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An ALT.DAYS Production,
A Division of Peel Productions, Inc.
Air Date: May 24, 1994
Time: Several Days After #52,
Morning to Evening
Copyright 1995
HORTON LIVING ROOM. ALICE IS SITTING ON THE SOFA LOOKING THROUGH A PHOTO ALBUM. WE HEAR THE SONG "WHEN I FALL IN LOVE" BY NAT KING COLE PLAY IN THE BACKGROUND. AS ALICE FLIPS THROUGH THE ALBUM WE SEE PICTURES OF TOM IN HIS YOUTH, TOM AND ALICE'S WEDDING, FAMILY PHOTOS, AND A PICTURE OF TOM AND ALICE TOGETHER. ALICE LINGERS ON A RECENT PHOTO OF TOM. WITHOUT TOUCHING THE PICTURE, SHE MOVES HER FINGER ALONG THE OUTLINE OF TOM'S FACE.ALICE: My love...
ALICE CLOSES HER EYES AS SHE LISTENS TO THE MUSIC.ALICE: (CONT'D) (SINGING)
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When I give my heart, it will be
completely. Or I'll never give my heart.
BILL WALKS DOWNSTAIRS, WEARING HIS PAJAMAS AND A ROBE.BILL: Mom? Are you out here?
ALICE QUICKLY PUTS DOWN THE PHOTO ALBUM. SHE STANDS AND TURNS OFF THE STEREO.BILL: (CONT') Mom, are you all right? It's so early.
ALICE: I'm fine, dear. I wanted to get up early to make breakfast.
BILL TAKES ALICE'S HAND.BILL: (GENTLY) Mom... Nobody expects you to make breakfast... on today of all days.
ALICE: Today is exactly the kind of day I should be fixing breakfast. When was the last time we... I... had so many of my children under one roof?
ALICE STRAIGHTENS THE SOFA CUSHIONS.ALICE: (CONT'D) I can't believe that you, Tommy, and Marie are all here together. And Jessica and Josh... it's been so long since I've seen them.
BILL: I know. I'm happy to see them, too, but shouldn't you be resting? It's going to be a long day.
ALICE: Nonsense. I don't need to rest... I need to keep busy. I should get breakfast started.
ALICE WALKS TOWARDS THE KITCHEN.ALICE: (CONT'D) My family needs me.
HOLD ON ALICE.DOUG: Good morning, Fair Lady.CUT TO: DOUG AND JULIE'S KITCHEN. JULIE IS POURING A CUP OF COFFEE AS DOUG ENTERS.
JULIE: (SOMBER) Hello, darling.
JULIE PUTS DOWN THE COFFEE POT.DOUG: Are Stephen, David or Scotty up yet?
JULIE: Not yet. They were all still sound asleep when I looked in on them. (BEAT) Have you checked on Don and Neil yet?
DOUG: I think I heard Don as I came down the hallway, but since Neil got in from the coast so late last night, I doubt that we'll see him just yet.
JULIE: I can't believe they're all here. (BEAT) That they all came home for...
JULIE CAN'T FINISH HER SENTENCE. HER EYES WELL WITH TEARS. DOUG EMBRACES HER.DOUG: There was never a doubt in my mind; of course they would come home to Salem... for Tom.
JULIE'S TEARS BEGIN TO STREAM DOWN HER FACE. HOLD ON THE EMBRACE.MAGGIE: (SURPRISED) Oh! (BEAT) Mickey, I... You startled me.CUT TO: MICKEY AND MAGGIE'S LIVING ROOM. MAGGIE IS VIGOROUSLY DUSTING FURNITURE. SHE APPEARS TO BE IN A RUSH, MOVING ABOUT THE ROOM QUICKLY. SHE TURNS BACK AND CLEANS THE SAME PIECE A SECOND TIME. MICKEY ENTERS AND WATCHES HER, CONCERNED. SHE TURNS AND, SEEING MICKEY, STARTS.
MICKEY: Are you okay?
MAGGIE TURNS AND BEGINS TO WIPE OFF THE ARMS OF THE SOFA.MAGGIE: Yes, I'm fine.
MICKEY: What are you doing?
MAGGIE: I'm cleaning, of course.
MICKEY: I figured that much out. I guess the proper question is: Why? Why now?
MAGGIE MOVES TO THE COFFEE TABLE AND BEGINS DUSTING IT.MAGGIE: I want everything to be perfect. (BEAT) Melissa and Sarah are home...
MICKEY: Well, sure, but...
MAGGIE TURNS TO MICKEY, HER EYES WELLING WITH TEARS.MAGGIE: (HER VOICE WAVERING) It's a very... important day. (BEAT) Everything must be just so.
MICKEY GOES TO MAGGIE AND PUTS HIS ARMS AROUND HER. SHE PUTS HER ARMS AROUND HIS WAIST AND QUIETLY CRIES ON HIS SHOULDER.MICKEY: You remind me of Mom. She's not one to sit around. She always finds ways to keep busy at... (SIGHS HEAVILY) At times like these.
MAGGIE: I'm not in the same league with Alice. (BEAT) I honestly don't know how she's made it through these past few days.
MICKEY: She's a very strong and wise woman. (BEAT) I'm sure it's helped that so much of the family is here.
MAGGIE PULLS BACK AND LOOKS MICKEY IN THE EYES.MAGGIE: What about you? You've been like a rock through all of this. (BEAT) I don't know how you've done it.
MICKEY: I don't have a choice. I have to be strong, for Mom.
MICKEY PAUSES AND WIPES A TEAR FROM MAGGIE'S CHEEK.MICKEY: (CONT'D) (SADLY) And for Dad.
