* Hey *
* When they told me I was young *
* Hey *
* I thought that you'd be happy *
* I'll sing your name and I'll sing it loud *
* 'cause where I'm from there's no reason to doubt you *
* I'll sing your name and I'll sing it loud *
* Hey, hey *
Here we go, Juniper.
Your dad and I wanted to save this one for last.
It's a special gift for a very special Junebug.
It's a Junebug, just like me.
That's right.
This box is meant to be your very own little time capsule.
Really? That's amazing.
But what should I put in it?
It's up to you, kiddo.
Could be things you'll wanna look at when you're older.
Like wishes? In a wish box!
That's terrific, bug. You're so creative.
Okay.
I know where I can get some inspiration.
My favorite book.
And when the princess and her knight defeated the ogre,
she found herself miraculously transformed
from a terrifying werewolf, to once again,
a beautiful princess.
First, I wish everyone in my kingdom will be happy.
Second, I want all my dreams to come true.
Third, I wish someday I will find my knight.
May all your wishes come true.
Happy birthday, Junebug.
* There's no need to shout it *
* I sing your name *
[phone alarm beeping]
**
* Lost in your clouds and your current *
* I'm under your waves *
* Sweeping me out in your ocean *
* Could live here for days *
* You're the rolling thunder *
* You're the pouring rain *
* And you know, and you know I would do anything *
* Do anything for you *
* Ooh *
* I would do anything, anything for you *
* Ooh *
* I would do anything for you *
Hey, Micah.
Hey. Your Americano's on the bar.
Thank you.
My rocket fuel for the day.
Uh, excuse me. Excuse me.
I think you might have my coffee.
Yeah, I guess you're right.
This doesn't taste like a caramel latte.
It's not a caramel latte, it's an Americano, and it's mine.
Well, it was mine.
Whoopsies. My mistake, Juniper.
I'll fetch you a new one.
Couldn't you tell it wasn't what you ordered?
I didn't really think about it to be honest.
I order something new every day.
-I stick with what I like. -Here you go, one Americano.
Oh, thank you. Um...
This is yours and, no...
This... this one's, no... Yes? Yours?
-Yeah, I'll take that. -I'll take this one.
You know what, I'll make you a new one.
-Okay. Well... -I have my coffee.
And I have no coffee.
Well, have a good day.
Yeah, you too.
[pleasant music]
Morning.
-Hi Kylie. -Good morning.
[alerts chiming]
Coming to the meeting? It's starting now.
Sure.
So, our focus this past year has skewed toward young adult
and graphic novels.
Where we're falling behind is in picture book offerings.
People, we are a small company, virtually the only in-print
left that hasn't been swallowed up by one of the conglomerates.
So, I'm opening this up to all of you, to help us find
the next great picture book and bring us back into that arena.
Paula, I'm sure we'd all love as much
guidance as possible from you.
Well, for starters...
no more animal, monster, or cute alien protagonists.
That was two seasons ago.
But, the key for us is always going to be in
finding an amazing new illustrator.
So, any thoughts there, any ideas?
Nope? Okay, fine.
Well, put the word out.
I wanna see some pitches, even early concepts, by end of week.
Okay.
That's it.
Juniper. Can I have a word?
I can't downsize anymore. It's all hands on deck.
We're all happy to pitch in, Paula.
I know the pool seems shallow right now,
but I am positive that there's still some fantastic
undiscovered talent out there.
I certainly hope so.
You've been swamped with administration the past few months,
and it's not really the editor's job,
but you have the best eye here.
I left a few prospects on your desk.
-Have a look. -Yeah. Happy to.
You're a rockstar, Juniper.
Rock on.
[phone buzzes]
Dropping by after work with something special.
I regret ever teaching you where to find the emojis, Mom.
Okay.
[pleasant music]
[knock at door] It's us, dear!
Coming!
Hey, where's Dad?
He's coming.
Dad, are you coming?
I'm coming!
I told him I'd help, he would have none of it.
So stubborn!
Mom, I need this to be quick,
because I'm meeting Ethan for dinner tonight,
I have a bunch of submissions from work to review.
Look what I found cleaning out the basement. [chuckles]
Ta-da!
What is it?
Don't you recognize it?
It's your wish box.
Your time capsule from when you were eight.
Don't you remember?
I don't know, vaguely... I guess?
We thought you might want it since you've got
a big birthday coming up. [whispers] 4-0.
And you got me this instead of, I don't know, a blender
or something I could actually use.
It's a chance for you to reconnect with the dreams you had
when you were a young girl.
And why do I need to reconnect with them exactly?
Is it 'cause I'm not doing well in my life, in my career?
It's just, it's...
We can't remember the last time that we saw you...
Smile. That old Junebug smile.
And birthday parties used to make you smile, and...
It's been a long time since you had one
and we could help.
Dad, I don't really have time for birthday parties. Okay?
I'm very busy and I really need to get dressed.
Of course, of course.
We've got euchre tonight anyway.
Uh, we were just dropping by.
Yep. Just dropping by.
I hear it when just one of you says it.
Don't forget you're coming for dinner tomorrow night.
-Dinner tomorrow night. -Yup, dinner tomorrow night.
Okay.
[exhales]
[upbeat music]
I'm getting the team ready for this tech symposium we're doing
and the managers just keep micromanaging
our process development.
They want market projections, sales projections,
finance projections.
Sounds like a lot of projection.
Exactly.
Okay, you two. Something for dessert?
-Just the check. -Ooh, I--
-Sorry. Did you want something? -No, no, no.
We don't normally bother with dessert.
No, no. I changed my mind, yeah.
It's okay. Yeah.
We'll take the check.
Bien. Just the check.
Listen, I wanted to ask you a question.
I know in the past I've sometimes gotten you
the wrong thing for your birthday.
[chuckles]
I thought I'd just tell you what I was planning on getting.
A pen.
A nice one.
Every editor needs a quality pen, right?
To mark up the manuscripts you work on.
I gave you my heart and you gave me a pen.
Hmm?
It's a quote from my favorite movie.
"Say Anything".
Lloyd Dobler. Diane Court.
Oh, yeah. Right. Yeah. I think you showed me that one.
Merci, madame.
Yeah. I mean, I was thinking that writing is really
more of a childhood dream anyway.
And Paula was even saying that if I continue on this path
then eventually she'll...
bring me into...
