The Night Listener

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0:00:03 > 0:00:13This film contains strong language.

0:00:34 > 0:00:37SOMBRE PIANO MUSIC

0:02:39 > 0:02:41MICROPHONE SQUEALS

0:02:41 > 0:02:44'Ready?'

0:02:44 > 0:02:47'Yeah, let's try it like that.'

0:02:47 > 0:02:50SHUFFLING

0:02:50 > 0:02:53From the studios of WNYH in New York City,

0:02:53 > 0:02:57I'm Gabriel Noone, and this is Noone at Night.

0:02:59 > 0:03:03As a storyteller, I've spent years looting my life for fiction.

0:03:03 > 0:03:08Like a magpie, I tend to steal the shiny stuff and discard the rest.

0:03:08 > 0:03:12The facts can always be altered when you're telling a story.

0:03:12 > 0:03:15But this time, I have to be careful.

0:03:15 > 0:03:19I'll lay out the events exactly as I remember them.

0:03:19 > 0:03:22I want you to believe this, after all.

0:03:22 > 0:03:25That'll be hard enough as it is.

0:03:25 > 0:03:27This one is called...

0:03:27 > 0:03:30"The Night Listener."

0:03:30 > 0:03:34'It began in the worst of all possible weeks.

0:03:34 > 0:03:37'Jess had moved out, saying it was only temporary.

0:03:37 > 0:03:40'And I was miserable. Nothing made sense any more.

0:03:40 > 0:03:43'I was trying to read one of my ridiculous yarns -

0:03:43 > 0:03:46'the kind I had built a career on.

0:03:46 > 0:03:49'A sentimental piece about our eighth anniversary.

0:03:49 > 0:03:53'But it felt so phoney. I couldn't put the words into our mouth.'

0:03:53 > 0:03:56- This isn't working. - "It wasn't that bad."

0:03:56 > 0:03:58It just doesn't sound like me.

0:03:58 > 0:04:03- "The levels are the same. I could try adjusting."- No, it sounds fake.

0:04:03 > 0:04:07"Look, Gabriel. We can't do this again."

0:04:07 > 0:04:11Just run an old one, OK? I-I'm... I can't. I'm sorry, I just can't.

0:04:22 > 0:04:24- Hey. - Why are you here?

0:04:24 > 0:04:28- LAUGHS:- I thought I was gonna buy you a drink.

0:04:28 > 0:04:31- What happened in the session? - We're just having sound problems.

0:04:31 > 0:04:35- Listen, I'm ready to collapse. - You sure you don't wanna go?

0:04:35 > 0:04:40- Sure.- None of my business, but the station is worried.

0:04:40 > 0:04:43- You owe them five shows.- I really don't wanna talk about that.

0:04:43 > 0:04:46I'm worried about you, Gabe.

0:04:46 > 0:04:48- I'm all right. Really. - All right.

0:04:48 > 0:04:51Look. Take this with you.

0:04:51 > 0:04:53Oh, no. Come on, Ashe.

0:04:53 > 0:04:56You don't have to write a blurb. Just read it.

0:04:56 > 0:04:58We're publishing it next quarter.

0:04:58 > 0:05:01"A Diary of Transcendent Hope and Courage." Oh, please.

0:05:01 > 0:05:04- It come with aromatherapy? CHUCKLES:- Save it, will ya?

0:05:04 > 0:05:08You'll have real questions after you've read it.

0:05:08 > 0:05:11- Hang in there, OK? - Yeah. See ya.

0:05:32 > 0:05:35Jesus! You scared me.

0:05:37 > 0:05:41- Just, er, picking some stuff up. - No problem.

0:05:41 > 0:05:44See you brought Lucifer.

0:05:47 > 0:05:49Lucien. He's just a friend.

0:05:50 > 0:05:54Oh, babe, I told ya - I just need a little space.

0:05:55 > 0:05:57- It's all right. - I'll see ya.

0:06:00 > 0:06:04- No, Hugo. Go. - Hugo. Hugo!

0:06:25 > 0:06:27THUNDER RUMBLES

0:06:35 > 0:06:40"Charles Dickens," wrote Pete Logand, "was only 12 when his parents

0:06:40 > 0:06:43"sent him to make boot Polish in a factory by the docks.

0:06:43 > 0:06:46"This screwed him up forever and made him a writer.

0:06:46 > 0:06:50"I think we've all got a blacking factory. Some terrible something

0:06:50 > 0:06:54"that makes us lose our baby hearts as surely as we lose our baby teeth."

0:06:54 > 0:06:58- ADOLESCENT BOY:- Mine was in the basement in Milwaukee.

0:06:58 > 0:07:01It was converted into a room that was meant to be a playhouse.

0:07:01 > 0:07:04No-one ever wondered why my dad made it soundproof.

0:07:04 > 0:07:08I knew all his games by the time I was seven.

0:07:08 > 0:07:12By the time I was eleven, other grown-ups were with him.

0:07:12 > 0:07:14I wondered how much my mom knew.

0:07:14 > 0:07:19Then one night I heard her there in the playhouse. Whispering.

0:07:19 > 0:07:22Telling somebody to move out of the way.

0:07:22 > 0:07:25I realised she'd been there all along.

0:07:25 > 0:07:28"That was what the blindfold was for - to keep me hidden.

0:07:28 > 0:07:32"So they could sell the tapes on the internet."

0:07:37 > 0:07:41DISTORTED VOICES, FEMALE LAUGHING

0:07:49 > 0:07:53PHONE RINGS

0:07:53 > 0:07:58'You've reached Gabriel and Jess. Leave a message at the tone.'

0:07:58 > 0:08:02'Hi. It's Pete Logand. The guy who wrote that book?

0:08:02 > 0:08:06'Ashe gave me your number. So I just wanted to...

0:08:09 > 0:08:13- SIGHS:- 'He said if I talk long enough you might...

0:08:13 > 0:08:15'Oh, well. Bye.'

0:08:18 > 0:08:20- Ambushed? - That's as good a word as any.

0:08:20 > 0:08:23I thought it'd make you feel better, distract yourself.

0:08:23 > 0:08:27The way I'm feeling, I might say something wrong.

0:08:27 > 0:08:30You won't say anything wrong. Did you like the book?

0:08:30 > 0:08:32- It's somewhat raw.- Yeah. - But powerful.

0:08:32 > 0:08:37- He's a brave kid. How old is he? - Fourteen.- Jesus!

0:08:37 > 0:08:41- How'd you get it?- Right over the transom. No agent, no nothing.

0:08:41 > 0:08:44- Donna just mailed it to us. - Who?

0:08:44 > 0:08:46I'm sorry - she's the social worker who adopted him.

0:08:46 > 0:08:50- She got him to write as therapy. - You must have edited like crazy.

0:08:50 > 0:08:54- LAUGHS:- Well... It's the cleanest manuscript I've had all year.

0:08:54 > 0:08:58- Damn!- I wouldn't do this unless I thought there was a real connection.

0:08:58 > 0:09:01- Remember the basement? - Yeah.

