Don't Breathe a Word (2026)

[bunniefuu]

(MEREDITH GASPING)

Somebody help me!

(GRUNTING)

Somebody help me!

(GRUNTING)

Help me!

Anyone!

(GRUNTING)

Okay. Breathe.

Breathe. Breathe.

1, 2, 3, 4.1, 2, 3, 4.

1, 2, 3, 4.1, 2, 3, 4.

1, 2, 3, 4.1, 2, 3, 4.

(TAKING DEEP BREATHS)

1, 2, 3, 4.

1, 2, 3, 4.

1, 2, 3, 4.

(INHALES)

()

And hold. And exhale.

(EXHALES)

Inhale.

(INHALES)

And exhale.

(EXHALES)

Wonderful.

Partners, you are going

to be coaching

the lovely mamas-to-be

through contractions.

But don't worry, Eve and I

will be available to help.

()

Sir, maybe we put

the phone away.

All right. So let's breathe.

(INHALES)

The contraction

is getting stronger, rising.

(EXHALES)

Good job.

You're doing great.

The CO approved Nick

for a short leave,

but if I go into labor early,

there's no telling

where the ship will be.

I never really thought

I would be packing

an overnight bag by myself.

I know this is a scary

and confusing time,

but don't worry,

if Nick can't be there, I will.

That would be amazing.

Honestly, I hardly know

anyone else in Tampa.

Joys of being a military wife.

Well, you could not be

in better hands with Meredith.

I moved here 10 years ago,

pregnant and alone.

And she got me through

childbirth and on my feet.

Honestly, she's too good

to be true.

Flattery will get you

everywhere.

(CHUCKLING)

Just remember the breathing

exercises I taught you.

They help with more

than just labor.

It's good for coping

with stress, anxiety, sleep.

So is that why you

always seem so calm?

(BOTH CHUCKLE)

Oh! Wooh-hoo!

Mm.

She is gonna be a soccer star.

Let me tell ya.

You are going to be a great mom.

Thank you.

MEREDITH: All right, everyone,

let's re-center ourselves

for the final visualization.

All right, Mamas.

I want you to imagine a warm,

golden light

from the top of your head,

slowly traveling down

to the tips of your toes.

Imagine yourself floating,

completely surrounded

by the light.

And you feel happy, and safe,

and loved as you open your eyes,

ready to start your day.

And that's class.

Thank you all so much.

We'll see you again

next week, okay?

I'm gonna pick up the cake

and I'll text you when I'm home.

Tyler already hung the piata

and picked up the pizza.

EVE: Thanks.

I'll grab the decorations

when I get Lucas.

I told the parents to have his

friends there by 1:00.

So I have everything I want

They never taken it from me

I found out everything I know

as I do and as I go

Been riding paper planes

And dancing

with no jacket in the snow

It's a lot to figure out

sometimes

Yeah

But when I think about

the person I've become

Where I started from

and just how far I've gone

It's hard to see sometimes,

but right before my eyes

Oh, what a life, oh,

what a life, oh, what a life

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

MEREDITH: Chocolate

cake with chocolate chips

and chocolate frosting,

as requested.

Perfect.

He's my little chocolate king.

(LAUGHS)

And thank you again for hosting.

They are having a blast

out there.

MEREDITH:

Please, I have the space.

EVE: Snickers.

You know I'd do anything

for that kid.

Plus, this way Tyler

gets to play fun uncle.

TYLER: Hit it. Come on. Whack.

T-Rex, give it a whack.

(BOTH LAUGH)

Come on, buddy. Yeah.

I think Tyler's having more fun

than they are.

I mean, he's gonna be talking

about this for weeks.

Oh, and by the way,

I am actually doing a free class

at the women's shelter over

in Clearwater

tomorrow afternoon.

Do you wanna come out and help?

Oh, you know I'd love to,

but Lucas has karate.

You're still sending him?

You're wrong about Brian.

He's... he's over the breakup.

I've seen his texts.

He is not over the breakup.

He's a good teacher.

And Lucas would be so

disappointed if I made him quit.

Candles.

Are those the earrings

I gave you for your birthday?

Hi, Mom!

Yes, they are.

It's a special occasion.

(KISSES)

Happy birthday to you

Make a wish.

Well, at this rate

you're gonna be 11.

(CHUCKLES)

-(BLOWS AIR)

-MEREDITH: Yeah!

(CHEERING AND CLAPPING)

All right.

And in honor of you reaching

double digits,

Mr. O and I have gotten you

a very special gift this year.

I don't know if there's anything

in here though.

Here.

Adventure Utopia? No way!

Yeah. And you know what?

I think you're finally

big enough

to ride the roller-coasters.

Thanks, Mr. and Mrs. O.

That's like $400.

When you made me his godmother,

I told you I get to spoil him

every once in a while.

Comes with the territory.

Now who wants some cake?

-KID: Me!

-Me!

-EVE: Yes.

-KIDS: Me! Me!

Yeah.

-Birthday boy gets served first.

-Some cake.

(DOOR OPENS AND SQUEAKS)

So when do we wanna go

to Adventure Utopia?

(MEREDITH CHUCKLES)

MEREDITH: Um, I'm free

next month, maybe on Sunday

when class is off.

And then, you know,

Lucas doesn't have school.

()

Everything okay?

Uh, yeah. Yeah, fine.

Uh, Lucas, hurry up!

Thank you again for everything.

You made this day

truly special for him.

Of course.

(THUD)

-See you tomorrow.

-EVE: Bye.

(CAR ENGINE STARTS)

(CAR WHIRS)

MEREDITH: So, Snicky,

do you think Natalie

will like this?

It's a cute basket, right?

()

(KISSES)

Wow. What a party, huh?

(CHUCKLES)

Yeah.

They ran you ragged,

didn't they?

TYLER: Yeah, they did.

I got nothing left in the tank,

that's for sure.

You notice anything weird today?

Uh, you mean the kid that kept

eating candy off the ground?

I'm being serious.

I meant with Eve.

When I walked her to her car

she was acting all paranoid,

she was scared.

I know you care about her,

but she's a big girl.

If she wants to reach out,

she'll reach out.

She knows that we're there

for her.

And Lucas.

()

(CRYING)

(GASPING)

1, 2, 3, 4.

(TAKES DEEP BREATHS)

(RINGING TONE)

TYLER: (ON PHONE) Honey?

