Original subtitles

So my ex-girlfriend is in town.

She's back for the holidays, and…

she texted me she wants to see me. I… I don't know what to do.

She broke my heart, and I feel like I was…

finally moving on.

I mean, due in large part to the person who actually brought me here today,

so I don't know.

Well, what do you guys think I should do?

Yeah.

I appreciate the help.

It's hard, isn't it?

When you can't rely on language to give you an answer.

Like when you're trying to make mochi in a kitchen full of Japanese grannies.

You could ask for help.

Never!

Sorry.

But they wouldn't answer you anyway.

Sadist. Just wait until you see what I have in store for you.

An artsy pop-up that I know you're gonna love.

Welcome, everyone.

The goal of our pop-up?

To create.

To build…

a manifestation of what's been occupying your mental space.

Crafting? Honestly?

These dares are supposed to be challenging.

Come on, Lil. What's the secret here?

The formation of mochi takes extreme focus.

I'm a hundred percent focused.

Well… maybe not a hundred percent.

Make whatever's in your head.

Express yourself.

Be free.

Look at that one.

Perfect.

Look, if you don't wanna get tossed,

you need to listen to your mochi.

Listen to my mochi?

I know you have a lot of big, loud ideas in your head

on how things should be,

but if your mind is quiet, sometimes the best answer to a problem

makes itself heard.

I guess this is me saying,

"Go with the flow."

You cringed, didn't you?

But that's exactly why I sent you here.

Give it a try.

Listen to your mochi.

Listen to my mochi.

Torture but worth it.

You know me well.

Thank you kindly.

I was hoping for something equally challenging,

but you seem to have misjudged me.

This stack of Coke cans represents

how corporatized reality television ideology

has become the steel grip on the American throat.

I made a Muppet.

It's what I think a friend of mine looks like in real life.

He looks rude.

If I could give myself a high five, I would.

Thanks for a fun challenge, Snarl.

Am I done now?

Your dare's not over yet.

All right. Now that we've created,

-it's time to destroy. -Wait. What?

It's time to free your mind of the corporeal baggage

you've materialized here.

What's happening now?

-This is the Break Room. -Right. Break Room.

Where we all take a fun, creative craft break as a group.

No. Break Room, where you literally break shit to feel better.

You told me, when it rains, you always look for the rainbow.

But sometimes, a rainbow doesn't show.

So what do you do?

You stand in the rain and scream.

Let it all out, all those messy, angry, un-Lily feelings.

Instead of hiding behind a smile,

release your negative emotions. Beat the crap out of something.

I guarantee you will feel amazing.

These should work well.

Your regular session today?

I'm actually feeling pretty relaxed today.

Your friend's a really talented artist.

First Muppet we've had here.

Ooh, fantastic. Where's the corpse?

Sorry, Notebook Boy. I like looking for the rainbows.

Okay. Protein cup for Peanut.

Hey, no. Grain-free for Boris,

and only one at a time for your digestive system, okay?

Oh, my God! Hank, I love your pink jacket.

Come here, Hank. Come here.

Good Hank. Good Hank.

Lily Mori-Novak.

Edgar!

What are you doing here? Are… are you stalking me?

No. You wouldn't do that, I think.

I mean, I don't actually know you that well--

I looked you up on Instagram after the show.

You only post dog photos tagged at this park at 3:00 p.m.,

so I've been coming here every day at three hoping to run into you.

That is the literal definition of stalking.

You know, I assumed you'd have a dog yourself.

It's kind of weird that you don't.

Do you just buy treats for other people's dogs?

No. I make them.

That is so weird.

So weird.

Wait, is that why you came here? To tell me how weird I am?

'Cause I got it. Weirdo-Central. Catch ya later.

No, no, wait. No.

I… I felt… I felt bad about how things went down at the show.

Oh, yes. The punk show,

where you maybe sort of told me I looked like a freak,

which I probably did, so it's totally fine.

No, that was a compliment.

-A compliment? -Yes, man.

Your… your dancing was awesome.

You've always been able to let go like that, even as a kid.

It always made me so jealous.

You were jealous of me?

I still am.

And now look at you. You've grown up so damn cute.

You've even got the puppet and everything.

Do you remember the last time you talked to me?

Well, it had to be before seventh grade.

That's when I set that fire

and my dad sent me away to boarding school.

Why? Do you remember?

That girl is so weird.

No.

Hey, what are you doing later?

There's this slam poetry night around the corner.

A bunch of East Village artists sticking it to the bourgeoisie.

You should come.

You're going to slam poetry?

I'm trying on my free spirit hat.

Like yours.

It's harder for some of us when it doesn't come naturally,

but I'm trying.

You're the real deal, Lily. You always have been.

So get used to it because…

other people notice.

I couldn't destroy my creation.

But that's okay, because this notebook

is the perfect vessel to release any emotions, good or bad.

I can tell you anything.

Dear Lily, I love that you couldn't destroy your creation.

You always follow your heart--

- That's great. - Whoa!

