Remarkably Bright Creatures (2026) – Transcript

Remarkably Bright Creatures
Year: 2026
Directed by: Olivia Newman
Written by: Olivia Newman, John Whittington, Shelby Van Pelt
Based on: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Starring: Sally Field (Tova Sullivan), Lewis Pullman (Cameron Cassmore), Joan Chen (Janice Kim), Kathy Baker (Mary Ann Minetti), Beth Grant (Barb Vanderhoof), Sofia Black-D’Elia (Avery), Colm Meaney (Ethan Mack), Alfred Molina (Marcellus – voice)
Release date: May 8, 2026

Plot: Tova Sullivan is an elderly widow who works as a somewhat misanthropic night janitor at an aquarium in fictional Sowell Bay, Washington , despite having been encouraged to retire.

After the death of her son Erik years earlier, and more recently, her husband, Tova becomes more withdrawn from her everyday life, including her friend group she dubs the “Knitwits” who spend more time gossiping than knitting. At work, she shares her friends’ gossip and develops a friendship of sorts with Marcellus, an elderly but wise octopus who longs to escape from the aquarium.

One day, Marcellus attempts an escape but is discovered by Tova, who finds him by tracking a slippery path on the floor. After attempting to return him to his aquarium, she slips, injuring her ankle and requiring her to take time off to heal.

Around the same time, Cameron Cassmore, an aspiring musician, ends up in town after experiencing motor trouble. Broke, he seeks temporary work to pay for the repairs to the van his recently deceased mother Daphne left him. Cameron is hired to replace Tova at the aquarium while she recuperates. Unable to stay away, she happens upon Cameron at work and chides him for his slacker attitude towards his job. She shows Cameron the value of taking pride in his work and shares her relationship with Marcellus, creating a bond between her and Cameron.

One day, Cameron searches the van and finds that Daphne left behind multiple personal possessions, including a ring left by Cameron’s father, who he does not know, with the letters “EELS” engraved into it, as well as a photo with the name: Simon Brinks. After some difficulty, Cameron finds him, who has since become a successful real estate mogul. Unaware that Cameron expects him to admit paternity, he agrees to meet Cameron.

Simon explains his relationship with Daphne was strictly platonic, as he is gay. He explains that Daphne helped front a heterosexual image for him with peers and his disapproving father while he was in school. Frustrated at the revelation, including news from his former bandmates that they wish to quit their band “Moth Sausage”, Cameron arrives at work and angrily hurls the ring into the eels’ aquarium. Marcellus witnesses this and later escapes into the tank to retrieve it.

Throughout Tova has flashbacks which often include Erik. Just before he had taken ill, her husband Will had put them on a waiting list for a senior community. As Tova is now alone, she has quietly decided to move there, as they have confirmed a room is available.

Soon after Tova puts her house up for sale, she learns that Marcellus does not have long to live. After seeing him try to escape again, this time to a door facing the docks, she deduces that he wishes to return to the sea to die there. Tova puts Marcellus into a bucket and takes him to the end of the dock, then lowers it to the water’s surface so he can crawl out and into the sea.

Looking into the bucket afterwards, Tova finds the ring. Cameron arrives a short time later and she explains to him that “EELS” was her late son Erik’s initials. They realise he was Cameron’s father, thus making him Tova’s grandson and bringing both of them peace at last.

Afterwards, Tova decides not to move into the retirement home and Cameron sells his van, to move in with her. Cleaning Erik’s room to move in, he finds a box under the floorboards, which had been untouched since his disappearance. Opening the box, they find pictures of Erik with Daphne and a list of names with “Cameron” circled. This confirms their relationship and his paternity, revealing that Erik actually named Cameron before his passing.

The film’s title is revealed in the final line when the narrator, Marcellus the octopus, says: “Humans, for the most part, are dull and blundering, but occasionally, you can be remarkably bright creatures.”

* * *

Transcript

Note for Students & Writers: This transcript is archived here for educational purposes, critical analysis, and screenwriting study. All rights belong to the original creators.

[male voice] Oh, how I miss the quiet.

[gentle music playing]

There is no quiet like the bottom of the sea.

And now that my time is running out… I try to recall it clearly.

I once knew every current, every path through the kelp.

And the rush of endless freedom.

There was a buffet of delicacies, all for my taking.

But best of all, I could be alone.

Oh, how I miss the peace and quiet of home.

[music ends]

[loud, overlapping voices]

[male voice] Especially during the hell of a field trip.

Day 1,401 of my captivity.

A herd of third graders and their inept teacher, here to learn about marine life and ruin my afternoon.

This guy’s name is Marcellus, and he’s a giant Pacific octopus.

Kevin, stop licking the glass.

I don’t see him. He’s not in there.

[Marcellus] That’s because I’m camouflaged, Kevin.

Read the plaque.

Uh… [Marcellus] In this aquarium, I am subservient to a species beneath me in every observable metric.

[girl] Hello?

[Marcellus] To be at their mercy is… humbling.

Their only redeeming quality is a tiny mural they leave on my cell.

Each one, unique.

Each one as intricate as a moon snail.

Of all the humans, I suppose I mind the cleaning lady the least.

Feeling a bit antisocial tonight?

Uh-huh, I know the feeling.

But you can’t hide from me.

I hope you got some fresh scallops today.

I told Terry you must be sick of that frozen halibut. Ugh.

[Marcellus] Oh, you have no idea.

Unlike the rest of her dull species, we share some similarities.

We both prefer the night.

We enjoy our solitude.

Hello, my lovelies.

[Marcellus] Like me, she has a distaste for wolf eels.

God sakes! [tool scraping rapidly]

[Marcellus] And sticky floors.

[gentle music playing]

[chuckles softly]

[Marcellus] And we both dream of the bottom of the sea.

Of what we lost there.

[birds chirping]

[man] How’re your allergies treating you? Fine.

Miranda Downs has been complaining about hers as well.

What works for her is a cold washcloth on her feet before bed.

Hmm? Of all things.

Well, that’s her business, isn’t it?

Aye.

Right. Fifteen dollars, please.

Ten. Five. Okay. Here you go.

Perfect. Night.

Night night, Tova.

Drive carefully. Roads are slick out there.

They always are. I’m still in one piece.

[Tova exhales] [machine beeps]

[automated voice] You have one new message.

[man] Mrs. Sullivan.

Bruce from Charter Village Senior Living, calling again.

We’re excited to have you join our community here in Bellingham.

I need to hear from you to officially claim your spot.

And then we can talk next steps for your moving in.

Give me a call back. Thanks.

[machine beeps]

[exhales]

[somber music playing]

[birds calling]

[rock music plays loudly from van]

[metal rattling] [brakes screeching]

No!

Oh no. Shit. No!

[brakes screeching] [metal clanging]

[rattling, fizzing]

You’re kidding me! [sighs]

[engine whizzing]

Oh no, no, no!

[yelps]

[sighs] Now my phone. What the hell?

Can I help you find something?

Yeah, a car with a goddamn working radiator?

Probably the one thing we don’t carry.

Yeah. Well, how about a phone charger?

Tanner! Yeah?

Bring out a phone charger and a cup of coffee for our… downwardly mobile friend here.

Thanks.

What brings you to Sowell Bay?

Ah, just looking for someone.

A friend? No, somebody who owes me money.

That’s a fun person to be after, huh? [laughs]

Yeah, it’d be a lot more fun with a working van.

Tanner, I don’t hear you moving!

Here you go. Thank you.

Yeah. Oh, no shit.

Friko. I love Friko. We almost opened for them.

It got really political.

They really wanted us, though. Who’s “us”?

My band, Moth Sausage.

What? Wait.

You play with Moth Sausage? Yeah.

How did you find us? Wha… Bandcamp?

Do you know us? Yeah.

Uh… I was just kidding.

Oh.

And you were just lying? Yeah.

Jeez, I feel terrible now.

Just for that, breakfast is on the house.

We do a fantastic sandwich. Tanner!

Oh, you’re there. Jeez.

Make a special for the…

What instrument do you play?

Guitar.

The lead guitarist with Mouth Sausage. Okay.

And then we’ll get you connected with Peter over at the auto repair shop.

It’s bad, isn’t it? It’s bad.

Last batch he made tasted like socks.

[woman 1] And Harriet sees Carol in the waiting room.

[woman 2] Mm-hmm. They get talking and realize that they have the same symptoms.

That’s how they knew Fred Murphy’s sleeping with both of them.

[gasps] No!

[woman 3] Oh my goodness.

Just like white Ruth and black Ruth and Charlie Simpson.

Barb, you can’t say “white Ruth” and “black Ruth.”

