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Chapter Text

2017

TAYLOR HOUSEHOLD

Tool Time music can be heard playing and then the darkness slowly fades and reveals Tim Taylor silently working at the dining room table on a computer. The 'Tool Time' theme is playing on the television that Brad is watching while going through a large folder filled with papers. Tim's hair is greying, but he looks pretty much the same. Brad is older and looks extremely distressed.

TIM: Brad, can you turn that down? I'm trying to think up ideas for Tool Time.

BRAD: I'm sorry, Dad. (a beat) I'm just so anxious.

TIM: If you're anxious, take a run around the block and have a glass of wine. That'll take the shakes right out of you.

Brad gives Tim a look and Tim sighs: his humor still falls flat on his family.

BRAD (worried): Marissa should have been back by now.

TIM (sighs): I hope it's good news this time.

BRAD (anxious, pissed): I don't understand how Randy and Lauren were able to have three children so easily and they've only been married six years. Marissa and I have been married for 10 and we haven't had any.

Before Tim can reply, the door opens and Marissa, a charming looking half-Peruvian woman with long dark hair comes in and silently walks over to Brad. Brad looks hopeful, but Marissa shakes her head sadly.

BRAD (pained): I'm sorry.

Marissa (struggling not to be sad): We're still on waiting lists for adoption.

Nodding, Brad stands up and embraces Marissa. Tim sighs heavily.

TIM (hopeful): You can't give up on being parents, Brad and Marissa. You might suddenly get lucky and get blessed with multiples like Al and Trudy did. Did I ever tell you that story?

Brad shakes his head no and Tim sighs as he thinks back to years ago.

July 4, 1999

TAYLOR BACKYARD

Tim is setting up the grill and making sure all the grilling tools are clean enough for use. The Taylor backyard is quiet otherwise.

Tim hears movement and turns. He smiles when he sees Wilson in his yard, also grilling something that smells like...coffee?

TIM (kind) Wilson!

Wilson suddenly comes over to the fence.

WILSON (cheery) Heidi ho, good neighbor. Whatcha doing?

TIM (cheery, walks over to the fence) What are you grilling? 

WILSON (merry) Coffee! I need to stock up on lots and lots of it!

TIM (eyes widen, amused) Are you planning to stay awake for years?

WILSON (amused) No, no, no, no, Tim. Starting in September, I'm going to be travelling around to educational institutions around the United States to give guest lectures for various subjects, so I'll need something to keep me awake because the hours will be odd, like me!

TIM (eyes widen) Congratulations! Um...you're still coming to the barbecue later, right? Al and Trudy will be back from their honeymoon today...

WILSON (cheery) Oh, indeedy, yes. Speaking of which, are you setting up the grill?

TIM (sighs) Yeah, I have time since Brad just moved out to the UCLA campus on California a few days ago, Randy's still in Costa Rica, and Mark's off at a cooking course for teens being sponsored by the Rotary. Jill's off shopping for the barbecue. It's probably good nobody's home to ask about the food...the grill cooks things so slowly that we'll still have no food ready by the time everyone shows up. Maybe I could add more power to it!"

Wilson sighs and watches as Tim gleefully runs over to the grill and begins to take it apart.

1999

ONE HOUR LATER 

TAYLOR BACKYARD

JILL (anxious) Tim!

Jill comes into the yard after leaving her purchases for the barbecue in the kitchen, leaving the back door open so she can hear the doorbell, and sees the grill in pieces all over the grass.

JILL (annoyed) Tim, what is this?! You said you were going to set things up for the barbecue!

Tim grins as he looks up from the mess he has made.

TIM (eager) I decided to fix the grill so the stuff would cook faster! Trust me, honey, I know what I'm doing.

JILL (upset) Al and Trudy are going to be here any minute! Marty, our mothers, Jeff, Carrie, and Wilson are also coming! What are we supposed to eat? Everything but meat?"

Tim opens his mouth to reply, but he's cut off by the doorbell.

JILL (upset) Tim, please just fix this and get started grilling the meat!

Jill hurries inside to answer the door.

TIM (annoyed, begins to put the grill back together) It's not like Al can't wait for a meal.

1999

TAYLOR HOUSE 

Jill opens the door and is happy to see that Al and Trudy are there. Al has a big smile on his face and Trudy is glowing.

AL (pleased) Hiiii! We're back!"

Jill smiles as Al looks around for food.

TRUDY (eager) Is anything ready yet? Al's hungry...and truth be told, so am I.

JILL (annoyed, apologetic) Tim decided to fix the grill. I'll see if I have anything you two can snack on."

As Al, Trudy, and Jill wander into the kitchen, Jeff and Carrie wander into the house and immediately began to kiss as if nobody else was there.

JILL (spots Carrie) Hi Carrie!

Jeff and Carrie, however, aren't paying attention and continue to kiss.

Trudy and Al, meanwhile, are in the kitchen and Jill gives them some crackers from a cupboard.

TRUDY (eager) "Those look great! If it's okay with you, I'll take all of them.

Jill's eyes widen as Trudy rips open the box and begins helping herself to crackers like she is starving.

JILL (confused, intrigued) Is…is there something you want to tell us? Something exciting?

Tim suddenly wanders in, oblivious to what is going on.

TIM (eager) The grill's fixed! I can start grilling meat!

Jill gives Tim a look and Tim quietly retrieves the meat from the fridge, waving as Mark suddenly comes into the house with Lillian and Marty at his heels. Wilson also wanders in shortly thereafter along with Lucille.

