(thoughtful music)
[Woman] Laura seemed a bit upset last night.
[Man] Oh, why is that?
I think it may be my fault.
What's your fault?
Well, just trying to help her get out a bit.
She's not your daughter.
[Woman] I know, but if we did have a daughter,
she'd be about her age.
You're not her mother.
I have maternal instincts.
Well, she doesn't get out.
I just thought it might be nice
if someone asked her for a date.
(sighs) What did you do?
Well, do you remember that young man, Alex?
Alex, he's a self absorbed bar...
It was only supposed to be company,
not an engagement.
Okay.
Well she said everything was going great.
They laughed, they talked.
Had a lot in common.
It sounds like everything went well.
Until he excused himself to go to the restroom.
Oh.
He never came back.
She was completely humiliated.
(sighs) Well don't blame yourself.
You tried.
He could have at least ended the date politely.
She really had her feelings hurt.
There are plenty of other men out there.
She'll find someone.
She won't if she doesn't get out more.
I just want you to get better.
Tom.
Tom?
Laura, I don't know what to do.
Tom's breathing has suddenly gotten much worse.
Tom?
He's not breathing!
(fearful, moving music)
Tom?
She's doing CPR.
Oh God.
Please hurry.
[Laura] Mrs. Minnett!
It's okay.
He's awake, I have to go.
Tom.
What, what's happening?
You're gonna be fine.
Hold on, okay?
I will, I will.
Everything's gonna be okay.
I know, I know.
We just have to get you to the hospital.
I love you.
I love you too.
(sad, mystical music)
Tom?
Tom.
Please.
Tom.
Don't go.
No.
No, no!
No!
(melancholy music)
[Laura] Is this what you were looking for?
[Mrs. Minnett] Yes, that's perfect.
So, what's the big news that requires polished silver?
I put a lot of thought into it,
and I think I'm going to start
renting out the cottage again.
I have young couple coming today.
Really?
What changed your mind?
I need to start doing something with myself.
Besides, Tom would want me to.
This cottage wants to be enjoyed by newlyweds.
I think that sounds romantic.
I know it sounds silly, but when I was a little girl
I used to imagine having my honeymoon here.
Don't worry, you just need to give it some time.
You haven't been by in over a week.
Is everything alright?
Yeah, I've just been picking up some extra shifts at work.
And I feel like I live there most of the time.
But (sighs) it sure beats sitting around
alone at home every day.
What about your friends?
You spend time with them, right?
Well not really.
Everyone has a family, they're too busy.
Are you seeing anyone?
(laughs) No.
No, every man I meet is either crazy,
just looking to get laid or not interested in me.
Well it's not as hopeless as you're making it sound.
You'll meet someone.
Well how's that look?
[Mrs. Minnett] Like new.
So who's coming by today?
I met the groom to be.
He's in the military.
The marines I think.
Good looking guy.
(knocking at door)
Oh no.
It's them.
They're here early.
Can you open the door?
And I'll put this away.
Uh yeah, sure.
Hi, is Mrs. Minnett here?
Yeah.
She should be here in a second.
Can I get guys anything?
No, no thank you.
We're fine.
I heard you guys are renting the cottage
for your honeymoon.
Oh, we actually haven't decided yet.
Which is lucky, because otherwise
I wouldn't have found this place.
What he's not telling you is that our other option
is an eight week honeymoon trip to Europe.
But to hear Oliver talk about it,
it's as if he's being sent to the electric chair.
The electric chair?
Here I thought marriage was just a life sentence.
(laughs)
Oliver Bradshaw.
Oh, this is Susan.
Hello.
I'm Laura.
Laura Pennington, I'm the neighbor.
Just grew up next door.
We're friends.
I'm just helping out today.
You know so, she should be here any second.
I love this place.
I can't believe it exists.
I mean it looks like stepping back in time or something.
Oliver.
Oh.
It's good to see you again.
This must be Susan.
Um hmm.
A pleasure.
Oliver has had nothing but nice things to say about you.
See honey?
I told you, I never say anything but nice things about you.
Did he tell you about our home,
how he found us?
One of his road trips I think.
I happened to be driving by one day
and it caught my attention
and just had to stop by and take a look around.
Well let me tell you a little about my home.
The cottage was originally built in London
in the early 1800s as a vacation home
for a young Lord and his wife.
The wife felt so at peace here
that they decided to move it to the United States
and live in as their primary residence.
How'd they do that?
Actually it was taken in sections by ship
and reassembled when it got here.
They brought it here in sections?
It gets even better.
There's a tradition of having honeymooners stay here
that started with the first owner
and has continued for 150 years.
My husband and I spent our honeymoon here.
Mrs. Minnett, would you mind showing Susan around
and working her magic on her like you did on me?
I'm not quite sure she's as enthusiastic
about your home as I am.
No Oliver, this place is charming.
I'd be delighted to stay here sometime.
And I'm certain that for some couples,
this is the perfect honeymoon retreat.
I'm just not sure it's right for us.
You're gonna have your work cut out for you Mrs. Minnett.
I think your decision will be easy
after I show you around.
The cottage never lets true love walk away.
Go on Susan, I've already taken the tour.
And honey, give it a chance.
I'll do my best.
[Mrs. Minnett] I'll show you upstairs.
You're gonna make a very handsome groom.
Thank you.
I didn't mean that in a flirty way though.