Oh, those are their hair colors. Otherwise, it gets confusing.

Didn’t anyone else even bring their yarn?

Fresh out of the oven?

You know Ethan from the Shop-Way?

Well, he smokes pot.

I smelled it last time I was in there getting cottage cheese.

[woman 1] Mary Ann, everyone smokes pot.

It’s in butter. It’s in gummy bears…

[gasps] It’s in gummy bears?

Oh…

Tova, you’re awful quiet today.

You feeling all right?

She shouldn’t be working nights.

You shouldn’t be working at all.

I hate to think of you on your hands and knees with all those chemicals.

I’m just knitting. I… Gossip doesn’t interest me.

And Carol and Harriet are dating the same man.

Well, of course they are.

They’ve both had the same wallpaper for 30 years.

The wallpaper, I can understand. Fred?

Sowell Bay is a fish tank.

That’s what Will used to say.

He used to say he couldn’t buy a jar of peanut butter without the whole town knowing an hour later. [chuckles]

Ah…

Will…

He’s the one who got us on the list of that daycare for seniors, Charter Village.

They keep calling me, wanting to know my plans.

Right before he got sick, he put us on the list.

I think he was just worried about me ending up in that house alone.

Will wanted to sell the place.

Thirty years ago, right after Erik…

After he was gone.

“Move on,” he said.

“Move on. Sell the house.”

I couldn’t.

Maybe he was right.

[sighs] Maybe… Maybe I’ve got to… move on.

[Marcellus] Though she lives in a larger tank than me, I can deduce that the cleaning lady also wishes to break free.

My superior intelligence makes me uniquely attuned to the behavior of all creatures.

And I suspect that what she needs to escape… [Tova groans] lurks somewhere deeper.

[Tova] Oh my goodness.

God sakes.

Come on.

[sighs]

Oh.

This is disgusting.

There we go.

Okay.

Ah!

[softly] Oh my God.

Marcellus?

[uncertain music playing]

H-How did you get here?

Oh.

Oh no. No. It’s okay.

It’s okay. Look.

You’re all tangled. Oh, just… I’ll…

Hmm…

Okay, I got that. All right.

There we go. Okay. It’s gonna be okay. It’s gonna…

Oh. Oh!

Marcellus.

Oh my God.

[Marcellus] It is said we octopuses once had shells.

Giving them up was dangerous.

It exposed us to predators, but it also gave us freedom to slip through cracks and crevices.

To explore. To hunt.

And when necessary, to escape.

In this prison, my gastronomical satisfaction depends on it.

What the…? -But there are consequences to my bravery.

Every minute out of the water dries my skin and slows my three hearts.

Tonight, it nearly cost me my life.

[Tova] Marcellus.

[Marcellus] She saved me.

You scared me half to death.

Oh. Ooh!

[music becomes gentle]

[chuckles softly] Oh.

Oh.

Oh. [chuckles]

Oh! [music halts]

Ah!

Ow. Ow.

[Marcellus] I did not intend to make her fall.

[Tova] Ooh.

[Marcellus] My tug was instinctual.

Because I felt the hole in her heart.

Her hidden affliction.

[somber music playing]

The cleaning lady’s heart.

I must find a way to heal it.

It’s the least I can do to repay her… for saving mine.

Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow.

[music fades out]

Oh my God.

Tova!

I can’t remember the last time I saw you in the light of day. [chuckles]

How about a breakfast sandwich?

Tanner!

Get a sandwich going.

We do a classic sausage, egg, and cheese, but my secret is I add wholegrain mustard.

No, I just want some pain meds.

Why? What ails you?

Nothing serious. I just sprained my ankle.

Well, ankles are serious.

Tanner!

Get the first-aid kit. It’s not necessary.

A nice cup of tea while I wrap your foot?

Goodness’ sakes, no.

Well, you should not be on your feet.

And I hope Terry’s not expecting you to work tonight with a bum foot.

Ow.

[car door closes]

Terry. What’s going on here?

Oh. Hey, Tova.

Well, it seems our friend Marcellus has found an escape route.

Really?

Yeah, mollusks in the reef tank keep disappearing, and this guy has gained eight ounces in a month, so put two and two together. [chuckles]

But, you know, it’s not his fault.

They all get like that near the end.

What does that mean?

Well, they start acting out. Want to get in some last bit of fun.

I thought he had more time, but I guess he’s getting up there.

He’s lasted longer than most.

Now, to what do I owe the pleasure of having a daytime visit?

Um… Well… just…

Tova. It’s nothing.

[rock guitar music playing]

[Ethan] A glorified jam band.

[man] Slipknot is basically just vamping. That’s improv.

Been around since the dawn of man.

[Ethan] Come on, lad.

This is the problem with millennials. You refuse to learn from your elders.

I’m saying there’s… Jimi Hendrix played his guitar upside down.

I mean, I’m sure his elders would…

[phone vibrating]

Oh my… God. What?

Your mechanic is gouging me.

I mean, this is like… I.. I can’t… I can’t afford this.

You… You’re not hiring, are you?

Oh, I just hired Tanner.

And despite his generally deplorable job performance, I have to give him a couple of weeks to prove himself.

You don’t… You don’t know anywhere? Like, any temp jobs that are hiring?

It’s too high. God.

[Terry] Just be sure to rest, Tova.

[Tova] Okay. Thank you, Terry.

Don’t worry.

I’ll be all right.

[echoing] What’s gonna be left for me in Sowell Bay after you’re gone?

[exhales]

[on phone] Tova, it’s Bruce from Charter Village again.

I know better than to ask you to call me back, so I’ll say it here.

You’ve been on the wait list for 3 years.

If you don’t claim your spot now, you’ll have to start all over again.

I need to know if you’re taking it by tomorrow.

Ow. Ow, ow.

[boy] Night, Mom.

[somber music playing]

[birds squawking]

[water bubbling gently]

[metal clanging]

[man] Oh, come on, buddy. Just stop messing around.

Go, go, go, go, go, go.

What the heck is going on in here? Wha…? Nothing. I just…

[Tova] Oh my God. Octopus.

How long has he been out?

I don’t know. I just found him out the back door.

[Tova] Okay, Marcellus. It’s okay. It’s me.

I’m here. I’m here. We’re gonna get you back in the water.

It’s okay. Just move down.

Get all this stuff off here. Get this stuff off here. It’s okay.

Okay, come on.

[intriguing music playing]

Come on, Marcellus.

Keep going. Keep going. Open the lid. Open the lid.

Where? Which? Open the lid.

Get the C-clamp off. Open the lid. Go ahead, Marcellus.

Get, get, get, get. Okay.

There you go.

Oh, good, Marcellus.

Oh. Yes. Holy shit.

[exhales] Oh my God.

Now maybe you can explain yourself.

I told you. I… I found that thing halfway out the back door.

It’s not a thing. His name is Marcellus. What was the back door doing open?

I was taking out the trash, okay?

Nobody told me this place is like Night at the Museum.

And actually, we’re… by the way, we… we’re closed right now.

I am not a patron. I’m Tova Sullivan, the cleaner.

I… I suppose you’re the person they’ve asked to replace me while I’m–

Oh, okay, yes. He… yeah… Ethan told me about you.

Sorry about your leg. It’s not my leg. It’s my ankle.

If he’s gonna gossip, at least he can get it accurate.

Now, just clean this stuff up.

What a mess. [sighs] Okay, okay.

Oh. He’s actually red?

[Tova] Well, it depends on his mood.

He can also change pattern, texture.

Wow.

Where are you going? Home.

Well, aren’t you gonna finish?

I am finished.

No, look at the floors and all the glass is covered with smears.

I did everything on the checklist.

I did everything Terry asked me to.

It’s all done. Look, bud.

There’s a right way and a wrong way of doing things.

Sorry. I don’t mean this out of disrespect, but this isn’t your job anymore, so it’s my way now.

Oh, I see. Yeah.

Well… [laughs] …I guess then I have to tell Terry that the guy he hired to take over for me almost lost his octopus.

I’ll call when I get home. No, no, no.

Sorry, okay, but okay. I just… I really need the ca… I need this job.

Mm-hmm. And Mark is fine.

Marcellus! His name is Marcellus. Sorry, sorry. Marcellus.

He’s fine, and I will not leave the back door open ever again.

I promise that.

So please, please don’t tell anybody. Don’t tell Terry.

He doesn’t need to know about this. Mm-hmm.

Um…

What you doing? Why are you sitting down?

Hmm.

I guess I can refrain from telling Terry right now.

Yeah.

If you promise to take the job seriously. Yes.

