Each Tub Must Stand On Its Own Bottom

Daniel Cooper: How's it going, Henry?

Henry: Well, I tuned the piano, replaced the strings, put in new pads, but I can't guarantee that it will ever be the same again. It's a real crime how it's been neglected.

Daniel: It's just a piano, Henry.

Henry: Did "just a piano" give us the Brandenburg Concerto?

Daniel: I think Bach had a little something to do with that.

Henry: But his inspiration came from his piano. I can only hope I got here in time. (flexes his fingers and smiles at Daniel) A little something I wrote. (Henry begins to play. His song is just slightly off key. At the end of the piece, dogs are heard howling in the background. Henry breathes a sigh of relief.) It lives. Do you play, Reverend?

Daniel: A little, yeah.

Henry: Oh, why don't you give it a try?

Daniel: Oh, no, no, no.

Henry: Ah. I guess it can be a little intimidating to follow me.

Daniel: Yes, that's...that's what I was thinking.

Henry: (packs up his things) Good day, Reverend. (shakes Daniel’s hand and leaves)

Daniel: Good day, Henry.

As Henry leaves the church, Daniel begins to play Chopsticks on the piano. Henry seems pleased. He is then surprised as Daniel begins to play a Brandenburg concerto.

Opening Credits

Commercial Break #1

EXTERIOR - HOPE ISLAND TOWN SQUARE

Daniel and Nub are outside the General Store. Daniel is posting a flyer for the Hope Community Church choir on the community bulletin board. Molly comes down the stairs from the General Store, and turns to Daniel and Nub.

Molly Brewster: Your poster looks great.

Daniel: Hi, Molly.

Nub Flanders: Hey, Molly.

Molly: Hi.

Daniel: So, we’ll be seeing you tonight?

Molly: Oh, yeah, you bet, Daniel.

As they are talking, a young woman, Melissa, with a crying baby, Michael, walks past them.

Molly: Hi, Melissa.

There are lots of “awwww”s from Daniel and Nub, as they hear Michael crying.

Melissa: Hi.

Daniel: Poor little buddy.

Molly: Poor little guy.

Melissa, with Michael, goes up the steps to the General Store.

Daniel: 7:00 p.m.

Molly: See you then.

Nub: See you.

Daniel: Bye.

Brian Brewster comes down the steps from the General Store.

Brian: (to Molly) I got the mailbox, instead.

Molly: (steers Brian away from the choir poster) Oh, dad, listen, there was somebody just here asking about real estate on the island.

Brian: Where is he?

Molly: I think…I think that…that he went into the Widow's Walk.

Brian: Good. I can bounce my volcano idea off him.

Molly: Your volcano idea?

Brian: Yeah, I've been running it around in my mind. Picture this, Molly: a volcano erupts on the island...

Molly: We don't have a volcano.

Brian: No, they didn't have one in Las Vegas either, till they built the Mirage. Now one erupts every hour! Aha!

Molly: (less enthusiastically) Aha!

Molly and Brian walk past Callie in her jeep. Molly makes sure Brian continues on his way, away from the choir poster. Callie breathes a sigh of relief. Molly gets in the jeep.

INTERIOR - HOPE ISLAND GENERAL STORE

Melissa enters the store, and Michael is still crying.

Ruby: Hey, Melissa.

Melissa: Hi, Ruby, Bonita. (to son Michael) It's okay. We're going to go grocery shopping. (to Bonita) Who's that Daniel guy?

Bonita: What?

Melissa: He was just outside. He was putting up some choir poster?

Bonita: Oh, Reverend Cooper. He's the new minister at the Hope Community.

Ruby: Oh, he's so wonderful. We're all just crazy about him. You know, you haven't been in in so long, we almost forgot what you looked like.

Melissa: Yeah, you know, I'm still packing around that baby weight.

Ruby: Tell me about it. I've been trying to lose it for 40 years.

Bonita: Look how big Michael's getting! How long's it been since his daddy's seen him?

Melissa: Five months.

Ruby: Imagine having to go all the way to Alaska to earn a living fishing.

Bonita: Okay, that'll be $21.59, Melissa.

Melissa: We're almost done, Michael. (counting her money, she realizes she doesn’t have enough) Um... (motioning to the jars of baby food on the counter) I'm gonna have to put a few of these jars back.

Bonita looks to Ruby. Ruby nods her agreement to give Melissa the baby food.

Bonita: You know, Michael is the only baby on the island who even likes split pea.

Ruby: You'd really be doing us a favor taking them off our hands before they expire.