I didn't think you did.
I just never say the things that are on my mind
and I'm trying to break that habit,
'cause otherwise my friends say I'll never get a boyfriend.
Not that I'm implying that was thinking of you in that way.
Because I wasn't.
Not that you're not attractive, because you are.
I mean you're like gorgeous.
I'm shutting up now.
No, it's okay.
So how'd the two of you meet?
Our families have been friends since before I was born.
So we kind of grew up together.
Childhood sweethearts.
No.
We got close in college.
Everyone said were meant to be together.
Oh that's lovely.
Most people say it sounds like an arranged marriage.
(laughs)
Have you set a date?
No, not yet.
But if it was up to Susan it'd probably be this weekend.
She's very excited about it.
Oh, aren't you?
Yeah I am.
I think I am.
After all, I am the groom to be.
I'm sure you'll have a lovely wedding.
If your fiance likes it here,
I hope you come in the spring.
It's really pretty when the flowers bloom
and she seems like a lovely woman.
She has everything a guy would hope for I imagine.
She's pretty and smart.
And do you love her?
Huh?
Did Mrs. Minnett show you the windows?
These are the names of the couples who've stayed here.
And there's an old story that says
if you spend your honeymoon here
and write your name on the windows
that the cottage will bless your marriage.
Hmm.
Pearl and Sam Nisbett, 1936.
Lenny and Kelly Williams, 1842.
Wow there've, wow a lotta couples stayed here.
Oh, there's pictures of some of the couples here too.
Hmm, everyone looks so serious.
They look happy.
There's something special within these walls
and it has embraced us.
The depth of love we have felt for one another
under this magical roof has taken our beautiful love
and strengthened us in a way we could never imagine.
Everything is more potent, more intense, more beautiful
because we have rested our heads on these pillows.
To those who find these words,
know that there's something here which transcends,
something extraordinary.
Wow, they wrote so beautifully back them.
Oh this is Mrs. Minnett and her husband Tom.
She's so young there.
Um hmm.
I like to look at this book from time to time
and just imagine all of the couples who've stayed here.
I think the cottage is enchanted.
Enchanted?
Yeah, I think that every time
couples come into the cottage,
their love was somehow magnified.
Hmm.
So, what do you think?
I admit this place has its charm its...
Well, I have it on first hand account
that this place is not only charming, it's enchanted.
Isn't that right?
(chuckles) Yeah.
I know that if we spent our honeymoon here,
we will live happily ever after.
So, what do you say?
If it makes you happy we can stay here.
Great, then it's settled.
Mrs. Minnett, I will get you a check
and Susan and I will pick out a date.
Oliver.
Oh, sorry, we have to go.
Good to see you Mrs. Minnett.
It was great to see you.
And thank you um?
Oh, Laura.
Laura.
We'll be seeing you again shortly I'm sure.
It's good to see you again.
- Good to see you as well. - Nice to meet you.
[Susan] Likewise.
Take care.
Bye.
(phone rings)
[Oliver] Hello?
Hey, what's up?
What?
[Susan] Who was that?
Turn on the TV.
[News Reporter] Lots of smoke.
The 2nd tower, we still see flames coming out of the window.
[News Reporter] Appears to be absolutely nothing wrong
with the building. (mumbles)
While you say Prairie Hill.
(explosion booms)
(siren wails)
[News Reporter] Holy shit, Mark.
(men yelling) (crowd exclaiming)
[Susan] Oliver, what is this?
(crowd overpowers Oliver's voice)
Can't you see?
We're at war.
I can hear you.
(crowd cheers)
I can hear you, the rest of the world hears you.
And the people who knocked these buildings down
will hear all of us soon.
(crowd cheers)
[Crowd] U.S.A., U.S.A., U.S.A., U.S.A.
Dad!
Dad?
Why are my orders being reconsidered?
I have no idea.
Of course you don't.
Did you call your friend in the State Department
and have him change my deployment?
Why would you do that?
Why?
You're my son.
I don't want you putting your life...
That is not your decision to make.
Going off to war is a mistake.
If you're determined to serve,
at least you can serve your time here in the states.
I'm gonna do this whether you want me to or not.
I have to.
You don't understand.
There are no heroes in war.
Just the dead.
Let everyone else go off and fight.
Why of all the paths you could take, must it be this one?
If anything happened to you, your mother...
Do not make this about mom.
I promised I'd watch...
And you have.
But right now the country needs everyone they can get.
Did you see what they did to us?
If I don't go I will regret it for the rest of my life.
You need to make this right Dad.
(sad, thoughtful music)
(sighs)
Dear Mrs. Minnett.
I wanted to first thank you for your kindness
in showing Oliver and me around
when we visited your lovely cottage.
Unfortunately we will have to wait to celebrate our wedding
and honeymoon as Oliver has been called to duty overseas.
At the moment I am not sure when we will be wanting to stay.
It is our intention to celebrate our honeymoon there
when he returns and I will keep you posted as his schedule
and your plans become more clear.
And he wanted to let you know
that he looks forward to staying there
and wanted me to send a check
to pay for any inconvenience that we may have caused.
Again, thank you for the effort
you have put in on our behalf.
Sincerely, Susan Layton.
I know that the families of our military are praying
that all those who serve will return safely and soon.
Millions of Americans are praying with you
for the safety of your loved ones
and for the protection of the innocent.
Oh!
