, OK?

You promise?

I promise.

OK?

Good night.

OLIVIA: Don't worry, it'll be OK.

ANNETTE: Mm.

VICTORIA: [sighs]

I'll get a job and I'll start

hunting for an apartment

as soon as I can.

Nonsense!

You just got here.

You can't run a marathon when

your feet just got chopped off.

Give it some time, Tori.

Get your feet back under you first.

[gentle music]

[upbeat music]

GAT: Oh, come on.

I got...

Hey, Grandma, what's your email address?

The school here wants one for

a Zoom call to register the kids.

You don't have email?

Even we have email.

Well, Michael has

access to all my accounts.

It's the mosquito net one.

Wait, still?

It still works.

Oh, you heal me!

I'm trying.

Oh!

Get that guy, get that guy!

Mosquitonet.com.

Sorry, my grandma's

playing World of Warcraft.

Yeah.

Hello?

Hello?

What?

Grandma, I can't hear

anything on this phone.

Everything's all muffled.

[banging]

Sometimes moisture gets in the line

and it makes the connection staticky.

Hello?

Hello?

Yeah, I think she hung up, probably

because of all that banging.

Well, does anyone have a cell phone?

I haven't set mine up yet.

ROBIN: Mine's not charged.

Joe's got mine.

Who's Joe?

GAT: The fella I live with.

We live out in the Bush.

We only come into town when we need to get

supplies once in a while.

I have a cell phone.

[upbeat music]

This is ridiculous.

I need to register the kids for school.

My cell phone was a gift.

It has no contract.

And you never run out of minutes.

I'm on 12s this week

and I cannot be late again.

Those were so ridiculous.

Mom.

Mom, Mom, can I borrow your car?

I'll drop you off and

I'll pick you up later.

Hurry up.

I can't be late again.

OK.

NANCY: It's not like

they're going to fire you.

They need all the help

they can get over there.

And you're the most experienced.

The most senior!

Yeah.

Gat, can you watch the girls for me

while I run a few errands?

Of course!

Take your time.

[laughs]

NANCY: Close that door.

You let the cold in.

GAT: It's not that cold.

NANCY: It's cold enough.

When you start paying the bills at the end,

you can tell me about the weather.

[playing piano]

[upbeat music]

No, stop.

Once your fingertips leave that card,

you may not touch it again.

No table talk.

NANCY: This is not table talk.

It's basic game etiquette.

That's true.

You don't want to be

accused of cheating at cards.

NANCY: Yes, this is Alaska.

It's the last frontier.

What's a frontier?

Like the Wild, Wild West, only colder.

If you were caught cheating

at cards, you'd be shot dead.

NANCY: Indeed.

Gat, get my g*n.

[gentle music]

OLIVIA: [screams] Why would you do that?

That's not funny.

NANCY: You're right.

The rules of card playing

are no laughing matter.

Daddy taught us to sh**t.

He would be your great, great grandfather.

Yeah, but you couldn't

hit the broad side of a shed

if you were standing in it.

I was always the better shot.

There was that one time, though.

I took down the moose

that wandered into our yard.

And it

BOTH:fed us through the winter.

Lucky shot.

You're still piss poor at aiming.

[toy g*n whirring]

[rock music]

[sobbing]

[scratching]

[sobbing]

[car warning beeping]

[somber music]

Hey.

Hey, sorry, I'm so late.

I ran a bunch of errands, and then I just

figured I'd pick up Mom

anyway. So I stayed out.

I would have called, but...

It's fine.

The girls are in bed.

We had a good time.

Why have you never taught

your girls to play cards, huh?

I've never had an occasion to play cards.

Who needs an occasion?

So what were you up to?

I was looking around to

see if anyone was hiring.

But just... didn't go so well.

Give it time, dear.

You never know what'll come your way.

She's so uptight now.

So are you.

NANCY: Oh, hush.

We raised her here to be fun and free.

No occasion to play cards...

I just don't know what happened.

ANNETTE: [giggling]

VICTORIA: Hey, you guys.

Oh, you're still awake, huh?

Yeah.

Mom, we were waiting for you.

VICTORIA: Oh?

Great Grandma's going to sh**t all of you.

Then Tonka got hurt!

VICTORIA: What?

Uh, we were playing cards.

And they have these toy

g*ns and were sh**ting us.

Pow!

Pow-pow!

It was just so funny.

They are just so silly.

Yeah, I know.

Lay down and go to sleep.

You guys need to go

to sleep, get some rest.

OLIVIA: OK.

ANNETTE: Great Grandma

got us a better nigh-light.

[somber music]

So hey, Mom, how was your day at work?

You know, you didn't really

say much on the way home.

We had two new COVID

cases at the hospital today,

and a young woman hit

a moose on the highway.

Her face was kicked to hamburger.

Dr. E did all she could in surgery.

But the poor thing is

going to be scarred for life.

She'll probably need extra,

extra reconstructive surgery.

Are you going to eat that?

You can have it.

All right.

So no job prospects, but the

girls are going to go to school?

Yeah.

Yeah, the school said that they just

need to do a little report because we're so

close to the end of the year.

And then I registered them to start

back full time in the fall.

With masks, right?

Yes, Mom, and distancing.

You're such a hypochondriac.

Excuse me, Vicky.

You know where I work.

I see positive cases coming

into the hospital every day.

Oh, yeah.

You're so concerned for our health

and yet you smoke your cancer sticks.

[sighs]

What?

It's just hypocritical.

Don't start, Vicky.

Ever since Dad left, you smoke.

Have you even tried to quit?

We all deal with things

in our own way, Vicky.

Mom, it's Tori or Victoria.

I've told you a thousand times!

Oh, for god's sake!

I named you Victoria, I will

call you whatever I please.

Like the time that you called me Husky?

Remember that during my pudgy phase?

Yes, but I thought that "Husky" was cute.

Oh, you've always been big boned.

And there's nothing wrong with baby fat.

Husky was adorable.

Don't body shame me.

You don't get to body shame me anymore.

And Dad is the one who named me.

But you get to shame me?

[sighs]

She started it.

That kind of behavior is

unacceptable in this house,

Tori.

This is ridiculous.

I am a grown woman.

Then act like it.

You should go apologize to her.

Your mother is heartbroken.

She always has been.

And now she's heartbroken over you.

You know better.

Respect your elders.

[gentle music]

[coughing]

Sorry, Mom.

OK.

Aren't you going to apologize, too?