It's my studio.

It's all smashed up.

TYLER: (ON PHONE)

I'll be right there.

(CARS WHOOSHING)

()

TYLER: Take some

photos, dust for prints.

(INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER

IN BACKGROUND)

What you got?

Bringing up

the security footage.

(INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER

IN BACKGROUND)

That looks like one of those

staffs they use in karate.

(SPRAYS)

Whoever this is,

this guy knows what he's doing.

Meredith.

I got here as soon as I could.

()

Who would do

something like this?

Any ideas?

Me?

No. No.

Any difficult clients?

Anyone else

off the top of your head?

Just the occasional dad

who doesn't wanna put

his phone away.

All right. We'll look into it.

(INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER

IN BACKGROUND)

()

I think once we get the window

patched, we can hold classes.

The rest is just cosmetic.

Not really.

I mean, my computer's gone.

I hope insurance covers it.

()

(SIGHS)

It's not easy to just see

your whole life's work

just destroyed.

But we can rebuild.

We can do anything together.

You're right.

I can install a better security

system and get a new computer.

Did your panic attacks

come back?

The breathing exercises helped.

Lamaze to the rescue.

()

()

Come on, let's make sure

we can teach tomorrow.

I sweep, you collect.

(SIGHS)

Yeah.

()

(KNIFE CHOPPING)

()

(DOOR KNOB RATTLING)

(DOOR LOCK KEYS BEEPING

IN BACKGROUND)

(DOOR OPENING AND SHUTTING

IN BACKGROUND)

TYLER: Hey, there.

Thought you might need

a little pick-me-up.

MEREDITH: Oh, thank you.

(KISSES)

They're beautiful.

So any news?

Not much.

That Ring cam across

the street at the store

was all fogged over.

What about, you know, Brian?

Yeah, he's got some priors,

but mostly bar fights.

I don't trust him.

I know. Let us handle it, okay?

Yeah.

()

(CARS WHOOSHING)

KARATE INSTRUCTOR:

(SPEAKS JAPANESE)

(STAFFS WHOOSHING AND CLUNKING)

MEREDITH: Hey, Brian.

KARATE INSTRUCTOR:

(SPEAKS JAPANESE)

MEREDITH: Excuse me!

You got eyes? I'm teaching here.

Yeah, well,

I'm here about my studio,

the one that Eve Mills works at.

()

KARATE INSTRUCTOR:

(SPEAKS JAPANESE)

Come on.

All right. You got my attention.

What is it?

My studio was trashed

the other night.

You wouldn't happen to know

anything about that,

now would you?

-I already talked to the cops.

-MEREDITH: That's right.

You know my husband's

a police officer.

And I don't appreciate people

who treat my friend poorly.

You think?

Lady, I was parked last night

on a couch in Clearwater.

And frankly, I don't give a

damn if your husband

is the President

of the United States.

I don't appreciate your tone

in my place of business.

Just stay away from Eve.

If I were you,

I'd steer clear as well.

Is that a threat?

You'd know

if I was threatening you.

Everyone's got secrets,

even your little friend.

What's that supposed to mean?

It means get out of my place

of business and never come back.

All right? There's the door.

(KARATE INSTRUCTOR AND STUDENTS

YELLING IN BACKGROUND)

(YELLING IN JAPANESE)

()

CREIGHTON: You'll regret this.

MEREDITH: Eve! Eve!

Oh my God!

Is today your pickup day?

I can't keep anything

straight anymore.

What day is it again?

No, it's definitely your day.

Oh.

I just couldn't get a hold of

you on your phone,

so I thought I'd stop by.

Oh. Yeah, sorry.

Lucas spilled an entire

saucepan on it.

Trust me, that's the last time

I try to make bolognese

from scratch.

-I visited Brian.

-Um, let's go.

You've got your English test

tomorrow.

You shouldn't have done that.

You should've seen his face

when he asked him

about the studio.

I would've told the police

if I thought he had anything

to do with the break-in.

Okay, you know that you can

tell me anything, right?

()

EVE: Look, Mer, I love

that you care so much, I do.

But I am not that same lost girl

I was when we first met, okay?

No. I... I know. I know.

It's just after the breakup

with Brian,

you've been so jumpy,

and then this break-in

at the studio,

it just feels so targeted,

doesn't it?

I mean, he's got a temper,

but he's not crazy.

Mom, I'm hungry.

Can we talk about this later?

But...

()

(MUNCHING)

(DOOR SHUTS IN BACKGROUND)

-Hey.

-TYLER: Hey.

I thought you were working late.

Well, I was supposed to,

but given the date...

()

Decided to duck out

a little early, you know?

Thought we could order in,

shut out the outside world

for a night.

I would love that.

Do you wanna see it?

Yeah.

TYLER: How are you doing?

MEREDITH: A little

less painful than last year.

Probably a little

more painful than next.

Beautiful Jillian...

we miss you every single day.

I picture her sometimes,

you know?

TYLER: I know.

Maybe if I hadn't been

working that night...

Oh, stop.

Stop.

It wasn't your fault.

It wasn't my fault.

There was nothing

anyone could do.

(SNIFFLES)

()

(KNOCKS)

Apology muffins.

I'm sorry for meddling.

There's no need for an apology.

Come in.

Come in.

There's nothing more relaxing

than chamomile tea.

Thank you.

I have been on edge

since the break-in.

(g*nshots AND EXPLOSIONS

IN BACKGROUND)

Lucas, turn that down!

I'm sorry.

Your window is broken.

Oh, yeah. Someone threw a rock.

I know what you're thinking,

but it's a coincidence.

I'm pretty sure I know

the teenagers that did it.

Or the black belt.

Look, it didn't work out

with Brian,

but I wouldn't let Lucas

keep taking karate

if I thought he was dangerous.

Yeah, but why even

take the risk?

Lucas needs to learn

how to defend himself.

Are there bullies?

EVE: Life always

throws bullies at you.

LUCAS: Hi, Mrs. O.

Lucas, your eye!

It was a kid at karate class.

Sensei Brian says

I have to get tougher.

Can I have one?

Of course.

()

And you're okay with this?

EVE: Don't worry.

If someone hurt my kid

for real, I'd k*ll him.

()

()

(WHIMPERS)

TYLER:

What time will you be back?

Evil never sleeps. Neither do I.

