Us

I think our marriage might be over.

We're going to have to cancel the holiday.

I think we should still go.

Hi!

I'm Kat.

(clamoring, shouting) I'd like to apologize.

I have no idea why he's being so stupid.

I can't do this journey anymore.

ALBIE: I feel like the Grand Tour isn't quite working out, so I've gone.

DOUGLAS: I know where Albie is.

FREJA: It's quite normal to get lost here.

I'm Freja.

DOUGLAS: He's definitely here, Connie.

I can feel it.

(rapid footsteps) (panting) (chatter, laughter) Douglas!

Hi, Dad!

Mr. Petersen, we meet again!

CONNIE: We thought you weren't coming!

Oh, I couldn't miss the quiz.

Three times winner!

Four, four times winner.

How are you feeling this year?

Fancy your chances?

That depends, are there real questions this time, or just a lot of celebrity trivia?

Dad thinks if it's not in the periodic table, it's not real knowledge.

I don't think that, I just think a few more science questions... QUIZMASTER: Can you hear me?

ATTENDEES: Yes.

I can't hear you-- can you hear me?

ATTENDEES (louder): Yes!

Good evening, everyone!

If you'd like to take your seats, please, for this year's... Oakbrook Sixth Form Quiz!

(cheers and applause) Thank you, thank you!

Best of luck!

QUIZMASTER: We're giving a special prize.... Connie?

Oh, actually, I'm on Mike's team this year.

Really?

MIKE: Douglas, can I get you a beer?

Uh, not before a match, Mike.

You're quizzing with other people?

It's allowed, isn't it?

Anyway, you weren't here, Mike asked... You're arts and culture, I'm science and geography, that's how we win.

I'm not completely ignorant about those things.

Flags of the world?

I know my flags.

Thought we'd try something new.

QUIZMASTER (over P.A.

): Your seats, please!

Spice things up-- look, it's meant to be fun, remember?

QUIZMASTER (over P.A.

): Okay, has everyone got their team names?

Team names are very important this year.

We're giving a special prize for the very best team name.

ALBIE: Good luck, Mum.

And you.

(quizmaster continues) Evening.

Evening.

QUIZMASTER (over P.A.

): Time and tide waits for no man.

We need a funny team name.

Oh, God.

Quizzard of Oz.

Les Quizzerables?

Can't we just be the Blue Team?

Well, where's the fun in that?

Look, can we just... Quiztopher Wren?

All right?

Sir Quiztopher Wren?

SIMONE: Yeah.

Who's going to have the pen?

QUIZMASTER: Okay, everybody, here we go, the moment you've all been waiting for, here we go: first round!

Let's dive into...

Lakes of the World!

Okay, now, here we go.

QUIZMASTER: Fantastic!

That's good.

Now, next section, round two, identify which country the following flags belong to... Mozambique.

QUIZMASTER: Which of the periodic elements have these symbols?

DOUGLAS: Potassium, iron, silver.

QUIZMASTER: Fantastic, next question.

Which country...

Fantastic!

Everyone happy, everyone confident?

Great, here we go again.

In 1986... QUIZMASTER: Round six!

Who was he?

Swedish prime minister.

Are you sure?

Trust me.

Now we come to our final round... Celebrity tattoos.

(sighs) And we start... with a tiger.

Time is up, time is up, ladies and gentlemen!

Pens down on the table, please!

Pens down on the table!

If you'll pass the papers to the team on the table to the right of you, please, for marking.

Thank you very much.

MIKE: Pretty tough, yeah?

Oh, I think we're quietly confident.

You are?

Yeah, we are, Mike, yeah.

Well, we'll see.

Yeah, we'll see.

(both chuckling) Okay, ladies and gentlemen, we are back in the room!

Sorry for a bit of a wait there.

It was very, very close this evening and some fantastic scores, so, with no further ado, here are the results.

In third place, with 23 points...

The Kranium Krusherz!

(cheers and applause) 28 points, I think we've got this.

How do you know?

I kept a copy of our answers-- 28 points.

Congratulations to the Kranium Krusherz.

And in second place, with 26 points... Sir Quiztopher Wren!

(cheers and applause) Which means that this year's winner... (mumbling) ...with 27 points is... 26... Mobiles at the Ready!

(cheers and applause) No, that's not right-- no, no, no, no, no.

There's a mistake in the marking, we got 28!

They, they haven't marked us properly!

Well, never mind.

Hey, excuse me!

Excuse me, sorry, excuse me, I think we need a recount.

We, we got 28, um, I kept a copy and I've just checked it, and I'm pretty sure that-- well, I know that... We got 28.

Sorry, you'd... You'd like us to mark them again?

Yes.

I'd like a recount.

(crowd murmuring) (bottle clinks) Save this for another time?

You off to bed?

Yeah, me, too.

Night, Albie, see you tomorrow!

Night... (dog fussing) The breakfast cake or the breakfast cheese?

Today, I think the cake.

Me, too.

How was the Accadem-i-a?

Actually, it's pronounced Acca-dem-ia.

Like the nut.

Macadamia!

Macadamia, yeah.

Of course-- and how was it?

Oh, I didn't go, too many tourists-- like me.

The tourist's paradox.

(chuckles) I thought Italy would be a huge treat.

I imagined myself sitting at caf tables, with a glass of wine and a novel.

But in every restaurant, they put me by the toilet, or they ask, "Will your husband be joining you?"

Hm.

And I certainly hope not.

In Berlin once, I went to the zoo by myself.

Christ, it was a desolate couple of hours.

Why did you?

I heard it was a great zoo, and it was.

I just felt like the animals were all laughing at me.

(chuckling) Never go to a zoo by yourself.

Or the circus.

Or the circus.

Cinema's okay.

Theater, too, maybe-- karaoke, not so much.

Paint-balling.

Bowling alley.

Bungee jumping.

(laughs) "I'm on my owwwwwwn!"

(laughs) (laughing) Last night, I was so tired, I ate a sandwich with my head out of the window so that I wouldn't get any crumbs on the bed.

Congratulations, Douglas.

You win the lonely tourist award.

(chuckles) I wonder, are you busy this morning?

And you have my number?

Yes, Mr. Petersen.

So text me or call me, but... Don't tell him you are here.

And do you need another... Ready?

Let's go.

And this is the Arsenale, the world-famous shipyard.

Yes.

Instead of building them one at a time, they had teams who specialized: the hull, the rigging, the sails.

"And so the idea of the production line was born."

I think maybe we have the same guidebook.

Oh, Christ, I'm an old bore.

No.

No wonder I've ended up traveling alone.

So do you know about art or history or... No.

(chuckles): God, no, I'm in pharmaceuticals.

Administration now.

Oh.

No, no hands-on science, but that's what I trained in, biochemistry.

Fascinating.

Not to everyone.

Well, more interesting than dentistry.

A dentist!

Mm-hmm.

Now suddenly I feel self-conscious about my teeth.

(laughs): Me, too.

You know, people always want to take a peek.

They want to know if you practice what you preach.

You have very idiomatic English.

"Idiomatic."

You charmer.

He had an affair with our hygienist, which was an achievement in itself, given that we shared the same practice.

Of course I found out, eventually, and we screamed the usual remarks: "Don't I make you happy?

Interest you?

Aren't I enough for you?"

In all instances, the answer was no, and so...

They are together now, in Copenhagen.

I imagine them... flossing away.

Just flossing, flossing... And how did you, uh...

Cope?

Yeah.

Well, to begin with, it was awful, a catastrophe.