Hmm?
A pen would be lovely.
Thank you, Ethan.
[emotional music]
So, what about a nightcap?
I'm a little zapped. Had a long day at work.
I still have a lot of files to get through.
Okay then, I'll just drive you home.
You know, actually, I think I wanna walk.
It's still such a pretty night out.
Well, I'll come with.
It's okay, I'm not very far. Thank you so much for dinner.
I'll call you tomorrow.
He's giving you a pen?
It's... an early birthday surprise.
Some surprise.
And see this, this right here.
This is why you're my best friend because you always know
when I need an early birthday glass of Pinot.
See? There are advantages
to having your best friend so close by.
Plus, I had a full day
of mothering twins so I need this too.
He's really giving you a pen for your 40th birthday?
He assured me it'd be a nice one.
You know what that reminds me of?
Lloyd...
Dobler. [gasps]
[in unison] Let's do it!
Where's the guy in my life holding up a boombox
to serenade me?
That's what I wanna know.
Maybe you could find a guy to hold up a phone?
-Not the same. -Right. Not the same.
Nuh uh.
[clears throat]
I wish everyone in my kingdom will be happy.
Well, clearly not quite everyone.
I want all my dreams to come true.
I think we're batting above average there.
I wish someday... I will find...
my knight.
[melancholy music]
[magical music]
Hello!
[screams]
How did you get in here?
You scared me.
How are you here?
Where... where are your parents exactly?
I'm you, and you're me.
I've lost my mind. It's finally happened.
No, you haven't.
You were born June 17th, 1984.
Your favorite ice cream flavor is Raspberry Swirl.
Your mom made you take two years of figure skating
'til you fell and chipped a tooth.
That made you happy
'cause it meant you could read more books.
You look up words in the dictionary you don't know
and put a check mark next to them--
Okay, I get it.
Oh! And you had a crush on--
Okay. Okay.
I do not need to be reminded of ancient crushes.
How is this possible?
You seemed like you needed a little help.
And here I am.
Did my mom put you up to this?
[chuckles] Is this like...
some kind of hidden camera show or something?
You look exactly like me.
She gave you my old pink overalls to wear?
This is insane.
I...
I need you to go. I need you to go back wherever
you came from because I have to go to work in the morning.
Oh, goodie! Let's pick out our outfit.
No! We're not picking out an outfit.
Stop right there.
Look, I need you to go back to wherever you came from. Okay?
I need some sleep.
I can't get fired because I'm... seeing little people.
You don't want me here?
No.
Fine!
Fine.
Okay, look...
I don't know who you are or where you came...
You're perfectly fine. Yeah, things like this happen
to people all the time. It's normal.
In fact, you probably dreamed it.
And dreams are a perfectly normal part of life.
Oh, no.
No, no, no, no, no.
Apparently my breakdown isn't over yet after all.
I'm back!
You're back.
Those clothes are boring.
Oh, thank you. A little fashion critic.
This is exactly what I need.
Okay, well then, by all means, what should I wear?
That one. So bright.
I can't wear this to work.
This is a stupid impulse buy, I was just about to return it.
[groans]
Okay. Okay. Um... there.
Happy?
Good.
What am I doing?
Stay right there. Okay? Just...
[dialing]
Don't move.
Stay right there.
Kate. Hi. I need you.
Kate! Come with me.
Okay.
Okay. This way.
-Where are we going? -Right up there.
Just right over here.
And... [gasps] Okay.
Do you see what I see?
You're thinking about a wardrobe purge?
I did it last month. Regret it bitterly.
I've need to go to the thrift store
and buy all my stuff back.
She can't see me because I'm you.
It would be like double vision or something like that.
What do you know about double vision?
I didn't think you had that much to drink last night.
I didn't. I was just...
Let's get a coffee in you and you'll be fine.
Better get back. Twins have swimming.
Love the scarf on you, by the way.
Nothing wrong with a little splash of color.
Why is this happening to me?
I'm only eight.
I don't know how stuff like this works.
Believe me, I think you could be 100 and still not know.
[gasps] Ooh.
I guess you gotta get back to your publishing job.
You got all those meetings.
How do you know all that?
I told you, I'm you! Just young you.
If you're really me, then you should know
that I don't really have time for this right now. I...
[sighs]
-What's that? -[gasps]
Is that one of our books?
How did you get back there?
I wanted to see what stories we've written.
No, I mean, what's with the popping up
and disappearing all the time?
I don't know. It's just fun.
If that's our book... we sure didn't get famous.
I actually did better than getting famous.
I am the person who helps writers get published.
So... you're helping other people tell their stories?
Yes, exactly.
What about our stories?
What about my Junebug stories?
Okay, this might be hard to explain to a child,
but when you're an adult you have to make compromises and...
Apparently you can get too in touch with your inner child.
Hey. Americano's coming up.
Thanks.
Are you okay?
Oh yeah. Yeah. Why?
You just look a little different, I guess.
Well, yeah, I had dinner with my boyfriend last night,
so... probably had too much fun.
Thank you so much.
Yeah, have a great day.
Okay.
I wanna look.
Oh, oh, oh. What are you doing?
But it's so pretty.
Well, I... uh...
[giggling]
Oh... [metal clangs]
[cans thudding]
[paint splashes]
Oh no!
[gasps]
[groans]
If it isn't Miss Americano. What a turn of events.
Uh... I'm so sorry.
It's okay.
I'm so sorry.
It's okay. It's okay. Things happen. Okay?
How can you say that? I just destroyed your mural.
No, it's a sign. It wasn't right, anyway.
I was thinking of starting over, to be honest.
You're being so nice about this.
It'll be even better once I figure out
what it's actually supposed to be.
Um...
I might have a way to make it up to you.
Nothing to make up.
Nope. Nope. I think there is.
It just so happens that I work for Little Light Publishing
and we're looking for illustrators,
for new and different illustrators.
I think your work is...
was beautiful and you might be a perfect fit for us.
I appreciate the interest, but no thanks.
Oh.
You sure?
Yeah.
I'm just gonna finish this mural and be on my way.
That's what I do.
If you don't mind, I'm gonna start the cleanup here.
Oh sure. Yeah, of course.
Um...
Well, if you change your mind, I'm Juniper James
and I work for Little Light Publishing.