HOLD ON MICKEY'S SADNESS.JACK: What's wrong?CUT TO: JACK AND JENNIFER'S BEDROOM. JACK AND JENNIFER LIE IN BED ON THEIR SIDES. JACK SPOONS JENNIFER IN FRONT OF HIM, HIS ARM PROTECTIVELY HOLDING HER. JENNIFER'S EYES ARE OPEN, AND SHE LOOKS AT THE CLOCK. WHEN SHE TRIES TO CAREFULLY MOVE JACK'S ARM, HE AWAKENS IMMEDIATELY.
JENNIFER: I'm sorry, Jack. I didn't mean to wake you. Go back to sleep.
JACK: (SITTING UP) No, no, I'm awake now.
JENNIFER STARTS TO GET OUT OF BED, BUT JACK GENTLY PULLS HER BACK TO HIM.JACK: (CONT'D) Are you all right?
JENNIFER: Yes. I want to get Abby ready.
JACK: Rosie can handle that.
JENNIFER: Then I should check on Mike.
JACK: Mike can take care of himself. Why don't you take it easy this morning?
JENNIFER: Don't worry about me. I'm fine.
JACK: I don't think so. You were tossing and turning all night.
JENNIFER: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to keep you awake.
JACK: No. It's you I'm worried about.
JENNIFER'S EYES BEGIN TO FILL WITH TEARS. JACK MOVES CLOSER TO HER AND PUTS HIS ARMS AROUND HER.JENNIFER: I can't believe it. Today is the funeral. It seems so final.
TEARS BEGIN TO FALL DOWN HER FACE.JENNIFER: (CONT'D) I can't imagine my life without my grandfather.
JACK: Or Salem without Tom Horton.
JENNIFER PUTS HER FACE IN HER HANDS AND BEGINS TO CRY AS JACK COMFORTS HER. AND OUT.
HORTON DINING ROOM. ALICE IS PUTTING THE FINISHING TOUCHES ON THE DINING TABLE SETTING. THE PLACEMATS AND SILVERWARE HAVE BEEN SET, AND PLATES HAVE BEEN STACKED AT THE END OF THE TABLE IN PREPARATION FOR A BUFFET. ALICE IS ARRANGING A BOUQUET OF FLOWERS IN A VASE IN THE CENTER OF THE TABLE. MARIE ENTERS.ALICE: Good morning, dear.
MARIE: Good morning, Mom. (LOOKING AT THE TABLE) What are you doing?
ALICE: Putting the finishing touches on the setting.
MARIE: You shouldn't have to trouble with these things. Why don't you let me...
ALICE: It's already done, dear.
MARIE: Try to give yourself a break, Mom...
ALICE: Nonsense. I'm fine, Marie. I want to make sure that everything is perfect for after the... (DEEP BREATH) service.
ALICE PUTS HER HAND TO HER CHEST AND TAKES ANOTHER DEEP BREATH, DOING HER BEST TO KEEP FROM CRYING.MARIE: It's all right, if you want to cry. (BEAT) You're allowed.
ALICE: No. No, I can't.
MARIE: Why not?
ALICE: I'm afraid that if I start to cry now, I won't be able to stop...
MARIE PUTS HER ARMS AROUND ALICE.ALICE: (CONT'D) And what kind of example would that be for my children and grandchildren?
THE DOORBELL RINGS. ALICE AND MARIE SEPARATE.ALICE: (CONT'D) Speaking of which...
BILL'S VOICE CAN BE HEARD FROM THE ENTRY.BILL: (V.O.) I'll get it, Mom!
ALICE: The family's arriving.
MARIE SIGHS. ALICE FORCES A SAD SMILE. HOLD ON ALICE.BILL: Melissa, Sarah...CUT TO: HORTON LIVING ROOM. BILL OPENS THE DOOR AND MICKEY, MAGGIE, SARAH AND MELISSA ENTER.
BILL AND HIS NIECES EXCHANGE HUGS.BILL: (CONT'D) Sarah... how you've grown, I barely recognize you, you're such a lovely young woman...
SARAH: (EMBARRASSED) Uncle Bill...
MELISSA: Don't worry about it, sis, that's what uncles are for, to embarrass you.
BILL: Melissa, shall I do the same for you?
MELISSA: No thanks, Uncle Bill. (HUGGING HIM AGAIN) Let's just say how wonderful it is to see each other.
ALICE AND MARIE COME OUT.MARIE: I'll second that.
MICKEY: Marie!
MICKEY RUSHES TO HIS SISTER AND HUGS HER.MICKEY: (CONT'D) It's been so long...
MARIE: Too long...
MAGGIE NUDGES SARAH AND MELISSA AND THEY WALK INTO THE LIVING ROOM TO GIVE THE HORTON BROTHERS AND SISTERS A MOMENT ALONE. TOMMY WALKS DOWN THE STAIRS.TOMMY: Hey, can anyone get a hug?
MICKEY AND MARIE TURN AND SEE TOMMY.MICKEY: Tommy!
TOMMY AND MICKEY HUG.TOMMY: It's good to see you, brother.
MICKEY: You, too. Bill and I have been lonesome without you and Marie here.
ALICE, WHO HAS BEEN QUIETLY WATCHING HER CHILDREN'S REUNION, SUDDENLY TURNS AND HEADS TOWARDS THE KITCHEN.ALICE: Excuse me, I must go check on the donuts...
ALICE EXITS. BILL WATCHES HIS MOTHER'S RETREAT, THEN TURNS TO HIS SIBLINGS.BILL: Why don't we all go sit in the living room?
