(recorder button clicks) Captions by Able. Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. www.able.co.nz Copyright Able 2019 - GIRL: The street was familiar. The same welcome lawns, the same cared-for houses. Everything was just as it should be, but that wasn't enough for Mr Poppins. Mr Poppins had seen the same grass and these same houses and this same world day after day, week after week, month after month. He wanted to see something different, something exciting. So he packed a knapsack with everything it would fit, and he left to this place that was so familiar to begin an adventure into the unknown. (recorder button clicks, tape reel ticks) ON RECORDING: ...sack with everything it would fit, and he left this place... - Oh, Michelle honey I had that all set for the call. - Sorry Mommy. Just wanted to hear it again. - Oh (laughs), don't worry. You sound just as good today as you did last night. Your voice reading those words is gonna be like the cherry on top to charm those publishers, I have no doubt. - OK. - And you really like this one, right? - Yeah, but where do you think Mr Poppins will go? - Well, that's the best part. When this becomes a book series, well, he can go wherever we want him to. The jungle, the beach. - The moon? - (laughs) Anywhere you want. Speaking of adventures ` what happened? - It was Bobby Whitlock. - Oh? - He thumped me during recess. - Oh, all right. Well maybe next time we don't play with Bobby Whitlock. What do you say? Hmm? Hmm? Oh, don't forget your lunch. - No crusts? - No crusts. What's wrong sweetie? - Nothing. (phone rings) - Oh, that must be the, uh` the book people. Hello. Oh, hi. Yeah could you, um, could you just give me one minute? - Mom, I'm gonna be late. - One minute, honey. Um, yeah, I just have to get my daughter out the door. No, no, no. All right, thank you. OK. Let's have one last look at you. Oh. You're beautiful as always. - I love you, Mom. - I love you too, sweetie. Have a good day. Hi, yes. No, my` my` my daughter just had a` a bus to catch. (birds chirp) Uh-huh. So you like it? Oh, that's wonderful. Mm-hm. Ah! Yes. (laughs) Mr Poppins and I are more than ready for that. (birds chirp) (dial tone buzzes) (dial tone beeps) - 911 Dispatch. What's your emergency? - My daughter. My daughter is missing. Please. - You said your daughter? - Yes. She didn't show up at school this morning. She's gone. - OK, ma'am. It's gonna be all right. Let me get some details. What's you name? - Cathy. Cathy Rhodes. - And your daughter? - My daughter's name is Michelle. - WOMAN: Where's my toothbrush? - MAN: What? - WOMAN: Toothbrush. - MAN: I think I packed it. - What? - I packed it. - I'm using yours, then. - No, that's gross. Throw it out when you're done. - (scoffs) - No, I'm reading. - Oh, you're reading, huh? - Yeah. - Is that what you're doing? Hmm? - I'm gonna take a break. - (Michelle giggles) - How are you feelin'? - Sleepy. - Come on. About tomorrow. - (sighs) I don't wanna talk about it. - It's OK to be excited. - I have to take my eyes out. - It'll be great. - That's what you keep saying. - New job, new city. - Town. It's a town, not a city. New York is a city. This is small-town America. - A small town, bigger house. Isn't that what you want? - I do. I'm just nervous, and I'm excited and... (sighs) - What? - And wishing I did not have to start a new job two weeks before you can be out there. I'm wondering if you realise what a big change this is gonna be. - Michelle, we've got this. You're gonna love your job. I'm gonna love writing the next great American novel, and in just two weeks, we're gonna love this new small-town life together. - (sighs) Well, at least one of us is convinced. (sighs) OK. (phone chirps) (keypad clicks) (phone beeps) (gentle music) (keypad clicks) (phone beeps) (sighs) (laughs) Goodnight, Jonathan. (sighs) - I'm sorry to throw you right into the fire like this. We normally have a whole orientation and training period with meetings and assessments and, you know, all that. - But you usually aren't replacing someone in the middle of the school year. - Exactly. When Mr Cochran left, it really put us in a tight spot. That's Ashley. She's down here with the K through Second kids. They stay pretty busy, so I wouldn't expect to hear much from her during the day. - All right, kids, carpet, now. Come on, over here. - Your office is up here on the left. It's a mess, but it's your mess now. So make yourself at home. I got another thing in five minutes so, uh, if you need anything, any help, just yell. (chuckles) Someone might actually respond. (gentle upbeat music) (thud!) (playful music) - Hi. You must be the new EEPM. - EEPM? - Early Education Programme Manager? - Oh, yeah. Guess that's me. And you're our teacher? - Ashley, at your service. - Michelle. - Sorry. It's nap time, and I'm not supposed to let them out of my sight. But the office phone's broken, so I figured message by shoe was my next best option. - (laughs) - Shh. My break lasts as long as they sleep. - Sorry. - Here. Call yourself, and then I can leave my shoe on next time. - So, I'm guessing a broken office phone isn't the only issue around here? - Cochran left us a pretty solid mess. He was more of the 'if it's broke, don't fix it' type. - Well, I'm here to