Take My Hand (2024)

[bunniefuu]

Hup, hup, hup, hup, hup!

Hey.

Come on.

That's enough.

Mm-mm.

You'll never get a girlfriend

if you're always yelling.

See, she doesn't like it.

Hey.

Hey.

What are you doing?

Just, uh,

dropping off some fruit.

- My dad usually does this run.

- Hmm.

You, uh, you live here?

No, it's my uncle's place.

- I mean, it's a beautiful spot.

- Mmm.

You ride?

Yeah, that horse in there.

- Do you ride?

- No. No, never.

So do you just drive

fruit around or?

No. I, uh...

I do a little bit

more than that.

Oh, yeah, like what?

Do you still go to school?

Sorry, am I being

interrogated here?

No.

There's just a few creeps

around these parts.

You can't be sure, I guess.

Sorry.

I don't go to school anymore.

It's actually a family business.

Been in it

for the last two years.

I play a bit of

local footy here, too.

You should come

to a game one day.

Uh, yeah, it's...

It's not really my thing.

Well... maybe I can

come watch you ride.

Yeah, if I see you again.

Well, what's your name?

Laura.

And do you want to know mine?

Come on.

Alright, time's up.

Pens down, please.

Bring your papers up here to me.

Come on, don't dawdle.

Thank you, Miss Graves,

I'll bring these

to the teacher's lounge

for marking.

How do you think that went?

Um...

I don't know.

Good, I guess.

Laura, do you owe

Fiona Campbell something?

Perhaps a favour?

No.

Then why would you

take such a risk?

What do you mean?

Cheating at university

would be immediate expulsion.

- I wasn't cheating.

- You were!

How do you even know

if I'll be going to universit?

Maybe I don't know

if I want to go yet.

I'll see you at home.

- Hey, Rach.

- Hey.

Grab your sister

for dinner, darling.

Mum, the cheater's

not coming to dinner.

Rachel!

There's a spare axe out here

with your name on it.

Everyone at the table,

15 minutes!

There we go.

Still pigrooting a bit.

She probably just needs

a couple more rides.

- A bit fresh, I reckon.

- Mmm.

- Good girl.

- That boy's back again.

Thanks, Geoff.

Come on.

You're back again?

Yeah, back again.

We still got plenty of fruit.

But you haven't

tried one of these.

Hungry?

Want to come for a ride?

This is Silver.

It's a big horse.

- Hey there, Silver.

- Hey, she doesn't know you ye.

Here, come here.

Feel.

- Feels hot.

- Yeah, she's nervous.

So am I.

Ready to get on?

Yeah.

Okay. Alright.

Grab the reins there

and then you're going to put

your foot in the stirrup.

- Like this?

- Yeah.

Whoa!

Whoo, Laura, she's moving.

Yeah, she's a horse.

Where's she taking me?

Anywhere she wants,

if you don't steer her.

I don't know how to steer her.

- Okay.

- Whoa.

Alright, look at me.

When I turn right, I look right

and I open my reins.

I'm doing it.

Yeah, there we go.

They'll be calling you

Wild Bill in no time.

Who's that?

You don't like cowboy movies?

- Whoa.

- Whoa.

That's it. There you go.

So, where we goin'?

- Oh, you ready for a real ride?

- Yeah.

This is easy.

Okay, you asked for it.

Come on!

Whoa!

Whoa!

You okay?

Whoa, whoa!

That's it, come on.

Laura!

Hey, whoa, whoa, whoa!

Had enough?

How do I stop?!

Sit back in your saddle

and pull on your reins,

slowly but firm.

You need lessons.

Gonna teach me?

Not right now.

I've got work to do.

So how are we going to get back?

I guess you guys are walking.

Here.

So you gonna come

to a game one day?

What's your name?

Michael.

Hey, Michael,

want to make yourself useful?

Sure.

Do a bit of picking up for me,

if you like.

- Picking up of what?

- You'll figure it out.

Yes!

Come on, Michael!

Agh!

Sorry.

I got pushed off the ball

way too easily today.

Sorry you had to watch that.

What are you talking about?

You were great.

Could use a little

beefing up, though.

I think I want to scout.

You know, I'd be good at that.

I thought that you

wanted to be a jockey.

- Reckon I got the body for it?

- Definitely.

Better lay off those pies,

then, eh?

Mmm.

What about you?

What about me?

Well, what do you

want to do, huh?

Something far away from here.

What about the horses?

There's always

going to be horses.

So, scouting, fruit...

That sounds like

a pretty full life.

Yeah?

That's not everything.

Still one thing missing.

You don't want that.

Don't tell me what I don't want.

