My Sister's Keeper script

When I was a kid, my mother told me that I was a little piece of blue sky...
... that came into this world because she and Dad loved me so much.
It was only later that I realied that it wasn't e!actly true.
Most babies are coincidences.
I mean, up in space you "ot all these souls flyin" around...
... lookin" for bodies to live in.
#hen, down here on $arth, two people have se! or whatever...
... and bam, coincidence.
Sure, you hear all these stories about how everyone plans these perfect
families...
... but the truth is that most babies...
... are products of drunken evenin"s and lack of birth control.
#hey're accidents.
%nly people who have trouble makin" babies actually plan for them.
I, on the other hand, am not a coincidence.
I was en"ineered.
&orn for a particular reason.
' scientist hooked up my mother's e""s and my father's sperm...
... to make a specific combination of "enes.
(e did it to save my sister's life.
Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if Kate had been healthy.
I'd probably still be up in heaven or wherever...
... waitin" to be attached to a body down here on $arth.
&ut coincidence or not...
... I'm here.
What can I do for you)
*ourteen karat "old, hardly ever worn.
#hat's my sister, Kate.
She's dyin".
Montana) I don't "et it.
+ It looks like a whole bunch of nothin". + It is a whole bunch of nothin".
+ ,ust you and the bi" old sky. + Why do you like it)
I don't know. I like bi" thin"s. I like wide+open spaces.
&esides, it's the only place I've ever been.
#hat's Mom and 'unt Kelly makin" dinner.
Since my sister "ot sick, thin"s have chan"ed.
'unt Kelly only works part+time and Mom -uit her .ob as a lawyer.
(er life now revolves around keepin" Kate alive.
/ookin" and cleanin".
$verythin" steamed, or"anic and "erm+free.
+ (ave a "ood ni"ht. + &ye.
I "uess you could say that we're a little dysfunctional.
&ut everybody loves each other, and we do the best we can.
+ #hat's not a word. + What about that lan"ua"e)
+ 0ice shirt, sissy. + 1ood, ri"ht)
+ (ey, Mom, you wanna see our routine) + What routine)
+ /ome on, 'nna, let's do it. + (ey, baby, what's your si"n)
+ /ancer. + 2ou're a /ancer)
+ 0o, I'm a 3eo... + &ut I have cancer.
+ It's not even funny. + 2es, it is.
I a"ree with Dad. + It was pretty clever.
+ &oo. + &oo.
It's not funny. It's not.
0ice. 0ice. #hese your kids)
2es, they are. 4uestion is, are they yours)
2ou believe that) (ey, sweetie, where's your locket)
%h, I didn't feel like wearin" it today.
+ $at, Kate. + I'm eatin".
Is it not "ood) + It's really "ood, Mom.
It's "ood to me.
I have lentils in the frid"e if you want some.
I'm fine, Mom.
+ 2ou're not hun"ry) + I bet she needs to breathe a little bit.
+ Maybe you should try to breathe a bit. + Maybe I will a bit later.
1ross.
+ Where are you "oin") + &athroom, wanna come)
Will you breathe on me later)
(avin" a child who is sick is a full+time occupation.
Sure, we still en.oy the usual day+to+day happinesses of family life.
&i" house, "reat kids, beautiful wife.
&ut beneath the e!terior, there are cracks...
... resentments...
... alliances that threaten the very foundation of our lives...
... as at any moment our whole world could come tumblin" down.
I don't know when it started, but probably around 55 it was 567.
(ey, what's "oin" on) + 2our sister's sick.
She's been up all ni"ht with a fever.
Kate)
Kate)
(ey.
2ou ready) /ome on, let's "o.
're you sure you want to do this)
2ou know you're nuts, ri"ht)
+ I'll be ri"ht back. + 'll ri"ht, I'll be waitin".
When 'nna *it"erald first stepped into my office...
... I thou"ht she was sellin" 1irl Scout cookies.
#hank you.
+ %h, my "osh, it's really you. + It really is.
8I'm /ampbell 'le!ander.
+ I have a 96 percent success rate. + 0inety+one.
What can I do for you)8
2ou've seen my commercials.
'll of them. I mean, that's why I'm here.
+ (i. + :lease don't touch. ,ud"e is a service do".
+ What service) + I have an iron lun"...
...and ,ud"e helps me steer clear of ma"nets.
:lease, sit down.
+ What is your name) + 'nna *it"erald.
What can I do for you, 'nna)
#hat is so cool.
I want to sue my parents for the ri"hts to my own body.
Would you repeat that, please)
I want to sue my parents for the ri"hts to my own body.
My sister has leukemia. #hey're tryin" to force me to "ive her my body
parts.
2ou're supposed to "ive her a kidney)
She's been in renal failure for months now.
0o one can force you to donate if you don't want to, can they)
#hey think they can.
+ I'm under 5;, they're my le"al "uardians. + #hey can't do that.
#hat's what I want you to tell them...
...they've been doin" it to me my whole life.
I wouldn't even be alive if Kate wasn't sick.
I'm a desi"ner baby.
I was made in a dish to be spare parts for Kate.
2ou're kiddin", ri"ht)
#he kid wasn't lyin".
#he doctors started takin" thin"s from her the moment she was born.
/ord blood as an infant, white+cell transfusions...
... bone marrow, lymphocytes...
... in.ections to add more stem cells, and then they took them too.
&ut it was never enou"h.
2ou do know what will happen if you don't "ive your sister your kidney, don't
you)
2eah, she'll die.
So there's a little over < =66 here.
'nd I know that's not enou"h, but it's all I have and I need your help.
:lease.
2ou sure you want to "o throu"h with this)
1ood for you.
It's hard to ima"ine now...
... but there was a time before all this happened...
... when the kids were .ust kids, and everyone was happy.
(i, baby.
+ Where's your sister) + Sleepin".
I tried pokin" her and everythin".
(ey, Katie+/at.
1ood mornin", sweetie. 're you awake)
(ow you doin")
>ise and shine.
'nemia, ri"ht)
+ Kids her a"e don't "et mono, do they) + /ould be a virus.
I'll have to draw some blood and run a few tests.
Kate's white cell count's much lower than normal.
+ What's that mean) + I don't know.
She may have an autoimmune deficiency.
/ould .ust be a lab error.
%ncolo"y)
&ut that's cancer.
Mr. and Mrs. *it"erald)
I'm Ileana *ar-uad.
(ello. + (i.
So I took a look at Kate's /&/.
(er white blood count is very low.
She's also presentin" with 5?@ promyelocytes and A@ blasts...
...which does indicate a leukemic syndrome.
3eukemic)
/ancer.
I'll need a bone marrow aspiration to confirm...
...but it seems that Kate could have what is called acute promyelocytic
leukemia.