Laura you startled me.
Quick, come in.
Hey, what's going on?
I heard the car and saw those people.
Are you okay?
I need your help.
Okay, were those guys military?
What's going on?
Remember that young marine who wanted to stay here
for his honeymoon?
Mr. Bradshaw?
Yes.
Well he's here and he's not well.
Not well?
Where is he?
He's down there.
Oh God.
What happened to him?
Who were those people?
His friends I imagine.
Is he okay?
What happened to him?
He just said he was injured.
Well he has a fever.
Look, I don't think we should be doing this.
Did they leave a number or anything?
No and he insisted that we tell no one that he's here.
Why?
Come on, his family's going to be wondering where he is.
Are you sure the hospital even let him leave?
'Cause you could get in a lotta trouble for this.
I'm aware.
Alright, but they shouldn't have moved him.
Alright he may have told you he was ready, but he wasn't.
I will see what I can do.
But if he doesn't get better soon,
we have to take him back to the hospital.
Understood?
Of course.
Alright Oliver.
What happened to you?
Hey.
How is he?
A little better I think.
He's gonna need something for his pain,
but I have a friend at the V.A. who owes me a favor
so I can probably find out what kind of medications
he left behind at the hospital.
I'm just gonna head into work to make the calls
and then get him what he needs.
You can't leave.
What am I supposed to do while you're gone?
Just keep him hydrated as best you can.
Give him water or juice.
He's taking small sips now.
And I'll be back with something as soon as I can.
Okay?
Okay, thank you Laura.
Alright.
(unsettling music)
(machine guns fire)
I was worried about you for a while there Oliver.
How are you feeling?
I've been better.
Are you hungry?
I mean you should eat.
I brought soup.
That's some of the best soup I've ever had.
It's Mrs. Minnett's secret recipe.
Well I read over your medical record
and, I mean I don't have to tell you
what happened to your face and chest.
So you're gonna need some physical therapy
and maybe some help to get past the trauma
of what you've experienced.
Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?
No.
Why did you leave the hospital?
I couldn't stand all the people starring at me.
And they were whispering under their breaths.
I didn't wanna, I didn't want them to see me.
Who?
My father and Susan.
So I had a couple of my buddies bring me here.
Why here?
It's the most secluded place I could think of.
And I thought I could use a little enchantment.
Do you have a mirror?
Maybe not now.
Please.
You know but you've been through a lot.
And your family has to be worried.
You can give me their number.
I'll call, let 'em know you're okay.
Do you have my things?
Um, yeah.
This?
Could you bring that to me please?
[Laura] Hey, do you want me to get you something?
No, thank you.
If you don't mind, I'd like to be alone.
(suspenseful music)
Mr. Bradshaw I was just thinking that.
Don't.
Please.
(melancholy music)
I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry this happened to you.
Hi, my name is Laura.
I was hoping to speak with a Mr. Bradshaw.
Your father's here to see you.
Don't look.
Let me see.
They did quite a number on you son.
Is there where you tell me you told me so?
If so I don't wanna talk about it.
What were you thinking leaving the hospital?
You had me worried to death.
Well you're through hiding out.
Do you understand?
No.
I don't understand.
Can you just skip the lecture?
I'm not in the mood for it.
I didn't come all this way just to leave you here.
You're going back home where you can recover.
It's not gonna do you any good staying here
feeling sorry for yourself.
There are soldiers in far worse condition.
You don't see them hiding themselves from the world.
That's why they call it hiding.
Don't be so dramatic.
You make it sound like being sent home
is a prison sentence.
I don't wanna argue with you,
but right now I'm not going anywhere.
And what do I tell Susan?
Tell her whatever you want.
Do you understand?
I just want to be left alone.
I coulda known better.
Who's been taking care of him?
A neighbor.
She's a nurse and a friend.
She comes by when she's not at the hospital.
Is she good?
Oliver seems to think so.
Let me know what she needs to take care of him full time.
Whatever she needs, twice her hospital salary
if that'll do it.
I'll cover all the costs.
He may be an ass but he's still my son.
Let me know if he needs anything, okay?
I will.
(thoughtful music)
You know you're quite the mystery to me.
(scoffs) Yeah, how's that?
Well you just seem to appear whenever I need you
and I don't really know anything about you.
Alright well, what would you like to know?
I don't know, tell me anything.
My life's not very interesting.
I've been lying in a bed for several weeks right now
and everything is interesting.
Okay, well my parents died a few years ago.
I don't have any brothers or sisters.
I've lived in White Oak my whole life.
I've never really left.
I'm a nurse, but you know that.
I like to read.
I don't know.
Fascinating.
I guess that covers it all.
Romances?
Oh, I'm sorry.
You don't have to talk about it
- if you don't want to. - No, no, it's okay.
I know this sounds kind of stupid,
but the truth is I've never really had a boyfriend.
Never ever?
You're making fun of me, aren't you?
No, no.
Why would that be funny?
I'm awkward.
At least around men I'm awkward.
You don't seem that way around me.
Yeah, you're a patient.
Well, no and a friend.
And a friend.
I, oh it's just that I don't have to impress you.
Well not that I would have to impress a man.
It's just you know I wouldn't wanna act like an idiot
in front of someone, especially you know someone
whom I found attractive.
Well not that I find you attractive.
Well no no, wait and not that you're not attractive,
because you are, very, like attractive.