Really, no one wants to see their dentist cry, tears dropping into your open mouth.

(chuckles softly) It got easier.

Well, it had to.

And how did your children take it?

They'd already moved out, but they were still furious-- or they pretended to be.

Children always know more than you think.

And now they worry about my being alone, which I don't much care for.

We should worry about our children, not the other way round.

And do you think, if they'd been younger, you would have stayed together?

"For the sake of the kids?"

I expect so.

But, this is better.

Not that I wanted him to go-- I mean, we were friends.

I thought we'd grow old together, but...

It's undignified to hold onto the sleeve of someone who wants to leave.

I'm sorry, this is, this is the most I've spoken in weeks, apart from, "Table for one, please."

(chuckles) Now it's your turn.

(cellphone rings) I'm sorry.

No, please.

(ringing stops) Hey.

You'll be pleased to know you were absolutely right.

About what?

I've sent a link, have a look.

(phone buzzes) Two... Sure.

CONNIE (on phone): Well, I couldn't sleep last night, and at 4:00 in the morning, I remembered the name of Kat's old band that she'd told me.

And then I searched online and I found her.

It's Kat with a K, not a C. And then I found this!

(phone chirps) I was there!

I walked past there six times yesterday!

CONNIE: You must have just missed each other.

I'll head there now.

CONNIE: No-- no rush.

I mean, he won't be up for hours yet.

He might not go there at all.

Take the morning off-- go to the "Acca-deem-ia."

It's the, uh, "Acca-dehm-ia," like the nut.

The macadamia nut?

(snorts softly): Okay.

Anyway, you were right.

Thank you, thank you-- I'll start now, okay, bye.

I'm sorry, I've got to go.

Okay-- should I come with you?

Oh, Christ, no, I don't know what I was thinking.

I'm so sorry.

Why do British people always apologize for things that aren't their fault?

Well, because it is, it is my fault, that's the whole point!

Now, look, here's 20 euros...

But you see, I'm leaving early tomorrow.

That's okay, keep the change.

No, that isn't what I meant.

Would you-- please, sit down for two minutes.

I don't have two minutes.

But I won't see you again.

(zips backpack) Well, it was nice to meet you.

And you, too, Douglas.

Now you must go.

(Douglas sighs) (exhales sharply) (panting) (indistinct chatter, laughter) (grunts) (exhales) (typing) (inhales deeply) (sighs) (knocks softly) Damn!

FREJA: Douglas.

Oh, you're still here.

Yes, I'm just about to pack.

Oh, I have your change, from the 20 euro.

Oh, no, please, don't want change.

I'm sorry about earlier and I'd like to explain.

And I can't eat another sandwich with my head out of the window.

Will you join me for dinner?

Uh...

Unless you've got plans, in which case... Downstairs at 8:00?

Good!

Yes.

(sighs) RECEPTIONIST: I have just the place for you.

I want somewhere functional-- pleasant, but not romantic.

Not too many candles.

I understand.

No, no, please, please don't wink-- I am being serious.

I think the lady will like this very much.

(cellphone ringing) Hello!

Hi.

(ringing) (ringing stops) DOUGLAS (on voicemail): Please leave a message.

(beep sounds) Hi.

All good?

Oh, you're, uh, damp.

You're damp to the touch.

Yes, I've just been washing my clothes in the hand basin.

It's very ritzy.

Oh.

And your shoes are spectacular.

You could play basketball.

Well, it is my sport.

(laughs): Oh!

I bought them for walking, actually.

Yes, so, shall we walk?

Mm.

(piano playing) This is Babbette, the oldest, she's a doctor, but for now, she's traveling in South America, God help me.

And this is Anastasia.

She works in film, she's a location manager-- or she was until she had the baby.

Hm!

Yeah, that was a surprise.

You're a grandmother!

God, it still takes me by surprise.

To be called a mormor at my age is... Whoa, whoa, whoa, what's that?

Oh, that's us at the birth.

Who's this?

My husband.

So he was present at the birth of his own grandchild?

When the baby was... came out?

We both were.

Well, that's very Scandinavian.

(chuckles): Given that you have a son, not something you have to experience.

No-- he's very handsome.

Yes, he is.

The dick.

That's where my daughters get their looks from.

Well, that's clearly not true.

(speaking Italian) No, thank you, no, it's not, it's not a date.

(speaking Italian) No, grazie.

He says you have a beautiful wife.

I do-- she's in the process of leaving me.

I don't have the Italian to explain that.

Best not mention it.

FREJA: I'm just thinking aloud.

Perhaps it's harder between fathers and sons.

Why's that?

Because with a daughter, you're not so directly a role model.

They can't turn into you.

(laughs): I don't think Albie's ever thought of me as a role model.

More like some terrible warning.

(chuckling) Can you talk to each other?

Not since he was, I don't know, six?

Now it's like we're on some terrible chat show.

"So, what are you up to these days?"

(laughs) This holiday, we were supposed to get to know each other.

Maybe that's why he ran off.

Oh, I'm sure not.

Can you talk to your daughters?

About most things.

Oh, God.

But girls are no saints, believe me.

But if you'd had a daughter...

I did have a daughter.

We just didn't get to speak to each other.

I thought you said... She died.

Albie had a sister, he just didn't know her.

I'm so sorry.

No, don't be.

My wife and I, we have a pact never to avoid the subject.

We still acknowledge her birthday and think about her.

She'd be 19 now, same as your daughter.

She's like a phantom, I suppose, just one we're not scared of.

I realize, as I say this, it must all sound all very strange.

No, not at all, but I've been so insensitive.

No, no, how would you know?

Even so... No, it was a long time ago.

May I ask what happened?

Well, she was early and she was very small, but we thought it would all be fine.

They kept her in, just for a few days.

But just as she was coming home... "Nothing to worry about, she's having a bit of trouble breathing."

And I thought, "Well, surely that is something "to worry about, because breathing and living...

The same thing, aren't they?"

(phone ringing) (groans) Hello?

DOUGLAS: By the time I got there, they'd diagnosed it as sepsis.

Neonatal sepsis.

(panting) YOUNGER CONNIE: I can't breathe, I'm so afraid.

YOUNGER DOUGLAS: Shh.

I keep making these promises...

I don't know who they're to-- it's ridiculous, really-- but I'll do anything, anything at all, if she's all right.

She will be.

We'll have her back soon.

Try to sleep now.

DOUGLAS: So we started this vigil.

One day, then two, then three, then four, sleeping in chairs.

Too scared to go home, trying to stay hopeful, but I think we always knew what was coming.

And on the fourth day... "Could we have a word?

There's a room next door."

(whimpering) (sobbing): No, no... (sobbing) FREJA: That must be the hardest thing that can happen to a couple.

Perhaps.

It could destroy you.

Or tie you together.

Finally we had something in common-- guilt, rage... And this irrational shame.

What for?

Letting her down, I suppose.

I remember holding her when she was born and making all these solemn vows to look after her and protect her.

Doesn't every parent do that?

All worthless, really.

Anyway... (chuckles) DOUGLAS: What time are you leaving?

At 10: 00 tomorrow.

Florence for two days, then Rome, Pompeii, Naples, and then back home.

We have this matching itinerary.

If I can get everyone back together, maybe we'll bump into you.

I could meet your family!

Mm.

"This is my friend, Freja!"

"We spent an evening together in Venice."

"Holiday of a lifetime."

Ugh, I certainly hope I never have to do it again.

Good night.

Good night.

And goodbye.