I'm sorry.
>espiration's normal.
St. ,oe's doesn't know shit.
2ou remember when the chief's son was playin" with ,esse and broke his left
arm)
#hey put a cast on his ri"ht.
I'm not "onna let her die.
2ou know that, ri"ht)
I'm not.
(ello)
We heard her cou"hin"...
...but she wouldn't open the door. 2our mom kicked it in.
Kicked the door down) + 2eah.
I haven't "otten in touch with them, she's lost a lot of blood.
We need to "et platelets and fluids into her.
+ I don't want her "oin" into shock. + (er a"e and wei"ht)
*ifteen, she's about 96 pounds, she's aller"ic to penicillin.
%ne+hundred over B;.
%kay, &ase /amp, >escue 55.
We have a 5A+year+old "irl, appro!imately 96 pounds.
+ &: is 566 over B;. + ,esus /hrist.
'll ri"ht, let's "et her up. 2eah.
#here you "o.
We're .ust "onna brin" you downstairs.
0obody's sayin" anythin"...
... but seein" everybody to"ether lets me know that this is serious.
%ur family is kind of disconnected.
Dad's relatives are wealthy and distant, and Mom's side drives her cray.
So besides 'unt Kelly...
... we never really "et to see anybody e!cept on holidays or disasters.
Kate's leukemia is back.
She's no lon"er remissin".
We've looked at her smear, and her leukemic cells are showin" at ?7@.
+ (ow many is bad) + 'ny.
What about chemo)
It's an option, but Kate doesn't seem to take it very well.
'nd her cancer may be too far alon".
So you need more bone marrow)
2es, but the leukemia isn't Kate's bi""est problem now.
She's lost the function of her kidneys.
#hey've -uit.
#hey're "one.
0ot a match) + 0o.
We're her parents, don't we have to be)
$veryone inherits two sets of chromosomes containin" (3' "enes.
Cnfortunately, there's only a 5 in ?66 chance...
...that parents and their children will be perfect histocompatible (3' matches.
What about ,esse)
I'm afraid not.
It's possible that a donor will crop up on the national bone+marrow re"istry.
I thou"ht you said "ettin" a transplant from an unrelated donor was
dan"erous.
I did.
&ut Kate's situation is time+sensitive, and sometimes that's all we've "ot.
I'd like to su""est somethin" completely off the record.
Many times one siblin" isn't a match, but another is.
(ave you considered havin" another child)
0ot to be forward...
...but umbilical blood can be an incredibly effective tool in treatin" leukemic
patients.
It's like a miracle.
Well, how would you know that the new child would be a match)
+ We could make sure of it. + In a test tube)
2es. With preimplantation "enetic dia"nosis, it would be a 566 percent match.
' donor child)
It's not for everybody.
'nd le"ally, I can't even officially recommend it.
&ut like I said, cord blood would be invaluable.
Well, we "otta do it.
We "otta try.
#hat was it.
1rown in a dish, they would have an in vitro child.
' perfect chromosomal match who would be Kate's "enetic savior.
>emember that time where we strapped that fabric on her feet)
Someone here to see you.
Sara *it"erald) + 2es.
2ou've been served.
What is that)
8:etition for medical emancipation by...8
What does that mean)
8#he ability to make future medical decisions independent of parents...
...not to be forced to submit treatment includin" donatin" her kidney.8
'nna, what is this) Is this from you)
2eah, I "ot a lawyer.
2ou're suin" us)
Well, honey, what the hell is "oin" on)
I don't want to do it anymore, Mom.
2ou don't want to do it anymore) #hat's it) 2ou don't want to do it)
0o.
1uess what) 0either do I and neither does Kate.
+ :lease. + It's not like we have a choice.
+ #hat's the thin", I do. I do have a choice. + >eally) Is that so)
+ 2eah. + #hat's your sister. (ave you for"otten)
+ 0o. + Do you know what's "onna happen)
2eah. &elieve it or not, Mom, I actually thou"ht about it.
Sara.
(ave you lost your mind) + What is she doin")
What the hell were you thinkin") + What the hell is she thinkin")
I don't understand...
3et's hit it now, "o.
*it"eraldD
2our wife called, she said to "ive her a call, it's important. 955.
+ ,ust tellin" me now) + I'm not your secretary.
+ 1et your own fri""in" calls. + 1oddamn it, 1us.
'll ri"ht, let's hear it. What's "oin" on)
%kay.
*or"et about the fact that the operation is dan"erous, or that it would
hurt...
...or that I mi"ht not want to have somethin" cut out of me.
&ut if I only have one kidney, then what happens to me)
What if I need it)
'nd am I really never allowed to play sports or be a cheerleader or "et
pre"nant)
/an't drink.
What if I .ust want to live a lon" time)
Sweetheart, you're "onna live a lon" time.
2eah) #hen tell me thisE
What if the transplant doesn't work) What then)
+ She's your sister. + I know thatD &ut I'm not like you, MomD
I see the other kids, I see what they do. #hey "o to parties, the beach.
I don't understand why you didn't say somethin" earlier.
When) When should I talk to you about it)
2ou're never home. 2ou leave me here with her.
$!cuse me) 2ou've never had to do anythin" you don't want to do, and you
know thatD
I always wound up doin" everythin", didn't I)
+ 2ou spoiled shitD + Stop yellin"D
$veryone be -uiet.
We said she "ets the table, she "ets the table.
1o ahead.
>emember how the doctor said if I did the operation...
...I would have to be careful for the rest of my life)
&ut I don't want to be careful. Who wants to live like that)
'nna, listen... + I'm important too, Mom. I'm important too.
+ (ey, now... + 3et me "oD
Mom needs to cool off a bit. She's a little upset.
2eah, I heard her.
81et her out of here. I don't want to look at her face anymore.8
I looked at my dau"hter and wondered how it "ot from there to here.
(eyD + (iD
+ #he truth, the truth. + %kay.
'll ri"ht, so, what do you think)
' bit more salt.
' bit more.
*rom the moment we decided to "enetically conceive...
... I suppose this was the eventual outcome.
It was our fault. We went a"ainst nature and this was our comeuppance.
&ut have we really pushed her too hard)
(ave we forced her into helpin" her sister)
'll those little encoura"ements and rewards, were they real)
%r did we .ust want what we wanted)
She was so little when all this started.
When did she start wantin" to make her own decisions)
It's okay. + I want my daddy.
+ I want my mamaD 0o, pleaseD MamaD + It's okay. I know.
MommyD
I "uess the answer is now.
What do you mean, you don't know)
She won't talk.
2ou know, maybe she .ust wants to be considered.
#ake the credit that it's her decision, I don't know.