Okay, I'm shutting up now.
(laughs) Sorry.
You know I really like you Laura.
I like you too.
Mr. Bradshaw, you have a visitor.
I'm sorry sir.
Mrs. Minnett, I am not in the mood for visitors right now.
So I take it I'm an intrusion.
No sir, it's...
Maury Hillgrove, pleasure to meet you.
Major Maury Hillgrove.
Did Veteran Affairs send you?
No, I decided to stop by and introduce myself.
Let you know that if you need anyone to talk to,
I'm available.
So then my father sent you?
I think your father thought you might appreciate a friend.
I think my father missed the point.
I came here for the express purpose of being alone.
They told me you were injured.
I have burns, scars on my face and chest.
I keep hearing sounds of the war.
I can't sleep.
I have a reoccurring nightmare where.
Sir, I don't mean to be rude,
but if you came here to give me some sort of pep talk
or tell me how everything is going to be just fine...
I wouldn't presume to tell you how you should feel.
Wouldn't do any good.
I am gonna have to agree with you.
Look, I just came here to introduce myself.
I came to be the conduit for you to see the outside world.
Frankly, for someone who's blind, I've seen a great deal.
I've seen men just like you.
You didn't like the life you had before.
And now that it's gone, you want it back so badly
you can't appreciate the life ahead of you.
You don't know anything about me.
True.
Your father said that he didn't want you to serve.
Do you doubt your service now?
It was a waste of time and it was a waste of lives.
We could argue that.
It depends on your point of view.
Did you ever serve in combat sir?
Vietnam, lost my eyesight there.
[Oliver] Sorry.
You adapt.
You know sometimes an injury can help you see
the beauty that you couldn't see before.
[Oliver] How's that?
Well I have to rely on my other senses.
Touch, smell, sound.
I mean the world's exactly the same.
But the appreciation is vastly different.
Oh and better.
You can't tell me that you don't miss your eyesight.
Oh, I do, I do time and again.
But I've realized that no matter how much I dwelt on it,
nothing was going to change.
If I wanted to be happier
I had to make it happen for myself.
And I also realized just 'cause you're injured
your life isn't over.
I think we'll just have to agree to disagree then.
Or you could just take my word for it.
All I can say is that, it gets easier.
Well, I don't wanna overstay my welcome.
It's usually about this point
that I'm asked if I'm coming back.
Will you?
I thought you'd never ask.
(peaceful music)
(Oliver sighs)
Shouldn't you buy me a drink first?
- Buy you a drink? - Yeah.
Oh, I don't think so.
You know when you can walk again,
you'll be doing the buying.
Which won't take very long.
Before you know it, you're going to be running.
Will I be a good dancer too?
Yeah, of course.
Great, 'cause I was awful before.
(laughing) Okay, you're terrible.
Just keep pumping those legs.
They're not gonna rebuild themselves.
Yes.
We can make him better than he was before.
Better, stronger, faster. (laughs)
Who knows.
- Six billion dollar man? - Yeah.
Well who doesn't?
My dad and I used to watch old reruns when I was a kid.
Da na na na na na na na na.
[Both] Da na na na na na na na na.
(Laura laughing)
Da na na na na na na na na.
Surprise.
What, you're transferring me to a senior citizen center?
It's a walker.
You know I think I preferred it when you drove me hoke.
Ah well, I'm so sorry Mrs. Daisy,
but you're gonna have to find your way
to the Piggly Wiggly all on your own from now on.
You ready to try to walk?
Okay, so the first thing we need to do is just to stand up.
But to do that you're going to
push with your arms up on the walker, okay?
And then you're gonna just stand up really straight.
Ready?
Push, there you go.
(Oliver grunts) Good.
Alright.
That's okay.
That was the easy part.
(Oliver scoffs) Now can you take
a couple of steps?
Okay, so we're just gonna do the same thing
over and over again, right?
We're gonna push forward, gonna take a few steps
and then you're gonna stand up straight.
Okay, ready?
Push forward.
Good.
Okay, again.
Push forward.
Take a couple steps.
Stand up really straight.
Good.
See?
I feel like I should be recording this or something.
You're like Neil Armstrong
taking your first steps on the moon, you know?
Good.
Keep going.
Nice and slow.
(dramatic music)
He was in great spirits.
It was one of those amazing learning things.
I could actually hear him smiling.
I can see how that might be rewarding
on a number of levels.
So how 'bout you?
What about me?
Smiling these days?
A bit.
Eh, that's a start.
I've told ya, the inside takes
[Both] Much longer than the outside to heal.
Yes.
Once or twice.
You also told me I'd start to learn who I'm to become.
But, I only seem to know who I'm not.
Hmm.
What do I do?
Do I just wait until I wake up one morning
and know who I am?
I suspect that until you let go of who you were,
you won't be able to define who you are.
You need to resolve things with the people you left behind.
The ones you're hiding from.
My father.
And Susan.
Um hmm.
Oliver.
You might not wanna come any closer.
I brought you something.
Thanks.
You know I love you, no matter what's happened to you.
Really?
How can you say that?
I haven't seen you for months.
Why didn't you call me?
I wasn't ready.
Nothing?
I take it my father didn't tell you what to expect.
It's not that I just...
Didn't expect a freak?
You know what, I'm sorry.
I knew that this was a bad idea.
I'm not longer the pretty picture of a husband
that you had in mind.
