Touched by an Angel

Some people call it a fruit, and some people call it a vegetable.

But the way I look at it, a tomato by any other name would taste as sweet.

Why do they need all this protection?

Well, a tomato is very much like a human soul.

It takes a long time to ripen, and it bruises real easy.

Feast your buds, baby. Sarah won't mind.

See, Mommy?

Wow, look at those scary flames.

And who's the fireman on the ladder?

Daddy. He's a hero.

Sarah, help?

Daddy? Hmm?

If our house was on fire, would you save us?

Oh, you bet I would, baby. You'll always be safe when I'm around.

Okay, Lorrin, let's scoot. Come on.

Where's Pinkie? I can't go without Pinkie.

She's too old for that security blanket.

Oh, there's nothing wrong with a little security.

You look nice. Thanks.

Do you think it's too...

No, I think you're gonna be the most beautiful woman in that room.

I can't find it.

I'll handle this. I'll meet you outside. Okay.

Lovely life, lovely family, lovely garden.

I don't see a problem.

Well, you have to dig deeper, baby.

There's a weed in Sarah's life

and she can't get rid of it no matter what she does.

The roots are just down too deep.

We found it! Oh, good.

Anything interesting?

Uh, just my seed catalogue. Come on.

What is Sarah hiding, Tess? More than that letter.

Sarah has looked into the face of evil

and it's getting ready to look back.

The Medal of Valor is the highest honor a fire fighter can receive.

Now Ed Bingham here will be the first to tell you

that saving lives is just part of the job.

But this is the first guy on the truck when we go out,

he's the last guy to give up on a rescue.

Of course, he is kind of a hot head.

Ed gets a little mad when people are in trouble. When he thinks people are...

Lorrin, I'm gonna go out for a moment, okay? No, Mommy.

It's okay, sweetie. Daddy's right there. I'll be right back.

We're called to a four alarm, fully involved house fire. There's Ed, first guy,

in his running shorts.

Oh, God, no.

Mommy, what's wrong?

Nothing, sweetie.

You could put the soft part on your cheek if you want.

That always makes me feel better.

Good morning. How may I help you?

Hi. My name is Sarah Bingham. I was here six years ago.

I'm not sure who I spoke with, but... What is this place, Mommy?

And what is your name, precious?

She's very shy. She doesn't talk to strangers.

Lorrin. What's yours?

Tess, and I'm very pleased to meet you, Lorrin.

I had a goldfish named Tess, but she died

and went down the toilet to heaven. Lorrin.

That's all right, baby. There are lot of ways to get to heaven.

Now it just so happens

that I can get you an appointment

with one of our best counselors right away.

Hello, Sarah. My name is Monica.

Would you like to set that down?

No, thank you. I, uh...

I'm worried about my little girl.

She, she gets frightened when I'm not around. I'm just...

Oh, don't be.

She'll be just fine with Tess. I promise.

Sorry.

You can't be too careful as a mother these days. Of course.

I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to her.

I'm sorry. I think I've made a mistake.

I really shouldn't have come.

I'm not ready to talk about this.

I can tell that you're afraid, but really,

this is a very safe place.

I don't think there's any such place.

I used to think there was. I had a beautiful home

and a husband and a baby, and...

Six years ago...

Six years ago... Please don't.

I'm sorry.

I just, I... It's like...

I feel very alone.

Well, what about your husband?

I can't talk to him about this.

He just... He can't handle...

What can't he handle? I'm sorry.

My, my, what a cute little blanket.

My Mommy made it for me. It keeps me safe.

Oh, sweetheart, you don't need a blanket to keep you safe.

God is watching over you. He watches over you all the time.

And even though you can't see him, he's right here

and you can speak to him whenever you want to.

My Mommy doesn't like me talking to strangers.

Oh, God isn't a stranger.

He's the best friend you've ever had.

Thank you for watching her for me. No problem.

Come on, sweetie, let's go. Don't forget Daddy's medal.

I hear your husband is a hero.

He saves people.

Sarah, if there's anything I can do to help, anything at all...

Would you...

Would you meet me on Friday at 2:00, here?

I'd be glad to.

Okay. Thank you.

Come on, sweetie. Bye, baby.

The State Prison.

Tess, what is Sarah hiding? Did she do something wrong?

No, baby, she didn't do anything wrong.

Thank you so much for coming, Monica.

Sarah, I still don't understand.

Oh, God.

Carl Atwater? Yes, sir.

The Parole Board has received your fitness report

as well as your ID 44 endorsement from your Section Warden.

According to your supervising psychiatrist,

your progress has been exemplary.

Taking into account your activities on the Prison Worship Committee

and the six years you've already served, he recommends parole.

Praise God.

Do you regret your crime?

Oh, I do. Yes, sir, I do.

Every minute

of every day.

I know how much pain I've caused.

If released, will you be able to live your life

in accordance with the laws of this state

and the statutes of this county?

Oh, yes, sir.

Do you consider yourself ready to re-enter society?

Yes, sir, I do.

Oh, the Lord is my strength and song

and He has become my salvation.

I really do love you, you know.

Sweet dreams, Lorrin. Sweetie.

Not another sound, or I'll kill them all.

No.

No, please don't let him out. Please.

Rapists don't reform.

They get out of prison and they rape again and again and again.

Don't you know what he did to me? Didn't you see the pictures?

The bruises on my throat. He tore my hair out.

He cut me with a knife here and here and here. Please.

Mrs. Bingham, we understand how difficult this must be.

Mr. Atwater has served his time,

and we have every reason to believe he's a changed man.

I promise he'll be under the strict supervision of the Parole Board.

Carl Atwater, according to Penal Code 9.94 A,

you must report to your parole office within 24 hours of release.

Yes, sir.

I'm so sorry, Sarah.

How could they fall for that act?

Monica, he has no right to believe in God. He has no right.

If anyone needs to believe in God, it's a man like that.

Carl Atwater? Yes, sir.

Hi. My name is Andrew.

How do you do? Very well. I will be your parole officer.

Okay, let's start by going over the conditions of your parole.

Firstly, the parolee must register with

the County Sheriff's Office within five days.

The parolee may not travel outside of a 50 mile radius without written permission.

You may have no access to any firearm, ammunition,

or any item resembling a firearm.

And most importantly, you may have no contact at all with your victim.

Any questions? No, sir.

Okay, good.

Now according to your psychological evaluation

you attended some anger management classes while in prison.

Mmm-hmm, mmm-hmm, and they helped me some,

but not as much as finding the Lord.

I'm glad to hear that.

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet"

"and a light unto thy path."

Oh, I got the Lord in my heart. Got an angel on my shoulder.

It's gonna take more than a tattoo, Carl.

First thing you need to do is find a job, then find a place to live.

When you do that, report back here to me.

In the meantime, I have your release funds. $100.

Thank you very much. You're very welcome.

Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you.

What do you want?

I need your forgiveness.

I know that's a hard thing to ask of you.

Please.

No, please, I won't hurt you.

I just... Let me read to you from the Bible here.

"I repent"

"me of the evil I have done onto you."

Jeremiah, Chapter 42, Verse 10. See.