Babalu

"Sometimes I think, what the f*** have I done?"

Content warning: This series addresses sensitive topics such as self-harm and suicide. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please visit 988lifeline.org for resources and support. You are not alone.

Thank you so much for being a part of our journey for season one. If you enjoyed Babalu, please consider leaving us a rating and review, sharing our show with someone you think will love it too, or visiting uneasytiger.com/support to shop our merch or to make a donation. All contributions will go towards the production of season two.

Created, written, and produced by Kimberly Truong. Directed by Katharine Chen Lerner. Sound design, editing and mixing by Charles Moody.

With performances by: Christine Liao, Molly Ragen, Eileen Hsi, Heather Woodward, Adam Bozarth, Amber Steigelfest, Joseph Lopez, Matthew Kimbrough, Jackie Aubel, Julianne Kolb, Mark Morante, Preston Geer, PJ McCormick, Vee Kumari, Katharine Chen Lerner, James Donahower, and Kimberly Truong.

Series theme music by Edith Mudge. Additional music by Manish Ayachit, James Donahower, and Molly Gunner. Artwork by Gabi Hawkins. Logo by Alex Bruno.

>>> Listen to this episode's companion mixtape playlist on Spotify <<<

Love our show? Leave us a rating/review. Want to support our series? Visit uneasytiger.com or buy us a coffee.

Many thanks to Liesl Lafferty and the Firecracker Department for their script notes and support.

A very special thanks to our astounding supporters and Kickstarter backers: Hillary and the Boys, Katie McCuen, Jennifer Waller Mottram, Mari Meyer, Maria Photinakis, rawmethodz, Rule of III, Inc., Sara, Christine Chapman, Erik Woestehoff, Chriselle Almeida, Jessica Grace, Karen Wang, Andrew Marquardt, h c, Senisan, India, DJ Sutherland, David Glasser, Amanda Elizabeth Hillsberg, Marc Nardoni, Elli, Shukri R. Abdi, Laura Michels, Mel Hartman, Olivia Gibson, Bruce Alexander Marshall, Brandon Beardsley, Kyle Kasabian, Joshua Murphy, Santosh Reddy, Matthew Rolnick, Emily Bolt, Erik von Geldern, Creative Capital x Skoll Creator Fund, Monica Szabo, Steve Mahoney, Christina Lim, Treena Landers, Jessica Coyle, Benjamin Caldwell, Anna T, Maxim Weinstein, Christina Nanos, Sheyla Ruiz, Brian Galgano, Christopher Carfi, Richard Sands, Meredith Eaton, James Coulter, Doug Aamoth, Elizabeth, Cruz Flores, Zoe Beath, Benjamin-Shalom Rodriguez, Rachel, Jacquis Neal, Amanda Spitulnik, Allison Koehler, Alex Bruno, Julianne Kolb, Cloudy, Matthew Frost, Nelinda Palomino, Nahreen Tarzi, Natalie Firstenberg, Tsailingm, John Greiner-Ferris, V.E., Anna Brading, David A. Spiro, Jack Jacobs, Ryan Tuttle, Lori Veigle, Todd Cadley, Hops Caster, Priya Chadha, Emily St. James, Ruby Marez, Serenity Westfield, Michelle Viray, Yeon Thomas, Jing Jing, donna y, Lillie Haddican, Jonathan, and Leslie Joyce. 
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Creators and Guests

Producer
Kimberly Truong
Executive Producer & Writer, Uneasy Tiger

What is Babalu?

Sherry Zhang committed suicide in 1989. When she died, she left behind a baby daughter and unbeknownst to her family, dozens of cassette tapes recording her innermost thoughts. Years later, Luisa, the child Sherry left behind, learns about these tapes and decides to finally get to know the mother she lost through her own words. But the more she listens, the more questions she has.

*Official Selection 2023 Rhode Island International Film Festival*

To learn how to support our series, visit uneasytiger.com

Opening: The following series
addresses sensitive topics

including self harm and suicide.
Listener discretion is advised.

Uneasy Tiger: Uneasy Tiger.

Sherry: Alright, folks. I am
blowing this popsicle stand.

Angela: Good night, Sherry.

Sherry: Good night, Angela.

Rick: Not

Rick: a bad night.

Sherry: Oh?

Rick: Now don't spend it all on
one place.

Sherry: A thousand dollars in
tips? Not a bad night at all,

Rick.

Rick: Good night, Sherry.

Sherry: Yep.

See you tomorrow. Yeesh, it's
cold.

Car Salesman: Who needs cash?

Sherry: I mean, I could always
use more.

Car Salesman: Exit the five at
Sepulveda Boulevard.

Sherry: Okay. Shit. Where's my
car? I could have sworn I parked

here.

There you are.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

Sexy Woman: Call 555

Sherry: Please. Hand, stop
shaking.

Distorted Voice:
Get wild... You're going to die...

Sherry: It's okay.

I'm okay.

God, I hate this apartment.

My sweet girl, I hope you're
having sweet dreams unlike mama.

Please, brain, no more
nightmares.

I'm awake.

I'm awake. Mama's here. She's
coming.

Good morning to you too.