LILLIAN (happy) Look who I found on my way over! Parker said he'll be here for dinner, Jill, if that's all right with you. He's just arrived from Texas and he's freshening up at the hotel.

Nodding, Jill smiles, determined to support her mother's happiness even if it did mean seeing her be happy with another man. Al suddenly exhales, looking ready to burst with happiness about something.

AL (excited) I actually have an announcement that we were going to wait to share until we ate, but I can't hold it in any longer.

Everyone suddenly looks at Al curiously and Trudy smiles knowingly while continuing to eat.

AL (eager) We're going to be parents in six months!

TIM (pleased) Wow! Congratulations, Al and Trudy! Did you talk Heidi into coming today? I'm sure she'll want to congratulate you and Trudy too!

AL (shakes his head) Heidi's off on a mini-holiday with Scott and Amy. There's a little more to our news, though.

TRUDY (eager) We're having twins! Isn't it great?

Happy noises fill the air as everyone surrounds Trudy and Al and peppers them with congratulations for their wonderful news. 

2017

TAYLOR HOUSEHOLD

Brad looks awed and Marissa looks hopeful, both of them considerably calmer now.

BRAD: We can't give up hope, you're right. (smiles) Thanks Dad. Do you need any help?

MARISSA (hugs Tim) Thank you, Tim. (pause) You're such a great father.

TIM: Brad, I'm doing fine. Why don't you two go help your mom with dinner.

As Brad and Marissa walk off to the kitchen, Tim looks out the window towards Wilson's yard and frowns when he suddenly sees movers moving boxes in and out while Willow watches.

TIM (quietly, concerned): What's going on over at Wilson's?

Chapter Text

2017

TAYLOR BACKYARD

TIM approaches the fence and sees Willow Wilson in the backyard with some movers, who are moving things from the yard. Tim waves and Willow smiles and approaches the fence.

TIM: Hi Willow.

WILLOW: Hi Tim.

TIM (confused): What are you doing with your uncle’s things?

WILLOW (somber): Having them shipped into storage. (beat) The house sold.

Tim frowns and Willow smiles.

TIM: I meant to go to your uncle’s memory greenhouse today…

WILLOW (nods): It was really sweet of you to build that when Uncle Wilson died, Tim.

Tim nods, the mood now a somber one.

WILLOW (kind): The family’s taking possession today, but they’re giving me time to move…

Tim sighs sadly and Willow gives him a gentle look.

TIM: I remember when Wilson first got sick. (a beat) He was a hero in my eyes for saving Randy and I found it so incredibly unfair that Wilson would have to pay such a high price…

Tim and Willow begin to reminisce together.

****FLASHBACK****

SEPTEMBER 21, 2001

DETROIT HOSPITAL

Having been called by the hospital from Tool Time, Tim anxiously enters and goes to the admit desk where an elderly lady is sitting. The elderly lady smiles at Tim, but Tim is feeling terribly worried.

VOICE: Tim, down here!

Tim frowns when he turns and sees Al lingering outside of an exam room. He hurries over to him.

TIM (worried): Al, is everything all right with Trudy? Are Alma or Albert sick?

AL (concerned): No, Tim, my family’s fine. (a beat) Wilson was brought in last night really sick.

Tim frowns, deeply concerned and he follows Al into the room without a word. Wilson is laying asleep on a gurney with his fishing hat and a scarf over his mouth. He is wearing a gown and cuddled up in a blanket while his clothes and shoes are in a chair with his other personal things. An IV is in his arm.

TIM (worried): Wilson?

Wilson stirs and opens his eyes, but doesn’t sit up or offer any usual greeting. Tim’s worry grows.

TIM (worried): Wilson, what’s wrong?

Wilson is very quiet for several moments and then sighs softly, tears welling in his eyes.

WILSON (softly): I have lung cancer. (a beat) It developed after 9/11.

Tim pales and suddenly looks incredibly sad, as does Al. Wilson, however, sighs patiently.

WILSON (reassuring): Tim, considering why I was in the tower when it fell…(a pause) I consider it time well spent and I’m sure Randy does too. He’s got a wife and three lovely children as a result…

TIM (somber): Of what you did for him. (a beat, sighs) You went back in and kept him calm and alert when the towers fell so that rescuers could find both of you. You were down there for two days…

Wilson nods and suddenly looks tired. Tim swallows hard, trying not to show any emotion.

WILSON (tired): Well, neighbor, I’m afraid I need to rest. (a beat) Thank you for visiting me.

TIM (somber): Of course.

Sighing softly, Wilson goes back to sleep and both Tim and Al leave the room.

TIM (upset): How can this be possible? (a beat) This…is the thanks he gets for saving Randy’s life?

AL (somber): I know (a beat) It’s not fair.

TIM (upset): I have to tell Jill and the boys. (angry) I don’t…I don’t know what I’m going to say.

Tim and Al leave the hospital and go to their separate cars. Al leaves almost immediately, but Tim sits in the parking lot staring off into space as if he can’t believe it.

2001

TAYLOR HOUSEHOLD

Still shaken by the news, Tim enters the house and retreats to the garage; he wants to cry, but can't bring himself to. As he stands at his hot rod, contemplating what to do, the door opens and Jill comes in looking tired, but cheerful. Tim sighs, but can’t bring himself to even fake a smile.

JILL (concerned): Tim, what’s wrong?

TIM (shaken): Um, I got called to the hospital from Tool Time and Wilson was there.