What for?

I don't know, for shutting me

out and working all the time,

just being a great example?

Look, I know I wasn't always

there when you needed me.

I wasn't there because I couldn't be.

What you're going through

right now, I've been there.

I got stuck there.

And I don't want you to be stuck too.

You'll grow bitter.

And you'll block everyone out.

You need to get out of this house.

Enjoy the summer months before we get

shut in again from the virus and winter.

And, oh, show the girls around some.

Help them get settled.

[soft music]

I'm exhausted.

I'm going to bed.

[gentle music]

Are you giving me something?

What is it?

ANNETTE: It's a foxtail.

Thank you.

Yeah!

[water splashing]

Ooh.

Thank you.

Whoa, look at that.

There's reindeer.

[gasps]

Yup, this is where I grew up.

I'm excited to show you guys around...

And see if they're hiring.

[whimsical music]

- Mom!

- Santa!

- Santa!

- Can we meet Santa?

Please, please, please?

OK, OK.

Let's all get in line.

OLIVIA: Yeah!

ANNETTE: Yay!

VICTORIA: All right.

[chatter]

And who do we have here?

Welcome.

- Go say hi.

- Hi, Santa.

I'm Liv.

This is my sister, Annette.

Hi, Santa.

[chuckles]

Tori, is that you?

I haven't seen you in years.

[chuckles] Yeah.

How are you, Santa?

Well, jolly and plump as ever.

h*, h*, h*, h*.

OLIVIA: Mom knows Santa?

This Christmas is going to be awesome!

Look who it is.

It's old Tori, back from

her adventures down South.

Hope for good.

Oh, I don't know.

I don't know how long we're going to stay.

Hi, Kevin.

You still work here?

Hi.

Yes, yeah.

I still work here for the summer months.

What are you doing here?

I mean, how are you?

Oh.

Why don't you give them

a candy cane, Kevin?

Thank you, Mrs. Claus.

ANNETTE: Thank you.

Do you want to grab a cup of coffee?

Oh, I have the kids.

KEVIN: Oh, right.

Go have a cup There is

no one in line behind you.

And besides, I've got

to hear the whole list

of this little one.

VICTORIA: All right.

You guys go ahead and

tell Santa your wish list, OK?

Hi.

SANTA: h*, h*, h*, h*, h*, h*, h*.

The coffee shop's this way.

OK.

It's so beautiful.

It was so cool when they did it.

It was like, yes, all the space.

I can't believe you're still working here.

It's... it's fun.

Yeah?

I get to help out Santa with the kids.

It's a job.

It's a job.

[chuckles] Yeah.

It keeps me around.

Yeah.

I'm going to go take

my bells off real quick.

[laughs] OK.

I'll just order the coffee?

Are you going to order?

Yeah, I... I was just

waiting for you to ask.

Right.

OK.

I will take a peppermint mocha, please,

in 16 ounce and two children's hot cocoas

but at a kids' friendly temperature.

So you want a lukewarm chocolate water?

Well, yeah, but you still

have to steam the milk.

And then you have to add chocolate.

And then you have to add...

KEVIN: Add the whipped cream on top.

And don't forget the candy cane sprinkles.

And candy cane sprinkles.

SERVER: Whatever.

Here.

Have a holi-jolly-day.

Thank you, helpful elf.

What is her problem?

Are you going to order?

[playful music]

She's new here.

What other animals have

magical flying abilities?

ANNETTE: Unicorns, duh.

OLIVIA: Alicorn, isn't it?

KEVIN: What's an alicorn?

VICTORIA: It's a unicorn with wings.

Oh.

Well, these guys don't need wings to fly.

VICTORIA: Thanks for showing

us Santa's reindeer, right, guys?

Yeah.

I've actually... yeah.

I've actually been taking

the kids all around town,

just showing them places, you know,

that we used to hang out growing up.

So how long are you visiting for?

VICTORIA: Oh, I don't really know.

How's your dad?

He's hanging in there.

You should come by.

He would really love to see you.

That'd be nice.

I just don't know how

long we'll be in town for.

Right.

Well, maybe I could take you

to the Knotty Shop for ice cream.

It'll be like old times,

working the tourist hotspots.

Well, I don't...

I don't really know how

long we'll be in town, so.

OK.

Can I have your cell number?

Well, I don't really have a cell phone.

You can call my grandma's number.

That's still the same.

OK.

Well, I'll see you around.

Bye, girls.

It was really nice to meet you both.

OLIVIA: Bye, Mr. Kevin.

[whimsical music]

Bye, Tori.

VICTORIA: Bye.

Bye!

Bye!

[playful music]

[distant laughter]

Anybody else?

1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7

Is the house on fire?

OLIVIA: It's cigarette smoke, isn't it?

VICTORIA: Why don't

you guys go on downstairs

and I'll be down in just a minute.

[laughter, chatter]

I'm working hard at this stage of the game.

Hey, guys.

Hey.

Hey, Tori.

You want to play a hand?

You can take my place.

VICTORIA: No, thanks.

Do you guys mind not smoking tonight?

Just kind of keeping it down a little.

It was really overwhelming for the girls.

Keep it down a little bit?

ROBIN: Oh, please, Vicky, you

were raised on secondhand smoke

and you turned out just fine.

[coughing]

You can't be serious.

VICTORIA: I am very serious.

They're terrible for your health.

Please.

Everything is terrible

for your health nowadays.

If the virus doesn't get

you, something else will.

Everything causes cancer too.

NANCY: It does in California.

[laughter]

That's so funny.

Great talk.

That's not allowed!

[laughter, chatter]

They sting.

I know, baby.

Just keep these in your eyes

until you get some rest, OK?

It's too loud.

VICTORIA: Oh.

On your ears, OK?

There.

I got you.

How's that, huh?

Mom, it's too light.

[sighs]

OK.

That should keep out the midnight sun, OK?

You Know, we won't live

here forever, just till I get a job.

ANNETTE: I like it here.

OK.

Mom, it's too dark.

[grunts]

Oh, what happened?

ROBIN: What happens to all

of us after the fairy tale is over.

Forever after was solitary confinement.

Well, she always was pretty headstrong.

She'll be OK once she finds herself again.

I just worry about those little girls.

NANCY: Hopefully, they'll

learn how to leave a mess behind

and how to work for a good life.

Mm-hm.

You know, that reminds

me of a story from when

I was back on the trail.

Because you followed behind

the mess from all those dogs?

