doubts that you love your daughter. But the Department of Child and Family Services... contacted us. They shared with us that your
records show... that your intellectual capacity... is around that of a seven-year-old. Our concern is what happens when Lucy turns
eight. Principal:
Mr. Dawson, do you understand... what Ms. Wright is trying to tell you about Lucy?
Sam: John wanted to try new things. And it wasnt Yokos fault. No, it
wasnt Yokos fault. Annie says you can hear it on The White Album. Because John wanted to try new things.
18. In the bedroom
Lucy: Reading a book They perched in silence. How can we be so diff--
Diff...diff-- I dont know that word. Sam:
Yes, you do. Thats the word that starts with a D. Lucy:
Im tired. Sam:
I dont believe you. Lucy:
Are you calling me a liar? Sam:
Yes. I think you have to read the word. Lucy:
No. Sam:
Yeah, you have to read that word. Lucy:
No. Sam:
Yeah. Here it is. Theres the picture where theyre all perched. Now read the word.
Lucy: No I wont read the word
Sam: Im your father... and Im telling you to read the word. I can tell you to
because Im your father. Lucy:
Im stupid. Sam:
You are not stupid. Lucy:
Yes, I am. Sam:
You are not stupid, because you can read that word. Lucy:
I dont want to read it if you cant. Sam:
No, because it makes me happy. It makes me happy hearing you read. Yeah. It makes me happy when youre reading.
Lucy: They perched in silence for a long time. How can we be so
different... and feel so much alike? mused Flitter. How can we feel so different... and be so much alike? wondered Pip. l think this is quite a
mystery. Sam:
Keep going.
19. In the restaurant Hamburger Hamlet
Waitress: We dont have French pancakes. We have French toast.
Sam: No, I dont want French toast. I want French pancakes. like at IHOP.
Just the same kind like they have at IHOP. Thats what my favorite breakfast is, OK?
Lucy: Theyre those thin pancakes.
Waitress: The crepe pancakes?
Sam: I dont even want crepes. I want to have French pancakes... with the
fruit topping on the side. Thats what I want to have, please. Thank you.
Waitress: We dont have that, though, sir. Do you want regular pancakes and
jam— Sam:
I dont want something else Why did you ask me that? Waitress:
Ill see. Maybe they have something— Sam:
Yeah, ask Bob Waitress:
OK. Sam:
Ask Bobs Big Boy. Because the customers always right. Waitress:
I understand that— Sam:
The customers always right.
20. In Apartment
Sam: Because when Lucy comes through the door... everybody says,
surprise You gotta stop bouncing for a second. Youll say, surprise
Children: Can we keep bouncing?
Sam: Youll have to come down. After Lucy gets here and we say,
surprise. So you have to assume surprise position. Should we rehearse it one more time? Assume the surprise position. Annie
was supposed to warn us. Brad, hit the light. Surprise Conner:
Its not her. Margareth:
Hi. I dont know if you remember me. Im Margaret Calgrove... Department of Child and Family Services. We met at the police
station. Sam:
Put the present there. You have to hurry, because Lucys coming. Come on, hide with us. Come on, over here. Annie said Lucys
coming up the stairs right now. So you have to assume the surprise position.
21. In the court
Judge: Ms. Calgrove also cites... Mr. Dawsons mental delays which raise
serious questions... about his ability to properly parent. I find at this time... its not in the best interest of the child to remain in the home.
And I order her detained... until a formal jurisdictional hearing. Mr. Dawson. Is there anything youd like to add?
Sam: I wanted to make it a really special surprise party. So I went, and I got
plates at the Pic n Save... in yellow and in pink-- Like a princess. And then I went to the toy store... and I got balloon with the helium in
them. Judge:
Mr. Dawson? Sam:
Yes. Judge:
It sounds like you gave her such a lovely party. Sam:
Yes, Im sure it was. Judge:
Right now, I want to talk to you about your legal rights. Sam:
OK. Theres room at this table... if anybody wants to sit next to me. Judge:
I just want to talk to you about your legal rights... so if you have not already retained legal counsel... the court will appoint someone for
you... to present your case on January 5. OK? Thats a month from now...
Sam: So I come back here in one month with Lucy.
Judge: No, Mr. Dawson. You will have monitored visits... two times a week
for two hours. And now were moving on to 4-D, Parker— Sam:
What do you mean? Judge:
You will see Lucy two times a week for two hours. Sam:
Why isnt Lucy going home with me? I want her to go home with me. Judge:
Not today. Thank you, Mr. Dawson. 4-D. Parker vs. Van Wert. Thank you.
22. In the Apartment