help. - Great, cos I have a wish list ` new teaching materials, toys that aren't broken, updated books. - Sounds like we need the works. (door opens, shuts) - Oh, early. Of course. - Who's that? - KIDS: Miss Cathy! - Miss Cathy Rhodes, local celebrity. - What does she do? - She writes the 'Mr Poppins' book series. Kids love her, but she runs on her own schedule, and that schedule means break time's over for me. We'll catch up. We have the school year ahead of us. - Sounds good. - All right, kids. It looks like we have a special guest today. Let's gather round and see what Miss Cathy has to share with us. - 'Mr Poppins ` A Hoppy Trail Around the World.' READS: 'Once upon a time, there lived a bunny, Mr Poppins, 'and Mr Poppins loved to travel the world.' Hello there. - Oh, hi. - (laughs) I'm Cathy. - So I hear. - Oh, I take it they warned you about the eccentric old writer who comes by every now and again to read to the children? - They did not mention eccentric. - Oh, well, that's very kind of them. (laughs) I'm sorry, but I didn't get your name. - Oh, uh, Michelle. The new EEPM. - Michelle ` that is a beautiful name. - Yeah, I kinda like it. (chuckles) - And you are our new programme manager. Well, that is delightful. (chuckles) - Delightful, overwhelming. Sounds like we'll be seeing a lot of each other. - I'm sure we will. I try to come by here as often as they will let me. - Well, that's great. It was really nice meeting you. - A real pleasure. You know, uh, reading isn't the only way I can help these children. Um, although no one's been particularly receptive to my ideas, but perhaps we could do a tea and discuss. - Yeah, I would love that sometime. - Oh, wonderful. Well, we could take my car. - Oh, uh, what, you mean now? - Well, I prefer not to put off what could be done right away. - It's just` I'm still getting set up and the movers will come. I'm not sure when. - I understand. I, um... (laughs) I just know how quickly someone in your position gets too busy for a kooky old lady like me, and, uh, it won't be the first time. - No, no, you know what? There's no way the movers would make it here that quickly. I got some time. - (chuckles) That's wonderful. - (chuckles) All right. - CATHY: So, tell me ` what do you think? Have you ever been to a more beautiful place? - Well, I grew up in the city, so, no. And that was kinda the whole point. I've always wanted to try the small-town thing. It's just... - It's just...? - No, it's just you sort of have this idea of things in your head, but then you get there, and suddenly the school has no money, the books are from the '70s and the toys may or may not have been recalled a decade ago. - Well, this brings me to my point. I know you're new, but we're all family here, and so if you need something you simply ask. So what is it that the kids need the most? - Well, Jonathan would be disappointed if I did not say books. - Jonathan? - My fiance. He's a writer too, actually, just not as successful as you. - (chuckles) - A fiance who's a writer and loves books? Oh, that is perfect. - It is. He's still finishing up some work in the city, so the jury's out on whether this life will even work out for him. - Why wouldn't it? - It's my dream that he's going along with. I just don't wanna be a resentment. - Oh, sweetheart, if you're a resentment, then he's not the right man for you. - (chuckles) Fair. - You haven't even touched your tea. Waitress? A bottle of Chardonnay. - (laughs) - It is so wonderful to have you here. You're just what the school and this town needs. - It really feels like it could become home. - Mm, wow. Dear, if you keep talking like that, you're gonna make your real family jealous. - I don't think that will be an issue. - No? - Real family is something I've never really had. - What would you say you had? - A bunch of false starts. - How do you have a false start with a family? Are you adopted? - More like passed around. Uh, my mother, she tried to take care of me, but eventually the state got involved and took me away. At least that's what they told me. I don't remember anything. - Well, for one so young, I doubt you would. - But it doesn't matter. It's run its course, and now I have Jonathan and a real chance at a normal life. The past can only change you if you let it. - How old are you sweetheart? - Uh, 27. Why? - You just` You're so wise for your age. - YOUNG MICHELLE ON RECORDING: So he packed a knapsack with everything it would fit, and he left to this place that was so familiar to begin an adventure into the unknown. - Thank you so much for everything. I finally feel like this may actually work out. - Well, again it was my pleasure. Do you like casserole? Sorry. (laughs) It's casserole night tomorrow at my house, and I was wondering what do you think of having dinner with me and my husband? - Uh, casserole. You know, yeah, sure. Count me in. - It's a date, then. - I don't know what these kids do in their sleep, but this is the second one this week. - Great. I'll throw blankets on the list of stuff we need to magically find money for. - Things don't look so promising, do they? - (sighs) No, I think they are. The budget is just such a mess, and it's gonna take me weeks to figure out where all our funds are actually going. - Weeks