Original subtitles

(traffic buzzing)

(slow soft music)

(man shouting in foreign language)

(upbeat rock music)

(papers rustling)

(Florence sniffing)

- Shit.

Where am I?

Hey!

Hey, do you all know where Sierra Vista is?

- [Chris] Where ya goin'?

- Hey, can I see your hat, miss?

- This drop-in center, it's called--

- [Chris] We know what it's called.

- Miss, can I see it?

Man, you stupid, lady, why you gonna trust us like this?

How you know we not gonna jump you when we hit the corner?

- Who the hell do you think you are?

- Man, shut up lady. - No, you shut up.

You're just a stupid kid.

Oh, not so tough now are you?

- Whoa.

Relax, miss, he's cool.

We're all going to the same place.

Jesus Christ.

(light upbeat music)

What the fuck was that?

Oh god, fuck, oh no, oh, ew!

- [Jamal] What the fuck?

- Oh, she just threw up.

That's so gross!

- Oh, Christ, it smells. - What the fuck

is wrong with you?

(boys laughing)

That was so disgusting.

What's your problem?

Jesus. - Gross.

(Florence groans)

(intercom beeping)

- [Taylor] Who is it?

- INS.

- [Taylor] That's fine, Jamal.

I don't have to let you in today.

- Come on, Taylor, let us in.

- [Taylor] You guys are late.

- [Chris] Victor's van broke down.

- [Taylor] Hell if I believe you.

- What the fuck's her problem?

(bell buzzes)

- [Shard] Finally.

- So you guys are?

- Yeah.

- No snacks, straight to class.

- [Jamal] But we hungry.

- Get here on time then, you know the rules.

- Man, it's not our fault Victor drives a bucket.

- Yeah, whatever, hurry in.

Shard, hurry up.

- [Shard] Bitch is on her rag today.

- I heard that, Shard. - [Shard] Good.

- Who are you?

- I'm Florence.

I'm here for the...

- Guitar workshop.

Yeah, they said you might be straggling in.

You're the fourth teacher that we seen.

Let's hope they don't eat you alive, too.

- You're late.

- Yeah, I know that already. - Let's get you in there.

You have your guitar?

Good.

All right, so there will be a staff member

or social worker with you at all times.

You will not be left unattended with the youth.

They can be trouble.

Sweet kids, but dangerous if provoked.

The first hour just introduce yourself

and play them some happy songs.

No emo or rap.

The second hour, hands-on exercises.

We don't have a guitar for each of the kids,

but they'll get the idea, right?

I mean, they'll get the point, it'll be fine.

If you need anything, I'll be out here, okay?

Just get started.

(kids laughing)

- Oh, look, it's her again.

- Hi, I'm Gloria.

- Hi.

Are you the social worker?

- She's nobody.

- Hey, Chris, I will write you up.

Just do your thing, honey, don't worry about me.

- [Florence] Okay.

(clearing throat)

- Why you throwin' paper?

- All right.

How many of you guys put on music when you're feeling down?

- [Shard] That's a stupid question.

- All right, um, how many of you guys listen to music

when you're feeling happy?

- You want a fuckin' stupid answer?

- Whoa!

Are they allowed to curse?

- My hat is making my head itch.

- You should shower more.

- You should shut your face more.

What the hell, man?

- What The fuck.

- Yo!

- Don't fucking touch me!

- Hey, hey, don't touch the youth, okay?

They get out of control sometimes.

- All right, well whose job is it to get 'em in control?

- Damn! - Jesus.

I need you guys to focus, I really need this job.

- Gloria?

- [Kids] Yo, Erika!

- Erika, please bring us snacks, I'm so hungry.

- Patience, in like 10 minutes, okay, 10 minutes.

- How are we supposed to concentrate?

- Damn, come back, woman.

- Hey, Chris, hey, that Canadian girl

still hanging out with you?

- [Chris] What?

- Hey!

- Hey, you wastin' yo breath lady.

- You have bad breath.

- Hey!

- Hey, hey!

- Shut the hell up!

Please!

God.

- I'm offended lady, I believe in God.

- I'm Florence, that's my name, okay?

- Yeah, but what's my name, okay?

- I don't know.

What's your name?

- Why should I know your name

if you don't know my name, lady?

- Ooh, told you.

Told you.

♫ And you scratched the tape

♫ From my eyes - Scratched the what?

(kids laughing)

- [Girl] Nice song.

- [Chris] Just stop.

- Guys, this is Katie, she's gonna be in your group now.

- Great.

- [Gloria] Her last group didn't work out.

- Wonderful.

Hi, Katie.

- [Shard] Hey, Katie, Jamal was just talking about you.

- [Jamal] Yeah, what you doin' tonight girl?

- [Shard] He's got a crush.

- All right, so, I'd really like for you guys to listen.

All right?

- [Jamal] Hey, Katie, what's your number girl?

- [Shard] You know, give him your number.

- [Jamal] Just give it to me, just give it to me.

You know I been asking.

- [Shard] He's asking.

- [Jamal] You know it's been a while.

- [Shard] She's playing something.

♫ And you scratched the tape from my eyes

♫ To reveal a residue of lies

♫ With my eyes forced open

♫ I must see

♫ This trail of residue

♫ Follows me

♫ Follows me

♫ Follows me

(Gloria clapping)

- Hell no.

- Is it easy?

- No.

