When We Last Spoke

Good morning.

Juliet Cranbourne on KOFF a.m. radio in Fireside,

where no strangers are known.

We never take the last cookie.

We mind our children and our neighbors' business.

Wow.

I just had to play this song, y'all.

It was my little sister's favorite.

I am feelin' emotionally hijacked today, y'all,

but the good Lord never gives you more than you can handle,

now does He?

Here I been thinkin' that my life was full,

when in all actuality,

well, I just been busy, which really just hides

what's really goin' on, now doesn't it?

Like how hard it was for me, losing Ruby two years ago and,

well now, with Walt's sudden illness and all, I...

Havin' a moment of introspection.

Or what the Greeks like to call a--

Omphaloskepsis.

- And to top it off with it a Bing cherry,

my sister, Evangeline can't bring herself to come home.

Now, don't that just beat all?

- You girls know I'm leavin' tomorrow.

Yes, Daddy.

- Going to Vietnam to serve our country.

That's right.

Which means I need you to be good.

Take care of your momma while I'm gone.

When you comin' home?

Soon as they let me.

I want you girls to know I'll be thinkin' about you,

day and night.

- Are you gonna look for the North Star while you're gone?

Yes, my little squirrel.

The North Star is like God's lamppost,

shines so bright.

You see it?

Yes.

There.

Atta girl.

I don't see nothin'.

Hey baby girl.

Here.

Follow the constellation.

Follow it to the North Star, right there.

Now I see it.

That a girl.

Now, anytime you girls are missin' me,

I want you to look up at the Big Dipper

and follow it to the North Star.

You'll know Daddy's gonna find his way home to his girls.

I love you girls.

Come on.

- Evangeline, it's my turn.

Let me on.

- No, push me higher.

It's my turn.

Whiney baby.

I ain't done yet.

Are too.

Just because Dad is gone doesn't mean

you can do anything you want.

Stop!

Then get off!

Stop, Juliet.

Stop.

Can't make me.

Cut it out.

No!

Stop!

Sid?

Hey.

It's Margo Milford.

Remember me?

- Stop, I'm gettin' sick.

I don't care.

Yes, yes I did.

I married a wonderful man.

He's a helicopter pilot.

Cut it out!

Rabbit, let me on.

He's in Vietnam.

Stop!

You're makin' me sick.

- Is it my turn now, smarty pants?

Yes, we did.

We had two girls.

Two very different,

out of control girls.

Sid, listen.

I want to come back to New York.

This small town life is killing me.

I don't know, just...

background singer?

Coffee shop?

No.

Just me.

Really?

Oh, that'd be great.

Oh, Sid.

Thanks.

Girls.

Girls, come on.

You're going to see your grandparents.

Sounds like fun, huh?

We're gonna go see Mamaw.

Hat off in the house.

I'm sorry.

What in tarnation?

This can't be good.

Marguerite, what brings you here?

We need to talk.

Are you all right, sweetie?

Girls, hop out.

You're gonna spend a few days with Mamaw and Popo.

Oh well, how nice.

- Hey, how 'bout a little sugar for Popo?

You want somethin' cold to drink?

Yeah.

Lemonade?

Yeah.

Come on.

I don't understand.

I can't do this anymore.

I need to get my singing career back on track.

And leave your girls?

Well, what about James?

Have you told him?

Wait.

You can't just leave without

sayin' goodbye to your children.

Everything's here.

Clothes, shoes, dolls, toothbrushes,

it's all here.

Girls.

I'll be back after I get a few things sorted out.

Don't go Mama, don't go.

- I love you, now be good,

be good for Mamaw and Popo.

Don't go.

Promise we'll be good.

- We won't fight anymore. - Don't go!

We'll do just what you say.

Listen.

You just behave.

Okay?

Don't go.

Don't go, don't go.

Let go of the car.

Take me with you.

Come here, come on.

Evangeline.

Mama!

Evangeline!

Evangeline.

Evangeline!

Don't go!

Mama.

Hello, you guessed it.

I'm not here.

Leave me a message.

If I like you, I might call you back.

- Evangeline, I know you're there.

Pick up.

Evangeline.

Call me.

The population of Fireside has just dwindled.

Woody Davis, age 92 has just changed his address

to the sweet by and by.

I imagine Woody is playing checkers

with St. Peter himself right now,

and for those of you who are interested,

former Fireside resident William Bartlett,

now world-famous architect, has been sighted

at Densesky's lunch counter havin' himself

a grilled cheese sandwich.

Don't burn your chin on that hot cheese, Willie.

Mama's gonna be pleased seein'

that we're such a big help.

- I can set the table and even make toast.

- You are like two big, fluffy sponges

just soakin' everything up.

- She's gonna be home soon and we'll surprise her

with our wealth of knowledge.

Alright, here we go.

There you are.

- Oh Walt, could you find a different box?

That one's just not fittin'.

- Well, it's the only one big enough.

You want me to mail that cake to Elvis today,

it's gonna have to do.

It's not for us?

Ain't we havin' it after lunch?

- Sugar, I baked that special for the King.

Peanut butter, bananas and chocolate.

You just stay as sweet as you are

and I'll make one for you, too.

I'll tell ya what.

After lunch, maybe we'll go into town