0:09:01 > 0:09:04Well, he listened to the show after they'd gone.

0:09:04 > 0:09:07- Jesus! - He wanted me to give that to you.

0:09:29 > 0:09:31Jess?

0:09:39 > 0:09:41- What the hell are you doing? - Hi.

0:09:41 > 0:09:45I can't do your books unless you leave me your chequebook.

0:09:45 > 0:09:47- Oh. - This place was a mess.

0:09:47 > 0:09:50Besides, I like laundry. It makes me happy.

0:09:50 > 0:09:54The power went out again. Something is fucked up with your fuse box.

0:09:54 > 0:09:57- And your dad called. - But you didn't pick up?- I had to.

0:09:57 > 0:10:02He kept saying, "Are you there? Pick up, goddammit. I know you're there."

0:10:02 > 0:10:04He's a nice old coot.

0:10:04 > 0:10:07If he met you, he'd call you "that cute Chink gal".

0:10:07 > 0:10:09- I am a cute Chink gal. - Mm-hm.

0:10:09 > 0:10:13How old is he anyway? He's got to be, like, ancient.

0:10:13 > 0:10:17- Because I am?- I just hope I'm over my parents by the time I'm your age.

0:10:17 > 0:10:20Good luck.

0:10:20 > 0:10:23They asked about Jess. You haven't told 'em yet, have you?

0:10:23 > 0:10:26No. Cos he'll be back by then.

0:10:27 > 0:10:30Right.

0:10:34 > 0:10:37PHONE RINGS

0:10:37 > 0:10:40'Hello. Please leave a message after the tone.'

0:10:40 > 0:10:44Hi, Pete. This is Gabriel Noone.

0:10:44 > 0:10:47Ashe gave me your number and, er...

0:10:48 > 0:10:51I read your book. I really liked it.

0:10:51 > 0:10:54- PHONE BEEPS - 'Hey.'- Hey.

0:10:54 > 0:10:56'You swear it's really you?'

0:10:56 > 0:11:01- Why wouldn't it be me?- 'I don't know. You don't sound like yourself.'

0:11:01 > 0:11:04Well, I'm a little less dramatic in person.

0:11:04 > 0:11:06You sound like hammered shit.

0:11:06 > 0:11:09LAUGHS: 'That pins it down pretty well.'

0:11:09 > 0:11:12No offence. Just can't fuckin' believe it's you, man.

0:11:12 > 0:11:14'You just fuckin' have to.'

0:11:14 > 0:11:17I'm sorry. My new mom says I've got a trashy mouth.

0:11:17 > 0:11:20'Really? Well, she's fuckin' right.' LAUGHS

0:11:20 > 0:11:24'Anyway. I was really impressed by your book.

0:11:24 > 0:11:27- 'I want to wish you good luck.'- So what do you guys do for Christmas?

0:11:27 > 0:11:31- What do you mean?- 'You and Jess. Do you have a tree and all?'

0:11:31 > 0:11:34Oh, no. We're not that big on Christmas.

0:11:34 > 0:11:37- LAUGHS:- 'Yeah. I know what you mean.'

0:11:37 > 0:11:41We got a rusty water tank near us and they hang a damn star on it.

0:11:41 > 0:11:43A star? That sounds nice.

0:11:43 > 0:11:47Yeah. Except it doesn't face this way. Just lights up the graffiti.

0:11:47 > 0:11:51Rest of the town gets "Bethlehem" - alls we get is "Roberta blows".

0:11:51 > 0:11:56- CHUCKLES:- 'I swear. Big old red letters. "Roberta blows.

0:11:56 > 0:11:59'They painted it out last year, but it came back.'

0:11:59 > 0:12:02She must really blow. LAUGHS

0:12:02 > 0:12:05COUGHS VIOLENTLY You OK?

0:12:08 > 0:12:11- Shit! - Pete?

0:12:11 > 0:12:15CONTINUES COUGHING

0:12:15 > 0:12:17Shit!

0:12:17 > 0:12:20Yeah, I'm OK.

0:12:20 > 0:12:24- Gotta warn me if you're gonna be funny, man.- Drink this.- 'Sorry.'

0:12:24 > 0:12:28- What is it?- 'Donna's here now. Being a pain.

0:12:28 > 0:12:33'I wouldn't put up with it except she's a babe and I like redheads.'

0:12:33 > 0:12:37- COUGHS - It's him. Say something.

0:12:37 > 0:12:39- Hello, him. This is Donna Logand. - 'Hey.'

0:12:39 > 0:12:42I'm sorry to cut this short, but this cough is worrying me.

0:12:42 > 0:12:46Well, sure. I understand... CONTINUOUS TONE

0:12:57 > 0:12:59PHONE RINGS

0:13:00 > 0:13:03- Hello? - 'It's Donna.

0:13:05 > 0:13:09'He's asleep now. We had to...drain his lungs.'

0:13:09 > 0:13:12- Ashe told you about the AIDS? - 'Yeah, he did.'

0:13:12 > 0:13:16Listen, there are some incredible drugs nowadays.

0:13:16 > 0:13:18They worked wonders for Jess.

0:13:18 > 0:13:22We've tried a lot of them, but he had syphilis when he was eight.

0:13:22 > 0:13:26'And his lungs are like Swiss cheese. He doesn't have very long.

0:13:26 > 0:13:28'A few months at the most.'

0:13:28 > 0:13:31It probably doesn't make it any easier -

0:13:31 > 0:13:33being out here in the middle of nowhere.

0:13:33 > 0:13:37- 'But they can't know where he is.' - I thought they were all in prison.

0:13:37 > 0:13:41'His father was. But his mother disappeared after her arraignment.'

0:13:41 > 0:13:44- They don't know where she is. - 'Surely after all these years...'

0:13:44 > 0:13:47We don't know what she's capable of.

0:13:47 > 0:13:51'But the point of moving here was not to be paranoid.'

0:13:51 > 0:13:54'The thought of that haunted me all night.'

0:13:54 > 0:13:59'Over the next few weeks, Pete and I talked almost every day.'

0:13:59 > 0:14:02Who do you want to talk to when your book is published?

0:14:02 > 0:14:04What do you mean?

0:14:04 > 0:14:07'You know, somebody famous who really likes your book.'

0:14:07 > 0:14:12- Derek Jeter would be cool. - Well. OK. Yeah.

0:14:12 > 0:14:17- 'You don't know who that is, do you?'- Of course. He's a sports guy.

0:14:17 > 0:14:21- Yeah, what sport? - 'Get picky on me!'

0:14:21 > 0:14:25Just cos you're a dick-smoker don't mean you can't watch ball games.

0:14:25 > 0:14:29- What?- 'What, a dick-smoker? You've never heard that?!'

0:14:29 > 0:14:31No.

0:14:31 > 0:14:34Well, no offence or nothin'.

0:14:34 > 0:14:37You and, er... Jess seem pretty cool.

0:14:37 > 0:14:39So, how's he doing?