But if you stick with it, it'll get easier.

- Snacks.

- [Boy] Yeah.

(soft slow melody)

- Break over yet?

- Hey.

Could I bum one?

- You can have the rest of mine.

- Thanks.

- You tryin' to quit?

I'm Taylor, by the way.

I'm one of the social workers here.

I teach arts and crafts when we're short staffed.

(dog barking)

I used to play the guitar when I was younger.

But then I didn't need it anymore.

That was a long time ago.

So, Ms. Guitar Teacher,

your kids giving you enough hell yet?

- Yeah, they're very monster-like.

They need to teach these asshole kids some fucking manners

before they learn how to strum a guitar.

- You're definitely a newbie.

- I'm just here for the paycheck.

- Sometimes I am too.

There are few good days, but you know what?

Today's a good day.

- Why is that?

- Because every day a newbie like you takes this job,

I'm a little closer to peace.

- Thanks.

I'm gonna start with the A chord.

It's really easy--

- What's a A chord?

- An A chord?

An A is a note.

Like a musical note.

We have C, we have A, D.

I'll teach you, don't worry.

The notes are, we'll go over it again,

but they're E, A, D, G, C, B.

- [Shard] What?

- Give me your left hand

and you're gonna use these three fingers.

One finger here.

That's cool.

Chris, that's amazing.

- [Chris] That's better, I think.

- Yeah, no, that sounds great.

- [Jamal] Ohh!

- Ohh!

- [Shard] I don't even trust my own hat.

- That's nasty.

- You gonna get lice.

- Promise you'll be back tomorrow.

- Yeah, I promise.

- [Shard] Laters, Flo.

- Tough day.

All right, I wanna address the youth with exceptional cases,

the red flags.

Ms. Guitar Teacher?

- I'm Florence, that's my name, no nicknames, por favor.

- Florence, you're gonna need to work on being on time.

- What can I say, case of the Mondays.

- Shard needs a lot of encouragement and creativity.

He's been in foster homes most of his life.

Luckily, our staff found him last week

when he tried to run away.

- The lucky ones usually get to return.

- Actually, this is a perfect opportunity,

we need a reminder sometimes.

Those who don't return end up back on the streets,

in gangs, doing drugs, prostitution.

- That sucks.

- Nothing good.

- Hey, if you really want the grim facts,

many are turned away from the foster care system.

Up to 40% become homeless and one in five are in jail.

- What about Jamal?

- Jamal is actually a really sweet boy, he's just shy.

- (scoffing) Sweet and shy?

- Yes.

- [Florence] Are we talking about the same Jamal?

- He is a cool kid, I've known him for a very long time

and it's all just a front.

- I mean, we can't go into the details,

but you need to be aware,

it can be very violent and angry sometimes.

- So, freaking out is not an option.

- [Erika] That's why we're here.

We try to help them forget even if it's just for one hour.

- What about Chris?

- Chris is as good as they get.

All right, you guys, let's pack up for the day.

Any questions?

Yes, Florence.

- When do we get paid?

What?

♫ And used to be the one that I adore

♫ Turning something else

♫ And I keep coming back for more

♫ My heart has tied you up with fear inside

♫ You turn to something else

♫ I can't believe you're stalking me

♫ And why can't you just

- Are you all right?

- I feel like balls.

This whole thing just...

It makes me feel sick.

- What does?

- Their lives, they make me sick to my stomach.

- Hey, watch what you say, it's not their fault.

- It doesn't have to be like this.

♫ You used to be

- James!

Oh, it's good to see you.

Hey, I want you to meet a new friend of mine,

her name is Florence and she plays the guitar.

- Nice to meet you.

You sing, too?

(Florence mumbling)

- Hey, James runs this place

and he's always looking for opening acts,

aren't you, James?

- Yeah, maybe we can get you on stage one of these days.

- Seriously or are you just being nice?

- Yeah, anytime or place, just let me know.

Unless you're awful.

I'm kidding.

Oh, look, sorry, I have to run.

We have a band setting up in a few minutes,

but I'll see you two around.

- Okay, hey, it's good to see you.

- [James] It's very nice meeting you.

♫ You used to be the one now I'm saying it's whatever

♫ Since I met you, I won't let anyone else

♫ Don't all preachers create and paint our world

- Hey.

How's it going?

- [Bartender] Want it in a bag?

- Yeah, could you actually box it up for me

and put in a shit ton of those rolls and some butter?

- [Bartender] Sure.

- What, they're good.

- You are strange.

No, let me take that back.

You are one unique individual.

- No, it's all right.

You've got me all figured out.

We all judge.

- Who says I'm a judge?

- That's what they all say.

Aw!

Shoot, I forgot my wallet.

- It's on me, then.

- I'll get you next time.

- No, you won't.

(Taylor laughing)

(somber melody)

- I don't know how to do good.

I've made too many mistakes.

I've done too many bad things.

- Look, what you were driven to do by need,

it's not who you are.

Hey.

Hey.

I promise you.

You'll prove that later in life.

♫ What else can I do but move through

♫ What else can I do

♫ Focus

♫ Work

♫ For all it's worth

♫ There's nothing left to lose

♫ I am indifferent

♫ My witness

♫ There's no one left to save me

♫ Nothing in this world can bring me down

♫ You can't bring me down

♫ I'll rise above the clouds

♫ Within a world spinning round

- Katie, I bought you a harmonica.

