Original subtitles

( Helicopter approaching )

( Police siren blaring )

( Police radio squawking )

( Helicopter humming )

( Ambulance siren howling )

( Sirens blaring )

( Tires squealing )

( Gunshots )

( Shell casings clatter )

( Heavy breathing )

( Radio chatter continues )

( Yelling )

Man: If there's anything else you can remember,

Or anything you want to talk to us about...

I think that's about it, sir.

I got statements from all the other kids.

Sir.

What's the story with Harper and Wheeler?

They went to talk to the suspect's parents. They had a warrant.

I already know that. Why haven't we heard back?

I'm trying to tell you. They called 15 minutes ago.

- What do the parents say? - The parents are dead.

Multiple gunshot wounds.

They were still in bed.

Homicide's on the scene.

The final count at the school

Was six decedents...

Two wounded in the hospital, one critical.

Same weapon used in both locations.

Shooter's dead. The parents are dead.

- We got nothing. - Yes, sir.

What about the girl?

That's the other thing I wanted to talk about.

She still hasn't said a word.

Her name is Alicia Browning.

She was standing directly next to the perpetrator

When tac officer Parker took his shot.

It was messy.

Yeah, I saw.

We brought her straight here, but like I said, she's hardly spoken a word.

I thought you might have better luck.

When I was in high school there was this kid,

Paul Ashley was his name. I hated him.

I really despised the guy.

So one day I decided I was going to do something about it.

We ended up throwing punches

In back of the field-house after school.

I gave him a black eye, he broke my nose.

You can hardly tell.

I remember that when my parents found out, they went ballistic.

I was grounded for a month.

I ended up losing a girlfriend over it.

What happened to Paul Ashley?

We became best friends.

This boy today was packing a tech-9 semi-automatic

With hollow-point rounds and two clips to spare.

"Perpetrators," "decedents."

High school's no place for kids anymore.

Can I bum a smoke?

Wait a minute... How old are you?

Gimme a cigarette and I'll tell you.

Alicia, my name is Martin van zandt...

I'm chief detective for the county,

And I've got an awful mess on my hands.

I really need you to help me here.

I want you to understand that you are not under arrest,

And there are no charges pending.

I looked you up, and I guess

You probably know that you've got a file.

There's an outstanding shoplifting complaint against you,

But we're going to overlook that for now.

Having said that, we've taken a number of statements today

Which have caused us to leave you here for the duration.

Statements that seem to confirm

That you and the suspect in question

Were acquainted. Is that correct?

Look, did he tell you?

Did you know this was gonna happen today?

Hey, let's slow it down, okay?

But, I need you to know that

If you were aware in advance and didn't say anything,

You could get in a lot of trouble.

Not shoplifting trouble.

Real damn trouble.

Look, as much as anything else, we want to know why.

You knew this kid.

You might be able to help us make some sense out of this whole thing.

Point of fact, this young man's grades were very good.

That's always the weirdest part about these things.

Common sense would have you think that the troubled kid

Would pull stuff like this, the kid with the temper.

But it never happens like that, does it?

- It's never the bully. - Alicia: Of course not.

Bullies have to graduate,

So they can become police officers.

How about it, detective Martin van zandt...

Did you ever pick a fight in high school?

I would bet almost anything that you did.

Alicia, did you know it was going to happen?

No.

If I find out different...

If i...

Please don't let me find out different.

Can I go now?

Sure.

Man: Why the hell did you do that?

She's got something to tell us. She just wants to do it on her own.

Bullshit! What the hell was that?!

I want to know more about her. Pull her school records.

- You know the drill. - Yes, sir.

I just don't understand... The attitude of these kids.

They think they can tell us anything,

Like we don't get it. We're not as stupid as she thinks we are.

Right.

By the way, how much did that lighter cost you?

Reporter: Good evening.

Another high school shooting.

This time in our own backyard.

Police have now confirmed that there were six fatalities...

God, I was so scared. I didn't know for so long.

I must have called the school a hundred times.

I'm okay, dad.

That was your classroom, wasn't it?

Did you know any of the kids?

I knew all of them.

What can I do? Do you want to talk?

I didn't know if you wanted dinner.

I'm going to bed.

Do me a favor, please...

Leave your door open tonight,

- so if you need anything I can... - ( Door slams )

Martin: No, I can't tell you anything else.

You know the news.

Is he asleep?

How much did he see?

Man: There are lots of questions.

Our people are working hard to make an arrest,

So that we can get some answers.

Our hearts go out to all the families.

Honey, listen, I'll have to call you back.

I know.

- Captain? - Where the hell is everybody?

We've got a team over at the high school,

Another team at the kid's house.

- I sent everybody else home. - Sent them home?

Sir, respectfully, you shouldn't have gone on TV

And said that there would be an arrest.

And why would that be?

Because this case is practically closed already.

No, this case is very much open.

Sir, I don't know what else you want me to do.

Do you want me to remind you of your goddamned job description?!

You will respond. You will investigate...

And you will apprehend!

That gun had to come from somebody!

The gun was registered to the father,

And I can't arrest him.

Well...

Then somebody else knew.

Somebody who could've prevented all of this.

Somebody who decided

That the lives of two parents and five classmates

Weren't worth the time and effort it took

To pick up the phone and dial 911.

And you will find that person, detective,

Because that is your job!

Look, Martin,

All of those families depend on us,

On you and on me.

Martin,

How long is it going to be before your kid is in that school?

You will find somebody

To be held accountable for this atrocity,

And once you have them, I'll bury them alive if I have to.

Why don't you just burn them at the stake?

Are we in agreement here, detective?

Yes, sir.

( Engine starting )

Sir, the police want to take more pictures.

Man: Finally.

Kelly...

Who is that?

Kelly: That's Alicia Browning.

Alicia, what are you doing here?

I have tests coming up. I have to go to the library.

Alicia, dear, there isn't any school.

Not now.

You must understand.

There won't be any classes for a while.

Well, can't I just...

Okay, what I mean is, it's still a school, right?

Of course. You should have been called.

- We put it on the news. - I don't watch television.

I'm sorry. You should have been called.

I have tests coming up. I'm already a year behind.

I have to get out of this school.

Of course, but there aren't any classes right now.

We're coordinating with Wilson high school.

- We want to try and use... - what the fuck am I supposed to do all day?!

Thanks for climbing down, by the way.

He's got a really bad back.

( Church bells ringing )

- What the hell is this? - This is where they told us to bring you.

Did that detective, van zandt, tell you to do this?

No, ma'am. This was requested by your principal.

Doug.

Doug, look who's here.

Alicia,

I'm glad you could come.

Police car... Very subtle.

Would you have come otherwise?

Look, I'm really not into this group therapy,

Touchy-feely bullshit.

And that's fine.

But maybe you could use the help.

- There are lots of people here... - for God's sakes.

Miss, can we talk to you, please?

No... No, no, no.

There are other students... Go talk to them.

We tried. None of them want to talk either.