JILL (chuckles): Oh Tim, you know Wilson volunteers at the hospital entertaining patients.

Tim (sighs): Jill, Wilson was a patient (a beat) He told me he has lung cancer.

Jill freezes and suddenly becomes very somber as she comes to the realization that Tim isn’t joking just to get a reaction. Tears fill her eyes and she immediately hugs Tim, who holds her in his arms.

JILL (upset, crying): How is that even fair?!  (a beat) Just days ago, he…he saved Randy…

Tim nods and the two cry together, shaken by the news that doesn’t seem fair to either of them.

2017

DETROIT COMMUNITY PARK – DAY

Shaken by the memories of Wilson’s diagnosis, Tim has ended up at the community park where Wilson’s memorial greenhouse is and Brad is with him. The greenhouse is elaborate and has a plaque on the front that reads Community Greenhouse built by Tim Taylor and Al Borland in memory of Wilson Wilson. Rest in Peace.

TIM (sighs): Willow said Wilson’s house sold (a beat) After all these years.

BRAD (somber): It’s going to be weird not even having Willow there. (a beat) It still feels…

TIM (somber): It does feel like Wilson is still there sometimes, doesn’t it?

Brad nods and Tim silently polishes the plaque with his sleeve, lost in memories.

TIM (somber): Wilson gave me the design of Kathryn’s greenhouse when he knew he wasn’t going to make it and made me promise to keep it (a beat, chuckles) I guess I did more than just keep it.

BRAD (smiles sadly): It still doesn’t seem fair (a beat) After what Wilson did for Randy on 9/11…

TIM (somber): I didn’t even know Wilson was IN New York until I got that call from him in the towers. (sighs) Randy was simply doing an interview and got caught in the chaos. Randy just HAD to go to NYU…

Brad nods, frowning as a moving van drives past in the direction of their house and Wilson’s house.

Sighing, Tim and Brad walk away from the greenhouse and walk across the street. When they arrive back at the house, they see that a Suburban is parked in the driveway that looks almost new.

Footsteps echo out of the open door and Tim and Brad wait, anxious to see who their new neighbor will be. A few moments later, their faces light up when Randy comes to the door with Willow. Randy looks about the same, but older. His face, however, looks tired and his clothes look as if they are too big.

TIM (excited, puts an arm around Brad): I don’t believe it. (happy) Randy’s home!

Chapter Text

WILSON’S HOUSE

Randy is sitting inside the house on a couch and surrounded by boxes belonging to him and his family while packaged things of Wilson’s are sitting by the door. He looks tired and also slightly annoyed that his family found out so quickly that he came back. Footsteps echo through the house and Randy sighs tiredly before resting his head on the back cushion; he closes his eyes and lets out a quiet yawn.

VOICE (worried): Dad?

Randy sighs and opens his eyes to see his nearly 11 year old son, Wilson Timothy, lingering beside the couch in jeans, a sweater, and fluffy socks. Wilson is looking at his father with a worried expression.

RANDY (tired): I’m just a little tired, Wil. (sighs) You know it’s normal for me to feel tired.

WILSON (nods, concerned): Are you gonna tell Grandpa and Grandma?

RANDY (sighs, annoyed): Once I’m used to the idea myself. (pauses) Where are Bobby and Jill?

WILSON (flops on the couch): In their rooms (sighs) When’s your next appointment, Dad?

RANDY (tired): Tomorrow. I’ll take your mom to work and then go settle myself in.

Wilson sighs and nods, clearly annoyed that his father seems so accepting of everything.

WILSON (upset): How can you be okay with this? It’s like you’ve…given up fighting.”

RANDY (scoffs): Excuse me, Wil, if I’m tired from the chemotherapy I had two days ago before we drove out to Detroit. (pauses) I’m not going to die from this, but I do have to have surgery for it soon. Thyroid cancer is very treatable, Wil, and I thought you understood that when your mom and I talked to you.

WILSON (sighs): Aunt Willow went to the store to get all this naturo-pathic stuff for your cancer.

Randy nods and sighs, closing his eyes from sheer exhaustion. Wil sighs and sits down on the couch.

WILSON (soft, concerned): You know if you lie to Grandma… (a beat) Grandma’s a snoopy person.

RANDY (tired, annoyed): Don’t talk about your Grandma Jill like that. She cares about all of us, okay?”

Wil gets up and lifts his father’s legs on to the couch and drops an afghan from the back of the couch over his body. Randy shifts, but continues to sleep and Wil swallows hard and fights to hold tears back.

TAYLOR HOUSE

Tim is in the kitchen chopping veggies while Jill is setting the table and straightening the house up.

JILL (happy): I can’t believe Randy, Lauren, and their kids are living next door to us.

TIM (enthusiastic): Maybe I’ll get him to cover an episode of Tool Talk if he’s working at the newspaper.

JILL (sighs): After what happened to Randy on September 11^th, I hated the idea that he, Lauren, and the kids lived in New York and I kept trying to get them to move. I’m glad they’re finally here with us.

Tim sighs and looks down at what he’s chopping, his mind suddenly on Wilson.

TIM (somber): If it weren’t for Wilson going back in, we wouldn’t have Randy here now.

Jill walks over to Tim and puts an arm around him. Tim sighs and sets the knife down.

JILL (comforting): Tim, I know you miss Wilson. I do too. (a beat) It’s weird not having him here.

TIM (upset): The whole reason Wilson got lung cancer is that he stayed in the building and helped get Randy out of there even though he could have gotten out faster. (sighs) It was so terrible.