- Katie, you'll only regret it later,

where are you gonna go?

Why didn't you stop her?

- I don't know, maybe 'cause you didn't ask me to.

- I'm sorry, it's been a crazy day, just get in here.

- [Gloria] I can't believe this is happening.

- I can't either, what about the kids?

- Where are they gonna go?

- [Woman] Exactly, we're all that they have.

- Some of these kids are too young

to be out there by themselves.

- All right, let me bring you all up to speed,

we just found out today that the center is closing down.

- Wait, what?

- Yes, the government pulled the plug.

- What does this mean?

- Unfortunately, it means we're done,

all workshops have been canceled.

- Wait, what about the kids?

- The group homes are being shut down as well

and we don't have the funding to support our staff,

our homes, the center.

- So, we're all out of a job.

- Where are the kids gonna go?

- The social workers will be here to pick them up today,

but they'll have to be split up

and that's the hardest part.

These youths have grown up in these homes together,

they're family to one another.

- I mean, some of them still have time to serve in Juvie.

- You think kids like Chris, Jamal, and Shard

could survive in Juvie?

- That's why many of them go AWOL.

- What's AWOL?

- Absent without official leave, missing.

I was trying to tell you yesterday,

they return to the streets.

We've already lost two and Katie makes three.

- Look, guys, the pickup vans will be here

to pick them up shortly.

Why don't we just go hang out with them?

We can at least say goodbye.

- I agree with Taylor.

They don't have any idea what's going on.

I advise you all not to speak to the youth about this.

- [Taylor] Come on, Florence.

- Don't touch me.

(Chris imitating engine buzzing)

- Chris, don't, stop, man, stop.

- Hey.

I got you guys something.

- We don't want your cheap ass toys.

- Fine.

I got you a recorder and this really cool microphone

and a harmonica.

- We don't care, lady.

- All right.

Going once.

Going twice.

- I want the purple one.

- [Shard] Nah, nah, it's mine, you can have this.

- I don't know what this is.

- Look, I wasn't suppose to say anything,

but I'm worried about your job.

I think the center's closing down.

- So, it's true?

- Yeah, yeah, they're closing the center down.

- I knew it.

- We should run away tonight and go to the party.

- What party?

- At McArthur Park, the staff won't let us go.

- Katie went AWOL, we should, too.

- Hey, Flo.

- Florence.

That's it.

- We could only pay you for the first session

and it's because you're a first time teacher.

I'm sorry.

(sirens blaring)

- Taylor!

- Cheer up, Florence.

- That's funny.

- Hey, you need a lift?

- Hey, I hate to ask,

but can I borrow some gas money?

I still can't find my wallet.

I got an SUV, you know with gas prices and all.

Thanks.

Where you named after the Italian city

or the other Florence?

You know Florence Nightingale, right?

- Who cares?

Do you know who Taylor Swift is?

Were you named after her?

- You're not gonna say goodbye, are you?

(upbeat melody)

- Don't tell them, okay?

- Where are you guys going?

- Flo, I'm begging you, they're gonna lock us up.

- [Bronson] Hey, sweetie.

Heard you coming from a mile away.

- [Florence] All right, but don't hold me too tight,

my body hurts.

- Look, hey!

- I got a whole lot of nothing, Bronson.

- How long we known each other?

We're friends, right?

- What's my name?

Oh, you don't even know my name.

- Look, I get it.

Tough economy.

- Yeah, then it should be free.

I'm tired.

I'm tired of living bag to bag.

- All right, enough, all right, stop talking.

It's free, okay?

But it's only because I like your attitude.

- Guys.

Look.

You stalking us?

No, I was visiting a friend.

- In a park, man, she's gonna turn us in, Chris.

- [Shard] What are you doing, Chris?

- Where are you headed?

- Home.

- Do you have any food?

- Hey, Chris, there's a social worker

probably hiding behind that tree over there.

- You alone?

- Yeah, I'm alone.

- It's a trap, man.

- Come on, guys, we can trust her, let's go.

- Why do you guys keep following me?

- Where's your car?

- I walk.

- Why don't you have a car?

- Shit, it's Zippy.

- Is that you, Shard?

- Yeah, so?

- Someone's looking for you.

- I can't help it if everybody wants me.

- You want me to tell Marcos you said hi.

He'll be happy to hear from you.

What?

You ignoring me?

- Let's go, Shard.

- [Jamal] We got your back, we got your back.

- Why am I running?

(indistinct radio chatter)

- Those kids stole my wallet.

- I got it.

- [Shard] Ugh, my feet hurt.

- Stop whining.

- I should take you guys back.

- What?

- What do you mean take us back?

You're not gonna turn us in, are you?

- I don't know, where are you guys gonna stay?

It's probably safer if I take you back, right?

- Damn, I knew it, she's gonna tell 'em where we are.

- Well, where are you exactly?

It's not like I have any food for you

or I have anywhere to stay.

What about your families?

- Yeah, it's cold and miserable out on the streets,

but it's better than being beaten up

by parents who don't care.

- Well, go to your foster care group,

I don't know, they'll take you in.

- This is today, Flo.

I was in foster care for five years and eight months.

- Let's get out of here already, we can't trust her.

- No, don't go.

- You don't get it, do you?

If you take me back, my social worker is gonna take me

to Juvie or something, I'd rather die.

