Finding the Zone

We all come from the same place.

We start inside, connected to the essence of who we are,

then push outward into the unknown world.

There's always light among the darkness,

I just had to find it.

When I felt my existence again, the game came to me.

All I had to do was play between the lines

and enjoy the magic that unfolded.

-Rise and shine. -Go away.

-Get up. -

A boy my age needs his sleep.

A boy your age should go to bed at a decent hour.

Let's go. Oh, breakfast is on the table, come on.

Are you going to play ball this summer?

I'm thinking about it.

Might be good for you to get out of the house.

Is that what you want?

I'll be home late tonight, dinner's in the fridge,

heat and eat.

After you feed the animals, start painting the coop.

Why? It looks good to me.

Just do as I ask, please. And look after Grandpa.

Is he going to be okay?

It's not easy losing a parent at any age.

How long is he going to stay with us?

We're the only family he has left.

This is his home now.

You might want to ask him if he's up for a game of catch.

Can I get you something to eat?

Who are you?

It's Hardy.

That's your name?

Who... are... you?

Why do you keep asking me that?

Once you know your true self,

all your questions will be answered.

Good morning, Scotch.

Doing a good job, boy.

Haven't lost one yet.

Soon enough you'll be able to retire and sleep in my room.

-Good morning, Tom. -

How you doing, Lucy?

Come on.

How's it going, Buck?

Don't tell anybody, but you're my favorite.

Hey, ready for some ball?

Yeah, set up the field. I'll be there in a few.

Okay but hurry up.

The National Anthem is about to begin.

I haven't seen it this slow

in the thirty two years I've owned this joint.

Things will pick up. It's just the ebb and flow.

Ab, we need to talk.

Okay.

If this is about the raise you promised me,

don't worry about it.

No.

It's tough out there for a lot of folks, including you and me.

Bev and I, we want to enjoy more time together.

We're going to hit the road for a while.

That is great.

I get it. I mean, we all need to step away from the grind.

I'd be happy to run things around here

for as long as you need.

Oh, no, it's time to hang up the apron.

I'm sorry I waited this long to tell you.

What are you going to do with the diner?

Well, for now, close the doors,

cut back on the overheads,

and when I return, I'll deal with the details

-on selling the business. -Mm.

If you don't mind, you can stop by

and check up on things while I'm gone.

I'll appreciate it.

-Yeah. Sure. -There's plenty of food

in the freezer. Just help yourself.

Okay.

Thank you.

I owe you, and a little extra.

This is too much, Tom.

Oh, that'll get you through a few months.

A friend of mine is starting up a new travel team.

Thought Hardy would be interested.

I will pass it along to him.

Oh, that's going to take a big chunk out of that check.

Well, it's worth every penny.

He needs to start feeling better about himself.

Mm-hmm.

Are you sure about this?

Ah...

When he hits The Bigs, he owes me a front row seat.

Okay.

Well, now that you're done here, you can cater to Bev

for putting up with you for all these years.

Thanks for everything.

It's all going to work out.

I know.

What's wrong? Can't hit a fastball?

The sun's in my eyes.

Aw, what do you want? A tee?

Strike one. Two more and I'm up.

Bring it.

-Knock it off. -

Brush back pitch. All part of the game.

Do it again and I'm out of here.

Let's see if you can hit a few breakers.

Close but not close.

Hey, young lady.

You want to join us for dinner?

-Can't, Ms. Williams. -Well, I have your favorite.

Fried chicken.

Nah, it's my night to cook.

Thanks anyway.

Okay.

I thought you were working late.

Wash up. Food's getting cold.

All right, I'll be there in a few.

I got to feed Scotch.

What's that? Okay, okay.

-This looks incredible, Abby. -Right? Thank you.

Thank you.

Good veggies, good meat, good God.

Let's eat.

-Nice. -

-Thank you. -Wow.

Thank you.

This reminds me of my mom's country cooking.

Well, enjoy. This is our last meal from the diner.

Why's that? I mean, I love Tommy's cooking, so.

Well, he's retiring.

So does that mean no more of Bev's pies?

Well, there's more to life than a full stomach, Hardy.

You'll just have to tolerate my kitchen skills from now on.

Hey, there are hungry people all over the world,

and this country is no different.

We are lucky to have what we got.

-Amen -Yes, ma'am.

Saw you playing ball today.

I'd be more than happy to give you a few tips if you'd like.

It's all right.

My dad taught me everything I need to know, so.

Well, if you change your mind, I'd be more than happy to help.

Well?

Pencil me in.

Really? Your dad would be so proud of you.

Let's see.

Hmm.

Well, uh, who's going to do the work around here?

At your service.

Ready, willing, and able.

We're so glad you came back, Dad.

Me too.

Well, cheers.

Cheers.

After you're done with the dishes, dump the sewage.

It's starting to stink in here.

Losers! I hate you both!

My pension will help.

I appreciate the offer, but it won't be enough.

The droughts dried up the well,

and the winds destroyed the irrigation system.

It's been years since we had a crop yield.

Oh. What about farm subsidies?

Our small family farm doesn't qualify for government aid.

-You serious? -Yeah.

It's over, Dad.

Don't say that.

I don't know what to do, Dad.

Don't say that.

I don't know what I'm going to do.

Look at me.

It's going to be okay, come on.

You and I have endured a lot.

-Yeah. -Yeah.

And it's in our nature to survive.

Come on.

You just need to focus on the boy right now.

He needs you now more than ever.

This farm, I mean, it'll take care of itself.

He's not okay, Dad.

He's not.

And I just, I just, I don't know what to do.

I'm so tired.

And I've tried to get him help, I have but he...

he just doesn't open up to anyone.

-I know. -

But like the phoenix that rose from the ashes, huh?

You too.

You should thrive and overcome.

Yeah. Thank you.

You're so special, Dad. You are.

And I was, I was too young to really appreciate you.

But that part of you, it hasn't changed.

Élan vital is real and resides in each of us Abby.

It's gonna be okay.