And can you imagine, family formal dinners?
I'd have everyone talking, oh poor Susan.
It's such a pity.
Oliver I haven't said anything yet.
I know.
But your silence has spoken volumes.
I saw those same looks in the hospital.
It's what happens next that's worse.
But, you have to see it all to get the full picture.
Oliver what are you doing?
You wanted to see me.
So look.
(somber music)
I'd wanted to write you, but since you've come,
I think it's only fair that you heard it from me directly.
I don't wanna be in this relationship anymore.
What do you mean Oliver?
You know what I mean.
It's a mercy, really.
I don't want to be engaged.
I don't want to get married.
And I don't want to be in a relationship with you anymore.
Why, Oliver?
Do you really have to make this worse than it already is?
Is it really necessary for everybody to know why?
Isn't it enough that this is what I want?
I love you.
Do you?
You wanna know the truth Susan?
The truth is that our parents set us up when we were kids.
Not because they thought
that we were perfect for each other,
but because they thought
our families would be stronger together.
And you know what, they were probably right.
But everything has changed and I am not that man anymore.
I was only doing what I was supposed to do.
You understand.
Now go.
Trust me.
Your life will be much better without me.
I don't think I've been very good
at following the Major's advice lately.
Why is that?
I wasn't ready for Susan's reaction.
What happened?
Well the short version is that we broke up.
But, that still doesn't justify the way I handled it.
So what are you gonna do?
What can I do?
She'll be much better off without me.
Laura, just wanted to say I really appreciate these walks.
They really mean a lot.
Help me to...
Yeah, I.
I know, me too.
So anyway, the Major says that if I wanna fully recover
I have to figure out who I am.
(laughs) On the inside?
Um hmm.
Yeah.
And I never really thought about it before
and I had ideas what I wanted to do, who I wanted to be.
But I don't know.
Have you ever asked yourself what do I want?
For me it's easy.
You know it's a simple life,
a successful career, a husband, maybe children.
You know I guess everything society says
you're supposed to want. (laughs)
I used to think that's what I wanted.
But now I don't know, everything just seems so cloudy.
Well I guess we'll have to wait and see, huh?
Or get you a new crystal ball.
Right now I think I'd settle for a Magic 8-Ball.
(laughing)
Yes.
Check back later.
(gentle music)
[Oliver] Why are we making spaghetti again?
Ah, you'll see.
Ah, and the mysterious shroud
around the pasta preparation continues.
I know.
Ooo yeah, here.
Open your mouth.
What, no, what are you doing?
Just trust me, look that way.
- No. (laughs) - Here, yeah, huh?
Alright now eat.
(Laura giggling)
Okay, all we need
is an accordion playing in the background.
(chuckles) Are you two gonna keep goofing off
or are you ready to take food to the table?
So what is the big mystery?
I made spaghetti in honor of Tom's birthday.
It was his favorite meal.
Tom preferred staying home with me
and eating my spaghetti over having a party
or going out to eat.
They don't make 'em like Tom anymore.
(laughs) No offense meant Oliver.
Oh, none taken.
Have you thought about dating though?
No.
It's different when you're with the right person.
I don't need to date anyone else.
No, I'll see him soon enough.
Well, I'm gonna leave the two of you to dinner
and I'm gonna go visit my husband.
That was sweet.
And kinda sad.
I envy them.
Oh, you make it sound like
it's something you'll never have.
Oh, stop.
(giggling)
Where's the pasta sauce?
Over there.
(peaceful music)
What?
It's okay.
(tense tones)
I'm not okay Laura.
When I was in Iraq it was...
A few of us got orders to set up a perimeter.
My buddies and me.
It's hot there.
The heat hits you in the face like a brick.
You can barely breathe, you can barely see.
I heard all hell breaking loose.
Machines guns, artillery, RPGs.
There was a crowd coming towards us.
We yelled at them to stay back.
But there was too many of them.
And the people started scrambling and I only had
a second or so to see whether any of them had guns.
We had a very strict policy on not engaging civilians.
I remember there was this one woman.
She was staring at me and all I could see was her eyes.
She was calling for her husband
and she was trying to push back me
and I was holding her back.
I shoulda kept my eyes open.
The next thing I knew an RPG went off.
My buddy Ramirez, he was there.
Then he was gone.
Then I felt this stinging on my face,
on my hair, I was on fire.
Then I fell over.
And they were on me, pecking at me like birds.
People, punching me, slapping me, spitting on me.
And half of my face was in the sand
and I was almost nose to nose with O'Donnell,
this farmer from Iowa.
He was ripped in half.
And I kept staring at his face.
His eyes, it was like he was asking me to help him,
but there was nothing I could do.
Then I heard the rumbling of the 50 cal.
Mowing down everyone around me.
Everyone was gone.
Except me.
I remember being looked at and carried off.
And then darkness.
So every time a glass breaks or a door slams,
I'm back there.
I keep replaying it in my mind over and over
like a broken record.
Maybe if I'd paid a little bit more attention
I could've done something.
My friends wouldn't be dead.
It shoulda been me.
I'm sorry.
Excuse me.
Oliver.
How was your visit?
The day's always hard.
Laura, are you okay?
I'm fine.
I'm not fine.
Well it's Oliver,
he had a rough night.
He told me about what happened to him
and I don't think he was ready to talk about it.
Laura I think I should raise a concern.