(CHUCKLES)

Should be around 4:00.

MEREDITH: All right.

Well, try not to make

any noise when you come in,

Superman.

It's actually Batman.

My man.

(KISSES)

Be safe.

()

-See you.

-Okay.

Bye.

Movie night? I get to pick.

(CHUCKLES)

(DISTANT CLATTERING)

(DISTANT RUSTLING)

()

Get a grip, girl.

(SIGHS)

(DOOR OPENS AND SHUTS

IN BACKGROUND)

(DOOR OPENING)

(DOOR CLOSING)

(GASPING)

(DOORKNOB RATTLING)

TYLER: Meredith? Mer?

(SIGHS)

-MEREDITH: Hey.

-Hey. You okay?

Yeah. (CHUCKLES)

I just got a little scared

while you were gone.

-I just...

-Oh. Hey.

You know, it was nothing.

TYLER: What's... what's nothing?

You're gonna think I'm crazy,

but I swear I saw

someone standing out there.

TYLER: What?

Stay here.

Thank you.

(DOOR SHUTS IN BACKGROUND)

()

(DOOR CLOSING)

Didn't see anything.

Sorry to make you go outside.

It's okay.

I'll double check

in the morning,

see what I might have missed.

My hero.

(KISSES)

()

Let's get some rest.

MAN: (ON RADIO) We heat the

room, you re-evaluate your life.

Fire Soul Yoga.

WOMAN: (ON RADIO) On

today's episode of Dating with Kids,

when to introduce your new man.

(HORN HONKS)

(GASPS)

(TIRES SCREECHING)

(HORNS HONKING)

(TIRES SCREECHING)

(HANDBRAKE CLICKING)

(PANTING)

()

MEREDITH: Now remember, you

are powerful. You have created a life.

You are unstoppable.

Now let's bring it back

to your breathing, okay?

(TAKES A DEEP BREATH)

That's great. Awesome.

(TAKES A DEEP BREATH)

It's so easy when I'm doing it

with you,

but then I get home

and my mind starts

going a mile a minute,

and the only thing that helps

is knitting, for some reason.

(BOTH CHUCKLE)

Girl, the nesting instinct

is real.

Embrace it.

(CHUCKLES)

How come you're so good at this?

Since I don't have children

of my own, you mean?

Yeah, I kinda figured that out

after a while.

Well...

(GRUNTS)

I was pregnant once.

Tyler and I prepared for it,

and it happened right away.

It was a girl.

-You don't have to...

-MEREDITH: No.

Get into it.

You know, sometimes

it's good to remember things,

like the feeling of her

kicking inside me

and the dreams

that I had for her future.

I almost made it to term.

Took the Lamaze classes,

practiced the breathing

exercises, prepared,

obsessed, waited, but...

I had a placental abruption.

No more oxygen,

no more nutrients.

My baby was starving inside me.

So when they induced,

the labor was easy.

It was like the universe

was saying,

"You're meant for this."

But it was too late for her.

She was stillborn.

And they said that if I ever

tried to have another,

it would happen again, so...

I'm so sorry.

MEREDITH:

I spent months grieving.

Years, if I'm being honest

I don't...

think I ever stopped.

And it took a lot of therapy.

But eventually I realized that

okay,

I may not be able to have

children of my own,

but I can help other women

have theirs.

And that's when I decided

to teach Lamaze.

(PHONE RINGS)

MEREDITH: Sorry, I...

Hello?

()

I'm on my way.

I am so sorry.

It is an emergency

and I have to go.

Um, but we can pick this up

again tomorrow, same time?

Yeah. Of course.

MEREDITH:

Let me help you up. Okay.

Yeah.

All right.

Take it nice and easy.

-There we go.

-Thanks.

Okay. Thank you.

()

(SCHOOL BELL RINGS)

Hey. Thanks so much.

His mother's phone keeps

going straight to voicemail.

You're the only other person

authorized.

It's no problem at all.

How are you feeling?

My stomach hurts.

He vomited in music class.

They're gonna make fun of me

for the rest of the year.

I've got the perfect remedy

for that.

Come on.

Thank you.

Any idea where your mom is?

(ZIPPER ZIPS)

MEREDITH: Seems like a good

opportunity to whip out this emergency bag

your mom left here.

Considering you just threw up,

I think we're gonna

have to forego the,

uh, Choco Wows.

Oh, man.

You know what?

I have something even better.

Hold on one second.

My grandmother used to make

this for my mom,

my mom for me,

and now I get to make it

for you.

(SNIFFS)

What's in it?

Basically a lotta hot water

and honey,

but there are a few herbs

to help settle your stomach.

Try it.

(DOOR OPENS AND SHUTS

IN BACKGROUND)

Yum. (CHUCKLES)

EVE: Lucas. Lucas.

Eve.

Oh, you're okay. You're okay.

You're okay.

Oh, Mom, too tight.

Don't you ever take him

without telling me first.

You put me on

the emergency contact list.

You left a bag here.

This bag is for real

emergencies.

Okay, but the only reason

why I picked him up

is because you disappeared.

I've been trying to call you

all day.

You should be thanking me.

My phone died after my accident.

How do you think I felt

when I got to his school

and they told me

someone had taken him away?

Lucas, grab your bag.

The driver's waiting outside.

I was just trying to help.

What accident?

My brakes failed.

It's a miracle I walked away.

Are you okay?

Not really.

Eve, you just had a tune-up.

Yeah. Well, bad luck, I guess.

(SIGHS)

(DOOR OPENS AND SHUTS

IN BACKGROUND)

Whoa. What is up with Eve?

She rushed right past.

The brakes on her car failed.

She said she just nearly

avoided having an accident.

Don't you think this is odd

that all of this is happening

right now, considering

everything else

that's been going on?

I mean, I went over

to Eve's house the other day

and her window was

all boarded up.

Someone had thrown

a rock through it.

And then Lucas got

a black eye in karate class.

Do you still think

Brian's involved in this?

I wouldn't be surprised.

Well, I went and checked out

the yard this morning.

MEREDITH: Okay. And?

Found a shoe print right where

you said you saw

that guy standing.

I took a cast of it.

It's a men's size 11 work boot.

Did you match it to Brian?

These things take time.

Also, don't worry.

We'll keep at it.

()

(TRAFFIC WHOOSHING)

()

Size 10.

Well, well, well.

Tell me, what are you

doing here?