+ Maybe it's not cray. + What, you don't want her to do it)
I didn't say that.
&ut it's a"ainst her will, so how does that work)
+ Do you hold her down, or do I) + Don't be dramatic.
2ou "onna take her ankles, I'll take her wrists)
+ She's not a baby. 2ou .ust can't trick her. + I know.
So then what)
+ I don't know. + 2ou want to sedate her)
1et handcuffs, tell her we're "oin" to "et ice cream a"ain)
&ecause if we do, every day for the rest of her life...
...she's "onna look at us like we forced her, like we used her.
+ 'nd she'll be ri"ht. + *or chrissakes, &rian, I didn't do this.
+ Whose side are you on) + Side. What sides) 're there sides now)
She doesn't want to do it.
2our 55E66 appointment is here.
+ I don't have an 55E66. + Wait, you can't "o in there.
1et your hands off me.
Mr. 'le!ander, I'm Sara *it"erald, 'nna's mother.
+ It's okay, 1loria. + 're you sure) I don't mind callin" security.
0o, no. #hank you.
What can I do for you, Mrs. *it"erald)
#he le"al a"e for emancipation of a minor is 5F in the state of /alifornia.
It's the law, you mi"ht want to check it. 'nna's 55, you're three years early.
+ I'm aware, she's challen"in". + She can't.
+ She's too youn" to stand. + I'm filin" for her as "uardian ad litem.
's what) ' family independence a"ency)
I have 5A years as a volunteer member of the '/3C...
...in addition to which I have this power of attorney si"ned by your dau"hter.
#his will never hold up. It's not even le"al.
'nna doesn't want to do it anymore. 'nd 55 years old or not, she has ri"hts.
'nd so lon" as she wants to move forward, I am "oin" to help her.
Why) What's your interest) #his isn't a case for you.
+ #here's no money. + What's my interest)
$i"ht hospitaliations in 55 years...
...si! catheteriations, two bone+marrow aspirations...
...two stem+cell pur"es. + She was helpin" her sister.
0ot to mention the side effects, includin" bleedin", infections, bruisin".
*il"rastim shots. #hose are "rowth hormones, am I correct)
+ Somethin" like that. + Dru"s for nausea, opiates for pain...
...'mbien for sleep. 0ot e!actly the proper medication for a preteen.
$very procedure had its risks and complications.
'nna understood that, she was okay with it.
+ >eally) + 2eah.
't A years old.
%h, my 1od, you're "ood. 2ou're really "ood.
2ou know, I've seen your commercials, ri"ht) I mean, who hasn't)
I always thou"ht you were some headline+seekin" hack...
...but you have real talent.
2ou almost had me believin" that you cared about 'nna.
*unny, I was about to say the same thin" to you.
Mrs. *it"erald, did you ever say to yourselfE
8Maybe I'm wron", maybe I took it a little too far)8
I'll see you in court.
2ou "otta "et up.
2ou haven't been out of that bed in two weeks.
I'm tired. + 2ou can do it.
It's a beautiful day outside. + 0o.
It's sunny. It's "onna be "ood for you.
I'm too sick. + 2ou're not too sick.
2ou're depressed. I'm not "onna feed you antidepressants...
...they're "onna .ust make you more numb. 0ow, "et up.
+ 0oD + (ey, baby)
+ 2ou want to tell me what's really wron") + I'm tired. Don't you "et that)
+ I'm sick, and I'm tired, and I'm u"ly. + Stop it.
Don't you dare tell me that I'm beautiful, because I'm not.
Don't you dare tell me that nobody's "onna stare at me, because they will.
%h, 1od. + I'm a freak.
/ome here.
+ %kay, that's it. + It's okay.
Mom)
+ #hanks, Mom. + Mom, Mom.
#his is it.
I know I'm "oin" to die now.
I suppose I've always known that.
I .ust never knew when.
'nd I'm okay with it. >eally.
I don't mind my disease killin" me.
&ut it's killin" my family too.
While everyone was so worried about my blood counts...
... they barely even noticed that ,esse was dysle!ic.
3ook at this place. 2ou see all these kids around here)
#hey "ot a football team, this %lympic+style swimmin" pool.
+ (orses. + #hey "ot horses.
Massive play"round here. 3ook at that #aran rope into a lake.
#here's kids everywhere. 2ou're "onna have a "reat time there.
What)
/ome on, you know this is "onna be like a vacation for you.
I'll try harder.
It's not about that.
(ey, look at me.
2ou know how sometimes when you see thin"s, they are a little mi!ed up)
#his place is special because they have teachers there...
...that will show you how to strai"hten it out.
+ %kay. + 'nd I can't do that.
%kay.
2ou're "onna "et so "ood at math.
+ It's "onna be a year, that's it, all ri"ht) + ,ust till your "rades are up.
If you don't like it, you come ri"ht home.
+ %kay. + 'll ri"ht.
I'm sorry, ,esse.
I'm sorry I took all the attention when you were the one who needed it the
most.
Dad, I know I took your first love from you.
I only hope that one day, you "et her back.
Mom, you "ave up everythin" for me.
2our work, your marria"e, your entire life...
... .ust to fi"ht my battles for me every sin"le day.
I'm sorry you couldn't win.
'nd to my baby sis, who was always so very little...
... I'm sorry I let them hurt you.
I'm sorry I didn't take care of you.
It was supposed to be the other way around.
+ (ey. + (i.
I "ot you somethin".
+ Is that me) + Mm+hm.
I'm not done with it, but...
+ De Salvo) I thou"ht she was on leave. + She was, she's back.
2our (onor, clearly Miss Moran"e is afraid for her life.
't this time, the plaintiff re-uests a continuation on the restrainin" order.
Stand, please.
Mr. Moran"e, by order of this court...
...you are no lon"er allowed within 5666 yards...
...of Mrs. Moran"e or her residence.
2ou understand how far a thousand yards is)
,ud"e De Salvo had a very public nervous breakdown...
... after her 5?+year+old dau"hter was killed by a drunk driver.
She had taken a si!+month leave of absence to deal with her "rief...
... and this was the first time I'd seen her back in court.
2ou're "oin" to .ail.
+ %kay, ne!t case, please. + #hank you, 2our (onor.
*our+ei"ht+five+seven+two.
I'd like to see counsel in my chambers, please.
+ 1ood afternoon. + 1ood afternoon.
What's with the do")
(e's a service do", 2our (onor.
Well, please make sure he behaves himself.
+ I .ust had these carpets cleaned. + 2es, ma'am.
1ood to see you, Sara. I wasn't aware you were practicin".
I wasn't plannin" to, 2our (onor, but the complainant is my dau"hter.
What's this about, counselor)
Mrs. *it"erald's youn"est child wishes to be medically emancipated from her
parents.