And if you’re committed, I’d be happy to give you a proper tutorial on the right way to do things.

Oh, sure, okay, yeah. You could teach me how to use a mop.

Is that your attitude?

I give you–

[tentacles slapping]

[Marcellus] Humans and their incessant jabber.

If they could just quiet down, perhaps they’d make better use of their eyeballs.

[Tova groans]

[sighs] I’m sorry about the boy, man, whatever he is.

I… I really came by because I wanted to tell you

I took the spot at Charter Village.

[somber music playing]

[sighs]

I wish you could tell me if I’ve done the right thing.

[Marcellus] How do I stop her from fleeing her home?

If not for her inferior vision, perhaps she could see that this slow-witted male may have more to offer than his manner suggests.

Indeed, I notice the same sadness in his eyes.

[Ethan] Oh, there he is. The working man.

The van running all right? Yeah.

Pete gave me a month to pay it off. How’s the job?

Dream come true.

I will fix that and anything else that needs work.

I want to earn my keep.

Ah, don’t worry about it, son.

It’s nice to have the company.

Are you sure you don’t want the couch? No, I’m good. Thanks, though.

Night. Night.

[light woodwind music playing]

[man] No way.

Yep, use this. And if that doesn’t work, use this.

I’m not touching some random kid’s gum.

I’m not asking you to chew it. Just get it off the floor.

Get all the water out, now.

All the water out. Really, really put your weight into it.

That’s all my weight. It’ll be all puddles.

You really gotta wipe it hard. Everything sticks on that.

Really clean that.

The kids like to lick up in there.

That’s barely noticeable. Part of the patina.

It’s part of the floor. It sticks on shoes.

Circular motions, not up and down. Circular motions.

Go up and down, it makes streaks.

Come on. Yeah, there you go.

[man, echoing] Nothing is really coming off.

[Tova echoing] Yes, it is. Yes, it is.

I think that if I scrape this off, it’ll be more noticeable.

Potentially even a divot.

You’re spending more time arguing than it would be to scrape it.

No, no, no, no. You’re not finished. You have to tie a knot in it.

Otherwise, it’ll slide to the bottom. No, it’s fine.

No, it’s not fine.

There is a right way and a wrong way to do things.

I’m aware. You’ve said that like 600 times.

Didn’t your mother ever teach you any of these things?

No, she didn’t stick around long enough to teach me anything.

Oh, I’m sorry.

I’ll tie the knot next time.

[answering machine beeps] -Tova, it’s Mary Ann.

Ethan told me about your fall.

Oh, I hope you’re not in too much pain.

I’m dropping off a casserole today.

And if there’s anything else you need, you call me.

[answering machine beeps] -Mrs. Sullivan, hi.

It’s Jessica Snell over at Olympus Realty.

Just confirming our appointment. Excited to help you sell your house.

[uncertain music playing]

[sighs]

[woman] Tova?

Barb! It is her! What are you doing in town?

You should be home, resting your foot.

I’m… going to the yarn store.

Oh, come in for a minute.

We were just planning Mary Ann’s going-away party.

[Barb] Yeah, come in.

Oh, good.

Finally, we knew you’d come one of these days.

I… I’ve gotta go to the yarn store. They’re holding the last skein of green–

Okay, but first, what do you think of the back room at the Blue Canoe?

What? For Mary Ann’s farewell luncheon.

She loves their bread rolls.

That doesn’t mean we should all suffer.

[Barb] I think my back curler is smoking.

Harriet?

[woman] Oh, before I forget.

Is it true the vagrant is subbing for you at the aquarium?

He’s not a vagrant.

Ethan told me that he’s here searching for someone who owes him money.

That’s gangster. Screams gangster to me.

[Barb] I wonder who he’s looking for.

[Jessica] Simon Brinks.

Yeah, he’s been really hard to get a hold of.

Yeah, I imagine that’s on purpose. He’s a pretty high-profile individual.

I know. He’s an almighty real estate mogul.

But I know he’s gonna be grateful to whomever puts us in touch.

So I thought you, being a successful and powerful Realtor, maybe you are interested in being the hero.

He’s got new construction going up downtown.

I might have the foreman’s number.

Amazing. Have a look.

[woman] Jessica?

Where’s Jessica?

She just went out back. She’s handling important business for me.

Sure, dude. Jessica!

What does “sure” mean?

It means that Jessica sells multi-million dollar homes, and, well, it looks like you can’t grow a full beard, and your fly is down, so…

Good Lord, Avery! Did you turn off the hot water again?

To reduce our utility bill.

Not everyone showers at their place of business.

Okay, well, I paddle before work, you know that, and I pay you rent.

So keep the water at a normal bathing temperature, okay?

Or I’ll be back tomorrow. Are you okay? You seem really worried.

Yes.

Sorry, who… who was that?

I can grow a beard. Sorry, what?

I was just saying I can grow a beard. Like a pretty impressive beard.

Or a goatee or a mustache.

Any facial hair, really.

Oh. Wow, well, I finally have what I need to sleep at night, so thank you.

Hey, sorry.

Do you always treat your customers like that?

Because I was about to buy some surfboards, but now I’m definitely not. Yeah.

Man, you were gonna buy surfboards, huh?

Yeah. Wow.

Yeah, those are all paddleboards.

Right, well, okay. I call ’em surfboards.

Customer’s always right, so…

They’re different. I can talk to people however I want ’cause it’s my store, so…

Yeah, totally.

Are you… You… You own this place?

Yeah. But you’re like my age.

Yeah, that feels like more of a you issue.

It looks like you live out of your car. [laughs]

Well, joke’s on you because I do live out of my car.

It’s a disgusting little camper van that my mom OD’d in.

So… Oh.

Sorry.

No, I’m sorry. I was mean.

Sorry I said that.

Is your neck bothering you…?

Yeah, I’m sleeping on a little sliver of foam, so…

It’s not the worst.

Here, you should try this.

It’s a Tiger Balm with CBD oil in it.

Oh, I’m okay, thanks. Just take it. It’s on the house.

Well, that’s very nice. Thank you.

I’d offer you a shower, but… It’s more of a cold plunge.

[chuckles] Yeah. Well, I’ll just go take a bath in this.

Okay.

No, no, no, no.

No way. Sorry.

[woman] Hey! Look where you’re going!

[man 2] Easy, buddy!

[man 1] Hey!

Officer!

[indistinct explaining]

I’m gonna leave now.

Well, chalk doesn’t lie. I was in there five minutes!

Just have a– Hey. Calm down.

Ooh-hoo! Ooh-hoo!

[officer] Mrs. Sullivan. Oh no.

I heard about your spill. Are you doing all right?

Oh, I’m all right. It’s… I’m in pain, but I’m… Oh gosh.

I hope I haven’t caused my good friend…

Cameron. Cameron to be in any trouble.

He was so good to drive me around on my errands today.

I am… I am happy to pay any fine that he might have…

No, no, that’s all right.

Okay. Next time, just use the corner lot, okay?

[Tova] Okay. Yeah.

[Tova] Corner lot. We’ll use the lot on the corner.

Get in the car. Get in the car. Okay.

Bye. Bye.

[engine starting up]

[siren whirring]

[Cameron] Thanks for that.

God, what an asshole.

What? Oh, stop. He was just doing his job.

You can’t flagrantly ignore the rules and then be surprised with the consequences.

I wasn’t “fragrantly” whatever. I… He…

[Tova grunting]

Ew.

Ew. Ew. Okay, it’s not…

I hope you’re leaving Ethan’s driveway a little tidier than this.

Yes, I am. I haven’t had time to…

I’m gonna make you some lemon oil and vinegar to clean up in here.

Oh, thank you so much.

You’re welcome.

[Tova groans]

God.

Bye. Bye.

[door slams]

[bird screeching]

[Jessica] I thought we were meeting at my office.

Yes, well, we were. I got held up.

Yes, so this is the house. My father first built it as a log cabin.

It has its quirks.

But the view is… is nice.

[Jessica] Oh, you weren’t kidding.

[Tova chuckles] I know. Isn’t that lovely?

Oh, the details are just incredible. Thank you.

Oh, did you say there was a second bedroom?

Yes, it’s down the hall on the right.

[Jessica] Ah.

[door opens]

[footsteps approaching]

[Jessica] Wow. It’s a gorgeous home.

So much character. I am sure it’ll go very quickly.

Yes. Oh, Jessica, I… I would appreciate you being discreet about this.

I haven’t told anyone I’m moving yet. Oh, of course.

And, you know, just given that it is a small town and people will inevitably talk, it might be good to have all of the rooms thoroughly cleaned, just to avoid any reminders of tragedies.