I said never to come back.

Were you at my house?

BRIAN: Really, Meredith?

You're barking up

the wrong tree.

You are not gonna get away

with this.

I'm not trying to get away

with anything.

How about this?

How about you quit bothering me

and go ask your little friend,

Eve, what her real name is?

()

EVE: I will hunt you

down and k*ll you!

Try me!

I've gotta go.

Eve, wait. What was that about?

You don't wanna know.

Did it have anything to do

with who broke into my studio

or the man who was watching

my house?

Someone was watching your house?

I went to see Brian again.

Seriously, Meredith?

What is your real name?

Leave it alone.

(DOOR OPENS AND SHUTS

IN BACKGROUND)

(KEYBOARD KEYS CLICKING)

Eve isn't Eve.

-Come again?

-At least I don't think she is.

Brian told me to ask her

what her real name is.

Wait, hold on.

You talked to Brian?

I told...

So when I did, uh, she got

totally spooked,

and she ran off,

and I haven't been able

to contact her since.

Yeah, people keep secrets

all the time, babe.

Yeah, but who lies about

having a fake name?

Could you look her up

in the database?

No.

Uh, no, can't.

Not supposed to.

My lips are sealed.

All right. Eve Mills.

(BEEP)

TYLER: There's a lot

of people with that name,

mostly parking tickets

and none of 'em in our town.

Um, try... try Waynesboro.

She told me that she moved

here from up there.

(BEEP)

()

It's a death certificate

from 10 years ago.

Kinda looks like her.

It's a little grainy, but...

Young mother k*lled

in fiery crash, Eve Mills, 23.

So maybe Brian was right.

Maybe... maybe that isn't

her real name.

Or maybe it's

a total coincidence.

I mean, the Eve Mills

that we know

might not even be

in this database at all.

She lives a pretty quiet life.

You're right.

And there's no way

that she's been faking

a genuine friendship

with me for the past 10 years,

right?

Exactly.

I mean, if she's got

something to hide,

she's probably got

good reason to.

MEREDITH:

Let's go up to Waynesboro.

(CAR WHOOSHING)

TYLER: Howdy.

Hi.

Tyler Owens, Tampa PD.

We had called a bit earlier

hoping to speak to the chief

about a older case.

Is he in by chance?

Yep. Come with me.

CHIEF RUDY:

Chief Rudy, how can I help you?

Officer Owens. Sir.

Right.

Well, we were hoping

you could tell us

a little bit more about

the Eve Mills case.

-Mills, Mills.

-It was 10 years ago.

Don't recall.

It was a car crash,

k*lled the mother and her baby.

I could pull the case file

if that would help.

Mills. I do remember that.

Yeah, that was a tragedy

in every sense

of the word right there.

Young woman in the prime

of her life, newborn,

falls asleep at the wheel,

runs off the road, headfirst

into a tree.

Car catches fire.

By the time the responders

get there, they...

Very little left

of the mother or child.

Why the sudden interest?

TYLER TO CHIEF RUDY: Well,

this is gonna sound crazy, but...

She's alive and she's

my best friend.

Or she's pretending to be her.

Come again?

Is it possible that Eve Mills

didn't die?

Well, those bodies were

burned pretty badly,

but we did, uh,

take some DNA samples

and they matched

Eve's parents', so...

And the baby?

Yeah, the baby.

It's a sad one right there.

That always sticks with me.

You know, Eve's parents,

they passed away

a few years later.

They say out of grief.

Can you imagine losing

a child and a grandchild?

Hmm.

Anyway, property's been

abandoned ever since.

Used to be a really nice place.

I don't know anymore.

I hope that helps.

Chief, appreciate your time.

My pleasure. Good luck to you.

-Thank you.

-You're welcome.

MEREDITH:

This has to be the place.

TYLER: I don't think

this is a good idea.

There's a strong chance

that whoever lives out here

is armed and hostile

to strangers.

Yeah.

But w... we've come all this way.

We can just take a quick look.

(EXHALES)

()

TYLER: I don't have any bars.

(LOCK RATTLING)

So much for that.

I'm just gonna check

around back.

(EXHALES)

()

This place just seems so sad.

Let's get outta here.

(LOCK RATTLES)

MEREDITH: Locked.

We could always break a window.

We are not breaking

and entering.

I know.

I've just been watching

a lot of true crime lately.

Well, sometimes you go down

the rabbit hole,

there's nothing at the bottom.

Come on.

Oh, well, careful.

Thanks.

(SIGHS)

MEREDITH: I'm telling you,

there's something about this place.

I just feel it.

I wish Eve would open up.

I could help her.

TYLER: Just give her time.

Obviously, she's going

through some stuff.

Yeah, but I feel like

she's in trouble.

Well, we have no hard facts

to go off of.

We just have speculation.

Okay, but if you had

to speculate,

what's going on?

I'd say Brian is harassing her

and us, but she's afraid

going to the police will expose

whatever she's hiding.

Does she know that you've been

looking into her identity?

Yeah, I mean, I've asked her

about it.

'Cause I gotta wonder, you know,

how far she'll take it

just to keep her secrets hidden.

I've seen how bad it can get

when someone's cornered.

My advice, just leave it alone,

babe.

Let her come to you

when she's ready.

()

TYLER:

I have to get back to work.

(KISSES)

Love you.

Love you, too.

()

(DOOR CREAKS)

(PURRS)

Least intimidating

guard dog ever.

But I love you.

Have a good night. Yeah?

Get some sleep?

(WHIMPERS)

(KISSES)

Stay.

()

()

(PHONE BUZZING)

Hello?

NATALIE: (ON PHONE)

It's happening.

I mean, I think it's happening.

MEREDITH: (ON PHONE)

Okay, tell me everything

that's happened so far.

NATALIE: (ON PHONE)

I was FaceTiming Nick

like an hour ago

and I felt a contraction.

Or I... I think

it was a contraction.

It was this pressure

on the front of my stomach

and it keeps repeating.

Only on the front?

Or starting in your lower back

and then radiating to the front?

NATALIE: (ON PHONE)

No, just the front, I think.

Okay. And have you been timing

everything like I taught you?

NATALIE: (ON PHONE) Yes,

but I can't tell when they're coming.

Sometimes it'll be

like five minutes,

and then 12, and then 3.

Is that bad?

MEREDITH: (ON PHONE)

No, not at all.