BILL, MICKEY, TOMMY AND MARIE WALK INTO THE LIVING ROOM AND SIT DOWN.MICKEY: Bill, how's Mom?
BILL: I'm not sure... I know she feels she must be strong for the family...
MARIE: That's exactly it. She's holding on for us... and for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
TOMMY: Don't you think it would be better if she let go?
MARIE: I think whatever she's doing to get her through this day is fine.
BILL: I agree... We've all lost a father... (CLOSE TO TEARS)
MARIE: (PATTING BILL'S HAND) But Mom's lost the love of her life, her husband for nearly 60 years...
THE DOORBELL RINGS. MARIE RISES.MARIE: (CONT'D) I'll get it.
WE HEAR EXCHANGED GREETINGS AND DOUG AND JULIE WALK IN WITH MARIE. BILL RISES AND GOES TO JULIE AND DOUG. DOUG AND BILL SHAKE HANDS, THEN BILL HUGS JULIE.JULIE: Uncle Bill...
BILL: How are you doing?
JULIE: (WIPING AWAY A TEAR) I'm holding on, how about you?
BILL: The same... (LOOKING PAST JULIE) Where are Don and Neil?
DOUG: They thought it should be "family only" before the service, so they're meeting us at the Church.
BILL: It was wonderful of them to come.
DOUG: They both agreed there wasn't a choice, they had to be here for Tom.
BILL NODS.MARIE: What about Scotty, David and Stephen?
JULIE: They've all arrived safely. They decided they wanted to go with Don and Neil. Faith came with Scotty.
MICKEY: I'm sure Dad would have liked that...
THERE IS A MOMENT OF SILENCE, AS THEY ALL LOOK AT EACH OTHER, UNSURE OF WHAT TO SAY.DOUG: Marie, the catering staff from Euterpe will be here as soon as we leave. I just have to call and tell them we're leaving.
MAGGIE: Doug, I want to thank you for arranging that. We still couldn't stop Alice from fussing, but...
DOUG: It's the very least I could do for my family.
THE DOORBELL RINGS.MAGGIE: (STANDING) I'll get it.
WE HEAR EXCHANGED GREETINGS AND MAGGIE WALKS BACK IN ACCOMPANIED BY JACK, HOLDING ABIGAIL, JENNIFER AND MIKE. JULIE GIVES JACK AND JENNIFER A HUG AND MOTIONS FOR THEM TO SIT NEAR HER. BILL WALKS UP TO MIKE.BILL: (STANDING) Son...
BILL AND MIKE EXCHANGE A BEAR HUG.MIKE: It's been a long time...
BILL: It has... You look great...
MIKE: So do you...
BILL: Robin and Jeremy?
MIKE: They're fine. Robin is sorry she couldn't be here.
BILL: We understand...
MICKEY STANDS AND WALKS OVER TO MIKE. THEY HUG.MIKE: Mickey...
MIKE LOOKS AROUND THE ROOM.MIKE: (CONT'D) Where's Grandma?
BILL: She's checking on her donuts...
JENNIFER: Grandma's making donuts. Why?
JACK: "The busy bee has no time for sorrow."
JENNIFER: Pardon?
JULIE: Jack may be quoting Blake, but he's right. I think Grandma's keeping busy to get through today.
BILL: I agree.
JENNIFER: So what do we do to help her?
BILL: I think her family being here is what will help the most.
MARIE: Yes... The family is Mom's strength.
JULIE: (LOOKING AROUND THE ROOM) And it's been a long time since there've been so many Hortons in one room at the same time.
BILL: I know... it would be a glorious family reunion... if Dad were here to enjoy it with us.
ALICE WALKS OUT OF THE KITCHEN AND LOOKS AT THE ASSEMBLED FAMILY.ALICE: It's time to go...
OUT ON ALICE'S SORROW.
CHURCH. THE CHURCH IS DECORATED WITH BOUQUETS OF YELLOW AND WHITE FLOWERS. SEVERAL FUNERAL WREATHS LINE THE FRONT OF THE CHURCH. FATHER JEROME STANDS TO THE SIDE, MAKING LAST MINUTE PREPARATIONS. NEIL, DON, SCOTT, FAITH, DAVID, AND STEPHEN ARE ALREADY SEATED.NEIL: I can't believe he's gone.GO TO: NEIL AND DON.
DON: I know. I was sure he'd outlive the rest of us.
NEIL: Yes, he was so full of life and energy.
GO TO: SCOTT, FAITH, AND DAVID.SCOTT: You know, it was Grandpa who made me realize that I wanted to become a doctor. He was so happy when I got accepted to Stanford.
DAVID PUTS HIS HAND ON SCOTT'S SHOULDER.DAVID: I know he was proud of you. Grandpa really loved his family.
SCOTT: He was an easy man to love in return.
FAITH TAKES SCOTT'S HAND.FAITH: Yes, he was. Dr. Horton was a huge support for me when my father died. He and Mrs. Horton welcomed me into their home without a thought.
DAVID: Such a good man... a really good man... I can't believe he's gone...
GO TO: STEPHEN, AS ROBERT COMES IN AND TAKES A SEAT NEXT TO HIM.STEPHEN: Bon jour, Robert.
ROBERT: Stephen, bon jour... It's been years.
THE TWO MEN SHAKE HANDS.STEPHEN: Yes, since Paris.
ROBERT: (LOOKING AROUND THE CHURCH) It is good to see so many old, familiar faces in Salem... But I wish... I wish we could all be meeting again under much happier circumstances.
