Chapter 1
(Village)
Grandma Shay: Hi, sweetie.
London: Hi, Grandma.
Grandma Shay: I have someone I would like you to meet.
(A tall man in a coat steps in.)
Grandma Shay: Meet your father.
(London laughs.)
London: Grandma, I really don't have time for this joke.
Grandma Shay: Sweetie, I'm serious.
London: Who is he?
And why is he claiming to be my father?
(The man approaches closer to London.)
Maxwell: Hi… I'm your dad.
London: You have no right
to call yourself my father.
You left me in this village with Grandma for years,
and now you suddenly show up… with this fancy coat and clothes,
thinking I care?
Maxwell: Let me explain.
London: I'm fed up with all the lies.
You had no idea what I went through.
My whole life, I got mocked. I was treated like nothing
just because I had no dad.
And now you show up, claiming a position
you never took responsibility for.
Maxwell: I get it. You're mad at me.
But can we talk?
London: NO… get OUT.
Grandma: London, I didn't train you to talk to an adult like that.
London: Grandma, he is not an adult.
He left me. Last time I checked, adults take care of their responsibilities.
They don't abandon them.
Grandma: Listen to him.
London: Grandma, bye… I need to go to bed.
I have school tomorrow.
(London leaves angrily.)
Maxwell: Mom… she hates me.
Grandma Shay: Don't say that.
She needs time.
She's just a teen with feelings.
She's acting her age.
Maxwell: I missed her.
Grandma: I know.
Are you hungry? I made your favorite.
Maxwell: Mom, I have a lot on my mind.
But thanks… I'll pass.
Maxwell: Go to bed. Good night.
(Grandma Shay leaves Maxwell alone.)
[Next Morning]
London: Hi, Grandma. Good morning.
Grandma Shay: I know you can see someone else
in this house. So greet him.
(London frowns.)
London: Good morning… sir.
Grandma Shay: Call him… Dad.
London: I cannot.
Maxwell: Mom, let it be.
London: Grandma, let me go so I can catch the bus.
Maxwell: I can drop you.
London: No, sir. I'm fine.
Maxwell: I insist.
London: I SAID I'M FINE.
Grandma: Who are you raising your voice at?
London: I… I'm sorry.
I said I'm fine… sir.
Grandma: I have decided. He will drop you off.
(London nods slowly.)
[On the way to school]
(Maxwell opens the door for London.)
London: You don't need to pretend. Grandma is not here.
And by the way, I can open my own car… sir.
Maxwell: I j-just…
Never mind.
London: Let's go… I'm late.
[ school].
Maxwell: Here we are.
London: Thanks… I guess.
Maxwell: Have a good day.
London: I always do.
Please go now.
Maxwell: Um… bye.
(Maxwell leaves.)
Edwin: Who was that?
London: No one.
Edwin: That car was so fancy.
Lucky you.
London: Can you stop?
Edwin: Okay… chill.
You look like someone who was forced to come to school.
London: More like forced to face the past.
Edwin: Do you need a hug?
London: I'm not a child.
Let's go.
(2:00 PM)
(Car parked outside. Maxwell standing there.)
London: Why are you here?
Maxwell: I came to pick you up.
London: Says who?
Maxwell: As your dad.
London: Don't claim a title that isn't yours.
Maxwell: Can we go home?
It's almost raining.
London: I want to walk home with my friends… like I always do.
Maxwell: What about your bus?
London: Stop asking questions. You're not my parent.
So go away.
Maxwell: I cannot come all the way here just to go back without you.
London: Please go. Can't you see… you're hurting me?
Maxwell: How am I hurting you?
London: By existing.
I don't like you. I don't want you.
Go away.
Maxwell: Ouch… those words hurt.
London: I don't care.
You left me when I was 3.
And now I'm 14, you're back… that hurts more.
I hate you.
Maxwell: Can we at least talk? Please hear me out.
Let me explain.
London: NO. I'm no longer the little girl you lied to,
saying you would come back for.
I existed without you… so I don't need you now.
(It starts raining.)
Maxwell: Get in.
London: Fine.
[Home]
Grandma: How was your day?
London: Can you please tell this man to leave me alone?
I hate him.
Grandma: London… apologize NOW.
London: I'm… I'm sorry.
Just let me be… please… please.
Maxwell: What will I do for you to forgive me?
London: Go away… far away.
I don't want to ever see you or hear your voice.
Please go away.
(London starts crying.)
Maxwell: Do you hate me… that much?
Remember on your 2nd birthday, I took you to Disneyland.
London: I cannot remember… sir.
And yes… I hate you more than you know.
Grandma: London… room NOW.