Ah.

[chuckles softly]

[Cameron] Sorry. I’m late. Sorry. I was trying to get ahold of Simon guy.

I finally heard back from the guy at the 9:30 Club, and he thinks we might have a… like, a slot in the fall.

I think he’s… What?

Yeah, um, the reason we wanted to Zoom was because, um, well, we think maybe Moth Sausage should take a hiatus.

Like, maybe like a permanent hiatus.

What? What do you mean?

[bandmate] Look, man, you’re not here.

I mean, we’re having a baby, so… Yeah, and… but I’m coming back soon, and you can bring the baby on the road.

[chuckles] Oh boy, I don’t want to bring the baby on the road.

Sorry, what are you guys talking about? This is our… This is our band.

This is our band. This is our… our life.

[bandmate] Come on, man.

It’s fun, you know, but this isn’t our life, man.

You came to, what? Like half our rehearsals?

No. -In our living room.

I don’t think you understand.

I’m… I’m about to come into a serious, serious amount of money.

[bandmate 2] Cam. Make an album.

Put the album out type money. -Cam.

Buddy, we love you. You talk a big game, and you never follow through.

[Tova] And then she leans into me and says very nicely, “You know,” she says, “given how people will talk…”

I know how people talk.

There’s gossip and rumors. I mean, there’s…

They’re still looking at me like I’m… like… it’s…

What time… Where’s Cameron?

Oh, for God sakes!

[Marcellus] She was hurt long ago but still feels that wound exposed.

I understand.

I also live under the gaze of hideous neighbors, a constant reminder of my worst injury.

I’d rather not talk about it.

Cameron! I’m just finishing this up.

You are an hour late.

Well, I promised Ethan I would fix his door, so I’m fixing his door.

I don’t care about the reason. You have a job. You have responsibilities.

What is your problem? I’m doing a nice thing for your friend.

And I… An I had a really shit day. I don’t need to hear your reasons.

And I don’t need your help. I know how to mop a goddamn floor, all right?

Fine.

Fine. It’s your life, your job. What do I care?

What happened?

She came here to yell at me for being a tiny bit late.

Oh, bloody hell, Cameron. I recommended you for that job.

It’s not my fault, okay?

She’s insane. It’s always the wrong way to do things, the right way.

It’s like… It’s all she has.

Okay, sorry. I didn’t know you guys were a thing.

We’re not.

It’s just, she’s been through a lot.

Her husband getting sick and dying, the way she lost her son.

And the awful things people said.

Tova had a son?

[sighs] It’s not my story to tell.

But I will say this.

She’s a wonderful woman.

And she was a wonderful mother.

[Cameron inhales deeply]

[Marcellus] The cleaning lady did not return that night.

Or the following.

[somber music playing]

As you can imagine, I missed her.

What?

Circles, okay.

Is that better? Is that good for you?

[Marcellus] It’ll do.

But then something happened.

The juvenile began to converse.

Not small-town hot.

She’s like objectively hot.

Maybe too hot.

[Marcellus] Very likely.

And once he started, he would not stop.

He spoke of his desire for a mate.

Can I help you?

And of the mother who bore him but did not raise him.

[Cameron] She was even more of a screwup than me.

And I knew it, you know?

Even as a kid, I knew she had problems.

[Marcellus] Of a childhood spent shuttling from an aunt to a friend to a stranger’s burrow.

And of the news of his mother’s recent death.

In the den on wheels where she’d been holed up for years.

[Cameron] They told me that I “inherited” the van, you know?

Like it was like some… like, gift.

When really, it’s like a rancid shithole.

[Marcellus] Here, he found hoarded treasures.

Artifacts of his parents.

And a ring belonging to his father.

Which revealed only that he loved… eels.

Yes, Simon Brinks.

It’s really important I speak with him.

And was apparently as elusive as one.

Hello?

Oh! Yes!

Yeah! Sorry.

[Marcellus] I suppose his chatter was illuminating.

But also exhausting.

And I worried I had missed my chance to help the cleaning lady.

[distorted rock music playing]

I didn’t take his beer. Stop nagging me. [Tova] You are lying!

Erik, don’t walk away from me. Get out of my face!

[music halts]

[door knocking]

[Tova, echoing] Erik, can we talk about yesterday?

[Erik] No, Mom. Don’t come in.

[somber music playing]

[Marcellus] Something had to be done.

[phone ringing]

[Cameron] I did not leave doors open, but I looked, and I… you know, I can’t find him.

Okay, okay. I’ll be right there.

I saw him when I came in, and then I saw him again when I was vacuuming.

And then I came in to say good night, and he’s nowhere.

To say good night? Yeah.

Oh, good.

No.

[Tova chuckles]

Oh, there he is.

[exhales] He’s just messing with you.

[Marcellus] We octopuses are masters of disguise.

It’s funny. It’s a funny little joke.

We adapt ourselves to any environment to deceive and manipulate our neighbors.

Tonight a simple round of camouflage was all it took to lure the cleaning lady back to the juvenile.

[Tova] Good to see you too, my friend.

[water squirting] Oh, what the hell?

[chuckles] He’s teasing you.

Go ahead. Go ahead. He won’t hurt you.

Ooh. Gosh.

[Tova] Mm-hmm.

[chuckles]

[Cameron] Whoa.

[Marcellus] There it was again.

That familiar feeling.

Sorry I was such an asshole the other night.

You were right to call me out.

Did you find the guy you were looking for?

Nope.

Simon Brinks very much does not want to be found.

Simon Brinks, the developer? Yep.

Oh, I’m sorry. I mean, real estate deals are very complicated.

No, it’s not a deal. He’s my dad.

I mean, like, technically. Biologically, or whatever.

Yeah, he left my mom when she was pregnant.

I didn’t know who he was until months ago, and then I found out he’s insanely rich.

And so I came here to get the 18 years of child support that he owes me.

But I can’t find him.

Well, he has certainly missed out on knowing a very… spunky person.

Thank you. You’re welcome.

[Marcellus] Each of my eight arms is covered with suckers, capable of touch, smell, and taste.

The signals I perceive with one touch are beyond humans’ limited comprehension.

Indeed, I likely have more intelligence in a single tentacle than a human does in its entire skull.

Despite my vision dimming by the day, my suckers have detected this.

The cleaning lady and the juvenile share a similar affliction.

Helping one might heal the other.

[Tova] Oh my goodness.

How did you do that?

Ethan helped me. We pulled out the glass and spot cleaned it with acetone.

That was nice of him.

Well, he knew it’d make you happy.

You know, I… I was thinking, when you were looking for Simon Brinks, did you check out the phone book?

The phone book?

This is where you live? Yeah.

Here, I’ll get the books.

Okay.

[door closes]

Why the hell do you work at an aquarium?

I like to stay busy.

God, this wood is gorgeous.

Floorboard’s a little loose, though.

My own personal death traps. The Knitwits keep reminding me.

[Cameron] The what? Oh my God, here it is.

Here it is. “S. Brinks.”

Yeah, right here.

Holy shit. So…

Yeah, there it is.

[keypad beeping]

[sighs]

Push the button. Okay.

[disconnected tone rings]

That checks out.

Disconnected.

You can’t give up so easily. Look, you have an address.

It’s in Elsbeth, 50 miles from here.

Okay, there’s no way my van is making it 50 miles away.

Well, I have a car.

I would offer to drive, but I don’t do freeways.

I could drive.

[rocky guitar music playing on radio]

[Tova] What is that?

That would be my band.

You have a band? Yeah, Moth Sausage.

Moth Sausage?

Yeah, it’s, yeah… Wasn’t my idea.

Well, it’s… rhythmic.

Okay, what do you like, then?

Kenny G and Michael Bublé? Do you have some CDs around here?

What do you got? No way, cassettes? No.

So old-school. Those aren’t mine.

Mudhoney? Why do you have such good taste in music?

I don’t really want to hear those. Oh my God.

Radiohead? I haven’t heard this in like 20 years.

No. I don’t want to listen to that. Okay, just one song. Hang on.

Okay. Oh God, no.

Tova, this is “I Can’t.”

This is probably the most underrated song on Pablo Honey.

No, it’s too much noise.

It sounds better if you take your fingers out your ears.

We’re gonna listen to the whole song. Those are the road trip rules.

[“I Can’t” by Radiohead playing loudly]

♪ It keeps rattling my cage ♪

-♪ There’s nothing in this world… ♪

[phone vibrating]

What? Oh, no, no, no. Wait. No, what are you doing?

No. No texting and driving.

Those are road trip rules. Okay.