We just want to know how our son died.

Why would you want to know that?

You're lucky you don't know. You should keep it that way.

- I know it's hard to understand. - You're young.

You don't know what it's like to lose a child,

To have him taken away and there is nothing you can do.

Thank you. This has been very helpful.

Please.

Alicia?

What now?!

In other places where this sort of thing has happened,

Group meetings seemed like the right idea.

I don't know.

But listen, we still have a student in the hospital...

Deanna Cartwright, maybe you know her?

Her parents are very concerned

Because she can't leave the hospital.

- There's nobody there for her. - What is wrong with you?!

I'm a leper! Don't you know that?!

Exactly what is it when you look at me that makes you think,

"There's a good-hearted young lady who wants to help"?

None of the other students want to go either.

In truth, you're the last person I would have asked.

Come on.

You said it yourself, you have nothing else better to do.

They just spent the last year renovating the hospital.

Oh, by the way, it's got a brand new library, all its own.

Please, can you go see her?

Just once.

Can your father drive you in the morning?

No, he can't.

Candrive you in the morning?

( Sighs )

Will you stop sending police cars to my house?

Yes.

Don't be late.

Thank you.

This is her room number.

She has therapy in the mornings.

She should be back by now.

Will you be needing a ride?

Woman: All right, I'll put you through.

Excuse me, may I help you?

Yeah...

I'm here to see deanna Cartwright.

- She's in... - I beg your pardon?

She's in room 201.

- Are you a friend, or are you family? - I'm neither.

You must be Alicia Browning.

Come over here and sign in please.

Hey.

Hi!

No, come in! This is the right room.

It's Alicia, right?

They said somebody might come to visit me today, but they always say that.

And usually if someone does come to visit, it's not somebody like you,

It's what they call a specialist,

Which is just another kind of doctor,

Which really isn't very special to me anymore.

Where did all this shit come from?

You know, mom, dad, my friends.

This is the first time you and I have ever really talked.

You got a haircut.

So did you.

Yeah.

I guess it was a ricochet, maybe.

The doctor said it hit me in the back here,

But it didn't Pierce the skull.

The bullet kept coming around the side of my head,

Underneath the skin, but it still gouged out so much bone that...

I didn't ask.

"Those look like comfortable shoes."

"Would you like a choc-olate?"

No, wait! I was just kidding!

I was just kidding! It was just...

Forrest Gump.

Shit.

I figured you'd do this.

But I honestly thought it would be longer than four minutes.

Look, I did what you wanted. I saw her.

We exchanged pleasantries.

We talked about the old times.

- So, can I go now? - No, you may not go now.

You're going to turn around and get back up there.

And I'll tell you something else.

You may consider the rest of the day mandatory.

No. That's bullshit.

You said nothing about that yesterday.

What I said yesterday doesn't mean dick today.

See ya.

How bad do you want to graduate, Alicia?

I said, how bad do you want to graduate?

I don't have time for this petty clique nonsense that kids

Always seem to think is so goddamn important.

So, you're going to get your ass back up there

And do as you're told,

Because I know you don't want to be two years behind, do you?

Do you?!

I am not staying one second past 5:00.

Thank you.

Will you be needing a ride home?

I really didn't mean anything by that Forrest Gump thing.

I was just... i don't even like chocolate either.

Shh-hh.

Okay.

You already read the sports page.

Shh.

Okay.

What are you smiling at?

Nothing.

It's just really nice to have company.

Really nice.

I'm gonna go ahead and watch a little TV while you're reading.

Do you like animal planet?

By the way, you'll read twice as fast if you don't move your lips.

TV announcer: Animal planet puts the "wild" back in wildlife

With the "Jeff corwin experience."

- Corwin: You have to hold your ground. - ( Elephant trumpets )

For herpetologists, I am in seventh heaven.

Oh my God, what're you doing?!

TV announcer: Every Sunday night at 9:00, only on animal plan...

( television shuts off )

I'd like to talk to you about something...

Look, I'm not here because I want to be,

I'm in here because they're making me.

So let's get one thing straight, okay?

When that clock hits 5:00, I'm gone... you got it?

This isn't one of your fucking slumber parties

Where we paint each others fingernails

And we have pillow fights.

I'm not gonna Pierce your ears,

And I'm sure as shit not gonna sign your goddamn yearbook.

Look...

Why don't you just do both of us a favor

And keep quiet.

Okay?

Okay.

Kelly, hold my calls for the next 30 minutes.

- Sir, the police... - Especially if it's the police.

John, no...

- Gentlemen. - The phone's very impersonal.

You know, I'm just trying to figure out

What the hell it is you guys could still possibly need from us.

You already have everything we have.

And the department thanks you for your continued support of this investigation.

There's only so much you can learn about a person by reading their file,

I just wanted to ask you a few questions about

A student named Alicia Browning.

Little miss sunshine. Why?

It's just part of the investigation.

There's almost a year and a half gap in her academic record.

- No one seems to know why. - Have you spoken with her father?

We will.

As for Alicia, I couldn't tell you why she was out

Of school for as long as she was.

You must understand,

We have a student body of almost 2,000 kids.

It is impossible for me to know each and every one.

Okay, fine... maybe you can tell me who some of her friends are.

- Maybe they can help. - She doesn't have any friends.

I'll get Kelly to throw together a list of the kids that she had classes with.

But she doesn't have any friends.

I can also get you a list of teachers who...

I'm sorry. You were saying?

Well, it's not that she's a loner.

The school has plenty of loners,

But they all hang out together.

- Alicia is more like a... - Principal: Goth.

I think that's what they call it.

She not really goth either.

She's more like a goth...

Metal-head, ramp-tramp, bookworm.

Something for everybody to hate.

How do you know about her?

I went to school here.

I've only been out for a few years,

So sometimes the students tell me things they won't tell anybody else.

- Martin, take a look at this. - Hang on.

The rest is just common sense.

Anyone she would've hung out with has already graduated.

What the hell happened to this girl?

Alicia: "Mr. and Mrs. Colby"?

Deanna: Marcus Colby's parents.

He was in the room across the hall.

The night he died, my door was closed,

But I could still hear his parents.

That was...

That was hard.

Where are your parents?

They used to be here all the time.

But now that I'm okay, they can't spend the whole day with me.

They're usually in here in the mornings or after work.

Can I talk to you?

- Who sent these? - Huh?

These flowers... there's no card. Who sent them?

Bobby launer.

He's an idiot.

Look at this. Three gladiolus, five carnations,

And a bunch of white roses?

- I think they're pretty. - It's funeral standard.

Your boy's got a green thumb up his ass.

Either that, or he's got a great sense of humor.

Do you know why the carnation became the funeral flower?

Because they smell super sweet.

They're overpowering, right?

So back in the old days, before they'd figured out

How to preserve dead bodies, they just had to use

Lots of carnations at funerals to hide the rotting smell.

That...

Really doesn't help me...

At all.

Neither do those.