Melissa: You shouldn't... Thanks, Bonita. Here we go. Come on, Michael.

Ruby writes to Bonita to order more split pea baby food.

INTERIOR - HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Ruby: No auditions?

Daniel: That's right.

Molly: So everybody's in the choir?

Daniel: Mm-hmm.

Callie: No matter what they sound like?

Daniel: Yup.

Choir: (singing) Gonna lay down my sword and shield
Down by the riverside
Ain't gonna study war no more

Daniel: That's good.

Choir: (singing) I ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more (war no more)
I ain't gonna study war no more -

Brian: Excuse me. Molly, you said you'd tell me when the auditions were.

Molly: Oh…(knowing full well that she didn’t) didn’t I tell you?

Daniel: (hands Brian a hymnal) Brian, you're in luck. There are no auditions. (as Brian plants himself next to Molly) I was kind of going for a height thing here.

Brian: It's much better boy, girl, boy... (points to a male choir member) Excuse me, right here.

Callie: It's a choir, not a dinner party, Brian.

Daniel: 269, "Down by the Riverside." Let's do it again. Two, three, four...

Choir: (singing) Gonna lay down my sword and shield
(Brian chimes in, off-key and off-rhythm)
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
(Daniel struggles to accompany the choir from the piano)
Down by the riverside
Gonna lay down my sword and shield
Down by the riverside…

INTERIOR - MARK AND MELISSA’S HOUSE

Mark opens the door to his house and walks in.

Mark: Melissa, I'm home.

Melissa sees Mark, but doesn’t rush to greet him.

Mark: "Welcome home" would be nice.

Melissa: Well, I thought you'd call first.

Mark: I have to call to come into my own house?

Melissa: I really need to change him. (Mark tries to greet her with a kiss. Melissa avoids him.) Look, the place is a mess, and I'm not...

Mark: Why'd I even bother coming home?

Melissa: There's a new minister in town, and we talked about getting counseling first. I just think that we should stick to that plan.

Mark: Whatever. I'll be on my boat. (he leaves)

Melissa: Oh, Michael, I'm sorry, sweetie. Sweetie.

INTERIOR - THE WIDOW’S WALK

Kevin: (eating lunch at a table) Hi.

Molly: (slumps into another chair at the table) Hi.

Kevin: What's wrong?

Molly: Everybody who showed up got into the choir.

Kevin: What's wrong with that?

Molly: My dad showed up.

Kevin: (very understanding) Oh.

EXTERIOR - DANIEL’S HOUSE

It is night, and a baby’s crying is heard above the crickets chirping. Daniel opens the door and looks out. He finds a bundle on the porch, and looks around again. He hurriedly bends to take the baby and the baby basket inside.

INTERIOR - ISLAND MEDICAL CENTER

Dr. Lily Watson: (examine the baby) He seems pretty healthy, Reverend Cooper.

Daniel: Call me Daniel.

Dr. Watson: Mm-hmm. I'd put him at about a couple of weeks old, but this is the first I've seen him.

Daniel: Then who delivered him?

Dr. Watson: Could have been anybody. It's even possible the mother delivered him herself. In any case, Kevin will have to call social services.

Daniel: What will social services do with him?

Dr. Watson: Place him in foster care, but it can get pretty complicated, especially in an abandonment case.

Daniel: What if the mother changes her mind and she comes back for him?

Dr. Watson: It might be too late, Daniel.

INTERIOR - THE WIDOW’S WALK

Daniel and Kevin are seated at the bar. Other Islanders are gathered around the pool table, admiring Moses.

Molly: (in the background) Oh, what a cute little baby.

Kevin: No, no, no, this can't wait. I have to report this now.

Daniel: When are social services scheduled to visit?

Kevin: A week from Wednesday.

Daniel: That's eleven days. Can't you wait till then?

Kevin: What for?

Daniel: The mother may come back for him.

Kevin: The mother abandoned him.

Daniel: And she may wake tomorrow and realize she made a mistake.

Kevin: This would be a good thing?

Daniel: Better than foster care. In the meantime, you could be out looking for her. Kevin, this is right up your alley: asking around, following up on some clues…we have a chance to make a difference in this child's life.

Kevin: Okay, but if mother and child are not reunited by the time social services gets here, we're turning him over.

Daniel: Okay. (getting up from the bar, walking over to the others)

Molly: (cradling the baby in her arms) What should we call him?

Nub: How about...Moses? He was left in a basket, too.

Daniel: Moses. I like it.

