"Around the Fire" > Group Session

Cut to: Simon in rehab.

Kate (to Joe): I want you to put your hands face down on your knees, be quiet and listen. Don't make any gestures or respond to anything at all.

Simon is sitting in a chair behind Joe.

Kate: Simon, tell Joe what you think of him.

Joe (turns around and looks at Simon): What did you say to her?

Simon (shakes his head): I didn't tell her anything

Kate (to Joe): Just shut up and put your hands on your knees.

Joe stops looking at Simon and faces forward toward Kate.

Kate (to Simon): Go ahead. You think he's gonna make it out there?

Simon: Kate, I don't wanna do this.

Kate: Simon I want you to look at Joe and find the courage to tell him what you see because I don't know if he's got the ability to see that for himself.

Simon (pauses, looks down): Okay. Joe if you believe everyone thinks things are okay, everything's gonna be cool. It's like you told me you're only in here cause you got caught and if you didn't get caught there wouldn't be a problem. You know you're supposed to be in here for your wife and for your kids and for your family and so forth, but ya know what about you? Aren't you tired of living for other people? I am.

Joe looks like he's about to cry.

Simon: You're not gonna get any fuckin relief until you learn to deal with your own shit, plain and simple.

Simon puts his head down and Kate smiles.

Cut to: Young Simon, with his thumb in his mouth, walking down the hallway at home, he's hearing noises and the noises are getting louder.

Back 12.31.2007.