I didn't get to go to any of the funerals.

They won't let me leave even though there's nothing wrong with me anymore.

Actually, he's very smart.

- Who is? - Bobby launer.

We're in academic decathlon together.

It's like a club, and we have competitions with other high schools.

I know what ac-dec is.

I think sometimes people hate me just 'cause I get good grades.

Sometimes I have to act dumb just so people will talk to me.

But all of my real friends are in the upper first percentile.

The "upper first percentile"?

Yeah.

- Do you get good grades? - I'm barely passing.

So I guess we could never be friends.

Is Bobby your boyfriend?

Well, you better strike now while the iron's hot.

I mean, you're very, very pathetic right now.

There isn't a guy in the world who'd say no to you.

Try to make the most out of this little near-death experience,

Which, by the looks of it, you're handling just fine anyways.

I guess.

You know, "when life gives you lemons..."

What did you just say?

"When life gives you lemons...

Make lemonade."

That is the biggest load of crap I've ever heard.

What? "Time heals all wounds."

"Everything happens for a reason."

And "I guess they're all in a better place now," too?

So why do they still have you here?

Are you cracking up or something?

That's a very rude way to put it.

Well, I can't help it.

I'm fascinated by nuttiness and its causes.

I had a few nightmares, which really excited them.

They even have a clinical term for it...

"Repressed memory anxiety," which I think sounds a tad bit overdramatic.

But now they spend every morning trying to tap my subconscious fears.

Fears so scary I don't even know I have them.

It's a complete waste.

I usually end up missing "the crocodile hunter."

Then why the hell do you go?

Because they make me.

Because they think they can help.

But they can't, because they weren't there,

So I couldn't talk to them about it even if I really wanted to.

You know what else? The shrink can't keep up with me.

- I'm way smarter than she is. - Are you?

I looked up her credentials.

They have a great new library here.

But anyway, I have a much higher I.Q. Than she does.

Your I.Q. Doesn't mean a goddamn thing in the world.

Time served.

Okay, well, it was nice to finally talk to somebody who...

Save it. Can I have these?

Yeah, sure.

( Stuttering )

You can finish this.

- There's a crossword puzzle. - Thanks.

- Sometimes it's really... - Late.

But I wanted to tell you...

- You're welcome. - Alicia!

What?!

What?

I'm dying inside.

It's a good library?

See you tomorrow then.

Do you want any dinner?

We had some visitors today. Two fellas from the local police department.

Detectives Martin van zandt and Michael macready.

They said they've spoken to you before.

What did they want?

I was hoping it was just another shoplifting thing

Or a curfew violation.

But they just really wanted to know more about you.

This boy, the one who killed all those kids...

- Did you know him? - I knew everybody.

I already told you that.

Of course you did.

They also wanted to know why you were out of school for so long.

What did you tell them?

Dad, what did you say to them?!

I told them that you're almost 20 years old,

Legally an adult.

If they want an answer to that question,

They'll have to ask you directly.

What did they say to that?

They said they could subpoena me,

And that they could arrest me for obstruction of justice.

- Can they? - Probably.

But I suggested to them that arresting me

Probably wasn't in their best interests

From the standpoint of public relations anyway.

Is there anything you want to tell me?

You've gone through more than anyone your age ever should.

Please talk to me.

I'm going to bed.

Good night.

- ( Pops ) - ( Screams )

You think that's funny?!

Shit!

How long have you been here?

You're drooling.

What time is it?

How can you stay in the sack this long?

The sun rises, like, straight into this room every morning.

I'm going to the library.

- Man: Good morning, dear. - Deanna: Hello.

- Good morning. - Good morning, deanna.

- Good morning, deanna. - Hi.

- Hi, deanna. - Hi, how are you?

Hey, there you are!

What kind of drugs do they have you on here?

Why?

How can you already be this peppy?

I love the morning. It's my favorite part of the day.

People who think that morning is the best part of the day,

Are the same kinds of people that think crust is the best part of the pizza.

Do you know everybody here?

I'm kind of a high-profile patient.

Lucky you. You can get back to school and you'll be twice as popular.

Not for long... i get to graduate with your class. I'm a year ahead.

- It's not my class. - It isn't?

They already graduated.

Wow.

I'm a year ahead, you're a year behind...

We have so much in common.

No.

Actually, that means we have

Even less in common than we normally would.

God, what is wrong with you?

Nothing.

I like to assume the best about people. Is there anything wrong...

- if you keep picking at that, it's never going to heal. - I wasn't picking at it.

I'm rubbing it to stimulate hair growth.

I'm too young for Rogaine.

Why did you miss a year?

You said this library was good.

All they have are medical books

- and jama magazine. - "Journal of the American medical association."

Whatever. I need English books.

- English? - If I don't pass, I don't graduate.

You're failing your native language?

Fuck you.

You like that word a lot.

What word?

F-f...

F-fuck?

You really can't say it, can you?

Of course I can say it,

But it's a bad word.

It's like taking the lord's name in vain,

Which you also did yesterday.

What, you think that makes me a bad person or something?

I see.

Where are you going?

Deanna? Where have you been?

Your session with doctor hollander started 15 minutes ago.

Yeah...

Well, let's go then.

Deanna, let's go.

Maybe she doesn't want to.

Excuse me?

Maybe she thinks the whole thing is crap.

Maybe she doesn't like dumping her guts out to total strangers.

And while I'll give her locking herself in a room

And taking drugs with a couple of older women

Probably has a certain kinky appeal for her,

I'm guessing she just wants you to piss off.

Miss, that sort of language is not accept...

Shh... This is a library.

We were just going to smoke.

- We were? - Smoking is not allowed.

This is a hospital.

Are you coming?

Alicia: Let's go, head case.

Tell doctor hollander I'm sorry.

Alicia, wait!

Martin: I appreciate you both taking time

Out of your busy schedules.

I'm sorry it's taken this long for me to speak with you personally.

I'm sure you've been quite busy.

How long is this going to take?

Basically, I just need some general information about yourselves.

- About us? - Your daughter.

Anything you think could be helpful...

Personal things, her friends,

Her relationship to the shooter.

She didn't know him.

And I don't think deanna has a personal life.

- ( Cell phone rings ) - Yeah?

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm gonna have to call you back.

All right, bye.

- You're not from here. - No, we're from back east.

Dan works for hyperion and I'm with the f.D.I.C.

So you both work in the city.

That's a hell of a commute.

- ( Cell phone ringing ) - Would you please turn that thing off?

What I mean is, there are other areas you could have moved to.

What was it about our little town that made you...

We moved here because of the schools.

It was my decision.

Look, are you guys going to charge anyone?

Because it's been more than two weeks and we...

The other parents, we haven't heard a thing.

I mean, aren't you doing anything?

The investigation is ongoing.

Before this attack, did you notice anything

Out of the ordinary with deanna?

- Erratic behavior? - No, I told you that before.

What is it that we're supposed to have noticed?

Nothing.

You're just her parents.

