The Letter Writer

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1

[instrumental music]

TEACHER:
When a is less than zero

and b is greater than one

y equals ab to the x power.

This models negative exponential growth...

[dripping]

[tapping]

[rhythmic noises]

[chanting "Maggy!"]

TEACHER:
Maggy.

- KIMMY:
(whispers) Maggy!

- TEACHER:
Maggy.

- KIMMY:
Maggy.

[laughter]

Imagine two transformations

take place at the same point,

a translation and a reflection...

Your daughter's performance has decreased

in the last few weeks.

We're concerned about her lack of focus.

This is the third time

she's fallen asleep in class.

You know, Maggy, you're

selfish and unreliable.

You're just like your father.

All you ever do is complain!

That's the only thing

you ever say, Mom.

You only see the bad in me.

Listen to me.

If your grades don't improve,

and I mean immediately,

you can forget about the band.

Do you hear me?

You can't do that, Mom.

That's the only thing I have,

the only thing I'm good at!

You have a choice to make, Maggy.

And I mean it.

[instrumental music]

Hi, Maggy.

Hey big fella, how are you?

Good.

Are you sad?

No, no. I'm actually really happy

to see you, Michael.

I got a few new ones.

Wanna play?

Sure, what you got?

[rock music playing]

MOM:
(knocks on door)

Turn it down!

[rock music playing]

[music faintly playing]

Bring down the house,

you lost me in shadow

We're breathing it now,

run from the day glow...

[rock music]

[vocalizing]

[rock music]

Alright, I'm done for today.

Come on, let's play one more song.

We only have a week left.

I don't think we're ready

to do this show.

We have to start playing a real venue

at some point.

Yeah, but let's play

at a couple more parties first.

Might be less embarrassing.

What do you mean by embarrassing?

We're not that bad.

- Come on, Maggy.

- What?

I think we all know why

you are in the band.

I'd better get going, too.

What is his problem?

He's just jealous.

He'll get over it.

[instrumental music]

Is it true what Pete says?

What?

That I'm only in the band

because of you?

He didn't say that.

He doesn't like me and he doesn't think

that I can sing.

Maggy, just let it go.

You have a great voice.

Our music is just kind of different,

you know?

[instrumental music]

[knock on door]

Why aren't you up yet?

School starts in ten minutes.

Get up.

I can be ready in five minutes.

When will you learn to be

responsible, Maggy?

I forgot to set the alarm.

It's not a crime.

I hate math.

My mom's going to hate me.

That's the second test

I've flunked this year.

If you'd just listen to me,

you wouldn't have this problem.

My mom would kill me

if I got caught cheating.

Why would you get caught?

She wants you to get better grades, right?

Oh hey, this will cheer you up.

Tickets are 20 bucks,

but it's totally worth it.

You have to come.

You can bring Jay if you want.

I know the guitarist, so we can go backstage

and hang out with the band.

I bet they'll have great advice for you.

That'd be so cool.

Fred said they're about to sign with

a major label and go on a national tour.

You should really get to know them.

Yeah, thank you, Kimmy.

You're the best.

What are friends for?

See you tomorrow.

[instrumental music]

SAM:
"My dearest Maggy, I hope this letter

finds you in good health.

I've wanted to write you for a long time.

I'm old now, and I wonder what has

happened to you over the years.

I hope you appreciate your life

and the source from which it springs.

Always remember that you

are beautiful and gracious

and that you are here for a unique purpose.

I know life can be difficult.

It is easy to lose sight of the things

that really matter.

But I trust that deep inside,

you know what is precious in your life.

Remember to do at least one thing every day

that gives purpose to your existence...

[instrumental music]

"Look around for the hidden messages

of beauty and truth.

You can find them in every tree,

every flower, every human being.

We are all connected,

and long for each other's encouragement,

understanding, and love.

"I hope you know

that you are deeply loved.

There are many who look up to you and find

in you an example that inspires and uplifts."

What do you say to that?

I know. Who writes like this?

No, it can't be someone from our school.

It's definitely an old person's handwriting.

It's signed by someone named Sam.

(door shuts)

Oh, my mom just got home.

Gotta go, bye.

"Thank you for being such

a good person.

Ever since you were little,

you were off to great things.

Your parents always knew you had

a special spirit about you.

You have the gift of making other people

feel good about themselves,

of being kind and thoughtful.

May the Lord bless you always,

your friend Sam."

There's no address, but it says here

his last name is Worthington.

Sam Worthington.

MOM:
Sam Worthington?

I have no idea who that is, Maggy.

But you must know him, Mom, please?

He must be a relative or an old friend?

If anything, I guess this could be

a distant cousin,

or maybe somebody from

your dad's family.

I wish I could help you, honey,

I just, I honestly don't recall

anyone with that name.

I have to go.

See you later.

[instrumental music]

GUY:
Maybe it's a prank.

A prank?

But it's totally sweet, like, from the heart.

Like I'm the greatest person

in the world.

That is weird.

Maybe it's a sweet prank.

Who would even do that?

KIMMY:
Hey, you guys made it.

Come with me.

[music playing]

- KIMMY:
Hey, Fred.

- Hey.

So, this is Maggy and Jay

from the new band The Threshold

I've been telling you about.

FRED:
Hi, thanks for coming out

to the show tonight.

Yeah, we're really excited

to see you guys.

We've heard a lot of good things

about you.

Yeah, very excited.

You guys are great.

Thanks. We're excited to play.

[music playing]

- KIMMY:
Hey, I've got a question for you.

- FRED:
Sure.

What would they have to do

to be your opening act

or play in a venue like this?

Uh, well, you could record a demo,

just a few songs.

Play some parties, some small shows,

and just work your way up.

Yeah, they are really good.

- Jay's awesome on the guitar.

- Oh yeah?

You should hear his sound.

Play something, Jay.

- It's okay.

- KIMMY:
Come on.

Here, you can use this.

We're not on for another half hour.

[playing guitar]

What do you play, Maggy?

- Nothing, I'm...

- She has a fantastic voice.

You should hear her.

[guitar strumming]

Sing, Maggy.

No, it's okay.

[strumming guitar]

[rock music]

MICHAEL:
(coughing)

Mom?

[Michael coughing]

[instrumental music]

[crowd clapping, cheering]

[rock music]

[applause]

[school bell rings]

How'd you do?

Well enough.

You could have, too.

I don't know why I'm such a loser.

Hey, remember, "You are an example

that inspires and uplifts."

I still have no idea who wrote that letter.

I might go visit my dad today.

I thought you were done with him.

I am, kind of, but he might know

who this Sam is.

Good luck with that.

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