- It's not that bad.

- [Chris] What do you know?

- When I was your age, I was in and out of Juvie, too.

- Man, for us, it ain't the same,

you might think you like us, but you're not.

- Last time I was in Juvie,

my jaw was dislocated from my face

just 'cause they don't like who I am.

- I've been treated like shit enough.

Peace out, Flo.

- No, stop, come on, guys.

- Oh, shit, police.

- Police, stop.

- Follow me.

- Man.

- This way.

All right, come on, get in here.

- [Chris] They'll arrest you if they find us with you.

- Yeah, I know.

- Man, even my momma's house look better than this.

- All right, you can walk your ass right out that door

and go sleep outside.

- [Jamal] Nah, I'm cool here.

- All right, and just so you know,

it's illegal to be a homeless,

so maybe should worry about getting yourself arrested.

- I've been arrested twice before, I don't give a shit.

- Get outta here.

- [Jamal] Man, I got arrested five times, now what?

- [Chris] I don't care.

I'd rather be in jail than this place, it is so gross.

- [Jamal] I know, dude.

- [Shard] At least in jail they have good soup.

- [Chris] This is disgusting, man.

- [Jamal] What's that smell, man?

Shard, is that you?

- [Shard] No, no.

I think that's something over there, trash?

- [Jamal] No, I think it's you, bro

- [Chris] Dude, there's a rat in here.

- [Shard] Man, why you trying to start shit, man?

- [Jamal] 'Cause you know you don't shower.

- [Shard] I do shower.

(indistinct cross talk)

- That is disgusting, dude, I saw it.

Oh, thanks.

- [Flo] Yo, I heard you write.

- A little bit.

- [Flo] Can I read some of your stuff?

- (laughing) No.

- Chris doesn't share his book with anyone.

- Hey, Flo, can I have this bottle?

- Yeah and you can have this bottle and this bottle.

- And you can have that one and you can have that one.

- [Jamal] Dude, stop throwin' 'em.

- Hey, dude, there's more bottles over here.

Oh, sorry.

- That's okay.

- Hey, do you think you could still teach me how to play?

- Yeah.

Of course.

- You think maybe I could rap

if we start a band or something.

- I wanna learn some drumming, can you teach me that?

- Sure.

- [Shard] Hey, Flo, you're pretty good,

how come you're not famous or anything?

- People don't really like those who go against the grain.

No one ever really listens to my lyrics.

- Why don't I write the lyrics?

- Yeah?

- I mean, we'd have to split the residuals and whatnot,

but I'll do it.

- All right.

- And then we'll all be famous and live in a big house

with steaks and cotton candy and puppies.

- Can you play us a song now?

- Seriously?

- Do it.

- Yeah.

- Okay.

This is a new one.

I wrote it a couple of weeks ago.

You guys are the first to hear it.

♫ I sit on the side of the house

♫ I made in my own mind

♫ With green-colored roses and orange stems

♫ All in a line

♫ So don't ask me

♫ No, no, don't ask me, don't ask me why

♫ 'Cause I am busy

♫ Creating a world in my own mind

♫ Marinades

♫ And melancholy

♫ The orange trees speak symphonies

♫ Of past memories

♫ And I won't cry this time around

♫ 'Cause I found hope

♫ In this fertile ground

(boy groaning)

(lively melody)

Is it good?

- Best breakfast ever.

- So, Zippy wasn't lying.

Shard, baby, you turned 18 and they cut you loose, huh?

- Shard ain't 18 yet.

- We need your help, Marcos.

- Who's this?

- She's nobody.

- Don't you owe me a little something, sweetie?

Remember last month

when you were getting the shit kicked out of you,

who saved your skinny ass?

- [Zippy] We all have debts, baby.

- I can't pay you.

- He won't pay you.

- I'll be waiting for you.

- What the hell, man, who was that?

- I don't talk about my past with strangers.

- Yo, I'm not a stranger, you can trust me.

- Who are these boys?

- Friends.

- Why do I even ask?

I want you out of here.

- What?

- Jafa, man, you can't do this to me,

this is really not the timing, I'm begging you.

- You haven't paid your rent in three months.

- No, not now, not now, please I'm begging you like you--

- No, just take your stuff and go.

You guys gonna give her a hand with this or what?

- Why'd you touch my stuff?

- Flo, what's going on?

- Let's go, come on, come on.

- Come on, cheer up, Flo.

- Man, why you gotta get evicted, you ain't got no money?

- Obviously, she doesn't, idiot.

- Cut it out, man, remember when Erika kicked you out

of the center, we didn't make fun of you?

- Hey, Chris.

Catch this.

All right, when I count to three,

I want you to throw it back to me, okay?

One, two, three.

- Whoa, you juggle balls.

- That's really cool.

How'd you learn to do that?

- It's just a pastime.

Where to now?

♫ I stand vigil

♫ I stand tall

♫ I stand here waiting for

♫ Unfailure and my best

♫ Standing alone in this world that's so cold

♫ With nothing to hold

♫ I stand humble

♫ I stand bare

♫ I grow thin waiting to tear

♫ And frightened of myself

♫ But deep in my head

♫ Hear the words just said

♫ So I'll use 'em instead

♫ Pick up your feet

♫ Be light on your toes

♫ Give 'em what they want

♫ Though they don't even know

♫ Kill 'em with words

♫ They ain't even heard

♫ Be the best songbird

♫ Oh-Oh

♫ Oh-ho

♫ Oh-ho-oh

- [Flo] All right, Shard.