I can live with. Do you wanna grab a beer? - You'd have better luck offering wine. - Well, lucky for you, the bar here serves both. - (groans) I could use it, but the movers came yesterday and I missed them, so I gotta be around when they come back tonight. I kinda need my iron. - Yeah, good call. - Plus I already have dinner plans I need to cancel anyways. - Oh, well if you're cancelling, then why don't we make new ones? I can grab a pizza, some drinks, eat at your place, help you unpack? - Sounds good to me, but what's in it for you? - This is a small town. It's how we welcome people. (voicemail beeps) - Hi, Mrs Rhodes` Um, Cathy. It's Michelle. Thank you so much for inviting me over tonight, but the movers came today, and I don't think I'll be able to make it. Let's try again a different night. You're so sweet to invite me, and I'm really looking forward to it. Let me know when you're free. All right, thanks. Bye. (dishes shatter) - Oh. (giggles) To your new life in the sticks. So wait, you got drunk with Cathy Rhodes? - I did not say drunk. We had some wine. She was really sweet. - OK, fine. But Cathy Rhodes? And she asked you to come over for dinner? - Why is this such a big deal? - I don't know. She kinda keeps to herself, except for story time, of course. - Really? She did not seem like that at all. - Oh. You don't know. - What would I know? I've been here two days. - About the books. Why she spends all her time with kids. - Cos she could never have kids of her own? - Oh, no, she had a kid, a daughter. And she went missing 20 years ago. - Missing? I had no idea. - Yeah, it was one of the worst things that happened around here. Everyone still talks about it. And now she has over 100 children's books about the wandering bunny. - Mr Poppins. - Mr Poppins. Travels the world, but, you know, the one place Mr Poppins never quite makes it? Home. I'm just saying that her and her husband, well,... they're a bit off. (Ashley and Michelle laugh) - Thank you so much. This would've sucked alone. We made a pretty good dent. - Got your back any time. - I'm just so excited I actually get to sleep on a bed tonight. - Yeah, OK. I guess we're officially friends now. - Yep, just don't use it against me at work. - Mm, no promises. - (laughs) - Goodnight. - Night. (phone beeps) What the...? (sighs) (phone beeps) Hey, sorry. Just thought I'd try you again. I think there's something off with my cell service because I'm not getting your calls, and then they all just dump at once. Anyhow, I'll figure it out. I just wanna hear your voice soon. Miss you. Love you. Bye. Excuse me? - Oh, sorry. Uh, I was just droppin' off some books for the kids. I'm, uh` I'm Derek. I'm Cathy's husband. - Oh. Uh, hi. - Hi. - Uh, nice to meet you. Michelle. Uh, so those books are for us? - Yeah. Uh, they're Cathy's idea. She mentioned that you needed some new books, so I agreed to do the heavy lifting and take all the credit. - Oh, awesome. - No, really. I'm just` just trying to be a good husband. - All right, well let me help you with these. - No, no. Whoa! - (laughs) - Whoops. Sorry. That was me. - No worries. - I thought, uh, I'd have a chance to meet you earlier, but, you know, you missed out on one of the best casseroles you'll ever have. - I'm so sorry about that. - No, no, no, I'm sorry. No need to apologise. - The movers came, and I just` - I get it, you were busy. People get busy. It's all right. It's what people do. - Cathy wasn't upset, was she? - No, no, not at all. She understands. - Very good. All right, well this way. - OK. - Thank you. - Right here. - Thanks. Of course, it's funny, you know. - What's that? - Well, Cathy was just so nervous the other night. You know ` what if Michelle's a vegetarian? What if she's allergic to zucchini? What if she's a vegetarian who's allergic to zucchini? I mean, you wouldn't believe how this woman can work herself up. Uh, where do you want these? - There is fine. - Well, um, I guess we'll just have to reschedule. - We will. Yeah. - I'll just go get the last box. - Yeah. - OK. - What was that about? - Looks like we got a new library. - (gasps) - CATHY READS: 'And Mr Poppins looked on either side of him. 'Buildings as high as clouds. 'People clumped up and moving as one. The city was alive, and he could feel it. 'And he took that with him, and took the new friendships he made and the interesting people he met, 'and he smiled, and he tipped his hat, and he hopped along to what new adventure tomorrow would bring.' The end. - Mr Poppins really makes it everywhere, doesn't he? It's such a great idea for the kids. - Oh, you're too kind. I just try to imagine where he's going to wander to next. Then I try to give him the best experience there that I can. I want him to be happy wherever he goes. - So, um, will he ever make it home? - Well, that's the question, isn't it? Perhaps. I guess I'm just waiting for the right time. - The grand finale. I'm looking forward to it. Cathy, the books you donated, they're perfect. I can't believe you did that. - Well, anything to help. - And I feel so bad about the other night. I'd still love to come by sometime. - Oh, honey, you are welcome whenever you like. You just let me know when. - How 'bout tonight? - So soon? Aren't you busy? - Sorry, is that too