Let’s see.

Someone named Avery says the fiberglass…

Why is this font so small?

Okay, you can’t just read people’s text messages.

Is that Avery from… from the paddleboard shop?

Yes, yeah.

Are the two of you… dating?

No, no, we’re just… We’re texting.

I mean, barely. I’m just… I’m playing it cool.

Whatever that means. How do you want me to respond?

I don’t want you to respond.

I’m gonna text her tomorrow. Put the phone down.

What? If you have any hope of ever dating someone like Avery, you have to take her seriously.

I do take her seriously. It’s called flirting. I’m flirting.

Flirting? What? Flirting is nothing. It’s words and eyes and…

Everything that matters takes time and effort.

Okay. Okay.

[phone line ringing]

What is that? What?

What is that? What?

You… You’re calling her. No, I’m not.

You– Tova, hang up the phone. I didn’t call her.

Yes, you’re calling. Hang up. I did not.

Tova!

Hello? No, no, no.

Hello, Avery.

Yes, did I call you, or did you call me? Just hang up.

Oh no. [chuckles] No, this is Tova Sullivan.

Oh my God. I’m here in the car with Cameron.

And he’s driving, so he can’t text you right now.

Sorry. Um…

And he… he would like to ask you out on a proper date.

Maybe to go paddling together sometime.

What are you doing?

[chuckles] Well, I have to tell you, he is very good company, but…

[chuckling continues]

Yes, well, aren’t they all? Yes.

How about Sunday?

He says Sunday is perfect.

♪ I can’t ♪

[music fades out]

[brakes squeaking]

[car stops]

Yeah, I think that’s…

Yeah, yeah. I think that’s the one.

Okay, so I’ll just go, uh…

Just go ring the doorbell. Yes.

Yeah.

[breathing heavily]

This is stupid. I mean, right?

This is… ’cause this is stalking, technically. Right?

Cameron, you deserve some of his time. Now, stop it.

Yeah, okay. Take a deep breath. Let it out.

Okay. Okay. Uh!

Be polite. Yes, yeah. Okay.

Stand up straight.

[Cameron] Hi. I’m looking for Simon Brinks.

[man] Simon? Why the hell would he be here?

[Cameron] I found his address in the phone book.

[man] What are you? Some kind of fairy?

Leave me alone before I call the cops.

Get out of here! All right.

No, no, no, no. That was not good. What happened?

He was angry. Why would he be?

I don’t know, but I don’t want to find out.

No, no! We have not driven this far to be insulted.

No. No, Tova, what are you doing?

No. Absolutely not.

Tova, I’m telling you. Tova, I’m serious. No, Tova, stop.

Oh, God. Shame on you!

I’m so sorry, sir. Who the hell are you?

I’m Tova Sullivan, and this young man has traveled thousands of miles.

If he doesn’t get off of my property, I’ll kick his ass all the way back where he came from.

Now, you listen to me, mister.

He has chosen to give you a second chance–

Tova, it’s not Simon.

All right, that’s it. You say that name one more time…

One more time! Move.

Get the hell out. Here we go.

We’re going. Come on, you sissy!

Go! Get in the car! We are going!

The best I can. Okay, I’m in. Don’t come back!

Was that a firearm?

Yes, I think that was a firearm. Oh my God.

Seat belts. No! Wait! Seat belts!

[Cameron] No, we don’t have time!

[Tova] Whoa.

Well… I’ll tell you one thing, that person is no relative of yours.

None.

Take this exit. Take the exit right here.

How do you know about this place?

I’ve always loved quiet beaches.

When Erik… Erik is my son.

When he was little, he loved starfish, and my husband, Will, would help him collect starfish all day long.

He would dig in the sand and pull up rocks.

Sounds like a good dad.

[Tova] Yes.

He was a very good dad.

I’m sorry you didn’t find Simon.

Oh no, it’s… very on-brand for my summer.

Car breaks down, band breaks up, Mom… dies.

Before she left, she used to always tell me how excited my dad was to have a kid.

She said it all the time. I don’t know why. I was like, “Wow.”

Why’d she need to rub our noses in it?

But I, thi… I don’t know. I guess she needed to believe it, or…

And then when I found out what his name was and found his ring, it was like…

It was like I needed to believe it too.

I was just being totally delusional.

Well…

Sometimes you have to be delusional.

I honestly don’t know what the hell I’m doing.

Whether I should stay or go, or where I should go, or… why I’m even here.

Yeah. I know the feeling.

[Marcellus] Day 1,423 of my captivity.

[Tova] Oh, gosh. What is that?

[Cameron] What?

Oh no, you did not. Ow. Actually… Oh, oops. Total accident.

[Marcellus] I am no closer to home.

But thanks to my cleverness, I can see the humans are moving towards symbiosis.

[Tova] We have work to do.

[playing plucky, upbeat music]

[both chuckle contently]

[Tova] Cameron? Yeah?

Here you are.

[Cameron] Hey, Tova.

That was nice. Terry’s been trying to call you.

You forgot the key, so I said I’d swing by.

Here it is. Thanks.

That was nice. I gotta go. Buh-bye.

Okay. Go.

Tova! Yeah?

Um, would you not stay for a beer? Oh no, no, no, thank you. Thank…

Oh, Ethan, I do want to thank you for suggesting Cameron be my replacement.

It’s just… It’s worked out great, so thank you.

You don’t have to thank me for anything.

But

I would like to take you to tea.

[Marcellus] Blushing. Okay.

One of the many design flaws of humans. Fine.

Their change in color offers no protection.

Unlike octopuses, it draws attention when they most want to hide.

[Barb] Tova, are you there?

[woman] Tova?

Hey!

Tova! That’s what you’re wearing?

What are you doing here?

We’re here to get you ready for your date.

Oh no, no, no. I brought some cookies.

Who told you?

Let me take a look. What?

Are these the earrings?

Yes, I like my earrings. Oh, stop.

Okay. How about this? Take my necklace.

I don’t want your necklace. I brought a jacket.

I don’t want to wear your jacket. At least wear lipstick.

[chuckles] Guys, this is silly. This is not a date.

I’m having tea with Ethan.

You’re getting a drink with a man who’s been googly-eyed for you for a year.

He’s not googly-eyed.

Tova, he’s crazy about you. As he should be.

You are a catch.

[chuckles] Oh God. You’re just absolutely out of…

Is this a date?

[Barb] If he trims his beard, it’s a date.

No, it’s the dress code.

If it’s a date, he’ll be in a collared shirt.

If it’s tea, he’ll be casual.

Most importantly, do you have protection?

Barb!

Get a grip.

[door knocking]

He’s here. We have to hide.

Where? Behind the couch!

Go out the door you came in. No, we’re going in.

Shh. Just be quiet for once in your life.

Hello, Ethan. Tova, you look wonderful.

Thank you.

I’m sorry I’m a bit late. I had to trim my beard.

You ready?

[Tova] You look nice. Sure.

[Avery] Yeah, so whenever you’re ready, stand up.

Yeah.

M’kay.

Yeah, no, ’cause it definitely does feel better down here, right?

I think you might get more out of your lesson if you stand up.

Yeah. Yeah.

Yep. Keep your knees bent a little bit.

Uh… You got it.

Nice. You do this every day?

Sometimes twice. It’s really meditative.

Yeah, no. It’s very, very relaxing.

You wanted a lesson. No, that was Tova’s idea.

I… I was thinking… I was just happy talking about paddleboards.

I think I might be too tall for this sport.

That’s not really a thing.

I think I’m… Yeah. Just might be the outlier.

These suits are supposed to cut off circulation to your brain?

You want to feel like you’re gonna pass out.

That means it’s on right.

Oh, okay. I’m right there, then. Know what?

Maybe just try being quiet. It might help you focus.

Okay.

[gentle music playing]

When I retired from the docks, I followed the Dead around for a year or two.

The dead? Aye, the Grateful Dead.

Oh. Yeah.

It was a wonderful community.

A family, really.

I started to make art. I did the street fair scene for a bit.

Then I realized it’s the people I enjoyed most.

So when the Shop-Way came up for sale, I jumped on it.

It’s been a lifeline since.

Don’t you ever want to be alone?

No.

No, it’s a joy to see people every day, watching their lives change.

[chuckles in disbelief]

Well, you’re the opposite of me. I…

The aquarium is a refuge for me to get away from people.

But you’re not really alone.

There’s plenty of critters to keep you company, eh?

[Ethan chuckles]

Yes, that’s true. Yes.

That’s true.

[Cameron] Did you always want to own a paddleboard shop?