Everything is fine.

Did your water break?

No, no, no, it hasn't.

MEREDITH: (ON PHONE) Okay.

So it sounds like

Braxton Hicks, false labor.

The contractions should

subside soon

but just try laying

in different positions.

If they start to come

at regular intervals

or your water breaks, just...

Nick is still

in the Persian Gulf!

MEREDITH: (ON PHONE) Then

go to Tampa General and call me.

I don't care what time it is,

I will meet you there.

Thank you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Hey, you've got this.

Bye.

(EXHALES)

(PHONE BEEPS)

()

()

(SNICKERS WHINES, BARKS, GROANS)

Snickers.

Honey, you okay?

Did you throw up, Snickers?

Oh my God.

(MEREDITH GASPING)

()

TYLER: Honey?

MEREDITH:

I can't lose another one.

(SOBS)

VET: Mr. and Mrs. Owens.

Good news, we pumped

Snicker's stomach

and he's gonna make it.

(SIGHS)

But I wouldn't let him near

dark chocolate again.

You know, that amount

could have easily k*lled him.

I never gave him dark chocolate.

Of course you didn't.

I mean, everyone knows

that it's toxic to dogs.

I didn't even think

we had any in the house,

so where'd it come from?

()

I think I have an idea.

(INDISTINCT ANNOUNCEMENIN BACKGROUND)

()

What are you looking at?

Wrappers, and that.

TYLER: Looks like a work boot.

This is deliberate.

I need to change.

I thought you canceled class.

I did.

(KNOCKING)

What are you doing here?

Someone tried to k*ll Snickers

last night,

and it almost worked.

I'm... I'm so sorry.

You need to tell me

what's going on.

What makes you think

I know anything?

Because I know for a fact

that Eve Mills from Waynesboro

died 10 years ago, okay?

And that's just one

coincidence too many.

So drop the act.

Tell me who you are.

How did you find out?

It doesn't matter. Who are you?

Meredith, you do not wanna

go down this road.

Oh, is that supposed

to be a threat?

'Cause I kinda know

the entire police department.

It won't matter.

If you are close to me,

you are in danger.

Are you going somewhere?

(PHONE RINGS)

Hello?

It's for real this time.

MEREDITH: (ON PHONE)

I'm on my way.

(PHONE BEEPS)

We'll pick this up later.

There you go. There you go.

1, 2, 3, 4.

Another wave is coming.

You're gonna ride that wave,

okay?

Nick left as soon

as the Braxton Hicks started,

but he's probably still

in the air somewhere.

MEREDITH:

It's okay. It's all right.

And breathe in. 1, 2, 3, 4.

And you're riding that wave

now. Let's go.

(SCREAMS)

You've got it.

Exhale, 4, 3, 2, 1.

Good, you're that much closer

to meeting your baby girl.

OBGYN: Now, when

you have a contraction,

I want you to push

as hard as you can, okay?

Is this really happening?

Yes. Just breathe.

Trust your body.

It's time to get

this baby out, okay?

OBGYN: She's almost here.

(BOTH EXHALE)

Ready?

(BOTH INHALE)

OBGYN: One more big push.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

And here it comes. Breathe in.

And go for it.

(SCREAMS)

MEREDITH: Go for it,

go for it. You've got this.

You've got this.

(BABY CRIES)

Hi. I'm your mom.

(MONITOR BEEPING IN BACKGROUND)

I couldn't have done this

without you.

(NICK CHUCKLES)

Oh.

(CHUCKLES)

Oh my God.

(KISSES)

I'm so sorry I wasn't here.

I tried to...

It's okay. It's okay. It's okay.

Here, here.

For me?

Well, you're her dad.

(BOTH CHUCKLE)

NICK: I'm a dad.

I'm a dad.

She's sleeping.

Mama should be getting

some sleep too.

It's really important after

everything you've been through.

I'll leave you to it.

That was Meredith.

Hey. Uh, Meredith?

Hi.

(CHUCKLES)

Um, I just wanna say thank you

for everything with Nat.

I... I wish I could have been

here earlier.

But just knowing

you were around, it really...

It really meant a lot.

So if... if there's anything

I can ever do for you,

you can count on me.

Natalie is going to be

a great mom.

And you're gonna be a super dad.

(BOTH CHUCKLE)

Thanks. It's...

Oh, man, it's crazy. I...

I don't know,

just looking at her,

I know I would do anything

to protect her.

You know?

Yeah.

All right.

Well, I'm gonna get back

to my family.

MEREDITH: Congratulations again.

Thanks.

()

(KNOCKING)

MEREDITH: Eve?

Come on!

(PANTING)

Oh my God!

Lucas?

(PANTING)

()

(RINGING TONE)

TYLER: (VOICEMAIL) You've

reached Tyler. Leave a message.

MEREDITH:

Hi, honey. Something's wrong.

Eve could be in danger.

Her place was ransacked.

Furniture knocked over,

suitcases half packed.

Either way, I'm pretty sure

Eve's leaving town.

She's not picking up her phone,

and she definitely has some

unfinished business with Brian,

so I'm gonna try and catch her

at the dojo.

Brian?

Is anyone there?

()

(SCREAMS)

(WHIMPERS)

(PHONE KEYS BEEP & RINGING TONE)

OPERATOR 1: (ON PHONE)

911. What's your emergency?

MEREDITH:

I'm calling to report a m*rder.

OPERATOR 1: (ON PHONE)

Ma'am, where are you?

I'm at the Bushido Karate

Academy in... in Clearwater.

The owner is dead.

I just came in,

and he was on the floor, and...

OPERATOR 1: (ON PHONE) I'm dispatching

officers to the scene right now.

There's so much blood.

OPERATOR 1: (ON PHONE)

Ma'am, are you safe?

I don't... I don't know.

OPERATOR 1: (ON PHONE) Okay.

I suggest moving outside

to a public space.

Help will be there shortly.

I'm heading to my car.

I don't know.

OPERATOR 1: (ON PHONE) Ma'am?

Are you there?

Are you there? Ma'am?

Ma'am?

(SIREN WAILS)

()

Police!

(TAKING DEEP BREATHS)

(RINGING TONE)

(PHONE RINGING)

()

(GRUNTS)

Some... somebody help me! Hello?

(SCREAMING, BANGING)

(GRUNTING)

Anyone!

Help!