soon? It's just, 'Why put off what can be done right away right?' - (laughs) Well, are you sure? - For real this time. - Well, then tonight it is, and, uh, well, it's just gonna be wonderful. You bring your appetite. - I will. Hello? - Oh, hey. - What? How? - Hey, baby. - Oh! - Oh my God. I missed you so much. Our phones have been such garbage. I thought, 'Stuff it. You know what? I'm gonna surprise you with me.' - Why didn't you say something? It's like a four-hour drive. - Then it wouldn't be a surprise. - Good point. Oh, I'm just so happy to see you! Oh! - Oh, yeah. - They're beautiful. - Yeah. So, what would you say to dinner at the finest restaurant in town to celebrate your first week? Of course you're gonna have to tell me where that is since I have no idea. What? - I have plans tonight. - Cancel them? - I can't. I already cancelled once. - All right. Where are we goin'? (doorbell rings) - Michelle, sweetheart, and your friend. - Jonathan, Michelle's fiance. - Oh, of course, of course. Come on in. - Was that Jimmy? - Jonathan. - Ah. Ah well, come on in. Come on. - I hope everyone likes lasagne. - Oh, honey, you've outdone yourself once again. It looks delicious. Here, let me get some for you. Right there. Oh! Here. - Uh... - There we go. What? Somethin' wrong? - Uh, no. - Oh shoot. Uh, Jonathan is gluten-intolerant. - It's not` It's not gluten. It's lasagne. - Yeah, but the, uh` the pasta, like, the noodles, it's made out of gluten. - Oh, I've, uh` I've never heard about that. - Uh, I could make something else. - You know what ` I'll eat around it. - No, no, it's OK. If you're, you know, allergic to pasta, then, uh, I dunno, we got, like, steak in the fridge, maybe? - Really? I don't wanna put you through the trouble. - No, no, no, that's fine. Um, you're not allergic to steak, are ya? - (chuckles) - Well, I see we finally got the appetite outta this guy. - I certainly have one of those. - You know, maybe next time you can cook us one of your gluten-free meals, and we can get an idea of what you, uh, actually eat. - (chuckles) - What? - Jonathan doesn't really cook. - What type of person doesn't cook? - (chuckles) The type of person that would probably burn down the kitchen if he tried. - (chuckles) Well, you're, you're probably at work most of the time anyway. Actually work would be pretty much from home now. - Jonathan is a writer too. - Oh, that's right. You told me that. - He's gonna take some time off and work on his novel. He's really talented. - So you're gonna, you know, stay at home writing, but you won't find any time to make your lovely fiancee a meal? - (chuckles) That is a the miracle of takeout. - Which you'll probably buy with the money that she's earning. - He got an advance, actually. We're really excited to be coming here. - What's it about ` your little story? - It's more on the sci-fi side of things. It's, uh` It's based in the future when people can transfer their consciousness to a new younger body at the end of their lives. So, essentially, they can live forever, but people have to battle with whether they wanna do that when the people they know who maybe can't afford it are gonna start dying off. It's a real morality tale. - Wow. That's so interesting. So it's about loss? Choosing whether your able to live with that or moving on to whatever comes next? - Yeah, I guess so. - Sounds like a personal topic. - Yeah, I guess. But also sci-fi's real hot right now, so it'll sell. I'm just hopin' the fresh air, open spaces, you know, will be good for the creative brain. - It has been for Cathy. She's published almost 100 children stories. - Oh, really? - Sweetheart, you don't have to mention that. - Oh, that's amazing. There's a great market for inspiring kids' dreams. - Well, I suppose so, but I also think that a serious writer starts by shaping their own, taking the greatest trials of their life and expressing them. - Yeah, I guess that's what we're in the business of. - (laughs) Perhaps that's your issue, young man. You know, it's not a business; it is an art. You have to feel, not just think, and you have to live it. - Yeah, sure. Yeah, you feel, but you also have to support your art too. I mean, it's easier to say it's all about the art when you've already published 100 books for little kids. - Well, maybe you don't know the suffering one has to experience to express 100 books of material. - Well, come on now. Let's not get too serious. - Well, it's` it's all relative, isn't it, really? Um, yeah, maybe we should get together sometime. We can discuss Proust. - Oh, Proust. No one talks about Proust any more. No one even reads Proust. - That's a shame. Michelle, you wanna give me a hand, sweetheart? - MICHELLE: Yes. (door creaks) I'm sorry. He had a` a long drive today. (sighs) Thank you so much for having both of us. He really surprised me. - (chuckles) He surprised all of us, I'd say. - He's just sweet like that. You know? - Sweet? Yes, I can see that. Seems to mean well. - I snagged a good one. - But I can understand your concern. - Concern? - About him not liking our little town. - I mean, I-I think he likes it. - Oh sure, he likes it now, but you know, a man like him is gonna miss the excitement of the big city, and there'll be adjustments. - There will, yes, but