INT. JO AND LINK’S APARTMENT – EVENING

Link opens the door slowly, almost reverently.
Jo stands just behind him, watching him as he steps inside his home for the first time in nearly two months.

The apartment is a loving mess: toys everywhere, blankets thrown over the couch, half-built pillow forts, kids’ drawings taped crookedly on the walls.

On the sofa, Maureen and Eric are reading to Luna and Scout, who are curled into their grandparents’ sides.

For a moment, nobody notices Link.

Then Luna looks up.
Her eyes widen.

LUNA
Daddy!

SCOUT
Daddy!

Both kids slide off the couch and run toward him.

Link instinctively crouches — even though the movement hurts, and the kids crash into his arms.

LINK
(grinning, emotional)
Hi, monkeys!

He pulls them close with one arm, breathing them in like oxygen. 

Jo watches, deeply emotional, brushing one tear away quickly — then steadying herself.

LINK
(gentle)
Careful, careful… Daddy’s still a little hurt.

Luna touches the sling with careful fingers.

LUNA
Why do you still have this?
I thought you were healed.

LINK
I know, sweet pea.
Daddy’s shoulder still needs a little more time.

Scout wraps his little arms around Link’s neck.

SCOUT
I am so happy to see you Daddy.

Link squeezes both kids, voice breaking.

LINK
I missed you so much.

Behind them, Maureen and Eric stand. 

Maureen’s eyes shine — relief layered over something quieter, harder to name.

Link rises slowly, taking the kids’ hands in his good one, and walks toward his parents.

Maureen opens her arms and pulls him into a warm hug.

MAUREEN
I’m so glad you’re here.

LINK
(soft, sincere)
Me too, Mom.

They stay like that for a moment. Then Link turns to his dad. 

ERIC
Son…

LINK
Dad.

Eric pulls back just enough to look him in the eyes.

ERIC
Look at you… back where you belong. 

LINK
(smiles softly)
So good to be home.

Eric squeezes his good shoulder.
Everyone softens — eyes shiny, smiles trembling.
The fear has passed. The relief hasn’t.

Luna notices Jo brushing a tear, slips her small hand into hers.

Jo tries to lighten the room.

JO
Okay… so what were you guys doing?

MAUREEN
We were reading the little mouse story…
(smiles)
For the fifth time.

JO
Oh, I can relate.

MAUREEN
They were waiting for you for bedtime.

That lands.

Link looks around now — the chaos, the life that kept going without him.

LINK
(half-laugh, half-tease)
What happened here?

MAUREEN
We were… having fun.
(glances at Eric)
Your kids have a lot of energy…
But everything was under control.

ERIC
(smirking)
More or less.

Link shakes his head affectionately.

LINK
I don’t even know how to thank you both.

MAUREEN
Please. You don’t have to.

LINK
I mean it.
It meant the world to me.
And to Jo.

In the background, Jo straightens.

JO
Alright, kiddos. Bedtime.

LUNA
We want Daddy to read the story!

Jo looks at Link, playful but careful.

JO
You’re up!

Link laughs softly, touched.

LINK
Okay, okay. But first — brushing teeth.

JO
You need help upstairs? 
You’re not supposed to lift anything.

LINK
(smiles)
I’ll be fine.
(to kids)
Come on, say goodnight to Granny and Grandpa.

Luna and Scout hug Maureen and Eric tightly.

Link follows the kids upstairs, moving slowly, but with purpose.

Maureen watches the staircase after they disappear — just a beat too long.
Then she looks away.

As Jo turns back toward the living room, Maureen reaches down and straightens a blanket that’s already perfectly fine.

Eric quietly grabs his coat.

Maureen does the same — then pauses, hand still on the fabric.

A breath.

Then:

MAUREEN
(soft)
We’re gonna let you settle…
(find the words)
and find your footing.

Jo looks at her — surprised, grateful.

JO
Oh — you can stay for dinner if you want.

ERIC
You need rest tonight.

Jo hesitates, then nods.

JO
You sure?

MAUREEN
Absolutely.
(softening)
Do you need anything else before we go?

Jo steps forward and hugs Maureen.

JO
Thank you.
For everything.

Maureen holds her tight.

MAUREEN
You’ve been a rock, Jo.
(emotional)
I’m so grateful my son has you.

Jo pulls back, emotional.

JO
I couldn’t have done any of this without you both.
(beat)
You’re not going anywhere… right?

Maureen smiles — the truth in her eyes layered, unresolved.

MAUREEN
What kind of parents —
what kind of grandparents — 
would we be if we left when you need us the most?

Jo smiles, soft and touched.

JO
Thank you.

Eric kisses her cheek.

ERIC
Our Airbnb is just a few minutes away.
One call, and we’re here.

JO
Thank you.
I’m on leave tomorrow.
We haven’t planned anything yet but we’ll call you.

MAUREEN
We’d love that.
Goodnight, sweetie.
(then, gently)
Take care of my son.
And of yourselves.
Try to rest.

They leave quietly.
Jo stands in the now-peaceful apartment, hand on her belly, taking in the moment that felt impossible just days ago.

She sinks onto the couch, the moment the door closes — exhausted, relieved, overwhelmed.
Her whole body exhales.

Upstairs, faint laughter.
Downstairs, stillness.
Life is back.
And it’s already asking for more.

FADE OUT.