My life is messy.

It's way too messy

for you and yours.

Maybe mine's messier

than you think.

Maybe not.

- How's Roo?

- Good.

Come and give me a hand, honey.

What's his name?

Who?

The boy.

The Greek boy, at the stables.

- Michael.

- Hmm.

Is he nice?

Yeah, he is.

Good.

He's not my boyfriend

or anything.

Why not?

Gosh, I dunno.

Can you imagine Dad?

Can't bring anyone here.

I've been saving for years, Mum.

As soon as school finishes,

I'm out of here.

Mikale!

What's going on with you?

Your head not here.

I'm here all the time.

Yes, but you making mistake,

and this cost money.

You're throwing

money to the toilet.

When you here,

you must work here.

- This money in the toilet.

- I know. I know. I know.

I know!

Too much time

with this football.

Not enough with the books.

That's why you here with me.

- Hey, what was that about?

- What are you doing here?

I wanted to see where you work.

Well, alert the press.

It's where I'll be for

the next 30 years of my life.

Why?

He wants me to take over here.

- Watch out.

- Do you want to?

I don't know... I guess.

He doesn't care

about what I want.

So what are you going to do,

then?

He needs my help, Laura.

- Why?

- 'Cause I'm his only son.

Yeah, but what about your plans?

Can't do them right now.

- Well, when?

- I don't know.

It's just...

It's just you can't always

get what you want, Laura.

We're not all riding horses

in our spare time.

Hey, that's...

That's the one thing I've got

that makes me feel

something good.

Michael.

Hey.

Here.

You need lessons.

Uh... sorry about before.

Ever since Mum died,

Dad pretty much

just lives at the shop.

Helps numb the pain, I guess.

He acts like that's

our home now.

Spends more and more time there,

just trying to avoid

remembering her.

Do you miss her?

Yeah.

What about the rest

of your family?

Yeah, well, my dad's Greek,

so I've got, like, 55 cousins.

Oh, my God.

You want to meet 'em?

There's so many people.

That's a huge bite.

Hi, darling.

Do you want to tell me

about this?

I don't know if I want to go.

A university like this

doesn't just offer it

to anyone, darling.

It's the opportunity

of a lifetime.

That's... if you want it.

I don't know what to do

about Michael, Mum.

Have you told him?

I don't know how to.

These past few months

have been the happiest

that I've ever been.

Yes, I know. I know, darling.

This must feel like

the worst time of your life.

Trust me, it's not.

He's a good boy, Michael.

- Not bad looking, either.

- Mum!

He is.

It's okay not to have

all the answers.

You'll make the right decision.

Thanks, Mum.

Come here. Come here.

I have to tell you something.

I don't really know how to.

Okay.

I have to...

...to... to leave here.

Why?

Um...

...Six months ago,

I applied to a bunch of

universities in the UK...

...and...

...last week I found out that

I have been accepted into one.

Why didn't you say something?

To be honest,

I didn't really know, um...

I just put in all

these applications

not thinking that I'd have a

chance of getting in anywhere,

and...

...and then I met you and...

...now I just don't...

I don't want to stop you, Laura.

You don't?

No.

You have to go.

If you don't...

...you'll always regret it.

You could...

you could come with me.

We could live together and

you could get a job somewhere.

- And it could be really good.

- Yeah?

I've got a job.

I have to stay here.

And who knows?

You might not

like it over there,

and you can always come back.

When are you leaving?

I guess after I finish

my last exams.

Right.

Michael, I'm really sorry.

No, don't be.

Come on, boys.

We've got to leave in a minute.

Come on. Chop-chop!

Mum? Is Dad picking

us up this afternoon?

Uh, I'm not sure, darling.

He's hunting today.

But I'll make sure

he makes it to football.

Come on. Come on, Charlie.

Ah, Dana, I've got

my interview with the board

so I might be late.

Good luck, Laura.

Come on, Charlie.

Morning, Sandra.

Am I late?

No, Laura. Plenty of time.

They've just arrived.

- Oh, good luck today.

- Thank you.

Oh...

Laura. We're ready for you.

What, now?

- All good?

- Ah... yes.

Let's do it, Russ.

Where have you been?

I've been trying to get

a hold of you.

How did it go?

It's down to three.

Yes, yes,

you're going to get it.

Listen, don't be late

for the football.

Yeah, I won't, I won't,

I already said.

- Jason!

- Billy. Bill. What?

He worships you,

don't let him down.

Yes, I said I'd be there.

I will be there.

Bye.

Here, here, pass!

James! Come on! Come on!

Go!

Laura, how lovely to see you.

Graham.