You said. Yeah.
-Okay. -I got it.
Yeah. Sorry again.
It's okay. It's okay.
I like him. And his paintings are pretty.
Well, I don't know what to think.
Yeah, he's intriguing, that one.
He's been working for over a month
and I still don't know his name.
Huh. Really?
Mm-hmm.
Hey, do you see her?
Do I see who?
Nobody.
I think I need another espresso.
It's on the house.
And I'm gonna give you my cousin's email.
He's a really great therapist.
Have you heard of Imago Therapy?
[cheerful music]
Kylie?
Hey, can you help me find the right link here?
Sure.
Just right there.
Wait, you're interested in Alex Ripley?
You know him?
I think I may have met him this morning.
I was hoping to bring him in as a new illustrator.
He's an art world icon. Shot straight to the top.
It was sad though, after his second exhibition,
he was absolutely savaged by the critics.
Hmm.
Yeah. Just brutal.
He walked out of his own opening and hasn't signed
a piece of artwork since.
Word on the street is he's the muralist
that's been popping up all around the city.
Look, I don't even know if this guy is who you said he is,
but I really liked his artwork.
[chuckles] All I can say is, if you found Alex Ripley...
nice play.
I think we should have a quick meeting
now that the Brennan book
has fallen off the spring release list.
Of course.
Juniper may have stumbled
across a new illustrator this morning.
Really? Well, that's great. Show me their stuff.
Sure.
Well, actually that's gonna be a little hard
because he's a muralist.
A muralist.
Oh no. [laughs] No, that's not gonna work.
-Why not? -Someone who works
on such a large scale like that?
No, we need illustrators, miniaturists.
Juniper, I'm sorry,
I think you're barking up the wrong tree there.
Excuse me, Paula. Can I just get one minute?
One minute.
Raise your hand.
This is not a classroom.
We don't need to raise our hand to speak.
So just keep trying.
It is not that easy.
Why not?
Wouldn't you tell me not to give up after just trying once?
Well... yes, of course I would.
Did you say something?
Nothing.
Okay.
Do it or I'll scream.
You will not.
-[screams] -Oh!
Actually, I do have something to say.
Paula, I believe I've tracked down an artist who's really special
and I don't think it matters if he paints on walls
or draws on papers because his work is incredibly compelling
and you said yourself I have the best eye in this place.
And so that is... what I wanted to say.
Okay. I shouldn't have shut you down.
If you're this passionate about his work,
I'll take a look.
Great. Just one problem, which is
that he doesn't really wanna work with us.
I'm sorry.
You're offering me someone who not only has never illustrated
but he's not actually interested in the job.
This is your solve?
Yes.
Well, best of luck with that. Okay.
You do have the best eye in the place.
Thank you, Rob.
Okay, listen, my workplace has gotta be off-limits
for these visits.
So, let's do something else then.
Ice cream!
Ice cream?
I can't go for ice cream in the middle of the morning.
I'm a responsible adult with an important job.
Not to mention all the meetings I have.
Just looks like homework for grown-ups. [shudders]
I think you have a point there.
Let's go talk to that painter you like.
I don't like him. Okay?
I just think he has talent and it would be mutually beneficial
for us to... hey, where are you going?
Come on.
What? I...
Aren't you coming?
[Paula] Juniper? My office.
Coming.
So, what is this exactly, Mom?
Just a new recipe I've been meaning to try.
Is that code for I just threw in everything
I happen to have laying around the kitchen?
-Oh, Junebug. -Mom.
Juniper, I always have a plan. Don't you worry.
[straining]
Here.
[cork pops]
I loosened it.
Can I ask you a question?
Why did you give me that time capsule wish box thingy?
I told you, just found it cleaning out the basement.
We thought it was cute.
Yeah. Very cute.
So you weren't trying to send me a message?
What kind of message would we be sending?
Oh, I don't know. The 'Are you happy?
Get your life together.
Why aren't you living your dreams?' kind of message.
No. Uh, no message dear.
Just thought it was cute.
So cute.
Oh, you were such a spitfire back then.
Do you remember you started writing that novel
when you were just eight?
Yes, I do.
It is one of the four novels I have started
and never finished.
-You should wrap those up. -Yeah, wrap it up!
Oh my gosh you guys, enough!
I know you don't like Ethan.
I know you think I should be doing something different
with my life.
But you know what, not everybody gets to choose
what they do for a living, and not everybody
met their perfect person in 10th grade
like the two of you, so...
[exhales]
-We like Ethan. -Mm-hmm.
His clothes are always so... carefully chosen.
Ties especially.
That is hardly a compliment in the world of you two.
I am going to set the table.
[Junebug] Psst! Set a place for me.
I used to curl up right in that spot
when I was pretending to be sick
because I wanted to stay home from school to read.
You should tell Mom and Dad I'm here.
What?
Are you joking? They would have me sent away.
Anyway, you heard Dad.
It was just something they found in the basement. Okay?
They didn't mean anything by it.
I think they're fooling with you.
You know, I think you might be right.
Dinner's served.
What are you doing in there, dear?
Nothing.
Let's eat.
Oh, he's just such an interesting character.
So confident. It's a little unnerving.
You should be confident too.
Well, it's not that easy. Okay? You can't just be confident.
It's something that...
grows in you over time as you acquire life experiences
and you surmount challenges.
But I'm confident.
Well, you are a child.
An imaginary child, not even a real one.
I think.
Do like Daddy says. Just pretend you have confidence
and then before you know it, you do have it.
Huh.
I think you might be right.
Okay. Let's do this.
Uh, hello.
Hi. Not sure if you remember me.
How could I forget you?
I'm still really, really sorry about that.
And you really, really need to stop apologizing.
I wasn't satisfied with the work
and you gave me the second chance
to take a second run at it.
Okay, then I will stop apologizing.
I'm Juniper. Juniper James.
Yeah. I remember.
Oh. Right.
And you are?
Not a fan of this weather.
Yeah.
Makes it impossible to paint.
Well look, I know I already talked to you about this,
but I would really like you to consider trying a new way
to get your art out there.
Oh, I don't know.
I like murals. I like to beautify the world.
Do you... sign them?
I leave them unsigned
because when people learn who did them, they...
start adding your story onto what you did.
And is that bad?
It is when they care more about your story than the work.
Well... that wouldn't be true with a picture book.