***FLASHBACK***

SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

The house is quiet except for the sound of the television, which is broadcasting the September 11 attacks. Tim, Jill, and Mark are seated on the couch, all of them shocked by what they are seeing.

MARK (worried): How could anyone fly a plane into a building?

Jill squeezes Mark’s hand as the doorbell rings. Tim sighs, but gets up and goes to the door to answer it.

TIM (opens the door and sees Al and Trudy there with Albert and Alma in their arms): Hi.

AL (worried, walks inside): Binford’s closed down for the day and they sent everyone home. (a beat) I know Randy’s at NYU right now. Have you managed to get a hold of him to see if he’s safe?

TIM (worried): I haven’t been able to get through, but I’ll go try again. (sighs) Come in, will you?

Al and Trudy carry their little ones inside and shut the door before going down to the couch while Tim walks over to the phone. Tim dials Randy’s cell-phone number and suddenly frowns at the noise in the background.

RANDY (weak voice): Hello? (curses when a boom sounds) This…(coughs) this is Randy Taylor.

TIM (worried): Randy, are you okay? I couldn’t get a hold of you.

Coughing fills the phone and Tim frowns when he hears a loud explosion in the background.

WILSON (gentle, concerned): Randy, save your strength and I’ll talk for you. (anxious) Hello neighbor.

Jill gets up and comes over to the phone, but Tim remains focused on the call.

MARK (anxious): Mom, Dad, a plane just hit the other tower!

WILSON (voice): I was evacuating when I saw Randy unconscious in a stairwell. (a beat, coughs) Tim?

Tim presses the speakerphone so everyone can hear and everyone looks at the phone.

WILSON (voice): Randy broke his arm and some ribs when the plane hit, but he’s a trooper and he’s holding on to me while we slowly walk out. (a beat) He was just leaving after an interview…

Tim and Jill exchange a look and Jill moves off to call Brad on her cell-phone and tell him about Randy.

TIM (frowns as noise floods the phone): What’s all that noise, Wilson?

WILSON (quiet): …His name is Randy Taylor and he’s a journalism student at NYU who was in the North Tower doing an interview for the school paper. (a beat, coughs) Tim, we have to go and save the cell power. We've got quite a bit of walking to do yet. We've got a rescue worker with us now, though, who will help us...

TIM (worried): Will you go with Randy to the hospital and call me with news later once you're both out?

WILSON (coughs): Of course, neighbor. Randy sends his love. As do I.

The call ends and Tim hangs up, both distressed and relieved. He looks over at Jill, but the phone rings again and Jill answers it.

JILL (anxious):…Brad, honey, you don’t need to drive all the way out here. Stay at UCLA.

Tim sighs and gazes at Mark, Al, and Trudy before silently disappearing into the garage and sitting at his workbench and ignoring the beginnings of a new hotrod behind him. The door opens slightly.

AL (concerned): Is there anything Trudy and I can do? (a beat) I didn’t even know Randy was in New York.

TIM (turns to look at Al): Randy sends us letters sometimes about what he does at NYU and he goes all over the city to do stories for the campus paper. (sighs) I didn’t know he’d be at the Towers today…of all days.

Al nods and Jill comes into the garage after putting the phone away and talking to Mark.

JILL (anxious, hugs Tim): I convinced Brad to stay at school. (a beat) He wanted to drive all the way here.

Tim sighs and silently returns the hug, anxious about everything.

2017

WILSON’S HOUSE

Randy is asleep on the living room couch under the blanket that Wil gave him. Lauren, who is wearing nursing scrubs and sneakers, is in the kitchen putting together a veggie platter and quinoa salad to take to dinner next door. Bobby Kennedy Taylor, who is seven years old and blonde like his parents, comes into the kitchen wearing sneakers, jeans, and a t-shirt. He grabs an apple out of the fruit bowl on the counter and takes a bite. Lauren gives him a look, but doesn’t seem to want to scold him.

LAUREN (kind): Where’s your sister? We’re supposed to go to your grandparents’ house pretty soon.

BOBBY (sighs): Jilly’s five and she takes FOREVER to get ready! (worried) Why are we lying about Dad to Grandma and Grandpa Taylor, Mom? You and Daddy say that telling lies is bad to do.

LAUREN (worried): We’re not lying, Bobby. (a beat) Do you understand what a secret is? (Bobby nods) Well, your dad just wants to keep his illness a secret for a little while so he can get used to it.

Bobby nods and Wil comes out into the kitchen ready to go and rolling his eyes while Jillian Lauren Taylor, who is a five year old girl with blonde hair, clings to his hand while wearing jeans, pink sneakers, and a pink t-shirt. Jillian runs over to the couch and gently pokes Randy awake. Randy smiles at her.

JILLIAN (worried): Daddy, it’s almost time to go to Grandpa and Gramma Taylor’s.

Randy nods and slowly sits up, but he looks tired and clearly doesn’t want to get off the couch, let alone go over to his parents’ house next door. Jillian climbs up on the couch and gives him a gentle hug.

RANDY (kind): When we go to Gramma and Grandpa Taylor’s, Jilly, we have to keep it a secret that Daddy’s sick and has to take special medicine at the hospital. (sighs) Will you keep it a secret?

Jillian nods and kisses Randy’s forehead. Lauren packs up the quinoa salad and vegetables in containers.

LAUREN (worried): Randy, are you feeling up to going? You can stay home and rest if you need to.