No, I had other plans, you know? But life happened, and, um…

My twenties were pretty messed up, so I got good at pivoting.

Happy where I landed, though.

I’m sort of in the middle of pivoting right now.

You know. How’s that going?

Really well. You know, I’m like a musician.

My band just broke up.

And I live in a van, and, so… [chuckles] You’re right on track, then.

Right on track. Okay. Yeah.

Musician. What do you play? Guitar.

Nice. For how long?

As long as I can remember.

My mom left when I was little, and all I had was her guitar.

Sort of… couldn’t stop messing around with it.

It’s cool that you taught yourself how to do that.

What kind of music do you play?

Is it like singer-songwriter, sad, acoustic songs about love and heartbreak?

Why? You like that? Romantic, acoustic? Yeah.

Like sad boy, like…?

What’s bad about that? I like songs that make you feel.

You probably dated a lot of guys who were like, “Pull me in.”

“I want to like…” This feels familiar.

Feels familiar? They’re like… Yeah.

“I want to sing you this song I wrote.” Yeah, they do.

They’re like, “Let me put my hair down and stop crying for one second,” like…

What the–

[Avery laughs]

[Cameron] No. Oh my God!

[Ethan] More wine? No.

Oh no. Okay.

Aw, that show. [chuckles]

[“Bright Side Of The Road” playing]

I drove all across the country when they played Milwaukee.

Yeah, the crowd lost it when they covered that song.

Everybody on their feet.

What a night!

♪ From the dark end of the street ♪

[chuckles] Oh God.

♪ To the bright side of the road… ♪

What do you say? No, Ethan, no.

Of course you can. Come on. No. I don’t do this.

Oh jeez. [chuckles]

Ethan, it’s not what I do… Really…

[music echoes]

♪Little darlin’– ♪

[Ethan yelps]

Oh, Ethan. I’m so sorry.

Oh, I’m so sorry.

Are you all right?

Could you just take me home? Yeah.

[bird squawking]

[thunder rumbling]

[Avery laughing]

[Cameron sighs]

You’re still cold, huh? Yeah.

Okay.

Thank you.

Hey, Mom. Can I have some help with my calculus?

Yeah, of course you can.

Just go to the back. I’ll be there in a second, okay?

What?

It’s not exactly how I planned on telling you that I had a kid.

That… That’s not a kid. He’s got a mustache.

[boy] Thanks! Okay. The back. Thanks, sweetie.

No, that’s cool. I, um, should… You should go help with the calculus.

No. ‘Cause… Or you can stay.

No… You don’t have to…

You should do the math, and I’ll… I’ve got a…

No, Ca–

[thunder rumbling]

[Cameron sighs] I’m such an idiot.

I totally blew it. I was just caught…

[Marcellus] Oh, the tedium of human mating rituals.

If I had just had… Even the synchronized dance of a seahorse lasts only eight hours.

[Tova] Dibs on the next appointment.

Oh, thank God.

I can go back to watching algae grow.

I spilt my wine all over him. Ruined the whole picnic.

Luckily, I just stained his stupid old T-shirt.

His Grateful Dead T-shirt? I don’t know. I guess so.

I mean, it… it couldn’t have been an actual date.

He wasn’t even wearing a real shirt.

Oh no, no. That’s from their show in Memorial Stadium.

That’s… That’s his prized possession. He keeps that framed on his wall.

A T-shirt?

Yeah, it’s, like, really rare. I think it’s thousands of dollars.

What?! Yeah.

Oh my God. Oh my God.

Is it bad that I feel just a little better I’m not the only one who ruined things?

Yes, it’s bad. [laughs]

From what you told me, honestly, I… I don’t think you’ve ruined anything, really.

I don’t know. Here.

She has a child, but she… she took time to spend with you.

That means she must really like you.

And I think a… a genuine apology would give you a second chance.

If you really like her, you want to try and spend time and…

And effort. I know. That’s how you show you care about them.

Yes. Your phrases are stuck in my brain.

Good. I do. I really… I do really like her.

I don’t know, she makes me want to, like… be on time, and…

Oh, that’s so romantic.

It’s not. It’s bad. I…

Like, I’m making all these stupid plans already.

Like, signing up for open mic night tonight that I was gonna invite her to at this bar downtown, and I was gonna try and sing, and I don’t even sing.

It’s… Well, you should still go.

What, and just perform to nobody?

Well, no. Not to nobody.

[overlapping bar chatter]

[man singing love song]

♪ Still miss you, Carrie ♪

♪ Still need you, Carrie… ♪

No, this is stupid. Let’s go. Oh, no.

Yeah. I want to hear you. Do it for me.

Listen, I’m not even a singer. So let’s… or let’s get a beer.

Now is the time for music, not for beer.

Fine.

♪ If you leave that guy from work ♪

Fine. Screw it.

♪ If you leave that guy from work ♪

[host] Give it up for Tim, everyone.

Okay, we have a new performer tonight.

Cameron.

Yep, that’s… I’m Cameron.

Uh, I heard this Radiohead song again recently.

I thought I’d try it with a little less noise.

[girl yelps joyfully]

[friends chatter]

[hesitantly] ♪ Please forget the words ♪

♪ That I just blurted out ♪

♪ It wasn’t me ♪

♪ It was a strange and creeping doubt ♪

[overlapping commotion]

Quiet!

♪ It keeps rattling my cage ♪

♪ There’s nothing in this world Will keep it down ♪

[man] Cut the shit!

I’m trying to listen to the music!

[commotion halts]

[more confidently] ♪ Even though I might ♪

♪ Even though I try ♪

♪ I can’t ♪

♪ Even though I might ♪

♪ Even though I try ♪

♪ I can’t ♪

♪ So many things that keep Keep me underground ♪

♪ So many words that I That I can never find ♪

♪ If you give up on me now ♪

♪ I’ll be gutted Like I’ve never been before ♪

♪ Before ♪

♪ Even though I might ♪

♪ Even though I try ♪

♪ I can’t ♪

♪ Even though I might ♪

♪ Even though I try ♪

♪ I can’t ♪

♪ Even though I might ♪

♪ Even though I try ♪

♪ I can’t ♪

♪ I can’t ♪

♪ I can’t ♪

[strums final notes]

[crowd cheering encouragingly]

Cameron, that was wonderful. Okay, thank you. We can go now.

No! Now we drink.

Thank God. Yeah.

Okay, watch these death traps here. I gotta fix those for you.

Okay. Oh boy, oh boy. Hold on. Okay, well, you gotta move with me here.

Hold on. I am.

[Cameron] Why do you have like 18 of these?

I sprained my ankle, and they treat me like I’m an invalid.

The Knitwits. The what?

My friends. [giggles]

My knitting club. The Knitwits.

[both laughing]

Yeah.

Will could never understand why they were my friends.

When the kids were little, it was nice.

Now I just sort of feel out of place.

Well, they’re really fucking good cooks. Excellent chefs.

[Tova giggles]

Erik loved casseroles. Any casserole. “Give me a casserole.”

[both laughing]

For his 13th birthday, I told him he could have some friends over and I would make his favorite, Flying Jacob.

It’s a Swedish thing.

It’s curry, chicken, peanuts, and bananas.

Gross.

And that is exactly what his friends said. “Ew, gross.”

And then, Erik said, “Ew, gross.”

But I got up in the middle of the night, and I caught him eating it, cold, out of the fridge.

And he just looked at me.

I mean, we just laughed.

Deer in the headlights.

We never fought. Not really.

Really.

[sighs] Except once.

He was acting so… differently.

Secretive, sneaking out at night, stealing Will’s beer.

Will always thought there was a girl. There had to be a girl, he said.

There’s usually a girl.

When I asked Erik about it, he blew up, smashed one of my mother’s Dala horses, and I…

I yelled at him.

I really yelled at him.

He… He stormed out. He slammed the door.

Next day, he never came out of his room. He… He wouldn’t talk to me about it.

That evening, he went for a sail, something he did all the time.

He never came back.

[Tova breathes heavily]

I just…

I… sat, waited on the pier.

Just waited.

It was three days before they found the boat.

The anchor rope had been clean-cut, just exactly the way Will had taught him if he ever got caught in the rocks.

It was a bad night. Really windy.

It was an accident, I’m…

I’m sure it was an accident.

It was an accident.

[exhales]

But one of the, um…

[sighs]

One of the police officers asked me if maybe…

If maybe…

[sighs sharply]

If maybe he hadn’t tied the rope around his ankle and jumped.

And then the… gossip and the rumors and…

[sighs]

I just stopped listening.

But… But I never saw him again.

I never knew if he was still…

If he had… died angry at me.