The children wouldn't care.
I like books. I do, but...
I'm gonna stick with murals.
Okay. Yeah. Um, no problem.
Thanks. Thanks so much for your time.
Yeah.
Why are you leaving him there?
You have to get him to come with you.
You're so bossy.
Look, you heard him. He's not interested.
And I asked him twice.
Listen to the voice inside that tells you
when things are important.
Well, I thought that was you.
So listen!
Okay, I'll try one last thing.
Okay. Sorry to disturb again.
But I just need to say that children's books are sacred.
They are the bedrock of our imagination.
They're where I first came alive as a kid,
where I first found humor and adventure
and sheer joy and they make us who we are
and who we're going to become and they are important.
So... I think you're making a mistake.
Bedrock of imagination, huh?
I like that.
You do?
Oh. Um...
Then give me an hour. Just one hour and...
and then if you're still not interested
then I'll leave you be.
One hour.
Okay, fine.
Because this light is breaking my heart.
Here. Gimme a hand.
[cheerful music]
Okay, so... we have some books that Little Light has published
and some classics and a Caldecott Award winner.
What about you?
What do you mean?
I don't wanna see the award winners.
I want the book that means something to you.
Only you.
Okay. Stay right here. Don't move.
I'll be back.
[upbeat cheerful music]
[whispers] Thank you.
[giggles]
-The Princess Werewolf. -Mm-hmm.
Wow.
So this was your favorite book growing up?
My absolute favorite.
What did you love most about it?
I think how the princess works together with the knight
to reclaim the kingdom.
It was just very inspiring.
I mean, every eight-year-old wishes she could rule
benevolently over her own kingdom. Right?
I can see why you loved it.
But your face right now, looking at the images,
that is why you should share your work in picture books.
Just think of all the little kids reading your book.
Their faces lighting up the way yours just did.
Are you implying I have the mentality of an eight-year-old?
Look, at the very least, you could take a meeting
and then decide. Right?
What do you have to lose?
Okay, well...
We're gonna need your library card to take it out
because I don't have one.
All set.
-Thank you. -Thanks.
There you go.
-Thank you. -You're welcome.
So you said this book inspired you back there.
Is that what got you into publishing?
Yes. Well, kind of.
When I was a little kid, I wanted to be a writer.
I mean, what book-smart little girl doesn't,
but publishing, that came later.
All I heard is little Juniper wanted to be a writer.
Junebug.
And yeah, I think most little kids think they know
what their life is gonna be like
but it doesn't always work out that way.
That's why we have professions other than astronaut,
movie star and firefighter. Right?
Maybe that eight-year-old knew something.
Well, she certainly is headstrong... was.
Was headstrong.
You should tell me some of her ideas.
I'd love to hear 'em.
No, they're nonsense.
You know, mostly the ideas of an eight-year-old.
Isn't that who we're talking about making a book for?
Eight-year-olds?
Are we?
Are we talking about making a book?
I tell you what, you tell me some of those ideas
and I'll consider taking the meeting.
No, I can't even remember them.
Oh, I don't believe you.
Because I can see your eyes light up
every time you talk about writing.
I see the passion.
Okay. That's cute.
You're using my technique back on me.
Because we see the same things.
I don't even know your name.
Alex.
Alex Ripley.
Hi.
Anyway. Um, so... do we have a deal?
Sure. Yes. I will try to remember my ideas.
Okay.
Here, let me give you my number.
Okay. Just gimme a call...
when you're ready to talk.
Thanks.
There you go.
Thank you.
Oh, wait. I think this one's yours.
Yeah. Okay. Definitely. There you go.
-Thank you. -Yeah.
You coming?
Yeah.
[peaceful music]
You found my stories.
I did.
[chuckles]
Not bad for an eight-year-old.
Not bad for yourself.
[phone alarm beeping]
I hate waking up so early.
Me too.
[phone alarm continues to beep]
[phone buzzing]
Pasta night again?
Yeah. Pasta nights are great.
Once a week, Ethan and I indulge ourselves
with a nice pasta dinner that we make together.
[sighs]
Why do you make the same dinner every week?
I don't know, 'cause it's easier.
[spits]
Boring.
It's not boring. It's fun.
How is it fun to do the same thing over and over again?
Remember how Mommy used to say, no such thing as being bored,
just being boring?
Please don't quote Mom back at me.
And anyway, Ethan is not boring.
He is stable.
That's what he is. He's extremely stable.
We are not boring. I'll prove it.
[dialing]
Hi.
[Ethan] Hey you. Everything okay?
Yeah.
I was just, um... thinking maybe we could
try something different for dinner tonight.
Oh. Not pasta then?
No, no, no. We could still have pasta, but...
what about a different type of pasta?
Isn't all pasta sorta the same?
Uh...
I just wanna try something different.
For sure. What kind would you like?
I don't know. Surprise me. Okay, gotta go.
Not one word.
I know you said you wanted to try something new.
Honestly babe, I looked at the different boxes and I thought...
if it ain't broke, why fix it?
So I just got us penne, as usual.
I can, uh...
I can go back and get something else?
No. It's fine.
What's all this?
Dessert.
I got a... amaretti and sultana cheesecake
and, um... I got some ice cream.
Raspberry swirl for fun.
Is everything okay?
Did, uh... something happen at work today?
You didn't get fired, did you?
What? Why would you think I got fired?
I don't know, you've just been acting odd lately.
[sighs]
Ethan. I think we need to go sit down.
Ethan... what do you see in the future for us?
-The future? -Mm-hmm.
I don't know.
I hadn't really given it much thought, truthfully.
I like our little routines.
I don't understand where this is coming from.
Okay, look. If you could spend time
with your eight-year-old self, do you think he would be happy
with where you are today?
When I was eight, I wanted to be a pilot
and travel the world, so... probably not.
I think you would've made a great pilot
and you should... you should travel the world.
That's kid stuff.
I didn't know about real life when I was eight years old.
I think you might've known a lot more than you think.
And maybe I did too.
All I know...
is that I don't wanna end up with a bunch of regrets.
And you're saying being with me might be one of those regrets.
Sorry, Ethan.
[melancholy music]
[sighs]
Are you sad?
I don't know. I'm a little stunned.
Three years. It's a long time.
We had a nice thing going sometimes.
I don't know.