RANDY (stands up and helps Jillian up): And then my parents will know something is up. (suddenly starts to feel nauseous and places a hand over his mouth briefly) Do I have time for green tea before we go?

Lauren frowns and Randy quickly sits back down on the couch, sighing heavily as he swallows hard.

LAUREN (gently): Honey, we’re all tired from moving and your parents will understand if we just tell them that and maybe arrange to have dinner tomorrow instead. (a beat) I’ll call your parents now.

Randy nods and Wil goes to the fridge while Lauren goes over to the kitchen phone. Wil gets a pitcher of green tea out of the fridge that was made by Willow and gets a glass from the pack of plastic cups on the counter. He pours a glass of green tea and brings it to his father while Lauren dials Tim and Jill’s number.

LAUREN (when someone answers): Hi there, Jill; it’s Lauren. (a beat) Listen, the kids are really tired from moving, so I think we’re just going to stay home and relax. Maybe we can come tomorrow instead?

Randy slowly sips the green tea and puts an arm around Jillian. Wil and Bobby hurry over to the couch and cluster themselves around their father, deeply worried about him. While still on the phone, Lauren unpacks the quinoa salad and vegetables and gets plastic plates, cutlery, and plastic glasses out.

LAUREN (fake cheery):…See you and Tim tomorrow then, Jill. (hangs up) Your mom said we can eat together tomorrow. (a beat, soft) Wil, Bobby, Jill, come and get supper and I’ll sit with your dad while he drinks his tea.

Wil, Bobby, and Jillian do as they are told and Lauren joins Randy on the couch, putting an arm around him. Randy cuddles against her, looking scared and miserable.

Chapter Text

2017

BINFORD STUDIOS – TOOL TIME SET

The words ‘TOOL TALK’ are emblazoned in blue on a large sign above the door and there is an interview area set up along with areas containing different tools. Binford employees are working very hard while Tim and Al silently look over a stack of papers that are on the interview desk for the day’s show.

VOICE: Dad!

Tim and Al turn just in time to see Heidi come on to the set with Albert and Alma, both of whom have dark hair and cheery eyes. Albert is wearing boots, jeans, and a flannel sweater while Alma is wearing her hair up, leggings, a knee-length flannel skirt, and a ruby sweater. Both of them are carrying bags.

AL (happy, hugs Albert and Alma): Hi, you two! (happy): Are you ready to be on the show?

ALMA (worried): Is this what Tool Time’s becoming?” (sighs) No more crazy accidents?

TIM (reassuring): Oh, we’ll still work with tools, but we’ll also talk to people about the tools they use to get through life, like education. That’s why your dad thought you two could be our first guests.

ALBERT: Because we’re graduating high school soon?

AL (impressed): That’s right!

ALMA: Dad, you and Mom are so great. How come you didn’t have more kids after us?

Al’s pleasant expression suddenly fades and he silently walks off the set, stunning Tim, Albert, and Alma.

2017

DETROIT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Jill is walking into the foyer to take a lunch break at a nearby restaurant and she spots Brad coming in wearing dress shoes, slacks, a dress shirt, and a tie with a satchel in his hand. She smiles at him.

JILL (pleasant): Hi Brad! (a beat, notices he isn’t smiling) Hard day in the classroom?”

BRAD (sighs): I love teaching and I love the kids I teach, but it just gets harder each day knowing that Marissa and I might never have our own kids. (a beat) I became a teacher so I’d have practice for when I had my own kids. Marissa finds it hard, but she’s doing everything she can act like she’s fine…for me.

Jill nods and hugs Brad, which Brad is grateful for.

JILL (kind): Do you want to go to lunch, sweetie? I have an hour lunch break.

As they leave the hospital, they see a tired looking Randy and Wil, who is carrying a backpack, go into the hospital through a side entrance. Brad and Jill look at each other and then go back inside just in time to see Randy and Wil walk down a corridor that has an ‘Oncology’ sign beside it.

Jill’s face goes ashen and Brad frowns, both of them keeping quiet as they go down the hallway and peer through the glass doors. Randy is sitting in an easy chair in the middle of the room, watching as a nurse in pink scrubs silently hooks him to a machine. Wil is seated beside the chair looking somber.

BRAD (anxious): That’s a chemo machine.

JILL (upset): We...I…how could Randy hide this from us?

Brad silently watches as the nurse gives Randy a blanket before moving away from him and Wil, but Jill moves away from the door to cry because she is devastated beyond belief. Jill finally comes back.

JILL (shaky): Brad, do you think you could go to Mark’s restaurant and see if he’s there?

BRAD (sighs): I don’t teach again til two, so yeah. (a beat) You want me to tell him about Randy?

Jill nods and silently goes into the room, sighing softly as she approaches the chair where Randy is sitting with Wil, who is getting a school textbook out of his bag. Randy looks up at Jill and Jill looks emotional.

JILL (emotional): Hi.

RANDY (tired): Hi. (a beat) It’s very treatable, Mom. I guess I got sick from what happened on 9/11.

JILL (emotional): I…I guess this is why you keep canceling dinner at our house?

Randy nods and Jill tries to keep her composure, but bursts into tears and hugs Randy as he sits there.

Wil sighs as Jill and Randy pull apart, but he looks relieved that someone else knows.

JILL (concerned): Wil, why aren’t you in school?

WIL (emotional): I didn’t want Dad to pass out on the bus. (a beat) He doesn’t drive right now.

RANDY (tired, struggling to stay awake): Mom, could you take Wil to the cafeteria for lunch? I’m feeling tired and I’m just going to sleep through the rest of this. It’s going to last two hours.