(knock at door) FREJA: Well, this is nice.

DOUGLAS: It is.

FREJA: Though... Not much of a seduction.

No.

Just as well.

(steady breathing) This temptress... falling asleep.

("A Coral Room" by Kate Bush playing) There's a city Draped in net Fishermen net (closes box) And in the half-light (Younger Douglas sighs) I'll go and fetch the car.

In the half-light It looks like every tower Is covered in webs (fumbling) (gasps) (groans, sucks teeth) (sharply inhales) Moving and glistening and rocking It's babies in rhythm (sobbing) As the spider of time Is climbing Over the ruins (whispering): Sorry about earlier, I was distracted.

Why are you whispering?

Speak up.

(whispering louder): I said I was distracted.

It wasn't about... losing Jane, was it, with us?

Did I handle that badly?

Was there something I should have said or done?

No!

No, of course not.

'Cause I thought we got through that pretty well together.

Yeah, we did-- it was never that.

Let's wait until you're home.

I'm sorry things didn't work out with Albie.

Well, we don't know that yet.

I'll try again tomorrow.

Didn't you get my message?

He's gone, Douglas.

He's already moved on.

I'll call again tomorrow.

Douglas?

Oh, no, no, no, no, no... ("Im Abendrot" by Franz Schubert playing) Yesterday.

O wie schn Ist deine Welt DOUGLAS: Dear Freja, I believe this is what is called a French exit.

Apologies.

While you were asleep, I came across a hot lead.

It seems Albie has moved on and I need to be in Siena before I miss him again.

I very much enjoyed our evening together, but our conversation also served to remind me why I'm here-- namely, my promise to myself to find my son and make amends.

I'm sorry we couldn't have spent longer in each other's company.

Perhaps I might even have joined you in Florence, but this can't be.

I hope you enjoy your holiday and consider myself extremely fortunate to have shared at least part of your journey.

I will always think of you with fondness, gratitude, and, perhaps, some regret.

Yours, Douglas Petersen.

Mein stilles Fenster sinkt (song concludes) (birds chirping) Oh, you're back!

We thought we'd seen you!

Hello there!

What happened to the trip of a lifetime?

I can't stop!

Where's Douglas?

Look, I've just got to...

I'll explain later, run out of dog food.

(car door closes) (engine starts) (music plays over store P.A.)

So much choice.

Oh, my God-- hello, hello, what are you doing here?

I'm just, um...

I don't want to undermine my image.

(chuckles) Shall I just come out and say it?

Go on.

I have an aquarium.

Goldfish?

(chuckles) Exotic-- I like fish.

There it is, now you know-- don't tell Albie.

Kids can be cruel.

(chuckles) You have a dog?

No, I just like browsing.

Yes, we have a dog.

I'm surprised to see you.

Albie said something about a Grand Tour?

Oh, that.

Yeah, that, um I had to come back.

I, um...

It didn't work out.

Are you okay?

Yeah, I am, I am.

It's just so strange to see teachers in the real world, with your jeans and your... aquariums.

I'm sorry, I've been in the house alone too long, so... Where's Albie?

Christ knows.

To be honest, it's cause for concern.

There is a caf here, if you want to talk about it.

Nothing special-- crisps, confectionery, greasy sausage roll.

(chuckles) Mmm!

Okay.

(train brakes screeching) (indistinct chatter) (distant chatting in Italian) Grazie.

Buongiorno.

Scusi.

Parli Inglese?

No.

No, okay, okay.

Uh, doubla espresso.

S.

And... One of these.

Okay-- caldo?

Uh, "caldo," is that cold or hot or... You think it's gonna mean cold, but it's actually hot, or it's-- the other way round, is it?

Okay.

Caldo.

Yeah, caldo, s-- ah, no, no, no.

Not caldo, not caldo, just, just like that-- just cold.

Cold-- caldo.

Yeah... no, freddo, freddo!

Yeah, no, it doesn't matter, there's no time.

(conductor's whistle blows) Oh, I've got to go.

(speaking Italian) No, I can't, uh, no time-- oh, God.

My wallet's on the...

I, I, I must go, the train... Uno momento, momento... No, scusi, keep the change, I have to go... No, no, no, no!

No, no, this is no good!

My bag!

My bag is on the train!

(train horn blares) On one of our first dates, Douglas took me to his lab canteen.

Stood there with our trays, helping ourselves to gammon and chips.

I didn't mind, not in those days.

I thought it was funny.

For a date.

Do you know where Douglas is now?

No idea.

Have you told Albie what's going on?

Not yet.

I'm sure, though, he's got an idea.

It's so predictable, isn't it?

Empty nests.

It's even a syndrome.

I haven't lived on my own for 25 years.

If I do go, will I be lonely, will I go on dates?

I mean, do you?

Sometimes.

And isn't it hell?

Not always.

(speaking Italian) (announcement in Italian) (cellphone ringing) Sorry.

Hi, how are you?

DOUGLAS (on phone): Connie, I'm gonna have to talk very quickly.

My phone's about to run out, I've lost my stuff.

What do you mean?

How?

It was, it was my fault.

I thought, I thought I could do it in time, I was about to pass out with hunger and they had these... CONNIE: Douglas, slow down.

Cheese... cheese toasties, what are they called?

Like an Italian toastie.

A panino.

No, a panini.

No, panino is singular, a panino.

Connie, what are you talking about?

Don't correct my Italian-- we don't have time!

Look, Douglas, where are you?

I'm on my way to Siena.

Uh, oh, Christ!

What?

Two percent, I'm gonna have to dim the phone.

Putting you on speaker.

CONNIE: I thought you'd be at the airport!

No, I'm not giving up!

Siena's tiny, it's got a wall around it.

What?

It's walled, it's got a wall!

My battery's extremely low, I'm going to go now.

No charger.

Douglas... Come home!

Yes, I will come home when I've found him.

Well, you're not really looking for him anymore, are you?

What?

I know what you're doing.

Sorry-- naught percent!

Hello?

(exhales) (music playing, indistinct chatter) (acoustic guitar playing) (bell tolling) (indistinct chatter) (sighs) Oh.

(coughs) (sighs) (nearby applause) KAT: Ah, thank you, thank you very much.

Thank you.

(applause ends) (playing "Dirty Old Town" by Ewan MacColl) Kat!

I met my love Kat!

By the gasworks wall Hello!

I dreamed a dream I cannot tell you how happy I am to have found you.

By the old canal Go away, Mr. P.!

I kissed my girl Okay, look, here's... By the factory wall Here's ten euros for you to stop playing.

Ten euros for you to talk to me.

Dirty old town Just nod if he's here.

Is he safe?

I've come a long way to see him, Kat.

Dirty old town The... (loudly): Clouds are drifting Okay, I've literally just paid you to stop.

(banjo stops) Don't touch me!

(yelling, clamoring) We know each other, it's okay.

We know each other!

(officer speaking Italian) (speaking Italian) It's fine, we're friends!

I'm not his friend!

You are.

(speaking Italian) I've come to see her.

(speaking Italian) KAT: They want a permit, I don't have a permit.

I can, I can buy you a permit.

It's too late, they've already warned me three times.

I can't pay the fine.

How can I pay the fine if you don't let me earn money?

(speaking Italian) Well, I have money, I have money.

Here's, here's, here's... 15 euros?

Andiamo.

No, no, no, you're overreacting.

You can't take her away.

I will pay the fine when I get my stuff back, which I... (speaking Italian) I'm sorry.