Just felt like the right thing to do.
You know I'm just a kid, right?
I don't understand any of this stuff.
Junebug...
You don't seem like a kid sometimes.
Mommy always says we're like eight going on 30.
Yes, well we're past 30 now.
[laughs]
Oh, you think that's funny. Do you?
[both laughing]
[knock at door] -Juniper!
[doorbell ringing] -You home?
It's Saturday and you're sleeping in?
What gives?
Hmm. I thought I was doing a pretty good job of it.
Is everything okay?
You haven't answered any of my texts.
Ethan and I broke up last night.
Really?
Was it the pen?
It was kinda the pen, yeah.
No, I just think it was... time.
Wait a second.
You've met somebody. I can see it from your eyes.
No, I...
I mean, I met this new illustrator
I'm really excited about,
if that's what you mean.
Yeah, you like his work.
Really excited about his illustrations, I'm sure.
I'm sorry you ended things with Ethan.
That must've been hard.
Yeah, it was.
Thank you for being there for me
and for basically my entire life.
[laughs]
Katydid.
Oh, I can't believe you remember that.
You hated our little kid nicknames
once we got to high school.
Well yeah, because who wants to be nicknamed after bugs?
You're the one who made them up.
Remember, you wrote that little story about us as bugs?
Junebug and Katydid Forever.
Oh, I can't believe you'd forget that.
Forever.
* Ooh *
* I found you *
* I feel like I'm finally home *
Do you want another espresso?
You might need it to finish all that work you got there.
Oh, uh... sure.
No, that's probably not a good idea.
I never heard from you.
Oh, hi.
Hi.
I'm glad you're here. I need you.
You do?
Yeah. Come on.
-Micah, watch my table? -Yeah, I got it.
Time for some penance.
No, no, no, no, no.
Oh yeah. It's happening.
Besides, you owe me.
-I kind of do. -Yeah.
Have a seat.
Alright.
What if I mess it up again?
You won't mess it up. Do the background.
I'll handle the detail work.
We're using acrylics, but you have to move fast.
This is what painters call open time
because paints are still wet, you can still mix them.
Open time. Alright. I kinda of like that.
[peaceful music]
[chuckles]
This is pretty fun.
I haven't really done anything like this since I was a kid.
A huge part of creativity is connecting
with that kid part of yourself.
Can I ask you something? Why are you here?
What do you mean?
Well, you achieved unprecedented success.
I've done my homework on you.
I don't see it that way.
What I mean is you could be in Barcelona or Lucerne
or Kyoto and you're right here in Seattle.
Why?
Easy.
I grew up not far from here. Part of keeping the work fresh
is reconnecting with where you came from, what your story is.
Yeah, I think that could be my problem.
Sort of lost who I was the last few years.
It's one of my biggest regrets right now.
I don't believe in regrets.
But... if I had any,
it would be not finishing what I started.
I can relate to that.
I started writing so many times and it's always the same.
I get spooked and never finish.
Doesn't sound worthy of regret,
it just sounds worthy of finishing.
What about your story idea?
I've got notions and ideas, but nothing solid really.
Well, we have a deal.
No story...
no meeting.
But I can team you with so many amazing writers.
I've already found who I wanna collaborate with.
Actually, I think I do have an idea.
Okay.
You have my number, so text me some times for a meeting.
Okay.
For real this time.
You got it.
Alright. I should get back so I can get my stuff.
Yeah. Thanks for the help.
Yeah.
[singing] Alex and Juniper sittin' in a tree.
-K-I-S-S-I-N-G. -Okay.
Shh!
Well, at least now you know his name.
First comes love, then comes marriage.
[exhales]
You're unhappy.
I just don't know what I'm gonna tell Alex tomorrow.
He expects me to have a story to pitch and...
I just don't wanna let him down.
You won't. He likes you.
You need to get some sleep.
Yeah. We're up way past our bedtimes.
Yes, we are.
Whoa!
You cleaned up.
Feels like the first day of school.
I hated the first day of school.
Well, it won't be that bad... I hope.
I've got a mural to paint.
Wait. Don't you dare.
No. We're in this together.
So...
Think of this as talking to someone who admires your work.
If Paula came by and saw the mural,
you would just talk to her. Right?
-Okay. Alright, fine. -Yeah.
What's that?
Um... nothing.
Ready to go in?
Uh, wait. Hold on.
What's our story here? What are we telling her?
Okay, so I wanted to talk to you about that.
Um... I am really struggling with the writing,
so we need to go in there and ask Paula
to pair you with a real writer.
I'll still be your editor, so we will have a very
creative relationship,
but this is really the best decision.
-No. -What?
No. Didn't you just say we're in this together?
You're the writer, I'm the artist,
and that's what we tell your boss.
-Come on. - But, Alex...
Alex...
It's very impressive.
You have a distinctive style, which we're always
on the lookout for in new illustrators.
It's a great portfolio.
Yeah. I, uh, didn't compile it.
What do you mean?
Well, I put it together, Paula.
There are pictures of his work all over the internet
and people really love it.
That's funny.
I've always resisted having a portfolio.
You'll make a a great addition to our team.
Okay? Yeah.
So the next stage is to find an author to team you up with.
Which, uh, Little Light is small,
but we are a highly thought of children's book publisher
so I'm sure it won't be a problem.
Oh, well, I've already found who I wanna work with.
You have? Is it someone I'd know?
[chuckles nervously]
It's me, Paula.
I'm sorry?
I'm going to be writing the text.
I wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for Juniper.
She has a real passion for children's literature
and a great idea for a book I think you'd find exciting.
Great. Hit me.
Well, we're not exactly ready to present it yet.
But she told me many great things about you
so I really wanted to meet.
I see.
And it's very nice Juniper said those things.
She's a very talented editor.
But writing a book is a whole other kettle of fish,
so I'm gonna have to give this some more thought.
It's the first time an employee's ever
presented themselves to me as an author.
[notification alert] -Um...
Yes, I have a new fire to deal with here,
so Alex, you're very talented,
and Juniper, you just let me know
when you are ready to take it to the next stage.
Okay, great.
Well, off you go.
-Okay. Thank you. -Okay.
Thank you.
-Get the door. -Of course, yes. Always.
-Got you. -Okay.
I got you.
Thank you.
I thought it went well.
I liked her more than I expected to.