not anything we can't handle together. - Perhaps. (chuckles) I know. The two of you will be just fine. I'm sure of it. - I think we will. - That was a fine steak. - The secret is in the soy sauce. - Soy sauce? - Soy sauce. You know, they say don't mix grape with grain, but I won't tell anybody. You know, it's interesting you're writing a novel. I was never much of a reader myself. You know, dime westerns, that type of thing. - Right. (sighs) That thing work? - Wouldn't be worth a damn if it didn't. - (Jonathan sighs) Oh. (floorboard creaks) - Whoa. You really had to get so drunk tonight? - Baby. He kept pouring. - Oh, yeah. He kept pouring. - You're pretty. - And you're gonna be hungover. Do you have to work tomorrow? - Maybe. - Well, go drink some water then. - (groans) - You think you're gonna be happy here? - I am happy everywhere. Why? - I don't know. It just seems like you might get bored. - That's not gonna happen. - I suppose you'll have local icon Cathy Rhodes around to discuss your favourite literature. - Yeah. Who were those two? - They made us dinner. - It was weird, right? - (sighs) It was just different. - They don't like me. Made that pretty clear. - You're being sensitive. - Proust. No one reads Proust. She was just trying to belittle me. - She was not trying to belittle you. She was taking a genuine interest. - Yeah. Well, I say next time, we stick to my plan. We find a restaurant. - I get it. There's gonna be some weirdness. Again, this is not the city. People are different. Things will be different. But as long as we do this together, we're gonna figure it out. OK? And the Rhodes have been through a lot. Jonathan? Hon? (sighs) It's just not having you` - I'm sorry. It's just another week, then I'll be back. - I just wish you were out here. - I know. I know. I love you. ('JOY TO THE WORLD') I think we all know there's only one way to do Christmas. But not everyone gets it right. It's about organisation. Anticipation. TRANSLATION: It's all about preparation And ignition! (LAUGHS) MAN: Ooh, nice! Our family has a very important Christmas tradition. We play 'FIFA'! Go! VOICEOVER: The Warehouse. The one place for any Christmas. GOAL! (LAUGHS) - (Michelle sighs) - Oh, hey, stranger. You're in early. Everything OK? - Uh, yeah I'm fine. Just couldn't sleep. Jonathan surprised me last night. - Surprised you? With what? - Himself. - Oh wow. So you bailed on Mrs Rhodes again? - No. Uh, he came with me actually. - Oh God. That's why you're acting so weird. - Uh, I don't know. How can two people I get along with so well be so far apart? Like, they don't relate at all. - Maybe you need a new perspective. - What do you suggest? - I suggest the Rhodes aren't an easy introduction for someone from the city. Why don't you come out with me tonight? Meet some people you can relate to a bit more and build from there? We have a regular group that goes out on Fridays. - Where do you even go out here? - Crossroads. It's literally the only bar in town. - I don't know. - Promise you'll think about it? - OK, OK, I'll think about it. - OK, great. We go out at 6. Be ready. - Uh... (sighs) (gentle music) - YOUNG MICHELLE, ECHOES: Mom, I'm gonna be late. I love you, Mommy. (upbeat music plays, indistinct conversations) - Yeah, I needed another one. Oh yes, can I get another beer, please? Thank you. Oh, hey. This is Michelle. - Hi. So nice to meet you. - How are you? - Good. - Hey. - Hi. (gentle music) - Can I get a beer? - Yeah, thank you. (laughs) - Mm-hm. Here you go. - YOUNG MICHELLE ON RECORDING: Mr Poppins had seen the same grass and these same houses and this same world day after day, week after week, month after month. (phone beeps) - (sighs) (phone clicks) Jonathan? (sighs) Pick up! (knock at door) - Hello. - Hi. - Michelle, everything OK? - Yeah, I'm sorry. It's just` I haven't heard from Jonathan. I mean we were having issues with the service, but usually something goes through by now. It's just such a long drive, and I know accidents happen, and I just wanna make sure he's OK. - I think I might know what the issue is. - What? - How did you...? - Well, it's been blaring all morning, and I saw all these calls from you, so I assumed it must be his. You poor thing. You must have been worried sick. - Yeah, I have been. How'd you know where to bring it? - What do you mean, dear? - How'd you know this is where I live? (phone beeps) - Hello? Oh my God! Do you have any idea how worried I've been? - I'm so sorry. I must've lost my cell. I didn't even realise it was gone until last night and` - You didn't realise? No, no, no. I don't wanna hear it. Just hold on. Sorry, I gotta deal with this. - Of course sweetheart. - I don't care what happened. Do you have any idea how scared I've been? You thought, what, that you could just disappear for a day and it wouldn't matter? I have your phone, OK? I have it because you left it at the Rhodes' house, and Cathy just stopped by with it. - Oh man, those two? It took 'em long enough to find it. - Too 'em long enough? Are you serious? - Well, were they just sitting on it all day or something? That's weird. They're weird, Michelle. They're like freaky weird. - There's nothing weird, OK? They're decent people who realise how worried I would be and brought back the