I'll be in touch.

- Deanna. - Hi!

What is the point?

If you want to kill yourself, there's faster ways to do it.

You know that nurse? She has it in for me.

She's always bossing me around,

Telling me where to go, when to go there.

So one day I say to her,

"Why do you always treat me like a baby?"

And she says... get this... "force of habit, honey,

This used to be the maternity ward."

And I'm like, "that is weapons-grade b.S.

Give it a rest, sasquatch."

No.

You didn't say that to her.

No, I didn't.

But it would have been so cool if I had.

I like your gloves.

It's like Madonna.

Not, you know, henna tattoo,

English-accent Madonna.

More like material girl, boy-toy Madonna.

- Can I try one on? - Go to hell.

Do boys like you because you smoke?

My mother says that boys like girls who smoke because...

Girls who smoke are easy?

Something along those lines.

Well, boys don't like me because I smoke.

Boys don't like me, period.

Men are a different story.

What's the oldest guy you've ever dated?

37.

Deanna: 37?!

I don't know. I always tried to date someone twice my age.

Because there's something to be said for experience.

Of course, that means every year

The men get creepier and creepier.

What is that? That's an exponential problem, I guess.

I don't know. I'm failing math, too.

- Want a drag? - No.

Yes, you do.

No, it's a filthy habit. It's disgusting.

It makes your clothes stink. And it's really expensive.

Oh, like money is some big object for you.

I've seen you at school.

I've seen your car.

Hey, deanna.

Don't get me wrong... I don't resent you.

I'm sure you value all the advantages

Wealth gives people like you over people like me.

Even though you waste your time tooling around with your friends.

Britney Spears pumping, wind in your hair,

All the neighbors waving.

You really must be the life of the subdivision.

All that money...

And Bobby launer still doesn't have

The slightest interest in you.

And that... That is what kills you.

You know what he told me?

He told me he couldn't take me to the prom

Because I used to date his best friend.

What was the eloquent way he put it?

"Bros before hos."

How immature is that?

You believed him?

Yeah, why?

What I mean is, I'm sure it had nothing to do with the fact

That his buddy told him he never had gotten anywhere with you.

Nope... never let him eat you out,

Never polished his knob, never gave him a rim job,

Never let him grope your tits,

- never let him lick your puss... - there's nothing wrong with being a virgin!

Alicia: Of course not.

It's hip to be a virgin nowadays.

It's never hip to be a virgin.

- It's really hard. - I'm sure it is.

Oh, there's a song about it.

- A song? - Yeah.

I think it's bananarama?

No, no, no... It's the go-gos!

"Our lips are sealed."

- What?! - "Our lips are sealed."

It's about a bunch of chicks trying to stay virgins.

Okay, first of all, that's gross.

Second of all, you're wrong.

It's about a bunch of girls trying to keep a secret.

If I wasn't getting any,

I'd want to keep it a secret too.

Now, if you really want to get Bobby launer,

And he sees you with one of these...

Like mommy says,

"Boys like girls who smoke...

Because they think they're easy."

Here.

( Scoffs ) Now that is just

A terrible waste of tobacco.

What are trying to do?

Are you trying to save me or something?

Deanna: You know something?

I don't think you're easy.

I think you're the most difficult person I've ever met.

( Groans )

Deanna: No, it's okay.

No, mom, I understand.

I'll see you tomorrow morning.

Right, tomorrow night.

I love you too.

Bye.

You're checking those books out?

I'm taking them, if that's what you mean.

- Can I have my remote back? - Why?

No.

Where do you go at 5:00?

I go to a homeless shelter

Where I serve food to the needy and less fortunate.

I don't know.

I don't go anywhere.

Then why do you leave?

Can I ask you a question?

Does it matter if I say no?

How do you stay so detached from all this?

I was unconscious halfway into it

And I can hardly sleep.

You must have seen the whole thing happen.

What's your point?

- You seem like you haven't missed a beat. - Yeah, well, go figure.

( Distorted screaming )

Wait.

Wait, wait, wait!

Wait! It'll pass. Okay?

Actually, today's been a pretty good day for me.

I should be able to get some sleep tonight.

Okay, well...

- I'll see you. - Would you do me a favor?

What?

On a good night, with the right pills,

I can be asleep before Jay leno's over.

I was wondering, would you stay till the end of Jay leno?

- I don't watch television. - You could read your books.

They have... Visiting hours here.

You don't care about hospital rules.

Right.

But you could get in trouble.

If you haven't noticed, I get special treatment around here.

I'm not reading you any fucking bedtime stories.

No, no, no. That's fine.

Leno?

Not letterman, not nightline, but leno.

Fuck me.

( "Star-spangled banner" playing )

( Distorted voices reciting alphabet )

( Gun cocks )

( Gunshot )

( Anthem continues )

( Whispers ) Alicia, are you awake?

( Low frequency humming )

( High frequency humming )

- How did I do? - A little better.

Doctor hollander wanted me to remind you

How important your therapy sessions are with her.

She doesn't mind you having guests,

So long as it doesn't interfere with your recovery.

She expects you promptly tomorrow morning.

And I would really appreciate it, too.

Okay.

Okay.

- Have a great day. - Thanks.

( Baby crying )

Alicia?

What are you doing in here?

Reading.

Here?

If you spent a little bit more time in here,

You'd know this is the quietest place in the hospital.

Can we go someplace else?

Good.

Lets get you out of here before you burst into flames or something.

What time did you leave last night?

- Late. - Well, thanks.

- Hey there. - Hi.

- I slept really well. - Good for you.

You know...

There's something about you that doesn't add up with me.

What's that?

What was someone like you doing in a public school?

My parents wanted me to go to a private school...

Baldwin prep, St. benedictine.

But, you know, I got to thinking.

They didn't go to a private school, so why should I?

In a public school, you can really learn more about real life.

( Scoffs )

So my world is just some sort

Of social laboratory for you, huh?

Alicia, you know that's not what I meant.

What are you doing with that?!

Don't change the subject.

The Ivy league is an afterthought

For someone like you I'm guessing.

Where did daddy go to school?

- Cornell. - Cornell.

- It's a great school. - Yeah, you're right, it is.

But if you get in, you're never really going to know, are you?

Know what?

Whether you got in because you deserved it,

Or if they should just put put a little plaque

Next to your dorm room that says, "thanks, dad."

I didn't put that on my license plate, he did.

He thought it was cute.

( Telephone ringing )

Van zandt.

No, I'll be home late.

You know why.

I can't.

No, no, I gotta go.

No, I'm sorry.

Mr. Robbins?

The department gave us permission to begin renovating,

So don't give me any of your shit.

No, it's looking good. It's good.

I need to search a locker.

Martin: It's weird being here without kids.

You probably see it like this all the time.

I took summer school once. It was just like this.

I'm becoming very concerned about

Your interest in Alicia Browning.

Why would that be?

Is she involved?

You know I can't comment on that.

I took her to visit deanna Cartwright

At the hospital a couple days ago.