#here's no le"al definition of medical emancipation...
...not in the state of /alifornia.
It's one of those 0ew '"e terms that Mr. 'le!ander has latched onto.
2es, I'm well aware of Mr. 'le!ander's reputation.
(e once tried to sue 1od in my courtroom.
Did sue, 2our (onor.
,erome Dylan v. the Diocese of /alifornia.
+ 'nd I won that one. + I remember. So)
So Mr. 'le!ander wants you to chan"e the law.
'n 55+year+old can't be emancipated, at least not le"ally.
My client is not seekin" to be emancipated.
She loves her parents and wants to live at home.
She doesn't wanna be cut open anymore.
2es, I read the complaint. What is it e!actly that you're after)
3imited termination of parental ri"hts.
'll ri"ht. Gery smart.
Gery creative. I assume you have precedent)
2es, :lanned :arenthood v. Danforth.
Mature minor doctrineE Smith v. Seibly. '"rello v. *lorida.
'nd defense is movin" for summary dismissal)
2es. #oday, if possible.
'nna's too youn" to make a decision of this sie on her own.
She doesn't understand what it is she wants.
She's 55 years old. She chan"es her mind every five minutes.
2ou know how youn" "irls can be.
%h, my 1od, I'm so sorry. I...
Mr. 'le!ander)
#he best interests of the child, 2our (onor.
'll ri"ht. Well, I need to see 'nna. Is she here)
2es, but I was really hopin" to keep her out of it.
Keep her out of it) Mrs. *it"erald, you .ust told me your dau"hter...
...doesn't fully understand what she wants.
If you want a decision today...
...I need to find that out. Do you have a problem with that, counselor)
+ 0one whatsoever. + 'll ri"ht. Well, please send her in.
#hank you, 2our (onor.
'nd Sara)
I'm awfully sorry about Kate.
#hank you.
(i.
(i.
2ou can sit down if you like.
Want somethin" to drink)
I've "ot...
...=C:, Dr. :epper or apple .uice.
+ =C:, please. + =C:.
#hank you.
+ So you know why you're here) + 2up.
:retty scary stuff, huh)
Well, I don't really like everyone bein" mad at me.
I meant havin" to take care of your sister all the time.
0o, I don't mind. I like it.
2ou "uys "et alon" okay)
%f course, she's my sister.
&ut all those operations, it's "otta be pretty cray, ri"ht)
+ 0o, no, no, stop, stop, stopD + %kay, okay.
4uietly, "irls. #his is a hospital, this is not a sorority.
+ I need a urine sample. + &ut I don't have to "o.
+ Well, drink somethin". + 'nd I'm not thirsty.
3isten to me, youn" lady, I don't like a lot of back talk.
Drink, don't drink, I don't care. &ut you .ust better fill it.
+ What a bitch. + >i"ht)
I'll fill it.
+ 0ice and warm. + 0o.
+ 2ou ready) + 'll set.
%h, wait a minute.
3ooks a little cloudy. I think I should filter it a"ain.
Much better. What do you think)
2ou are dis"ustin".
'nd so are youD
3ook at me, cryin" like an idiot.
2ou're not an idiot.
I see idiots every day.
2ou're not even close.
2ou okay)
Where did you "o)
+ /an I ask you somethin") + Shoot.
What was it like when she died)
Who, Dina)
2eah, I mean, what did it feel like)
I'm sorry.
I shouldn't have said anythin".
Sometimes I .ust think thin"s and then say them.
Did you know Dina)
0o.
+ 0o) + She was older than me.
I mean, I saw her on the #G and everythin", but I didn't know her.
2eah, you're...
2eah.
+ I'm real sorry. + Don't be.
#here's no shame in dyin".
'll rise.
I am "oin" to rule a"ainst summary dismissal.
:lease clear my calendar and schedule a hearin" for first thin" *riday
mornin".
#hank you.
(ello)
She's usually blowin" me off, but eventually...
1irl, you need a day at the spa.
+ 2eah, I don't see that happenin"... + #he beautician, the mani, the pedi...
...the whole thin". + (ello, Kate. %ne to 56, how's your pain)
+ Si!. + Si!)
+ 'll ri"ht, let's take care of that. + 1ot a minute)
She's feelin" pretty "ood today.
Sara, these lucid moments are "onna "et briefer and further apart.
Kate's in system failure now. &ody defenses are at ero.
#he fevers Kate's been "ettin", it's infection from the dialysis.
'nd it's not .ust in her arm or le", it's in her blood.
I wanna see how.
I'm sorry, Sara, this is it.
We're at the end.
Dr. /hance)
What is it, princess)
0o "ood, huh)
0o.
(ow lon")
It's hard to say.
&ut if nothin" chan"es...
...not too lon".
80ot too lon"8)
0ot too lon" what)
+ Will it hurt) + 0o.
I'll make sure of that.
3isten, I don't wanna hear talk like that, okay, honey)
2ou .ust stay stron" enou"h for sur"ery, okay)
%kay, Mom.
Sara, let's take a walk.
3et me introduce you to someone.
#his is Miss Swearin"en, our home health aide.
+ (i, how are you) + 1ood, how are you)
I'm "ood, thank you.
(ave you spoken to the Make+'+Wish people)
What is this)
What is this, the 8-uality of life8 speech)
Mrs. *it"erald, you mi"ht want to consider takin" Kate home.
+ 0o. + Makin" her comfortable...
...mana"in" her pain. + 0o hospices.
What) 2ou think we should take Kate home to die)
What do you want me to say, Sara) It's an option.
3ook, I know you don't listen to anybody, but it's our .ob to tell you.
Death is a normal process of life. 2ou need to acknowled"e that.
+ 0o, I don't. Who is this broad) + (ave you spoken to Kate)
+ 2ou know what she wants) + I don't care what anybody wants.
+ We're doin" the operation. + What operation, Sara)
2ou have an unwillin" donor.
#he hospital won't even allow it anymore without a court order.
2ou think we don't know what's "oin" on here)
2our dau"hter is dyin", and you mi"ht want to spend...
...some -uality time with her. + 3ookit, sister...
I did it.
#hey look wonderful. Don't touch them.
I "otta "o. 1oin" to work.
+ &ye. + &ye. I'll be back.
(ey, Mom)
Do you know that Minnesota is known as #he 3and of #en #housand 3akes)
Well, Montana's "ot, like, a million times that.
0o, I didn't know that.
(i.
(ello.
What are you here for)
#he free cocktails.
>i"ht. (appy hour.
I'm #aylor. 'M3.
Kate. ':3.
+ ' rarity. + 2eah, ri"ht)
+ 2ou're in remission) + #oday, anyway.
+ /hemo) + 2eah.