[melancholy music playing]

No, boys are just… they’re idiots at that age, you know?

I’m sure he didn’t think twice about it.

I have to lay down. I have to lay down. [sniffs] I have to lay down.

[sniffs] [Cameron] Okay.

Here… Here’s your glasses.

Oh, thank you.

Find… Find a pillow and sleep on the couch. Don’t drive.

Yeah, don’t worry about me. I’ll figure it out.

Okay. Careful on the steps.

[music fades out]

[Tova] Cameron, Cameron, wake up. What?

Get up. We overslept. It’s almost noon. I’ve gotta get to Mary Ann’s luncheon.

Oh God, I can’t tell if I’m hungover from the beer or from the casserole.

I already got my flowers– I have to finish getting dressed.

Hi.

Well, now we’re right under the air vent.

Mom, we are not changing tables again.

Well, I was willing to put up with a round table, honey, but that was if it was gonna be quieter, but now it’s noisy and drafty.

Right. Here we are.

Oh, thank you. Beautiful.

Hello, everyone. Hey, Tova.

Hey, Andie. Tova, you look awful.

[woman] She’s probably tired.

She spent the night with the homeless gangster.

Good Lord. Oh, good for you.

No, would you stop? He’s not homeless, and he’s not a gang member.

No, he… I just watched him perform.

Perform what?

Music. Lovely music.

And then he drove me home, and he stayed on the couch.

I thought I smelled malt liquor.

Andie?

Adam, what are you doing here?

Hi. Hey. This is my wife, Eliza.

Hi. Hi.

We’re moving back next month.

Wow. You live here?

No, I’m up from Portland for the weekend, helping my mom move.

You remember my mom, Mary Ann? Hi.

[Andie] These are her friends, Janice, Barb, and Tova.

Hello.

[Adam] Hi.

[Eliza] Tova. Tova Sullivan? Yes.

Adam wasn’t kidding. This is a small town.

We just toured your house. What?

[Eliza] Yours is the beautiful one on the cove, right?

[Tova] Yes.

[Eliza] Oh, it is so special. I am sure you’ll get a lot of offers.

Tova, what on earth is she talking about?

[Janice] Are you selling your house?

Oh, was I not supposed to say?

No, it’s fine. It’s totally fine. Very nice to meet you. Very nice.

So, let’s see.

Okay, all right, all right. I’m selling the house.

[Barb] What?

[Janice] Without telling us?

Ellen Brown just took the apartment down the hall.

I have a place. Where?

Charter Village up in Bellingham.

That’s so far.

That old people home? That’s… That’s for golfers. Retired pros.

I like golf. I want to learn how to play golf.

No, you will room with me until someone else in the building dies.

Oh no. I… I don’t care for your building.

Tova, this is nonsense. You are not moving to Charter Village.

Well, what would you have me do? Move in with my children?

All right, party people. Who needs a drink?

Hey, Mrs. Sullivan. Yes.

I’m so sorry about earlier. We had no idea it was a secret.

An honest mistake. Really.

You’re Erik’s mom, right?

Yes.

Yeah, we hung out a bunch in senior year. I mean, he was…

He was a really fun guy.

And I… I never believed what people said.

He just… He wouldn’t have done that.

You know, we were supposed to hang out that weekend.

At my family’s cabin.

He was gonna sneak some beer and, uh, bring that girl that he was crazy about.

W-Wait. He didn’t have a girlfriend.

I don’t… I don’t know what she was exactly.

Uh, I mean, he was real secretive about it all.

But… what was her name?

It was Daphne, I think. No. Or Cassie.

I don’t know. It was Daphne or Cassie. Something like that.

[Eliza] Adam? There’s my wife. Are you…

Yeah, I’m fine. I’m all right. All right.

Okay.

There was a girl.

There was a girl.

[poignant music rises]

[whispers] Oh my God.

Oh my God.

There was a girl.

[Marcellus] I know what it is to scavenge.

To forage under reefs and rocks.

But the humans’ obsession with objects goes deeper.

They remember with them.

For weeks, I’ve searched for an object to help the cleaning lady and the juvenile understand what is utterly apparent to me.

But these missions are taking a toll on me now.

My heartbeats are slowing.

And I fear that as my own story nears its end, so too does theirs.

And everyone involved will be left with a hole.

[phone ringing]

No. No. No.

[music becomes tense]

[door knocking]

Tova?

[grunts] They aren’t even opened.

Daphne, Cassie. Daphne, Cassie…

No. No. No…

[music becomes somber]

[sighs]

Don’t. God!

Oh, yes. Andie… Tova.

Did you ever order your senior yearbook?

Tova? Oh, what on earth’s the matter? My…?

Do you have Andie’s senior yearbook?

[door knocking]

Tova, are you home?

Because I never ordered it. I didn’t want it.

Maybe in here. Maybe in here.

[Tova] Oh, okay.

Oh my God. Here it is.

[Andie exhales contently]

Let’s see.

Daphne, Daphne. Daphne… Daphne…

Daphne… Cassmore.

There she is. Okay. Five, seven, page… six.

There she is.

[Andie] I remember her.

She was new senior year. I felt bad for her.

And always with that guy, Simon.

Not Erik?

Not that I remember. No.

Well, maybe Adam got the name wrong. It was a long time ago.

Maybe.

And what does it prove anyway, Tova?

Even… Even if there was a girl?

I don’t know. I don’t know.

That he was happy. I don’t know.

But he was happy. You know that he was happy.

Look, I… I’m so sorry.

I know you’re going through a lot now.

I really don’t want to be a burden. I’m so sorry.

Will you stop?!

You are not a burden.

Tova, you’re my friend.

And this is what we do for each other.

You know that I’m still not used to sleeping upstairs, all by myself in that big bed?

I keep to my side, and every morning, I wake up surprised that I’m alone.

And now I have to leave my best friends and move to a city where I don’t know anybody except my grandchildren.

I’m scared.

I’m… I’m scared, Tova. And I really wish I could talk about this with you, but you are so busy trying not to be a burden to anyone, you’ve forgotten how to be a friend.

I mean, what’s the point?

What’s the point if you stop the business of living?

[poignant music playing]

[drill whirring]

Hello?

[music fades out]

[whirring continues]

Hello?

[Cameron] Tova?

What… What are you doing? What are you doing?

Sorry, I hope I didn’t scare you. I… I just… I came to fix those death traps.

I need nothing fixed. I need you to get out of there.

Okay. You don’t pick up your phone. You don’t answer the door–

Doesn’t give you the right to trespass! I need you to get out of there.

Okay, well, I’m sorry. I thought you needed help.

I don’t need any help! I don’t need anything fixed!

I need nothing because I’m moving!

Why? What? When?

As soon as I sell the house. Now, I need you to get out of there!

Okay.

I… Get out!

Get out! Okay. God’s sake.

[footsteps receding]

[door closing]

[sighs]

[somber music playing]

[Ethan] How’d it go? I don’t want to talk about it.

[phone ringing]

[Jessica] Mrs. Sullivan. Great news. We got an offer on the house.

You’ll just need to come in and sign some paperwork. Talk to you soon.

[Tova] Oh.

Oh, Cameron.

Oh.

[Marcellus] It seems to be a hallmark of the human species.

Abysmal communication skills.

Why can humans not use their millions of words to simply tell one another what they desire?

[phone vibrating]

Yeah, hello.

[woman] Hi. I’m calling from Simon Brinks’s office.

Is this Cameron?

Yeah, yeah, this is him.

[Terry] Tova!

How’s that ankle? Good as new.

Ah, see? Nothing like a little rest.

I’m really glad Cameron has worked out so well.

He turned out to be reliable, that kid.

Yeah. [chuckles] Yeah.

I came to say goodbye, actually.

I’m moving across the bay to Charter Village.

If it’s all right, I think I’ll stay and do one last clean.

Well, we’ll miss you, Tova. Yeah.

But before you start, come meet our newest tenant.

[Terry] Yeah, she was rehabbed by a group up in Alaska after she tore a leg escaping a crab pot.

A bit ahead of schedule, but I couldn’t say no.

What do you mean, ahead of schedule?

Marcellus was in a bit of rough shape today.

[poignant music playing]

[Tova] Marcellus?

[Marcellus] Day 1,431.

[Tova] Oh.

[Marcellus] Perhaps my last.

I’m sorry I haven’t been here.

I got so caught up looking for this girl, this Daphne Cassmore, I completely ripped Erik’s room apart.

Oh.

I’m sorry.

I’ve been a terrible friend.

I’m so sorry.

I’m sorry.

[Marcellus] It is me who is sorry.