Don't you understand? She expects something soon.
Like soon, soon.
I'm not ready as a writer.
I am not ready as a human being.
Breathe. Breathe. It's gonna be okay.
Okay.
Thank you.
What's the worst that could happen?
Well, Paula will resent that I put myself forward as writer.
Our entire relationship will be soured.
Eventually she'll start to question all of my work.
Before I know it, she'll fire me and I won't be able
to pay my rent. Then I'll have to move in
with my parents and when I'm living in my parents' basement..
Okay. Okay. I get it. I get it.
And you've proven you have a very crazy imagination.
I do.
Watch out. Watch out.
Whoa.
Jeez.
Okay, that was a total Lloyd Dobler move.
I gave up my boombox and Peter Gabriel tapes
a long time ago.
Stop it. You know "Say Anything".
Of course. Yeah. It's... Yeah, it's a classic.
Anyway, I have a commission to finish.
I gotta get back.
So... where should we start?
Let's start tonight at 8:00 at the café.
We'll go over some stuff.
Okay.
-Anyway, see you tonight. -Yeah.
Um...
-This... yeah. -That way.
Ooh!
Hi Mom.
What a surprise.
To what do we owe this honor?
Oh, I don't know.
You and Dad are always so sweet about keeping in touch.
I just kinda thought it was my turn.
And look!
Groceries.
Oh, thank you so much, dear. Dad, Juniper's here.
Building a house for the birds, Dad?
Yep. Just gotta a put a coat of paint on this thing.
I could help with that. I just had my first painting lesson.
Kind of.
Anyway, I wanted to let you know
I won't be available much this week
because I'm going to be
submitting a project to Little Light.
Oh, that's wonderful, dear.
You're such a good editor.
Oh, I'm actually gonna be the writer on this one.
Yeah, I mean, there's no guarantees
because we have absolutely no track record.
But Paula really loves Alex's artwork.
Alex is the muralist I told you about.
I don't think you did.
No?
Oh, well I met him down in Capitol Hill working on a mural
and we just decided to give this thing a go.
Oh, that sounds nice.
Yeah.
So your dad and I were wondering about, um...
the possibility of having a little party.
Just a little one.
For your birthday, towards the end of the month.
-End of the month. -Just friends and family.
-Friends and family. -Nothing to...
Maybe.
-[in unison] Really? -Sure.
Uh... well you can let us know and you can invite this Alex.
-And Ethan, of course. -Of course.
Ethan and I broke up.
I gotta run. Love you!
Okay, so our heroine is a young girl.
She's imaginative, spirited, occasionally exasperating.
I bet that probably described you.
Well, actually, I found some visual inspiration for us.
And I think she's a little girl...
a lot like this.
-Ah, you liked it. -I did.
I think that's exactly what she should look like.
I love it.
-You do? -Yeah.
Can't wait to start drawing her.
So we're doing this.
We're really doing this.
Yeah. We are.
You know you're gonna have to put your name on this, right?
Because Paula won't publish a book
that doesn't credit the illustrator.
I think that...
I would be more than okay to put my name on this.
[inspirational music]
[clears throat]
I have two coffees for you.
Thanks Micah. Um...
[chuckles] We're not gonna be too much longer.
No. Take your time.
[cheerful music]
[exhales]
[alert chimes]
[contained cheers] Yes!
[giggles]
I like your dance.
You'll never guess what just happened.
I know, I know it all.
Of course you do.
You haven't been around as much lately.
You know why.
I haven't needed you.
Hm.
[chuckles]
You know it's bad when you can count the amount
of sleep you've gotten in minutes instead of hours.
But I guess that's life when you're the mother of twins.
Well, you can hide out here all day if you want.
No, I should get back soon, or else chaos will erupt again.
You ever wonder how you managed to end up where you are?
Yeah, I hear you. I guess I'm just shocked at how I managed
to make one little compromise after another
until suddenly I didn't even remember who I was anymore.
They have a word for that, you know?
Which is?
Adulting.
That is a terrible word.
And an even worse concept.
I guess I'm happy I'm writing again,
but I forgot how hard it was. I'm totally stuck.
Yeah. I get it. I mean, I love my kids.
They're all I've ever wanted, they're my whole life, but...
sometimes I just wish I could get a vacation.
Or even just a day or two.
Yeah. Just... just a day or two.
What are you thinking?
Nothing. I gotta make a call.
Yeah, back to real life.
-Okay. Love you. -Love you.
Morning.
Americano.
-Thanks. -It's Wednesday.
Yes. All day.
He goes to the art supply store on Wednesday.
Otherwise the paints dry up and become hard to work with.
Or at least that's what he mentioned last week.
-Thank you. -Mmhmm.
Can I get another one of these?
[upbeat cheerful music]
Rocket fuel for the day?
Hey you.
That was nice of you.
-I have something for you. -Hm.
Are those the...
The finished drawings.
I sent a link to your email
so you can download the digital version, but...
I thought you'd want the real thing.
Can't wait to see 'em.
Just drew what was in my head because of what you wrote.
So, uh... how are the rest of the words coming?
Honestly, I'm a little stuck.
Could use some inspiration.
Road trip?
Wow. Is that yours? That's a classic.
I know.
Not exactly what I had in mind for you.
Well, Mr. Ripley, I have hidden depths.
Shall we?
Your boss... what about work?
I already called Paula,
even she thinks I need a vacation.
Don't worry, Micah can watch your stuff.
Coming?
Coming.
Wow.
[upbeat cheerful music]
I recognize this area from when I was a kid.
Did you ever come here with your parents?
No, I don't think so.
You should take the next turn off.
Trust me.
It's what you're looking for.
I trust you.
[upbeat cheerful music]
This is exactly what I needed.
Me too. It's nice not to be staring
at a brick wall for a while.
I thought getting out on the road might spark some ideas.
Yeah. It seems like you're winning that fight.
You doing a book.
Well, that's thanks to you.
And to this friend.
She came along and reminded me
of all of my childhood passions.
So now you're gobbling down pop rocks any chance you get?
Okay, okay. So maybe not all my childhood passions.
No, I think she just helped me remember
that writing can be play.
I don't have to think about the logistics and the marketing
and the analytics, that I could just write something.
Anything, anything at all.
Something similar happened to me.
Yeah?
Yeah.
I had my first gallery show.