This would be your eldest?

James, yes.

Do we perhaps have

another Steven Gerrard

on our hands, dear?

Well, I dunno about that.

I'm just happy to see him

outside playing sport.

It's very difficult to get them

off their screens these days.

Very different world now.

Yes, quite.

I heard about Jason's sale

to Trymantec. Congratulations.

Thank you.

Yes, he's very pleased.

A few more toys in the garage.

That's to be expected.

New money, I suppose.

Laura!

Quick, call 999!

Come on, get an ambulance!

Laura,

the surgery went well.

You've sustained

a fracture on your left wrist.

Nothing more conspicuous

than that, we hope.

Oh...

- Darling, can you get James?

- Yes, yes, yes.

- Can you get him now? Right.

- I'll get him.

Laura, have you had an episode

like this before?

Um, what...

what do you mean, falling?

I think this can be classified

as a bit more than just a fall.

Have you been

looking after yourself?

You're not, um,

a heavy drinker, are you?

Um...

What? No! Um...

My husband and I enjoy a drink,

but, um, no.

Look who I found.

- Oh. Darling.

- Mummy, are you okay?

Yes, darling, I'm fine.

- Are you alright?

- Yeah.

Just to be safe,

let's run some tests.

The nurse will be in shortly.

- You're sure you're okay?

- Yeah.

You promise?

- Hi. All done with the meeting.

- Carrie, thank you very much.

Ah, good morning, Laura.

- Good morning. Sorry I'm late.

- That's quite alright.

Look, as I'm sure

you're very well aware,

the Ringgit crashed

this morning,

so you'll run the numbers

on our Malaysian accounts.

- Already on it.

- Fantastic. Thank you.

Russell, can we have a look

at interest rates, please?

All the avenues on those.

I shouldn't have to tell you.

I can work on alternatives,

and get them to Martin.

What's the timeline on that?

Er, board wants

the new numbers Wednesday.

- Thank you, Carrie.

- Okay.

So bring a sleeping bag

if you have to.

Questions? No? Good.

Have fun, good luck, thank you.

Esther, can I just ask...

- Not yet.

- Oh, come on, Russ.

Russell!

I have you

on a redeye to New York?

Of course.

- How's the wrist?

- Oh, it's fine.

- Hello.

- Hmm.

- Are you feeling better today?

- Mmm.

What have you been up to?

Ah, I'm just taking

a little break from work.

Mm-hm.

Well, I was, uh...

I was just wondering

you don't fancy a little

visit upstairs, do you?

The boys are with Dana.

I'm actually

a little tired, darling.

I might have to

lie down for a bit.

Okay.

- Is everything alright?

- Yeah.

I just keep thinking

about everyone at home.

Yes, well, remember

you are so g*dd*mn close

to becoming a partner, darling.

I know.

And don't worry,

we'll pop back at Christmas

for a week or two, okay?

I promise.

I think I might

go for a ride tomorrow.

Laura Siminton,

are you defying doctor's orders?

- Are you sure?

- Very!

Well, don't break anything.

Oh, already done that.

There we go.

Great. Thank you.

Come on.

- Morning, Betty.

- You naughty thing.

Just going for a slow hack.

I'll be fine.

- Careful, love.

- I will.

Any news on the promotion?

It's down to the last three,

so... still waiting.

I'll cross everything for you,

then.

- Have fun out there.

- Thank you.

Come on.

Alright... Come on, come on.

I agree, yes. Listen!

Thank you.

Sorry, I had to take that call.

Hello, Doctor. Jason.

Take a seat, please.

Um...

Now, Laura, your...

Your MRI shows areas

of brain inflammation.

You see here and here

the white flares.

Now this can be

a reflection of normal ageing,

but generally not

in one so young.

The distribution of lesions

in the white and grey matter,

combined with your

clinical presentation,

is strongly suggestive

of multiple sclerosis.

MS?

Yes, it's an autoimmune disease

in which the body's immune

system attacks its own tissu,

mostly neuronal cells

of the brain and spinal cord.

No!

- Sorry?

- You're wrong.

Her mum has MS,

and the symptoms,

they're totally different.

I understand your mother

was diagnosed at 55,

but MS presents very differently

in different people.

We were told that

it wasn't hereditary.

That's true.

There's a very low risk,

actually.

Less than 5%.

Laura, you have very

early stage symptoms,

the blurred vision,

loss of balance, cognitive fo.

Sometimes these symptoms

or episodes,

as you're experiencing now

will surface,

then not ever reappear.

I'm sorry.

It's a lot to process, I know.

I'll be sending you home today

with a prescription...

Jason.