Really?

As I understand it,

At some point here,

You're either going to have make an arrest,

Or you're going to have to close your investigation.

Either way, get on with it.

Take as much time as you need.

It's called a gerund phrase.

It's g-e-r-u-n-d.

But you only need to know that for the test.

You'll never use it in real life.

Hi. Thank you.

- Do you want anything? - No.

It's tempting, though...

Dry Turkey breast, tasteless fruit,

Cholesterol-free eggs... Mmm, tasty.

- How did you know that? - It's hospital food.

My parents are coming tonight.

I'll be sure to leave early then.

- You don't have to. - No, no, no.

It'll be all huggy-kissy.

Probably.

Gimme one of those.

You throw worse than a girl.

Wait.

Close one.

- Do they bring you good shit? - My folks?

You wouldn't be interested. Look.

Okay, this pretty much sums up how mom and dad see me.

A coloring book.

What?

Did they bring you crayons with that?

Yeah.

Thanks.

There's only one black one, though.

I know it's your favorite color.

Here's a bop magazine.

Do you like the backstreet boys?

Yeah, me neither.

You're probably into that Tori amos, Fiona apple, whiny rock.

But Kevin and Brian are hot.

Who the hell are you talking about?

Forget it.

Are those the guys you think about when you masturbate?

- I don't think we should be... - Don't say that you don't.

I'm not saying that I don't, I'm just saying

That I don't think I should be discussing that with...

God, you say stuff like that just to set me off.

- Why do you do that? - Because you make it so easy for me.

It hurts.

What does?

The first time you do it. It hurts.

It's what every virgin wants to know, right?

It hurts. It burns sort of.

I know.

How...

- How much? - I don't know.

I think it's different for everyone.

It probably doesn't hurt as bad as,

Oh, I don't know, say, getting shot in the head.

I mean, come on, it's not like you see a lot

Of chicks laid up in hospitals

After getting their cherries popped.

It stings a little. On the bright side,

If you do it with a high school boy,

Chances are he won't be in there very long anyway.

Yeah.

You know, I don't know if I can do it.

- I mean, I want to do it, but... - Don't worry, it'll happen.

You'll meet the right guy,

Or you'll meet the wrong guy, and it'll just happen.

Even Forrest Gump got laid eventually.

I didn't think you saw "Forrest Gump."

Oh, I saw it. I just thought you were doing a shitty impression, that's all.

I'm really glad you're here, Alicia.

Oh God.

Here's your damn God-box back.

My God-box!

The Brady bunch... I love "the Brady bunch." Do you?

I don't know if I've ever seen it. It's an old show, right?

The '70s. It's totally hilarious.

- Jesse James. - Jesse James?

Principal: Jesse James was a cruel and vicious killer.

I'm really surprised at Bobby.

Bobby's teacher might never have brought

This composition to my attention if it hadn't been for this.

He knows better than to bring a cap gun to school.

We'll certainly have a talk with him.

I'm sure he doesn't intent to make a profession out of being an outlaw.

( Laughing ) Oh my God!

- This show is awesome! - It isn't funny.

Oh, come on!

- It is! - ( Laughter )

( Siren wailing )

Mike Brady: He knows better than to bring gun to school.

( Distorted voices )

( Sobbing )

Deanna: She's very sad...

Lonely.

I don't know why, but...

I know I like it when she comes to see me.

I shouldn't. She's mean to me.

But there's something else,

Something I can't put my finger on.

To look at her you'd just think she was a mean-spirited punk,

But I think there's more to her than that.

Alicia understands me better than she should.

I don't know why.

Deanna, it's very important for me to know everything I can about her...

Even things you don't think are important.

I know, it's just, the truth is we don't...

We don't really talk about it.

Deanna, don't pick at that.

I wasn't picking at it, mother.

Honey, this girl, she was the only one

That saw everything that happened in that room from start to finish.

I know, and I've seen her with him, but only a few times.

It's not like they hung out all the time or were dating or something.

That's not true, 'cause the police have his phone records.

They know he talked to her for an hour the night before the shooting.

- Where did you hear that? - Who cares?!

- That could mean anything. - Why does she keep coming to see you?

I mean, what's in it for her?

I guess, because I'm tutoring her.

- You're what? - Tutoring.

She's failing English.

- What? - If she wasn't failing English,

Can you think of any other reason?

No. I... What are you saying?!

I'm sorry.

It's just that...

It's hard for us, too.

You've learned something that as adults

We hope you don't have to deal with until you're much older.

- What's that? - That there is very real evil in this world.

And a lot of times, evil wins.

But there's nothing you can do.

You're too late.

If Alicia Browning had foreknowledge of this attack,

And didn't say anything,

Under the eyes of the law

She's considered an accessory before the fact.

It means she's responsible.

It means she's the reason you're in the hospital right now.

Do you really believe that?

I need your help.

You're the only person she talks to.

I'm not wearing a radio for you or any of that cop-show stuff.

Deanna, you are speaking to a police officer.

It's nothing like that.

You just talk to her like you always do.

But the next time, ask her...

Ask her if she knew.

That's all I need.

Can you do that for me?

Yes, she can.

Dr. hollander, excuse me.

Deanna.

Thank you.

I'm sorry we have to meet in this room today.

We certainly have been missing each other, haven't we?

- How are you? - Hanging in there.

Yeah, I can see that.

Is the Xanax helping you get sleep?

Very much so.

How are you feeling?

You already asked me that.

You know, in some parts of the world, violence...

- Can I ask you a question? - Of course.

Do you ever administer the test where you look at an ink blot

And talk about what the patient sees in them?

Yes, I have. Would you like to take one?

Do you think they actually give you meaningful insight?

- Yes, I believe they do, yes. - Does it work the other way?

Can what somebody else has drawn tell you things about them?

Volumes... people look at a Rembrandt or a Picasso,

And they write 300-page dissertations on what

Might have been going through the artist's mind.

What does that tell you?

It might help to know when you did this.

Yesterday. And it wasn't me, it was... a friend.

A friend. Okay.

Well, ah...

The color is certainly open for evaluation.

It's almost random.

Very vivid hues.

The person was pressing very hard on the crayon.

I'd say whoever colored this was distraught.

I'm sorry, you were being serious.

The coloring stays firmly within the predetermined lines.

Almost perfectly.

Someone is trapped.

And this page was probably chosen for a reason.

Rabbits and bears playing in a park.

You don't think these sessions are worth a damn, do you?

No, ma'am.

And you probably think you that should have been released days ago.

Yes, as a matter of fact. Yes.

I think this whole "post-concussion syndrome" is made-up.

I haven't had a dizzy spell in days,

My hearing is getting better,

The only real issue is my hair.

And if I understand human physiology,

It tends to grow back.

These are afflictions of the body, not the mind.

There is something troubling you,

And this is the place you can talk about it.

You can't help me.

No, I can't.

Not unless you talk with me.