- Yeah?

- Ready for this, I'm gonna give you a drumbeat.

(Florence humming)

Come on, try to follow that.

One, two, three, four.

Yeah, a-one, two, there you go, there you go, four.

All right, and Chris, watch me for this one, okay?

- All right.

- Fret two, five, seven.

Two, five, seven.

Yeah, two, five, seven.

Two, five, seven.

Watch me, watch me.

Two, five, seven.

- I get it, yeah.

- [Flo] You get that? - Yeah.

- [Flo] You got that? - Yes!

- So, next step.

So, you're gonna put these two fingers

one fret over and together, E, ready?

Two, five, seven.

- All right, stop, no, let's get some rest.

- It's still light out, we can play so much more.

- It doesn't matter.

It's not safe to sleep here during the night,

so we have to sleep now.

- No, I'm not tired.

- Seriously, just listen to us, go to sleep.

Are you laughing at us?

- No, no, I wasn't.

- Yes, you were.

Look, if you're gonna survive on the streets,

you have to listen to us, okay?

- Okay.

Okay.

- When I was little, I always wanted to be a doctor.

A lawyer.

I just never imagined myself being homeless.

It's funny, I used to give money

to homeless people all the time.

- Well, you're still young.

- I don't wanna hear it.

- Yes, you do.

You wanna hear all the wise advice I'm about to give you.

There's a reason why we're born

with eyes in the front of our heads

and not in the back.

It's 'cause we have no choice but to look forward.

- Okay.

- It's warm.

We're lucky.

(fun upbeat melody)

All right, who's gonna give these fine gentlemen some money?

Come on, help these guys out.

Come on, right here.

Right in the hat.

- Hey, Flo, you know what I just realized?

- Yeah?

- We're like an after school special.

- [Shard] I'm getting the sundae blast with extra cherries.

- [Jamal] Hey, Shard,

you know them cherries ain't real, right?

- What?

How are they not real?

- 'Cause it's just sugar.

- That doesn't make sense.

- Nah, dude, he's right.

- It's just like a little sugar ball

and it's red and they put it in the juice

and they make you think it's cherries,

but it's really not cherries.

- It's not real cherries?

Dude, why do you always have to criticize everything?

- Okay, you know what, get up, we're switching spots.

Shard, you're over here, Jamal, Chris, scoot over.

- Whatever.

Man, why you have to go piss off our meal ticket?

- Man, who the hell made you ringleader?

- I'm just saying you're the one

who was complaining about how hungry you were.

- What can I get you, guys?

- Hi, I'll have the country-fried steak dinner

with extra mashed potatoes

and a chocolate milkshake with extra chocolate.

- I can definitely arrange that.

- Thank you.

- Can I have a veggie burger with no mayo

and can I have a side salad instead of fries, please?

- [Waitress] Sure can, sweetie.

- No, you're a sweetie.

(giggling)

- Can I get the steak dinner with fries,

but no nasty-ass carrots?

- [Waitress] No problem, and to drink?

- Water.

- You don't want a shake?

- No.

Water's good for you, I drink a lot of water.

- Would you like anything?

- So, Jamal, why does a touch guy like you

hang out with these kids?

- What, you're saying I'm not tough?

- You better watch what you say, Flo,

Chris is tougher than me.

- No, I'm serious, Jamal's a different type.

- Go ahead, girl, dig your grave deeper.

- We don't really talk about the shit that happened.

- All right.

Never mind.

- It's 'cause they cool.

I mean, I wish I could get better,

but they're all right for now.

And they don't expect me to be tough

like everybody else in the hood.

Where I'm from you don't get to choose who you wanna be.

- I'm a work in progress, too, these guys know what's up.

- Yeah, we've been living in the same house

for like five years, we're brothers from another mother.

- [Shard] Yeah, yeah.

- Yeah.

("When The Lightning Hits You Twice" by yellowbirddd)

♫ Loves the moving and the singing

♫ Troubled heart got tunnel vision

♫ My Libra love can't balance out

♫ I heard you're leaving town

- Hey, man, here's a quarter.

- Hey, thanks, kid, that's a lot.

- [Chris] Yeah, yeah, good luck.

- Chris, why do you keep giving away our money?

- 'Cause there's four of us.

Did you see that dog?

♫ Thunder only when it's raining

♫ My Libra love don't know how to act

- See, this Flo, money right here.

- Yeah, right.

- How much is in there?

- Let's get five bucks on red.

- Hundred dollars?

- One.

- Hundred dollars.

- Hey, what you think?

- Yeah, $100 are in there.

- Let me count, damn, one, two.

(indistinct yelling)

- What you doing over there, Flo?

(indistinct whispering)

- No, no, no, no, no, no more of that.

- All right, I'll give you what I got.

Here you go, here, take it.

- Are you fucking with me?

- All right, Jamal, give me the money

from the recycling center.

- Hell nah.

- [Flo] Come on, man, cough it up, Jamal.

- All right, damn.

- All right.

From the metro.

Come on.

Chris, come on.

Money from the metro.

That's all we got.

(change jingling)

- That's cute.

- So, you gonna help us out?

- Nice touch.

- Come on, man.

- Jesus Christ.

- Thanks.