Hey, stop the car.

- We're almost home.

- Please.

What are we going to do, Jase?

- I don't know.

- What are we going to do?

I don't know.

What about the kids?

The kids will be fine.

They've got me,

they've got Dana.

They're fine.

What can I do, Laura?

How do I help?

What do I do? Tell me.

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

It's okay.

I don't know what's going to

happen to me.

It's okay. Shh, shh...

Are we still going to

the Hampstead tonight?

I don't know.

Don't we not still

have leftovers?

Oh, come on, Jason.

Let's go out.

Dana's here,

she can take care of the kids.

Alright, fine.

Whatever you want, darling.

What? What is it?

Jason, look at me

when I'm talking to you.

- There you go.

- Thank you.

That's nice.

Please, I've got 24 hours

to get this done,

and then I'm all yours, okay?

But... how about...

..tomorrow, you and me,

the Savoy, a night alone,

just the two of us.

How's that sound?

Happy?

Ish.

Ever since we spoke,

I haven't stopped thinking

about how this has happened

to my beautiful sister.

After everything

we've been through with Mum,

I honestly thought

we'd seen the end

of this f*cking disease.

I've got a few things

to tie up in Sydney,

then I'm coming over.

I miss you.

I can't wait to see you

and the boys.

Hey! Stop it!

James, what did I say?

No screens till after 5:00.

Morning, Dana.

These little angels

keeping you good company?

Yes.

Laura!

Yes, Mummy's fine.

Mummy's alright.

I'll take those plates, Dana.

Thank you. Mummy's alright.

Laura, you look good.

Thank you.

Can I get you a tea, coffee?

Ah, I'm fine.

Yes, how are you, Laura?

I'm good, Esther. How are you?

- Wonderful, thank you.

- Good.

And how's Jason?

He's good.

He wants to start

another venture.

Wants to do it all over again.

He's made a fortune.

Well, some people

are never satisfied, Russ.

Laura, don't worry

about heading off to Sweden

this week with Russell.

Alistair is going now.

Oh, I see.

So you didn't bring me in here

just to fill me in

on the week, did you?

I'm afraid the board

wants to sign you off.

On what grounds?

From what we've been told,

MS is a progressive disease.

Laura, there's no guarantee

you'll be able to work again.

How can you be so sure?

Please, just...

Laura, I know

how hard you've worked.

I am so sorry.

Laura.

There you go.

Oh, okay!

Thank you.

You do that one.

Coming!

- Rach!

- Hey, beautiful!

Have you told Mum and Dad?

Laura...

No, I will... eventually.

- How's Jason been handling it?

- He's not.

He's, uh, started

drinking again, so...

It's just good to have you here.

- Hmm.

- Thank you.

- Presents!

- Yes, presents!

Charlie.

Oh, and this one's from Santa.

Jack, we have something for

you at the back of the tree.

Oh, don't forget

Dana's present, darling.

- Merry Christmas, Dana.

- Oh, thank you.

Look, Mum, from Nana and Pop.

"This book belongs

to Prince Charles.

"Can't wait to see you.

"Hope you enjoy reading

as much as your mother used to.

"Love Nana and Pop. Kiss, hug."

Oh.

Well, we're going to have

to send them a thankyou,

- aren't we?

- Okay.

Dana,

what does this word say?

Oh, let me have a look.

So, no apology?

It's Christmas,

for Christ's sake, Jason.

Is it? Yes...

It's still Tuesday

for my client.

James gave the loveliest

speech earlier on,

thanking everyone

for joining us tonight.

Did he?

For such a young man,

he has a very strong sense

of commitment

towards our family.

Yeah, he does, doesn't he?

I wonder where he gets

that from. What do you think?

I don't suppose

I can rely on you

to take me

to my infusion tomorrow.

I said I was going to

take you, didn't I?

Yes, you did.

Jason!

- Merry Christmas.

- Hello, brother.

- James!

- Hey, Dad. Merry Christmas.

Come here, my boy.

That's the best-looking Santa

I've ever seen. Go on.

So, how's Mum?

Well, she's, um...

she's not doing too well.

But, uh, we're getting

through it though.

And, uh, how are you

and how are the boys?

Oh, they're good, yeah.

Charlie really loves

that book, so, thank you.

He loves his book.

That's terrific.

Has his reading improved yet?

Well, he's trying.

Yeah, they're doing fine.

Well, good.

Well tell him to keep it up.

And how have you been?

Yeah, I'm... I'm good.

I'm just busy.

Look, why don't you and the boys

come out here for a visit?

I mean, your mother's condition

isn't getting any better.

And, you know,

she... she'd love to see.