Sorry, okay, Kat, I'm gonna give you the word and then you're gonna run as fast as you've ever run in your life, okay?

What?

Run!

(mutters in Italian) (fan creaking and blowing) (door opens, footsteps, keys jingling) Signora, signora...

Uh... Scusi...

Uh, charger, uh, for telephone?

Per favor?

Grazie.

Well, that was nice of her.

What happened to your face?

Oh, this?

I fell asleep.

Uh, midday, sun, so... You look like a football hooligan.

(clicks tongue) Well, that's a first.

If you won't tell me where he is, can you at least assure me that he's okay?

Define "okay."

He's a very confused and angry boy.

Well, he's a teenager, so...

But on top of that, a lot of issues, a lot.

With you, I mean, he talks about you.

Does he?

And not in a good way.

I'm not gonna sugarcoat things for you, Mr. P. You can if you want.

He tries to seem all cool, but he's very mixed up and he's angry.

How so?

He thinks he disappoints you.

Well, that's not true.

He can't bear all the tension.

What tension?

With you and Mrs. P. He thinks you might be splitting up.

"Might be" or "definitely are"?

"Might be."

Okay.

But he thinks you will.

I see.

If it makes you feel any better... we split up, too.

Oh, Kat, that doesn't make me feel better.

What happened?

We were just arguing all the time.

About politics, life.

He said astrology's bollocks.

Did he?

Well, he's a Capricorn, so... (chuckles) Then there was the sex.

Oh, okay.

That was a whole can of worms.

Yes, you don't have to tell me about that if you don't want to...

He said that I was smothering him, it was too much.

Hm.

I really liked him, Mr. P. I'll talk to him.

(phone ringing in distance) Can you just give me the name of a hotel or a hostel?

I don't know the name of the hotel, I just know the city.

What, he's not in Siena?

OFFICER: Madam...

Please.

Barcelona.

Barcelona-- the one in Spain?

Do you know where?

That's all I know, Barcelona.

Well, that's it, he's gone.

I was so near.

I've lost him, Kat.

It doesn't seem right.

If you want something that much, you ought to get it, don't you think?

OFFICER: Signorina?

Per favore.

Better pay our fines.

Yeah.

Bye, Mr. P. Bye, Kat.

If they ask about the hotel buffet... Hey-- I'm no snitch.

(speaking Italian) Hey!

Hey!

Oh, am I free to go?

It's 2:00 in the morning.

Parli Inglese?

Scusi.

Of course.

Yes.

I wonder-- could I ask you a favor?

If you could leave the door open?

Grazie.

The good news is, he's very well and very happy.

Kat says he's having a great time.

I just don't know where.

So you're absolutely not to worry.

Well, that's good to know.

Mr. Jones on the bed?

No!

Because if I let him on the bed, he'll get used to it.

Exactly right.

Where are you?

Just a little hotel I found.

Is it nice?

It is.

If I lean out far enough, I can see the cathedral.

It's a little bit touristy, though.

I think I've had enough of traveling.

Oh, Douglas.

Shall I come over there?

No, I'm gonna come home now.

I think you should.

Come home.

We'll talk.

I was so close, Connie.

I know.

Sorry I failed.

You didn't fail.

No...

I just didn't succeed.

YOUNGER DOUGLAS: Connie?

(door shuts) I'm home.

(stirs) Hello there.

I fell asleep.

Mm.

(sighs) Did you speak to anyone today?

Hmm, the messages are on the machine.

But I think, perhaps... you should pick up the phone.

If you can.

Go out again, see your friends.

It's been a while since you went out.

They don't want to see me, not really.

They just want to be able to say they've seen me.

No, that's not true, they love you.

And anyway, I know what they're gonna tell me.

They're gonna say, "You're young.

You can have another baby."

(voice cracks): But I don't want another baby, I want our daughter.

I know, so do I.

Maybe we should go away somewhere together.

The trouble with going away is you have to come back.

That's true.

I think...

I think I might be a bit depressed.

That's my diagnosis.

(light chuckle) Oh, God.

If you want to leave me, Douglas, I'd understand.

Shh, hey, don't be ridiculous, that's enough.

I'm never gonna go anywhere without you and I am never gonna leave you.

(cries) Okay?

Okay.

(fly buzzing) (sighs) Grazie.

(banjo playing) Hey, Mr. P. How was life behind bars?

Better than some hotels.

The trick is to establish yourself as top dog straightaway.

With a single act of extreme violence.

You clearly thrived.

Yeah, though I regret the tattoos.

Oh, what'd you get?

Gang-related stuff.

(chuckles) I suppose you've tried texting Albie?

I did.

Phone calls and emails, too.

He said he wouldn't respond and he hasn't.

Have you still got your passport?

I do.

No money, though.

I was gonna get some wired, but I don't know what that actually means.

I shouldn't really do this, it's a betrayal of trust, but since you've come this far...

There.

"Meet me tomorrow, there's something you need to know.

"Big news, by the magic fountain, 12:00 noon, Don't call, don't be late."

I arranged a rendezvous.

This is a terrifying message.

You want him to turn up, don't you?

Can't we change this to... We don't know how long he's gonna be there.

No, I suppose you're right.

What the hell's a magic fountain?

Ask someone!

(chuckles): You'll find it.

Thank you, Kat.

Send him all my love.

I will.

No, but... like, proper love.

You really need to shower, Mr. P. Yes, I know, I will, I will, sorry, yeah.

Thank you!

(playing banjo) Actually... Um...

I don't suppose, if you gave me your bank details, would I be able to borrow some cash?

(club music pulsing) (club music distorts and fades) (phone vibrates, chimes) (indistinct chatter) PANINO VENDOR: Hey, caldo!

Hola, uh, habla usted ingls?

Ah, gracias.

Yes, I'm coming to Barcelona today, unexpectedly, and I wonder if you've got a room.

(indistinct voice over phone) Yes, yes.

I stayed with you before.

Um, you won't have my details, it was many years ago.

YOUNGER DOUGLAS: Don't be surprised.

I'm going to speak some Spanish now.

What if she replies in Spanish?

No one's ever done that... watch.

Hola, como estas?

Good evening, sir, how can I help you?

We have a reservation, Petersen is the name.

Do you have your passports?

Mm-hmm.

RECEPTIONIST: Do you need any help with your luggage?

No, I'm fine, thank you.

Enjoy.

Hola.

Como estas?

Can I help you, sir?

I know I don't look like it, but I have a reservation.

Petersen's the name.

And I have a meeting in the morning at a magic fountain.

(door closes) (sighs) YOUNGER DOUGLAS: "And do get some sleep.

"Barcelona's nightlife is world-famous and spectacular.

But don't expect much to happen before midnight."

If everybody started at 7: 00, they could all be home by 12:00.

(puts guidebook down) (crying softly) What's up?

No, nothing bad.

The opposite.

I'm pregnant.

(chuckles) Well... you don't know that.

No, I do, I absolutely do.

I mean, you might suspect it, but we won't know for a few days.

But I do know.

We're going to have a baby.

Please, Douglas... Just believe me.

Okay.

I do.

(chuckling) YOUNGER CONNIE: Douglas... Can you feel it?

It's happening.

(flicks switch) This is Connie Petersen, that's Petersen with three Es.

She's at 39 weeks...

It's going to be all right?

It's going to be absolutely fine.

Okay... (sighing) Does he look like an Albie?

Exactly like an Albie.

YOUNGER CONNIE: Do you think it's possible to get him through his whole life... without anything really bad happening to him?

