Filmmaker Oran Franco tells the story about Alex, a man who struggles to grant his dying mom’s final wish.
Elizabeth struggles to open a child-proof bottle. Her son Alex does it for her and pours it in a bowl. She complains about the pills. He encourages her, saying she’s doing well.
Then, she puts a plastic bag over her head. He watches her as she breathes in and out, a half-hearted attempt at committing suicide.
Elizabeth says there must be a better way. He suggests the treatment, then kisses her and goes home to his family.
His wife Joanne asks how his meeting went. He’s lied to his family. Joanne suggests they see more of his mom — she doesn’t like the thought of her being on her own.
Alex waits outside the clinic and ambushes Dr. Ivanov, who asks to be left alone — he can’t help. Alex begs him for a minute and they get into Dr. Ivanov’s car. As they drive, he tells Alex he can’t do this. Suddenly, he stops on the side of the road.
Dr. Ivanov says his mom has options. As unpleasant as they seem, he advised her to take them. But Alex pushes, asking him for nembutal, a drug that’ll help his mom kill herself peacefully.
Dr. Ivanov says he’s not a charity — and definitely not a drug dealer. He tells Alex says he can’t help him.
As Alex leaves, Dr. Ivanov says if he wants the nembutal, it’s in front of him. Suddenly, Alex realizes he’s at the vet.
The next day, he takes his dog to the clinic. He tells Dr. Stephens the dog bit his daughter unprovoked and he’d like to put him down. He signs the consent form.
As the vet gets the drugs, she begins to explain the euthanasia process. Alex tells her that he’d like a minute with the dog. When she leaves, he grabs the bottle, but struggles with the idea of taking it. He decides against it and runs out with the dog.
Later that evening, the family comes to visit Elizabeth. As everyone talk over dinner, Alex eats in silence.
Everyone finishes and leaves and Alex stays to help clean up. He sits with his mom in the bedroom, then he begins to break down in tears. His mom tries to comfort him, saying it’ll be all right. Then, she tells him to go home — she doesn’t want his wife to worry.
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Have you read the original anthology that was the catalyst for The Good Men Project? Buy here: The Good Men Project: Real Stories from the Front Lines of Modern Manhood
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