CALLIOPE WALKS IN, DRESSED IN A SURPRISINGLY CONSERVATIVE, BUT STYLISH BLACK DRESS AND A SMALL BLACK HAT WITH A TINY VEIL ON THE FRONT. SHE CARRIES HER SMALL, WHITE DOG, MARTHA. MARTHA WEARS A LARGE, BLACK RIBBON AROUND HER NECK. CALLIOPE SITS NEXT TO ROBERT.CALLIOPE: Robert...
ROBERT: Calliope, I'm so glad you're here...
THEY EMBRACE AND SLIGHTLY SQUISH MARTHA, WHO YELPS.ROBERT: (CONT'D) (PATTING MARTHA) And you, too, Martha. Somehow, I think Dr. Horton would approve...
GO TO: MARCUS, KAYLA, AND STEPHANIE AS THEY WALK IN AND SIT IN THE ROW IN FRONT OF SHANE AND EVE.MARCUS: I can't believe Dr. Horton is gone. He was the one who gave me the job at the hospital. I always thought of him as my mentor... I think all the doctors did... he was always there for us...
KAYLA: I know what you mean. My family has known the Hortons for so many years, that it feels like Dr. Horton was my grandfather.
MARCUS: I think he was everyone's surrogate grandfather.
OVERHEARING MARCUS, SHANE LEANS FORWARD.SHANE: A job the good Dr. Horton filled without peer.
KAYLA AND MARCUS TURN AROUND AND NOD THEIR HEADS IN A AGREEMENT.SHANE: (CONT'D) Janet, I didn't realize you knew Dr. Horton.GO TO: JANET AND THE REST OF THE SALEM POLICE DEPARTMENT AS THEY ENTER THE CHURCH. THEY ARE IN DRESS UNIFORM, AND REMOVE THEIR CAPS BEFORE SITTING IN THE ROW BEHIND SHANE AND EVE. JANET LEANS FORWARD AND TOUCHES SHANE'S SHOULDER. HE TURNS AROUND TO ACKNOWLEDGE HER, THEN STANDS TO GREET HER.
JANET: I didn't really... but I do know Mrs. Horton, and I came to pay my respects to the family.
SHANE: That's very kind of you. I'm sure Mrs. Horton appreciates your presence.
JANET: Also, nearly every one of my officers wanted to come today. (BEAT) It seems at one time or another, Dr. Horton helped them all in some way.
ABE, LEXIE, AND JONAH WALK UP AND EXCHANGE GREETINGS WITH JANET AND SHANE. AS THEY SIT DOWN, SHAWN, CAROLINE, MAX, CARRIE, AND ROMAN WALK INTO THE CHURCH. ABE STANDS UP TO EMBRACE ROMAN.ABE: I didn't know you were coming. It's good to see you, partner.
ROMAN: I had to be here to say good-bye to Dr. Horton.
ABE: (NODDING) I understand.
ROMAN: You know, Marlena and I bought our house, mainly so we could be next door neighbors to the Hortons. He'll be missed.
SURPRISED, ROMAN SEES BO AND SHAWN-DOUGLAS ENTERING THE CHURCH WITH VICTOR. THEY WALK UP TO ROMAN AND ABE, AND ROMAN HUGS BO. VICTOR STANDS AT A SLIGHT DISTANCE.ROMAN: Hi, little brother...
ROMAN BENDS DOWN TO SHAWN-D AND HUGS HIM.ROMAN: (CONT'D) And how's my favorite nephew?
SHAWN-D: Okay.
ROMAN AND BO EXCHANGE A GLANCE OVER SHAWN-D'S HEAD.BO: Shawn-D, why don't you sit down? (POINTING) I'll be there in a second.
SHAWN-D: Okay.
SHAWN-D SITS DOWN IN THE PEW.ROMAN: How is he?
BO: Better... but it's one day at a time...
ROMAN: If there's anything I can do...
BO: I'll call if I need you. I promise.
VICTOR WALKS UP TO BO AND ROMAN.ROMAN: (COOLLY) Victor. I'm surprised to see you here.
VICTOR: Why?
ROMAN: You're not known as a friend to many in Salem. And you certainly weren't Dr. Horton's.
VICTOR: Perhaps... but I did serve on the Hospital Board with him.
ROMAN: So this is a business matter?
VICTOR: (SERIOUS) No... not at all. I think anyone with a heart or soul would be here today to honor Tom Horton.
OUT ON VICTOR.
THE CHURCH. EVERYONE IS NOW SEATED IN THE PEWS. NEAR THE PULPIT, A LARGE BLACK-AND-WHITE PORTRAIT OF A YOUNG TOM STANDS ON AN EASEL. FATHER JEROME SLOWLY WALKS UP TO THE PULPIT. HE ADJUSTS THE MICROPHONE AND THEN LOOKS OUT AT THE CONGREGATION.JEROME: Welcome, everyone. Welcome to God's house. (BEAT) We have come together to bid a respectful farewell to Dr. Tom Horton, a loving husband...
WE SEE ALICE, SEATED IN THE FRONT ROW. A HINT OF A SMILE CROSSES HER FACE.JEROME: (CONT'D) A caring father...
WE SEE TOMMY, MICKEY, BILL, AND MARIE.JEROME: (CONT'D) A doting grandfather and great-grandfather...
WE SEE DOUG AND JULIE, THEN JACK, JENNIFER, AND ABIGAIL.JEROME: (CONT'D) And a true friend. (BEAT) I know Tom would be happy that all of you came here for him. Being the modest man he was, I think he would be pleasantly surprised at such a huge turnout. I'm sure he's watching right now, wondering what all the fuss is about.