Come on, guys.

(sirens blaring)

- What you thinking about doing with that shit?

- Hey, Shard, grab my guitar, make sure I get it.

I need to sit.

- [Jamal] Stumblin' all over the place.

- My mouth is dry.

Do you guys have any water?

- You know we ain't got nothing.

Look at you, you fucked up, you already took that shit?

- No, I took the last bag.

This is a new one.

- Give me that shit.

- No.

- No.

- Give that back to me.

- [Jamal] Hey, hey, hey.

- 911, 911, 911.

- Shut up. - [Flo] Give it back, 911.

- Someone's gonna hear us.

- [Flo] 911.

- Hey, y'all, I think she 'bout to, she, yeah.

(making noises of disgust)

- You okay?

(Flo coughing)

(harmonica melody)

- [Jamal] I think she played it differently.

- Is that the right one?

- [Jamal] I don't know.

- Sounds right.

Sounds, yeah, I don't know.

(boys clapping)

- I'm tired.

- Take a nap.

- No, I want my bed back.

- Bitchy.

It was your idea to run away.

- Why you always sayin' shit, dude, huh?

Why you always sayin' shit?

- You're starting to act like your gang-banging pops.

Is that what you want, man?

- So, what, he still my dad, he still my dad.

- Yeah, he's a lowlife, that's what he is.

- Stop it, man.

- Come on.

- What, what, you're such a fucking bitch.

- [Shard] Come on.

- Guys, cool off.

- What the fuck, Shard?

- Maybe we should go back.

- [Chris] We can't go back, they're gonna turn us in.

- Maybe that will be better for you guys.

At least you'll have food, shelter,

a shower, your own beds.

- If it were that easy, we would've done it by now.

- I don't know if I can keep this shit up anymore.

- You can't.

You guys, you could die.

- I'm not scared of dying.

- I ain't scared of dying either.

- I can't do this.

- [Chris] What are you doing?

- What you talking about? - I'm out.

- [Chris] Where you gonna go?

- Flo.

- You're just gonna leave us here.

- Later, guys.

- We can teach you, you just gotta...

- You can't scrap for food day to day.

It just, can't do it.

- Why not?

- Well, I'm almost out of money.

- I know somebody with money.

- You're not going back to him.

- Once I pay him back, I can get what we need.

- Sexual favors don't count, man.

- 288s love me.

- [Flo] What's a 288?

- A sex offender.

- [Jamal] Shard, man, it's only harder if you're stupid,

so why don't you put a little effort into it?

- Encouragement accepted, but not from you, ass.

- Who is this Marcos guy?

- Marcos is cool.

- Shard, you're not sleeping

with this guy for money, are you?

- Maybe I am and maybe I ain't.

- This isn't funny,

you can get like AIDS or something like that.

- AIDS, come on, this isn't the 80s.

I'm worried about what's gonna happen the next minute

not the next week.

- That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard you say.

- No, it's not, we don't give a shit.

Besides, why would I worry about something like that

when I don't even know how to survive tomorrow.

- Shard, what?

Dude, you're bleeding.

Wait.

- Man, I knew it was PMS.

Shard been acting like such a bitch all week.

- Wait, wait, wait, wait, where is he?

- Hey, Flo.

- What?

- You know what transgender is?

- She going?

- Bathroom.

- We thought you knew.

- Where we going?

- We gotta go to the drop-in center to get Shard a tampon.

- What, you think I chose this life?

- Chose what, Shard?

- Cut it out, Jamal, seriously?

There's the center right there.

Teens only, though, come on, guys.

- Hey, I got some gutter glitter.

- We found some snacks.

- Neat.

- Hey, and I found this thing, too,

can we use it for our music?

- Yeah, totally.

- Can't go back there

'cause they made us sign all these forms

and we used fake names so they won't find us.

- What do you mean find us?

- They'll track us and put us back in the system.

You don't want that, do you?

- Hey, guys, shouldn't we wait for Shard?

- Wait, Shard already came out here

a couple of minutes ago.

- I didn't see him.

- [Chris] Oh, wait, there's Shard.

- Shit, it's Zippy again.

- [Chris] He's going to Marco.

- [Jamal] Shard.

- [Chris] Shard, Shard, get out of Marco's car.

- Fuck.

Man, Shard is fucking stupid.

How many times I gotta tell him,

Marcos don't give a shit about him.

- Why does he even bother with that guy?

- Man, Shard used to work for Marcos.

And just so you know, he got a gun.

- Where's he live?

- Kingsley Street, something like that, I don't know.

If we were in the neighborhood,

I could probably point it out.

- Man, how is that gonna help us?

- I have a visual memory.

- Okay, what neighborhood does he live in?

- I don't know.

A lot of Asian people.

- All right, well, let's ask someone, someone's gotta know.

- Fuck.

- All right, let's just split up.

- All right, I'll got to Chinatown, you go to Koreatown.

- I'll go to the drop-in center,

meet at the motel in Vermont in two hours.

- All right.

- All right.

- [Erika] It's you again.

- Hey, how's it going?

Where is everyone?

- Gone.

- The kids.

- Gone.

- Where?

- Everywhere, foster homes, adoption, Juvie,

back on the streets, you name it.

It's really none of your business.

- I care, that's all.

- Sure you do, what can I do for you?

- What should I do if say one of the kids were to find me

and ask me for help?

