Episode: S05 E05, “I Came Back for You”
Premiere date: 7 July 2025
Written by: Scott Andrews
BUZZ CAFÉ
LIBERTY CITY, NEW YORK, 01948
The subtle door chime at the Buzz Café rings as Dustin Smithson enters the beloved hotspot. Prior to making his way towards the counter, he eyes his company: his older brother, Daniel, sitting at a side table, sipping on his own caffeinated drink.
“Good morning, stranger,” Dustin greets his brother, who stands up to immediately share a hug with his younger brother. “Morning. Didn’t think you were showing up.” “Yeah, got held up a bit with a job.” “Always busy, you are.” “Yeah, we all can’t take an endless leave of absence from our jobs, especially when we happen to be the boss.”
Laughing off his brother’s remarks, he states, “What are you? The woman in this relationship?” “Psh, you wish you could land someone as gorgeous as I am,” Dustin jokes with his brother.
Pulling his chair out and sitting down at the table, Dustin asks Daniel, “So, how are things going with you? I know you took leave to sort some things out with everything happening with Leah.”
“Yeah, it’s going,” Daniel responds, taking a sip of his drink before continuing, “I just needed time to clear my head, you know? The divorce, the custody situation, settling into being a single dad of two. It’s all an adjustment. But Leah and I are cordial when it comes to the kids; we make small talk with each other, but nothing that is too personal. We need it simple.”
“Anyway, how are you doing? I know finalising your divorce was a shock, I’m sure.” Running his hands across his chin, Dustin responds, “Yeah, that wasn’t ideal. You marry, and you think you’re marrying until death do you part, but a third divorce is what I got.” “Dustin, it’s not like you set out for your marriage to end. Shit happens.”
“Yeah,” Dustin sighs in agreement, “But shit keeps happening to me. But, that’s life. It happens, and we move on. We’re Smithsons, and we can handle this, right?”
“Right!”
Looking around for a momentary break, Dustin makes his intentions known: “Well, I’m going to go get a coffee, and then we can shoot the shit a bit.”
Getting up from his chair, Dustin makes his way towards the main counter to make his order. As he approaches, a blonde woman bumps into Dustin, spilling her coffee onto the floor and herself.
“Oh shit,” Dustin explicitly exclaimed. “I am so sorry. Here, let me grab a few napkins.” As he reaches to grab napkins from the counter, the woman dashes away without a word or a care that her coffee had been spilt everywhere. Turning around, Dustin becomes dumbfounded with the interaction. After cleaning up the mess, and a bit of himself, Dustin returns to the table, without his drink.
“What the fuck was that?” Daniel asked of his brother. “You know,” Dustin responds, “I haven’t a damn clue.”
LIBERTY CITY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
LIBERTY CITY, NEW YORK, 01948
Entering the elevator on the main floor, Shirley Lane and her daughters, Sophie Michaels and Jamie Spencer, hit the button to take them to the sixth floor of the hospital.
[ The character of Sophie Michaels will now be represented by Kristina Wagner ]
“Are we sure this is a good idea?” Sophie asks of her mother and sister. Looking at her eldest daughter, Shirley responds, “Yes, it is.” Chiming in, Jamie assures them both, “We agreed. We need to talk to Sarah about Thomas’ condition and what the future holds. It won’t be easy, but we’re more equipped to ensure it comes off as loving and with ease.”
“I know,” Sophie responds with a subtlety of doubt in her tone. “I just worry if we are prepared for it as well.”
“No,” Shirley demurely responds, “We’re not. But we will handle it the best we can.”
Just then, the elevator stops and chimes as the doors open and then exit onto the floor. As the three women step off of the elevator, Jamie turns to them and remarks, “I’m going to go check at the nurse’s station; I will meet you both at the room.” Shirley and Sophie nod in agreement and head off to their destination while Jamie walks towards the nurse’s station, where she suddenly hears a familiar voice.
“Yes, I am family,” the feminine voice echoes. “At least, I’d like to think I still am. I just want to know how he’s doing!”