Dad?

Jesus, Dash. What… what the hell are you doing here?

What the hell are you doing here?

Hi. I'm Leeza. Nice to meet you.

-So I was thinking-- -So--

-Um… -No, go ahead.

Well, no, I was just gonna say,

I thought you were gonna be in the Alps till New Year's.

Yeah, we got our fill of Switzerland pretty fast.

Now we're headed over to Half Moon Bay to sail,

but Leeza wanted to stop by real quick

to do breakfast at Tiffany's.

What is it with women and Audrey Hepburn?

So you weren't gonna tell me you were here.

Weren't you supposed to be at your mom's?

Well, yeah, I… I am. I just… I needed a break,

so I'm just hanging here. Hanging out.

You don't have to tell me twice. Your mother's a pill.

Why don't we grab dinner tonight?

You, me, Leeza.

Second chance for a first impression.

-Great. -I'll let you put on some decent clothes.

You might wanna stock up on food if you're gonna post up here.

-Yeah? -The only thing in the fridge was mochi.

Oh, no, no, no. Dad--

Hey, great news! Kid's gonna join us for dinner!

Lily.

So my dad is in town, a true Christmas nightmare.

To make it worse, I'm being strong-armed into dinner.

Seems like every year

brings another awkward meal with his girlfriend of the week,

culminating in a huge, explosive war of words with old Daddo,

who spent the entire meal trying to show off what a good parent he is.

The only thing that's ever helped me in these eternally fraught dinners

was Sofia…

my ex-girlfriend,

who would effortlessly defuse the tension in any room

because that's the type of person she is--

Nope. No. I can't do that. Um…

Well, Lily, seems we've run into a problem.

I can't tell the girl I like everything, now, can I?

Like how I really wanna meet you and think about you all the time.

Yeah. No. Definitely not.

Definitely not. Definitely not. Um…

Hey, are you free for dinner tonight?

- You're not even listening. - I am listening.

No, you're not. I'm going to Puerto Rico.

What's the big deal?

I know what's gonna happen. Our--

So you're not even willing to try?

No.

Well, then… fine.

Merry Christmas.

I'm so sorry.

I heard.

Did you and Benny just--

Break up? Yeah.

-Because of, uh, Puerto Rico? -He's leaving me, Lily.

Okay, "out of sight, out of mind" has burned me in the past,

and I am not doing long-distance again, ever. I'm sorry.

Are you okay?

Obviously not.

Well, long distance isn't so bad.

Yeah, how do you know? You've never even dated anyone.

Notebook Boy.

Okay. That's not a relationship, okay?

That's a pen pal.

You can still mail him your notebook from Fiji.

Why would I mail him my notebook from Fiji?

Langston?

Langston, why would I mail him the notebook from Fiji?

Do you really think Mom and Dad are on their second honeymoon?

Wake up, Lily!

They're in Fiji because dad is up for a job there.

-What? -If he gets it, you're going with them.

I get to stay because I'm an adult, legally.

Well, what if I don't wanna go to Fiji?

What does it matter? You spend all your time

with Mom, Dad, and Grandpa anyway.

And the reason we didn't tell you is because we knew you would freak out.

You all lied to me?

I guess we're both having a shitty Christmas.

Lily.

Um, so, Leeza, what do you do?

I'm a microbiologist.

-Lovely. -Do you like microbiology?

No.

- Oh. - Um, uh…

Excuse me, waiter, could I get a seltzer, please?

Lime would be great, thank you.

So you also ski?

-Mmm. -Yep.

Leeza's a sporty smarty-pants.

Dash never had a taste for the sporting life.

Couldn't get him to touch a ball if I tried.

Well, why do you want me touching balls so badly?

Kid's a smart aleck. Thinks he's some kind of Sigmund Freud.

Used to think it was a phase.

-What are we talking about? -Freud.

-Always a pleasure to see you, Sofia. -Gordon. It's been too long.

And you must be Leeza. Dash has told me all about you.

It's lovely to meet you.

Hi, again.

Hi, again.

I, uh, found the closest exit, so tug your ear, and we're out of here.

So you're back in town, and you're still giving my son the time of day.

Really, it's the opposite.

I should thank Dash for making time for me.

He's quite in demand.

It's kind of hard to get a moment with him.

So thank you for calling me back.

-I just got back from Bolzano. -Ooh, Bolzano!

See? That's the thing. I've always wanted to travel with Dash,

but he'd rather have his nose stuck in some book.

Why is that, Dash?

Because you never really invited me.

Because you'd always travel with one of your girlfriends that I didn't know.

Because you cared about them more than me.

Which one should I say first, Dad?

What? Are you gonna fight me on this one too?

Listen to your mochi.

Listen to my mochi.

I'm sorry. What was that?

Sometimes, the best answer to a problem makes itself heard

but only if your mind is quiet.

All right.

Well, I was just thinking how you used to take me to that bookstore

by our old place. Do you remember?

On 81st.