ALICE SMILES AND NODS HER HEAD.JEROME: (CONT'D) But this enormous gathering of friends and family only demonstrates how Tom Horton touched the lives of everyone he knew... even those he didn't know intimately. (BEAT) I know he touched my life in a significant way. Many of you know this, but some of you don't... This was my first parish. I came to Salem as a wide-eyed young man, and I was scared to death.
FATHER JEROME PAUSES AND LOOKS OVER TO THE PORTRAIT OF TOM.JEROME: (CONT'D) Tom was the first person to greet me and make me feel welcome. (BEAT) Once I had the Tom Horton seal of approval, everyone else figured that I must be all right.
WE SEE THE ASSEMBLED CONGREGATION. MANY NOD.JEROME: (CONT'D) Tom and I had discussed death. He was in good health and good spirits until the end, but he was getting "long in the tooth," as he put it, and he wanted to make sure I said some things on his behalf after his passing.
FATHER JEROME TURNS A PAGE OVER ON THE LECTERN.JEROME: (CONT'D) First, Tom wanted his family to know that he wasn't afraid of dying.
WE SEE ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HORTON FAMILY.JEROME: (CONT'D) He believed in God and in the afterlife, and he believed he would be reunited with Addie, his daughter, and Hope, his granddaughter, in heaven.
DOUG TAKES JULIE'S HAND AND SHE SQUEEZES IT TIGHTLY.JEROME: (CONT'D) He wanted me to implore the family not to mourn his death, but rather to rejoice in the resurrection of his spirit.
A TEAR FALLS DOWN MARIE'S CHEEK AS SHE LOOKS UPWARD.JEROME: (CONT'D) Second, Tom wanted to apologize to anyone that he may have inadvertently wronged or harmed in any way. And he wanted to thank everyone for the love and affection that they had given him over the years. He knew that love was a great gift, and he always cherished it.
CALLIOPE SNIFFLES AND WIPES A TEAR FROM HER FACE.JEROME: (CONT'D) Tom's third request was that I read a poem he had written.
FATHER JEROME PICKS UP A SHEET OF PAPER.JEROME: (CONT'D) The poem is entitled, "Liberation Theology."
FATHER JEROME BEGINS READING FROM THE PAPER.JEROME: (CONT'D) (READING ALOUD)
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Someone brought his
I asked the monsignor what
Church policy was in these matters
He said
As long as he doesn't
Bark or bite
WE SEE THE CROWD, SHOWING THOSE WHO ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN SMILES AND SOFT CHUCKLES.JEROME: (CONT'D) Ah, it's nice to see some smiles. Tom would appreciate that. (BEAT) Fourth, Tom wanted his family to know that he loved them dearly, and that he was proud of each and every one of them.
MICKEY SMILES FAINTLY.JEROME: (CONT'D) Finally, Tom wanted to say this to Alice: (READING) "Alice, my darling wife, my love. I want you to know that I have loved you from the moment I saw you, and that I have loved you with all of my heart, all the days of my life."
TEARS STREAM DOWN ALICE'S CHEEKS. OUT ON ALICE.
THE CHURCH. ALICE STANDS UP, A LITTLE UNSTEADY ON HER FEET. SHE STRAIGHTENS HER SHOULDERS AND GOES UP TO THE PULPIT, STOPPING TO LAY A WHITE ROSE NEXT TO TOM'S PHOTO. TEARS ARE IN HER EYES.ALICE: (FACING THE CONGREGATION) I... I... Thank you for coming. Tom would be so pleased that all of you came to see him off on this last journey. (BEAT) But he most certainly would not be pleased to see all these sad faces.
ALICE PAUSES TO DAB AT HER EYES.ALICE: (CONT'D) (HER VOICE QUAVERING) We talked about this day... I thought it would be far in the future... (STRONGER) I know that Tom wanted this to be a celebration of his life, not a lament of his death. I know, too, that he's watching.
ALICE TURNS TOWARD TOM'S PICTURE.ALICE: (CONT'D) I want to tell you that I love you, Tom. Always.
ALICE TURNS BACK TOWARD THE CONGREGATION. TEARS STREAM DOWN HER FACE.ALICE: (CONT'D) It's hard for me to believe that he's gone. Even now, standing here, I expect him to walk through the door any moment. Reading his latest poem... Asking if there are any fresh donuts...
ALICE BREAKS DOWN AND SOBS. JULIE STANDS UP AND GOES TO THE PULPIT. PUTTING HER ARMS AROUND ALICE, JULIE LEADS HER BACK TO HER SEAT. TOMMY, BILL, MICKEY AND MARIE APPROACH THE PULPIT. STANDING IN A ROW, THEY ALL UNCONSCIOUSLY REACH OUT AND HOLD HANDS.TOMMY: Tom Horton was the best father any kid could ever hope to have. That would have been more than enough for most men.
BILL: But more than that, he was also an inspiration. Watching him, seeing how much he loved his work and helping people...
WE SEE ALICE AND JULIE.TOMMY: Our father is directly responsible for Bill and I becoming doctors. We wanted to be like him...
MARIE: Dad gave all of us an early medical inspiration, I think. I was named after Marie Curie.
BILL: And I was named after William Osler.
WE SEE NEIL CURTIS, MARCUS, A VARIETY OF HOSPITAL STAFF.MARIE: He was happy, I think, that we followed in his footsteps. But more important, he wanted us to be happy, to lead rich, fulfilling lives...
MICKEY: I guess I seem like a lone wolf... the solitary lawyer in a family of doctors and nurses. But Dad always supported us, no matter what. He was proud of our accomplishments. Just as we were proud of his.