“Monica?” Jamie questions the female. Frozen in silence as the woman turns around, she exclaims, “Jamie! It’s nice to see a familiar face.” Standing face to face with her estranged sister, Jamie approaches, “Yes, it’s nice to see you as well. I didn’t know when you’d be coming; I thought you would’ve called to tell one of us.”
“I know. I’m sorry,” Monica apologises. “But I got last minute approval for time=off from my job, and Keith was able to secure the same time to watch the kids, and I grabbed the first flight from Boston. I only just landed and hour or so ago, and came directly here.” “Well,” Jamie replies, “I’m just glad you were able to make it.” As the two sisters share an awkward, yet loving hug, Monica questions, “How’s mom doing? And Sophie?”
Stepping back from the hug and whipping her hair out of her face, Jamie responds, “They’re doing. We’re all doing. They’re actually here, right now. Do you want to come join us?” Letting out the slightest hint of a smile, she replies, “I’d love that. Thank you.”
Walking together, sharing brief small talk, the sisters approach the outside of their brother’s hospital room, where both Shirley and Sophie are standing outside of.
“Look who I found,” Jamie blurts out to a surprising response. “Oh my God!” Shirley exclaims in surprising shock to see her youngest daughter standing before her. “How? When?”
“Hi mom,” Monica greets, extending her arms out to embrace her mother in a tight, warm hug. “I’ve missed you.” “Oh my darling,” Shirley responds, placing her hands lovingly on Monica’s face, “I have missed you so much. What are you doing here?”
“Jamie called me and told me a bit about what was going on, and I knew I had to be here,” Monica responds, before looking at Sophie. “Hi, sis. It’s good to see you.”
As the two sisters embrace, Sophie mirrors the sentiment, “It’s good to see you, too. It feels so nice to have you back home, even if for a visit.” “Well, I couldn’t be here and allow the three of you to do this on your own. And so, I’m here.” “No matter the reason, Mon, I’m very happy you’re here. All of us here, together.”
“Have you told Sarah yet?” Jamie asks of her mother and older sister. “No,” Shirley affirms, “We haven’t. We were waiting for you to get here, and now with Monica here, we can most definitely handle this.”
“Are we ready?” Sophie asks. As the women all nod in agreement, Shirley opens the hospital room door, where Sarah Lane is seen sitting by her comatose husband’s bedside, holding his hand in her’s, while humming a simple tune to him. “Sarah,” Shirley opens, “There’s someone here to see you?”
“Hmmm?” Sarah absently responds, before seeing Monica, and remarking, “Monica!” “Hi Sarah,” Monica softly greets her sister-in-law. “How are you?” “I’m okay. I’m surprised your here.” “I know. I had a bit of time in my schedule to come visit, and so I am here.”
“Are the kids with you?” Sarah asks. “No,” Monica responds, “They’re back in Boston with Keith. This is a solo trip.” Holding Sarah’s hand in comfort, Monica shares a glance with her mother and sisters before turning back to Sarah and suggesting, “Hey, why don’t you and I go to the vending machines right down the hall and get ourselves some junk food, huh? I know these three don’t indulge, but we can. How’s that sound? We’ll be super quick, I promise.”
Nodding in agreement with Monica, Sarah turns back to Thomas’ comatose body, kisses his hand, and assures him, “I’ll be right back. I promise.”
As Monica and Sarah exit the hospital room, Shirley shares a look of relief with Jamie and Sophie. “I’m surprised she went with her,” Sophie says, breaking the momentary silence. “As am I,“ Jamie responds. Agreeing with both of her daughters, Shirley responds, “It buys us a few extra moments of time before we have to have the conversation.”
“It’s not going to be easy, and she’s going to take it the wrong way,” Jamie lets it be known. Nodding in agreement, Shirley explains, “I know. But that can’t stop us from pursuing this and giving Sarah the heads up on our plans.”
“Heads up for what plans?” Sarah questions. “What the Hell are you three talking about? What plans?” “Sarah,” Shirley responds in shock, “I’m sorry, we didn’t know you were there.”