What?

Not another Iditarod story.

Oh, I bet it smells fantastic.

Don't disrespect my dog.

Awoo.

Awoo.

Woo.

Hey, come on, guys.

Play some cards.

Let's keep going.

[upbeat music]

Girls, do you want to meet Bigfoot?

VICTORIA: High five?

High five?

KEVIN: Annette.

[roars]

[tv chatter]

SERVER: Anything else for you guys?

Girls, you need to say,

thank you, Mr. Kevin.

GIRLS: Thank you, Mr. Kevin.

KEVIN: You're welcome, girls.

VICTORIA: It's a good thing my grandma

answered the phone since she refuses

to get an answering machine.

Do they even make

answering machines anymore?

I don't know.

AMKA: Tori?

Fancy family life didn't

work out for you, huh?

You had to come crawling back home?

I see Kevin wasted no

time welcoming you back.

Am?

Hey, Kev.

I'd watch out if I were you.

Tori's on the rebound after her divorce.

You don't want to be

the rebound guy, do you?

KEVIN: You're divorced?

AMKA: She didn't tell you?

Her rich husband kept

everything and left her destitute,

living in her grandmother's basement.

It's just finalized and raw.

But yeah, I mean, I'm...

I guess I'm divorced now.

Stop saying divorce!

VICTORIA: Olivia!

KEVIN: Way to go, Amka.

What?

That was totally uncalled for.

Sorry to ruin your little date or whatever.

We're on a little date?

[soft music]

ROBIN: Any luck today?

No.

I'm starting to think I'll never get a job

and I'll be stuck living

in Grandma's basement

the rest of my life.

How was your day?

Three people died today.

[muffled sobs] I don't want

to talk about it, so just drive.

[toy g*n whirring]

Nice try, Gat.

Well, I thought I'd blast you one more

time before saying goodbye.

I'm heading out to the haul road.

ANNETTE: You're leaving?

Yeah.

I don't live here, remember, little one?

I live in the Bush with Joe.

It's going to be OK, little one.

Here, take my g*n till I get back.

Somebody's got to keep

old bossy britches in check.

Yeah, big Sisters are bossy.

They sure are.

I'm going to miss you guys.

Tori, take care of yourself and

those little precious darlings.

I will.

See you, Robin.

ROBIN: Bye, love.

Hey, call us when you get there.

- Let us know you arrive safely.

- Oh, yeah.

Call us on the phone

that may or may not work.

[laughs] Bye.

[phone ringing]

Hello?

KEVIN (ON PHONE): Hello, Victoria?

It's Kevin.

I'm glad you answered the phone.

Well, somebody had to.

I mean, hi, hello.

KEVIN (ON PHONE): Yeah.

I'm calling to apologize

for the ice cream debacle.

Oh, no, I I'm the one who should apologize.

I should have been honest with you.

Who are you talking to?

Shh.

Girls, I need you to get ready for bed.

Mommy, I made you a picture.

VICTORIA (ON PHONE): Another one?

Oh, thanks, baby.

Mwah.

All right.

Go brush your teeth, OK?

KEVIN: So what do you say?

What was that?

KEVIN (ON PHONE): Would you and your girls

like to come over for dinner tomorrow

night with Dad and I, you

know, to make up for lying?

Tell her I said hi.

KEVIN: Dad says hello.

It's Kevin.

He's asking the girls

and I over for dinner.

Oh, that's nice.

Say yes.

Tell Kevin I said hello and...

Oh, how's his father?

Um, OK.

And Grandma says hi.

What?

You're breaking up.

[banging]

VICTORIA (ON PHONE): I said yes.

And tell your dad that Grandma says hello.

She said yes, and she's

looking forward to seeing you.

So she's coming to dinner to see me?

[chuckles] You're welcome.

[upbeat music]

OLIVIA: Mom, Annette was the floater.

No, I didn't.

VICTORIA: I don't care who did it.

Just flush it!

[knocking]

Hi.

Hello and welcome.

Tori, is that you?

Come in, come in.

Who is that?

It's not nice to point.

Who's that?

You mean your mom didn't tell you about me?

Tori, I am wounded.

Come over here, beautiful,

give this old man a hug.

Hi.

Oh, gosh.

It's been a long time.

Damn right it has.

I've missed you, girl.

You would not believe the

trouble your mom caused

when she'd come around here.

She was a spunky little thing.

I remember, one summer, she

came riding up on her bicycle,

dressed in a ballerina

outfit with knee-high socks

and a slingshot in one hand.

[laughter]

VICTORIA: Oh, my gosh, I remember that.

[laughs]

JIM: That was it for old Kev.

What was it?

Oh, nothing.

Your mom was a real scrapper.

She had a mean knuckle sandwich.

[laughs]

All right.

That's enough, Jim.

That's enough.

I can't believe you forgot about

us up here in the Frozen North

and after you gave me these.

What are those?

JIM: Those are forget-me-nots.

That's our state flower.

Your mom gave me these

when she was your age,

just to prove she's not all spice.

There's some sugar there, too.

[laughs] I had Kevin bring a bunch

in to brighten the room up.

But I think you three

have got that covered.

VICTORIA: Hmm.

[chuckles]

VICTORIA: It's a little tippy.

Just try it.

And if you don't like it,

you don't have to eat it, OK?

Is that lasagne?

JIM: Thank you.

VICTORIA: You're welcome.

Thank you.

So I'm working in the

backyard, right, back there.

I can't even remember what I was doing.

But it doesn't matter.

All of a sudden, I hear this scream.

What's that?

I couldn't believe it.

I thought, my god, somebody's gotten k*lled

or hit by a car or something.

I didn't know what to do.

I run out to the front

of the house, I mean,

as fast as I could.

My heart was beating like

a thousand beats a minute.

And what do I see?

I see your mom has Kevin with his arm

draped over her shoulder.

She's holding him up and

Kevin just bawling his eyes out.

And he's got a skinned knee...

A skinned knee, wept like a baby.

And there's your mom, huh?

Two skinned knees and not

a tear to be seen, dry eyes

everywhere, not one tear.

Now that, ladies, is one tough cookie.

She's smart and she's tough, huh?

[chuckles]

[knocking]

KEVIN: Excuse Me.

ANNETTE: She's not a coookie, though.

She's not a real-life cookie.

[laughs] Not a real-life cookie, no.

ANNETTE: I'll just eat

her up if she is in real life.

AMKA: What's going on?