You can't help me because there's nothing you can tell me

That I can't read in the same books you do.

Have you been reading books?

What have you been reading?

Have you been reading about post-traumatic stress disorder?

Have you been reading the stories

About combat veterans who have seen and experienced

The most horrible things a person can?

Is it true that there is no cure?

It absolutely can be treated.

With the proper balance of drugs for the effects, and therapy.

But, no, there is no cure

In the usual sense of the word.

And...

Is it true that most people who have post-traumatic stress

Have to live with it for the rest of their lives?

For some people that is so.

But not all.

Okay, that's all I needed to know.

The only way you're going to feel better, deanna,

Is if you can talk about this.

I know.

I know.

That was a nice long session.

How is doctor hair-farmer?

What the fuck?

Alicia, did you...

Ow! Stop!

What the hell was that?!

- Dive bomber. - What did I do?!

You should be less oblivious.

What is it about your cranium that invites such folly?

Just lucky, I guess.

Maybe it's your I.Q.

"Oblivious."

Sometimes you use really big words

For somebody who's failing English.

Go figure.

You know, I've been thinking,

I haven't really seen you around school with boys.

Well, I mean, I've only seen you with really one boy.

Personally, I was wondering...

About you... Your relationship.

- How you... how you feel... - How I feel about boys?

No.

How close you were to...

I'm trying to ask you something that's really hard for me to ask.

I'll make it easy, okay?

Huh?

What are you doing?!

It sounded like you were asking me if I was into girls.

- Well, I wasn't! - Which probably means you're into girls.

I'm not! If you wanted to know, you could've just asked!

You could've just lied... It was the only way to be sure.

But you didn't kiss me back, so you got nothing to worry about.

I guess.

You are such a weirdo!

The police came to see me last night...

About you.

Took them long enough.

They said... It doesn't matter...

But they asked me a bunch of questions.

And I think they want to arrest you.

- Fuck 'em. - But they're not going away.

I don't know what you're not telling them,

- but they're not going away. - That's their job.

- What're you going to do? - I'll have to check my schedule.

- Alicia, they're police. - Yeah, we go way back.

- No, I mean... - I got a lot of friends downtown...

Stop it, stop it, stop it!

I'm so sick of this.

I'm so tired of listening to you talking like nothing happened.

That this is all no big deal?! I'm so exhausted.

And I still can't sleep.

My head is so messed up and I just don't care anymore.

I just can't.

You know those flowers in my room,

All those presents?

They're almost all from my parents.

Bobby launer didn't send me flowers...

I just told you that because I didn't want you to know.

I read this story when I was little...

About a princess who didn't have any friends.

And her father, the king,

Couldn't stand to see his daughter all alone.

So he used his riches

To buy her some friends.

When the princess found out,

She was so angry with the king.

She felt humiliated.

If my father used his money to buy me

Some pretend friends...

I don't think I would mind at all.

I want you to leave.

I don't want you to come back here anymore.

You don't have to ask me twice.

Then leave. Please.

You know, I got better things to do with my days

Than hang around with a head case like you.

Then do them.

Fuck you!

You little cunt!

Who the fuck do you think you are?!

You and your, "woe is me" bullshit!

You haven't even faced the half of it yet!

You think you're alone now?!

Because you have no idea

How bad it's really going to get!

Alicia, please don't do this.

I know exactly what you were trying to ask me,

And know exactly what you think of me.

You fucking drama queen!

Go take your goddamn guilt trip somewhere else

Because I don't want to fucking hear about it!

Does this look crooked?

- Crooked? - Yeah.

- It looks crooked to me if you stand back from it. - It looks dead-on to me.

So, I've logged our first piece of...

I guess, would you call it evidence?

Yes, that's what it's called.

Good. Well, then, you must be relieved.

- It's progress, right? - I don't look relieved?

I got a lot of work here... Is there anything else?

No.

Actually, yeah. I'm gonna have to call the d.A.'S office...

They're gonna want to know what charges we're thinking about filing.

What are you doing?

What are you doing?!

- I guess I need a little clarification. - The hell you do.

Perform your duty, uphold the law.

It's very simple... it needs no further explanation.

- Yes, sir. - You know damn well what charges we'll be filing,

So put your call into the d.A. Whenever you feel like it.

If there is something else that's bothering you,

I don't give a shit. This is our job,

Like it or not.

Martin, why did you let her go?

What are you talking about?

That first night, why did you let her go?

Because I didn't have enough to hold her on.

Unlike the Mountain of evidence we have now.

You had just as much cause to arrest her that night as you do right now.

If you really feel so strongly about what you're doing,

Why the hell did you let her go in the first place?

We have to be the voice for those families.

Can you understand that?

If we are going to speak for them...

Maybe we should find out what they really want us to say.

All right!

What the fuck?!

What the hell are you doing out here?

Hey, head case, I'm talking to you.

What are you doing here?

I was in the neighborhood. What do you think?

I told you not to come back.

Which you had to know was the surest way to get me to come back.

Okay, what're you doing with the needle?

What the fuck is up with the syringe?

The doctors can't make it stop.

I want to go home, but they won't listen.

And I don't care anymore.

So, we're into the real deal here.

- Okay. - I can't really remember it.

But when I go to sleep, it always comes back.

And I don't know if it's real,

Or if it's just what I think happened.

But I can hear them.

The other kids...

Trying to get out.

And you figure if you shoot yourself full of enough poison,

That'll pretty much put an end to all that?

That's bullshit. That is an insult to all of those kids.

- You're trying to take the easy way out. - So did you.

You shouldn't have said that...

But, yeah, I did.

And look at how wonderful I turned out.

Now...

Let me tell you about this, okay?

See, in the movies, they don't tell you that

When you slash your wrists, you also cut through tendons.

Now I can barely use this hand at all.

It took me over a year to learn how to write with the other one.

Look, I don't know what it is you want me to tell you.

I'm not real good at this kind of thing.

Tell me it gets better.

I can't.

Because it won't.

I can't make it stop.

It's killing me.

Good.

It hurts because it's supposed to.

I mean, what would it say about you if it didn't?

What would it make you if it didn't tear you up inside?

What would it make you if you didn't feel anything at all?

You know what that would make you?!

Me.

And I would give anything

To feel even half of what you're feeling right now.

Okay, listen.

What kind of music do you listen to?

- Pop. - No.

What I'm saying is, whenever I hear a song

That I already know, I change the channel.

I look for a songs that I've never heard before.

Do you listen to songs you know,

- or songs you don't know? - Songs I know.

Okay.

I going to show you something.

Something you don't know.

But first, I want you to give me that.

( Sighs heavily )

So, you're smart.

What's in this?

Potassium chloride.

You'd kill yourself before you hit the ground.

Just faster than smoking.

You made a joke.

Yeah, and it took a lot outta me, so...

Don't expect another one.

Alicia: Come on.

Deanna: Well, if it makes you feel any better,

- it wasn't a very good joke. - I know.

( Walkie-talkie chatter )

- What room is this? - Shh.