Kevin: (putting on latex gloves) I should probably take that blanket for evidence.

Molly: (amused) Go ahead, take it.

Kevin: (gingerly takes the blanket from the baby basket) I'd better take that note as well. (reaches for the note)

Nub: (continuing the teasing, he offers Kevin the blue stuffed bunny) Do you want the bunny?

Daniel: I should take Moses back to my place.

Alex: Wait. You're taking him with you?

Daniel: Sure, until his mom comes for him.

Alex: Oh, great. Okay. This I've got to see!

Daniel: Oh, come on, Alex. How hard can it be?

EXTERIOR / INTERIOR - DANIEL’S HOUSE

Moses is heard crying. Daniel tries various methods to quiet Moses. Finally, it’s morning. Daniel is walking around, half asleep, carrying Moses who is now quiet. Gently, Daniel lays Moses in the baby basket. Daniel carefully pulls away the baby blanket, and curls up with it on the couch, exhausted.

Commercial Break #2

INTERIOR - DANIEL’S HOUSE

Daniel, still half asleep on the couch, rolls over and places a hand in the baby basket. He feels nothing in the basket. Daniel awakens in a panic. He goes out to the porch, where he finds Molly sitting and cuddling Moses.

Daniel: Please tell me you're not a dream.

Molly: Go get some sleep. (Daniel wraps the baby blanket about his shoulders, and returns inside his house. To Moses:) Did you keep him up all night long?

INTERIOR - HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Ruby: Ten days!

Molly: It's a worst-case scenario schedule - just in case Kevin doesn't find the mother before social services comes. (turns away from the blackboard with the schedule to the others gathered there) Now, I would like to thank you all first for volunteering to help Daniel care for Moses.

Ruby: Volunteering's when you offer - we were coerced.

Molly: (waving off Ruby’s objection) Coerced, volunteered, it's practically the same thing.

Alex: Okay, Brian.

Molly: What? (it dawns on her what Alex meant) Did I just sound like my father talking? Don't let me do it again. (as Callie snaps her picture) Don't do that.

Bonita: Okay, time for our shift! Come on, little Moses. Here we go.

Bonita takes Moses and the baby basket. She smiles for Callie’s picture. Ruby takes the blue stuffed bunny. The others wave goodbye to Ruby, Bonita and Moses.

INTERIOR - HOPE ISLAND GENERAL STORE

Bonita is playing with Moses. Ruby stands behind Bonita, and holds up her chalkboard which says “How much longer?”. Bonita reads the sign, then turns and continues playing with Moses.

INTERIOR - HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH

It’s Nub’s turn to take care of Moses. He plays with Moses with his right hand, and with his left hand lifts a box wrapped in colorful ladybug paper and a bow. He shows the box to Moses.

Nub: (to Moses) Look what I got! What's that? Want me to open it? Okay. (Nub opens the box to reveal a black watchcap like Nub himself is wearing.) Nice. (Nub places the hat on Moses’ head.) There.

INTERIOR - MARK AND MELISSA’S HOUSE

Mark: You're doing the math now, right? Our son's eleven months. We've been married a year and a half.

Daniel: I don't care about that.

Mark: You don't sound like any preacher I've ever known.

Daniel: This separation must be hard on you both.

Melissa: On all of us. Michael's only had me to take care of him.

Mark: I've been taking care of both of you.

Melissa: How do you take care of somebody when you're a thousand miles away?

Mark: By working like a dog to support you.

Melissa: Support means more than just sending money home, you know. We need you here.

Mark: Then how come I never feel that?

Michael starts to cry. Melissa goes to comfort him.

Mark: Great. Typical. (he gets up and leaves)

Melissa: Mama's here, Michael. (she returns to the living room)

Daniel: He'll be back tomorrow.

EXTERIOR - THE WIDOW’S WALK

Alex: (to diners) Hey, you guys good? All finished? (Walks over to Daniel) Here you go, choir master.

Daniel: Thank you.

Alex: So, uh, what’s on your play list? Hymns from the 17th century like Father Mac's choir?

Daniel: More like 18th and 19th century.

Alex: Really? Well. You’re so cutting edge.

Father Mac gets up from his table and approaches Daniel.

Father Mac: How on earth did Brian Brewster make it through choir auditions?

Daniel: Everyone's welcome to join, Father Mac.

Father Mac: What inspired that misguided philosophy?

Daniel: I've always hated the idea of picking up sides and somebody missing out.

Father Mac: Well, if you ever want to hear what a real choir sounds like, stop by on a Sunday morning.