YOUNGER DOUGLAS: I'll see what I can do.

(bell tolling) Hola.

Como estas?

Hello, Albie, it's me.

I can see that!

What are the chances?

(chuckles) I've been looking for you.

It's been quite an adventure, actually.

Where's Kat?

Italy, I think.

She sent me a weird text.

Yes, I know all about that.

Like she was pregnant or something?

That wasn't my idea, and she's not, but she thought it was very important that we meet.

So...

It was a trap?

Not a "trap" exactly.

She just helped me find you.

But I didn't want to be found!

No, I realize that, but...

I thought I was going to be a dad!

Yes, she did imply that, didn't she?

But do you have any idea what that feels like?

I do, as a matter of fact!

Yeah, well, I'm 17!

Flipping hell, Dad!

Hey, there's no need for that-- Albie!

I wanted to be alone, just to be left alone in the world, and you couldn't allow it!

We were worried!

Because you don't trust me.

You've never trusted me.

We simply wanted to know that you were happy and well!

That's not a crime, is it, to care?!

Yes, because you always say that!

"I care!"

"I care," while you're pressing a pillow down on my face!

That's a bit melodramatic.

Albie!

Look, I realize you need to discover yourself, but is it so terrible to have us around while you do it?

Yes!

It is!

Could we have this conversation sitting down?

I don't think I can... At least let me apologize!

What for?

For what I said in Amsterdam.

What did you say?

You know what I said.

Well, remind me.

That you were an embarrassment.

And I still think you handled it badly.

(exhales) But I didn't express myself the way I should have.

Been under a lot of strain at work, and elsewhere, and I should have stuck up for you, so, I apologize.

Well, I don't think you should apologize.

No?

Not if it's what you really think.

What do I really think?

That I'm an embarrassment.

A disappointment.

Everything you do, everything you say, there's this contempt, this stream of dislike and irritation!

Albie, that's not true.

You're my boy!

You're my dear boy!

Christ, I'm not even your favorite child.

Albie, what does that mean?

What does that mean?!

(panting) I used to take it down and look at it when you weren't in the house, your weird little shrine.

(breathless): Hey!

It's not like that!

Don't you think it's weird?

I don't think so, no.

(panting) We've always been honest about it, she's not some secret.

We loved your sister when she was born, and when you were born, we loved you, too.

Except she never messed up, did she?

She never failed at school or embarrassed you in public.

Oh, come on, Albie, you're just feeling sorry for yourself... She never got called stupid.

I've never called you stupid!

(humorless chuckle): You have!

To my face!

Have I?

I suppose I might have once or twice.

Can I sit down?

Just sit for a second.

(grunts) You okay?

(breathless): I'm just very tired.

Please sit with me a minute.

(Douglas clears throat) (fountain water rushing) I don't know what to say to you, Albie.

I thought it would just come spontaneously.

God knows why, I've never been very good at it.

But you should know that I have regrets about things that I shouldn't have said or...

Things that I should have said, I don't know which is worse.

I regret we haven't been more at ease with each other.

Though you haven't always made it easy, Albie.

I know.

The state of your room, it's like you do it deliberately.

You'll get it back soon enough.

Are you still going to art college?

I am.

Why, are you gonna talk me out of it again?

If it's what you're passionate about.

It is!

Then I'm pleased.

Not pleased you're leaving home.

I'm terrified, in fact.

Your mother, too, the hole you're going to leave.

So much so that she's thinking of moving on, as well.

But I expect you know that.

Well, you've always been close.

Did she tell you or did you...

I worked it out.

She doesn't seem very happy.

No, she doesn't, does she?

I'd not noticed or I... noticed and I chose not to think about it.

I hoped I might change that this summer, but I'll find out.

In the meantime, at least, can I say that I am very proud of you?

Though I might not show it.

You will do great things in the future.

I know you will.

And I would... You're my boy.

And I would hate for you to go out into the world not knowing that we love you.

(voice breaking) Not just your mum, you know she loves you.

God knows she never stops saying it, but me, too.

Yeah, that's what I wanted to say.

I love you.

Very much.

I'm just gonna sit here for a minute.

Catch my breath.

DOUGLAS: Okay, Albie.

This is exciting, isn't it?

Can I watch TV?

No, because we're gonna do this.

Let's go!

Step number one.

We're going to need the white six by two.

I call this a "twelver" because... What are you doing?

Making a dinosaur!

But it's a space shuttle.

Look, at this thing, it's magnificent.

But I like dinosaurs!

Okay.

Well, you get on with that and I'm gonna get on (dramatic): with the space shuttle.

And this bit fits on here... Click.

I'm bored now.

Okay, so what have you been doing over there?

(roaring) Wow!

That's amazing, isn't it?

But, it's a bit of a side project, and we're gonna need that piece there... No!

I need it, too!

Yes, but we can't move forward unless we... Will you snap it off, or shall I?

Okay, give it to me.

No!

Leave it!

It's mine!

Give it to me!

CONNIE: How are we getting on?

Dad's stealing my pieces!

We're having a lovely time...

I'm not stealing, we're just...

I'm just following the instructions.

Hello!

(Connie chortling) YOUNGER ALBIE: Swoop, swoop, swirl, swirl, the ep, epit... CONNIE: Epitome.

YOUNGER ALBIE: Epitome of... CONNIE: You know what epitome is?

No.

No.

DOUGLAS: He should really sleep now.

In a minute.

But not in our bed; it's a school night.

But we want to know the ending!

(soft chuckle) Epitome... (siren blaring outside) (making whooshing sounds) (imitates shuttle landing) YOUNGER ALBIE: He could've left it alone!

CONNIE: Oh, no, come on now, look, I'm sure he didn't mean to.

YOUNGER ALBIE: But he did!

CONNIE: He wanted it to be a nice surprise.

CONNIE: Come on, we'll break it up and start again.

YOUNGER ALBIE: It's not fair.

We'll smash it up and start again.

(steaming, whirring) (indistinct chatter) I worry Spanish people don't eat enough fresh vegetables.

All that cured meat, too.

Where are you staying?

In this hostel.

How is that?

It's an experience, I suppose.

It's nothing special, but...

If you want a hotel while you decide what's next, I'm sure they can separate the beds in my room.

Of course you might not want to.

Okay.

(soft chuckle) How do you stay so skinny?

Nervous energy.

(cars driving by) (phone calling out) CONNIE (on phone): Hello?

Hey.

Where are you?!

I've been expecting you back!

I thought something terrible had happened to you.

Are you at the airport?

No, I didn't get the plane.

Are you still in Italy?

I'm in Spain.

Barcelona, in fact.

Barcelona?

Yeah, you remember that hotel we stayed in?

Douglas, it's a little morbid, going back to all these places.

Not morbid; it's just a trip down Memory Lane.

(sighing) I liked it!

Didn't you like it?

Douglas, I think you need to just come home!

I will.

There's just someone you need to speak to first.

Hello?

Mum?

(chuckles) There you are!

I know, I'm sorry.

Bye.

Dad?

(sniffs) Hello?

Clever man.

(soft chuckle) (clicks tongue) Albie...

I swear, you treat this place like a hotel.

(laughs) You're such a dad.

So what we gonna do tonight?

I don't know.

(door closes) I can't sleep at this time of day.

Nightlife doesn't start until 1:00.

If you don't have a siesta, you'll never make it.

(groans) If the evening started at a reasonable hour...

They're not eating enough veg, they're not getting enough sleep; you know Spain is not your responsibility?

Relax.

Sleep.

(sighs) One last thing.