- You realize you can go to jail

for not turning in the youth that approach you.

You have a social obligation.

- I don't have a social obligation to you or anyone.

- What's your name again?

- Like I would tell you now.

- Oh, I'll find out, you're the late guitar teacher.

You have to understand they're in danger,

you're only making things worse.

- Thanks for nothing.

- Taylor!

- What are you doing here?

Didn't they lay you off, too?

- This isn't just a job to me.

Hey, you look like you need some coffee.

- No, I gotta go.

- Wait, what's wrong?

Wait, what's wrong?

- The boys are with me, Chris, Shard, Jamal, well, Shard.

- Why are you doing this, they don't belong to you.

- I promised them.

- This is a promise that has to be broken,

promises are broken every day.

- I understand why they're running.

I wouldn't wanna return to a corrupt system.

- Why, Florence?

- Do I have to have a reason to do what's right?

- And you think it's right?

- No, I'm asking, why do I have to have a reason?

Isn't them being on the streets enough?

- I've been a social worker for years and I've seen it all.

Yes, they don't belong on the streets

or in Juvie or in their destructive homes,

but they won't survive on the streets

at the rate that they're going

even if they're with you, do you hear me?

- Do you where Marcos is?

- Don't tell me they're with him.

- Tell me where he lives.

- Koreatown.

Look, you don't wanna go to jail, I can help you,

I know how much you wanna sing.

- You don't know shit about me.

- Give me a chance.

Here.

Remember my friend James?

He was asking about you, he wants you to perform.

Look, bring them to the showcase, that's all I ask.

It's for their good and your safety.

- They won't be okay.

- They're my kids, too.

I won't let anything happen to them.

Florence, please.

Bring them.

- You're a real asshole.

- I remember that temple.

It's this way.

- Which way?

Which way?

- It's this way, I just don't remember which door it is.

- I remember.

It's the one with the cross.

- Sweethearts.

That was quick.

- Give us Shard.

- He's a bit preoccupied right now.

Hola, mija.

- We're just here for Shard?

- [Man] Pretty little thing, aren't you?

- Make yourself comfortable.

- Shard.

Shard, we gotta go.

We're leaving right now. - What are you doing?

What are you doing? - Listen to me.

Listen to me, get up right now.

- [Shard] You're not my mom.

- [Flo] Listen to me, we gotta go, come on.

- He ain't leaving.

We've got some unfinished business.

- You got business with him, you deal with me.

- I'm getting money for us.

- Sweetie, sweetie, come here.

- Stinking bitch. - [Flo] Don't you touch him.

- Get the fuck off of me.

Fuck off of me.

- Shard, get out of here now.

Go.

Let me pay off his dues.

- What did you do, Flo?

- [Flo] Nothing you would've done.

- Let's go.

- [Marcos] Take Care, babies.

Oh, and Shard?

Your name's always gonna be half-written

in my little black book.

- Just because we do these things,

it does not make you or me a thief,

a dealer, a beggar, or a prostitute.

You get me?

- I hear you.

- Yes?

- Yeah.

- Say it like you mean it.

- Yes, Flo.

- Marcos is never gonna teach you boys again,

that is my promise.

- [Chris] Where do we go now?

♫ Just another restless morning

♫ Just another

♫ Aching mind

♫ Just when everything begins to unravel

♫ I look over

♫ And see you smile

- [Jamal] Man, these rocks are still warm.

- I prefer this over a bed anyway.

- You're gonna be okay, Flo.

- [Jamal] Yeah, you ain't gotta be perfect all the time.

- Yeah, it's like my new nose,

it looks better than before, right?

- [Jamal] Oh, yeah, it straightened out.

- It ain't crooked no more.

- You guys, you guys, sunset.

- [Jamal] Hey, Flo, I heard like when you watch the sunset,

right when it hits the, when they disappear,

you can see a green flash, is that true?

- It's call an optical phenomenon.

It's actually an amazing combination of elements

that creates the flash

and everything has to be just right, you know?

- [Chris] Wait, like what kind of elements?

- Well, like the light density, weather,

LA smog, the curvature of the earth, stuff like that.

- But the curvature of the earth never changes.

- Wow, you were actually listening.

- You're full of shit, aren't you?

- Most of the time.

This time I'm actually telling the truth,

you don't have to believe me.

- What, what, man, that's it?

- I thought there was gonna be a green flash.

You got my hopes up.

- I'm glad you're here with us, Flo.

- Me too.

- Remember how I told you guys

I've always wanted to perform in front of an audience?

Well.

Tomorrow night's my first gig.

- Are you leaving us?

(indistinct chatter)

So, how many people are gonna be at your show?

- I don't know, maybe a hundred.

- Aw, for real, hey, we gonna be famous, y'all.

- Anyone important?

- Some.

Maybe they can help us out.

- Why do we need help?

- You know with our music,

to help straighten us out and to get us on the right path.

- Dude, relax, it'll be fun.

- Yeah.

It will be, I promise.

- Well, let's start then.

- Okay.

Two, three, four.

(light fun melody)

- Are you nervous?

- I don't think so.

- You are.

- Kids stay at home, this is a club, 18 and older only.

- All right, I'm Florence and I'm performing tonight.

- Oh, who sent you?

- James.

- Okay, I see you on the list,

but I can't let you in with these boys.

- [Flo] Yeah, but they're a part of my mind.