Alright.
What is the nature of your interest in Oliver?
I...
I think I might be starting to have feelings for him.
And my interests lie somewhere in that.
I know, I know I shouldn't feel anything.
He's a patient, but, we have this connection.
Is it a connection or is it pity?
Oh I'm not sure.
[Mrs. Minnett] Laura!
I know, I know.
I'm not gonna tell you what you should do.
But I don't wanna see you get hurt.
Or him.
He's been through enough.
He has to get back to his life.
I know.
But, I don't wanna let him go.
(peaceful, pensive music)
Morning.
Good morning.
We need to talk.
That's usually the universal sign for bad news.
Oh, I just wanted to let you know,
I need to go back to work.
They need me and I feel like I should move on.
Wait a minute, I still need you.
No, no you don't.
Every day you're better, stronger.
And I feel like I might just be holding you back now.
I don't understand.
Um,
I think that I,
I think that I might be starting to have feelings for you
and I'm not supposed to do that.
So I need to get back to work, back to my life
and so do you.
So I just, I just wanted to say goodbye.
I'm sorry, I have to go.
Wait, wait, wait.
What if,
what if there was something more between us?
What do you mean?
What if,
what if I asked you to marry me?
(scoffs) What?
What if I was your husband?
Okay well what do you mean by that?
If you want me to marry you
so that you have someone to take care of you,
there must be dozens of beautiful women
would be willing to do that.
A beautiful woman?
What beautiful woman would wanna marry me?
I see.
You want me to marry you because I possess
the special qualification of being unattractive.
- No Laura. - I see.
No.
What I meant was that, no one would ever take the time
to get to know me or to accept me for who I am.
Who you are.
That's the question, isn't it?
It is.
I know that no one will ever wanna be with me.
The way that I look.
I just, I thought that we could live together
and be friends.
I know that I can't offer you anything more than that.
I'm sorry I hurt your feelings.
Don't be.
It's not like I'm unaware of how I look.
I guess it was just the shock of hearing it put so bluntly.
You know you need to understand something.
If you ever approach a woman who is unattractive
the way you just did, remember this:
Okay, even an ugly woman, as conscious as she may be
of her defects has dreams.
Okay, dreams where she is lovely and desirable.
And to spare her, to complete an awakening is a charity.
Laura.
Will you just think about it?
(somber music)
Laura?
Yeah, yes I'm Laura.
You must be Mr. Bradshaw.
It's a pleasure to meet you.
Well I wish it were under better circumstances.
I must admit it was a surprise
when I received the phone call from my son
telling me he was getting married.
It was even more of a surprise to find out
it wasn't to his fiance.
An explanation please.
Well Oliver and I have grown close
over the past few months.
(chuckles) And you actually think he loves you?
I don't know.
I don't mean to spoil the illusion
but I think we both know better than that.
Oliver hasn't been himself since he returned.
You have to know that.
So, what is it?
Why are you doing it?
If it's a matter of money, I can take care of that.
Wait, you're here to get rid of me, aren't you?
I'm here to prevent a mistake that should never happen.
What do you want Laura?
$100,000?
- No. - A million.
No there isn't any amount I would take.
Okay, it isn't about that for me.
[Mr. Bradshaw] Enlighten me please.
I love Oliver.
That's not true.
If you loved him, you'd know he's in
no position to decide to get married.
Look, I thought I could leave.
I tried, okay?
But I can't.
Look I don't know what you've been through Mr. Bradshaw,
and I, I can't imagine what it must be like
to have a son injured in the war.
And I know you only wish what is best for Oliver.
I do.
So do I.
Look, I am a woman of no great distinction.
Okay, I know I'm not what many would consider pretty.
I'm not from a family of great affluence.
When all is said and done, I'm not sure if my life
will have mattered to anyone when I die.
But I can tell you this.
Oliver will not be unhappy.
Look, in the short time that I have known him,
his life has been better because of me.
He's not the person he used to be.
And you're right, he's not the person he's going to be yet.
But, if I can help him to find himself again,
then, then I think that is a worthy cause for my life.
Every person has a value, Mr. Bradshaw,
but that value is not measured in position or possessions.
A person's value is measured in love.
And if that is true, then Oliver is going to be
the richest man in the world.
I don't wanna lose my son.
[Laura] Oh you won't.
You're a strong woman Laura.
I am.
I'm realizing now that my coming here is a mistake.
I thought that you would have more sense.
Oliver's going to do what he's going to do.
I just want you to know I don't agree with this decision.
I know.
Take care of my son.
I will.
(gentle, happy music)
(sad music)
Why aren't you talking to me?
You know the reason.
(laughs) No, I don't.
We shouldn't have gotten married.
Are you giving up already.
I'm not giving up.
Okay, then what is it?
'Cause if you didn't wanna do this,
then why did you ask me in the first place?
You're the one who told me.
I married you because I didn't wanna face the world.
Laura.
What?
I'm sorry.
Don't be.
It's my fault.
I feel like such an idiot.
I don't wanna hurt you, it's just...
Just what?
I'm doing this for you.
Oh please, spare me.
I've come up with every rationalization
to justify marrying you.
I didn't wanna be alone.
I wanted someone to take care of me.
Everything was I, I, I,
- I was being selfish. - Don't, don't.
Don't lie to me.
I'm not what you want.
I never have been.
You're wrong.
You are the kindest person I have ever met.