Actually my first show anywhere, really.
And it went great. It did.
But when it came time for the second,
I guess there were resentments.
And people were not kind.
And just like that...
All my passion for painting was gone,
literally in a single night.
I guess I was naive.
But it really crushed me.
I didn't wanna be a part of that world anymore.
Yeah.
And now you're stuck here with me.
I am suffering for my art.
Oh yes, clearly.
I can see little Juniper down there.
Wait, what? You can?
Yeah. Running around.
Feeling the sunlight on your face.
Dreaming about all the books you're gonna write someday.
[chuckles]
Come on, let's go check out the town.
Okay.
[upbeat cheerful music]
Everything okay?
Yeah. Just ironic to be talking about the past.
It's a text from my old art dealer.
Yeah?
Yeah.
She has interest from the Venice Biennial
to exhibit some of my pieces, but...
I'll pass.
Hold on.
You're going to pass on going to Venice.
Uh huh.
Will they pay some of your expenses?
Sure, yeah. But...
I just don't feel connected to that work anymore.
It'd feel false to put my name on it.
Okay.
What's that face for?
Okay, fine.
By turning down the chance to exhibit that work,
you are pretending you don't have a past.
Instead of just reckoning with it.
If you come with me, I'll say yes.
How's that sound?
Why?
Simple.
Because this can't possibly be your only vacation.
[laughs]
[cheerful music]
You are going to have to eat that quick.
You're gonna get ice creamy fingers.
Oh, you seriously do not have to worry about that.
You were pretty excited they had raspberry swirl,
but I'll say... interesting choice of toppings.
I'm an extra cookie crumbs kinda gal.
Mm.
[in unison] You know I could see myself
living in a place like this...
...someday.
Jinx. You owe me a Coke.
Come on. Come on. This place is awesome!
If you wanna go in there, you gotta finish your ice cream.
You do not have to worry about that.
Alright.
-I got that... -Let's go.
-I got that covered. -Okay.
Mmhmm.
I like this one. Buy this one.
No.
But... maybe this one?
Oh, that is one of my favorites.
You know what I think will fall really nicely on you?
I think I have the perfect something something for that.
Okay.
What do you think?
Uh, excuse me.
I came in with someone. Did she leave? Or...
No, she's right over...
I'm right here.
You look incredible.
Thank you.
No, I mean incredible.
Thank you again.
Here. What do you think?
I love it. I'll take both of them.
Thank you Roz, for all your help.
Okay. I'll get changed and then we can get back on the road.
Oh no. With you dressed like that,
we're going to dinner.
Uh, excuse me. What's the nicest restaurant in town?
I would definitely say The Lookout.
Great wine list. It's beautiful.
Right on the water too.
Um...
You're an inspiration.
Do you...
Can you do the same for me?
I have the perfect thing.
Alright.
Wow.
[laughs]
Wow.
You make me feel self-conscious.
At least I was able to pick up this cool jacket.
Try to pull off my best James Dean here.
Oh yeah. Yeah.
I honestly can't tell the difference.
Ah... you flatter.
This feels really good.
So much in my life has changed.
I think I really needed this.
Oh, and...
I think I have the title for our book.
Oh yeah?
It's pretty simple actually.
Junebug.
It's perfect.
It's a lot easier to be creative
when you shake up your routine.
Yeah. Seriously.
I spent the last five years never living in the same city
for more than a few weeks.
It's hard to have a healthy relationship.
You can only live your life like that for so long.
I feel like that part of my life is ending.
Alex, you don't have to say that.
I'm saying it because it's true.
So... what are we thinking for dessert?
Oh, uh... well, we just had ice cream.
Oh, come on. We're on vacation.
I'll get menus.
* I write love songs but they're not about you *
* They pour out like that, I'm so misconstrued *
* Some would say that that's a sign *
* But I sit back and close my eyes *
* I'm waiting for the big bang *
* The one that takes us out *
* The big bang that kicks me out the house *
* The big bang, the ones out of my mouth *
Well...
thanks for taking me on your little vacation
And you're... you're nearby?
Yeah. Yeah.
Got a studio over there.
Okay. Good.
Um...
well, I'd better get going.
It was fun.
A lot of fun.
Yeah.
Okay.
Alright.
I meant to tell you,
I have just a few details left on the mural.
I'll finish tomorrow.
I'd love you to come by and see it.
Yeah, I'd love that.
Great. Text me?
-Yeah, I'll text you. -Or I'll text you.
Yeah, or you can... we can just exchange texts.
Great.
Okay.
-Good night. -Good night.
[exhales]
[cheerful music]
Juniper!
Hey.
Ethan.
How are you?
I'm doing good. You?
It's really good to hear. I'm doing well too.
I'm glad we ran into each other, you know.
I had something I wanted to tell you.
I signed up for my first flying lesson next week.
What?
Wow. That's amazing.
What about you?
You look, uh... you look different.
I guess I am.
I'm writing.
That's fantastic.
I guess I should still give you that birthday pen.
Oh, that's very sweet, but totally unnecessary.
No, no, I want to. I wanna thank you.
You know, when you broke up with me,
well... to be honest, it was hard.
But it was the right thing for both of us.
I really, really appreciate you saying that, Ethan.
Nice to see you.
[upbeat music]
Morning.
So, did you have a good day off?
I did. Thank you.
I hope I didn't leave you in the lurch.
Oh no, we survived. Kylie stepped up.
Took over some of your meetings.
Okay. Glad to hear it.
Could you bring Alex by, maybe end of day?
We could have a meeting, all of us.
Sure, I was gonna pop out
and see the unveiling of his mural,
so I'll just grab him then. -Perfect. Okay.
Wait, wait, wait, wait. Let's do this right.
Keep your eyes closed. Okay?
Here we go.
Drum roll please.
[chuckles]
Drum roll please.
Oh!
[imitates drum roll]
I'm really more of a reader than a musician.
You mean more of a writer.
What do you think?
It's so beautiful.
Wait, I don't understand. You could see her?
Who?
Junebug.
I told you, that was my vision of Junebug
from when we were on the beach.
But I thought I was the only one who could see her.
I guess this means my eight-year-old self
approves of you.
Not sure what that means, but...
I'm happy about it.
Hey, are you free later this afternoon?
When I'm finished with this, I'm a man of leisure.