- One second.

- Are they gonna let us in?

We're gonna have to wait outside.

- Hey, James, yeah, it's Florence here.

Yeah, but she's with these three kids.

- Man, they're not gonna let us inside.

We shoulda got fake IDs or something, man, let's go.

- [Bouncer] All right.

- [Flo] Yo, guys, wait, we practiced all this time for what?

- Florence.

You leaving?

I'll give you guys one song.

That's all we can afford time-wise.

- And then?

- When it's all over, we'll take 'em out back

and meet our friend out there.

Are you doing okay?

It's for the best.

- Don't say that.

I hate shit like that.

I'm sorry, I'm being rude.

So, how do you know Taylor?

- I was a throwaway.

Kicked out of my own home.

And Taylor pointed me in the right direction.

Flash forward.

Here I am now.

- This is her thing?

Rescuing people who don't wanna be rescued?

What was the most important thing that she taught you?

- It's kinda hard to pick just one thing.

I guess she helped me realize that I had a right to live

regardless of what I didn't have.

Your rights can't be taken from you.

They can only be infringed.

When people infringed on me, she told me,

"It's not your fault."

A dishonest life forces compromise.

Besides, no one wants to live that way.

- Where is she?

- She'll be here soon.

- And I have an electric bass and a guitar

that you can use for the show.

- Thanks.

- Yeah.

(audience clapping)

- [Woman] Woo!

- Hey, how's it going tonight?

I'm Florence and these are my amazing friends.

To my right, I got Jamal

who is by far one of the most confident noble people

I've ever met my entire life.

And to my left is Shard.

He's already wooing all the ladies

and behind me, we have Chris

who humbles all those who are fortunate enough

to embrace his presence,

so we're gonna sing a song about love.

I know that sounds really cliche,

but this is a different kind of love.

It's a love that falls through the cracks.

You don't have to have a reason for it,

you just keep giving it because...

Two, three, four.

("Walk Alone" by Leigh Schindler)

♫ I walk alone

♫ And when I fly

♫ I fly alone

♫ The way I move and the way I groove

♫ Will always surpass you

♫ I walk alone

♫ I walk alone

♫ And when I speak

♫ I speak my mind

♫ And when I sing

♫ It's on my own time

♫ The way I move and the way I groove

♫ Will always surpass you

♫ I walk alone

♫ I walk alone

♫ Well, you almost changed my mind

♫ I would've given you all of my time

♫ But I had to leave you behind

♫ 'Cause this life must always be mine

♫ I'm pretty damaged

♫ From loving you

♫ My heart is strange

♫ I'm going insane

- I walk alone.

(indistinct rapping)

- [Woman] Nice.

♫ The way I move and the way I groove

♫ Will always surpass you

♫ And the way I move and the way I groove

♫ Will always surpass you

♫ The way I move and the way I groove

♫ Will always surpass you

♫ The way I move and the way I groove

♫ Will always surpass you

♫ The way I move and the way I groove

♫ Will always surpass you

♫ The way I move and the way I groove

♫ Will always surpass you

(crowd cheering)

- They sound amazing.

- For some crazy reason,

I thought I could make a family out of them.

- You are family to them.

- Are they gonna wanna see me after this?

- They'll ask for you the minute I see them.

- I wanna see them soon.

- I'm sure we'll see you soon here at the Good Heart.

James wants you to come back and put on a show.

Maybe you can have some special guests

to back you up on the plastic toys.

And don't worry about the police,

I'm not gonna report anything.

The center will back me on that.

We're just grateful that you kept them out of danger.

You're loved, Florence.

- I know.

- You're not gonna say it, are you?

(solemn suspenseful melody)

(knocking)

(door creaking)

- Back again.

- I want them out of your book forever.

(sirens blaring)

- [Marcos] I'll kill you.

- That's all right.

Today's my start date.

- [Policeman] Freeze, put your hands up.

Don't move, don't move.

(indistinct radio chatter)

All right, get him out of here.

You did the right thing.

("Walk Alone" by Leigh Schindler)

♫ When I walk

♫ I walk alone

♫ And when I fight

♫ I fight alone

♫ 'Cause the way I move and the way I groove

♫ Will always surpass you

♫ I walk alone

♫ I walk alone

♫ And when I speak

♫ I speak my mind

♫ And when I sing

♫ It's on my own time

♫ 'Cause way I move and the way I groove

♫ Will always surpass you

♫ I walk alone

♫ I walk alone

♫ Well, you almost changed my mind

♫ I would've given you all of my time

♫ But I had to leave you behind

♫ 'Cause this life must always be mine

♫ I will succeed

♫ So don't you try

♫ To bring me down

♫ I refuse to lie

♫ 'Cause way I move and the way I groove

♫ Will always surpass you

♫ I walk alone

♫ I walk alone

♫ Well, you almost changed my mind

♫ I would've given you all of my time

♫ But I had to leave you behind

♫ 'Cause this life must always be mine

♫ I'm pretty damaged

♫ From loving you

♫ My heart is strange

♫ I'm going insane

♫ I walk alone

♫ I fight alone

♫ I walk alone

♫ Well, you almost changed my mind

♫ I would've given you all of my time

♫ But I had to leave you behind

♫ 'Cause this life must always be mine

♫ I walk alone

♫ I fight alone

♫ I walk alone

♫ I walk alone