[whispering]

AMKA: Why is she here?

Because if you don't

patch this up, you'll...

Kevin invited me here

under false pretenses.

Apparently, he thinks we need to make up.

And I owe you an apology.

Hi, Amka.

Hi, [non-English].

I didn't know you had kids.

[clears throat] I'm sorry.

JIM: Will you join us for dinner?

Well, I am starving.

JIM: Isn't this nice?

One big happy family.

AMKA: Oh, yeah, it's great, a family

dinner with a fake best friend.

KEVIN: Amka, come on, at least try.

Fine.

Hi, Tori.

How's things?

I'm doing great.

My mom got sober.

I graduated from UAF with honors.

I got a great paying job as a

scientist with lots of friends.

And I'm an overall happy person.

How about you?

KEVIN: Can you pass her this?

Please excuse me.

Way to go, Amka.

What did I say?

It was the beets.

She made beets the night Dad left.

I didn't like them.

Nobody likes them.

I smother them in butter,

brown sugar, and cinnamon

when Kevin isn't looking so

I can get rid of the dirt taste.

You know what dirt tastes like?

Of course, I do.

Don't you?

[gentle music]

Hey, I said I was sorry.

Not now, Amka.

I can't breathe.

Hey, sis!

I know.

[deep breathing]

I know.

It'll pass.

You're flooding right now.

The girl said the beets triggered you?

Glad it wasn't me.

My heart won't stop racing.

It will, it will.

Thanks.

Sure.

VICTORIA: I just had to get out.

And when I got accepted to

that Ivy League writing program, I

just...

I know you took your shot.

I don't begrudge you for that.

I just lost my partner in crime

when I needed her the most.

And I never got out.

Sure, I made the most of it.

But I never even left the state.

Well, if it makes you feel

any better, I graduated.

But I never landed a real job.

Yeah, makes me feel a little better.

Yeah, I got pregnant the

last year of grad school,

and I stayed home.

And Michael finished law school.

Your ex is a lawyer?

Yeah.

Wow, I really am sorry now.

[chuckles]

Hey, I come to check on you two.

There's no blood or broken bones, right?

If there were, would you cry about it?

[soft music]

It's not even a good story.

[panting] Oh my god, this is terrible.

Why did you suggest running?

I saw it on TV once.

It's what women are supposed

to do to build friendships.

What?

That's stupid.

Then why'd you come?

I don't know.

I just thought if I hadn't

gained all that baby weight,

the quarantine 15, I just...

I just thought maybe

I'd still have a family?

And if I just work really hard and work it

off and just punish myself, then

maybe I'll be enough, you know?

Maybe I'll be enough.

Listen, sister, you're enough

and amazing, you know?

It doesn't have to be you

against the whole world

fighting.

You got me now.

And you do have family, you know?

Yeah, a crazy family.

Yeah, but they love you.

Him leaving was his choice.

He could have... he could have stayed.

He could have sought out

counseling from a professional

instead of a h*-bag.

That was a hundred percent his choice.

You couldn't have done better or known

better if you didn't even know

what kind of space he was in.

I just thought he was stressed, you know,

from work and the pandemic.

Secrets destroy relationships

and poison our souls.

When did you get to be so wise?

I'm Native, it's in my blood.

Yeah, OK.

Then why did you suggest running?

It's good for your

nervous system right now.

With all the crazy stuff

going in your life right now,

you need to go sensory

to calm that crap down.

And it's good for your panic attacks.

Oh.

So Kevin invited me to a late lunch.

Oh, yeah?

What does that mean?

I don't know.

Maybe it's a little less

formal than a dinner date?

Kevin and I dated for a bit.

What?

I didn't know that.

I know.

You didn't call or write or anything.

I know, I'm sorry.

I'm sorry about that.

It didn't go anywhere.

It was like kissing my brother.

We called it that night.

And we've just been friends ever

since, more like acquaintances.

We see each other at

the Ren Fest every year

and when I work at the

Knotty Shop in the summertime.

So you guys aren't hanging out anymore?

No.

There was really no reason

to without our lynchpin.

Oh, I've missed you.

Me too.

You have no idea.

So you need a babysitter?

Yeah, and food.

Yeah, I'm starving.

VICTORIA: I spent my

whole life trying to be seen.

And he just proved it that I'm invisible.

It's only been a few months, Tori.

It takes time to heal.

It feels like it's been an entire lifetime.

Listen, if you allow yourself to wallow,

you're going to drown.

And you're going to drown

your kids right down with you.

I can't even see myself, Amka.

It's like I don't even

know who I am anymore.

I used to be fun.

I remember.

Do I look OK?

Is it Easter Sunday?

What?

Joking.

I like that top sweater thing.

Thanks, I got it at the cr*cker Barrel.

What's that?

Oh, I forgot don't have those here.

It's an adorable Southern restaurant,

and they have these cute little syrup

bottles that Michael loved.

Oh.

Dang, girl, you got your

clothes at a restaurant?

Here I'm thinking you're fancy, wearing

your pearls with your

bathrobe around the house.

But it is fancy.

You know what, that is next level shopping.

Yeah, but they probably

don't ship to Alaska, though.

That's true, probably don't.

Thanks for watching the girls.

And?

And being awesome?

You got that right.

They're a little Children of the

Corn, Village of the Damned.

But they're pretty cute.

Nuh-uh.

Oh.

You know what, it's too soon.

I don't want to lead Kevin on.

Who cares?

Just go, be curious.

He's cute.

I know you think so.

But he's not as cute as

one of my LARPer guys

I'm jonesing after, though.

One of your what?

LARPer guys, you know,

live action role play?

Although, the only time I

see him is when he's a paladin

and we're both dressed up in our costumes.

You can't be serious.

What?

Like, there's anything

else to do around here.

It's fun.

I get out of the lab and

get to let my hair down.

Plus, we run the Ren Fest together, too.

I bet you do.

Well, that was before

they shut everything down.

I haven't seen him in almost a year.

What?

You should call him.

I can't.

I don't even know his real name.

Maybe it's better that way, keeps them

all perfect and mysterious.

VICTORIA: Yeah, because then

you'll realize nobody's perfect.

It'll just break your heart.

I don't mind that.

Jeez, Debbie Downer, awful-tize much?

It's just that I'd be disappointed

if he turned out to be a basement

rat with no job or prospects.

Oh, crap, sorry.

It's all right.

I forgive you.

What?

A wooden spoon over your mac and cheese?