0:14:39 > 0:14:41He's OK.

0:14:41 > 0:14:43'So when can I talk to him?'

0:14:43 > 0:14:47That's gonna be difficult. He moved out a couple of weeks ago.

0:14:47 > 0:14:49Oh, man.

0:14:49 > 0:14:51That sucks.

0:14:52 > 0:14:55He says he needs to be alone.

0:14:55 > 0:14:57'But he says he's coming back.'

0:14:57 > 0:15:00It seemed like you had something special.

0:15:00 > 0:15:05'You've got to be patient. Things like that don't come every day.'

0:15:05 > 0:15:07That's what I want.

0:15:07 > 0:15:09That kind of thing.

0:15:09 > 0:15:12One of these days.

0:15:12 > 0:15:14'Don't worry. You'll get it.'

0:15:14 > 0:15:17No. Ain't a lot of girls between here and the hospital.

0:15:17 > 0:15:20You think about girls a lot?

0:15:20 > 0:15:24'That's all I can do, man - think about 'em.'

0:15:26 > 0:15:29Seeta. D'you have Playboy?

0:15:38 > 0:15:41- Hey, you. - Hey.

0:15:44 > 0:15:47- Oh. For a friend. - Yeah.

0:15:47 > 0:15:51I was gonna call you. I'm having a small Christmas party. Wanna come?

0:15:51 > 0:15:55- Sure. - OK. I'll call you.

0:15:55 > 0:15:57- See ya. - See ya.

0:15:59 > 0:16:04So he gets the Playboy. Next thing, he's hiding it from his new mom.

0:16:04 > 0:16:07Who knew I'd be a heterosexual influence?

0:16:07 > 0:16:10That is just the sweetest thing I've ever heard.

0:16:10 > 0:16:13- Isn't it? - I'd be careful if I was you.

0:16:13 > 0:16:15- Why? - Folks could talk, that's all.

0:16:15 > 0:16:17About what?

0:16:17 > 0:16:21Use your damn head. That boy was abused by gays.

0:16:21 > 0:16:24He was abused by paedophiles. Haven't you been listening?

0:16:24 > 0:16:26- They were men. - Straight men.

0:16:26 > 0:16:30- Lift your leg.- How could they be straight if they messed with a boy?

0:16:30 > 0:16:35- Cos they would call him "faggot". - Must you make everything filthy?!

0:16:35 > 0:16:38Honey, calm down. Don't get so angry.

0:16:38 > 0:16:40That's much easier than feeling something.

0:16:40 > 0:16:43- What kind of New Age crap is that? - Just cos you're shut down

0:16:43 > 0:16:46doesn't mean we have to be.

0:16:46 > 0:16:49- Just because you're a big cry-baby.- Come on, guys.

0:16:49 > 0:16:52- Should I go somewhere? - BOTH: No.

0:16:52 > 0:16:56Come on, let's... We're gonna be late.

0:16:56 > 0:16:59- You two seemed a little better this time.- Yeah.

0:16:59 > 0:17:03Another thousand years we'll be able to have a conversation.

0:17:03 > 0:17:06- What were you gonna tell us about Jess?- Nothing.

0:17:06 > 0:17:11- Maybe we'll see him on our way back. - Just say bye to the little prick.

0:17:11 > 0:17:14What? "Little prick?!" He can handle that.

0:17:14 > 0:17:16I can handle big ones, actually.

0:17:16 > 0:17:19- CHUCKLES:- You are nasty.

0:17:19 > 0:17:21- What'd he say? - See you, Pap.

0:17:21 > 0:17:23OK, son.

0:17:27 > 0:17:30RAP MUSIC

0:17:47 > 0:17:49Hey, Gabriel!

0:17:49 > 0:17:52Gabriel! Hey!

0:17:52 > 0:17:56- Where are you going? - Why'd you invite me to this?

0:17:56 > 0:17:58It's a party.

0:17:58 > 0:18:01- Ridiculous. - Gabriel.

0:18:01 > 0:18:03Come here.

0:18:08 > 0:18:10What's the matter?

0:18:10 > 0:18:14- Who are all these people? - My friends. My roommate's and mine.

0:18:14 > 0:18:17Since when did you know so many people?

0:18:17 > 0:18:20Most of my friends were your friends. I wanted new friends.

0:18:20 > 0:18:22What's the problem here?

0:18:24 > 0:18:27I don't understand what's happening.

0:18:27 > 0:18:31When I moved in with you, I was barely out of college.

0:18:31 > 0:18:34- I wanted to take care of you.- You don't think I wanted to do the same?

0:18:34 > 0:18:37- I'm not saying that. - That's what you think.

0:18:37 > 0:18:41Gabriel, for eight years I was gonna die.

0:18:41 > 0:18:44And now it looks like I'm not going to,

0:18:44 > 0:18:48and I want to see what that feels like.

0:18:51 > 0:18:55- I just...- If you had any guts, you'd end this.

0:18:58 > 0:19:00That's not how I feel.

0:19:03 > 0:19:07- No, no, no. - Come here. Come here, please.

0:19:21 > 0:19:24KNOCK AT DOOR

0:19:24 > 0:19:26Coming out.

0:19:26 > 0:19:28OK?

0:19:28 > 0:19:31Yeah. I'm OK.

0:19:31 > 0:19:36'You've reached Gabriel and Jess. Please leave a message at the tone.'

0:19:36 > 0:19:39It's Donna.

0:19:39 > 0:19:41I'm at the hospital.

0:19:45 > 0:19:47He's in the oxygen tank.

0:19:47 > 0:19:50It's not looking very good.

0:19:50 > 0:19:54'I don't think he'll make it through the night.'

0:19:54 > 0:19:59- 'I'll call you back when there's news. Bye.'- End of message.

0:19:59 > 0:20:03Ah. Don't you think she'd have called if anything happened?

0:20:03 > 0:20:06I've just got this gut feeling.

0:20:06 > 0:20:09- So call the hospital. - I don't know which one he's in.

0:20:09 > 0:20:14Do you think it's possible they're being a little melodramatic?

0:20:14 > 0:20:17You know, the abusive parents, the basement.

0:20:17 > 0:20:20It all seems so...over the top.

0:20:20 > 0:20:24- Some people have shitty lives. - They're not shitty all the time.

0:20:26 > 0:20:30- I'm just saying, they might be revving it up a bit. - PHONE RINGS

0:20:30 > 0:20:34I can't believe you'd suggest that a dying child would embellish it.

0:20:37 > 0:20:39- Hello? - 'It's Donna.'

0:20:39 > 0:20:43Hi. Donna, I'm gonna put you on speaker phone. Jess is here.

0:20:43 > 0:20:46'Hi. Jess. It's nice to meet the real thing.'

0:20:46 > 0:20:48It's nice to meet you, too.

0:20:48 > 0:20:52- The Bactrim's kicked in - Pete's better this morning.- Thank God.

0:20:52 > 0:20:56- 'He wants to say hello.' - Sure. Put him on.