I have failed you.

[Simon] Cameron?

[chuckles softly]

Look at you.

Uh, did you want to grab a table, or…?

Yeah, yeah.

We were inseparable.

Yeah, I know. It seems like it.

So, what the hell happened?

Well, I don’t know, Cameron.

After she left, I got very few updates from her. Unless it was about you.

She was always proud of you.

And you were fine, just like… not doing shit to help out with your own kid?

Oh.

Cameron, did you think…

I’m so sorry.

I’m… I’m not your dad.

She was my best friend, but I was never into women.

You have to understand, my dad would’ve killed me if he found out, so…

Well, she covered for me to… keep him off my back.

I had no idea you thought I was your dad. So, I guess, okay, this…

That’s not yours, then?

Well, my initials are SOB.

No way I was going to get that engraved on a ring.

I just thought that was your school mascot or whatever.

Eels? No, our school mascot was the pirate.

Nobody likes eels.

So then who the hell was my dad?

She must’ve told you. She was your friend.

She wouldn’t tell anyone.

I don’t know what to say, Cameron. She was young, scared.

Her father was even worse than mine.

And I’m sure she was terrified that he would find out.

Cameron, hi. Where have you been? Why the hell do you care?

Oh, listen. I… I’m sorry. I should not have done that.

I was taking things out on you.

Lucky for you, I’ll be out of your hair for good.

What do you mean? I’ve been stuck here…

For nothing. Wha… What?

I was completely out of my mind!

That Simon Brinks guy, he’s not even my dad.

He’s my mom’s gay best friend. This isn’t even his ring.

[Tova] Well, whose ring is it?

[Cameron] I don’t know. It’s the friggin’ eels’.

[Tova] Oh no, no. Don’t do that. Oh, don’t do that. Cameron, listen.

Okay, he wasn’t your dad, and I’m sorry about that.

But that doesn’t mean you have to leave. You have a good job.

Do you think that this is how I want to spend my life?

Scrubbing fish tanks and cleaning gum off the floor?

Oh! Cameron!

Please don’t leave.

You have so much here. People who care about you.

Is that why you’re leaving?

And what about Marcellus? He doesn’t have much time. He needs you.

That’s not my problem.

Oh, Cameron, you’re better than this.

No, I’m not. I’m really not.

Cameron!

[uncertain music playing]

[Marcellus] Of all the tanks, he had to choose that one.

There are few creatures more savage than wolf eels.

That I should have one as a neighbor is punishment enough.

But my hatred is personal.

With my boundless wisdom, I should’ve known to use more caution.

But the lure of a Dungeness crab is hard to resist.

If not for my injury, I might have evaded the humans’ so-called “rescue.”

I may be older and weaker, but I am also wiser.

This time, I have come prepared.

Besides, I have no choice but to face my enemy.

That ring is the proof I need.

[Tova] What the heck?

Marcellus.

Marcellus. Marcellus.

I’ll get you back to your tank. Stay right there.

Oh my God.

Oh, look at you.

Oh.

Marcellus.

Oh.

Okay, hold on, hold on. We’ll get you in. Hold on. Hold on.

My goodness.

Oh.

[grunts]

Oh. Come on. We’ll get you back. Here we go.

What were you doing all the way over here?

[music becomes poignant]

Oh.

[exhales]

I see.

Okay. [sobs softly]

Okay, my friend.

[rattling]

[Tova] We’re outside, Marcellus.

Can you tell we’re outside?

[sobbing softly]

You’re almost home.

This is my home, Marcellus.

I can’t leave here. This is my home.

But I know…

I know I have to let you go home.

We both know you didn’t want to end up here, but…

I’m so glad Terry saved you.

Because you saved me.

[chuckles emotionally]

[sobbing]

Oh.

[music becomes somber]

[grunts]

Out you go. Out you go.

Go on home, Marcellus.

Goodbye.

[softly] Goodbye.

[Marcellus] Goodbye, my friend.

[music fades out]

[poignant music playing]

[softly] Marcellus?

Oh my God.

Oh my God. Oh my God.

Marcellus.

Oh my… [laughs]

Oh, Marcellus.

Oh my God.

Oh my God.

[Marcellus] At first, I sink like an anchor.

My arms, as heavy as rocks.

And then, with a twitch, I awaken.

I do not say this to give you false hope.

My death is imminent.

But time enough remains.

Tova?

Tova?

Tova?

Tova.

What are you…? What?

You’re all wet. Cameron, you came back.

Yes.

I guess there’s a right way and a wrong way to do things.

[Tova chuckles softly]

Where’s Marcellus? I can’t find him anywhere.

I let him go home.

Really?

Wow.

Well, that’s good, right?

I’ll miss him, though.

Would you sit down here with me for a while?

I want to show you something that Marcellus left for us.

What?

My ring.

How did… How did… He paid a visit to the eels.

My son’s name was Erik Ernst Lindgren Sullivan.

It’s his ring.

He gave it to your mother, Daphne Cassmore. I…

I think he was in love with her.

[whispers] Tova…

I’m… I’m… I’m your…

And you’re think… You’re saying that Marcellus figured out that you’re my grandmother?

I don’t know.

I’m…

I don’t know. I don’t know. I don’t know. [chuckles]

I mean…

[sobbing softly]

It’s all right. It’s all right.

[poignant music continues]

[Marcellus] I swim down.

Down to the depths of the sea.

With every ounce of energy left in me.

Life is everywhere.

As magnificent as I remembered.

Until at last, I can feel it again.

Taste it.

With every inch of my body.

[emotionally] I am home.

Cradled by the same ocean floor that once held a cherished son, a long-lost father… [music fades out]

All this time, I’ve been looking for the wrong person.

Yeah.

[Tova chuckles]

[“Even The Darkness Has Arms” by The Barr Brothers playing]

♪ I was holding my breath When the tightrope walker ♪

♪ Slipped into the moon glow♪

Tova!

♪ Maybe it’s time to go ♪

♪ You can be chrome when you’re wise ♪

♪ Can be wise when you’re blue ♪

♪ And baby, if I have Then I have for you ♪

[Cameron] Hey.

♪ Calling on those that call me son Great grandson and grandson… ♪

I’m pretty busy right now, so… Sorry. I…

Your… Your life is so much bigger than mine.

And I… I panicked.

♪ Then I do it for you ♪

I really like you.

And I’d love to be a part of that big life, if you’ll let me.

♪ And the light in the window To pass the night through ♪

♪ Maybe so uncertain, but what can I do? ♪

♪ Keepin’ it on, keepin’ it on ♪

♪ And I know I like it But what does that prove? ♪

[indistinct content chatter]

[song ends]

Tova?

[floorboard rattles]

Yeah?

Oh my God.

[Tova gasps]

It’s his… box of treasures.

[chuckles softly]

All his little things.

Is this your mother?

Yeah.

[gentle music rises]

[chuckles softly]

[exhales]

He named you.

[inhales deeply]

[breathes shakily]

[overlapping happy chatter]

[Ethan] Of course, Diane Jones’s knee has been bothering her.

She will not stop playing tennis.

[Janice] I’ve been saying for years, she overexerts herself.

She’s obsessed with her doubles record.

Tova. Look, he’s on his second scarf. I thought you were watching the grill.

Well, I could watch it from here. He’s a machine.

Right.

[Barb] It’s not a keyhole, Avery.

You gotta follow through. Just follow through.

[Cameron] That’s what I’m talking about.

[Avery] I understand. This is not for me.

Two out of three?

[Cameron] I don’t know.

Okay, dinner!

[Ethan] Anybody else for a hotdog?

[Tova] Everybody help themselves.

[overlapping content chatter]

I think that mac and cheese has your name on it.

[Cameron] I know. I’m gonna eat all of it.

[Tova] He’s serious. Want one?

[Marcellus] I can rest now, knowing that the cleaning lady is also home again.

[indistinct chatter]

[children laughing]

Here you go, starfish.

[Marcellus] And I know my replacement will be well cared for.

[boy] I don’t see it. Where is it?

[Cameron] Well, it’s not an it. It’s a she. And her name is Agnetha.

[Marcellus] The cleaning lady will look after her.

Hi. Hi. [laughs]

[Avery] Hi.

[Marcellus] I would trust my life to her.

Just as I trusted her with my death.

[Tova] Oh, here she comes.

Oh, look at her.

[Avery chuckles]

Yeah.

[Marcellus] Humans, for the most part, are dull and blundering.

But occasionally, you can be remarkably bright creatures.

[music fades out]

[swing woodwind music playing]

[music fades out]

[gentle music playing]

[music fades out]