So, what do you do when you're not here at the hospital)
0othin".
,ust wait for somethin" that makes me come back.
Well, then maybe we could han" to"ether sometime)
2eah.
%kay.
/an I "et your phone number)
%kay.
#hanks.
#hanks, Mom.
I'm #aylor, by the way.
Sara *it"erald. 0ice to meet you.
%kay, #aylor. 2ou're out of here.
AAA...
...65=7.
Well, I "otta "o.
I'll call you, Kate.
So, what do you think) + 1irl, that boy is fine.
I know, ri"ht) So do you think he'll call)
I don't know, baby, I...
(ello)
%kay, I .ust wanted to make sure you didn't "ive me a bo"us number.
#he radiation, which ultimately put Kate into remission...
... worked its ma"ic by wearin" her down.
#aylor 'mbrose, a dru" of an entirely different sort...
... worked his ma"ic by buildin" her up.
I don't think that we can actually make it tomorrow...
...so do you mind pickin" her up) + I can totally pick her up.
(i. (ow are you) 0o, .ust eatin" dinner. 2ou)
+ Who was that) + %h, that's her new boyfriend, #aylor.
What) She has a boyfriend)
#hey "o to &orders to"ether and read books. 'nd it's really dorky.
+ Do you wanna see a picture) + 2es.
(and me the ba", please.
#he chicken. Watch the chicken, please.
(e's actually a really "ood kid. I like him.
#hank you.
%h, wow.
(e's, like, really "ood.
/ute, ri"ht) + 2eah.
(eyD
2ou did "ood, KatieD
What's the matter) + 0othin".
She's home.
I can taste your /yto!an.
I'm sorry.
0o, it's okay.
I kind of like it.
&esides...
...they told me yesterday I'm relapsin".
I start chemo ne!t week.
Maybe it'll save me a dose.
I had a really "ood time.
Me too.
're you awake)
I am now.
So how was it) Was it "reat)
We kissed.
2ou kissed)
What was it like) Was it se!y) Was it "ross)
+ Was there a lot of ton"ue) + 0o.
It was nice.
(ow did you know what to do)
I don't know.
I .ust did.
(e has scars on his hands...
...from "raft+versus+host.
I could feel them when we were holdin" hands.
Was that weird)
It was kind of like we matched.
(ello.
+ (i. + (ey.
(ow far into it are you)
,ust started.
' hundred bucks says you won't make it till 7 without tossin" your cookies.
2ou're dis"ustin".
Such a slacker. Don't you have anywhere to be)
0o, nowhere. 'nd what are you doin")
2ou're tryin" to weasel your way out of the bet)
I'm tryin" to spare you. 'lthou"h...
%kay.
%kay.
(ere.
Sorry.
What are you talkin" about) #omorrow it could be me. (ere.
0o.
#rust me, you need it.
#rust me.
+ *un date, huh) + (m.
+ So you had *rench fries for lunch, huh) + 2ou're dis"ustin".
'nd you lost the bet, pay up.
I don't have any money. I'll pay you in se!ual favors.
#hat's... #hat's .ust "reat.
Why don't we ask your mom about that)
Keep it up and your ne!t date will be durin" a bone+marrow aspiration.
,ust .okin".
2eah, I hope so.
I hate you. I really hate you.
(ey...
...so the hospital...
...it throws this dance for sick kids.
It's really dorky. It's done like a re"ular prom.
With a band and tu!es and punch spiked with platelets...
...and last year I went sta" and it was really dumb.
&ut I was thinkin"...
...well, you're a patient and I'm a patient, and maybe we could...
We could "o to"ether.
+ It's a little low, don't you think) + 2ou look like a banana.
I think it's very nice. Gery modest.
+ 'nd it does cover up a lot of cleava"e. + >eally) Will it cover this)
%h.
+ Kate. + 3et's "o.
2ou're an"ry. Doesn't mean you have to take it out on the world.
She's a bitch. Did you see her lookin" at my scarf)
+ Maybe she liked the pattern. + >eally)
+ 2eah. + #hat dress sucked anyway.
It was awful.
2ou know what) I'm not "oin". I'm never "onna find a stupid dress anyway.
Don't you think that every "irl "oin" feels the same way)
I don't care about any other "irl.
I .ust wanted to look "ood, really "ood, for one ni"ht.
What)
+ 're you ready) + %kay, readyD
/ome here. (urry, -uick.
She's comin" down.
%h, my 1od.
+ #here she isD + %h, my 1od.
#hat is .ust so beautiful. 3ook how beautiful. Doesn't she look beautiful)
Wait, stay ri"ht there. Don't come down.
+ (oney, you look so beautiful. + 0o, she looks pretty.
%kay, wait, wait, wait, stop. /an you .ust come down)
I wanna see your "uys'... Wait. Kate, "o back up the stairs for a second.
I wanna see you comin" down with your hands.
/an you look this way, #aylor)
$!cellent. Wait, hold on, hold on, here we "o.
Wait, I wanna "et a :olaroid too. (old on. Kate) /an I see your face)
%h, e!cellent.
%kay, ri"ht there.
If you "uys wanna stand ri"ht there. #here we "o.
+ >eady) %kay, yes, stand ri"ht there. + I didn't "et enou"h pictures.
+ %ne more, okay) + 2ou're kind of blockin" it, sweetheart.
+ /an you .ust step...) + I "ot it.
+ Kelly, you're in the picture. + Mom.
I can't see them.
3isten, you "uys stand like you're at prom.
+ 2ou know... + 2eah, let me see that corsa"e.
+ Sweetie, but can I .ust see...) + Say cheeseD
+ #here we "o. $!cellent. + (i. (i.
(i. %h, sweetD
+ #hat's so... + Stop.
2eah, looks "ood. I like it.
Mom. Mom, please. It's enou"h, okay)
+ I need to document this moment, okay) + 0o, wait.
,ust in front. #here you...
%h, my 1od, that's so cute. 'll ri"ht.
+ Kate, Kate. + %h, my 1od.
%kay, let me .ust "et a :olaroid of it too. Wait, you "ot some. Sweetheart.
+ (ey, hold on. + %h, honey.
Do I look pretty, Daddy)
2ou ready)
(ave some fun.
I love you, Daddy.
(oney, turn around. /an I see...)
+ >i"ht there. + #aylor, #aylor.
H&'0D :3'2I01 8WI#( 2%C
Do you wanna "et out of here)
2eah. Where)
I know a place.
%h, my 1odD %h, my 1od, I'm "onna fallD
I'm "onna fall.
#aylorD
2ou ever think about dyin")
0ot really.
2ou're not scared)
0o.
If I didn't have cancer, I never would have found you.
So yeah, I'm "lad I'm sick.
Me too.