MARIE: When I decided to join the Church he helped me... Many parents would have thought they were losing a daughter. But not Dad... And later, when I left the Church... He was still there for me...
WE SEE JESSICA.MARIE: (CONT'D) There were times that must have been hard for him to understand, but Dad always told me to follow my heart and not look back...
TOMMY: And he meant that wholeheartedly. We didn't agree on a lot of things... Korea, especially. But he understood that I needed to serve my country and he let me go. And many of you know what that nearly cost me...
WE SEE MARIE.MICKEY: Watching that side of him, having benefitted from that wisdom, that helped me when I had my own children. It made it a little easier to let them go.
WE SEE MELISSA AND SARAH.BILL: Dad was always supportive, always helped me, counselled me... especially in my younger days when I had a lot of problems.
WE SEE MIKE AND JENNIFER.BILL: (CONT'D) Even now at this stage of my life, he was there for me. I'm so grateful I was able to spend this last year in Salem with him and at University Hospital...
MICKEY: We all loved him...
MARIE: And we miss him...
TOMMY: But it helps knowing that he's not alone. Addie and Hope are looking out for him now.
BILL: And he's looking out for them.
OUT ON THE FOUR HORTON CHILDREN, HOLDING HANDS.
THE CHURCH. THE HORTON CHILDREN ARE NOW SEATED, AS MAGGIE, MELISSA AND SARAH WALK UP TO THE CHANCEL.MAGGIE: Being a member of the Horton family has been a very special part of my life. They have always been wonderful to me and made me feel a part of them. (BEAT) I used to think this was nothing short of miraculous because I was introduced to the family in such an odd way.
WE SEE MICKEY, WHO NODS.MAGGIE: (CONT'D) But Tom was always there for me. From the moment he appeared on the farm, trying to find out if Marty Hansen was indeed his son, Mickey... through the time when we didn't know if I'd ever walk again... when I fought against alcoholism... Tom was like a father to me. I will always love him. (MAGGIE TAKES HER HANDKERCHIEF AND WIPES AWAY THE TEARS)
MELISSA TAKES MAGGIE'S HAND.MELISSA: Grandpa was the best. He encouraged me to do my best in everything. Whether it was dancing or music... He was always there to talk to and get advice from...
SARAH: You could tell him anything and know that he would still love you and support you, no matter what. (SHE SMILES AT MAGGIE) Grandpa would say the exact same thing your parents did and somehow it made sense coming from him.
FADE OUT ON SARAH AND FADE INTO MIKE, DAVID, SCOTTY AND JESSICA STANDING AT THE PULPIT.MIKE: I'm another in that long line of Horton doctors... Grandpa had more influence than he knew. I strove to be like him... to be half as good as him. In my medical career, as a father...
JESSICA: Even though I was pretty much grown by the time I met him, Grandpa never treated me any differently than his other grandchildren. The love and joy that surrounded him was like a blanket. I remember that when I'm feeling down...
DAVID: I always looked up to him. As a kid, I would sit in his lap while he read to me. The story didn't matter so much as just being there with him. He always made me feel special...
SCOTTY: I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do in life. When I finally realized that I wanted to be a doctor, too, I was scared to death. Afraid of failing, of not being able to live up to the Horton tradition. Grandpa made me see that I had to do what was in my heart or I'd never be happy. Now when things get tough, I ask myself what he would do...
FADE OUT ON SCOTTY, FADE INTO JENNIFER, JACK AND ABIGAIL. JENNIFER HOLDS ABIGAIL.JENNIFER: The woman I am today has a lot to do with my grandparents. They raised me. Even when I was a rebellious teenager, they always surrounded me with love. Grandpa was always there for me. Watching him with Grandma, seeing how special their love was...
JENNIFER TAKES JACK'S HAND.JENNIFER: (CONT'D) I was determined to find that kind of love for myself. How could I accept anything less?
JACK: Despite what everyone said... and a lot of it was true... the Hortons accepted me into their family. I didn't think I was good enough for Jennifer, but they wouldn't let me believe that. (BEAT) I will never forget the Christmas that Mrs. Horton gave me my own little ball to hang on the tree... I was so happy and proud. And then the next year, Dr. Horton asked me to read the Christmas story at the hospital service. I will always remember that kindness.
JENNIFER: We're glad that Abigail got to know her great-grandfather, if only for a little while.
JACK: And we won't let his memory die with him. Our daughter will grow up knowing what kind of person he was and how much he loved her.
BOTH JACK AND JENNIFER SMILE DOWN AT ABIGAIL.JACK: (CONT'D) Since Tom gave me the honor of reading the Scripture once, I'd like to read something for him again, one last time.
JACK OPENS THE BIBLE AND BEGINS TO READ.JACK: (CONT'D, READING ALOUD) "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters."
WE SEE ALICE, JULIE, DOUG, TOMMY, BILL AND MARIE.JACK: (CONT'D, READING ALOUD) "He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
WE SEE MICKEY, MAGGIE, MELISSA, SARAH, MIKE, DAVID, SCOTTY, AND JESSICA.JACK: (CONT'D, READING ALOUD) "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:"
WE SEE THE BRADYS, JOHN, ROBERT, CALLIOPE, AND VICTOR.JACK: (CONT'D, READING ALOUD) "for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over."
WE SEE JANET AND VARIOUS SALEM PD OFFICERS, JO, VERN, NEIL, AND DON.JACK: (CONT'D, READING ALOUD) "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:"
JENNIFER LEANS HER HEAD AGAINST JACK'S SHOULDER.JACK: (CONT'D, READING ALOUD) "And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."