You know that doesn't work, right?

You have to use oil to

calm that starch down.

Kids, come help set the

table for lunch with Amka.

AMKA: Well, duh.

I know about chemical bonds and stuff.

I'm a super smart scientist, remember?

I thought you primarily

dealt with human fluids?

Eww.

AMKA: Oh, yeah.

I got vials and cups of this stuff

all over my shelves in my office.

I gotta be careful when I

reach for my coffee cup.

Gross.

Get out of here, Tori.

You're going to be late for your hot date.

It is not a hot date.

It is just a lunch with a friend,

you know, and all that jazz.

Yeah, all that jazz.

Stop it.

AMKA: Tennis shoes with that outfit?

Yeah.

I mean, I'm fancier

now, but I'm still practical.

Jeez.

All right.

You guys be good, OK?

All of you.

AMKA: Get out of here.

I got more gross stories to tell

your adorable crotch goblins.

And I'm going to show

you my pet ferret, too.

You have a pet ferret?

Yeah, his name's Denali

and he likes saltine crackers.

Awesome.

You are so cool.

I know.

[gentle music]

Thanks.

Ooh, you got the good bug dope.

It's the only stuff that semi-works.

Hey, not so close to the

truck, it'll peel the paint.

Yet I spray it directly on my skin.

Better than being

covered in mosquito bites.

Yeah, the mosquitoes

up here are disrespectful.

PBJ?

Oh, you're a true chef, Kev.

I also got egg rolls from Pagoda.

[gasps] Yum.

My pleasure.

So you going to tell me your story?

You don't beat around the bush, do you?

Nope, life's too short.

There is no story.

I tried to be something

more, and I became a clich.

I never wanted to be a single mom.

You know, I grew up in that world.

I know how hard it is.

And I've got to figure it out.

I'm just... I'm terrible at it.

I never thought I'd be here, you know?

You are a fantastic mom.

Yeah, thanks, if only I could

provide basic necessities

like food and shelter.

I need a job.

KEVIN: Don't beat yourself up.

It will happen.

I know it will.

You are a great writer.

I remember your stuff from high school.

And if you can't get anything local,

you can always freelance online.

Everything is online now since COVID.

And it's probably safer

anyway, less exposure

for you and for the girls.

VICTORIA: Yeah, I left everything behind.

I don't even have clothes for interviews.

You look great.

Thanks.

I don't even know why I

packed this, just throwing things

in a suitcase, willy-nilly.

Well, I think you should

go to Value Village.

It's affordable.

Oh, yeah, bargain hunting.

I used to love that.

I used to love that so

much, thrifting and...

Hm.

What about you?

What's your story?

Well, after Mom OD'd,

Dad had his second stroke.

And I had to stay and

take care of him ever since.

Summer tourist circuit keeps me close

to home, not the same cash-wise as work

in the fishing rig or slope.

But I'm there for him.

So what are you doing for summer solstice?

Well, I don't really know.

Well, dad Wants to grill

out and have people over.

Care to bring the girls?

It could be fun.

I remember fun.

Me too.

[gentle music]

I'll think about it.

I think the girls really like you.

That's because I'm a big kid.

[car starting]

[sighs]

Oh, man.

So this is embarrassing.

Um, Chuck won't start.

I didn't even bring my phone.

It's OK.

I didn't want to get distracted.

It's OK.

We'll just find somebody to flag down.

[music playing]

KEVIN: Thanks.

Hey, Dad.

Yeah, and I just moved back.

So... so do any editing?

I could.

Well, I'm an independent writer,

and I need a good editor.

The last guy was a garbage.

VICTORIA: Oh.

Well, I could definitely do

some proofreading or line editing.

Well, call me when you get home.

I will, I definitely will.

Thank you.

Thank you for stopping.

And you still have time to make out.

[soft music]

[somber music]

[lively music]

[doorbell dinging]

Mr. Kevin, hi.

We're having a spa day.

VICTORIA: Olivia.

Hi.

Amka said that we should do spa stuff.

KEVIN: So I see.

I just thought I'd come by and see if you'd

considered the bonfire.

Dad has continues to ask about it.

And phone here is spotty, so...

Mr. Jim? Yay.

Can we go?

Please, please, please?

Oh, yeah.

Sorry, I hadn't gotten

back to you about that yet.

Yeah, OK.

All right.

Sure.

[oil sizzling, gentle music]

Hi.

Corndog?

No, thanks.

All right.

Where are Olivia and Annette?

Oh, they're inside.

They're with your dad.

They love him so much.

He loves the attention.

It's been pretty lonely

with just him and I.

[crunching]

Hey, so I wanted to ask

you if you wanted to go

to Seward on a road trip

with me for the mountain

marathon 5K race.

You know, soaking up the

sun before summer ends?

Tonight's the midnight sun.

It's all downhill from here.

I love that race.

Oh, my gosh.

I remember that.

All these...

[guitar playing]

These people trying

to run down the mountain

and see who could,

like, fall down the fastest.

I know.

That's why I thought it

would be a fun tradition

to share with your girls.

Yeah.

You know what, why not?

I'd love to.

Yeah.

We can plan a trip, drive down.

VICTORIA: And go camping by the ocean.

KEVIN: Yeah, camping, of course.

Well, you know, hotels

are kind of expensive for me

right now.

And I don't really want

you paying for everything.

Camping is fine with me.

Mind if I sit?

Sure, go ahead.

So I don't mind driving,

but we need another tent.

Oh.

My grandma might have one.

That'd be good, yeah.

[fading chatter]

[humming]

(SINGING) Always you

It was, ooh

Always you

It was, ooh

Always you

It was, ooh

Thanks for helping me get some groceries.

I just want a few things for the trip.

No problem.

I want you to have a good time.

Yeah, me too.

[gasps] Stop.

That's my paladin.

It is?

Mm-hmm.

You going to say hi?

Mm.

Hello, milady.

Greetings.

I'm Victoria.

Hi, I'm Greg.

Nice to meet you.

Oh, same.

I'm going to give you guys a minute.

I'm going to... close your mouth.

Hi.

KEVIN: And we're off.

Seward, here we come.

OLIVIA: How far is it?

KEVIN: It's around 500 miles.

And we're going to have

a great time getting there.

OLIVIA: I need to use the restroom.

VICTORIA: Already?

Can you hold it until we're

at least through Fairbanks?

OLIVIA: I'll try.

[upbeat music]

I'll just gas us up.

