Miller Time

Bedside (20)

UNITED STATES—"Oh, look! She signed the check!" Davy says. "There's hope," Karen says. Hope that she gets on the anti-anxiety meds and it dissolves her resistance to therapy, and getting out of bed." "She's gotten out of bed already a lot. When you're 90." "You're such an apologist for her," Karen speaks. "You can't touch me with your evil, logical yet hopeful eye,...

Bedside (19)

UNITED STATES—"Hello, this is the son of Betty Bird, and we'd like Dr. O'Leary to prescribe anti-anxiety medication for our Mom, Betty Bird, here at Wastonville Manor." Davy hangs up his phone with a sigh. "They're out to lunch, I left a message." "Yeah, yeah, I could tell," says Karen. "I can tell when it's your message voice." "The doctor's are out for...

Bedside (18)

UNITED STATES—"What are you doing?" Davy asks Karen. "Prolonging the inevitable, that's what. "I can take over if you want." "She's getting to the point with Grandma. No more food and Ensure." Willow walks in and addresses Doris in the other bed. "Time for your rehab, darling." She swings her legs over the edge of the bed, she scowls and protests, then raises herself to...

Bedside (17)

UNITED STATES—Davy stands in the hallway, shoulder blades pressed to the wall. He gasps. "Relax, drink water," he says to himself. This place is hard work, draining, stressful, heart-warming. It's a crouching beast, even when all the lights are off at night, a vortex of love and suffering breathing slowly in a gargantuan ribcage. Slowly, slowly, Davy escapes the quicksand of...

Bedside (16)

UNITED STATES—Crying, moaning bitching, babbling... they all want to go to that elusive place called home. "Mom, you get brownie points for the steps you took," Karen says. Davy (to his sister): "I'm blown away. Those are the first steps she's taken in over two months. This is gonna help you to get home. And I think your chances just got...

Bedside (15)

UNITED STATES—There is yet another miracle to follow. After therapy, the mother and her middle-aged children, Karen and Davy are in the door way to room #6. "Get me to my bed, get me to my bed," the mom croaks and gasps. "We're going to get you back to your bed," Willow says. "I know, I know: eventually," the mother mimics the...

Bedside (14)

UNITED STATES—Davy and Karen are assembled now by the bed. They're a bit strung out after a night of coffee and confessions at the local diner. "Can you do something for my head," mom groans. "It doesn't feel right." "It's so awful," Davy whispers to Karen, "I want to puke. I'm telling you, strangers inspire kindness. Family contempt." "What are you whispering...

Bedside (13)

UNITED STATES—"I didn't want to tell you over the phone, but the social worker laid down an ultimatum: they can't have her here if she doesn't show progress in therapy. They were ready to kick her out three days ago, but they gave an extension. It's a godsend you came. We being together can make a big difference." "If she...

Bedside (12)

UNITED STATES—"It seemed like you guys kept your marriage going, when everyone else's was falling apart. Like when Homer got the job in Chicago, he was on his way to the airport and then decided to turn back, and come home to you. That's a real love story." Sister Karen smiles. She holds a hand over the cup when the...

Bedside (11)

UNITED STATES—"She always says, 'How long are you staying?' And then it's, 'when are you going?' And then: 'After you're going I'm going to cry.' And then it's, 'When are you coming back?'" "She's awful needy," says Davy. "I'm there for a 10-minute visit and she says, 'Are you going to spend the night?'" "She wanted me to get the job....