OUT ON JACK.
THE CHURCH. NEIL CURTIS AND DON CRAIG WALK UP TO THE LECTERN.NEIL: (LOOKING AROUND THE CHURCH) It's good to see so many old friends... (LOOKING AT TOM'S PICTURE) I know he'd be happy to see us... (BEAT) I can't imagine Salem without him. I can't imagine University Hospital without him.
WE SEE BILL, MARCUS AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE HOSPITAL STAFF NOD IN AGREEMENT.NEIL: (CONT'D) I've been away from Salem for a few years... but I somehow thought Tom would always be here.
WE SEE MARIE AND TOMMY NOD.NEIL: (CONT'D) Tom was an old friend and mentor. I often felt he was an anchor in that tempestuous sea of University Hospital. (BEAT) Tom supported me when others would not. Because of Tom I became Chief of Staff at University... I will always be grateful for Tom's friendship and support. (DEEP BREATH) And, like everyone here, I will never forget him.
NEIL STEPS BACK AND DON STEPS FORWARD.DON: I'm not sure what I could add that others have not said, but I wanted to be here for Tom because Tom was always there for me.
WE SEE ROBERT AND STEPHEN NOD.DON: (CONT'D) It's been a long while... but I'm sure many of you remember I nearly became a member of the Horton family...
WE SEE JULIE SMILE WISTFULLY AND NOD. DOUG TAKES HER HAND.DON: (CONT'D) Tom was a friend to me then and after. He helped me deal with death of my son... DJ...
WE SEE ROMAN, EYES DOWNCAST, SAD, THINKING OF THE LOSS OF MARLENA'S SON.DON: (CONT'D) Tom also taught me the soft shoe... (SMILING) and helped me get through those dance numbers at the Benefit...
WE SEE DOUG, MAGGIE, MICKEY, ROBERT, JULIE, AND ROSIE ALL SMILE AND NOD.DON: (CONT'D) Tom was a true friend... (SMILE) and a fine dancer... I will miss him.
DON AND NEIL SIT AS CALLIOPE HANDS HER LITTLE DOG TO ROBERT AND WALKS UP TO THE LECTERN.CALLIOPE: You've all talked about Tom as a father and grandfather, as a doctor... I'd like to talk about the Tom Horton that Don Craig mentioned... the Tom Horton who loved to dance and write poetry.
WE SEE ALICE, SADLY SMILE.CALLIOPE: (CONT'D) Dr. Horton loved to dance. Some of you may know, he and I took tap classes together. He was the best dance partner I ever had...
WE SEE DOUG AND ROBERT.CALLIOPE: (CONT'D) But Doctor Horton was also Norm de Plume, poet extraordinaire. He was the "Poet Laureate" of my Beat Club. Doug started "Poetry Night" at Euterpe mainly for Tom.
WE SEE JULIE TAKE DOUG'S HAND.CALLIOPE: (CONT'D) I'd like to read one of Tom's poems... (UNFOLDING A PIECE OF PAPER) It is entitled, " How It Feels to Grow Old" (READING ALOUD)
How does it feel to grow old?
But now I've said this
I realize I'm just as fond of
Yesterday
And as for tomorrow--
I can't say a word against it
It's all of them that count
All of them that matter
Yesterday, today and tomorrow
Each and every one is important
Did I say all of them matter?
That's how it feels to grow old.
CALLIOPE'S VOICE BREAKS ON THE LAST LINE. ROBERT RISES AND HUGS HER. SHE TAKES HER LITTLE DOG AND RETURNS TO HER SEAT. SHAWN STANDS AND WALKS TO THE FRONT OF THE CHURCH.SHAWN: You all know that I'm not a man of fancy learning. (DEEP BREATH) So many fine words have been said about Tom Horton, but I don't know that many fine words. So I'll speak from the heart.
WE SEE CAROLINE, BO AND ROMAN NOD THEIR APPROVAL.SHAWN: (CONT'D) The Hortons and Bradys have known each other a long time. My son, Bo, grew up with Tom's granddaughter, Hope.
WE SEE BO TAKE SHAWN-DOUGLAS' HAND.SHAWN: (CONT'D) And my son, Roman, bought his first house next to Tom and Alice. They've been neighbors for years... And I'm betting, better neighbors a man couldna have.
WE SEE ROMAN NOD AND SMILE.SHAWN: (CONT'D) We all know that the Hortons lost their granddaughter and my son lost his wife.
WE SEE BO BRUSH BACK A TEAR.SHAWN: (CONT'D) I'm praying that Tom and Hope are together now and that they're watching over their families.
WE SEE DOUG AND JULIE.SHAWN: And, Tom Horton, this is for you. From an old Irishman... (BEGINS TO SING)
Oh, Danny Boy the pipes...
the pipes are calling...
From glen to glen...
and down the mountain side...
The Summer's gone...
and all the roses falling...
It's you, it's you must go...
and I must bide...
But come ye back when summer's in the meadow...
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow...
It's I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow...
Oh Danny Boy, oh Danny Boy, I love you so!...
But when ye come...
and all the flow'rs are dying...
If I am dead...
as dead I well may be...
Ye'll come and find the place where I am lying...
And kneel and say an Ave there for me...
And I shall hear...
though soft you tread above me...
And all my grave will warmer, sweeter be...
For you will bend and tell me that you love me...
And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me!...
OUT ON SHAWN.
THE CHURCH. DOUG AND JULIE SLOWLY WALK HAND-IN-HAND TO THE PULPIT. JULIE LOOKS OUT INTO THE CROWD. DAVID CATCHES HER EYE, AND GIVES HER A REASSURING SMILE.JULIE: My grandparents always told me that love is the greatest thing in the world.
