Little House on the Prairie

It was the spring of 1887.

It had been a hard winter for everyone,

especially for Pa.

He had to sell the farm and move to where he could find work.

He settled the family in burr oak, Iowa.

Pa came back to get the last of the family's things.

Pa pretended that moving on would be a great thing for the family,

but I knew how he loved the little house on plum creek,

and I knew how much he was hurting inside.

Sarah baked you some biscuits for your trip back.

Oh, that's very kind. Thank you.

Wish you could stay for supper with us.

I'd like to, but I got a long trip back.

I should be getting started.

Mind if I take one more last look in the house?

No, not at all.

No.

I remember when we first moved in.

I was so excited to sleep up in the loft...

With my very own window.

Yeah, I remember it, too.

Such a baby then.

With big buckteeth.

Yeah.

You don't have to hide the tears from me, Pa.

Good times here.

Good times.

I know.

Jason, give that back... now!

You want it? You got to get it.

Boys, that's enough.

Jason, Jeb, you heard me.

Well, he took my pencil box!

'Cause he broke my slate!

Wasn't on purpose!

It was too!

We'll discuss whose fault it was later.

Right now, Jason, give Jeb back the box.

Yes, sir.

Now, you both wait outside.

I'm sorry. I tried to stop them before they ran in.

Oh, that's all right.

John and Sarah Carter, this is my daughter Laura Wilder.

We met outside.

In that case, I better let you get back to moving in.

Take as much time as you like.

I know it's not easy leaving a place.

It isn't, but I have to be on my way.

You've been most kind. Thanks a lot.

We'll take good care of the place.

I know you will.

I'll give you a ride home.

It was nice meeting you both.

Likewise. We'll be seeing each other, I'm sure.

Bye. Good luck.

Thank you.

He was crying when we came in.

I know.

Promise me something.

If I can.

Promise me we'll never move again.

I promise.

They're nice people, the Carters.

That they were.

Good blacksmith. Did a fine job on the team.

I'm sure he is.

The missis was telling me she's going to start a paper in walnut grove.

So I heard.

That will be good for the town... paper all its own.

Never thought I'd see a day a woman would be running a newspaper.

Times are changing.

That they are.

You could have them over the house, make them feel welcome.

I suppose.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

Come on. I'm your Pa, remember?

I can tell when something's bothering you.

Something about the Carters?

I know it sounds silly...

But I grew up in that house,

and seeing them all moved in...

It just sort of bothered me.

You're right. It's silly.

But I understand it.

You do?

Well, sure, I do.

I watched you grow up in that house, remember?

Come in for a few minutes.

I really should be starting back now.

Oh, just a little while.

All right. One cup of coffee.

Then I'll be on my way.

Where's almanzo?

He's probably in the bedroom with Rose. I'll get him.

I'll start the coffee.

Surprise! Surprise!

What's this all about?

How do you like that? We hide out in here

like a bunch of church mice,

waiting to say good-bye to an old friend,

and all he can say is, "what's all this about?"

They have a surprise for you.

Right in this box.

What in the world is this?

Go on, open it.

All right, I'll open it.

Look at that.

Well, we wanted to get you a going-away present.

When we heard that you were going to work

in a fine men's store in the big city,

we figured a new suit might come in handy.

You can't sell fancy duds when you look like you just plowed a furrow.

Do you like it?

It's a fine suit.

Yeah.

Sorry.

Don't be.

Just that I made so many friends here.

Best friends I ever had in my life.

It's hard leaving them.

You talk like we ain't never gonna see each other again.

We will.

I'm kind of like a bad penny... always turn up.

You watch over my family for me.

You know I will.

Proud you asked me.

All right. Let's get back inside there and try your new suit on.

Laura, voice-over: Pa stayed long into the night,

dancing and laughing.

I could see the tears behind his eyes,

for he knew it would be a long time

before he would see his friends again.

May I? May I?

Morning.

Good morning.

All right, class, take your seats.

I know it's the first day, and you're all excited,

but you must take your seats.

Now, as you all know,

I will no longer be teaching here in walnut grove.

But I will be available for tutoring after school for anyone who needs it.

And now I'd like to introduce you all

to your new teacher, miss etta plum.

Miss plum.

Thank you, Mrs. Wilder.

Good morning, class.

Good morning, miss plum.

I've already spoken to a number of you this morning,

and I know how you feel about Mrs. Wilder,

and I'll do my best to try to earn

the kind of respect and affection that you have for Mrs. Wilder.

Now, I believe that Willie and Nancy oleson have a presentation to make.

Miss plum, I did all the artwork on this.

You may not be aware of the fact that I'm the best artist in the class,

and I never receive less than an "e" for excellence on my report card.

And I'd also like you to know...

Nancy, be quiet.

Mrs. Wilder, we didn't know what to give you

on your last day with us,

and... well, we decided to give you this.

It's got all of our names on it so you won't forget us.

I know I've been a lot of trouble to you,

and at first I didn't like the idea of you teaching

and telling me what to do,

but I know you did it 'cause you really care about me.

And I just wanted you to know that we all care about you.

Here.

Thank you, Willie.

I thought I was prepared for today,

but, as you can see, I'm not.

Thank you all for this.

I'll treasure it forever.

And have no fear...

'Cause I'll never forget any of you.

You all mean a great deal to me.

Miss plum is your teacher now,

and I know you're all going to do your best

and work hard and make me proud.

Mrs. Wilder?

Once more... For old times' sake.

Willie... In the corner.

Yes, Ma'am.

Good luck.

Ok.

Now, you just hold still for a few more minutes.

Don't be blaming me.

I'm not the one who messed. You are.

There you go... warm and dry.

Ew!

I don't know why your Ma decided to name you Rose.

How'd it go?

Fine.

You don't look fine.

It was hard...

Harder than I thought.

Oh, I knew it would be.

Oh, manly...

I know, I know, but it had to be.

You got the baby now.