Daniel: I'm kind of busy on a Sunday, Father Mac, but you're more than welcome to join us. We're having our debut next Tuesday.

Father Mac: Church on a Tuesday.

Daniel: No, no, it's a special family night - more like a community gathering.

Father Mac: Is that right? How would you like an opening act?

Daniel: Excuse me?

Father Mac: How about my choir joining your choir?

Daniel: Well, that would be great.

Father Mac: So, this time next week.

Father Mac leaves. Alex returns to Daniel’s table.

Alex: Well. You walked right into that one.

Daniel: Alex, it's a great idea-- it’d bring in everybody together.

Alex: (somewhat amused) Just wait till your choir hears about this.

INTERIOR - HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Daniel: (to the choir, who are obviously unhappy about the news) How good can they be?

INTERIOR - OUR LADY OF THE SEA CATHOLIC CHURCH

Father Mac’s choir is singing a hymn with great care and precision.

Choir fades out, and the camera cuts to the window. Members of the Hope Community Church choir are seen peering in. They turn to look at Molly.

Molly: No.

Others: Please?

Molly: (shaking head) No. I'm not asking my dad to drop out.

INTERIOR - KEVIN’S HOUSE

Molly: Any luck on the baby blanket yet?

Kevin: Dead end.

Molly: Don't give up, Kevin. If anyone can find her, you can.

Kevin: Thanks.

A car honks outside Kevin’s house.

Molly: Ah, they're here. (knowing full well she didn’t:) Did I tell you that they're bringing their five-year-old?

INTERIOR - MARK AND MELISSA’S HOUSE

Melissa: No, Mark didn't want to get married.

Mark: Of course, I wanted to get married, just maybe not right then. I'd just bought my boat
and then all of a sudden, I've got a family to support.

Melissa: You think I planned on getting pregnant?

Mark: Oh! She's always making these leaps. It's like we don't even speak the same language.

Melissa: We don't speak at all.

Mark: You see? What am I even doing here? What's the point?

Melissa: The point is that we're trying to save our marriage.

Mark: And he's going to do that for us?

Daniel: No, no, I can't do that for you. If this is going to work, you have to do this for yourselves. I’m here to help you communicate your feelings to each other in a constructive way. (pauses as this sinks in, and Mark and Melissa are ready to try once more) How about before our next session, you think about what you want to say to each other and you write it down?

Mark: I'm not very good with words.

Daniel: Mark, it's not an English test. Just share your feelings. Then when we meet, you can read it to each other, and we'll take it from there.

INTERIOR - KEVIN’S HOUSE

The family with the five-year-old just left.

Molly: (waving out the door) Bye! (shuts door) Oh ho, that little boy is so cute.

Kevin: (very disheveled, with hand prints all over his shirt) Kids. I don't know how they do it. They are so much work.

Molly: You're not just realizing that now?

Kevin: No, I'm just saying, people who have kids... How do they do it?

Molly: We'll find out. (blushes) I mean, someday. I mean, you want to have children, don't you?

Kevin: I'm not so sure.

Molly: Oh. All this time, I thought we wanted the same things.

Kevin: Well, I want you.

Molly: I want you, too, Kevin, but I also want children. (Kevin is too stunned to make a move to reconcile.) I think I'm going to go.

Molly leaves. Kevin, stung by Molly’s reaction, sits exhausted on the coffee table.

Commercial Break #2

INTERIOR - MARK AND MELISSA’S HOUSE

Daniel: Last time we met, I suggested that you put your thoughts, your feelings down on paper. Who wants to start? Mark, why don't you get us started?

Mark: (taking a sheet of paper from his pocket, he unfolds it and reads:) You were always telling me how to hold him, how to feed him, how to rock him. Nothing I ever did was right. It was always you and Michael, and then there was me, and it got to where it was just easier for me to be out on my boat than to be at home. (refolds paper)

Melissa: I can't believe you wrote that.

Mark: Well, he told me to write down how I feel!

Daniel: Melissa, why don't you read yours now?

Melissa: I didn't write anything.

Mark: Oh, great! So here I am spilling my guts, and you've got nothing?

Melissa: What’s the point? You've already decided that it's my fault!

Mark: You're always making me feel like it's my fault, like I'm not a good father, and here I am breaking my back to try to make a better life for us.

Melissa: Just because I'm at home does not mean it’s any easier for me.

Melissa runs out of the room, knocking Daniel’s briefcase and various papers off the coffee table onto the floor by Daniel’s feet.