0:20:56 > 0:20:58- 'Hey, dude.' - Hey, kiddo. How are you feeling?

0:20:58 > 0:21:01- 'Better than yesterday.'- Great.

0:21:01 > 0:21:04Hey, Jess is here. He's fixing my fuse box.

0:21:04 > 0:21:06'I don't even wanna know what that means.'

0:21:06 > 0:21:12- OK. They want me to go to sleep now. You guys stay cool.- Sleep tight.

0:21:12 > 0:21:14CONTINUOUS TONE

0:21:14 > 0:21:16What a relief.

0:21:16 > 0:21:18Yeah.

0:21:22 > 0:21:25What?

0:21:25 > 0:21:29- I think it's the same voice, babe. - What?

0:21:29 > 0:21:32Yeah. Pete and Donna. I...

0:21:32 > 0:21:35I don't know, they... they have the same voice.

0:21:35 > 0:21:38One is higher-pitched, but they're...

0:21:38 > 0:21:43- Are you saying it's some kind of impersonation?- Yeah, more or less.

0:21:43 > 0:21:46- Why would someone do that? - I don't know.

0:21:46 > 0:21:50- There's dozens of people who know them.- Who?

0:21:50 > 0:21:54Doctors. There's a nurse who comes and stays at the house.

0:21:54 > 0:21:56You've only been told that.

0:21:56 > 0:22:00- What about Ashe?- Did he ever actually go to Wisconsin?

0:22:00 > 0:22:05- He must have. What about the photo? - That could be anybody.

0:22:05 > 0:22:08- There's ways to prove this. - Hey. I'm happy to be wrong.

0:22:08 > 0:22:10No. No, you're never happy to be wrong.

0:22:10 > 0:22:13This is the first time I've felt decent in weeks.

0:22:13 > 0:22:15Why are you trying to destroy it?

0:22:15 > 0:22:18Because this isn't one of your stories.

0:22:18 > 0:22:21God, you never look at things for what they are.

0:22:21 > 0:22:24- Oh, that's such bullshit. - Bullshit?

0:22:24 > 0:22:28OK. OK, where exactly did I tell you I tested positive?

0:22:28 > 0:22:30- What the... - Answer the question!

0:22:30 > 0:22:33In the park on a bench in front of those guys playing drums.

0:22:33 > 0:22:37No. No, that's what you put in your show.

0:22:37 > 0:22:40It was at a grimy old deli on 3rd.

0:22:40 > 0:22:43But that's not very interesting, is it?

0:22:43 > 0:22:46Look, I moved out because I needed a break.

0:22:46 > 0:22:49You're always sifting through this relationship

0:22:49 > 0:22:51looking for material for your show.

0:22:51 > 0:22:54Tell me you didn't fuckin' relish it.

0:22:54 > 0:22:58I went along with the show because I thought it gave my death meaning.

0:22:58 > 0:23:00- But I don't need that any more. - Well, great.

0:23:00 > 0:23:05- Because there's no show. Are you happy?- That's not my fault.

0:23:07 > 0:23:09You don't know him.

0:23:12 > 0:23:14Maybe.

0:23:14 > 0:23:17Looks pretty transparent to me.

0:23:17 > 0:23:19What's that supposed to mean?

0:23:19 > 0:23:23You're always talking about wanting kids. And now you've created this...

0:23:23 > 0:23:28- Fuck you. You're such an asshole! - Fuck it. Go play with Tiny Tim.

0:23:31 > 0:23:34Do you know anyone who actually met Pete Logand?

0:23:34 > 0:23:36No.

0:23:36 > 0:23:40Not a doctor or a social worker or neighbour - anybody?

0:23:40 > 0:23:44- They live in Wisconsin.- Jess thinks Pete and Donna sound alike.

0:23:44 > 0:23:48- They do. - That doesn't strike you as odd?

0:23:48 > 0:23:51Pete didn't talk when he came to live with her and now imitates her.

0:23:51 > 0:23:55- That wasn't in the book.- A lot isn't. - You know cos she told you.

0:23:55 > 0:23:59- You got all your information from her.- Her and Pete.

0:23:59 > 0:24:04Did she show you a birth certificate, an adoption document?

0:24:04 > 0:24:09- If you think it's a hoax, you're off base.- Why?- Because!

0:24:11 > 0:24:14I've spent over a year speaking with them,

0:24:14 > 0:24:17and they told me things you couldn't imagine.

0:24:17 > 0:24:21Now, maybe your present situation is colouring the way you think.

0:24:21 > 0:24:25It has nothing to do with that. You're about to publish a book

0:24:25 > 0:24:28by an author you know shit about.

0:24:28 > 0:24:30Shouldn't you be a little concerned?

0:24:35 > 0:24:38PHONE RINGS

0:24:41 > 0:24:47'You've reached Gabriel and Jess. Please leave a message at the tone.'

0:24:47 > 0:24:52'Oh. Er... Well, I guess you're not there so I'll just try again.'

0:24:52 > 0:24:54- Hello? - 'Oh. It's Donna.'

0:24:54 > 0:24:56Hey.

0:24:56 > 0:24:59'I know this isn't much notice, but we'd love you to come at Christmas.'

0:24:59 > 0:25:02- Really? - 'Yeah, sure.

0:25:02 > 0:25:06'The guest room ain't fancy, but I cook a mean plum pudding,

0:25:06 > 0:25:08'and it would mean so much to Pete.

0:25:08 > 0:25:10- 'So...' - COUGHING

0:25:10 > 0:25:13- Is that Pete? - 'Yeah, he still has a cough.

0:25:13 > 0:25:16'But he's fine. So, can you come?'

0:25:16 > 0:25:19I can't think of a better way to spend Christmas.

0:25:19 > 0:25:23- 'Oh, that's great.' - Yeah, it is. Really is.

0:25:25 > 0:25:27- Hey, Gabriel. - Hey, Marie.

0:25:27 > 0:25:31- Didn't know you played baseball. - Oh, no. It's a gift for a friend.

0:25:31 > 0:25:33Signed by Jerry Deter.

0:25:33 > 0:25:36Do you mean Derek Jeter?

0:25:36 > 0:25:38Yeah. Yeah. CHUCKLES

0:25:38 > 0:25:41PHONE RINGS

0:25:43 > 0:25:45Fuck, she bailed on you.

0:25:45 > 0:25:47What was her excuse?

0:25:47 > 0:25:50There was no excuse.

0:25:50 > 0:25:52Doctor said he shouldn't have any visitors.

0:25:52 > 0:25:55They're worried about him catching a flu.

0:25:55 > 0:25:57Fucking planes are Petri dishes.

0:25:57 > 0:26:00I don't want him to catch something from me.

0:26:00 > 0:26:03So later, maybe.

0:26:03 > 0:26:06Yeah. If he's still around.

0:26:06 > 0:26:08Well, you never know.

0:26:08 > 0:26:11No, you don't.

0:26:11 > 0:26:14Not about anything.

0:26:19 > 0:26:21I don't think we should see each other any more.