Alicia: Wait right here.

Deanna: Alicia, it's cold in here.

- Oh Jesus! - What?! What's wrong?!

What the hell is wrong with you?!

No, why won't you look?

( Screaming )

What, are you scared?!

- What is there to be scared of?! - God damn it!

Alicia: Look.

Turn around and look!

You've got it all wrong.

There's nothing here.

Nothing.

You wouldn't have been afraid of him when he was alive,

Why should you be afraid of him now?

There is no hatred in this room.

No anger.

There's no violence.

There's less to be afraid of in here

Than anywhere else in the whole world.

Alicia: So, what do you think?

You look just like him.

Hey, get out of here.

Do whatever it takes,

But get your parents to get you out of here.

It'll kill you if you don't.

You're not coming back, are you?

I'm not going to see you again, am I?

I'll be around.

Alicia.

Are you real?

I mean, this whole thing, it really happened.

Good night, deanna.

Bye.

- Bye. - Take care.

Thanks.

( Rock music playing )

* that's when they'll disappear *

* that's when we'll be feared. *

Wait! Wait, dad, go back one!

* in the jealous games people play *

* our lips are sealed

- ( screams, applauds ) - What? Are you okay?!

Yeah. I'm fine.

* our lips are sealed.

If you need them, they'll be ready.

- Captain. - Detective.

- What do you need? - Do you remember 1988?

We killed one of our own undercovers.

I was in charge of the bust.

- Remember that? - Of course I do.

The review board asked me to resign.

And when I didn't,

They were gonna pin the whole thing on me.

You went in front of them and got me off the hook.

Remember what you said to them?

I've just spent the better part of the last

Two months looking at this thing from every angle possible.

And I've spoken with the families. All of them.

And now I think that only one of two things can happen.

Sir, I have macready and Harper and Wheeler

And half a dozen uniforms ready to leave here right now.

And I got the order here from the judge to make it all nice and neat.

But before I go, I gotta hear it from you.

One more time... I want to hear you say

That we're going to lay nine murders

At the feet of a teenage girl,

Because of a telephone bill.

You know, I don't care too much

About what people say out there in the world... we're police officers,

And that means that at some point,

Right and wrong has to factor into this.

Doesn't it?

So if you tell me that this is the right thing to do,

I'll be at her front door in 10 minutes.

All you have to do is sign it, sir.

What a mess.

Sir, with your permission,

This is what I'd like to do.

Do you know if any of the others are coming?

I was hoping for a little better turnout.

My parents don't even know I'm here.

Deanna: Is this everyone?

Looks that way.

Listen, what we're doing here,

A lot of people will say is a mistake.

That going back in here so soon is the wrong thing to do.

That it's insensitive.

I think it's very important.

This is the kind of thing that people want to put behind them,

They want to stop talking about it.

And the second you do that

Is the second it happens all over again.

This is not a requirement.

None of you have to do this if you don't want to.

Okay then.

It smells kind of funny.

They painted it.

- It smells like paint. - Is it the right color?

Together: No.

It's really close, though.

There were 16 shots fired in this classroom.

Most of them came from the back there.

He ran out as he moved forward along the side wall.

Boy: Okay, does that mean anything?

It means it wasn't a spur of the moment decision.

He came in through the back,

Knowing everybody would panic trying to get out this door.

Boy #2: Is there a point you're making?

It's very odd from the detached viewpoint of law enforcement.

In a mass shooting, you usually see twice as many wounded as killed.

But in this case, everyone who was shot died.

- Girl: Except for deanna. - Martin: Except for deanna.

Of course, why he did it is still unanswered.

- If you wanted to know that, you shouldn't have killed him. - That's brilliant.

What were they supposed to do, ask him to politely stop?

Deanna: No, I think he's right. They didn't have to kill him.

- What, are you both fucked? - Okay, okay! Hey.

Everyone can talk here, all right?

And just so you understand,

The tactical officer performed his job to the letter.

And I bet you gave him a big fat medal for it.

As a matter of fact, he resigned.

He doesn't even live here anymore.

- Deanna, how do you feel about being in here? - I don't like it.

I don't know if they should ever use this room again.

Boy #3: But you know they will.

After everybody graduates, they'll act like it never happened.

What are your plans after graduation, James?

- You're the class president? - Yes, sir.

I was planning on going straight to college, but...

I might just take some time off.

Deanna?

I just got a scholarship to Cornell.

That's excellent. Congratulations.

I don't know if I'm going or not.

Shit, if I was you, I'd be like, "see ya."

I'd get as far away from here as I could.

I'll be stuck in community college forever.

Girl: I haven't really thought about it too much.

I guess I should, though.

I'd really rather not even graduate,

If you want to know the truth.

Doug?

Whatever you cops will let me do, I'll do.

I don't like to look too far ahead.

I don't even want to deal with right now, you know?

- This whole thing? - Deanna: You have to.

I mean, it's there, whether you like it or not.

We graduate in three days,

So you better be ready for that black armband.

You know it won't stop there.

At the five-year reunion,

Be ready for that moment of silence.

It'll be with us forever.

The sooner you accept that, the easier it'll be.

I don't know why it had to happen here.

I mean, it's home room.

We're only in here for 15 minutes everyday.

Let's talk about that then.

- ( Sobbing ) - Cathy?

You don't have to stay if this is too hard.

James is right.

It was just such a normal day.

You know how some people said that

When they heard the gunshot that...

It sounded like firecrackers?

I didn't.

Somehow I knew.

He aimed over here and I closed my eyes...

And he fired.

And when I opened them,

It was Marcus that was shot instead.

And I was just so...

Jesus, I was...

What?

Were you glad?

Yes.

You were glad that he shot Marcus Colby and not you.

I never got to tell him I was sorry for thinking that.

There's nothing to be sorry about.

Self-preservation is the most powerful instinct you have, okay?

It gave you the time you needed

To get out of the room alive.

I know it's not easy,

But it's nothing to be ashamed of either.

Now see, why are we doing this?

This is why nobody else came.

Once was enough.

What happened in here was the most...

Alicia: How would you know?

You were the first person out the door.

You don't have a clue what happened in here.

- What are you doing here? - I do believe everyone was invited.

Am I right, detective Martin van zandt?

- Hey, head case. - Hi.

She shouldn't be here. She's not even one of us.

Martin: What does that mean?

It means nobody likes her because she's a damn freak.

If you're what's passing for normal,

I'll keep the fucking straitjacket. Thanks.

- She looks like the crow. - What is it that makes her a freak?

- That! - That is so warped.

- What the fuck? It's my gum. - From about three months ago.

You know, I think Alicia's okay.

Thank you, Douglas. That means so much coming from a skate-rat

Who hangs in the Wal-Mart parking lot until 3:00 A.M.

It smells funny in here.

Maybe we should get some carnations.

James: She's not one of us because she was supposed

To graduate like, 10 years ago.

Martin: So be it.