Daniel: Melissa!

Mark: (looks accusingly at Daniel) Thanks.

Mark gets up and leaves the house.

Daniel: (calls after him) Mark! (raises his eyes to heaven) That could have gone better.

Daniel picks up his briefcase, with some papers stuck inside. He replaces the other papers on the coffee table.

EXTERIOR - HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Callie and Ruby are leaving the church by the back door. They are not aware of Brian standing to one side.

Callie: How can he not hear how bad he sings?

Ruby: Well, you got me.

Callie: He's destroying our choir. Someone's got to tell him.

INTERIOR - HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Brian enters the church, where Daniel is holding Moses’ basket, and playing with Moses.

Brian: (clears throat) Reverend…

Daniel: (attention focused on Moses) Yeah?

Brian: A word. We, um, we've got a bad singer in this choir. (this gets Daniel’s attention) I overheard Ruby and Callie talking about it.

Daniel: Brian, I'm sorry.

Brian: Oh, no, it's okay, it's okay. It’s just, I know you're a good guy and you don't want to hurt anybody's feelings and all that, but, you know, for the good of the choir, I think... I think you've got to find out who it is and kick him out.

Brian leaves. Daniel is speechless.

INTERIOR - DANIEL’S HOUSE

The phone rings. Moses is lying on the kitchen counter. Daniel is in the middle of changing his diaper.

Daniel: (to Moses) You are really strong!

The phone continues to ring. Daniel is perplexed, how to answer the phone without leaving Moses unattended on the counter. Finally, he races for the phone and races back to Moses.

Daniel: (on phone) Hello?…Yeah, Callie, how much longer are you going to be?…No…(to Moses, who’s crying) Shh…(to Callie) No, I've got to look in on- Okay, a deadline's a deadline. Yep. I understand. Okay. Yep. All righty. (Daniel lifts up Moses, and carries him across the room to hang up the phone. To Moses:) Everything's under control.

The microwave starts beeping. Daniel, still carrying Moses in one arm, hurries over. Meanwhile, the kettle starts to whistle. Daniel opens the door of the microwave and takes out the baby bottle with his free hand, forgetting that it’s hot. He splatters milk all over the kitchen and drops the bottle on the floor. He reaches for a dishtowel on the toaster oven. The towel catches on the oven door, which opens with a clatter. Daniel throws the towel on the floor.

The front door opens, and Molly walks in. Daniel tries to silence the electric kettle by toggling the switch. Frustrated, he just yanks the plug out of the socket.

Molly: I'll take over.

Daniel: Relief!

Daniel walks Moses over to the couch. Molly begins to clean up the milk.

Daniel (with a sigh) You know, I've done some tough jobs in my time, but this is the hardest. (as he lays Moses down) There you go.

Molly: What is it with everybody? I know it's not easy, I know that, but a lot of people are doing it every day, and most of them are very, very happy. (picks up Moses)

Daniel: What's wrong, Molly?

Molly: (patting Moses on the back) I don't think Kevin wants to have children.

Daniel smiles uncertainly, not sure what to say.

INTERIOR - KEVIN’S HOUSE

Daniel puts Moses’ basket down on the table.

Daniel: Here you go.

Kevin: (shaking his head) I can't do this.

Daniel: Choir practice is only two hours, Kevin.

Kevin: Two hours?

Daniel: Two hours.

Kevin: Daniel, I don't know what to do.

Daniel: (hands Kevin the bottle) Give him this in an hour- or earlier, if he starts to cry. If he's got a wet diaper, or if it's poopy, you take it off, and you give him a wipe, and you put on a new diaper. Now, the pictures go in the front. You pull the little taggy around from the back, and you stick it over the top of the little bear.

Kevin: Isn't there anyone else who can do this?

Daniel: It’s Nub's night, but he has a cold.

Kevin: Couldn't you just...take him to choir practice with you?

Daniel: Brian's wailing’s enough. I'll be back at 8:30.

Moses starts to cry.

Kevin: I don't suppose you could hold off on that for just a couple of hours? (Crying intensifies.) I'll take that as a no.

EXTERIOR - NUB’S BOAT HOUSE

Daniel rings the bell outside Nub’s boat house.

Nub: Hey, Daniel.

Daniel: Nub, looks like I won't need you to baby-sit tonight after all.

Nub: (disappointed) Oh.

Daniel: I know.