Gas us up?

Hey, bathroom's broke.

You want to use outhouse,

you can use the woods out back.

But you got to watch out.

I seen some wolf tracks

out there the other day.

Might have been an old one or a sickly one

since they were alone, but still.

You got to crap with both eyes open.

You hear?

Stay alert.

You want some candy?

OLIVIA: No, Annette.

Thanks.

Sorry.

ANNETTE: Is there really a wolf back here?

I think we'll be OK.

Come on, let's go.

(SINGING) Backwoods

girl, up in the early morning

Hauling water in a cold snow storm

Don't fall in!

(SINGING) Can't believe

all the things that you do

Who couldn't love a

backwoods woman like you?

You've walked for miles

through the wind and rain

Cabin's cold

But you never complain

Can't believe all the things that you do

Who couldn't love a

backwoods woman like you?

Who couldn't love the way you

keep that smile upon your face?

Your way of telling me

There's such a thing as harmony

Backwoods girl, I'm

wearing the shirt you wove

Biscuits cooking on a hot wood stove

Can't believe all the things you can do

Who couldn't love a

backwoods woman like you?

Who couldn't love backwoods woman like you?

Who couldn't love the way you

keep that smile upon your face?

Your way of telling me

There's such a thing as harmony

Backwoods girl, I'm

wearing the shirt you wove

Biscuits cooking on a hot wood stove

Can't

OLIVIA: Hey.

[giggling]

Mm.

(SINGING) Who couldn't love

a backwoods woman like you?

Who couldn't love

OLIVIA: Are there yet?

KEVIN: No.

You want to see some animals?

ANNETTE: OK.

OLIVIA: Do they have a bathroom?

KEVIN: Yes, they have bathrooms there.

VICTORIA: [laughs]

[upbeat music]

So that's why you brought me here, huh?

Yeah, totally.

[laughs] They're just not

going to make it the whole way.

KEVIN: I know a spot in

Moose Pass we can rest.

[gentle music]

This is how you cook a

marshmallow just right.

OLIVIA: Camping is the best.

Ha.

VICTORIA: Is it good?

All right, girls.

I want you to to go get ready for bed, OK?

[groans]

Hey, we have to get up

really early in the morning.

We got to get a good spot

for the race, remember?

OK?

Good night.

Hey, you need to wash your hands.

Can I have those?

All right.

Take those in there and

wash your hands, OK?

All right.

Do a good job.

Good night, girls.

OLIVIA: Good night, Mr. Kevin.

ANNETTE: Good night, Mr. Kevin.

Thanks for bringing us here, Kevin.

Thanks for bringing me.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

Well, I better hit the hay.

[guitar melody] Small town bar

Highway connections

Night.

(SINGING) But I just

can't afford my last one

Cool it, Kev.

(SINGING) Only want to

be the one to hold you again

And I swallow like an empty sun

ANNOUNCER: This year's mount marathon

race is sure to be a good one.

The ladies are going to start the race off.

VICTORIA: Put it in your masks.

It's outside anyway.

ANNOUNCER: Runners, see you at the top.

Crowd, make sure you cheer them on.

[cheering, chatter]

[upbeat music]

They run over 3,000

feet to the top and then

back down to the finish line.

So you really want to be called Liv, huh?

Yeah, I think I'm ready for a fresh start.

Yeah?

[upbeat music]

Me too, baby.

[cheering]

ANNETTE: Mom, she's bleeding.

VICTORIA: Yeah, but she's still running.

[whimsical melody]

Hey, let's go see the ocean.

VICTORIA: OK.

[chatter]

I hope we see a whale!

Oh, that was awesome.

You know, I saw a whale

hunt in Kaktovik once.

They offered me some muktuk there.

What's muktuk?

It's frozen whale blubber, usually

with skin still attached.

VICTORIA: It sustains

a lot of people here, Liv.

Since we're in Seward, we

should get some seafood.

She doesn't like seafood.

KEVIN: What?

No Salmon?

Halibut?

What Alaskan doesn't like seafood?

Me.

I don't like any king crab either.

It's the texture.

Tori Johansen, Alaskan anomaly.

Sorry, I didn't mean to

use your old last name.

It's OK.

I've been thinking about

keeping it the same as the girls.

But I think I'm going to change it back,

you know, just to have a fresh start again.

[gentle music]

Yeah, fresh start.

[music playing]

ANNETTE: What?

It is really cool, huh?

ANNETTE: Oh, yeah.

Whoa.

KEVIN: Now that's a king crab.

ANNETTE: It's cold.

KEVIN: Before we head home, who's

ready to hike Exit Glacier?

OLIVIA: I don't know if I like hiking.

I've never been before.

KEVIN: Bear bells.

OK.

Let you know when a bear is coming.

[muffled laugh]

What do you think?

So that you make noise and scare the bear.

- It's how you...

- So you scare the bear.

Oh.

KEVIN: It's to keep the bears away.

OK.

Usually that's for tourists.

[laughs] No idea.

Cool.

Now you won't get lost, I guess.

[bells ringing]

Don't fall down.

[chuckles]

[laughs]

How long is the drive?

Oh, it's about 8.5 hours back from here.

But then there's always an

extra hour for construction,

you know, and then... gosh, another half

hour to get to North Pole.

And you've got to add pee stops.

[chuckles]

Should we skip the outhouse this time?

[gentle music]

ANNETTE: I have to go potty.

Sorry, Mr. Kevin.

KEVIN: It's OK.

I needed a coffee anyway.

Really got to go?

- Yeah, yeah.

- Yes.

Yes, yes.

[soft music]

Yeah.

Well, let me help you.

Hey.

KEVIN: Hey.

Got you a candy bar.

Thanks.

All right.

Have one right now.

Sit by sister?

Nice.

Did you know there's a ski town up there?

[laughs] Yeah.

I used to think it was just a gas station,

but that's like a double black

diamond mountain up there.

Yeah.

All I ever knew is it was a pit

stop on the way down to Seward.

It's probably because

we were too poor, right?

Mm-hmm.

Too poor to have a ski trip

when we were growing up.

Yeah, so poor.

I have been in the Forest Fair, though.

[phone buzzing, ringing]

Hang on.

Hey, man.

What's up?

Oh.

OK.

Thanks.

[somber music]

What's wrong?

What is it?

It's Dad.

You gotta go home?

Yeah.

OK.

I can... I can drive the girls and I home.

And I can drop you at the airport.