JULIE LOOKS TO ALICE, WHO IS SQUEEZING MARIE'S HAND.JULIE: (CONT'D) Their love and support has been a source of strength to me for my whole life. (BEAT) They took me in at a time when I felt lost, and thought that no one cared.
JULIE LOOKS TO HER BROTHER, STEPHEN. HE MOUTHS THE WORDS "YOU'RE DOING FINE" TO HER. JULIE SQUEEZES DOUG'S HAND.JULIE: (CONT'D) My grandfather was a wonderful man. (WIPING AWAY A TEAR) Seeing him with my grandmother taught me the meaning of true love.
JULIE LOOKS TOWARD JACK AND JENNIFER. JENNIFER IS CRYING ON JACK'S SHOULDER. JACK HOLDS JENNIFER TIGHTLY. JULIE THEN LOOKS TO MICKEY AND MAGGIE. MICKEY IS CLENCHING MAGGIE'S HAND.JULIE: (CONT'D) Their example has shown us all that love is the most precious gift you can ever give. (BEAT) Or receive.
JULIE STARTS TO CRY HARDER, AND STEPS AWAY FROM THE PULPIT. DOUG STEPS FORWARD.DOUG: Tom Horton was a inspiration to us all. (BEAT) His dedication to his work showed that one person can make a difference in a community. (BEAT) His dedication to his family demonstrated the true meaning of family values. (BEAT) And his undying love for his bride gave us all an example that we can only hope to emulate.
DOUG TAKES JULIE'S HAND AGAIN.DOUG: (CONT'D) Tom and Alice lived their love story for more than 60 years here on earth, and I know their story will continue in heaven. (BEAT) As a tribute, I'd like to sing Tom and Alice's favorite song. (BEAT) It describes their love much better than anything I could ever say.
MARTY GETS UP FROM THE FRONT PEW AND WALKS OVER TO THE CHURCH PIANO.DOUG: (CONT'D) And my old friend, Marty, is going to help me with this...
DOUG LOOKS TO ALICE. SHE SMILES AT HIM THROUGH HER TEARS. MARTY BEGINS TO PLAY AS DOUG BEGINS TO SING.DOUG: (CONT'D SINGING)
Ev'rything went wrong, and the whole day long...
I'd feel so blue...
For the longest while...
I'd forget to smile...
Then I met you...
Now my blue days have passed...
Now that I've found you at last...
I'll be loving you, always...
With a love that's true, always...
When the things you've planned...
Need a helping hand...
I will understand, always, always...
AT THE END OF THIS VERSE, WE FADE INTO A FLASHBACK MONTAGE. IT'S 1980, AT DOUG'S PLACE. THE ENTIRE HORTON FAMILY HAS GATHERED TO THROW TOM AND ALICE A SURPRISE ANNIVERSARY PARTY. MIKE UNVEILS THEIR WEDDING PHOTO, AND EVERYONE HELPS DOUG SING "ALWAYS". TOM AND ALICE THEN DANCE TO "DANCING IN THE DARK". WE FADE BACK INTO THE CHURCH, AND CONTINUE WITH DOUG'S SONG.DOUG: (CONT'D SINGING)
Days may not be fair, always...
That's when I'll be there, always...
Not for just an hour...
Not for just a day...
Not for just a year...
But always...
WE FADE INTO A FLASHBACK OF TOM AND ALICE'S SECOND WEDDING CEREMONY. THE FAMILY WATCHES AS THEY SAY "I DO", AND RE-AFFIRM THEIR LOVE FOR EACH OTHER FOR ALL ETERNITY. WE FADE BACK INTO DOUG'S SONG.DOUG: (CONT'D SINGING)
Dreams will all come true...
growing old with you...
And time will fly...
Caring each day more...
Than the day before...
Till Spring rolls by...
Then when the Springtime has gone...
Then will my love linger on...
WE FADE INTO A FLASHBACK OF THE HOSPITAL BENEFIT AND SEE THE JOY ON TOM'S FACE AS HE DANCED THE OLD SOFT SHOE. WE FADE BACK INTO DOUG'S SONG.DOUG: (CONT'D SINGING)
I'll be loving you, always...
With a love that's true, always...
When the things you've planned...
Need a helping hand...
I will understand, always, always...
WE FADE INTO A FLASHBACK OF THE FIRST POETRY NIGHT AT EUTERPE. WE SEE "NORM DE PLUME" IN ALL HIS GLORY, AND THE PRIDE IN ALICE'S EYES. THE AUDIENCE GIVES HIM A STANDING OVATION. FADE BACK INTO THE CHURCH AND THE FINAL VERSE OF THE SONG.DOUG: (CONT'D SINGING)
Days may not be fair, always...
That's when I'll be there, always...
Not for just an hour...
Not for just a day...
Not for just a year..
But always...
DOUG STOPS SINGING AND THE ROOM IS SILENT. WE SEE TOM'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS. EVERYONE HAS TURNED TO A LOVED ONE FOR COMFORT AND SUPPORT, MANY ARE WEEPING. DOUG LOOKS OUT AT THE ASSEMBLED CROWD, THEN TURNS AND LOOKS AT TOM'S PICTURE.DOUG: (CONT'D SINGING) (WITH TEARS IN HIS EYES)
Good-night Sweet...
Prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest...
THE ROOM IS SILENT, EXCEPT FOR THE SOUND OF WEEPING. OUT ON THE PHOTO OF TOM. FADE TO BLACK.
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