INTERIOR - KEVIN’S HOUSE

Kevin: (holding Moses in one arm, the wireless telephone in his other hand) Oh, Dr. Watson? It's Kevin Mitchum. Uh, listen to this. (holds phone up to Moses) It's Moses. He's been coughing like that for the last hour…Yeah…Yeah…Okay.

The scene shifts to the bathroom shower, where the hot water is going full blast. Kevin is nearly standing in the shower, holding Moses with both hands close to the steam. Kevin is still speaking to Dr. Watson on the wireless phone, holding the phone in place with his shoulder.

Kevin: Steam? Oh, yeah, we've got steam. What next?

INTERIOR - HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH

The choir is rehearsing. Brian is still out of tune and out of rhythm.

Choir: (singing) I fear no foe with thee at hand to bless.

Ills have no weight and tears no bitterness

Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?…

During the song, Callie, who is standing next to Brian, subtly puts cotton in her ears. She is suddenly happy. Molly, who was watching her, gives her a sly look of admiration. Daniel, who also notices, smiles encouragement.

INTERIOR - OUR LADY OF THE SEA CHURCH

The choir is rehearsing. The singing is almost perfect. Father Mac is enraptured.

Choir: (singing) …Sacramentum

veneremur cernui

et antiquum documentum…

INTERIOR - KEVIN’S HOUSE

Daniel is seen, through the window, at the front door. He knocks. There is no answer. He checks his watch, and knocks again. He enters Kevin’s house.

Daniel: Kevin? (He finds Kevin in the kitchen, tending to Moses.) Hey…

Kevin: (gets up, laughs nervously) Oh, heh, heh….

Daniel: Why are you all wet?

Kevin: Oh. Oh. Moses was having a tough time breathing, but Dr. Watson told me to take him in the shower- for the steam. She thinks it's just a mild case of croup- whatever that is. I was pretty scared there for a while.

Daniel: Yeah, I know what you mean. The other night, I couldn't get him to stop crying, so Dr. Watson…(lifts Moses up out of basket) …she suggested I burp him.

Kevin: You didn't say anything about burping!

Daniel: Hey, buddy. (pats Moses, attempting to burp him)

Kevin: Careful.

Daniel: He's tougher than you think. (Moses burps loudly.)

Kevin: (in admiration) Wow.

Daniel: That's my boy! (He puts Moses back in the basket. To Moses:) Yeah. (to Kevin:) Thanks for taking such good care of him, Kevin.

Kevin: Sure. (He reaches in once more to touch Moses. Moses grasps Kevin’s finger.) Hey, look, he's holding my hand! Ow! See you later, Moses.

Daniel: Okay. See you later. (picks up the basket and the baby items) Come on, big boy, let's go home.

Kevin knows he has some new feelings he has to sort out that night….

INTERIOR - HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Daniel: (giving his Sunday sermon) Send your Holy Spirit on your gathered people, merciful and loving God, hear us as we pray. Open my eyes that I may see glimpses of truth Thou hast for me. Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you- (turns page of sermon) three boxes of diapers, three bags of... (The congregation laughs. Daniel stops, a little embarrassed.) Sorry. (He searches for the correct page, but soon gives up.) God will give us love. God is love. Love is all you need. (recognizes the lyric) Yeah, yeah, yeah. Let us pray.

INTERIOR - DANIEL’S HOUSE

Daniel is playing the guitar, singing to Moses.

Daniel: …A higher point of view
She's a cheese and she's got a face
She's away from gravity's pull
And she's magic in your eyes

(There is a knock at the front door. The door opens, and Kevin walks in.)

My clair de lune
And how I love the moon

Kevin: I heard what happened this morning at church.

Daniel: Yeah, not one of my better sermons.

Kevin: (despairing) I can't find her, Daniel. Social services are going to be here in three days, and I'm going to have to hand him back.

Daniel: If you'd asked me a week ago, I would've said I was nowhere near ready to have children, but you don't know until one of them shows up, and before you know it, he's got your heart in his hands.

Kevin and Daniel silently share this secret feeling.

Commercial Break #3

Interior - Hope Community Church

Nub is rocking Moses, and singing quietly to him.

Nub: Ooh do do do…
Who, like Thyself,
My guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine,
Lord, abide with me.

During the singing, Daniel has quietly entered the church. He applauds when Nub finishes singing.

Daniel: Nub, you should be in the choir.

Nub: No, I couldn't sing in front of people. I'd be too embarrassed.

Daniel: If only Brian felt that way.

Moses cries. Nub begins to hum again, which quiets Moses.

INTERIOR -OUR LADY OF THE SEA CHURCH

Father Mac: (addressing his choir) Stand up straight! Now, I expect you to go out there tomorrow and win this competition!