We would both love to see you.

Well, like I said, Dad,

we're... we're busy.

So it's a bit difficult

right now.

No. Well, you said that

three months ago.

Did I?

Laura? What's going on?

- Nothing.

- What is it?

Like I said, Dad.

I'm going to come.

Just trust me.

I'll be home soon, I promise.

Alright, then.

Well, cheerio

and, um, we'll speak soon.

Oh, your mother said...

She's gone.

Thank you.

Stop...

Stop being so rough with him!

- Boys! Please!

- Boys, behave!

Listen to your mother.

James, come here.

Did you build your little

fortress today, yeah?

I did. Come see.

I will, I will.

How you doing, buddy?

No, no, I'm going to,

I'm just going to...

Dana, can you take

the boys through?

I'm coming, I'm just

gonna talk to Mummy.

Come on.

Let go! Go on.

Yes, thank you.

Come on, boys.

Your favourite tipple, yeah?

I put six crates in the cellar.

Thanks.

I thought you were taking

James to football.

Yeah, I forgot.

You always forget.

You've taken him once,

six months ago.

It wasn't six months ago.

Anyway, that's more than

my father ever took me.

Oh, actually,

er, my dad and Kerry

are thinking about

maybe popping up at Easter.

Or perhaps we could...

we could go down to Spain.

Don't you think the boys

would really enjoy that?

Jason, are you using

your father as an excuse?

No. No, I'm not.

That man has paid

no attention to you,

has no interest

in his grandchildren.

And now you're saying he wants

to spend Easter with us?

Yeah, he does. It's sweet.

What's the problem?

The only reason

he wants to come here

is because he wants to show off

this house to his new wife.

Yes, maybe he does,

and Kerry is her name.

Jason, you need to

prioritise your family,

not some alcoholic

prick of a man

who continues

to ignore my condition.

He doesn't ignore

your condition.

Can't we just have

a nice quiet Easter, just us?

Fine! Fine!

Done. Solved.

I'll tell them we're busy.

You happy?

No, we need to get out of London

because this is just

getting too stressful.

I want to leave!

I want to go home.

I've got to go to

New York tomorrow.

Fine.

You go talk about money,

'cause I'm going to start

looking at schools

in Australia.

I need to be with my family.

You did make

a promise to my father

that we would

eventually move home.

- I never promised that.

- Yes!

- You did.

- No, I didn't!

And tell me, please,

what the hell am I

going to do in Australia?

Jason, for God's sake,

stop being so selfish!

You can do anything.

What am I going to do

in Australia?! Tell me.

We promised, we agreed,

if your condition was stable,

we would stay in London.

- No, we did not.

- Yes, we did.

- We never even talked about it.

- Yes, we did!

Doesn't f*cking matter,

sweetheart.

I'm sick.

I'm not getting any better.

Yeah, you are sick.

You are always f*cking sick,

I know because I've had

to go through this illness

as well, Laura.

No, you have not.

Mum, get up! Are you okay?

Don't rub your eyes.

I can't see you very well.

Yes, I know.

The doctors say

it's only temporary.

You had an attack.

You're on some pretty

heavy medication, so...

- You came?

- Hmm...

Well, you didn't give me

much choice.

Is Mum here?

No.

She's staying with

your Uncle Geoff

and Aunty Jackie back home.

It's best that she doesn't fly

at the moment.

I'm sorry, Dad.

- I should've told you.

- Hmm...

It's okay.

Are the boys here?

No, they're at home with Rachel.

You've done a good job

with those boys.

Hmm.

Is Jason here?

No, he's not.

He had an accident.

Is he alright?

He, uh...

Well, he... he crashed his car

a few nights ago

and, um...

Well, from what I understand,

they brought him in downstairs,

but he couldn't be revived.

He's dead.

I'm so sorry.

I wanted you to wake up

and not be alone.

I, erm...

I'll... I'll wait here

until you're better.

I haven't told the boys yet.

I couldn't bring myself

to tell them.

Ahh...

Here we are.

- Let's go.

- Yeah.

Oh! My boys!

- Nanny!

- Hello!

- Hey, Nan.

- Hi, Nana.

Hello!

Look at you. So incredible.

Grown up.

- Me first.

- No!

Boys!

Who wants a cordial?

- Me!

- Me!

You look well, darling.

I wish you would have told us

earlier about your condition.

Well, I didn't want to

stress you and Dad.

I'm so lucky

to have your father.

I don't know what I'd do if...

if he wasn't here.

Can you imagine the two of us

taking care of each other?

What do you think

you'll do now, darling?

I don't know.

Well, I guess I'll just

take care of my boys.