Hm?

It's a bit of a fun fact.

You were actually conceived in this hotel.

Dad!

Not in this actual bed.

Though...

I suppose it might have been.

Ugh!

Anyway... Just a little bit of history.

(chuckles) Now, let's sleep.

(groans) (door opens) (panting) He has an eye, don't you think?

They're wonderful.

Thank you.

Yes, they're very, um... ...compelling.

(soft chuckle) DOUGLAS: Is this sherry or vermouth?

Tastes like sherry.

So I'm leaving tomorrow.

First thing.

Oh.

Where to?

I thought I'd travel along the coast.

Barcelona has a coast.

We're on the coast.

I just want to leave the city.

Move on.

Really?

Because I had this idea: we, we still have the tickets, the hotel rooms, Rome's next.

Mum could fly out, we could pick up the trip where we left off.

Sorry.

But the glory that is Rome.

The Colosseum... St. Peter's...

I've pre-booked the Sistine Chapel, which is... actually very hard to get in.

I just want to swim in the sea.

Like a normal holiday.

Yes.

Of course.

You should do that.

(indistinct chatter, music playing) This is really very drinkable, isn't it?

You could come with me if you wanted.

Even up your tan?

Just for a day or so, though.

Did your mother suggest that?

No!

I wouldn't cramp your style?

(laughing): What style?

All right.

Let's go swim in the sea.

(soft chuckle) (dance music playing) (dancers whooping) (loud chatter, dance music playing) This is very dehydrating.

(dance music continues) Would either of you like another sherry?

(chuckling): This is my dad, Douglas.

Ah!

Hola, Douglas!

I'm Beatriz.

Hola.

Dad's a scientist.

Oh?

A very brilliant scientist.

Well, not brilliant.

Uh, tres vermouth, por favor.

(dance music continues) What's public transport like in Barcelona?

Huh?

I mean, do you use the Metro or the buses?

I think it's so wonderful.

What is?

That you can spend time with your son.

Yes!

Isn't it?

There's no tension between you and no judgment.

It's very rare.

(chuckles) (dance music continues) (bass bumping, indistinct chatter) Dad?

Are you okay?

Don't mind me, Albie.

Sherry binge.

I haven't danced for 20 years.

Oh, God, Dad, don't say that.

Too depressing.

So how long has it been now?

How long what?

That you've liked men.

Don't know.

I mean, there's not a start date.

No, I suppose not.

How long have you known?

Well, known?

Just now.

I've wondered sometimes, but parents do.

And you've always had such lovely girlfriends.

That old trick.

I know and I fell for it.

Such nice girls, as well.

The only thing I feel sad about is that you couldn't tell us.

Did you think we'd be angry?

I didn't want it to be another way.

"Another way"?

(voice breaking): To disappoint you.

Will you tell Mum?

No, you should.

Think she'll be upset?

I think she'll be thrilled.

(laughing): Let's hope so.

You know, when I was at college, I had a crush on this boy... Let's go back inside.

Yeah.

Come on.

Yeah... (both grunting) ("Bumping" by Richard Ulh playing) ("Bumping" continues) (music, chatter fading) (birds twittering) (birds squawking) (truck reverse signal beeping) Oh, God...

It's light.

(engine idling) How can it be light?

I've still got the beat in my head.

(imitating): Duff-duff-duff... We'd like to check out, please.

Have you got that?

Duff-duff-duff.

(quietly): Duff-duff.

(woman speaking Spanish over P.A.)

Dad, come on!

We're gonna miss it.

(retches) Come on!

(groans) At last; the sea.

Can you afford this?

If we share a room.

One night and I'm gone.

Okay, well, let's swim!

I don't have any trunks.

We'll find a shop.

And Al.

That conversation we had last night, if you need to talk about that more...

I'm okay.

Let's just swim.

Watch this, I'm going to speak in Spanish now.

Hola.

(indistinct chatter) (Douglas groans) DOUGLAS: What are you meant to do?

Just lie here?

It's so uncomfortable.

They used to torture people like this.

Stake them out on the hot sand.

(indistinct chatter) ALBIE: You can always go back to the room.

DOUGLAS: Yeah, maybe I will.

(groans) I'll go for a swim and... leave you to it.

(indistinct chatter) (seagulls squawking) (squawking) (grunts) (man shouting in Spanish) (people screaming, shouting) (screaming continues) Albie!

Albie!

Albie!

Albie!

What happened?

I got mugged by jellyfish.

Where?

Up in the car park!

Where do you think?

It's all over your arms.

Yes, I'm aware of that!

Christ, it hurts!

Well, should I pee on you or something?

No, thank you very much!

Because I couldn't pee on you.

That's years of therapy right there.

It's a myth anyway.

I've always said the beach is an extreme environment.

People should just run from this place!

Run, everyone!

Just flee!

Dad!

I'm gonna go back to the hotel.

I'm gonna take some painkillers, I'm going to stand in the cold shower, and then I'm going to lie in the dark.

Okay.

What factor are you wearing?

Eight.

Eight?!

Do you want cancer, Albie?

Look at the sun!

No, don't literally look at the sun...

Here's factor 50-- that's an absolute minimum.

Put it on every 30 minutes, especially if you're going in the water.

And don't go into the water!

Okay, could you calm down, maybe?

Should I come with you?

No, no, no, no, I'll be fine.

You just stay there.

Have a nice time.

Don't forget the tops of your ears!

(dripping, squeaking) Oh, come on... (lock beeps, Douglas grunting) (coughing) (pill cap clicking) Oh, come on!

(cap clicking, drops pill bottle) (grunting, panting) (groans) (groaning loudly) (cellphone ringing) (breathing heavily) (grunting) (ringing continues) (groaning) (ringing continues, groaning) (ringing continues) (phone calling out) (door opens) Hello?

Dad?

Dad?!

(laughing): Did you fall out of bed?

(presses button) (woman speaking Spanish on phone) Hola?

Hablo inglse?

WOMAN (on phone): Yes, sir, how can I help?

Okay, I'm in room 701, and we need an ambulance.

Ambulance?

Pronto, please, straightaway.

WOMAN: Room 701?

ALBIE: Yes, now!

And what is your problem?

What is your emergency, sir?

I don't...

I don't know.

Um... Corazn.

Sorry, wait a second.

What, Dad?

Corazn?

I think it means "heart."

Corazn.

WOMAN: Corazn?

ALBIE: Heart?

WOMAN: Ah, heart, okay.

ALBIE: Corazn?

There's someone's comb under here.

(exhales) Are you sure you shouldn't sit?

No, I can't.

Should I lift you?

I feel I should stay still.

What if you go unconscious?

Well, then, I'm afraid that is cardiac arrest, and you'll have to do CPR.

The kiss of life?

Mm-hmm.

I don't know how to do that.

Look it up online.

Phone away, please.

(both softly chuckling) (seagulls squawking) Should I call Mum?

No.

I don't want her to worry.

For God's sake, Dad.

No, I mean it's not the best time.

When I'm better.

(sharp inhale) (quietly): I'm very frightened, Al.

They're on their way.

You're going to be fine.

Hope so.

If I'm not, tell your mother... Oh, she knows.

(seagulls squawking) Let's just lie here, shall we?

Lie quietly.

And wait.

(siren blaring) There's some new clothes in the bag.

Hey.

Unless you want to wear those trunks again.

Thanks.

And grapes, 'cause, you know, clich.

(soft chuckle) They're going to do an operation.

Oh.

Surgery?