“No,” Sarah forcefully rebuts. “You three have been talking behind my back. What plans are there?” “Plans for Thomas’ future.”
“Thomas’ future? What does that mean?” Sarah questions in confusion, then, looking at Monica and accusing, “I suppose that’s why you came back, huh? To provide the fourth support.”
“No,” Shirley interjects. “That’s not why she’s here.” Turning to her mother-in-law in anger, she questions, “So, what are those so-called plans you have?” “Thomas. The doctors have made it known: he’s not waking up, sweetheart, and it’s time to begin considering his next steps.”
As her eyes begin to well, Sarah begins to speak distantly and, in response, retorts, “Next steps? What next steps?” “Sarah, it’s time to begin accepting that Thomas is not going to wake up; keeping him on these machines is inhumane.”
“No,” Sarah responds, shaking her head in denial. “I won’t do it. I won’t kill my husband. He’s going to come back to me. To us. How dare you even think about letting him go?”
“Sarah, it’s not a choice we want to make,” Jamie interjects, with Sophie supporting, “But it’s one we have to make. It’s not fair to him.” “And how is it fair to me?” Sarah questions, “To say goodbye to my husband. I’m not doing it.”
“You might not have a choice,” Shirley commands in her tone. “If you refuse to do the right thing by Thomas, I will have no choice but to seek legal guidance to control his medical care.” Staring Shirley down, Sarah refutes, “You wouldn’t dare.”
Looking around the room of Thomas’ family, Sarah demands, “Everyone get out. Get the Hell out of this room. All of you.” As Shirley, Sophie, Jamie, and Monica exit the room per Sarah’s request, Sarah turns to Thomas and collapses in heartbreak at the thought of losing her husband.
CARRACO
ALGONQUIN, LIBERTY CITY, NEW YORK, 01948
The bustling of the newly established Carraco headquarters permeates every inch of the building’s modern aesthetic. The crisp, clean look of the offices contains the smell of new furniture, flowers, and freshly painted walls. Walter Carraway walks down the corridor and is greeted warmly by several staffers as he makes his way towards his main office. Sitting outside of his office, multiple individuals, ranging from male to female and all other identities, appear to be awaiting their time concerning some kind of interview. Giving them all a brief smile, he opens the door to his office, seeing his wife, Grace, sitting at his desk, accompanied by her assistant, Poppy.
“Good morning to the both of you,” Walter greets them. “Good morning, darling,” Grace warmly responds, with Poppy echoing, “Good morning, Mr Carraway.” Exchanging a quick kiss with his wife, Walter makes note, “Looks like a solid turn out for today’s prospects.”
“Yes, it looks like we could have our next head of marketing outside of this office. It’s quite exciting,” Grace responds. Nodding in agreement, Poppy suggests, “Should I get ready to send them in?” “Yes,” Grace responds. “I will page you from the phone system when I am ready.”
“Thank you, Mrs Carraway,” Poppy says before exiting the office. Turning to her husband, Grace gently kisses Walter before expressing her gratitude. “Thank you, darling.” “For what?” Walter questions. “Oh, you know, the big things. Like letting me use your office for today’s interviews.”
Letting out a smile to let her husband know she’s only partially kidding, Walter responds, “Well, you’re welcome. I guess I will be using your office today, then.”
“And I am sure it will meet every single need you could possibly need it to,” Grace responds.
As Walter exits the office, Grace pages Poppy to begin sending in the applicants, one at a night. Moving through them, interview by interview, time has ultimately gone by for nearly two-hours.
Pressing the intercom, Grace orders, “Poppy, please send the next applicant in.” “Yes, ma’am,” Poppy responds, gesturing for the next applicant to enter.
As the office door opens, a blonde woman walks into the office, and closes the door. Approaching the desk, Grace welcomes, “Good afternoon. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Shaking hands, Grace gestures, “And do you have your CV handy?”
As the blonde woman hands Grace her CV, she takes it, nodding in thanks, and begins to look it over, suggesting the woman take seat.
