What Do You Want Most for Me?
Dreams & Aspirations
Episode 11: What Do You Want Most for Me?
Dreams & Aspirations • Age 14
1
Daughter
Dad, what do you want most for me?
Dad
Wow. That's... that's a big question.
Daughter
I'm serious. Like, when you think about my future, what do you hope for?
Dad
Can I think about it for a minute?
Daughter
Take your time.
Scene: Rooftop, nighttime. They're lying on blankets, looking at stars.
2
Dad
When you were born, I held you for the first time...
Daughter
Yeah?
Dad
You were so tiny. And I thought, 'I want her to be happy.'
Daughter
That's it?
Dad
I thought that was everything. But then you got older, and I realized happiness isn't enough.
Scene: Flashback: Young Dad in hospital, holding newborn daughter.
3
Dad
When you were three, you fell off the swing. You cried for like two seconds, then got right back on.
Daughter
I don't remember that.
Dad
I do. And I thought, 'I want her to be brave.'
Daughter
Brave?
Dad
But that wasn't enough either.
Scene: Flashback: Toddler daughter getting back on swing, determined.
4
Dad
When you were seven, you spent your birthday money on flowers for Mrs. Rodriguez.
Daughter
Her cat died.
Dad
And I thought, 'I want her to be kind.'
Daughter
But?
Dad
But that still wasn't the whole answer.
Scene: Flashback: Young daughter giving flowers to elderly neighbor.
5
Daughter
So what IS the answer?
Dad
I want you to be YOU.
Daughter
That's cheesy, Dad.
Dad
Maybe. But it's true.
Daughter
What does that even mean?
Scene: Back to present, Dad turning to look at daughter.
6
Dad
It means I don't want you to be what I think you should be. Or what society says. Or what anyone expects.
Daughter
But what if I don't know who I am yet?
Dad
Then I want you to have the freedom to figure it out.
Daughter
What if I mess up?
Dad
Then you mess up. And you learn. And you keep going.
Scene: Dad's face full of love and emotion.
7
Dad
Grandpa told me something when I was your age.
Daughter
What?
Dad
He said, 'I don't care if you're a doctor or a janitor. I care that you're good to people and true to yourself.'
Daughter
Did you believe him?
Dad
Not at first. I thought he was just being nice.
Scene: Dad looking up at the stars, remembering.
8
Dad
But then I got into law school. Everyone was so proud.
Daughter
You went to law school?
Dad
For one semester. I was miserable.
Daughter
So you quit?
Dad
I was terrified to. Everyone had such high expectations.
Scene: Flashback: Young Dad in law school, looking stressed and unhappy.
9
Dad
Grandpa asked me one question: 'Are you living your life or someone else's?'
Daughter
What did you say?
Dad
I cried. Because I knew the answer.
Daughter
So you quit?
Dad
I quit. And I've never regretted it.
Scene: Flashback: Grandpa and young Dad in serious conversation.
10
Dad
So when you ask what I want most for you...
Daughter
Yeah?
Dad
I want you to live YOUR life. Make YOUR choices. Even if I don't understand them.
Daughter
Even if I mess up?
Dad
Especially if you mess up. That's how you learn who you are.
Scene: Dad holding daughter's hand, both looking at stars.
He squeezes her hand, wishing he could freeze this moment forever. Wishing he had forever.
11
Daughter
What if... what if I disappoint you?
Dad
Impossible.
Daughter
Dad, I'm serious.
Dad
So am I. You could never disappoint me. As long as you're being true to yourself.
Daughter
Promise?
Dad
Promise.
Scene: Daughter has tears in her eyes.
12
Daughter
I love you, Dad.
Dad
I love you too. More than all the stars up there.
Daughter
That's a lot of stars.
Dad
Not even close to how much I love you.
Daughter
You're so cheesy.
Dad
Yeah. But you love it.
Scene: They hug under the stars, the world quiet and perfect.
He holds her tight, breathing in this moment, this perfect moment. Knowing that nothing lasts forever. Knowing that tomorrow isn't promised.