(GRUNTS)

Help me! Somebody help me!

(BANG)

Somebody help me!

()

Eve Mills, Tampa PD!

We have a search warrant!

(INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER)

We're coming in.

(INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER)

Clear.

(GRUNTING)

Okay. Breathe. Breathe.

(TAKES A DEEP BREATH)

1, 2, 3, 4.

(EXHALES)

1, 2, 3, 4.

(EXHALES)

(GRUNTS)

1, 2, 3, 4.

1, 2, 3, 4.

1, 2, 3, 4.

1, 2, 3, 4.

1, 2, 3, 4.

1, 2, 3, 4.

1, 2, 3, 4.

(BANGING)

(TAKES DEEP BREATHS)

Okay.

(GRUNTING)

(BANGING)

Help me! Anyone!

Help me!

(GRUNTS)

()

(INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER)

Clear.

(INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER)

Backyard clear.

()

Come on.

(SOBS, GRUNTS)

(PANTING)

Okay. Okay.

(SCREAMING, BANGING)

(PLANK THUDS)

(GRUNTING)

(PLANK THUDDING)

(PANTS)

(GRUNTING)

EVE: Help!

-Eve.

-EVE: Help me!

EVE: Help! Help me!

Eve. Eve.

You're okay. You're okay.

You're okay.

How did you find me?

I didn't. It's a long story.

-EVE: Where's Lucas?

-I don't have him.

He took him.

Who? Who took him?

His father.

But you told me he was dead.

I can explain.

(DOOR OPENS IN BACKGROUND)

Hide. Hide, hide, hide.

MEREDITH: Okay.

(DOOR UNLOCKS)

Your gag's off.

It fell.

I'll be back.

(TAKES DEEP BREATHS)

(GRUNTS)

(GROANS)

(YELPS, GROANS)

Another move like that

and it's over.

(GROANS)

You got it?

(PANTING)

(GROANS)

What are you planning

on doing with us?

Well, I can't very well

let you go now, can I?

But I'm not in any hurry

to get rid of you, either.

Well, not you.

A two-parent family is the best

possible foundation for a child.

You've gotta be kidding me.

Now, now.

I know we've had

our differences,

but I'm willing to forget

if we can be a family again.

I'm willing to give it a try.

()

CREIGHTON: No, no, no, no, no.

You see,

this is gonna be a process.

We're gonna have to learn

to be a family again.

It's gonna take time.

Luckily, we've got plenty.

(SOBS)

Unfortunately, you're not

part of the equation.

Wait, wait, wait, wait.

That is my best friend.

If you're serious about

getting back together,

then I can't think of a quicker

way to upset me.

I'll sleep on it.

(EXHALES)

Just find something

to cut the rope.

Just breathe and focus.

-Okay?

-I'm so sorry.

MEREDITH: It... it doesn't

matter now. Just focus.

(GRUNTS)

(RINGING TONE)

CHIEF RUDY: (ON PHONE) Hello?

Hey, Chief.

You seen anything suspicious

in your neck of the woods?

CHIEF RUDY: (ON PHONE) Well,

you caught me in my fishing cabin,

so no news,

but I'll let you know

if anyone spots your wife.

TYLER: (ON PHONE) All right.

I wanted to call you personally.

Our prime suspect is a woman

that goes by the name

of Eve Mills.

Somehow it ties back

to Waynesboro.

Yeah, you had...

you had mentioned her.

Yeah.

I'm not exactly sure

what the connection is.

I think I know what she's

driving, though.

CHIEF RUDY: (ON PHONE)

That's nice work.

TYLER Thanks.

I pulled the neighbor's

security cam.

There was a gray Chevy truck

that came and went

a couple times this morning.

You got a plate?

TYLER: (ON PHONE)

Unfortunately, no.

We did send it off

to digital forensics,

but I doubt they'll be able

to pull one.

It was a bad angle,

but at least we got something.

I'll let my team know.

We'll call you if we find

anything, all right?

All right.

I'm gonna keep digging,

see what else I can find.

CHIEF RUDY: (ON PHONE)

Very good, very good.

Hey, listen.

Call me anytime, all right?

I'm here for you.

Thanks, Chief.

I really appreciate it.

Seriously.

Hey. We'll find her.

I promise.

(RECEIVER CLUNKS)

()

You might as well know

my real name is Gina.

I never had much family,

but Eve Mills

was my best friend.

We were like sisters.

But then I... I started

dating Creighton.

I don't know what

I was thinking.

She tried to warn me.

He was always in trouble,

he was in and out of jail.

But I was young, naive.

You wanna know what he said

to me

when he found out

I was pregnant?

What?

It better be a boy

or get rid of it.

That's what gave me

the courage to finally leave.

I knew I could never raise

a child with that man.

Eve was pregnant too.

We always dreamed of raising

our kids together...

but I had to let that dream die.

So I ran away.

I ended up at a women's center

and that's when I met you.

Me?

Yes, Meredith, you.

And I know it's hard.

Life is hard.

Childbirth is hard.

Raising kids is hard.

But I promise you,

it's all worth it.

And you're not just living

for yourself anymore.

There's a little person inside

of you that's counting on you,

and everything you do

affects them.

You're their whole world.

And I know that's

a lot of responsibility,

but trust me, you can do it.

Everything that's ever

gone wrong in your past,

this is your chance

to start over.

Start fresh.

You have no idea

how powerful you all are.

And I believe in each

and every one of you.

EVE: I can't tell you how

much that meant to me.

You reminded me I had value.

You gave me a purpose.

But then Creighton found me.

He pulled me out of the center,

and took me home,

and told me that he'd k*ll me

if I ever left again.

So what did you do?

He was planning

an armed robbery.

He'd done it before,

but this time

I tipped off the cops.

That was really brave of you.

It worked.

()

But then Eve died.

I couldn't stand being

in Waynesboro anymore,

but I had to make sure

Creighton couldn't find me

if he got out, so...

So I became Eve.

Taking her name,

it just made sense,

and it helped me

feel close to her.

But why would you move

only two hours away?

And why not leave the state,

or the country for that matter?

Because I... I wanted to be near

the only person I could think of

that made me feel safe.

You moved here for me?

-You were so kind to me...

-MEREDITH: What?

That day at the center,

and you helped me

build a life.

I owe everything to you,

and now...

Now you're stuck here with me.

I'm... I'm so, so sorry.