INTERIOR - HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Daniel: (addressing his choir) How many times do I have to tell you? This is not a competition.

INTERIOR -OUR LADY OF THE SEA CHURCH

Father Mac: (addressing his choir) We'll blow them out of the water!

INTERIOR - HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Daniel: (addressing his choir) All I ask is that you do the best you can do.

INTERIOR -OUR LADY OF THE SEA CHURCH

Father Mac: (addressing his choir) Let me hear you say it! Come on: "We'll blow them out of the water!"

Choir: (halfheartedly) We'll blow them out of the water.

Father Mac: (cupping his ear) I can't hear you.

Choir: (rallying) We'll blow them out of the water!

Father Mac: That's more like it. Now hit the showers. I mean- I'll see you tomorrow.

INTERIOR - THE WIDOW’S WALK

Molly is in the back office. Kevin walks up to the door and knocks.

Kevin: Hi.

Molly: Hi.

Kevin: Can I come in? (Molly waves him in. Kevin enters and closes the door.) I love you, Molly.

Molly: I love you too, Kevin. But if we want different things, then I don't know how-

Kevin: No, look... I don't know if I have what it takes to be a good parent. I'm not patient. I'm not giving. I'm not open. But you're all of those things. If you're willing to teach me, I'd really like to learn.

Molly holds her hand out to Kevin. He takes it. They embrace, kiss, and make up.

INTERIOR - HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Daniel is at the piano. He plays a descending glissando, and hits a low note twice. He reaches for some papers from his briefcase. As he lifts them, a small folded sheet of yellow paper falls to the floor. He picks it up, unfolds it, and glances at the handwritten contents. He stops and sighs.

INTERIOR - THE WIDOW’S WALK

Molly is by the bar. The other members of the Hope Community Church choir march into the dining area and surround Molly at the bar.

Ruby: You have to tell Brian he can't sing tonight.

Molly: You don't understand. My dad loves to sing. It's going to break his heart.

Bonita: Molly, it’s for the good of the choir.

Callie: Molly, if you don't tell him, we will.

The members of the choir murmur agreement and march back out. Molly wrings a dishtowel, not knowing what to do. She catches sight of an old tape recorder on the bar shelf. An idea comes to her.

EXTERIOR - THE WIDOW’S WALK

Mark approaches Daniel, who is already seated at a table. Mark slings his bag and sits down.

Daniel: Hey, thanks for meeting me.

Mark: What's up?

Daniel: It's about what happened in counseling.

Mark: Look, man, she'll be happier this way. Now it'll be just the two of them, just like she wanted.

Daniel: No, you've got it all wrong. (Daniel reaches to take the yellow folded paper out of his pocket. Moses starts to cry. Daniel picks up and sets Moses and his basket on the table.)

Mark: Is that the baby that was left on your doorstep? (Mark picks up Moses’ blanket, and eyes it thoughtfully.)

Daniel: Yeah. Social Services are coming to take him away tomorrow. I'm going to really miss him. (He takes the blanket from Mark, and places it over Moses. To Moses:) There you go. (To Mark:) Listen, if you want to know how Melissa really feels, read this.

Daniel drops the folded yellow paper on the table. He picks up Moses’ basket and leaves. Mark watches Daniel leave, then picks up the paper, unfolds it, and starts to read aloud.

Mark: I tried to be a good wife… and when I failed at that, I tried to be a good mother.

Melissa: (voice over) But I failed at that, too.

And I was so afraid you'd blame me.
I tried, Mark.
I tried so hard, but I just couldn't handle it.
I know that's the worst thing that any mother can say,
and for the rest of my life I'll blame myself.
I just wish I knew how to ask for help.

Mark thinks about what he just read.

INTERIOR - THE WIDOW’S WALK

Molly is in the kitchen, singing into the microphone of the old tape recorder.

Molly: (singing) Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside...

Meanwhile, out by the bar, Brian approaches Alex.

Brian: Molly around?

Alex: Yes, she's in the kitchen.

Brian enters the kitchen.

Molly: (singing) …this war no more.

Brian: Molly, Nub said you wanted to see me.

Molly: (turns off tape recorder) Yeah, there was a couple in here asking about Brewster Estates, but they left on the ferry.

Brian: Molly, you've got to tell me next time, straight away. (sees the tape recorder) What are you doing?

Molly: Oh, I'm practicing. I'm taking advantage of the acoustics in here, but I'm done now.