phone that you couldn't bother remembering. - I just forgot it, OK? I have a lot going on right now trying to get wrapped outta here. You think it's easy not having my phone on me? - Well, you think not having you here is easy on me? - While you're wrapping out at work all weekend, I'll be here alone, unpacking all our stuff alone and setting up our house and our life alone. - Look, I gotta go. I'm sorry I can't be there, and maybe your new friends that hate everything about me can give you a hand. - I need you. OK? Now more than ever. I-I can't stand not being able to talk. - OK, look ,if you need something, call my office line, and I will call you as soon as I can. OK? I love you, bye. (phone line clicks) (phone beeps) - Cathy, hi. You're still here. - (laughs) I'm sorry. Um, I-I-I-I don't want to impose. - Uh, it's fine. What's up? - Well, it's just, um, I had some thoughts for my final 'Mr Poppins' book, and sometimes I-I like to talk these through out loud, and Derek, God bless him is not the most attentive audience. - I appreciate that Cathy. I just have so much I need to get done right now. - Oh, oh, not now by any means. No, of course not. I-I wanted you to come by. Uh, maybe later this weekend. - (sighs) I need to get this place set up, get my life back together. - OK. OK, I see. - How 'bout Monday? I can do Monday after school. - Monday it is. You have a good weekend, sweetheart. - (gasps) Oh my God. Cathy. - Bit jumpy aren't we? - Sorry, it's just usually there's no one in here this early. - Just you? - Just me. Oh, these kids can be a handful. - Right. Well, it's not like you have time for them over the weekend. - Sure. - Sorry. - We all have lives outside of work. - Oh, I shouldn't expect someone to give every second of their life to education. - Right. - Especially if they have a certain lifestyle to maintain. - What lifestyle? - Let me ask you a question. Mr Cochran, he was miserable at managing the budget, was he not? - Honestly, I have no idea how we managed to stay open. - Oh, well I think if you look closely that you would find a number of anonymous donations that managed to fill the gaps. - Cathy, I know how much the programme means to you. - And I think that you'd find how impossible it would be to maintain this programme without them. - And you have to know how much it means to me as well, how much it means to Michelle. - Oh, I know how much it means to the both of you and how devastating it would be if the funding were to dry up. - Is there a reason to think it would? - It's hard to say just yet. I think this programme needs to be held at the highest standards by those who run it. - Which it is. - And I was thinking is it prudent for us to trust our children with a young college dropout? I'm sorry, why didn't you finish school again? Oh, it doesn't matter. And then for that dropout to take our new manager out drinking with her after school. - Cathy, there's nothing wrong with going out on a Friday night. - Well, I guess that's up for the parents to decide, and I think they would have all sorts of opinions were they to hear that the funding was being pulled because of the behaviour of our new programme manager and teacher. - You wouldn't. - Oh, I wouldn't want to, no. But I guess it would depend on how negative an influence they had on the programme and each other. Oh, it's just something to consider. (clock ticks) - Hey, missing my nap date today. - Sorry, just busy. - Yeah, no. Of course. It's just, um, things kinda blew up with Jonathan over the weekend. You probably don't care that much, but I was just needing someone to talk to about it. - That sucks, but, um, look, let's talk later. I gotta stay on this. - Yeah, no. Got it. Tonight? - Pretty busy. We'll talk soon, though. - Yeah, sounds good. (doorbell rings) - Sweetheart, you made it. - I did. - Everything OK? - Yeah, it's just, um` just a tough day. - Oh, well let's head on in and see if we can't cheer you up a bit. OK? A glass for you? - I'm OK for now. - Honey, why don't you tell me what's got you so worried? - It's nothing. Just feels like things went from promising to a train wreck in a matter of days. - Well, you can always talk it out with me. - I know. You've actually been the only constant since I've got here. - And I always will be. - Really, it's nothing. Uh, look at me trying to take this over when you wanna talk about your book. - Oh, (chuckles) Mr Poppins' last adventure. - He finally coming home? - After our last talk, uh, it got me thinking, and it's time. - Well, that's exciting. - I feel you're right. He's been out in the world, he's seen all these is to see, but now he's ready to come back. And there'll be a big celebration for all those who have missed him when he was gone, because everyone finds their way home eventually. Don't you think? - I... I think that's a great direction to take it. - Can I show you something? So, I'm sure that you've already heard about my little girl and how she went missing so long ago. - I did. I'm so sorry, Cathy. - Well, when your daughter goes missing like that, you make a lot of friends in important places ` friends who are willing to help a mother out. - I'm sure. - And at first I thought it was just a coincidence, but I had a friend do a little favour and