Comeback Dad

All the hurtful things we said created tension

and built walls in my head.

Around in circles we began.

This never ending argument ends.

And you know how it goes.

I blame you.

You blame me.

No one wants to give in to the other.

When has war ever made peace?

I thought we loved each other.

If we don't find something much greater

we may wake up 20 years later.

Looking back, we'll subtract all the time we waste.

We attack and react.

We don't want to change.

If the fight don't kill us, then our pride just may.

And I can't carry this one more day.

It ain't worth it.

It ain't worth the wait.

It ain't worth the wait.

You're my sister, you're my friend, the only one

who truly sees who I am.

Girl, you know me and how I get.

And I know far too well to ever let, let it get to the point

I blame you, you blame me.

No one wants to give in to the other.

When has war ever made peace?

I thought we loved each other.

You make your list of amends?

Yeah. Yeah.

Got 'em-- got 'em right here.

Here you are.

No. Please read aloud.

Number one, to see my daughter.

Get her to talk to me again.

How long it been now?

Eight years.

Number two, get my gig back at the club.

Playing piano down at Drake's?

Yeah.

Number three, get my family to forgive me.

What you're doing first?

My daughter.

What are you going to do?

I've got a plan.

You have one unheard message sent today at 9:35 AM.

Hello, Othell.

I got your voice message.

And my answer is no.

No, I will not help you see Nima.

She doesn't want to see you.

She doesn't need to see you.

She's good now.

And I'm-- I'm good too.

Don't call me again.

And don't contact Nima.

Hey, baby.

What are you working on?

Just some new projects.

Mhm.

What are you up to?

Here's your lunch I promised.

Oh.

Oh.

Did you make this?

I did.

Try it.

Oh, turkey.

It's good.

Do you think I'm thoughtful?

Hm?

I was reading this article on perfect partnerships.

And it says that a good partner is always thoughtful.

That's why I'm asking if you think I'm thoughtful.

Yes.

I think you are very thoughtful.

Absolutely.

And I think about all the thoughtful things you do.

And the thoughtful person you are.

And I just-- I get misty eyed.

Stop it.

Go on and eat.

Yeah. Eat it right now?

Mhm.

With you watching me?

Just take a bite. I want to see if you like it.

Yeah.

Mm.

I was thinking, do you think having

your father walk me down the aisle is going to look weird?

Would you rather your father do it?

Not unless there was a firing squad at the other end.

OK.

Are you picking me up for dinner?

Absolutely.

I'm going to go finish up the music for my concert.

How's that coming?

It's good.

I'm just a little bit nervous.

It's the first time I'm composing several pieces.

Oh.

Don't be.

You're great.

You are talented.

You're beautiful.

I'll see you tonight.

Absolutely.

Eat all your lunch.

Bye bye. - Bye.

Mm.

Play now.

Pay later.

That's how my granny raised us.

Every now and again I get caught slippin'

till I remember what my father said.

He said, be that, whatever it is.

Be that.

And you'll never have to wonder what

it is you would have should have,

could have, would have done.

Be that.

Whatever it is, just be that.

And you'll never have to wonder it is you would have.

As long as you believe in me.

Then you will be what your dad's gonna be.

That's why I'm enjoying every moment.

Every day is another step in the race

to me getting where I'm going.

If you walkin' then I'm running.

Straight up I live for the day my momma could say,

I knew he would be something.

Yeah.

Play now, pay later.

That's how my granny raised us.

And every now and again--

How can I help you?

You. - No, no.

There's no need for that. - Security?

I need you in here right now.

You don't need to do that.

I just want to talk to you for a few minutes.

I know how it looks.

Just wait right there. Security!

I know you're thinking it's something else.

But I just need a few minutes of your time.

Security!

If you could just give me two minutes of your time, sir.

You don't really know me.

But you do kind of know me.

Come with me, sir.

Look, I'm Nima's father!

We got a breach.

Nima Simone Babineaux, born September 20, 1985.

She has a scar on the knee that she tells people come from,

um, climbing a tree when she was eight.

I mean, that girl's never climbed a tree in her life.

He's OK.

You sure? - Yeah.

That girl ain't climbed no trees.

I'll be right outside.

Mr. Babineaux.

So you're Nima's father?

Yes.

Well, uh, what can I do for you?

I need you to help me find a way that I could see Nima.

You know, I really wish I could help you.

But I don't think she wants to see you.

I need you to make it so that she does.

Mr. Babineaux, I'm just meeting you for the first time.

And Nima barely mentions you.

Let's say I'm dying.

Hm.

Are you dying, Mr. Babineaux?

A little.

You're dying a little?

I don't follow.

My counselor told me that I could have

died if I didn't stop drinking.

You could have died.

Did you stop drinking?

Yes.

But I could have died.

Can we play that up? - No.

I'm sorry.

I wish I could help you.

But I really can't.

My counselor wanted me to work on this list.

I'm sorry.

I-- I wish I could help.

I really do.

I just-- I have way too much on my plate right now.

Sorry.

Babe, how was your day?

Interesting.

Why?

What happened?