Jill nods and Wil silently gathers his things into his school bag before getting up and walking over to her.

JILL (emotional): I’ll come back and give you and Wil a ride home so you don’t have to ride the bus.

Randy nods and closes his eyes. Jill silently covers Randy with the blanket before leaving with Wil.

BINFORD STUDIOS – TOOL TIME SET

The ‘Tool Time’ theme plays over a loudspeaker. An older, but still fabulous looking Heidi comes out.

HEIDI: Does everyone know what time it is?

AUDIENCE: Tool Time!

HEIDI: That’s right! Here are the stars of the show; Tim ‘the Tool Man’ Taylor and Al Borland!

Tim and Al come out and sit at the interview desk. The audience cheers.

TIM: Welcome to Tool Time, everyone. (a beat) This season, we’re introducing a new segment called ‘Tool Talk: The Tools of Life’ where we’ll occasionally talk about tools people use to make successes of themselves.

AL (pleased): One of those tools is a good education. And that brings us to our guests today! My children: Albert and Alma Borland!

Albert and Alma come out and wave at the audience before going to the interview area and sitting down. The audience cheers, but Albert suddenly doesn’t look happy.

TIM (pleased): Albert and Alma are going to graduate high school this year and a high school diploma is an important tool one needs to get along in the world. What’s next after high school, kids? College?

ALMA (pleased): I actually want to do my first year of college locally and I want to go into Education.

TIM (pleased): My son, Brad, is actually a teacher at a high school here in Detroit. It’s a noble profession.

HEIDI (curious): And what about you, Albert? What are you going to do after high school?

ALBERT (quiet): I….I’m not sure yet.

Al looks surprised, Heidi looks stunned, the audience murmurs, and Tim looks confused.

TIM (encouraging): Come on, Albert. Do you want to be a handyman like your dad?

ALBERT (nervous): I was thinking about going and building houses in third world countries or maybe learning how to be a nurse so I could go help those who don’t have access to good medical care…

The audience breaks into applause and Tim smiles, but Al looks both confused and concerned.

ALBERT (sighs): Now, don’t you wish you and Mom had more kids to be what you wanted?

Tim suddenly looks nervous and Heidi looks shocked, but Al sighs heavily, looking mournful.

AL (upset): This isn’t really something I want to talk about on Tool Time, Albert.

ALBERT (mad): Come on, Dad! (scoffs)You want us to be honest? Why won’t you be honest?!

TIM (nervous): Albert, this really isn’t the place to discuss something this personal…

AL (mad, shouts): Because your mother had a hard enough time having you and your sister! (a beat, scoffs) Really, Albert, you think that we didn’t want more kids?! We were lucky to get the ones we got!

A stunned silence falls over the audience; Tim sighs and covers his face with his hands, both embarrassed and horrified. Heidi looks shocked, Alma is in tears, and Albert looks apologetic.

AL (upset): I…I need to leave. (a beat) You and your sister can get a ride home with Tim or Heidi.

Before anyone can say anything, Al turns and storms off of the set, clearly agitated.

SKY HIGH RESTAURANT

Mark is in a chef’s jacket silently cooking orders alongside other people in chef’s jackets. The sounds of cooking are filling the kitchen and it’s very busy. A waitress suddenly comes into the busy kitchen.

WAITRESS: Chef Taylor, your brother, Brad, is here to see you. (a beat) He says it’s important.

Mark sighs, motions for another chef to come to his station, and silently goes out into the dining area where several tables are full of people enjoying or waiting for lunch. Brad is lingering in the foyer looking both nervous and concerned, ignoring the look that the maitre’d is giving him for not asking for a table.

MARK (kind): Hey there, Brad. (a beat) Are you here to eat or just chat? It’s the middle of lunch rush…

BRAD (nervous): I just learned some really, really bad news and I need to tell you, Mark.

MARK (concerned): Did the adoption thing not work out or did Dad stop having accidents at Tool Time?

Brad swallows hard, gives Mark a look of dread, and sits on a bench. Mark silently joins him.

BRAD (somber): Marissa and I are on a waiting list, but I went to visit Mom today and we saw Randy and Wil go into the hospital. (a beat) Randy’s getting chemotherapy for cancer that came from 9/11.

MARK (upset): What?! (swallows hard, looks distraught) Is that why Randy moved back to Detroit?

BRAD (shrugs): Mom made me come and tell you, so I have no idea. Dad doesn’t even know yet.

MARK (upset): Wow. (sighs) I heard Randy bought Wilson’s house. How does Dad not know yet?

BRAD: Randy and Lauren keep cancelling dinner over there…probably cause Randy’s sick.

MARK (sighs): Come visit me again after the lunch rush and after you teach. Randy should be done chemo by then and be home (a beat) We can go over to his house and see how we can help him.

Brad nods and stands up, sighing as Mark stands. They look at each other briefly and then hug, both of them sighing heavily as they pull apart. Brad swallows hard and leaves and Mark stands there, obviously distressed.

Chapter Text

2017

INT. HARRY’S HARDWARE STORE

Tim is behind the register working on inventory paperwork. The door opens and Albert comes in looking slightly distressed and as if he wants to talk to his father. Tim looks up from what he’s doing.

TIM (kind): Hi there, Albert. (a beat) How was the rest of school?

ALBERT (worried): Uncle Tim, is my dad here? I’m really sorry for how I behaved on Tool Time.