You understand me better than anyone.
I know how selfish I've been lately.
The only reason anyone would wanna marry me
is out of pity.
You're wrong you know.
[Oliver] What do you mean?
I didn't marry you out of pity.
Then why did you do it?
(gentle music)
Because, I love you.
You love me?
Since the moment I met you.
But, Laura.
How could you love me?
You know who I am, you know what happened to me.
I know and I want you to be happy.
So, if ending our marriage will do that, then,
I get it.
No you don't.
Laura.
There are 1001 ways that you have saved me since I met you.
You're the finest person I've ever met.
You're smart, you're funny,
you're beautiful.
I'm not.
You are.
You're the most beautiful woman I've ever met.
Laura, I love you.
I do.
I love you Laura.
That was...
Beautiful.
I love you Oliver.
I love you too.
(giggling)
(sighs)
Sex is great.
No, I know you read about it and everything,
but oh that was awesome.
I feel pretty good myself.
Seriously?
Um hmm.
Just okay?
You gotta be kidding me.
That was amazing.
Just wait until I get better at it.
You think you're up for a challenge?
Yeah.
Alright, I guess we'll find out.
I guess so.
Where are you going?
Oh, we never had a chance to eat our wedding cake.
And I don't know what you're supposed to eat
after making love for the first time,
but cake sounds kind of amazing.
I'll get a knife.
Here.
Let's do it right.
Aw, very romantic.
Hmm, that's pretty good.
Umm, that's freaking good cake.
[Laura] Um hmm.
You know what?
I'm happy.
Me too.
So husband,
see I need to come up with a better nickname for you.
Husband doesn't sound quite right.
How about, genius?
Ooo, ooo, ooo, or your highness?
Oh!
How about ass?
I like it.
(laughing)
It fits well.
You know, I always knew you were gonna be my husband.
You did?
Um hmm.
I know this sounds silly, but I don't know,
there was something about you,
something about your face that seemed,
I don't know, familiar.
Like a puzzle piece that fits right.
(giggles)
You're so handsome Oliver.
What?
Your face, your scars, they're...
What?
Come on look, look.
I don't understand.
How could, they're, they're gone.
Okay, that's impossible.
Or it's a miracle, I mean it could be a miracle, right?
Laura, it's not just me.
Look at yourself.
(gasps) Oh my God.
Oh my God.
This just doesn't make any sense.
It doesn't.
I mean this can't be real, right?
It has to be a dream or something.
Things like this aren't possible,
they don't just happen.
They don't, no.
Well then, there has to be some explanation.
I think I know what it is.
What?
The cottage.
It has to be, right?
The cottage?
Yeah, it's enchanted, remember?
Oh come on, you don't believe that the cottage
is actually enchanted, do you?
No, think about it.
All of the happy couples who've been through here.
It has to be connected to that in some way.
- Don't you think? - No.
Okay maybe, I don't know.
Maybe there's something in the book.
The one that I showed you when you first visited.
You know what?
Right now, I don't wanna know.
(happy music)
(laughing)
Of course Laura, is everything okay?
Yes, maybe.
I'm not sure.
Your phone call had me worried.
What's going on?
Wait, something's different.
Did you do something to the room?
No.
Hmm.
Something's different.
I don't think you'll be able to guess this Major.
[Oliver] You're here.
Are you two gonna keep me in suspense?
What is it that you couldn't tell me on the telephone?
You might wanna sit down.
Alright, now I'm really concerned.
(Laura chuckles)
[Oliver] We need some advice.
Advice?
I'm not sure how to say this.
You're never going to believe us.
What?
I'm beautiful.
It's true, she is.
She's absolutely beautiful.
Beautiful, okay.
I don't understand.
Feel my face.
Feel that?
My scars are gone.
How could this have happened?
I don't know.
I'm not sure I understand everything.
It's starting to scare me Major.
Why?
Well, I know what I'm about to say sounds crazy,
but Laura thinks that we're under a,
I don't know any other way to say it,
but some sort of spell or enchantment
and that somehow the cottage is what allowed it to happen.
What's the cottage got to do with this?
Well you just felt it.
You said there was something about the cottage,
that there was something different about it.
Yes, well I'm not sure that's what I meant
when I said that.
Let's take a deep breath.
When did this change happen?
Shortly after the wedding.
Almost as soon as we entered the cottage.
Yeah, it was right after dinner.
It was a gradual change.
It didn't happen all at once.
I just remember looking at Laura
and she was so beautiful.
And Oliver's change was different.
His scars seemed to go away a little bit at a time.
I have to admit, this is,
it's hard to understand.
But isn't this good?
[Laura] Yes.
So what's the problem?
Well Laura has it in her head
that if it is some sort of enchantment,
I can't believe I'm saying this but,
well then if it is, if we leave the cottage
it will go away and we'll go back to the way that we were.
That's why we wanted to talk to you.
We thought you might be able to explain it.
Because we can't.
And I mean right, there has to be some sort of explanation?
Well you know I've prayed for miracles myself.
I have a faith that if you believe and if you pray,
anything can happen.
But if I were you, I would spend less time asking why
and more time enjoying
this incredible gift you've been given.
As for how long it's going to last,
well that's one of life's surprising things.
You never know anything until you know.
So just be thankful.
You've been given a gift that no one I know
has ever been given.
I am thankful.
We both are.