0:26:21 > 0:26:25- Babe, it doesn't have to be like this.- Yeah, babe.

0:26:25 > 0:26:29I don't want to be jerked around. I want a clean break.

0:26:29 > 0:26:32- We're not gonna speak to each other?- I'm too old for this shit.

0:26:32 > 0:26:36- Come on, Gabriel. - Listen, you ruined what we had.

0:26:36 > 0:26:39You're the fucking one who can't see the reality.

0:26:41 > 0:26:44What do you mean, there won't be a book?!

0:26:44 > 0:26:47- I thought your editor believed him. - Yeah, but his bosses got cold feet.

0:26:47 > 0:26:49And Donna and Pete?

0:26:49 > 0:26:52Totally devastated.

0:26:52 > 0:26:55What do you have?

0:26:55 > 0:26:59There is no record of any Pete Logand in any kind of trial.

0:26:59 > 0:27:01Doesn't mean anything.

0:27:01 > 0:27:05Pete took Donna's name when she adopted him.

0:27:05 > 0:27:07Ashe thinks they're using an alias

0:27:07 > 0:27:11because that way his real mother couldn't track him down.

0:27:14 > 0:27:18Cute kid. Whoever he is.

0:27:18 > 0:27:22Why would someone do this? That's what I keep asking.

0:27:22 > 0:27:25It's a hideous way to promote a book.

0:27:25 > 0:27:29Maybe it's not about that for her. She might not know she's doing it.

0:27:29 > 0:27:31Like a multiple personality thing?

0:27:31 > 0:27:35What if she had a kid who died in some, like, horrible way

0:27:35 > 0:27:39- and now she needs to assume his identity in order to...- No, no.

0:27:39 > 0:27:43- What if she has him embalmed? Like that guy from Psycho?- Mm.

0:27:43 > 0:27:46No, wait. Oh, my God. Oh, my God!

0:27:46 > 0:27:50What if she doesn't exist? What if he's impersonating her?

0:27:50 > 0:27:52Please, now stop it.

0:27:52 > 0:27:57- This is not some sort of parlour game.- Sorry.

0:27:57 > 0:28:01What if there is some half-dead kid and I've just

0:28:01 > 0:28:04taken away his last shred of hope?

0:28:04 > 0:28:06I couldn't live with that.

0:28:09 > 0:28:12Ever thought about a voiceprint? Like what the cops use?

0:28:12 > 0:28:17- They're as good as fingerprints. - Now you're scaring me.

0:28:17 > 0:28:22- 'Hey, it's Davia. There's a new Thai place around the corner...'- No.

0:28:22 > 0:28:26- 'Hey, dick-smoker.' - That's him. Stop it.

0:28:26 > 0:28:32- OK. So what do you have from her? - Nothing. I erased the last message.

0:28:32 > 0:28:34Then you have to call her. Get her on tape.

0:28:34 > 0:28:37How do I do that?

0:28:37 > 0:28:42Er... You just, er, press this button right before you talk to her.

0:28:44 > 0:28:46I don't know, er...

0:28:47 > 0:28:50It's an answering machine, not a thermonuclear device.

0:28:50 > 0:28:56But what if I'm, you know, recording her and the machine beeps?

0:28:58 > 0:29:01CLUCKS

0:29:10 > 0:29:14'We're sorry. The number you have reached is not in service.

0:29:14 > 0:29:19'Please check the number, or try again. This is a recording.'

0:29:44 > 0:29:47So, do you have family in Wisconsin?

0:29:50 > 0:29:52Yes, actually.

0:29:52 > 0:29:54A son.

0:29:54 > 0:29:57He lives with his mother, though.

0:29:57 > 0:30:01But I get to see him on holidays.

0:30:01 > 0:30:05- How old is he? - Fourteen.

0:30:08 > 0:30:10You must have had him late.

0:30:10 > 0:30:14Well, yeah, I... Fairly, yeah.

0:30:15 > 0:30:17Do you have any pictures?

0:30:17 > 0:30:20As a matter of fact...

0:30:28 > 0:30:31Oh, my goodness. Look at those eyes.

0:30:31 > 0:30:34- Yeah. - He has your nose and chin, though.

0:30:38 > 0:30:40- Does he?- Mm.

0:30:40 > 0:30:44Excuse me. I hope this isn't too pushy,

0:30:44 > 0:30:46but I saw your name on the passenger list,

0:30:46 > 0:30:50and I just wanted to say I really appreciate everything you've done.

0:30:50 > 0:30:53- For us. - The pleasure was mine.

0:31:01 > 0:31:04You've done something for flight attendants?

0:31:22 > 0:31:26DIALS PHONE NUMBER

0:31:32 > 0:31:35'We're sorry. The number you have reached is not in service.

0:31:35 > 0:31:38'Please check...'

0:32:04 > 0:32:06500.

0:32:10 > 0:32:12507.

0:32:17 > 0:32:19509.

0:32:23 > 0:32:26511.

0:32:26 > 0:32:29Fuck!

0:32:48 > 0:32:50Hi.

0:32:50 > 0:32:54I've done something really dumb, and I was hoping you could help me.

0:32:55 > 0:32:59I have a good friend who lives here in Montgomery.

0:32:59 > 0:33:04- I always assumed that 511 Henzke was her actual address.- Meet her online?

0:33:04 > 0:33:07No. Nothing like that. It's just...

0:33:07 > 0:33:10She's a good friend and I'm sure she comes in here all the time.

0:33:10 > 0:33:14- Donna Logand?- People pay us so they don't have to use

0:33:14 > 0:33:18- their real address. It's the point of the place.- Well, sure.

0:33:18 > 0:33:21She's a friend.

0:33:21 > 0:33:24I came a long way to...

0:33:26 > 0:33:28OK. Fine.

0:35:18 > 0:35:21DOG BARKS

0:35:21 > 0:35:23Hey!

0:35:34 > 0:35:36Are you OK?

0:35:36 > 0:35:38- Thanks, yeah.- OK.

0:35:42 > 0:35:45COUGHING

0:35:48 > 0:35:52You like those burgers, but they're awful on your tummy.

0:35:52 > 0:35:57- I'll fix you something when we get home.- Hey. You back for more cocoa?

0:35:57 > 0:36:01- Does twice a day make me a junkie? - Not by me. Anything for him?

0:36:01 > 0:36:04No, thanks. We shouldn't make a habit of it.

0:36:04 > 0:36:07- You mind if I have a cuddle? - Go ahead.

0:36:07 > 0:36:10He needs all the love he can get. Don't you?

0:36:10 > 0:36:13GIGGLES

0:36:34 > 0:36:37OK, let's go.

0:36:37 > 0:36:41- See ya. - You betcha. Stay warm.

0:37:45 > 0:37:47Aren't you gonna say hello, Gabriel?

0:37:55 > 0:37:58RUNNING WATER

0:38:18 > 0:38:20Chamomile OK?

0:38:20 > 0:38:22Sure.

0:38:22 > 0:38:25Is this enough light?