No, no, I don't blame you

for any of it, any of it.

I put everyone in danger.

You, Lucas, Brian.

I know what you thought

about him,

but he was never the problem.

I'm the one that broke up

with him

hoping it would keep him safe.

Eve...

he's dead.

Brian's dead.

What?

MEREDITH: I went to see him.

I'm the one who found his body.

No, no. No, no.

(CRIES)

MEREDITH: Breathe.

Breathe, breathe.

What about Lucas?

Creighton knocked me out

right before I was supposed

to pick him up from school.

I wish I could tell you

he was safe,

but I just... I just don't know.

I'm sorry.

LUCAS: I want my mom.

CHIEF RUDY:

Hey, hey. It's gonna be okay.

Choco rolls?

Come on, I know you're hungry.

There you go.

(ROPE SCRAPING)

(DISTANT TV CHATTER)

Eve. Wake up.

Wake up.

He hasn't checked on us

in a while.

I think he's out.

EVE: What if he's not?

Still, I'm...

(GRUNTS)

I've loosened my rope

as much as I can,

I just need a little more force.

EVE: Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Was that him?

(DISTANT TV CHATTER)

No, I just think it's

the TV show he's watching.

Okay.

You got it?

MEREDITH: Yes.

EVE: Hurry up.

Okay. You go. Get out of here.

Find help. Save yourself.

-What about you?

-I have to stay and find Lucas.

Look, I love you

and I love my godson.

-I'm not leaving you.

-Meredith.

Do you really think you stand

a chance by yourself?

I don't know.

MEREDITH: We need to

get him out of the house.

I have an idea.

(DISTANT TV CHATTER)

Shh.

Just find some sticks, yeah.

(GRUNTS)

You got this.

Oh, come.

What the...

(TRUCK ALARM WAILS, HORN HONKS)

(CAR BEEPS)

CREIGHTON:

There's nowhere to run.

We're miles from town.

Hey!

Come on, Gina.

You can't get rid of me.

I'm his father!

You thought you could replace me

with some wannabe ninja?

On second thought,

there's nothing wrong

with single parenting.

(GROANS)

()

You've got one hell of a swing.

T-ball. Lucas.

Let's tie him up.

MEREDITH: Okay.

(PANTS)

()

Hey!

Where's Lucas?

I never would have called him

that.

It's a terrible name.

EVE: Where is he?

You really think I'm gonna

give up my son again

after you took him away

for 10 years?

Go to Hell!

Oh, what are you gonna do,

nag me to death?

You must have a phone.

I got a cell. No reception.

He's right.

There's no reception out here.

So here's what's gonna happen.

You're gonna let me go,

and I give you my word

that we can come to

a custody agreement.

Either that or you never

see your boy again.

(SCREAMS)

-Eve.

-You stabbed me!

You actually stabbed me!

Tell me where to find Lucas

and I will tie this off

and we will send an ambulance

after we get out of here.

And if I don't?

(SCREAMS)

Then I poke a few more holes

in you

and you can bleed out right now.

-The choice is yours.

-You wouldn't.

We would.

(SCREAMS)

He's not far,

but there's no road.

It looks like you're coming

with us then.

I gotta find something

to tie this off.

(ROPE SCRAPING)

(GROANS)

Don't try anything.

(GROANS)

(SCREAMS)

Now get up.

(GROANS)

(SCREAMS)

Can't go anywhere like this.

I got him.

Don't.

(GROANS)

Now take us there.

Move.

(CREIGHTON GROANS)

()

()

(KEYBOARD KEYS CLICKING)

(BANG)

(SNICKERS WHINING)

I'm trying to find her,

Snickers.

(WHIMPERS)

(CABINET DOORS THUDDING)

(ZIPPER ZIPS)

TYLER:

If anything happens to me...

Creighton Cooper

of Waynesboro released

from prison.

(WHINES)

(BEEP)

()

(BEEP)

TYLER: Okay.

(RINGING TONE)

CHIEF RUDY: (ON PHONE) Hello?

Hey, Chief. Sorry to wake you.

Does the name Creighton Cooper

mean anything to you?

CHIEF RUDY: (ON PHONE)

Doesn't ring any bells.

Well, he's the connection

to Waynesboro.

He's the one that's been

harassing Eve.

You have any evidence?

TYLER: (ON PHONE) Well,

I have a newspaper article.

Uh, she wanted us to find it.

She... she's trying to tell us

something.

CHIEF RUDY: (ON PHONE) I don't

mean to Pop your tire here, young man,

but, uh, it sounds

a little flimsy to me.

Look, I... I'm driving up there.

I can be there in two hours.

CHIEF RUDY: (ON PHONE)

That won't be necessary.

We have everything

under control.

Really? Have you found my wife?

CHIEF RUDY: (ON PHONE)

We won't stop looking.

I can promise you that.

Yeah. Well, I'm coming to help.

Listen here.

I know you got, uh,

pretty strong feelings

about this, young man, but, uh,

you don't have any jurisdiction

here.

I suggest you just sit tight

and you let us do our jobs.

I don't need you here

and messing up my investigation.

I do not want to see you

in Waynesboro.

(RECEIVER CLUNKS)

(BUSY TONE)

TYLER: Screw that.

Who was that?

It was nobody.

You go on back to sleep.

(DOOR SHUTS)

(DOOR OPENS)

Who are you?

I'm Nick. I'm Natalie's husband.

Meredith helped her through

the birth of her new baby.

-She's not here.

-NICK: Okay.

Well, she gave us

this care package

and I found these inside.

I don't know if it's a mistake

or not,

but they have your daughter's

name on 'em.

()

Well, if she gave those to you,

she probably really wanted

you to have them.

Do you know a good time

I could come back and find her?

h*... hold on. Is she in danger?

Did Meredith tell me

you were a Marine?

Yes, sir. I am.

I could use your help.

()

It's up there.

You left our son alone?

Yeah.

Help! Help!

Help!

CHIEF RUDY: The end.

So the moral is, son, a man,

a real man,

he's gotta do what

he's gotta do.

-You understand?

-CREIGHTON: Help!

Help!

You stay there.

Help!

sh**t.

EVE: Drop the g*n.

Drop the g*n.

I did his leg,

I will do his neck too.

All right, let's don't...

Let's don't do anything

we're gonna regret, all right?

EVE: Move away.