- The Westsider? - Yeah.

Yeah, I used to take you there after T-ball.

You hated those games. Taking you there was the only way I could get you to play.

Well, I loved going there with you.

It was probably where I first fell in love with books.

Really?

You'd love this bookstore we found on the Amalfi Coast.

Oh, it was beautiful and so tiny.

Gordon could barely fit inside. I'm not kidding.

Bull in a china shop.

Hi, is Boomer there yet?

Oh, okay! Well, um, can you tell me if there's a red notebook?

Why?

Because I'm very upset,

and I need a place to write down my feelings.

No, I don't wanna order a pizza, I--

Hello?

Let it all out. Release your negative emotions.

If you can't find the rainbow, then stand in the rain and scream.

Keep it going for your last poet!

Keep it going!

Okay, okay. Our next up is--

Uh, her, apparently.

Sorry. You know, I'm just kind of on a roll right now. You know?

Edgar. Are you here?

Uh, Edgar?

No?

Okay.

Well…

I just beat the crap out of something, and it felt amazing.

Yeah!

Thank you.

Thank you. Yeah, 'cause, you know, it's okay to say that things suck.

Like… like… like my family, right now, they suck.

And, uh, these wall sconces. Sorry, but, uh, suckfest on ice!

Yeah!

Because I'm not holding back.

Not after Fiji!

Here's the truth, I'm not happy and positive all the time.

In fact, I usually feel small and like an outsider…

because of, um…

him!

There he is.

My middle-school bully in the flesh.

That night at the middle-school dance when you got that bracelet you're wearing?

That night changed everything for me.

Because of you,

I stayed home every time I had the chance to go out and make friends.

I don't go to parties. I run away from clubs.

You kept me from wanting to go out and… and put myself out there,

and you stopped me from doing all the things

that I wanted to do for so long.

And the worst part is…

you don't even remember.

And now you have the audacity to ask me out?

Maybe he liked you!

No!

No! I'm tired of boys pulling our pigtails and getting called cute!

- Right? - Yes!

God, it makes me so mad, and I am mad.

I'm mad at you! I'm mad at my mom! I'm mad at Langston and myself!

But you?

You don't get to have that power over me anymore, Edgar.

You don't.

I wish I could have gone up to you that day after the dance

and told you how upset you made me.

And gotten it out of my system and lived a normal life.

I wish I could have stood up to all the bullies

who made me feel too weird, too different, too Asian.

But you know what?

I was only 12 years old.

So was I.

I had no idea that I did any of that.

I… I'm such a dumbass. I'm so sorry, Lily.

-You are? -Yeah, of course. I feel terrible.

I… I wish I could go back, but I…

Can I make it up to you?

How?

You wanna go to a Christmas Eve party with me tomorrow night?

- What? - Just some friends from school.

I… I can introduce you.

I'm really good with parties.

Okay.

- Yeah. Whoo! - All right!

Whoo!

- Whoo! - Keep it going!

I am really happy you came.

Hey, when I get back, maybe we could stop by that bookstore?

-Sure. -Yeah?

Yeah, sure.

Hey, I'm glad you and Sofia got back together.

Oh, no, we're not back together.

I may not know much,

but I know women.

See you in the new year, kiddo.

All right.

Um, excuse me? Who was that in there?

That was not the Dash that I know. You didn't even need me.

Thanks for coming tonight. I know it probably wasn't what you meant

when you asked to hang out.

No, I'm glad you reached out. It was good to see you.

You, too.

Uh, the reason I wanted to talk to you is because…

I'm moving back.

To New York.

Oh, wow.

And I wanted to make sure that we were okay.

- Which it seems like we are. - Yeah.

Maybe even friends again?

I… Yeah. Friends sounds good.

Hey, uh, some people from school are hanging out

if you're not too socially exhausted.

You want to go?

Um… well, is Priya gonna be there?

Come on, it'll be fun. Let's go.

It's hard to break old habits, to open yourself up to something new.

But if you can do it, Notebook Boy,

then I promise to try. I hope you write back soon.

Dashiell Malloy?

Back from Sweden and out past 11.

-Hi. -Hi, Priya.

I must be seeing things.

Mmm. Well, the Christmas lights make you look especially calculating.

Hmm.

Glad to see nothing's changed here.

Yo!

Dash! Dash!

Hey, Thibaud.

Oh, you… you'd really like this. I just got back from a poetry reading.

I mean, no institution is immune to poetic justice. Am I right?

Wow, it's a whole new Thibaud.

Yeah, you know, I actually had kind of a breakthrough tonight.

Me, too.

Hey, are you going to Priya's party tomorrow night?

Yeah, Dashiell. Are you coming

to my undoubtably delightful Christmas Eve party,

which many would trade their very souls to attend?

I'm going. Bringing a girl.

Wow.

Congratulations.

Yo!

You don't have to, but…

maybe we can go together.

As friends?

I guess this is me saying,

go with the flow.

Sure, I'll go.

Why not?