look up some of your background information from the times that you can't remember. - What do you mean? - When you first arrived into state custody, it was 20 years ago. The exact same time my little girl, my Michelle, went missing. - Her name was Michelle too? - He was your favourite,... Mr Poppins. You loved him so much. Do you remember, sweetheart? You would always sleep with him. You` You` You couldn't fall asleep without him. You left him. You left him so I'd know you'd come back. - I, uh... Cathy, I'm not her. - Maybe if you smell him. - I can still smell you on him. - Cathy, I'm not your daughter. - YOUNG MICHELLE ON RECORDING: The street was familiar, the same welcome lawns, the same cared-for houses. - See, I used to record all my stories and my ideas on tape, and you'd help me. - You wanted to be just like Mommy. I even got you your own tape recorder. - Look, I have to go. - OK, but why this town? - You've always wanted this. Don't you see? - This` No, no, I'm sorry. - Where are you going? You're home! Baby, you're home. - (pants) (line rings) - VOICEMAIL: You've reached the desk of Jonathan Corigan. I've stepped away for a moment, but just leave a message and I will get back. (phone beeps) - Hey, babe. I know you won't get this till tomorrow, but I, um` Just call me as soon as you can. OK? Things got weird. You were right. Love you. - VOICEMAIL: Hi, you've reached Ashley. Leave me a message and I'll get back to you soon. Bye. - Derek, hi. I didn't see you there. - (Michelle screams) (Michelle pants) - (Derek grunts) Slow down! (phone beeps) Get back here! (grunts) - ASHLEY: Hey you. Look, I'm sorry things got so awkward. I've been thinking about it, and you know, I was stupid. I should have just told you what was going on, and instead I was a jerk. - DEREK: Come back! Stop! Stop it! - ASHLEY: Call me back, OK? I have some stuff to talk to you about, and I hope I didn't scare you off. Talk to you soon. - (Michelle screams) - DEREK: Stop right there, hold it! - (Michelle screams) (eerie music) - YOUNG MICHELLE, ECHOES: Everything was just as it should be. (eerie music) - It's OK. You're home now. Everything's gonna be OK. - YOUNG MICHELLE, ECHOES: But that wasn't enough. (hammer bangs) - MICHELLE ON VOICEMAIL: Hey, babe. I know you won't get this till tomorrow, but I, um` Just call me as soon as you can. OK? Things got weird. You were right. Love you. (gentle orchestral music) (buttons click) VOICEMAIL: Hi. It's Michelle. Leave a message. (buttons click) VOICEMAIL: Hi. It's Michelle. Leave a message. - Michelle? Michelle? - VOICEMAIL: Hi. It's Michelle. Leave a message. - (Michelle grunts) (eerie music) Cathy? Cathy? Derek? - Oh, hi, hi. Officer? - Please! Hello? Help! Help me, please! Help! - Michelle, Michelle? Michelle, shh, shh, shh, shh. I know` I know you're scared right now, but I'm gonna need you to keep quiet for me. OK? OK? - Please, I won't tell anyone. - Be quiet. Trust me this. This can get a whole lot worse than it is right now. (knock at door) - Jonathan, what are you doing in town? - Hi, Mrs Rhodes. Have you seen Michelle? - Uh, yes I have. Last night, as a matter of fact. She came by. She wanted to hear about the next book. Why, is something wrong? - I dunno. She's not at home. She's not answering her phone. - Uh, well it is Tuesday. Did you check the school? I mean, she should be working, shouldn't she? - I, uh... - Oh, well, so you haven't? - No, not yet. - OK, well, sweetie, I'd start there, and then maybe ask that Ashley woman with whom she's been spending all her time drinking. - Ashley? I don't know an Ashley. - Well, maybe you should. Goodbye, Jonathan. Michelle, my baby. I am so sorry we had to do things this way. - Why are you doing this? - It's gonna be hard, sweetie. See, you've been away from us for so long, you don't even remember who you are. And that is not your fault. - Please, Cathy. I'm not her. I'm not your Michelle. - I know you think that, but just spend some time here. Try to remember. You'll come back. You'll understand. I'm just tryin' to take care of my baby. - (Michelle screams) Please let me out! (sobs) - Um, can I help you? - Yeah. Yeah. I'm looking for Ashley. - Well, you found her. Do I know you? - Um, I'm Jonathan. I'm Michelle's fiance. - Oh, are you here to tell me why she didn't show up today? Why she didn't bother to call? - You haven't seen her either? - Not since yesterday. Wait, you don't know where she is? - No. She` She left a message. She said something got weird last night. - Oh God. - What? - Um, I don't know. She` - What? - What did she say? - Nothing else, really, but I can't get ahold of her. - OK, did you try Cathy? - They said she wasn't there. - And the police? - I called, and they said I could file a report, but they need 48 hours before they can take any action. - That's not really a thing, is it? - Apparently they need a reason to investigate, and right now, they don't have enough to... - Enough to what? - I think I have an idea. Thanks. - Hey! - (sniffs) (button clicks) - YOUNG MICHELLE ON RECORDING: That he had found his best friend, and they would go on as best friends and live happily ever` - MAN ON RECORDING: I told you to keep it down. Why don't you ever understand that? - I'm sorry, Daddy. I was trying to