Well a miracle has certainly happened here tonight,
one way or another.
You've given me something quite remarkable to think about.
I don't think I'm gonna sleep tonight.
It's not often you get to ponder real life miracles.
I'm gonna leave you two here.
The last thing you need is me here during your honeymoon.
Come on Major.
Thanks Major, goodnight.
Goodnight.
So, do you believe his theory?
A heaven sent miracle?
I don't know, do you?
I don't know what to believe.
Me either.
Was it something you wanna keep a secret?
I don't know that we could even if we wanted to.
Sooner or later everyone's gonna find out.
I'd like to tell my father first.
Sure.
We'll see if he can come over tomorrow.
Have the Major talk to him first.
Okay.
Well, 'til then, goodnight James and Kate Winslow.
Goodnight Jack and Rose.
It doesn't say that.
Don't let go Jack.
Don't ever let go.
You're so cold.
Stop.
Goodnight Oliver and Laura Bradshaw.
They are my favorite couple.
Mine too.
I'll race you there.
(Laura giggles)
(knocking at door)
Come in.
Mr. Bradshaw, I presume.
Hello Major.
I didn't expect to see you here.
Oliver called, said he,
wanted to discuss a family matter.
He asked me to speak to you first.
What's this about?
Where is he?
Oh, he'll be right down.
He wanted me to prepare you.
For what?
Just some good news.
Do you believe in miracles?
(laughs) Miracles.
Modern miracles.
Miracles that can happen to you or to me.
I can't say that I do.
Well if you don't, this is going to be interesting.
It's what Oliver asked me to share with you.
A miracle has happened to them.
They can't explain it, but they've both been touched
by a power beyond what we know.
They've changed.
Changed.
Yes, Oliver is healed.
His injuries are completely gone.
And Laura, I know that you did not approve
of his choice of a wife, but she is as beautiful
as the deepest meaning of the word.
You don't expect me to believe that.
I didn't expect that you would.
But, I've done what was requested of me anyway.
Mr. Bradshaw, if I may, a bit of advice.
Your son has come a long way since he arrived here.
Give him at least the courtesy
of a reserved response on your part.
I'll keep that in mind.
Thank you.
Oliver, Laura, it's time.
Thanks for coming Dad.
[Mr. Bradshaw] Son.
You've met Laura.
It's nice to see you again.
How's my son been treating you?
He's been wonderful.
We've been very happy.
Then marriage suits you.
Thank you.
Would you like to have a seat?
Thank you.
So, Hillgrove told me about this change.
It's amazing, isn't it?
We didn't know what to make of it at first.
It was actually a bit of an adjustment getting use to it,
but we've been so happy.
Dad, I know who I am, I know what I wanna do.
And the first thing I wanna say is I'm sorry.
I realize I haven't really been myself lately.
And I want to apologize for that.
You've reminded me about my commitments
and I know you've wanted me
to work with you for a while now,
and I think I'm ready to do that.
Well that's a pleasant surprise.
I just have one caveat.
I appreciate that you sent the Major
to come and speak with me and so long as we can
dedicate some of our resources to his work,
I'd like to come and work with you
and keep the family business together.
I'd love to help.
Just let us know what you need Major.
Thank you, I will.
No, it's the least we can do.
It's great to see that you're feeling better.
I guess I owe thanks to both of you.
And you too Laura.
I always told Oliver to get a woman of good character.
This is a good change for him.
He always seemed to have his on just the pretty ones.
(sad music)
She's a strong woman.
You're lucky to have her.
I'm sorry, but I have to leave.
It's good to see you on your feet again.
When you finish your recovery, we'll talk some more
about your plans.
Recovery?
Well we don't have to talk about that now.
When you're ready, I know a great plastic surgeon
that can help you with your scars.
I'm so glad you reached out to me.
We'll have you back at 100%, no time.
Well, I (chuckles)
I'm sorry I have to run Laura, Major.
[Major] Good day.
Yeah.
I'm, I'm really happy for you.
Thanks Dad.
Bye.
I don't understand, he said I still have scars.
And he thought I was.
This doesn't make sense.
Can you see anything?
No.
Do you see my scars at all?
No, I can't.
What about me?
You still look just as beautiful.
This makes no sense.
Mrs. Minnett!
I'm sorry.
I wanted to protect you from this.
From what?
I don't understand.
We haven't changed, have we?
Did you always know?
Yes.
I have.
Mrs. Minnett.
Please tell me the truth.
Can you see my scars, my burns.
Or what about Laura, does she look different?
Has her appearance changed at all?
No.
Mrs. Minnett, look at us.
There's no change in our appearance?
None.
Why are you so upset?
Just because I can't see it or your father can't?
Do you wanna know the secret?
The enchantment that this cottage holds.
You love each other.
You've fallen in love.
And a man and woman in love have a gift of sight
that isn't granted to other people.
Keep your love strong.
Keep it burning.
And I promise you, you'll never be anything to one another
but handsome and beautiful.
Mrs. Minnett, care to walk me out?
I would love to.
Thank you Major.
Laura.
Look at me.
No matter what happens, I will always love you.
You're the most beautiful woman in the world.
Inside and out.
I love you Oliver, I always have, always will.
You know, we never got to write our name
on the windows with the other couples.
Well I guess it's about time we did.
After you, Mrs. Bradshaw.
(gentle, happy music)
Subtitles by explosiveskull