Yeah.

This is all my fault.

No...

It's so lovely to have you home.

It's good to be here.

I've missed you, Mum.

I've missed you, darling.

Okay, James.

Please can you help, darling.

- Alright.

- James, lunch.

Oh, and, Charlie, don't forget

your jacket, alright?

- Alright, car's leaving.

- There you go.

Say goodbye.

Bye. Mwah. Quick, come on.

- Come on.

- Can I drive the car?

No, you can't drive the car.

Don't dawdle. Out, out!

Okay...

How are the boys

settling in?

Oh, they're alright,

starting to make friends.

- So it's good.

- Yeah.

Poor little buggers, they've...

Ooh!

Yeah, James is having

a little difficult time.

Oh? Yeah?

He just misses his dad,

you know?

Yeah, of course.

What about you?

How are you managing?

You okay?

Laura,

we have to call the school.

There's been an issue

with James.

Oh, right.

Alright, well,

I'll be back in a minute.

You know, you got to

be careful around here.

There's a few creeps

around these parts.

Michael?

Hey, Laura.

Ahh...

You look so...

- How have you been?

- Um... uh, good.

Yeah, better.

I... I can't believe

I'm talking to you.

I know! Me either.

Jesus, how...

how long has it been?

Uh... too long.

Too long, yeah.

So, how's... how's London?

You just back visiting or...

Oh, it's, um...

It was a lot, actually.

I'm living with Mum and Dad now.

So, we should catch up

if you get a chance.

- Hi, Dad.

- Ah, hello.

Er, this is my daughter, Bella.

Hi, I'm Laura.

- Nice to meet you.

- Nice to meet you.

Oh...

Thanks for leaving me

with the bill.

Well, it's your hair.

You can pay

for your own do, huh?

- Well, do you like it?

- Yeah. Yeah, it's beautiful.

- I'll let you two catch up.

- Okay.

- Oh, Dad, can I have the keys?

- Ah, yeah.

- So nice to meet you, Laura.

- Yes.

We should...

we should catch up properly.

- Yeah, let's.

- I'll give you my number.

Okay.

I cannot believe

I'm staring at you right now.

- I know.

- Ah... I'll see ya.

Hey...

Take a seat.

Oh, no, that's okay.

That's alright.

You look amazing.

Thank you.

You look amazing.

Good evening.

Can I get you a drink?

Can I have a shiraz, please?

Well...

- I don't know where to start.

- I know! How...

- 22 years.

- Oh, my God.

- Mm-hm.

- Really?

- Yeah.

- Wow.

Yeah, wow.

Well, you're not as skinny

as you used to be.

Uh, yeah, I guess

I filled out a little bit.

And... and Bella's gorgeous.

Like, I can't believe

she just hugged me like that.

Yeah, I hug her all the time.

And you've got three boys, yeah?

How do you know that?

Oh... social media.

A stalker, I guess.

So, what is that like,

being a mum of three boys?

- Oh... Ah, messy.

- Mm-hm.

No, it's... it's great.

Um...

Their father passed away.

Um, and since then

we've been based here.

Yeah, I heard.

I'm... I'm sorry.

It's okay.

So, your, um...

your... your wife?

Ah, divorced, yeah.

But, um, yeah, I'm...

..I'm lucky I get

Bella full-time, so...

Oh, that's great.

- That's great.

- No, I mean...

- I'm so sorry. It's not great.

- I know what you mean, yes.

It is great that

I get her all the time, yes.

That's what you mean.

Um...

Are you still

working with your dad?

No, no, no...

No, um...

When dad retired, I didn't...

..I didn't last

much longer than that.

I never loved it the way

he did, that's for sure.

I was head of scouting

for the Magpies for 10 years,

up until about six months ago.

Now I'm just taking a break

for a few months while I think

about two offers from

other clubs for next season.

So... we'll see how it goes.

Wow!

So you did it.

You must be happy?

Yeah, it keeps me

out of trouble.

So, how are your...

how are your folks going?

Oh... um,

well, my dad, you know,

he's... he's retired now,

so he's mellowed out a bit.

Uh... he's taking care

of my mum.

Uh, she has MS, like I do.

I don't know

if you know about that.

Yeah, I did.

I'm sorry.

It's okay.

You know, um...

...this is the first time

in a really long time

that I've forgotten that

I'm actually quite sick.

Why are you smiling?

'Cause I'm... 'Cause I'm...

I'm just... I'm happy, right now.

- Right here.

- Yeah.

I'm happy too.

I hope that you can forgive me.

What for?

For leaving,

for starting another life.

Maybe I left too, you know?