TIM (sighs): I haven’t seen your dad since the show, Albert. (a beat) He might be cooling off.

ALBERT (concerned): Do you think I could use the phone so I could call my mom for a ride home?

TIM (calm): My brother, Jeff, is supposed to be here in a few minutes and I can drive you home myself.

ALBERT: Uncle Tim, what did my dad mean by what he said on the show?

Tim pauses and looks both concerned and thoughtful as if remembering something important.

TIM (somber): Your mom almost died giving birth to you and Alma (a beat) She was older when she got pregnant with you two and being pregnant was hard on her. She spent nearly five months on bedrest.

Albert frowns, but listens as Tim reminisces.

***(FLASHBACK)***

August 1999

TAYLOR HOUSEHOLD

The house is clean and Mark is sitting on the couch in the living room watching a cooking show and taking notes. Tim comes into the house through the garage door and eyes what Mark is watching.

TIM: What’s the cooking show of the day? (a beat) It better not be Cooking With Irma.

MARK (turns to face his father): It’s about the basics. (a beat) I wanna try some cooking courses.

TIM (surprised): Professional cooking courses? Mark, you know you have to finish school first.

MARK (eager): No, listen. (a beat) In the back to school stuff we’re getting in the mail, it said that professional chefs are going to come in and teach interested students to cook like professionals. It costs a bit of money, but I find cooking really interesting. Can I take the course?

TIM (thinks): How much money?

Before Mark can reply, the front door opens and Jill comes in looking tired, but happy.

JILL (pleased): Hi Tim, hi Mark.

MARK (looks at his mother): Mom, can I take a cooking course through school? (a beat) In the back to school stuff we’re getting in the mail, it said that professional chefs are going to come in and teach interested students to cook like professionals.

JILL (intrigued): How much does it cost?

MARK: $350 for the semester, but that includes the cost of food and it gets you a chef’s jacket, a set of knives, and other things you need for the course. (a beat) Please, Mom? It sounds so interesting.

JILL (pleased): Sure! I think it’s a great opportunity for you.

TIM (nervous): This is coming out of my car budget, isn’t it?

JILL (sly): Oh yeah. (a beat) Tim, the hardware store is making enough that we can manage it.

Tim nods just as the phone rings. Sighing, he walks over and picks up the receiver.

TIM (pleasant): Hi there, Al. (a beat, concerned) You sound upset. What’s wrong?

There is a heavy silence and Tim’s eyes widen in shock, his expression sorrowful.

TIM (concerned): Let us know when you know anything. (a beat) Take care, Al.

Jill and Mark look concerned. Tim sighs heavily, his expression concerned.

TIM (somber): Al and Trudy were out baby shopping and Trudy said she wasn’t feeling well. She collapsed in the store and they had to call an ambulance to rush her over to the hospital.

JILL (upset, runs to Tim): No! (a beat) Is Trudy okay? Are the babies okay?

TIM (sighs): Trudy’s at the hospital right now and the babies are okay, but Al says that the hospital wants to keep her there on bed rest. It seems like Trudy’s age is making the pregnancy hard.

MARK (worried): For how long?

TIM (concerned): Indefinitely.

2017

INT. HARRY’S HARDWARE STORE

Tim looks up from his memories just in time to look outside and see Albert getting on a bus.

TIM (sighs): I don’t know if I got through to that kid or not.

The door opens and Jeff comes into the hardware store looking very happy.

TIM (kind): Hey there, Jeff. (a beat) You seem super happy today.

JEFF (smiles): Carrie and I got on to an adoption waiting list. (a beat) We’ve been waiting a long time.

TIM (pleased): Congratulations, Jeff. (a beat) Does Carrie have an assignment today?

JEFF (a beat): No, she went to an adoption fair. (a beat) Weren’t you supposed to go to that with Brad and Marissa today? When I dropped Carrie off, I saw Brad and Marissa and they’re waiting for you.

TIM (anxious): Um…I was waiting for you to get here!

JEFF (amused): You completely forgot, didn’t you?

TIM (turns and leaves): Shut up.

BORLAND MANSION

Albert comes into the front room of the mansion and finds a note on the table near the coat rack.

ALBERT (quiet): Albert, Alma, I went to get your father at work and we’re going out to dinner by ourselves tonight. Eat whatever’s in the fridge or order pizza with the mad money – Love, Mom.

Sighing, Albert drops his backpack beside the coat rack and removes his shoes before wandering into the kitchen that is filled with fancy appliances and kitchenware. He wanders over to the fridge and opens it.

ALBERT (annoyed): There’s nothing in here but healthy crap. (a beat) Where’s that mad money at?

Visibly annoyed, Albert wanders around the kitchen opening all of the cupboards in search of the mad money. The expression on his face shows that he is still upset by what Tim shared with him.

Suddenly, Albert opens a cupboard and sees a variety of bottles, some wine and some stronger liquor, staring back at him. His facial expression turns from angry and frustrated to curious and intrigued.

ALBERT (takes out a bottle of wine): This always seems to calm Mom and Dad down. Maybe I should try it.

Albert rummages through the drawers, finds a corkscrew, and uses it to open the bottle. He sniffs the wine, takes a swig, and makes a face before slowly downing the rest of the bottle.

DETROIT COMMUNITY ARENA

A banner reading ‘NATIONAL ADOPTION FAIR’ hangs overhead of a room that is filled with information booths and large amounts of people all wanting to adopt. Brad and Marissa are standing in the entranceway of the room holding hands, both of them looking rather nervous about the whole idea.