At least for a few days anyway.
Good. Paula wants to have a meeting with us.
I look forward to it.
Mm-hmm.
I wanted to meet with you in person
because I like and respect you both.
But we are not going to move forward with this project.
That's... too bad.
Can you... tell me why?
Of course.
Juniper, it's a lovely story, but we're a small boutique firm
and this would be a risk for us.
It's a risk I just can't take right now.
And Alex, it's more than evident you're talented.
But the worry I voiced to Juniper is still there.
The scale of your drawings feels off.
You're still thinking in terms of painting large walls
instead of the delicacy of book illustrations.
Maybe if you had stayed with your gallery work,
it would be less of a problem.
Maybe.
Well, um, thank you very much for considering it.
[Paula] Of course.
Hey.
It's happening again.
No, Alex. It isn't.
This is not why I make my work,
to have somebody tell me what market it's right for?
Look, that's just how she talks. Okay?
It doesn't mean anything.
It doesn't mean we can't take our book someplace else.
No, I was happy doing my work.
Alright, now I'm back in the place I hated.
Don't. Okay, Alex. Don't do this.
I gotta go.
Why is he going? I don't want him to go.
Don't let him go.
Well, I wish you would just go.
Fine. So I will.
[knock at door]
Come in, Katydid.
What exactly is going on here?
Well, at the moment I'm making a rosé float.
Thing is that it's supposed to be made with sorbet,
which I do not have. But you know what I do have?
Is so much raspberry swirl ice cream.
Yeah. That's not how you make a float,
I'm gonna take this away now.
You're not eight years old anymore.
No, but those eight-year-olds
are still very much a part of us.
Okay. What's going on?
I can't even really begin to tell you, so...
let's just say that every dream I ever thought I had
seemed to somehow magically vanish into thin air today.
Dreams seem like magic, but they're actually
the hardest work
if you ever stand a chance of having them come true.
Who said that?
You did.
You said that to me in high school
and I remembered it when I wanted to drop out of college,
when I couldn't find a job afterward,
when Ryan and I had trouble getting pregnant
with the twins.
Okay, I get it.
You're the hardest working person I know, Junebug.
Why would you give that up now?
No matter what's going on.
Thank you.
Come here.
What did I do to deserve you?
You pushed our mats together at kindergarten nap time.
People really underestimate the importance of that.
-Mm-hmm. -Yeah.
No.
It looks so good though.
It does not look good.
It really does. Can I just lick it?
-No, please no. [laughing]
[peaceful music]
I wish for...
Junebug to return.
[inspirational music]
[phone alarm beeping]
Hey, Micah.
Hey.
Feels strange not to see him out there anymore, huh?
Yeah, I guess he's moved on.
Yeah.
He's working across town...
on a mural on Fremont by the park.
You know the intersection there.
I know it.
Well... I'll get your Americano.
Thanks.
Actually, wait.
I'm gonna try something different today.
What would you like?
Surprise me.
[alerts chiming]
Hey, are you going to the meeting
about the production timetable
or are we going to discuss the next few weeks--
No, no, no. No more meetings.
Juniper, could we move the Handel book
to the fall release schedule. -No!
I'm sorry, what?
I'm not going to the production meeting.
I'm not going to the morning meeting.
I'm not going to the meeting meeting.
I'm not going to any more meetings because I am quitting.
Yes, I am quitting.
See? Quitting.
Okay. I think we need to discuss this in my office.
Look, I just had a glimpse of another life,
a different life, for one day.
And it has apparently made it impossible for me
to go back to my old life.
Is this because I passed on your project?
No, it really isn't Paula.
But I get to concentrate on publishing my first book.
[Junebug] Yay!
Hi.
Thought you might be gone for good.
I won't ever go. How could I?
I'll always be you.
-Paula. -Mm?
Oh.
I thank you for everything. I really mean that.
Rob, it's been a pleasure.
Cheerio.
[inspirational music]
Oh, hey.
Hey Dad. Um...
Can you go into the basement for me?
I need you to see if you can find something.
Do you know where my old CDs are?
Great.
* If you ever want me *
* If you change your mind *
* There's no river too wide *
* No ocean too deep *
Juniper?
* I'll be there for you *
* And nothing would keep me from loving you *
[groans] Sorry.
I have to put this thing down, it's actually really heavy.
Easy. Don't hurt yourself.
Woo! I need to do more strength training.
Anyway... I did it. I quit my job.
What?
That's a huge move.
I'm proud of you.
Thank you, but I have something to say.
Alex, it was just one no.
I'm not stopping at the first no.
You haven't learned the lesson of your life.
You didn't like how your work was being presented
so you changed all that.
Why can't we do the same thing for our book?
What do you mean?
We can find another publisher, or if we don't,
we can publish it ourselves.
Isn't that the lesson?
I guess so. Yeah.
I really want to bring Junebug into the world with you.
And more importantly...
I don't wanna lose you.
Even if you don't wanna be a part of the project.
I guess there's only one thing left to say.
What's that?
[romantic music]
This is how the movie should have ended.
[peaceful music]
[cheerful music]
It looks perfect.
It is.
What's this?
Just something from my past.
Or it could be my future.
It's complicated.
Huh.
How long until everyone's here?
I think about an hour.
You're sure you don't want a big birthday banner?
Oh no, Dad. I don't need anything like that.
Or balloons.
I'm not eight years old.
Well, speak for yourself.
We've basically already established
I'm a child at heart, right?
[chuckles]
I think maybe we all are.
Okay. I would like to give a little birthday toast.
Um, not to myself, but... to all of you.
I think birthdays are a time that we should
look around and we should see how fortunate we truly are.
To have such amazing parents.
Who raised me from a little Junebug.
And such incredible colleagues who have taught me so much.
And someone special...
who truly sees me.
Cheers.
[all together] Cheers.
* I searched the whole world *
* three times over *
Cheers!
I love you.
* Through every closed and open door *
* I didn't even know what I was looking for *
I wanted to ask you something.
On the jacket of the book it says Alex K. Ripley.
What's the K stand for?
Oh, I didn't tell you?
Knight. But I don't have any armor.
It's okay.
I'd rather have less armor and more vulnerability.
After all, isn't that the theme of our book?
I wouldn't know. I'm not the writer.
[chuckles]
* I found the love *
* I found the love in you *