That part of me, anyway.

No.

You're the same.

Am I?

Yeah.

You're still kind.

So, do you still ride horses?

Um, well,

I... I had to give that up

with the diagnosis,

'cause I, um, just not

that strong anymore.

I... I really miss it, actually.

So... you're divorced?

Yeah, yeah,

you asked me that before.

Oh...

- It's okay.

- I'm... I'm so...

I, um, I kind of,

I forget things sometimes.

It's okay.

- You're divorced.

- Yes.

It's all good.

There's a man here.

G'day, mate.

You must be Laura's son.

James.

Can I come in, James?

Thanks, mate.

Oh, hi!

- Hey.

- Hi.

- So you met James.

- I did.

Right, so, uh, this is Scott.

And this is Charlie.

And, boys, this is Michael.

Um... we were friends as kids.

- Hey, boys.

- Hi.

So, uh, we're going to

go out for a little bit.

- Are you coming back?

- Of course I'm coming back.

When are you coming back?

Well, we'll be back

in a few hours.

Don't worry,

Poppy will take care of you.

Mr Kionis.

Yazzo.

Yazzo, Mr Caldwell.

That's, um, as far as it goes

for me, I'm afraid.

- Fair enough.

- Well, nice one, Dad.

Oh, thank you, darling.

So this is Scotty.

He's like my little angel.

- Shall we?

- Yeah.

Okay, nice to meet you

Scotty, Charlie, James.

Thanks, Dad.

Go.

Thanks.

Come on, busy bodies,

let's do some homework.

Off you go.

So, where are you taking me?

Mmm, it's a surprise.

- Surprise?

- I think you'll like it.

Okay.

After you.

What are we doing?

- Almost there.

- We're almost where?

- You'll see.

- What? Okay.

A few more steps.

- Easy.

- What?

Give me your other hand.

- Give me your hand.

- Okay, alright.

Trust me.

- Okay.

- Ahh...

Who is this?

Oh, my God.

Retired but happy.

Oh...

Roo...

How did you find him?

I thought he'd been sold off

with the others

when Geoff retired.

Jack, the owner here,

bought a couple.

We discovered him

when Bella started riding

here two summers ago.

Hi.

Hi.

Oh, thank you.

You're welcome.

Do you remember me?

Do you? I remember you.

I'm a bit different now,

but you...

Oh, you're exactly the same.

Hi. Hey?

Hey...

I think, um...

I think he remembers me.

Oh, who wouldn't?

Wow.

What are you guys up to tonight?

Just the movies

with Katy and Ella.

- Ah, just the movies.

- Yes, Dad, just the movies.

So, Laura seems nice.

- Yeah, she's great.

- Yeah, she's great.

What?

Dad, why don't you

tell me about her?

There's not much to tell.

We were close

for a while, that's all.

Well, what happened?

- Life happened, Bella.

- You loved her, didn't you?

- Okay, that's enough.

- Dad!

- Go! Get ready for the movies.

- You're so annoying!

- The conversation's not over.

- Okay, boss.

Oh, she can ride!

Yeah, she's been riding

since she was small.

She's amazing!

Well, he taught me.

What? You ride?

I may have picked it up

from somewhere, yeah.

Okay, show-off, come on.

Come on.

You want a go?

Oh, no, I... I can't.

Yeah, I'll help.

- Maybe one day.

- Okay, one day it is.

Okay, bye. Bye.

He won't turn that bloody TV

down every time I talk to him.

I know.

Hey, so...

I have an idea.

- Yeah?

- Mmm.

Why don't you and the boys

move in with Bella and I?

- Oh...

- I mean it, Laura.

Um...

I don't know.

Well, you can't stay with your

mum and dad much longer.

Right?

It's... it's too crowded there.

I... I like being with them.

You know, they took

care of me, you know,

I feel like now

I'm taking care of them.

But how are you going to

do that in your condition?

What are you saying?

Laura, your dad needs

to take care of your mum.

Who's going to take care of you?

I...

I want to take care of you.

It's just I've got

a lot on my plate.

I just don't think

you understand that.

You said the same thing

when we were kids

and nothing has changed for me.

You're too messy for me,

remember?

Laura...

Life's messy.

I don't think you know

what you would be getting into.

I know. I know what

I'm getting into, I do.

When you're sick...

...you just feel like

you're a burden to everyone,

even your kids.

I'm sorry, you're right.

I have...

I have no idea

what's ahead. I don't.

But, Laura,

I'm prepared to find out.

- It feels kind of overwhelming.

- Mmm.

I love you,

but I'm just a bit scared.

It's okay, it's okay.