Keyhole surgery.

It's a procedure, really.

Is it dangerous?

(quietly): Albie, there's no danger.

Okay.

But they're doing it tomorrow morning.

That soon?

Right.

Okay.

(siren blaring, people chattering) (distant telephone ringing) (camera clicking) (machinery beeping softly) Albie, did you just take a picture of my drip?

You said I never take your photo.

But my face, not my cannula.

Sorry.

No more pictures, please.

You can go back to Sitges if you want.

No.

I'm gonna stay here.

But the hotel's paid for!

I can't bear the idea of it going to waste.

You see?

This is the kind of thinking that got you in here in the first place.

(soft chuckle) Just go to sleep, Dad.

(distant telephone ringing) CONNIE (muffled): Hello in there.

Can you hear me?

Douglas?

Step away from the light.

(clear audio): Hello there.

Douglas?

(softly): You came!

Well, I didn't have much on and TV was lousy, so... (both chuckling) (laughing): Here I am.

I stink, I'm afraid.

That's okay.

Shows you're alive.

Hmm.

Unless it's decay.

Oh, Douglas, you're not dead yet.

I feel it.

How do you feel?

Bruised, but inside.

Very strange.

Like someone's got a finger, two fingers, inside your chest and they're wiggling them about.

I thought it was keyhole surgery.

More Chubb than Yale.

(chuckling) The lengths you'll go to to keep this holiday going.

(chuckles) And I can't even go home; it's not safe to fly.

I know, Albie told me.

Not for two weeks, at least.

Quite a holiday.

Let's do the same trip every year, exactly the same.

(chuckles) Holiday of a lifetime.

(car door closes, birds squawking) ALBIE: Well, good afternoon, seor, seora.

Thank you for coming, this way.

(keys jingling) I got you somewhere without stairs, just in case.

I can climb stairs, Albie.

But thank you.

It's gorgeous, Albie!

It belongs to some architect or something.

But he's away for the summer, so until it's safe for you to fly, you can stay here.

Looks expensive.

CONNIE: Well, thankfully, somebody insisted on comprehensive travel insurance.

(grunts) There's a kitchen, somewhere for you to read... How many bedrooms?

Just this.

I'm leaving.

Tonight, actually.

If you like it, I can give you the keys now.

Where to?

Ibiza.

You know.

For the museums.

CONNIE: We've talked about it.

He's meeting friends there; he won't be alone.

Somewhere to stay.

It's all organized.

And it's nearby, so... Oh, that makes sense.

Good, good.

And there's a terrace, too!

And I suppose this could be our room, or maybe Albie's.

Nice and bright.

Not today, it's a bit gray, but it could be.

Pictures on the wall?

Mmm... You're not sure.

No, I like it.

I do.

(birds chirping outside) It's so quiet.

Do you think we'll get used to that?

You don't want to move, do you?

Well, you can't keep commuting, it's gonna kill you.

(playful chatter outside) CONNIE: At the same time... You don't want to move.

I do, Douglas, but I've lived in the city my whole life.

It's 70 minutes from our door.

You said the journey was miserable.

Well, that was when I was commuting every day.

If you got a new job here, locally?

There'll be something, I'm sure there will.

And what about my friends?

I don't know anyone here; on a wet Sunday in February... We'll make friends.

We'll go for walks with Albie.

Maybe if we have another kid.

(sighs) Look.

Look at that massive garden.

Doesn't it feel too big?

It's just three bedrooms.

Not too big; too empty.

We'll fill it.

With noise and fun.

New start, new friends.

There's a good school for Albie.

You could paint again.

Maybe we could get a dog.

If that's what you want.

Okay.

We'll get a dog.

But we mustn't get steady.

We mustn't get dull.

Because I can't bear that thought.

It will never be dull.

I promise.

Hola.

Can I get a ticket to... DOUGLAS: So, I imagine it's not a surprise to you.

Well, I read some of his poetry, and that was pretty... clear.

But I had my suspicions before then.

Why did we never talk about it?

I suppose it was just something else on the list?

Are you okay with it?

I am.

80%, 90%.

I do worry.

When you're usually so calm.

A while ago, it would have been pure panic.

(soft chuckle) ALBIE: Gracias.

Adios.

(woman speaking Spanish over loudspeaker) He'll work it out.

ALBIE: I'd better go.

(groaning) I'll miss you, Mum.

Yeah, call me.

Not constantly, but a lot.

Yeah.

(soft chuckle) Bye, then.

Bye, Dad.

Make sure you do everything I wouldn't do.

(bills rustling) Are you seriously slipping money into my hand?

I am.

(chuckling): That's so old-school.

Thank you.

See you in September.

Bye.

Of course, we're gonna have to make some changes, but that's okay.

No alcohol.

Can you believe it?

No, well, that's good, isn't it?

Waking up with a clear head every day.

Oh, so you'll be stopping, too?

Are you mad?

We're gonna have to eat less salt, less meat, less dairy; a Mediterranean diet.

Well, that's fine, while we're in the Mediterranean.

Well, they've olive oil in England now.

We'll keep it up.

I'm not eating anchovies.

CONNIE: What did you think?

Did your life flash before you?

Thankfully not.

Mostly I just swore.

"Flipping hell, this is it, I'm dying, and in these terrible bathers."

(soft chuckle) I worried you'd come and identify the body and just laugh.

They had to cut me out of them.

32-inch waist.

Maybe that's what brought it on: Bather Thrombosis.

(soft chuckle): It's a recognized condition.

And then when Albie was there, I wanted to say...

It's quite sentimental, but, "Sorry I wasn't a better dad."

Aw, come on... No, I mean, I don't know, more fun.

Before I was a parent, I used to think, "Never, ever say the following things: "'eat your vegetables, don't cry, "don't eat then swim, brush your teeth.'

"All those boring things my parents said, just don't say them."

Then you open your mouth and they just pour out.

I think it's fine to tell him to brush his teeth.

As long as you say other things, as well.

I'm not sure I ever did.

And he was always so in love with you.

It's a bit more complicated than that.

(exhaling): Anyway, there's still time.

And I was going to give him a message for you, too, but you already know it.

Your PIN number?

(chuckles) Exactly.

With my last breath.

I already know your PIN number.

You do?

Oh, please!

Go on.

5987.

Mine?

Oh, wow.

Oh, well when we first met, it was 1234, which was just unacceptable to me.

Shh, your heart.

And then about ten years ago, you changed it to 9271.

Aw, that's nice.

Is there anything we don't know about each other?

Well, Douglas: 5987.

And 9271 to you, too.

(birds twittering) DOUGLAS (quietly): I've been thinking, when we get back, you should paint again.

(laughs) No, really.

What's brought this on?

You were so good.

You are so good.

Well, that's very nice of you, but I don't think anyone's holding their breath for another middle-aged hack.

You're not a hack.

And even if you were, if it gives you pleasure... You're telling me to get a hobby.

Nothing wrong with hobbies.

Except it wasn't a hobby.

I was so serious about it.

It was everything to me.

The only thing I wanted to do.

The only thing I could do.

I'd rather not do it at all than... dabble.

Everyone dabbles to begin with.

Then you see what happens.

You're very philosophical these days.

I thought I might leave my job, too.

Really?

It's not real science, is it?

It's just stressful admin.

I never loved it, like I loved actual research.

I miss my fruit flies.

So what will you do?

I don't know; something hands-on.

Research again or teaching, maybe?

Something that won't have me clutching my left arm again in a couple of months.

I think that sounds like a good idea.