0:38:25 > 0:38:27It's fine. Thanks.

0:38:42 > 0:38:45It was Hank. The clerk at the grocery store?

0:38:45 > 0:38:48- That's how I knew you were here. - Oh.

0:38:48 > 0:38:51It's not some spooky blind thing.

0:38:56 > 0:38:59How long have you been blind?

0:38:59 > 0:39:02I remember a dollhouse I used to have,

0:39:02 > 0:39:06- my father's face - things like that. - What about your mother?

0:39:06 > 0:39:10She died when I was two. My father tried to raise me.

0:39:10 > 0:39:13I guess Ashe didn't tell you.

0:39:13 > 0:39:16- No. - Well...

0:39:16 > 0:39:19It makes us more vulnerable. We've already had to move once this year.

0:39:19 > 0:39:23It's really wonderful what you've done for Pete, though.

0:39:23 > 0:39:26How did you find us, anyway?

0:39:29 > 0:39:31The star. I...

0:39:31 > 0:39:36I remember Pete mentioned he could see a star on a water tower.

0:39:36 > 0:39:39And, er, when I saw it, I just found...

0:39:39 > 0:39:43- All the way to the house. - Well, to this block.

0:39:43 > 0:39:47And I saw you on the front porch and...

0:39:47 > 0:39:49So...

0:39:51 > 0:39:54..you followed me from the coffee shop?

0:40:01 > 0:40:04It's important I be able to trust you, Gabriel.

0:40:07 > 0:40:11Your phone line was down. I figured... KETTLE WHISTLING

0:40:11 > 0:40:14Oops. The tea.

0:40:18 > 0:40:20Can I use your bathroom?

0:40:20 > 0:40:23Sure. Top of the stairs.

0:41:08 > 0:41:10DOOR CREAKS

0:41:38 > 0:41:41- You found his room. - GASPS

0:41:53 > 0:41:56Velveteen Rabbit. I used to have one of those.

0:41:56 > 0:42:01- So, Pete... - He's at the hospital, getting tests.

0:42:01 > 0:42:04- It's not looking good. - I'm sorry.

0:42:04 > 0:42:07- His lungs? - Yeah.

0:42:07 > 0:42:09They're getting worse.

0:42:09 > 0:42:13- Can I see him tomorrow? - That'd be great.

0:42:17 > 0:42:21- He means a lot to you, doesn't he? - Yeah, he does.

0:42:21 > 0:42:25Well, I know he feels the same way about you.

0:42:25 > 0:42:28As a matter of fact...

0:42:35 > 0:42:38'The lights of the highway are streaming past,

0:42:38 > 0:42:42'and one of you reaches out and holds the other one's leg.

0:42:42 > 0:42:45'It's the truest moment in the world.'

0:42:45 > 0:42:49- That's one of our favourite episodes. - LAUGHS AWKWARDLY

0:42:49 > 0:42:52Thank you.

0:42:53 > 0:42:56So Pete told me about you and Jess.

0:42:56 > 0:43:00You two seemed good together. Do you still love him?

0:43:00 > 0:43:02I don't know.

0:43:02 > 0:43:07- Does he feel the same way? - I don't know what he thinks.

0:43:10 > 0:43:12Could I...

0:43:14 > 0:43:16..get a face to go with the voice?

0:43:16 > 0:43:18Sure.

0:43:27 > 0:43:31It's a hard place to be - not knowing for sure.

0:43:33 > 0:43:36Yeah, it's purgatory.

0:43:36 > 0:43:39And you're just the kind of guy who needs proof.

0:43:42 > 0:43:47The hell of it is, we're only as loved as we think we are.

0:43:53 > 0:43:56I can't wait to see him.

0:43:56 > 0:44:00- Who, Jess? - No, Pete.

0:44:01 > 0:44:04SOBS

0:44:04 > 0:44:06I'm sorry.

0:44:06 > 0:44:12- CLEARS THROAT - Everyone does it. He's just special that way.

0:44:12 > 0:44:14Yeah.

0:44:15 > 0:44:17I need your help.

0:44:32 > 0:44:34CRASH! Whoa.

0:44:34 > 0:44:37- What? - It's very dark.

0:44:37 > 0:44:41I don't know where the light switch is. Try by the door.

0:44:43 > 0:44:46Somewhere in here is my other sewing bag.

0:44:46 > 0:44:50I've been spending so much time at the hospital,

0:44:50 > 0:44:54I'm making Pete a new sweater. Can you help me find the dark green one?

0:44:54 > 0:44:57It'll go really well with his eyes.

0:44:57 > 0:44:59Here.

0:44:59 > 0:45:02Thanks.

0:45:04 > 0:45:07Hey, do you wanna see my sweater?

0:45:07 > 0:45:11- Sure.- I still need to put the buttons on, but it's kind of fun.

0:45:14 > 0:45:17- Turn around. - Oh, OK.

0:45:21 > 0:45:25- I'm really trusting you here. You better not be peeking.- I won't.

0:45:39 > 0:45:41OK.

0:45:43 > 0:45:45Turn around.

0:45:50 > 0:45:52How does it look?

0:45:52 > 0:45:55Well... It's...

0:45:55 > 0:45:58It's nice.

0:45:58 > 0:46:02You wanna feel it? It's nice and soft. Feel it.

0:46:02 > 0:46:05Yeah, soft. Right.

0:46:05 > 0:46:07It's nice.

0:46:07 > 0:46:10- What's the matter? - Nothing. It's nice...

0:46:10 > 0:46:14- Is there something wrong with me? - No, it's fine...

0:46:14 > 0:46:17God, I know you like guys. I was just trying to be friendly.

0:46:17 > 0:46:19You're such a fucking weirdo.

0:46:19 > 0:46:22Turn around!

0:46:22 > 0:46:24I'm sorry. I...

0:46:36 > 0:46:40So are you the reason his book was cancelled?

0:46:44 > 0:46:48That's what I thought. That book meant everything to him.

0:46:48 > 0:46:52That's why I'm here. I'll find him a new publisher. I'll do anything...

0:46:52 > 0:46:56- It's obvious why you came here. You don't believe us.- I do.

0:46:56 > 0:47:00- Let's just forget about tomorrow. - No! I want to see him.

0:47:03 > 0:47:06You know, I thought you'd be different.

0:47:06 > 0:47:10I thought you'd be able to look into his soul with his complexities

0:47:10 > 0:47:12and see him as your own flesh and blood.

0:47:12 > 0:47:17- That is how I see him.- I don't think so. You wouldn't have distrusted us.

0:47:17 > 0:47:20I spent two days stumbling around this fucked-up place so I can...

0:47:20 > 0:47:23So you could say what?

0:47:23 > 0:47:28That you were sorry for thinking him a fraud? Give me a fuckin' break.

0:47:30 > 0:47:35Pete needs people who are really there for him.

0:47:35 > 0:47:39And there's no way I'm taking you to see him. No way.

0:47:39 > 0:47:42Your car is here.

0:48:10 > 0:48:12Where's the nearest hospital?