London: Whatever… bye.
I hope you are gone by the time I come down.
(London leaves.)
Maxwell: Mom… am I a bad dad?
Grandma: No, you're not.
Maxwell: Then… why does she hate me so much?
Grandma: She's young… and hurt.
You left her way too young.
Maxwell: I had to.
My job needed me.
And I needed to make money to pay for her school fees.
And I had just lost my wife.
I was broken.
Grandma: One day she will understand.
Give her time.
Maxwell: I'm trying.
It's not working.
She just… said she hates me.
(London's room)
[Knock on the door]
London: Come in.
Maxwell: Hi.
London: Oh my gosh… what do you want, sir?
How can I help you?
Maxwell: Can we talk?
London: I'm all ears.
Maxwell: Have you ever wondered why I left you?
London: Oh yeah… I did.
And I got the answers I needed.
Maxwell: I had to.
London: It doesn't matter right now.
I'm over it.
So you should be too.
Maxwell: I was broken.
I lost your mom… then you.
I'm sorry.
London: Don't mention the name of my mother.
Maxwell: You're not the only one who misses her.
I do every single day.
You remember… she would sing lullabies for both of us.
(London starts crying.)
London: Please stop.
Go away.
Maxwell: I'm sorry I left you.
I can only imagine what you went through all those years.
London: I got bullied for being the only kid
who brought her grandma to parent meetings.
People said… you couldn't handle me, so you left.
And maybe they were right.
I was just a burden to you.
Maxwell: Don't say that.
London: You have no right to tell me
what I should say and what I shouldn't.
Maxwell: My life was miserable without you.
London: You know what… I used to miss you.
I would cry and beg Grandma to call you.
But you never picked up.
You visited me once every four months.
It hurt so much.
I'm just a liability to you.
Maxwell: Don't say that.
You are my daughter… my heart.
London: Don't you dare call me your heart.
Because you have no heart.
You're not human.
You're a monster… a freak.
You know what… I… I wish you would disappear forever.
LEAVE.
GO.
Maxwell: Goodnight.
(Maxwell leaves.)
(Saturday)
(Grandma opens London’s window for the morning sun to come in.)
Grandma: Good morning.
London: Grandma… what are you doing?
Grandma: Making sure my baby is okay.
London: Is he gone?
Grandma: You mean… your dad?
He is in the kitchen.
London: Doing what?
Grandma: Well… I don't know.
But I smell something good.
London: Is that pancakes?
Oh my… m-my favorite.
Grandma: Then get up… go get some.
London: Mmm.
(London walks downstairs.)
Maxwell: Good morning… princess.
London: My name is London, sir.
I don't have a crown, so I'm not a princess.
Maxwell: Good morning, London.
I made pancakes.
London: You think making my favorite breakfast
will make me forgive you?
Maxwell: I didn't expect your forgiveness easily.
But I'm trying.
I want to learn everything about you.
Can you please give me the privilege?
London: There's one specific thing
I want you to learn about me.
When I throw things away… I don't take them back.
Same thing when I remove someone from my life.
Grandma: London… stop.
London: What did I do?
He just said he wanted to learn everything about me.
Maxwell: Let's eat, please.
Grandma: Please… do it for me.
London: Fine.
Let's say grace.
Thank you, Lord, for this meal.
As we eat it, let the hands that prepared it be blessed.
Amen.
All: Amen.
Maxwell: I heard you have dance practice.
I never knew you danced.
London: Don't worry… you know nothing.
So don't pretend.
Grandma: London.
London: What?
I'm being honest.
Lying is a sin.
He knows nothing about me.
Maxwell: I want to learn.
London: Parents know their kids… they don't learn them.
But as they say… every house is different.
By the way, when are you going back to the city?
You left me for a job…
so go back to the job.
Maxwell: I now own my own company.
So I take leave when I want.
London: But you couldn't take it
when I needed you.
By the way… why are you here?
Grandma: London… stop.
London: Are you that lonely?
To take back what you left?
Maxwell: I came to spend time with my daughter.
London: Who is your daughter?
Grandma: London… you are excused from the table.
London: I was about to excuse myself anyway.
(London leaves.)
Grandma: I'm sorry for that.
I did not raise her this way.
I don't know what has gotten into her.
Maxwell: I'm the reason.
Do you think I should leave?
Grandma: No.
Show her how much you care.
And how willing you are to make amends.
Show her you love her more than she knows.
I have an idea.
Maxwell: What?
Grandma: She loves shopping.
Take her out.
Maxwell: She will never come with me.
Grandma: Don't worry… I'll trick her.
Maxwell: I hope she comes willingly.