What time's the flight?

You okay with that?

Of course.

(keys jingling) Let me carry that.

No, I'm not an invalid.

I know, but you must be careful.

Oh, Connie, you forgot to cancel the papers!

I'm sorry, it slipped my mind.

There's three weeks' worth!

Douglas!

I thought you were dying!

(flies buzzing) I don't know why I do it.

We've got plenty of shampoo.

Force of habit, I suppose.

(soft chuckle) Let's go and get Mr. Jones, shall we?

DOUGLAS: It's colder.

CONNIE: Yeah; autumn now.

Come on!

I should have worn a coat.

I'll go back.

No... No, you need to look after yourself now.

It won't take a moment.

I'm fine, don't go back!

Stay here.

In fact-- stay.

Connie!

I want you to stay with me.

I understand why you wanted to go, but I don't think you should, not now.

I know it's frightening, it just being the two of us again, it frightens me, too, but I know that we can make it feel more like it did when we began.

(soft chuckle) A long time ago, Douglas.

I know.

It can't ever be like that again.

I'm not even sure I'd want it to be.

Well, then, it'll be better!

I've changed.

(chuckling): And I don't just mean I've had a stent fitted.

I can see where we went wrong; where I went wrong.

With you and Albie: getting bored, being boring, taking things for granted, not listening.

That won't happen now.

Besides, not having you around every day, it's inconceivable, I can't conceive of it.

I want us to stay together, to grow old together, but in a fun way.

And if that means moving house, or starting again in a new town, in a new country, even, then that is fine-- we'll do it.

There are only good things ahead of us from now on.

I promise you.

Let's see, shall we?

There's no rush.

Let's wait and see what happens.

(soft chuckle) (birds twittering) (children playing, dog barking) (indistinct chatter) (Connie sighing) DOUGLAS: This is it?

It's fine.

It's meant to be like this: desk, bed, wardrobe, sink.

He doesn't have a sink at home.

Exactly.

It's fine.

(soft chuckle) Um, see this warning label?

"Do not obstruct vents, risk of fire"?

That's not a lie.

Don't dry your clothes on here.

I won't.

So shall we help you unpack?

No.

Shall we... go?

Yes, please.

Go.

(indistinct chatter) (places guitar down) (soft chuckle) (indistinct chatter) (sniffling) (car door opens, closes) (sobs, exhales) Oh, Christ, look at us.

(voice breaking): You can't cry and drive, it isn't safe.

(sobbing) You're worse.

I'll drive.

(laughs) Let's just sit here for a moment, shall we?

(laughing) (sniffles) (laughing, sobbing) (tosses keys) Okay, how shall we do this?

I thought I'd start in the loft and then work down.

Shouldn't we be in the same room?

Okay.

I can't face the loft.

The kitchen, then.

I'll put some music on.

C. Eight and four, I think.

You'll need them as much as I do.

For all the dinner parties?

Yes!

Six each.

(soft chuckle) (chuckling) Albie's baby teeth.

What do you think: six, seven each?

I'm all right for children's teeth.

You can pick out the nice ones.

Charity shop?

You keep them.

(teeth rattling) Old VHS tapes?

Dump.

"Desperately Seeking Susan"?!

(laughs, caps bottle) Ouzo from Crete?

Recycling.

Limoncello, souvenir of Sicily, 2002?

No, thank you.

Look.

Edinburgh, 1998.

You can have that.

It's hardly worth packing.

Come on.

You can have one.

(glasses rattling) Crme de menthe, whose idea was that?

(soft chuckle, pouring) (screwing cap) Wow, some kind of Turkish brandy.

Here.

To... all the holidays.

(exhaling) (chuckles) This is such a waste of time.

No, it's not!

Come on, we've got to get on with packing!

Background music.

They're all online.

It's not the same!

This is the first mix tape I ever made you.

(presses play, tape player whirring) Do you remember the first track without looking?

(laughs) ("Who Knows Where the Time Goes" by Fairport Convention playing) (groans) (song continues) Across the evening sky All the birds are leaving But how can they know I think that's enough.

Let's go to bed.

(song continues) Before the winter fire I will still be dreaming I have no thought of time For who knows Where the time goes?

Who knows Where the time goes?

(birds twittering) (clears throat) I'd better think about going.

I'll head to the dump and set off.

Do you want me to drive up to London with you?

I could get the train back.

I'm quite capable of driving a van.

But at the flat, you'll want someone to unload.

No, I'd rather do it myself.

Fine.

I'll finish up here.

Hey.

I've put your essentials out front, the stuff you can fit in the van.

I saw that.

You have to be careful, lifting by yourself!

I'm not an old man, not just yet.

Now, I'm gonna take the stuff I need now for the flat, and get the removal guys booked.

The stuff we can't use, we can put it in storage, sell it, whatever.

I'll do the charity shop run.

The estate agents can show the house, I think, like this, don't you?

Shall I leave my key?

I guess so.

There's no way of dividing this, so... you have it.

Are you sure?

I'd like copies of the photos when you can, that's all I need.

Now, you're sure?

I'm not gonna forget anything.

(birds twittering) (doors close) Thank you for making that easier.

I found it hard.

Yes, me, too.

But it could have been worse.

You're sure you're gonna be all right driving this on the motorway?

Yeah, of course.

Use the wing mirrors.

Don't drive too fast.

I know how keen you are to get away.

(birds twittering) I never thought it was a mistake.

I've never... regretted it, never will.

Listen to me.

Meeting you, marrying you... (chuckling): It was the best thing I ever did.

And when our daughter died, I wanted to die, too, and the only reason I didn't was because you were always there.

You're a fine, brilliant man, Douglas.

You've no idea how much I've loved being married to you, and now you can be my fine, brilliant ex-husband.

(birds twittering) And we've a son who is exactly as maddening as he should be, and he's ours, he's mine and yours, and he's part of both of us.

And the fact that you and I didn't last forever... (soft chuckle) Well, you've got to stop thinking of it as a failure or defeat.

Because we were good, the two of us together, and it's not the end of the world.

It's not.

And I swear, Douglas, life will go on and it will be good.

(sighs) It will.

(birds twittering) (shaky breathing) (birds twittering) (indistinct chatter) DOUGLAS: I suppose I'm just glad it wasn't my prostate.

(laughs) And at least he's got some photos of you now.

Look at the one of me drooling.

Yeah-- I don't know when your passport runs out, but that's the one.

(soft chuckle) What do you think?

ALBIE: You hate it don't, you?

Not at all.

No, your father was just saying how compelling it all is.

Not just compelling.

I think it's wonderful.

(indistinct chatter) Well, I should go.

So, I'm seeing you next week.

Exactly.

Just let me know where.

I will.

No small plates this time.

I don't like sharing my food.

Yes, I noticed.

Um, look, we're going to go for a drink, if you wanted to join us.

No, I'll get on.

Okay.

You look well, Douglas.

You, too.

Got the corduroy out, I see.

Lasts a lifetime.

Is that a good thing?

I think so.

Back in fashion, apparently.

Is it, now?

And who told you that?

I'm pleased to see you.

You, too.

(doors close) There's a lot going on, isn't there?

There certainly is.

Sorry, I'm a little late.

No, it's fine.

Wonderful painting.

It is.

So... Shall we move on?

Yes.

Let's move on.

(soft chuckle) ANNOUNCER: Go to our website, listen to our podcast, watch video, and more.

To order this program, visit ShopPBS.

"Masterpiece" is available with PBS Passport and on Amazon Prime Video.