2ou okay)
2eah.
It's been three days, Mom.
(e won't return my calls. I leave messa"es and he won't call me.
+ Did you "uys "et into a fi"ht after the prom) + 0o.
Well, maybe he's busy, you know) Maybe he went out of town...
...for an emer"ency) Maybe it has nothin" to do with you.
We did it, okay)
We did it and now he won't call me back.
+ 2ou did it) + #hat's ri"ht.
+ What do you mean, 8did it8) 2ou did 8it8 it) + 0o, but we did some stuff,
okay)
+ 8Stuff8) What kind of stuff) + Mom, I don't wanna talk about it with you.
I .ust told you because I'm mad.
+ 'lice. + 2eah, Sara)
#aylor, have you seen him)
What)
I was sure somebody had told you.
Stop the busD
Stop the busD StopD
#ell him to stop that busD (ey, stop the bus, dudeD
/ome onD
1oddamn itD
When I "ot home...
... I wondered how much trouble I'd be in.
&uddy) What are you doin" up)
+ /an't sleep) + I .ust... I can't sleep.
3ook, I'm "onna "o to the hospital, spend the ni"ht with your sister. 2ou
wanna come)
'll ri"ht.
+ 2eah) + 2eah. Sure, let me .ust...
I'm "onna "et a coffee, "et yourself ready.
(ey, bud.
$verythin" okay)
2eah.
What)
/an I ask you somethin")
Sure.
2ou really think you're "onna win)
2ou really e!pect the .ud"e to take 'nna's kidney a"ainst her will)
Well, there's precedent.
#here's (art v. &rown, Masden v. (arrison...
+ ... Strunk v. Strunk. + I know.
&esides, the court should .ust mind their own business.
Why) What's your point)
+ Don't start that shit. + What)
+ I'm your sister. + What shit)
I'm behind you, no matter what. I'll do whatever, and I do.
I'm .ust not sure you're seein" the bi" picture.
What bi" picture, Kel) Spit it out.
I know it's important for you to feel like you never "ave up.
I mean, who are you if you're not this cray bitch mother fi"htin" for her
kid's life, ri"ht)
&ut there's, like, a whole world out there. 2ou don't see any of it, nothin".
Sooner or later, you...
2ou "otta stop.
2ou "otta let "o.
I can't.
(ow's she doin")
She's e!hausted. Dialysis really wiped her out.
K'#$ I wanna "o to the beach.
+ What did you say, baby) + She wants to "o to the beach.
It's the damnedest thin". She's been talkin" about it all day.
Dad, he's here.
2ou have to count to what, five)
Well, you're not countin".
+ 2ou "otta count. + %ne, two, three, four, five.
%kay. 'll ri"ht, sweetheart.
'll ri"ht, you beat me.
(ow's our "irl)
Well, she wants to "o to the beach.
#he beach, huh)
I'm not sure that's a bad idea.
She is not "onna be any sicker at the beach than she is here.
It mi"ht even be "ood for her.
+ 0ot too dan"erous then, huh) + I don't think so.
She was dialyed yesterday and she has no scheduled treatments until *riday.
Cm, how do I do this) I mean, .ust "et her up and walk her out of here, or)
Dischar"e her for the day.
#he insurance company will definitely not approve this...
...so we'll have to re+admit throu"h emer"ency.
&ut if she happened to be there at, let's say, =E66...
...I .ust mi"ht be there to meet her.
%kay.
It's one day.
Kate's been throu"h the wrin"er, so if it's not "onna make her any worse...
...I say take the kid to the beach.
+ (ey, Dad, what's "oin" on) + (ey.
What)
%h, my 1odD
1et your stuff. March in, march out. %ne minute.
+ (ey. What's "oin" on) + We're "oin" to the beach.
+ 2ou're "oin" to the beach) + 1et your bikini.
+ Kate) Kate, what are you doin"...) + Mama, please. Don't...
Wait a second, what is she doin" out of the hospital)
&rianD &rianD It'll kill herD 1ive me the keys, I'm takin" her back to the
hospital.
1ive me the keys, &rianD 3et... 1ive meD
+ 're you insane) 2ou tryin" to kill her) + I talked to /hance.
I don't "ive a shit who you talked toD 2ou are killin" herD 2ou understand)
#ake her to the beach, you kill herD
+ /ome on. + 0o, please.
+ /ome on, sweetie. It's okay. + 0o, please, pleaseD
Don't do this. + See how upset she is)
See what you're doin")
+ I'll call cops. + Do what you "otta do.
+ 3ast 5F years I've let you have it your way. + 3ast 5F years have been
about savin" herD
+ #oday is not about you. + 2ou want to undermine that)
+ It's about Kate. + It is.
She wants to "o to the beach.
+ If you'd like... + She's "onna dieD
+ &etter come, if you don't, I want a divorce. + ' divorce) 1reatD
+ 1ood. + 2ou "ot a fuckin" divorceD
We're divorced, Mommy and me are divorced. Sit in the car. In the car.
+ 0o. 'nnaD + In the carD
&rian.
+ 1ive me the keysD #his is ridiculousD + Stop.
2ou're "onna re"ret this, &rian. 2ou understand) 2ou're "onna re"ret thisD
&rianD
Katie, sweetie, you "otta "o back to the hospitalD
I don't suppose there's any way around this without a hearin")
+ I'm afraid not, 2our (onor. + 'ny housekeepin" issues)
%pen motion) >ule of witness)
%kay, let's "et started.
#he court calls Dr. Kenny /how.
#he doctors talked for what seemed like forever.
#hey said that Kate was a miracle.
She should have never made it past A years old.
#hey talked about the psycholo"ical benefits of donation...
... and how losin" my kidney would affect the -uality of my life.
#hey all said that nothin" was their fault, and it was a very comple! problem.
When put to the test...
... most everyone thou"ht that I should "ive Kate my kidney.
&ut they also said that I was too youn" to understand the situation fully.
'nd none of them could say at what a"e I would be able to understand.
'll in all, they were like me, pretty confused.
&ut can you tell us one sin"le benefit...
...that 'nna has received from any of these procedures)
2es.
She "ot to save her sister's life.
#he court calls &rian *it"erald.
(ello)
+ (ey, it's me. + (ey.
What's "oin" on)
I don't know if I can do this anymore, sissy.
It's "onna be okay.
Do you hear me) I promise.
Who you talkin" to) (ello)
(ello)
Mrs. *it"erald, how old was 'nna when she started donatin" to her sister)
She was a newborn.
'nd at A, she started donatin" lymphocytes, is that correct)
Mm+hm.
+ What does that involve) + 1ivin" blood.
+ Did 'nna a"ree to that) + 0o, she was A.