Brian: Oh, yeah?

Molly: Yeah.

Alex enters the kitchen.

Alex: Molly, could you help me at the bar?

Molly: Sure. See you later, dad.

Brian waits until they’re gone ,loosens his tie, then picks up the microphone and starts singing loudly…still off-key, still out of rhythm.

Brian: (singing) Abide with me;

Fast falls the...

Molly and Alex are by the bar. They waited to see if the bait was swallowed. Alex turns to Molly, sharing her pain.

Alex: I’m sorry.

INTERIOR - MARK AND MELISSA’S HOUSE

Mark: (holding and talking to Michael) It's okay, Michael. I've got you. You're a big boy, aren't you?

Melissa: Do you want me to take him?

Mark: No, I've got him. (Mark hands Melissa a bouquet of flowers.) These are for you.

Melissa: I don't remember the last time you gave me flowers.

Mark: It was the day Michael was born.

Melissa: We were just about to go to church.

Mark: Why don't you leave Michael with me?

Melissa: (fighting the urge to take Michael) Okay. I won't be long.

Mark: Look... I just didn't take to it like you did.

Melissa: You were gone, and there was no money- I didn't know what else to do. I didn't know if you were coming back.

Mark: But I'm here now, and I'll try. Let me try.

Melissa: I was so scared. I've made a terrible mistake. (bells ringing in the distance) I have to go.

INTERIOR - HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Father Mac’s Choir is singing.

Choir: (singing) …Sensuum defectui.
Genitori, Genitoque,
Laus et iubilatio;
Salus, honor, virtus quoque
Sit et benedictio.
Procedenti ab utroque
Compar sit laudatio.

During the song, Melissa enters the church by the front doors, and sits. She watches Nub rocking Moses. There is applause at the end of the singing.

Daniel: Thank you, Father MacAnally, and Our Lady of the Sea choir, for joining us here on our special family night.

Brian enters the church from the back door.

Brian: Molly! You've started without me. (sits in the front pew, pushing Callie and Molly over) Excuse me.

INTERIOR - MARK AND MELISSA’S HOUSE

Mark, taking care of Michael, picks up a blanket. It is very similar in weave to the one Moses had. Mark now understands Melissa’s last comments.

INTERIOR - HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Daniel: By now, most of you have met Moses. One thing I've come to learn is that it truly does take a village to raise a child. When I first thought of having a family night, I had an idea of what the word "family" means, but now I have a much clearer idea. (Mark enters the church through the front doors, with Michael in his arms. He sits next to Melissa.) It's about love and friendship. I want to thank everybody who pitched in and helped, and gave of their time, their love, their patience, and opened their hearts to Moses.

A townsman enters the church through the back doors. He looks for Brian, approaches him, and whispers something in Brian’s ear.

Callie: (realizing Molly won’t tell her father to quit the choir) Brian, we have to talk.

Brian: Oh no, not now, Callie. (he gets up to leave) Sorry. Something's come up at Brewster Estates. You're going to have to carry on as best you can without me. Sorry.

Brian leaves, with the townsman, by the back door. There is visible relief on the faces of the choir members. Even Daniel looks relieved.

EXTERIOR - HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH

The townsman precedes Brian down the steps from the church back door. The townsman then stops, and turns to Brian. Brian reaches in his pocket, pulls out some money, and gives it to the townsman.

INTERIOR - HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Daniel: And now, let's hear from the Hope Community Church choir.

Moses starts to cry.

Mark: Let's go get our baby.

Melissa gets up, and goes over to Nub. She takes Moses in her arms.

Melissa: It's okay, honey. Mommy's got you.

Ruby: (speaking softly to the choir) He's Melissa's baby.

Melissa: Oh, sweetie. (Mark approaches with Michael. Melissa turns to show him Moses.) Look.

Nub walks to the front of the church and starts singing.

Nub: (singing) Abide with me.
Fast falls the eventide,
The darkness deepens;
Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,

(the Hope Community Choir joins in)

Help of the helpless,
O, abide with me.

(the Our Lady of the Sea choir joins in)

Swift to its close
Ebbs out life's little day.
Earth's joys grow dim,
Its glories pass away.

Change and decay
In all around I see;
O Thou who changest not,

(Daniel joins in)

Abide with me.
I need Thy presence
Every passing hour...

EXTERIOR - HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Brian is alone, walking away from the church. He is still singing off-key and out of rhythm…

Brian: (singing) …My guide and stay can be.
Through cloud and sunshine,
Lord, abide with me.

The End

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