- Girls...

- OK.

Girls, I need you to

get in the car right now.

There's been an emergency, and we're taking

Mr. Kevin to the airport, OK?

Let's go, let's go.

Now, now, now.

Come on, to the side,

to the side, this side.

[soft music]

Tonka, Tonka.

Oh, Tonka, I've missed you.

Oh, hi, Annette.

Hi, Liv.

I missed you, too.

This is my Joe.

Hi.

NANCY: Does anybody know what happened?

VICTORIA: He was sick,

Grandma, old and sick and just...

It's just life.

ROBIN: Well, aren't you the expert?

They think it was cardiac arrest.

GAT: It makes sense because

he had a stroke a few years back.

So he died of heart failure.

But it will be reported as a COVID death?

Either way, he's gone.

NANCY: Yeah, but who

wants to be a statistic.

He had the shot, too, didn't he?

Yeah, he was in the first phase.

JOE: A lot of good it did.

ROBIN: He went into the hospital and later

tested positive for the virus.

When are the services?

Well, I don't know.

I'm not going.

I don't... I don't think it's

a good idea for the girls

to attend a funeral right now.

What?

Why not?

ROBIN: If death is a part of life,

don't you think they deserve

some explanation, some closure?

We all want to attend, Victoria.

Fine, fine.

I'll call Amka, OK.

She'll know.

Why don't you call Kevin?

He'd know for sure.

I'm just giving him some space.

He's got a lot going

on right now, you know?

You don't have to bite

our heads off, Vicky.

Do I need to wear a name tag?

It's not Vicky!

God!

[door slamming]

[melancholic music, chatter]

[somber music]

[chatter]

Hi, Kevin.

KEVIN: Thanks for coming.

Of course.

It was a lovely service and

your dad would have loved it.

KEVIN: Thanks.

Here, he... he left you this.

[gentle music]

Oh.

OK.

I better take the girls home.

OK, yeah.

Tori, where are you going?

I'm taking the girls out of here.

It's... it's just too much

for them, you know?

Knowing that people leave

you on purpose and then

again when they die?

It's just too much.

Tori, don't do this.

Do what?

I have to protect my girls, Amka.

It was... it was stupid to let Kevin in.

I will not allow them to get attached

to one more person who's

just going to abandon them.

I won't let it happen again.

Do you hear yourself?

You think you can avoid pain?

You can't heal from pain

you don't allow yourself to feel.

Stop this pattern of retreat.

Stay for me, for Kevin.

I can't.

Thanks for coming.

We have refreshments in the kitchen.

It's buffet style, but we're asking

people to wash their

hands before they get inside.

[melancholic music]

Hello, hi.

Yeah, it's Victoria.

I just finished the first

edits on your book.

Yeah, could you look for me and see

if you got the email because I've been

working on an older computer?

Yeah, yeah, just check and

see if it... if you got the email.

Uh-huh.

OK, Well, I'll try sending it as a PDF.

And then if that doesn't

work, I'll set up a Dropbox for it.

Yeah.

Yeah, OK, sure thing.

Bye-bye.

God, how am I supposed

to get anywhere like this?

Everything is just so dated.

NANCY: It takes a long time for things

to get up North, a few months, even

a few years from the lower 48.

Mm.

NANCY: Mm.

Hi, Grandma.

Hi.

Plus, we never throw anything out.

If it still works, it still works.

You've always been able

to handle setbacks, Tori.

What's the real problem?

I just need a job and a

phone and my life back.

You have your life right here, right now.

And it's going to be whatever you make it.

That's on you, Tori.

Your old life is gone.

You know you can't let a winter

storm catch you unprepared.

But I did.

You have to face it, Tori.

Quit hibernating, huh?

If you want any kind of a

future for you and your girls,

you have to work for it.

You know that.

I love you and I believe in you.

Pull up your bootstraps.

[phone ringing]

Hello?

Oh.

Hi, Amka.

She's not here.

I'll tell her you called.

[jazz music]

WOMAN: Well, Ms Murray.

Well, let me be the first to

say, welcome to the team.

Thank you.

[excited laugh, cheering]

[gentle music]

[door creaking]

[shushing]

So...

What's going on?

ROBIN: We all chipped in

and we got you a cell phone.

It's a prepaid minutes kind.

But they said it should work fine.

Oh, my gosh.

Thank you.

Oh, thanks.

We also got a bike for Annette.

It's from the dump.

You did?

GAT: Yeah.

You used to love dumpster diving.

Yeah, like 20 years ago and pre-COVID.

GAT: Relax.

I cleaned it before I

ever let her touch it.

Do you like the phone?

Open it, open it.

OK, OK.

Oh, cool.

[laughter]

Yes.

And we did not get that

from the dump, just saying.

[laughter]

[child screaming]

[tense music]

Victoria, how is she?

- How is she?

- They won't let me in.

GAT: Your mom's in there, right?

She's not alone.

Annette is not alone.

ANNETTE: There were so many pokes.

They had to numb it first.

You're all stitched up.

You'll be better in no time.

GAT: And she'll have a scar.

Well, there's nothing

to be done about that.

Scars are part of living.

The question is, can she...

Gaah!

[laughter]

[gentle music]

VICTORIA: [gasps] Look at this.

Thank you.

Aww.

VICTORIA: It was crappy of

me to ditch you at the wake.

AMKA: It was crappy of you not to call.

I get you having issues

and emotional triggers.

But not calling?

Not only that, you had

your grandmother lie for you.

And you haven't checked on Kevin, have you?

I'm sorry.

I've been terrible.

I've been a terrible friend.

But can I at least buy you

an ice cream or coffee?

You chickened out.

He needs time to grieve.

He needs you.

No, I don't want any ice cream.

I'm no good for anybody right now.

Bullshit, Tori.

That's a self-serving lie.

You can't survive without a tribe.

When you figure that out, let me know.

SERVER: Here's your order.

Oh, thanks.

Have a wonderful day.

[music playing]

So hopefully we'll have

our own place real soon.

I don't want to move again.

VICTORIA: Well, we can't stay here forever.

How is Mr. Kevin?

I'm sure he's fine.

Did you see him again?

Do you know if he's OK?

I don't know.

Did you read the letter yet?

VICTORIA: No.

Wait, how do you know about that?

She was looking in your purse for some gum.

She can read.

It said it was from Mr. [inaudible].

Olivia B. Murray, you

know better than to rummage

in my purse without asking.