So you didn't ask her if they could stick the needles in her arm)
I asked her to help her sister, and she a"reed.
>eally)
Didn't two nurses have to hold 'nna down because she was fi"htin" so hard)
Mm+hm.
So she didn't completely a"ree, now, did she)
Mr. 'le!ander, it's .ust us chickens. 0o showboatin", please.
I'm sorry, 2our (onor. *orce of habit.
Mrs. *it"erald, how old was 'nna the ne!t time she was hospitalied)
+ When Kate was 9, she "ot a... + #hat's not what I asked.
I want to find out what happened to 'nna when she was B.
+ She donated "ranulocytes. + 'nd what's that) More needles)
2up.
'nd did you ask 'nna if she was willin" to donate the "ranulocytes)
(er sister needed them. She was the only match.
&ut did you ask her)
Mrs. *it"erald, answer the -uestion, please.
0o, I didn't.
We talked about it a lot, but no, I didn't ask her permission.
0e!t was the bone+marrow aspiration.
/ould you describe that procedure for us)
#hey put needles into 'nna's hips.
+ Into the bone) &i" needles) + 2es. Mm+hm.
Csin" your hands, would you indicate to the court the sie of those needles)
It's a tou"h procedure, am I ri"ht) 'nna had to be hospitalied afterward.
+ 2es. + *or how lon")
Si! days. #here were some complications.
I see.
2ou add it all up, it's not so innocuous, is it)
It's tou"h to hear it all hashed out that way.
I don't see the point. /ourt's well aware of the family's medical history.
%f Kate's history, 2our (onor, but not of 'nna's.
*air enou"h. :roceed.
Mrs. *it"erald, lookin" back and only takin" into account 'nna's well+bein"...
...do you think it's reasonable to conclude that you mi"ht have taken this too
far)
3ookin" at only 'nna's situation...
...yes, it is.
&ut I have to think about my entire family.
+ &ut Kate comes first) + Kate's sick.
So this is a tria"e situation.
/ompromisin" one child's health on behalf of the other. Where's the line)
+ *or Kate, it's life or death. + 0ot for Kate, for 'nna.
+ She's why we're here. + #hat's a trick -uestion.
&ecause 'nna isn't the only person in this e-uation.
'nd if we were lookin" at it only from 'nna's situation, sure, it is brutal.
I mean, who wants to be stuck and poked and prodded by needles)
'nd you can look at me and you can say how awful I am for doin" that to my
child.
2ou know what) It is awful. &ut it's not as awful as puttin" your child in the
"round.
+ 2ou stand up for your family. + It's my .ob.
+ 'nd you stand up for Kate. + I do.
&ut the real -uestion isE
Who stands up for 'nna)
0othin" further, 2our (onor.
Mr. 'le!ander, does your do" have to "o to the bathroom)
0o, 2our (onor, but I may need a recess.
I'm afraid that's out of the -uestion. I wanna finish today. 0e!t witness,
please.
#he court calls 'nna *it"erald.
I mean it. If you can't control your animal, I'll have him removed.
+ 4uiet, ,ud"e. + $!cuse me)
0o, no, I was speakin" to the do". #he do"'s name is ,ud"e.
I don't care what his name is, I want him -uiet.
>aise your hand.
Do you swear to tell the truth, whole truth, nothin" but the truth)
+ 2up. + :lease state your name for the record.
'nna *it"erald.
+ (ey, Mom. + (i, sweetheart.
2ou wanna tell us why we're here) Why you're doin" this)
*or medical emancipation.
#hat's not what I mean.
2ou love your sister, ri"ht)
2ou know she's sick. Why won't you help her)
What are you doin" in there)
/ome on, Kate, .ust let me inD
What's "oin" on) It smells like booe in here.
+ (avin" a little party. + ' party)
2eah, a "oin"+away party.
See you, MomD 1oodbye, fuckin" hospitalD
DamnD
What are you doin")
I'm "oin" to see #aylor.
What) 0oD 0oD
0oD
So you're here for medical emancipation)
>i"ht.
2es.
Is that it)
+ Is that the only reason) + #hat's the only reason.
're you sure)
(old, please. Mr. *it"erald, is there somethin" you wanted to say)
I don't know, is there)
(ey.
%kay. 'll ri"ht, that is the last time.
If you do not control him, I'm "oin" to have the bailiff remove him. I mean it.
+ 2our (onor... + 0ot another word, counselor.
:roceed, please.
+ I .ust want to be in char"e of my own body. + 0o, you don't.
Down.
+ 2ou want me to do somethin" about this) + 0o, leave it. It's kind of
interestin".
%kay, so you want to be in char"e.
2eah. It's my body, I want to be able to make my own decisions...
...about what to do with it.
0o. 0o, I know you, 'nna *it"erald, and that's not it.
It doesn't add up.
*or a week now you've been avoidin" the -uestion.
8I can't tell you.8 8I'm sorry.8 8I don't wanna talk about it.8
2ou've been walkin" around like nothin"'s wron"...
...while your sister rots in that hospitalD
+ I don't wanna do it anymore. + I don't believe you.
+ 2ou are hidin" somethin", 'nna. + I'm not.
:eople "ive their kidneys to total stran"ers.
+ 2ou'd better start talkin" ri"ht now. + I'm talkin"D
+ 2ou start tellin" me the truth. + I amD
2ou're not. &ecause if you are, I don't know you.
+ ,esus /hrist, 'nna, .ust tell them. + 2ou shut upD
+ #ell themD + 2ou promised me you wouldn't do thisD
#ell themD
+ 1od, you people are so stupidD + 2ou promisedD
+ Kate wants to dieD + Stop itD
She's makin" 'nna do all this because she knows she's not "onna survive.
+ #hat's a lie, ,esseD + %h, no, it's notD
Kate's dyin" and everybody knows it.
2ou .ust love her so much that you don't want to let her "o.
2our (onor)
&ut it's time, Mom. Kate's ready.
#hat's not true.
Kate would have told me.
+ 2our (onor, I... + Mom, she did tell you.
She did.
She told you a million times. 2ou didn't wanna hear it.
Mr. 'le!ander.
Mr. 'le!ander.
>i"ht then, I understood the real reason...
... why /ampbell 'le!ander took on my case.
It wasn't for the notoriety.
(e was an epileptic.
(e knew what it was like to not have control over his own body.
'nna)
Sissy.
%h, my 1od.
%h, my 1od.
Don't worry.
It's .ust the new medicine "ettin" ready for the kidney.
2ou in pain)
:ain)
My whole life is a pain.
#his is the end, sissy.
It .ust "ets scarier from here on out.
Mom's "onna chop me and cut me...
...till I'm a ve"etable.
#wo cells in a :etri dish that she shocks with an electric cord.
2ou'll be all ri"ht.