Grandma: She will.
Give her time.
[Sunday – Shopping]
London: Church was amazing.
Grandma: London… I need to see my friend.
She lives closer to that shopping mall.
Let's go there.
London: You know… I can't resist those.
(Shopping mall)
London: Why is he here?
Grandma: I called him.
London: Why?
Grandma: Because I can… and he is your dad, and my son.
London: Let's go home.
Grandma: No.
Maxwell: Take anything you want.
I will get it for you.
(London’s eyes light up.)
London: Anything?
Maxwell: Yes.
(London picks up the pink bag she has always wanted.)
London: C-can I get this?
Maxwell: Sure. Is that all?
London: Yes.
(Grandma smiles.)
London: Can we go now?
Maxwell: Yes… one minute. Let me pay.
Grandma: We can go now.
London: T-thank you.
Maxwell: You're welcome.
[Home]
London: I will go up now… bye.
Grandma: Okay.
(London climbs upstairs.)
Grandma: That's progress.
Maxwell: You think so?
Grandma: I know so.
(Maxwell’s room)
[Knock on the door]
London: I'm sorry for coming in at this hour.
Can we talk?
Maxwell: Come in… don't apologize.
You are welcome here anytime you want.
London: Did you ever think about me…
even once?
Maxwell: I did… every day.
I missed you so much.
I missed your mom.
I couldn't face you.
I was broken.
(London takes a deep breath.)
London: Earlier I lied… I did remember the Disneyland trip.
It was fun.
I remember you held my hand the whole time.
How was life… without Mom?
Maxwell: To be honest… it was bad.
I couldn't think straight.
I missed her telling me what to do.
London: I do too.
I miss her every single day.
Especially at night.
I miss her lullabies.
Maxwell: Me too.
Sometimes I need them to sleep.
London: As grown as you are?
(Both laugh.)
Maxwell: That's what happens when you love someone.
London: I will go to bed now… it's late.
This doesn't mean I forgive you.
Maxwell: Yes, ma'am.
(Both laugh.)
Maxwell: Goodnight. Sleep tight.
London: You too.
[Monday].
London: Good morning, Grandma.
Grandma: Hi, sweetie.
London: Where is he?
Grandma: Who?
London: That man.
Grandma: You mean… your dad?
He went to the hospital.
London: Why?
Grandma: He is not feeling well.
He has a fever.
You have to take the bus to school today.
London: Okay.
Bye, Grandma.
Grandma: Bye.
[School – 2:40 PM]
(Hours pass)
[Home]
(London opens the door.)
Grandma: Hi, sweetie. I will be heading to the market.
Your dad is upstairs. Later on, take this medicine to him.
London: Okay.
(Grandma leaves.)
[4:30 PM – Maxwell’s room]
(London knocks on the door.)
Maxwell: Open.
London: Um… hi.
Maxwell: London, you're back.
I'm sorry I couldn't pick you up today.
London: Don't apologize. I'm okay.
But… how are you?
Maxwell: Getting better.
The doctor said it's stress.
London: Then… stop stressing yourself.
(Maxwell laughs.)
Maxwell: You care.
London: I… I didn’t say so.
Um… I would have done that for anyone else.
Maxwell: I made your favorite… mac and cheese.
London: How did you… when you're sick?
Maxwell: I tried my best.
London: You didn't have to… but thanks.
Maxwell: You're welcome.
London: I will stay with you till Grandma comes back.
Here… take your medicine.
Maxwell: I hate medicine.
London: Me too.
Father like daughter… isn't it?
Maxwell: Did you just call me father?
London: I… it slipped out.
I didn't… never mind.
Take your medicine… please.
Maxwell: Okay.
I will.
London: I think… Grandma is here.
Bye.
Maxwell: Bye… thanks for checking on me.
London: Mmm.
(London leaves.)
Grandma: Did you give him the medicine?
London: I did.
Grandma: Thanks, sweetie. I know it's hard for you.
London: I'm fine.
Grandma: So… have you forgiven him yet?
London: I really don't know yet.
Grandma: Take your time.
[Tuesday – Hangout]
London: Are you feeling better now?
Maxwell: Yeah.
What do you think about watching a movie today?
London: Okay.
Grandma: You both go have some father-and-daughter moments.
London: Will you be okay alone, Grandma?
Grandma: Yes… I'm not that old.
(All laugh.)
(Car door opens.)
Maxwell: Get in, ma'am.
(London laughs.)
London: Thanks… Dad.
Maxwell: Did you j-just—
London: Yes, I did… call you Dad.
(Maxwell smiles.)
[Theater 🎬]
Maxwell: This is awesome.