be quiet. - Well, listen, that's not good enough. - Ow, Daddy, please stop it. It hurts! - I told you to be quiet! (button clicks, recording stops) - Honey, we're tryin' to make this easy, but you've got to behave yourself. - Please, Cathy, just let me go. OK? I'm not gonna tell anyone. I'll just leave. - What would you tell them? That you're where you belong, finally? That you've come back home? Oh, oh, we should tell everyone. It should be one the news. Missing child returns after 20 years. But we've first gotta get your memory back. Anything yet? - There's nothing to tell. I'm from Pennsylvania. I was taken away when I was 7. - OK, before that. That morning. Do you remember that Tuesday morning? The sandwich with the crusts cut off? Who took you? - I told you, my mom couldn't keep up, so the state did. I remember my mom. OK? - Stop! That is what they told you. That is not what happened. (knock at front door) Oh, not a peep. (knocking continues) (lock clicks) - (groan in frustration) - What do you want? - Is my fiancee in there? - Your what? - Michelle. Is she in there? - She wasn't here the first time you came. She's not here this time. All right? - I don't believe you. - You can believe whatever you want, but it's not gonna change anything. - I think it will. - Really? - Michelle? Hey, you in there? Talk to me. - Hey, knock it off. - Anybody, can you hear me? - Stop it. Hey listen, stop it. - Can you hear me? I'm looking for my fiancee, Michelle. - Will you`? Hey, hey! Hey, you're creating a domestic disturbance here all right? - Yeah, I am, and we'll see what happens when the cops show up. - Really? - OK, Jonathan, son, you're creating a scene. - You're damn right I am. - Do you want to see Michelle? - Uh huh. - OK, well she's here. She's here, but she doesn't wanna talk to you. - You` You think I'm gonna believe that? - She needed her space, and she didn't want you to know that she's here, so she had us lie. - No. No, if she's in there, I need to see her right now. - OK, fine. Michelle, honey, Jonathan wants to see you. - Jonathan? Jonathan! Please, help me! - (Jonathan groans) - Oh, don't worry, he'll be OK. Hey, close the door quick. - (Michelle pants) What'd you do to him? - No, no. You stay over there or I'll keep this closed till morning. -(sniffles) He'll be fine. Derek did not mean to hurt him. It's just that he was making so much noise out there. What if someone had called the police? OK. You know, why don't we try this again tomorrow? You're in no shape to talk tonight. - Mama? - What did you say? - Mom. - Is this real or are you pretending? - I remember... that morning, Mr Poppins. - You left him. You almost always brought him to school with you. - I did. I left him. Mom,... I know now why I forgot. - What is it? - It's hard for me to talk about. (sniffles) I was running away. It wasn't you, Mama. I hid it. I didn't want you to find it. I didn't want him to hurt you. (sniffles) - MAN ON RECORDING: Stop it! Stop, you're not hurt. Be quiet. I told you not to cry. Don't you dare cry. Did you learn your lesson? - YOUNG MICHELLE ON RECORDING: Uh-huh. - This time it'd better stick. You remember what happens if you tell Mommy? - You'll hurt her too. - That's right, Michelle. And whose fault will that be? - Mine. - Right. (recorder button clicks) - It wasn't you, Mama. He used to hurt me so bad. I did it for you, Mama. - That's` That's fine, honey. I think` I think we're making... great progress. - I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Mom. - OK. You just get some sleep. We'll talk about this tomorrow. (door locks) - (sniffles) (stairs creak) - Everything OK, honey? Well, this one's gonna be a problem, but I'll, uh` I'll fix it. I'll make sure he doesn't go near our little girl. - Uh-huh. - Hey, uh,... you OK, baby? - Yeah. - I'll, um` I'll go get some tape to cover his mouth. You make sure he doesn't go anywhere. All right? - (Jonathan groans) (door unlocks) - What did you do? - You're not a good man, Daddy. You did very bad things to me. You used to hit me so hard. - Stop! - (screams) - Stop it, no! Stay down! Stop it! Listen to me! - You're hurting me, Daddy! You're hurting me just like before. - Don't` Don't you pretend. Not with me. - Mama knows now, Daddy. She knows what you did to me. You knew I ran away because of you, cos you couldn't beat me if I ran. - (Derek grunts) - CATHY: Come here, honey, I got ya. I got ya. I got you, baby, and I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. You're gonna be OK. You're gonna be OK, because we're together now, and I'm never letting you go. - I won't leave you again. - 911 Dispatch, what's your emergency? - My daughter. My daughter is hurt. - You said your daughter? - He tried to kill her. - OK, ma'am, I'm sending help. Is your daughter in danger now? - No, not any more. - And what is your name? - Cathy. Cathy Rhodes. - Michelle. (siren wails) (gentle music) - (groans) I don't think they gave us enough screws. Can you pass me the instructions? - Yeah. - Thanks. (knock at door) Thanks, I got it. - It's probably Ashley. - Hey, thanks. It's for you. Michelle, you have to tell her the truth. Michelle? Please. Captions by Able. Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. www.able.co.nz Copyright Able 2019