It's over.
#ime to "o.
I need you to do me a favor, sissy.
What favor)
2ou can release me.
're you certain you don't wanna take the rest of the day off)
%h, no, 2our (onor. I'm fine.
'nythin" for a recess, ri"ht)
So, 'nna, for the record.
Did you tell Kate you would stop bein" a donor so that she could die)
+ 2eah. + 'nd what did she say)
Mom and Dad are "onna kill me.
What am I supposed to tell them)
#ell them you're important too.
#ell them you wanna play soccer.
#ell them you wanna cheerlead.
#hey'll never believe me.
2eah, they will.
'nd you wanna know why)
&ecause it's the truth.
%h, boy. + I know.
2ou scared)
0o. I know I'll be okay.
What do you think happens)
I mean, where do you "o)
I don't know, baby.
&ut who knows)
Wherever it is, maybe I'll run into #aylor.
Will you wait for me)
What)
If you "o anywhere cray, will you wait)
I mean, how will I know how to find you)
If you're ever lost or scared...
..."o to Montana.
+ Montana) + 2eah.
#hat's where I'll be.
%kay.
What did she say, 'nna)
She said, 8#hanks.8
'll ri"ht, I think I have enou"h information...
...but before I make my decision, I'd like to visit Kate, if that's all ri"ht.
It's hard to say. It takes from anywhere between ?F and F; hours or so.
W%M'0 >adiolo"y therapist to >oom ?75.
>adiolo"y therapist to >oom ?75.
(ey, sweetheart. (ow you feelin") + (ey.
+ (i. + (i, sweetie.
+ (i. (ey, you look "ood. 2ou do. + (i.
3ook, I "ot you this book, okay)
It's full of "uided meditations, visualiations, healin" stuff.
+ >eally "ood for you, okay) + %kay.
+ (ey. + (i.
+ Keep fi"htin". + %kay.
' lot of livin" to do, okay)
+ 'll ri"ht, promise me) + :romise.
+ :romise) + :romise.
(ey, you let the cat out of the ba", you nau"hty boy.
I didn't know what else to do.
+ I'm sorry. + (ey.
(ey, you know what you did)
2ou know how brave you are)
+ (ow about some pia) + I'm up for that.
+ Definitely. Definitely. + 2eah.
1ood timin". + I'll "et the pia.
+ 2eah, 'nna wants a slice. + I'm .ust "onna pass it out.
+ #here's cheese... + #here's an idea.
'nd pepperoni and everythin".
2ou "uys want cheese, ri"ht)
+ 'nna wants a piece. + %f cheese, pepperoni)
I want pia and =C:. #hank you.
2ou've .ust "otta tell yourself you're "onna "et better.
#ell your brain to heal yourself and work on it while you're sleepin".
+ %kay. + I'm not kiddin".
+ 0o, I will. I promise. + %kay.
Subconscious mind is a really powerful thin".
2eah, you know, it's like this lady I saw on #G.
She would talk to her cancer cells and ask them to "o away.
'nd eventually they did. I did not make this up, this is true.
+ 81o away, cancer cells.8 + 2eah, like that.
+ 8%ut.8 + Speakin" more sincerely than that.
What about that prisoner story) :risoners are in there for 56 years...
...and practicin" their invisible "olf swin". #hey practice, and see it in their
mind...
...so by the time they "et out, boom, they're scratch "olfers.
It's true. I've even heard about those mothers...
...the ones who "et supernatural power...
...and they can lift up a car and save their babies. It's amain".
+ Miracles happen every day. + #hat's ri"ht.
#his world isn't made up of science and medicine.
#here are powerful thin"s out there that none of us can understand.
+ >ead the book. + #here's more over here.
+ We'll read the book. + I promise, I'll read the book.
Sorry, "uys, everybody's "otta "o. Gisitin" hours are over.
+ Seriously, out. + We .ust "ot here.
We .ust "otta eat. I'm personally starvin".
See you really soon, okay)
/ome on.
(ey, "uys)
I love you all, but could you "o home)
I need some time with Mom.
2eah.
2eah.
3et's "o. /ome on.
2ou don't wanna talk)
0ope.
're you mad at me)
I'm not mad at you, I'm .ust mad.
2ou "otta "et some rest, okay)
2ou be stron" for sur"ery.
I made this for you.
What is it)
It's everythin".
It's us.
It was a "ood one, wasn't it)
#he best.
>emember that summer when I went away to camp)
'nd I was so scared that I'd miss you "uys.
+ 2eah. + &efore I "ot on the bus...
...you told me to take a seat on the left side...
...ri"ht ne!t to the window...
...so I'd be able to look back and see you there.
I remember.
I "et the same seat now.
It's "onna be okay.
It's "onna be okay, Mom.
I promise.
My sister died that ni"ht.
I wish I could say that she made some miracle recovery...
... but she didn't.
She .ust stopped breathin".
'nd I wish I could tell you that there was some "ood that came out of it...
... that throu"h Kate's death we could all "o on livin".
%r even that her life had some special meanin"...
... like they named a park after her, or a street...
... or that the Supreme /ourt chan"ed a law because of her.
&ut none of that happened.
She's .ust "one...
... a little piece of blue sky now.
'nd we all have to move on.
' few days later, I "ot a surprise visitor.
(i.
Somebody here wants to see you.
(ey, ,ud"e.
(ello.
I brou"ht this for you.
We won.
2ou still have to do your homework and "o to bed when your parents tell you
to...
...but you're now officially medically emancipated.
0inety+percent success rate, ri"ht)
0inety+one.
Well...
...I suppose I should "o.
#hanks for stoppin" by, Mr. '. It was really "ood to see you.
2ou too.
If there's ever anythin" else you need...
...you know)
%kay.
,ud"e.
3ife is different now.
' lot has chan"ed in the last few years.
Mom went back to work, rebuilt her practice...
... and is now makin" a very nice livin".
Dad took an early pension...
... and now spends time counselin" troubled inner+city youths.
'nd ,esse's doin" best of all.
'fter Kate died, he turned his life around.
(e went back to school...
... and "ot himself a scholarship to a fancy art academy in 0ew 2ork.
'nd even thou"h we've "rown up and moved away...
... every year, on Kate's birthday, we all take a vacation to"ether...
... and it's always to the same place.
I'll never understand why Kate had to die and we all "ot to live.
#here's no reason for it, I "uess.
Death's .ust death, nobody understands it.
%nce upon a time...
... I thou"ht I was put on $arth to save my sister.
'nd in the end, I couldn't do it.
I realie now...
... that wasn't the point.
#he point was, I had a sister.
She was fantastic.
%ne day, I'm sure I'll see her a"ain.
&ut until then...
... our relationship continues.