But she still has a perspective on this that might be helpful.

Yeah, she knew the motherfucker.

So what? So what if she did?

So I bet he didn't even think about killing her.

Great! So she wasn't a marked target.

Maybe if we were all nicer to each other,

Nobody would ever be a marked target.

Yeah, "why can't we all just get along?"

Jesus... happy endings everywhere.

With you, even mushroom clouds have silver linings.

Why do you let her talk to you like that?

Because she's right.

I am that way.

You stopped smoking.

Yeah, well...

Maybe I started something worse.

Listen, I don't have all day,

So let's get to it.

Did it ever dawn on you

That maybe there are no answers here?

That maybe he came in here shooting

- without a single thought in his fucked-up head? - It crossed my mind.

I don't think it lasted longer than 30 seconds.

He shot at whatever wasn't moving.

People got bunched up at the door, so...

It made it real easy.

And just so you know,

You didn't get hit by any ricochet.

He aimed for the back of your head, point blank.

I thought you were dead for sure.

The fact that you're alive right now

Is the weirdest part of this whole thing.

So if it only took 30 seconds,

And it took us six minutes to get on scene...

What happened the rest of the time?

What did happen?

She kept him in here.

You kept him from going anywhere else in the school.

Because you were the only one he would listen to.

You stopped him from hurting anyone else.

Thank you, Alicia.

Yeah.

No, thank you.

I'm a true fucking hero, is that it?

Yeah, well...

Sometimes I really don't understand you.

- Perfect. - Why do you want everyone to hate you so much?

You dress so that no one will come near you,

We have nothing in common,

We'd never even talked to each other until you came...

To the hospital.

Wait.

Alicia's voice: It's tempting, though.

Dry Turkey breast, tasteless fruit,

Cholesterol-free eggs. Mmm, tasty.

How did you know that?

If you spent a little bit more time in here,

You'd know this is the quietest place in the hospital.

How can you stay in the sack this long?

The sun also rises straight into this room every morning.

Don't.

We had the same hospital room.

201.

So...?

But you've been back in school for a while now.

So it must have been over a year ago.

Before the library,

Before the renovation...

When the recovery ward used to be the maternity ward.

- Shut up. - She told me that.

The nurse made a joke about how the recovery ward used to be the maternity ward.

Shut up.

It's okay.

You have a baby, don't you?

No, you really need to stop now!

It's all right.

Hollander: This page was probably chosen for a reason.

Rabbits and bears playing in a park.

That's why you missed a year.

Fuck you, you cocksucker!

You don't know shit about me!

Who the fuck do you think you are?!

You think you can come in here and spend 10 minutes

And come out with all the fucking answers?!

Hey, I've got one... Kids pick up guns

And kill other kids! That's it!

And if that answer isn't good enough,

Then maybe you should go see a doctor or a priest,

And you can ask them why.

They'll feed you all the psychobabble you can stand.

Or they'll tell you that God has some greater plan for everyone.

And when you keep pressing and those answers aren't good enough,

All they have left to tell you is the unholy truth,

That kids just die!

And babies die, too.

It just happens...

So you live with it.

Deanna: Oh no, Alicia, I'm sorry.

I'm sorry. I didn't know.

I shouldn't have...

Oh my God.

Alicia: You know...

When you don't have...

Any money...

And your baby dies...

The funeral home gives you this casket...

For free.

I guess, it's about...

This big...

And it's made...

Out of styrofoam.

It's like one of those things you would take on a picnic.

Did you even know there was such a thing

As a styrofoam coffin?

How fucked up is that?

When?

Two winters ago.

We had that...

Colossal ice storm. Do you remember that?

No school for two weeks.

Alicia: Yeah.

She was born...

And she died on December 21st.

The thing...

The machine at the cemetery couldn't dig,

'Cause the ground was too hard.

It was frozen.

We had to wait until after Christmas to bury her.

Why would you ever go back to that hospital?

Why did you come back here?

What did you call her?

Your daughter...

What was your daughter's name?

Amanda.

He called me.

The night before the shooting,

He called me.

He told me not to come to school in the morning.

He told me he was going to bring a gun,

And that he was going to kill everyone.

I'm sorry, I didn't believe him.

I'm sorry I didn't stop it.

- You didn't do anything wrong. - Wait, Alicia.

Alicia, it wasn't your fault!

Well?!

What are you waiting for?! Arrest her!

Isn't that what you wanted to hear?!

Bring her back.

I closed the investigation three days ago.

It isn't public knowledge yet.

There will be no arrest.

Then why the hell did you bring us here?

Because I'm a father, and my kid will be your age in less than a heartbeat,

And as soon as he's old enough to figure this out,

He's going to ask me what it all means, and I don't know what to tell him.

You're asking us?! You're the adult!

You're supposed to have all the answers!

I can't turn on my TV without hearing somebody say why they think it happened...

- "too much violence on TV." - "The national rifle association."

- "He was teased too much." - "Harassed by other students."

- "Guns without safety locks." - "Guns without safety locks."

- "Violent rock lyrics." - "Violent video games."

- "Video games." - "Pulp Fiction."

- "Pulp Fiction." - "Natural born killers."

- "Hatred." - "Cry for help."

- "A cry for help." - "Culture of death."

- "Culture of death." - "Be on the cover of 'time' magazine."

My head can't even hold all the answers I hear every single day!

Cathy: "'Time' magazine."

Deanna: So, now you come to us

Because you want to know why?

You want to know what it means?

It doesn't mean a goddamn thing in the world.

* it doesn't mean much

* it doesn't mean anything at all *

* the life I've left behind me *

* is a cold room

* I've crossed the last line *

* from where I can't turn

* where every step I took in faith *

* betrayed me

* and led me from my home *

* sweet surrender

* is all that I had to give *

* you take me in

* no questions asked

* you strip away the ugliness that surrounds me *

* are you an angel?

* am I already that gone?

* I only hope that I won't disappoint you *

* when I'm down here on my knees *

* sweet surrender

* is all that I have to give *

* sweet surrender

* is all that I have to give *

* and I don't understand

* how the touch of your hand *

* I will be the one to fall *

* I miss the little things

* I miss everything about you *

* it doesn't mean much

* it doesn't mean anything at all *

* the life I've left behind me *

* is a cold room

* sweet surrender

* is all that I have to give *

* sweet surrender

* is all that I have to give. *

* the silicon chip inside her head *

* gets switched to overload *

* and nobody's gonna go to school today *

* she's gonna make them stay at home *

* and daddy doesn't understand it *

* he always said she was good as gold *

* and he can see no reasons *

* 'cause there are no reasons *

* what reason do you need to be shown? *

* tell me why I don't like mondays *

* tell me why I don't like mondays *

* tell me why I don't like *

* I don't like, tell me why *

* I don't like mondays

* tell me why I don't like *

* I don't like, tell me why *

* I don't like mondays

* tell me why I don't like mondays *

* I wanna shoo-oot

* the whole day down

* oo-ooo...