#escape23

Laila: Why are you standing here? Didn't the doors open? Martin: I thought I'd get us a ride instead. Laila: Perfect. Laila: You alright? Martin: Yeah, just a bit tired from the week and all the waiting.

Laila: Sorry-sorry! I left my bag in the car. I'll grab it, then we can really go.

Martin asks Laila if she's pregnant. She lies and says yes, but eventually admits it's not true. They divorce and go their separate ways.

At first, Martin feels a kind of relief, like he's finally free from everything that's been weighing him down. But under the surface, he sees himself as a failure. So he spirals: drinks too much, sleeps around, lets his responsibilities as a dad slip. Eventually, he admits that pretending he's fine is just avoidance. He gets help. And slowly, he starts pulling himself back together.

Somewhere in the middle of that process, he realizes he's developed feelings for someone he's always seen as just a close friend. Turns out, she feels the same. After some hesitation, they decide to give it a try.

Four or five years into their relationship—after raising three kids together and learning to live with each other's quirks—it's pretty safe to say neither of them is planning to disappear anytime soon. She's the one who proposes, because she's getting impatient and she's tired of hearing "I'm not making that mistake again." She sets up a treasure hunt that ends with a letter, a ring, and a note telling him to pull himself together and ask the real question.

Years later, Martin is working as a teacher when he ends up with a new student in his class: Laila's daughter. He and Laila both understand they were never meant to make it work together. The paths they chose on their own led to something better than they ever could've built side by side.

Martin: When are you going to bring me coffee? Hanna: When I win the lottery. Martin: So never…

Hanna: (looks up) You look like you haven't slept in days. Martin: (gruffly) I sleep, just not well. Hanna: (matter-of-factly) Same thing.

Hanna: I doubt you care about the symbolism of dreams. Martin: Yeah, not really into that kind of thing. Hanna: So... start talking, and let's see where it leads to.

Martin was used to nightmares. Dreams of his accident would play out like a broken film—clear in the beginning and end, but the middle always blurred with scattered sounds and images. They were rooted in his past, easy enough to explain. These new dreams weren't like that. They felt less like memories and more like glimpses of something waiting to happen. He wasn't one to believe in premonitions. The idea of dreams predicting the future didn't sit well with his practical nature. Still, these dreams were hard to brush off, no matter how much he wanted to.

(Tells Hanna about his dreams)

Martin: Any ideas? Hanna: Okay, I'm no shrink, but… maybe these dreams are all about fear. About what you're scared of deep down. Martin: Scared of what? Hanna: (thinking aloud) Of failing. Of being a bad father, or hurting the people you care about. And that second dream… maybe it's your fear of not being strong enough. Martin: (scoffs) So my subconscious thinks I'm a weak little coward who should shoot himself? Hanna: No. I think your subconscious is screaming for you to pay attention.

Hanna: These dreams—they’re showing you the things you're afraid of losing. They're giving you a chance to think about how to hold on to them. Martin: And if I don't want to hold on to some of it? What then? Hanna: (frowning) What do you mean? Martin: (avoiding her gaze) Nothing. Just thinking out loud. Hanna: (gently) Whatever's going on, it's eating at you. And you don't have to tell me everything. But bottling it up? That's not going to help. Martin: Not everything is fixable with talking. Hanna: No, but some things are. You just have to decide what's worth the effort.

Laila: Weren't we supposed to hang out tonight?

(tries to relax and wait for the stabbing pain to stop)

(keyboard clicking) Martin: I want you both to know that no matter where I am, I'll always be with you in some way. Take care of each other, keep learning, keep laughing, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. You were my greatest joy, both of you. And that will never change.

I'm sorry I wasn't there for you to the very end. I'm sorry I wasn't the dad you deserved. But I know you'll both find your own strength and happiness, even without me by your side.

Laila: Did something happen, or are you just ignoring me again?? Martin: Sry, dozed off. Killer headache. Laila: Again? You should see a doctor. Martin: Nothing serious, just haven't been sleeping well. Laila: You're welcome to come over. I'll take care of you. Martin: Appreciate it, but maybe another time.

Martin: Hey. Do you, uh, know anything about strange dreams? Hanna: (curious) Strange how? Like, dream interpretation? Martin: Maybe? It's… I keep having these dreams. Failing, leaving… dying. Just weird stuff, you know? Hanna: (concerned) Okay… that's, um, a little worrying. But do they follow any pattern? Like, are they always about something specific? Martin: (pauses) I guess... I'm the recurring theme. Hanna: Well, we can try to figure it out together. Do you… want to meet up? I'm free. Martin: Yeah… actually, that'd be good.

Laila: love you Hanna: I haven't heard from you at all. Let me know if you want to grab a coffee one of these days. H 😊 Sawyer: My&May's anniversary this wknd. Coming or leaving me 2 fend 4 myself?? 🙄

previous / beginning /next

Laila: I just need to grab my shoes, jacket, and a bag. Martin: Hey, I'm not made of patience.

Laila: I know, I know! You can get in the car if you want. It's parked on the corner. Martin: Key? Laila: Upstairs… I'll unlock the doors for you.

All I did was fail today...

Matilda: When will you be back? Martin: Sunday afternoon.

Martin: If you jump down from there, at best, you'll end up with a sprain; at worst, with a broken bone. Why do we even have to argue about such a thing?

Matilda: You can catch me. Martin: And then I could end up with a broken wrist. Matilda: Then you have a reason to stay at home! Martin: WAIT!

Matilda: Anything broken? Martin: Just my lungs and heart, which I think flew out my back.

Matilda: Then you need surgery! But don't worry, I'll take care of you.

Martin: Hey, gotta cancel this weekend. Martin: Mixed up two deadlines and need to fix it. I'll make it up to you.