We do not sneak in this family.

Sneaking is the same as lying.

Do you understand me?

OLIVIA: Yes, Mom.

OK.

But did you read it yet?

What did it say?

Stop.

Stop pushing me, OK?

Just... everyone is just pushing me.

Stop it.

Mommy, I have something for you.

VICTORIA: What?

What is this?

I found it at the dump.

Why do you keep giving

me stuff all the time?

Just go to sleep, you guys.

It's because she's afraid of you leaving.

I would never leave you.

I am so sorry.

I love you both so very much.

And we can stay here as long

as grandma wants us to, OK?

OK.

(SINGING) Bough

breaks, the cradle will fall

But mommy's going to catch you

Cradle

[gentle music]

[soft music]

(SINGING) Don't listen to what they said

It won't matter anyways when we get home

Stop playing it in your head

You're not changing anything

It's long gone

It's been pushing you away

And I can see it in your face

You think leaving's the only way

Hang on

Hang on

Hold tight and don't let go

There's love on the way

Hang on

Hang on

I know you're tired

But don't let go

There's love on the way

[music playing]

Red.

Ha!

VICTORIA: Amka just left me there.

That is so rude.

Well, I don't think she was being rude.

I think she was being a real friend.

Telling you the truth like

that isn't an easy thing to do.

I can't believe you're taking her side.

Oh, there's no sides, Vicky.

She sees you pulling away and

she's called you out on your BS.

You left her.

You left all of us.

And she doesn't want you to leave again.

She doesn't want you to

abandon Kevin in his darkest hour.

I wouldn't do that.

I was giving him some space!

ROBIN: Really?

He doesn't have family

to lean on like you do.

Family is all we've got.

So you chose a man who abandoned you.

So did I. Oh, so did I. Well,

the other two died on me.

But you're a fool if you turn around

and abandon a man who's

loved you your whole life,

the real you, the...

Oh, the Tori you.

You've got to fight for what you want.

I don't know what I want.

BOTH: Yes, you do.

Where's our Tori who used to chop firewood,

who used to change a flat tire?

Who goes moose hunting and four-wheeling?

Haven't you learned you

can't control everything?

You just have to show up.

[chuckles]

Hey, I've got stuff for ice cream Sunday.

A second breakfast?

Yay!

No way, uh-uh.

I am making a healthy breakfast.

I think the freezer is full.

You might have to check the deep freeze.

Too bad it's not winter.

I'd just stick it out on the back porch.

What's going on?

We're trying to convince

Vicky to go after Kevin.

Mr. Kevin?

Yay!

No, we are not.

I am cooking breakfast.

[beeping]

[gasps] Oh my god, the eggs!

Good Lord.

Go Tori!

GROUP: (CHANTING) Go Tori!

Go Tori!

Go get him.

GROUP: Go Tori!

We're cheering for Tori.

Go Tori.

Huh?

Go Tori!

GROUP: Go Tori!

Go Tori!

Go Tori!

Go Tori!

ROBIN: Hey!

GROUP: Go Tori!

Tori!

VICTORIA: What?

Catch!

That's my girl.

[laughter, cheering]

[knocking]

Hi, Kevin.

Are you growing a beard?

I haven't been in the mood to shave lately.

Right, right, sorry.

I just... oh.

I... I didn't realize that you had company.

I'm sorry.

I should have called.

I have a cell now.

It was just really

chaotic and I zipped over.

But I'll come back later... or I'll call.

I'll call later.

Tori, this is Aurora.

Aurora, Tori.

Hi, Tori.

It's really nice to meet you.

Hi.

I... I should go.

I'm going to go.

No, no.

I'll give you two some space.

- I'll call you later.

- Thank you.

Bye.

Do you want to come in?

Sure, yes, yes.

Oh, wow.

It's so empty in here.

I just wanted to apologize

for being so distant.

Thank you for apologizing.

Is Aurora... is Aurora your...

She's my realtor.

Oh.

Oh.

I'm selling Dad's place.

It's time to move on.

Oh, it'll be so weird thinking

of you living somewhere else

when you've always lived here.

You're not the only one

who had plans for their life,

you know?

I never wanted to stay here, but I had to...

First to take care of my

mom and then my dad.

Dad loved you like a daughter.

And you didn't even stay.

You left... again!

I can't be stuck here anymore.

Kev.

[music playing]

He just took off, Amka.

I mean, where would he go?

AMKA (ON PHONE): Somewhere calming?

I think I know where he is.

I'm sorry, Kev, OK?

Go away, Tori.

It's what you're good at.

You left your wallet.

You can't drive off into

the sunset without a license.

Thanks.

I saw my picture.

You kept it after all these years?

It's always been you, Tori.

It's always been you.

Look, I... I don't know

how to trust anymore.

I'm just... I'm just trying to

crap with both eyes open,

you know?

I'm hollow and I'm broken

and I can't fix everything.

But maybe we can heal together?

Maybe we can work at trusting again.

I mean, I'll try if you can

forgive me, because I'm here.

And I don't want to be anywhere

else because when I'm with you,

I'm home.

[gentle music]

[doorbell ringing]

GROUP: Surprise!

[laughter]

What is all of this?

It's a surprise housewarming party.

Your family insisted.

ROBIN: We brought food.

[laughs]

There's only 10 of us all together.

I made moose meat taco salad.

VICTORIA: Oh, my gosh.

ROBIN: We brought games.

Do you play pinochle?

The whole family plays pinochle.

KEVIN: You'll have to teach me.

Aha!

[chuckles] What's this?

I can't believe you brought me a gift.

It's so nice.

Oh, my gosh, you bought me a computer?

Every writer needs a

good computer, especially

a future best-selling author.

Oh, my gosh.

Plug it in and try it out?

I'll take care of them.

[upbeat music]

So how do you turn tricks again?

[laughter]

You don't turn tricks.

You take tricks.

Even a LARPer like you.

[laughs]

What's a LARPer?

A LARPer is a live action role player.

You all get together with your friends...

(SINGING) Hang on

Hang on

Hold tight and don't let go

There's love on the way

Hang on

Hang on

I know you're tired

But don't let go

Oh

Time changes everything

Oh, just give yourself time

Give yourself time

You'll find love's been chasing you

He is racing

And he is coming after your heart

Hang on

Hang on

Hold tight and don't let go

There's love on the way

Hang on

Hang on

I know you're tired

But don't let go

There is love on the way

There is love on the way

[engine whirring]