Tim hurries inside and Brad and Marissa immediately turn to face him.

TIM (anxious): Sorry I’m late (a beat) Did you guys get started looking around?

MARISSA (nervous): It’s a very big place. (a beat) Where are we supposed to start?

BRAD (nervous): I mean…how do we know that we’ll actually be good parents?

TIM (surprised): You’ve been a teacher for a long time, Brad, and that’s sort of like being a parent. (a beat) You won’t know for sure if you’ll be good parents until you actually are and you won’t become parents unless you’re willing to look into other things besides getting pregnant.

Brad and Marissa exchange a look and Brad sighs heavily. Marissa gently squeezes his hand.

BRAD (sighs): Okay, we’ll give it a try. (a beat) Did Mom go and sit with Randy at his chemo today?

Tim nods and leads Brad and Marissa into the throng of booths and people, the three of them occasionally stopping to talk to someone or pick up literature. As they continue walking, Brad and Marissa slowly relax and become absorbed in the process of learning what they can about adoption.

BORLAND MANSION

Hours have passed and the sun is now setting. The front door opens and Al and Trudy come inside; Al is looking calmer than he was at Tool Time and Trudy is smiling at him. Al closes the door.

AL (sighs): Alma, Albert, we’re home! (a beat, quieter) I should apologize to Albert for getting upset.

Music comes down the stairs, indicating that someone is obviously upstairs.

TRUDY (smiles): The kids must be upstairs doing their homework. Why don’t we go into the kitchen and make sure that the kids didn’t make too much of a mess and then we’ll talk to them both together?

Al nods and smiles as he goes into the kitchen, his smile quickly fading as he spots Albert passed out on the kitchen floor with the liquor cabinet open and two empty bottles of wine on the floor while his hand is grasping a third, half-drunk bottle. Trudy comes into the kitchen and gasps at the scene before her.

ALBERT (drunk, stirs): Who’s stomping on the floor? (a beat, hiccups) It’s so loud.

AL (upset): Albert, what are you doing drinking? Don’t you know it can make you sick?

Albert wakes and sees his parents standing over him. He belches and slowly staggers to his feet, but he quickly grabs on to the counter for support. Al reaches out for Albert, but Albert pulls back.

ALBERT (drunk): I thought I was just a screwup who made you angry, Dad! (belches) Well, I am!

Al and Trudy exchange a look and footsteps suddenly thunder down the stairs. Alma comes into the kitchen and her eyes widen at the sight of Albert and the wine bottles on the floor and in his hand.

ALMA (anxious): Albert, what are you doing? I didn’t even know you were home.

ALBERT (drunk): Oh, yes, my perfect sister! (scoffs) After my screw up and embarrassing Dad on Uncle Tim’s crappy show, where else would I go but here?! I’m a screw up and they’re sorry I was born!

Trudy’s eyes fill with tears and she goes over to Alma, who hugs her. Albert lets go of the counter.

ALBERT (drunk, upset): If you really think I’m a screw up, I’ll just get out of your life! I…

Albert suddenly stumbles and falls to the floor, too drunk and shaken by the fall to say anything more. Alarmed, Al kneels down on the floor next to his son and sees that he’s trembling uncontrollably. He first takes the bottle away from Albert and sets it on the counter before tending to his very drunk son.

AL (concerned): Are you all right? (a beat) Did you break anything? Do I need to call 9-1-1?

Albert groans and coughs; clearly, the alcohol is taking its toll. Swallowing hard, Al gently picks Albert up ‘bridal style’ and Albert groans, but doesn’t fight or try to run. Al sighs and carries Albert off up the stairs, down the hallway, and into a room that has a bed featuring a blue bedspread, posters of music groups on the walls, and a desk that had a computer, small printer, and tiny filing cabinet on top of it.

Sighing patiently, Al pulls back the blankets on the bed and gently deposits Albert in his bed on his side. He takes his son’s shoes off before covering him up. Albert groans, but quickly passes out from the wine.

Al silently moves into the bathroom across the hall and returns to Albert’s room with a bucket, which he places on the floor near the bed. Sighing sadly, Al ruffles Albert’s hair.

AL (concerned): We’ll talk tomorrow. (sits at Albert’s desk) Right now, I just want you to get some rest.

Sighing heavily, Al gets up and leaves the bedroom. He walks down the hallway to his and Trudy’s master bedroom and silently sits on the bed. He’s at a loss for words and clearly out of his element.

AL (upset, flops down on the bed): What do I do? My son’s turned to drinking because he's angry at me!

After a couple of moments, Al sits up and silently grabs the phone book from the bottom part of the bedside table. He opens it and thumbs through it until he reaches a specific page.

AL (quiet): There’s a health hotline (somber) Maybe they can tell me how I can help Albert. I was never much into the internet...

Al grabs the phone and dials while grabbing a pad of paper and a pen off the table. He dialls the health hotline number, and sighs when someone answers the phone.

AL (somber) Um, I don't want to give my name or anything like that, but...I just found my son drunk. How do I handle this? I...I don't know what to do. I need some help.

Quiet fills the air as Al listens to the person on the other end of the line for a few moments before jotting down several notes:Take Albert to an Alateen meeting once he’s sober. Go to Al-Anon for myself. Have to make it clear to Albert that drinking is not a healthy way to cope with anger and stress. Make sure Albert knows he's loved. Do not give up on Albert.

Exhaling, Al continues to listen to the voice on the phone and take notes for how to handle the problem with his son.