The Road to Tender Hearts

“Day 1, Tuesday”

As PJ loads the car, he realizes he’s still wearing Kate’s softball hat. He recalls fond memories of attending her games and wonders if Ollie and Luna enjoy playing ball as well. He fantasizes about starting a new life in Arizona with Michelle, where they will raise the children together. Sophie’s presence confuses and irritates Luna. PJ explains that Sophie is the driver because he is in recovery from alcohol use disorder. Sophie thinks about her diagnosis of clinical depression and considers her choice to accompany her father an example of her therapist’s recommendation that she not let depression control her life.

PJ gives the children new iPads and headphones. Ollie asks if he is “rich,” and Sophie explains that he won the lottery. This news excites Ollie, and he asks if they can stay in a fancy hotel and order room service. Luna wants a hotel with a pool, but PJ says no to any hotel with a pool. Sophie reminds him that Kate didn’t drown in a pool, and PJ shares with the children about Kate’s death, what he calls “[…] the greatest