0:48:12 > 0:48:15Madison. But that's 50 miles from here.

0:48:15 > 0:48:18- That's fine. Let's go. - OK.

0:48:52 > 0:48:56L-O-G-A-N-D.

0:48:59 > 0:49:02There's no Pete or Peter Logand listed anywhere here.

0:49:02 > 0:49:07- Maybe he's listed under another name. - What name should I be looking for?

0:49:07 > 0:49:10I don't know.

0:49:12 > 0:49:15- Maybe you're at the wrong hospital. - I've been to all the others.

0:49:15 > 0:49:21He's got to be here. Can I just go up to Paediatrics and look round?

0:49:21 > 0:49:24What do you think?

0:49:27 > 0:49:29Thanks for your time.

0:50:37 > 0:50:40MACHINES BEEP

0:51:05 > 0:51:07Hey, kiddo.

0:51:07 > 0:51:12BEEPING BECOMES FASTER, GASPS, HISSES

0:51:12 > 0:51:17I'm sorry. I-I-I made a mistake. I thought you were someone else.

0:51:17 > 0:51:19Who are you?

0:51:19 > 0:51:21Security!

0:51:21 > 0:51:24Security! Security!

0:51:24 > 0:51:27ALARM SOUNDS

0:51:28 > 0:51:31GROANS

0:51:50 > 0:51:52Oh.

0:51:52 > 0:51:55SIGHS HEAVILY

0:52:00 > 0:52:02PHONE RINGS

0:52:07 > 0:52:09Hello? DOG BARKS IN BACKGROUND

0:52:10 > 0:52:12Hello.

0:52:15 > 0:52:18CONTINUOUS TONE

0:52:35 > 0:52:38- Oh. Can I top you off there? - Sure.

0:52:40 > 0:52:44- There was a blind woman here last night.- Donna.

0:52:44 > 0:52:48Yeah. Have you seen the boy she looks after? I haven't seen him in a while.

0:52:48 > 0:52:50You mean Pete.

0:52:53 > 0:52:57Yeah, that's him. Have you seen him?

0:52:58 > 0:53:03- He's in hospital. He's a sick boy. - Have you ever actually seen Pete?

0:53:06 > 0:53:09He spends most of his time at the hospital.

0:53:09 > 0:53:12Which hospital is he at?

0:53:13 > 0:53:15Can I get you anything else?

0:53:15 > 0:53:18So you won't help me.

0:53:19 > 0:53:22You have a nice day.

0:53:57 > 0:53:59DOORBELL RINGS

0:54:13 > 0:54:15Hello?

0:55:53 > 0:55:55BANGING

0:56:55 > 0:56:58FOOTSTEPS

0:57:14 > 0:57:17POLICE RADIO CHATTER

0:57:24 > 0:57:27I-I was just visiting a friend.

0:57:30 > 0:57:34Maybe you know him. Pete?

0:57:34 > 0:57:36Have you ever seen him?

0:57:38 > 0:57:41I don't know what she told you, but I...

0:57:44 > 0:57:47What are we doing?

0:57:53 > 0:57:56Ow!

0:57:59 > 0:58:02What are we doing?

0:58:06 > 0:58:08What the hell are we doing?

0:58:35 > 0:58:39Wait. But wait, she's been...

0:58:39 > 0:58:41Everybody knows... Aargh!

0:58:44 > 0:58:49- What you sick fucks did to that boy. - GROANS

0:58:49 > 0:58:54You leave him alone now, perv! You leave him alone now!

0:59:52 > 0:59:54Gabriel?

0:59:54 > 0:59:59- I'm sorry. They're very protective of me.- Stay away from me, Donna.

0:59:59 > 1:00:01I came back to help you.

1:00:01 > 1:00:05Why are you pissed at me? You're the one that broke into our house.

1:00:05 > 1:00:08I went to the fucking hospital. He wasn't there!

1:00:08 > 1:00:12- You went to the wrong hospital.- I went to every hospital in Madison.

1:00:12 > 1:00:15- He was in Milwaukee. - Oh! Of course.

1:00:15 > 1:00:18- If I asked which, you'd say he moved. - Just stop it.- Or suddenly...

1:00:18 > 1:00:21He's dead.

1:00:21 > 1:00:23He died last night.

1:00:23 > 1:00:25Bilateral pneumonia.

1:00:25 > 1:00:30- His lungs were saturated and they couldn't resuscitate him. - SOBS

1:00:31 > 1:00:34- Jesus, you're good.- What?

1:00:34 > 1:00:36You got a fuckin' answer for everything.

1:00:36 > 1:00:40SIGHS IN DISGUST It's the truth!

1:00:40 > 1:00:43Yeah. If someone gets close, you just kill him off.

1:00:43 > 1:00:47- You don't know what you're talking about!- They know everything!

1:00:47 > 1:00:50And they're calling the hospitals. They don't like being lied to.

1:00:52 > 1:00:54I'm not lying!

1:00:54 > 1:00:57Jesus, why did I come here?

1:01:00 > 1:01:04You know why? You thought this would make a great fucking story.

1:01:04 > 1:01:08You'll talk about me and Pete on the radio.

1:01:08 > 1:01:11That's what this has been about.

1:01:11 > 1:01:14All you care about is people loving you. What kind of person are you?

1:01:14 > 1:01:17For years Jess was dying and you picked over him like a vulture.

1:01:17 > 1:01:22Stay. You're so pathetic, you think he's gonna come back to you.

1:01:22 > 1:01:24Oh!

1:01:24 > 1:01:29- Oh, Jesus. Get up. - Like you care, you heartless fuck!

1:01:29 > 1:01:31DOG BARKS

1:01:33 > 1:01:35Come on, there's a truck coming.

1:01:35 > 1:01:38Help me.

1:01:42 > 1:01:45- I can't let you do this. - Let go of my arm!

1:01:45 > 1:01:48- He's all I have. - HORN HONKS

1:01:50 > 1:01:52BOTH STRAIN, STRUGGLE

1:01:54 > 1:01:56- Get up! Get up!- Ah!

1:01:56 > 1:01:59Fucking crazy!

1:01:59 > 1:02:02Gabriel?

1:02:02 > 1:02:04Gabriel!

1:02:04 > 1:02:06Come back here.

1:02:10 > 1:02:13Come here! Gabriel, don't leave me!

1:02:14 > 1:02:17You don't know what you're doing!

1:02:17 > 1:02:19Gabriel!

1:02:22 > 1:02:24Don't leave me!

1:02:49 > 1:02:51Hey. Hey, how are you?

1:02:55 > 1:02:57PHONE RINGS

1:03:03 > 1:03:07- Gone?- She left.

1:03:07 > 1:03:11- Who told you that? - The police.

1:03:11 > 1:03:14They went to check on her...

1:03:14 > 1:03:17and the house was empty.

1:03:17 > 1:03:21Did they find the kid at the hospital?

1:03:21 > 1:03:23There never was a kid.