Yeah, I guess...

I guess it's a little fast

after 22 years.

Look, I'm, uh...

I'm happy to take this

as slow as you want.

Okay?

Can't do it, Bella.

I can't. I can't do this.

No, it's fine. Just leave it.

No, Dad, no.

It's giving me a headache.

- Dad, no. Stop, Dad.

- Oh!

I'll get a headache.

Just relax.

I'm gonna play you something

with a bit of style.

A little bit of class,

and this is a classic.

Remember?

Hey? Hey?

- You don't remember the ball?

- I do!

Well, come on, let's go.

Come on.

This is how we do it these days.

No, put me down.

- Oh, goodnight, Bella.

- Goodnight.

Um, Laura...

Um...

Do you really want this?

What do you mean?

Do you love my dad?

Yeah, I... I do.

Well, have you told him?

No, I haven't.

Why?

Um...

I don't know.

Well, I think you should.

He really loves you.

- How do you know?

- I just know.

We've been through

a lot together

and Mum really

mucked him around,

and I don't want him

to go through that again.

Your dad is very lucky

to have a daughter like you.

And I'm really sorry

that your mum did that to him.

You know what?

Maybe you and I should just

spend a little time together.

Just the two of us.

- Hmm?

- I'd like that.

We can listen to any

music that we want.

Good.

Goodnight.

Bella just gave me

the once over.

You've raised a good girl there.

Yeah, we're a good little team,

me and her.

Are you sure you've got room

for four more in that team?

I mean, you're taking on

a lot, Michael.

Me, the boys,

this disease.

You don't think that

this comes with baggage?

We are both taking on a lot,

but I am ready for it.

Me too.

What if I end up

in a wheelchair?

Well...

..as long as we can do this...

..it'll be okay.

Boys! Come over here.

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.

Come here, Charlie.

That's not very nice.

Can we have a little talk?

Hmm?

So... we've all been through

a lot in the past few years.

And I know that

you all miss your dad.

And no one

will ever replace him.

Not... not even me.

But...

...I need to know that you'll

all be okay with something.

What?

I just wanted to know

how you'd all feel about...

..us all moving in

with Michael and Bella.

Have you forgotten

about Daddy, already?

Of course not, no.

I'll never forget about Daddy.

Daddy gave me you

and your beautiful brothers.

Well...

..Michael makes me happy.

Do we really have to

live with a girl?

Well, Mummy's a girl too.

It could be nice.

Okay, don't talk, shhh...

Shhh...

T, A...

- Oh, no.

- Ready for this?

Uh-oh.

That's it.

Pull my hand.

Good, good,

and push with your legs.

That's fine.

You look good.

Thanks. I feel fine.

So, Laura, the medication

is stopping your illness

from advancing,

but unfortunately

some damage was done

in the last six months.

Your last MRI

showed two new lesions.

The most recent attack

has obviously

affected your walking.

Uh, and my speech.

Can I give you some

non-medical advice?

Sure.

Do something nice for yourself,

while you can.

Focus on what you can do

rather than what you can't.

- Almost there.

- You're alright.

You're doing good.

- Okay.

- Here we go.

You hungry?

Oh, no. I've already

had a breakfast.

You ate?

I thought we were

having breakfast here.

Oh... I forgot.

It's okay.

I'm going to get something

to eat, though.

Do you mind?

Laura?

Hey...

I'm going to order

some brekkie, okay?

Yeah, sure.

I might get a side

of bacon, too, I'm starving.

- Mike!

- Yeah?

I need to go to the bathroom.

- Okay, that's cool.

- Like right now.

Come on.

- I got you.

- Okay.

Michael,

once you sign this document,

you agree to live with

Laura and the boys,

but you have no financial claim

on her estate or assets

in the event

of illness or divorce.

Michael, you don't

have to do this.

I trust you.

Laura will not likely

ever work again.

She'll need 24-hour care.

Well, that is my job now.

I love you, too.

Come here. Hey...

Hey, guys, how you

going? Ready to ride, Laura?

Okay, in with

your foot and you push...

Yep, and there we go.

- Good.

- Alrighty, we ready?

- It's alright, yeah.

- Looking good.

Okay, and you're going

to slow her down,

practise your stop again.

Stop. Good.

So we're going out, huh?

Yeah,

we're going to go out.

That's good.

What are you doing

today here, darling?

What are you going to do?

I'm going to water.

I'm going to feed the water...

I'm going to fill up the water

for the horses.

And then I'm gonna go

and I'm gonna get their feed.

Feed the horses.

And then might have

a chat to the horses

'cause I like talking to them...

No, I think

it's back the other way.