JOHNSON ESTATE
ALGONQUIN, LIBERTY CITY, NEW YORK, 01948
Logan Johnson walks into her living parlour and notices her daughter and grandson sitting together, enjoying some giggling between themselves. Letting out a satisfied smirk, Logan questions, “Well, what do we have here?”
Attempting to take a break from the laughing, Meredith responds, “Oh, nothing; SJ just told a very funny joke.” “Oh, and what’s the joke? Can Mimi know the joke?” Laughing through the moments, SJ jokes, “What do you call a fish wearing a bowtie?” “Oh, I don’t know, what?” “Sofishticated!”
Letting out a chuckle, Logan compliments, “Oh my, that is quite funny, isn’t it? Did you come up with that all on your own?” “Of course, Mimi! Of course I did,” SJ exclaims in his excitement. Letting out another few more chuckles, Logan agrees, “Of course you did. You’re so smart! Just like your mom!” “I know I am!”
As Logan and Meredith share a look of uncertainty, Logan remarks, “Self-confident, I see, as well.” “Ha ha,” Meredith mocks of her mother and son.
“Logan,” a distant feminine voice calls out from somewhere within the home. Responding a bit loudly, Logan calls, “In here!” Moments later, Logan notices her sister Donna walking towards them holding a floral arrangement of Orchids. “Oh Donna, what beautiful flowers,” Logan remarks. As Donna places the arrangement down on an empty spot on a table, she responds, “Yes, they absolutely are.” “Who got them for you?” “Oh, they aren’t for me, and I did not get them. They’re for you.”
Shocked and taken aback, Logan questions, “For me? My favourite flowers? Who could know this?”
“There’s a card,” Donna responds, taking the card out of its plastic holder and handing it to her sister. Opening the card, Logan’s face turns from interested to the slightest hint of hesitation. Deafened by her mother’s silence, Meredith questions, “Well, who’s it from?” “Yeah, Mimi,” SJ chimes in, “Who is it from?”
Snapping out of her hesitation, Logan turns to SJ, and responds, “Oh, you know, sweetheart, they’re from Mimi’s work.” “Oh,” SJ responds in a slightly disappointed tone. “Your work?” Meredith questions. “Oh yeah,” Logan assures. “The ladies at the office sent them to me. So sweet of them. I’ll have to remember to thank them tomorrow.”
Smiling at her family, Logan remarks, “Now, who’s ready for some yummy lunch?” “Yes!” SJ exclaims. “Alright, let’s go!”
Placing the card next to the flowers, Logan gathers her family as they head towards the kitchen to grab themselves some lunch.
EPILOGUE
Sitting at the Buzz Café with his brother, Dustin continues to drift off, thinking about the random blonde he met and ran into earlier. For some strange reason, the thought of her cannot escape his mind.
__________
Sitting at the hospital, Shirley, Sophie, Jamie, and Monica stand united as they gaze in upon Sarah holding Thomas’ hand, as she continues to hold a glimmer of hope her husband will wake up.
__________
Sitting in the kitchen, Logan enjoys a relaxing lunch with Donna, Meredith, and SJ. As they share smiles and laughs, the thought of the mysterious card she received earlier is no longer on the front of her mind.
Next to the Orchids, the opened note sits, reading: “I knew you’d love these. They’re your favourite. See you soon, XoXo”
__________
Sitting at her husband’s desk, Grace continues to look over the blonde’s CV. Placing it onto the desk, she remarks, “Well, you definitely hold the qualifications for this position. I mean, your experience speaks for itself. And I’ve met with several people who could also work in the position, but they don’t have the length of experience you have.”
“I can’t say for certain yet, as it’s a decision I need to discuss with my husband, but it’s safe to say I do believe the position would ultimately be yours,” Grace extends. “It’s been a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss…”
“Bradshaw,” the woman responds. “Jodi Bradshaw.”
Shaking Jodi’s hand, Grace concludes, “Well, Ms Bradshaw, I will be in touch very, very soon.”
Smiling, Jodi collects her belongings and exits the office. Standing for a few brief moments, she lets out the slightest bit of a smirk, puts her sunglasses on, and sways out of the office, confident of her future.