London: Yes.
(Popcorn and juice)
Maxwell: You ready?
London: Yes.
Maxwell: Okay.
(London leans her head on Maxwell’s shoulder.)
Maxwell: I'm right here.
London: Thanks.
Maxwell: You're welcome.
(People laughing and giggling)
[Movie over]
Maxwell: Let's go home.
London: Yes.
(Drive home)
[Home]
London: Thanks, Dad… it felt like the Disneyland trip.
Maxwell: I'm happy you loved it.
London: I did.
Bye now.
Maxwell: Bye.
(London climbs upstairs.)
Grandma: How was it?
Maxwell: Awesome.
Can you believe she called me Dad?
Grandma: I told you… just give her time.
Maxwell: Mom, I'm so happy.
Grandma: I'm happy too.
Maxwell: I just wish it could last.
Grandma: What do you mean?
Maxwell: Um… what?
I said nothing.
Grandma: I thought I heard you say,
"I just wish it could last."
Maxwell: You're old… you keep hearing stuff.
Goodnight.
POV: One Faithful Day
London: Grandma… have you seen my dad?
Grandma: No, sweetie. I’ve been looking for him for a while now.
London: Let me go check in his room.
Grandma: Okay… I’ll make breakfast then.
(Maxwell’s room)
(London opens the door.)
(Maxwell is on the floor.)
London: GRANDMA! HELP! HELP!
(Grandma rushes upstairs.)
Grandma: What—
Jesus… what happened?
London: I don’t know!
Call someone!
(Grandma makes calls.)
Grandma: Here they are… carry him to the hospital!
Joshua: We got him. Sit in the backseat.
Grandma: Okay.
[Hospital]
(Joshua rushes in with Maxwell.)
Joshua: Nurse! Help immediately!
Nurse: What happened?
Joshua: Just take him first!
(Maxwell is taken away.)
(London crying)
London: Grandma… will he be okay? I just got him back.
Grandma: He’s a fighter… he will be okay. Stay positive.
(Doctor comes out.)
Doctor: What happened to him?
London: I went upstairs to look for him.
It was 8 PM and he wasn’t out yet.
Then I found him on the floor.
Is my dad okay?
Doctor: Calm down.
I’ll come back with answers soon.
(Doctor leaves.)
(Hours pass)
(Doctor returns, looking serious)
London: How is my dad?
Doctor: I’m sorry to say this…
We lost him.
He had brain cancer.
London: You must be mistaken.
My dad… with another patient.
My dad doesn’t have brain cancer.
Grandma… tell him.
Grandma: Doctor, check again… please.
Nurse: We did.
We’re sorry.
London: NO… NOOO… Dad! Dad! Please no!
(Room)
London: Daddy… where are you?
If this is a prank… okay, you got me.
Please get up now.
Everyone thinks you're gone.
Please get up… the prank is over.
See, even Grandma isn’t laughing.
It’s not funny… get up.
GET UP NOW… please…
(crying)
Grandma: Maxwell… no… please.
Nurse: We will move him soon.
London: You're not taking my dad anywhere!
No… NO!
Grandma: Sweetie… he is gone.
Let’s go home.
London: No…
[Home]
(Knock on door)
London: Who are you?
Thompson: I’m Mr. Thompson… your father’s lawyer.
London: Lawyer? Why?
Grandma: Hi, Thompson. Come in.
Thompson: My condolences.
I came to read his final will.
The Letter
"To my beautiful daughter,
I always knew I was diagnosed with brain cancer.
My biggest fear was not making amends with you before dying.
I cherished every moment spent with you.
All I wanted was to give you the fatherly love you deserve.
I know this hurts.
I’m leaving you once again… but this time, it’s forever.
But remember this… I love you. I always will.
I leave all my companies to you.
Everything is in your name.
Take it… grow it.
I will always be with you.
To my lovely mother,
I leave my properties and businesses.
Thank you for taking care of her when I wasn’t available.
Yes, I was working to give her a better life…
but also fighting for my health.
Please take care of her.
I love you both."
London: No… please come back.
Thompson: Your dad was an amazing man.
He loved you very much.
(Thompson leaves)
Grandma: He… he was sick all along.
London: Now he’s gone.
I feel stupid… all I did was blame him.
But he went through a lot.
He’s gone now.
[One Year Later – Bridge]
London: One thing I have learned in life is…
Enjoy the chances you get with the ones you love.
Please don’t keep grudges.
Free your heart.
Forgive… because no one knows tomorrow.
Anything can happen at any time.
It doesn’t matter what they did to you…
please try to forgive them.
I love you, Dad.
I miss you.
Love you, Mom.