Now Lucas comes with us,

and I let Creighton live.

Lucas! Lucas, come here!

Come on!

Lucas!

Lucas, come out here, honey.

LUCAS: Mom!

EVE: Hi, baby. You're okay.

It's all right.

Come on, baby. It's okay.

-MEREDITH: Come on, Lucas.

-EVE: You're okay. Go to...

Go to Meredith.

You're all right.

The truck's back at the house.

Take Lucas. I will follow after.

I don't want to!

EVE: Go with Meredith.

Okay, come on. Come on.

Here. Here.

(GRUNTS)

(GROANS)

CHIEF RUDY: Don't move!

Hands up. Hands up.

CHIEF RUDY TO LUCAS:

Stay right there.

You tell him

to stay right there.

Stay. It's okay.

CHIEF RUDY: Got you

pretty good, didn't they?

You're his dad?

Lucas's grandfather?

Guilty as charged.

Good to see you, Gina.

I can't believe

you're helping him.

Well, blood is blood, right?

Take the boy inside.

Get that leg cleaned up.

-CREIGHTON: Come, come.

-EVE: No, Lucas.

CREIGHTON: Come here. It's okay.

EVE: You know better

than anyone who he is.

CREIGHTON: It's okay.

Come on. It's all right.

Come on.

Yes, I do.

He's my son.

(DOOR SHUTS IN BACKGROUND)

Now I know he's always been

a bit headstrong.

That's why a few years ago

I cut him out of my life,

you know, to see if he could

get his act together.

You know what happened

when I did that?

You know what happened

when I cut him out of my life?

They sent him to jail!

I wasn't there to protect him!

And I lost him!

I lost my son and my only

grandson because of you!

Do you know what that does

to a man?

Do you have any idea?

10 long years I waited.

10 long years alone,

waiting, hoping, and praying

that I would have my family

back together.

And now that I do...

you have to disappear.

Grab the shovels.

Move!

(WHIMPERS)

(SHOVEL CLUNKS)

MEREDITH: You know,

you don't have to do this.

(g*nsh*t)

(SCREAMS)

I said...

move.

Move!

()

I need to talk to Chief Rudy.

He's not here.

Where'd he go?

I haven't seen him

since yesterday.

Look, I really need to find him

now.

I'm sorry.

This his number?

Sir, I... I cannot give out

personal information.

()

Were you a Marine?

Combat logistics.

2nd Battalion, 5th Marines,

still serving.

Look, if you can help us out

at all,

it would really mean a lot.

Let me see the number.

TYLER:

He said he was at his cabin.

Yeah, that's the station number.

No, he said this was

his personal line.

No, it's forwarded

to his personal line.

That's a landline.

Oh, okay, great.

So could we get that number?

Thank you. Thank you.

Sir, have a nice day.

Last time his cell pinged off

a tower was yesterday, but...

Wait a second.

Let's go.

(TOOLS CLINKING)

LUCAS: Are you okay, mister?

Don't call me mister.

I'm your dad.

My dad's dead.

Is that what she told you?

No, I'm not dead.

I... I just had to go away

for a little while,

do you understand?

Are you gonna hurt my mom?

I don't wanna hurt your mom,

but she's a bad person.

She took you away from me.

My mom loves me.

Yeah, but she shouldn't

have done that.

Me and your grandpa

are your real family.

Maybe we could all be...

together.

I'm afraid that's not

gonna work.

(PLASTIC RUSTLING)

You're a liar.

You ruined my life!

Hey!

I was your pet.

You and your savior complex.

Yeah, well, you'd be living

in a car if it wasn't for me.

-I wish I was!

-Yeah?

Hey. Cut it out, right now.

Get back.

(THUD)

CREIGHTON: Dad!

Dad!

Don't move!

Give me the g*n.

(g*n HAMMER CLICKS)

I'm warning you.

You're not gonna use that.

(g*nsh*t)

(GROANS)

I've gotta get Lucas.

-Go!

-CHIEF RUDY: Son!

-CREIGHTON: Dad!

-CHIEF RUDY: Son. Son.

LUCAS: Mom!

()

I love you. I love you so much.

Okay, let's go.

Okay.

Please, please help him. Please.

Please!

I can't lose him again, please.

Eve, I have to do something.

Do what you can.

Here, take it.

I got you. I got you.

(PANTS)

(PHONE DIAL WHIRS)

(RINGING TONE)

Hello?

OPERATOR 2: (ON PHONE) 911.

Someone's been shot.

OPERATOR 2: (ON PHONE)

What's your location?

Oh, I don't know.

Just... just trace the call,

hurry.

(RECEIVER CLUNKS)

All right, now you're gonna

breathe with me, ready?

Inhale. 1, 2, 3, 4.

Hold it. And exhale slow.

2, 3.

(GROANS)

MEREDITH: Good. Good.

Meredith!

()

(BIRDS SQUAWKING,

WATER SPLASHING)

I'd like to thank everyone

for coming out today

to celebrate our newly

rehabilitated studio.

But I would especially like

to thank my husband Tyler,

for putting up with all

of my decorating demands.

(CLAPPING)

And Natalie for bringing

her beautiful bundle of joy

when her husband Nick

went back out on tour,

to help keep us company

while we fixed the place up.

(CLAPPING)

And last but not least,

to my friend Gina,

who's been my partner

for over a decade now

and means more to me

than she'll ever know.

(CLAPPING)

-Ready?

-Ready.

(SNAP)

GUESTS: Hooray!

(CLAPPING)

(LAUGHS)

All right, so please go inside,

enjoy the mock tails

and the snacks,

and tell your friends

that Just Breathe is open

for business again.

All right. Wooh!

(CHEERING, CLAPPING)

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

Thank you, guys.

Thank you.

Of course.

(CHUCKLES)

Oh, what a speech.

-Mm-hmm.

-You should run for office.

Ha-ha.

Well, I think I'm gonna

lay low for a little while.

I was thinking about our future.

What would you think about

exploring the idea of adoption?

Yes.

(LAUGHS)

Oh, what a life, oh,

what a life, oh, what a life

Oh, what a life, oh, what

a life, oh, what a life

But when I think about

the person I've become

Where I started from

and just how far I've gone

Oh

It's hard to see sometimes,

but right before my eyes

Oh, what a life, oh,

what a life, oh, what a life

Oh, what a life, oh,

what a life, oh, what a life