1:03:27 > 1:03:29PHONE RINGS

1:03:32 > 1:03:36MUFFLED 'You've reached Gabriel and Jess. Leave a message at the tone.'

1:03:42 > 1:03:47- And that's been going on for three days?- Yeah.

1:03:49 > 1:03:52- You have to call the police. - What am I gonna say?

1:03:52 > 1:03:57"Excuse me, officer, but there's this crazy blind lady in Wisconsin

1:03:57 > 1:04:01"who has an imaginary child, and she's upset with me."

1:04:01 > 1:04:03No, fuck her.

1:04:03 > 1:04:06I'm not turning my life inside out.

1:04:06 > 1:04:10- She tried to kill you.- Yeah.

1:04:10 > 1:04:15Well, tried to kill herself, and me along with her, yeah.

1:04:15 > 1:04:17I did some research.

1:04:17 > 1:04:22There's this actual pathology called "factitious disorder".

1:04:22 > 1:04:24People who have it feel unworthy of love

1:04:24 > 1:04:27so they make up stuff to get sympathy.

1:04:27 > 1:04:31Like, er, their own illness or... No, thanks. ..a sick child.

1:04:31 > 1:04:36It's, er, it's like Munchausen's By Proxy, only there is no child.

1:04:36 > 1:04:40And they don't know they're doing this?

1:04:40 > 1:04:44No, they know. But the attention feels so good they can't stop lying.

1:04:44 > 1:04:48What happens if you call them on the lie?

1:04:49 > 1:04:52Er, I don't know. It didn't say.

1:04:54 > 1:04:58Hmm. Great.

1:05:00 > 1:05:03CONTINUOUS TONE

1:05:11 > 1:05:14HANGS UP PHONE

1:05:22 > 1:05:25She called two days ago. Started shouting at me.

1:05:25 > 1:05:29Just ranting and raving. Completely out of it.

1:05:29 > 1:05:31This woman is relentless.

1:05:31 > 1:05:34She's desperate. I mean, just so desperate.

1:05:34 > 1:05:36She's blind. What is she gonna do?

1:05:36 > 1:05:39PHONE RINGS

1:05:39 > 1:05:43No fucking way!

1:05:43 > 1:05:47- 'This is Gabriel and Jess...' - Should we pick up?- No.

1:05:47 > 1:05:49No, it might set her off.

1:05:49 > 1:05:52- What should we do? - Ignore it.

1:05:58 > 1:06:01PHONE RINGS

1:06:04 > 1:06:08- Hello?- 'Your story doesn't have an ending, Gabriel.

1:06:08 > 1:06:11'I'm at the Hudson Plaza Motel at JFK.

1:06:11 > 1:06:15'Room 142. I left something for you.'

1:08:15 > 1:08:18PHONE RINGS

1:08:29 > 1:08:32'Donna?'

1:08:32 > 1:08:34Who's this?

1:08:34 > 1:08:37'It's me. It's Pete. Gabriel, is that you?

1:08:39 > 1:08:42'Don't freak out - I know she told you I was dead.

1:08:42 > 1:08:44'She was just trying to protect me.'

1:08:44 > 1:08:46Where are you?

1:08:46 > 1:08:50'I'm at the airport waiting for Donna. Is she there?'

1:08:50 > 1:08:52No. She just left.

1:08:52 > 1:08:56'Too bad. I really wanted you two to talk.

1:08:56 > 1:09:00'I kind of promised her I wouldn't talk to you.

1:09:00 > 1:09:02- 'She's mad at you.'- Pete?

1:09:02 > 1:09:04'Yeah?'

1:09:04 > 1:09:07I need to ask you something.

1:09:07 > 1:09:09'What?'

1:09:09 > 1:09:12Did something happen to Donna when she was little?

1:09:12 > 1:09:16HEAVY BREATHING

1:09:16 > 1:09:19You understand, right?

1:09:19 > 1:09:21'Yeah, but... I don't know.

1:09:21 > 1:09:25'She never talks about her childhood.'

1:09:25 > 1:09:28Did she ever tell you what caused her blindness?

1:09:28 > 1:09:31'No.

1:09:31 > 1:09:34'I think she fell down the stairs.'

1:09:34 > 1:09:39- You know, there's people who can help her.- 'I have to go now.'

1:09:39 > 1:09:41OK, kiddo.

1:09:41 > 1:09:44- 'Bye.'- Bye.

1:10:05 > 1:10:09You know, that tape doesn't prove anything.

1:10:09 > 1:10:13That kid could be anybody, right? Could be a neighbour, cousin.

1:10:13 > 1:10:15Yeah, I know.

1:10:15 > 1:10:18So, what is it, then?

1:10:18 > 1:10:20It's just...

1:10:20 > 1:10:23What?

1:10:24 > 1:10:27How can I be missing someone who never existed?

1:10:27 > 1:10:29Is that possible?

1:10:34 > 1:10:39Hey. What about those, er, Star Trek conventions?

1:10:39 > 1:10:45You know, all those guys, they dress up like Kirk and Spock, right?

1:10:45 > 1:10:49Why? Because they really miss them.

1:10:50 > 1:10:52Am I that pathetic?

1:10:52 > 1:10:54Hey.

1:10:54 > 1:11:00You have got a great big heart. That's the best part about you.

1:11:00 > 1:11:03It always was.

1:11:07 > 1:11:09I gotta go.

1:11:34 > 1:11:38'From the studios of WNYH in New York City...'

1:11:38 > 1:11:42..I'm Gabriel Noone, and this is Noone at Night.

1:11:44 > 1:11:48As a storyteller, I've spent years looting my life for fiction.

1:11:48 > 1:11:54Like a magpie, I tend to steal the shiny stuff and discard the rest.

1:11:54 > 1:11:58Well, we've wandered in the woods for an hour

1:11:58 > 1:12:03only to discover that we've circled back on ourselves.

1:12:03 > 1:12:07And in the end, I'm not sure what really happened.

1:12:07 > 1:12:12But it is clear that Donna and I are more alike than not.

1:12:12 > 1:12:14Both of us afraid.

1:12:14 > 1:12:17Not wanting to be alone.

1:12:17 > 1:12:20Longing for a good listener.

1:12:20 > 1:12:25- It sounds perfect.- And we also have a model condo available

1:12:25 > 1:12:29- with all the furniture included. - That'd be great.

1:12:29 > 1:12:34And, er...when does your son get out of the hospital?

1:12:35 > 1:12:38Tomorrow.

1:12:38 > 1:12:40That's tight. But, no, we can work it out.

1:12:40 > 1:12:43Thank you.

1:12:43 > 1:12:46If you don't mind me asking...

1:12:46 > 1:12:49how did he lose his leg?

1:12:54 > 1:12:57As for Pete...

1:12:57 > 1:13:00there's a line in The Velveteen Rabbit that reads,

1:13:00 > 1:13:02"Real isn't how you're made...

1:13:02 > 1:13:06"it's the thing that happens to you."

1:13:06 > 1:13:09I'm Gabriel Noone.

1:13:09 > 1:13:11Good night.