Oh, shit.

Babalu, why'd you let me sleep
in? Yeah. You did. Don't you

know mama's got her exams today?

You didn't. Well, shoot. Yeah? I
know I'm wasting even more time

standing around talking about
it.

Hot.

Sherry: [singing] She drives me
crazy

Sherry: like no one else.

Sherry: I can't help myself.

Sherry: Luisa, how's your
breakfast coming along? Yeah?

Looks like most of it is on your
face than in your mouth, baby

girl. Come on. Just a few more
bites, and we're done.

Come on. There you go. Ugh. This
coffee sucks. Okay.

One more bite, Babalu. No? No
more? All done? Okay.

This delicious meat mush puree
is going away then.

Babalu! The coffee wasn't that
bad. Now who's gonna clean this

up? Yeah.

Let's worry about it later.

News Radio Host: The LAUSD
Teachers Union continues its

strike, and a brutal attack on a
San Gabriel family has left

three dead and one in critical
condition. Police are asking the

public--

Younger Patti: You're late.

Sherry: I know I'm late.

I'm sorry.

Younger Patti: Same time
tonight?

Sherry: What's today?

Younger Patti: Tuesday. Oh,
hello, my Lulu.

Sherry: Tuesday. Yes. I close
tonight.

Younger Patti: Okay. Auntie and
uncle will take good care of

Lulu.

Younger Jim: Oh, hey, Sher.

Sherry: Hey, Jim.

Younger Jim: Stay for a cup of
coffee?

Sherry: I can't. I'm already
running late, but thanks.

Younger Jim: Yeah. Sure.

Sherry: Mama has to go now.
Okay? But I'll see you later, my

sweet girl.

Younger Jim: See you, Sher.

Sherry: Yep. Later.

Younger Patti: Okay. Bye, mommy.

Sherry: Bye, Babalu.

Okay. Frontal lobe is
responsible for, where did I

write that one down? Yes. The
frontal lobe is... Yes. I know

it.

Sherry: Jesus fucking Christ.
The light just turned green.

Angry Driver: Learn how to drive
you dumb bitch.

Sherry: Yeah. Yeah. Blow it out
your ass, you fucking

cocksucker.

Sherry: Okay. Where was I?
Frontal lobe.

Dr. Shanti: Glad you made it,
Ms. Zhang.

Sherry: Me too, Dr. Shanti. Me
too.

Dr. Shanti: Bring up your test
when you're done.

Younger Debra: Sher.

Sherry: Morning.

Younger Debra: Morning.

Here. Coffee.

Sherry: How on earth did you
know that?

Younger Debra: I had a feeling.

Dr. Shanti: Ladies, no talking.

Sherry: Hey. You okay?

Younger Debra: I'll tell you
later.

Sherry: Deb. Thank you.

Younger Debra: Of course.

Dr. Shanti: Ladies.

Sherry and Debra: Sorry.

Younger Debra: I know. Right?
Right? Full custody? As if! The

man can't even handle Max for a
day, an hour.

You know what makes me sad about
the whole thing is that deep

down, in the beginning, I knew
something was off with him.

Intuition. Woman's intuition.
And I ignored it, Sher. I

ignored it.

And next thing I know, he's down
on one knee proposing to me,

telling me that I'm the love of
his life. And I just I just went

with it. Married him, had his
baby, and then everything

changed. Everything changed.

Sherry: Men are dicks.

Younger Debra: Men are dicks.

Sherry: Except for Max because,
you know, he's a toddler who's

not been ruined by misogyny.

Younger Debra: Oh, yeah.

Younger Debra: No. No. No. No.
No.

John may be a piece of shit, but
I will not let Max become his

father. It's my fault. I did
this to myself, to my child. I

put us in this position. I just
can't believe he would try

Younger Debra: to take Max from
me.

Sherry: He's not going to take
Max from you. And if he does,

we'll kill him. I'm kidding.
Kinda.

You know, I feel guilty too.
Sometimes I think, what the fuck

have I done to Luisa? I mean, I
know it's not the same situation

as yours, but she didn't ask for
any of this. You know? I made

the choices I made and what?

Now she has to suffer?

Younger Debra: Sher, you can't

talk like that.

Sherry: Neither can you.

Younger Debra: And Luisa isn't
suffering.

Sherry: Maybe not now.

Younger Debra: You're giving
Luisa a good life because it's a

life with you. Besides, to live
is to suffer. To survive is to

find meaning in the suffering.

Sherry: That philosophy class is
really doing a

Sherry: number on you.

Younger Debra: I think you'd
love it.

Sherry: Sitting around
questioning the meaning of life?

Sherry: I could teach that
class.

Younger Debra: No. I'm serious.
I it's rewiring my brain. I'm

looking at the world in a
different way.

You heard of the myth of
Sisyphus?

Sherry: Doesn't ring a bell.

Younger Debra: It's an essay by
this philosopher. I have it here

somewhere. Oh, it starts off a
tad dark, but stick with it. God

sakes, where did I put... okay.
I found it.

Give it a read. If you like it,
I've got more where that came

from.

Sherry: Mister Albert Camus?
Camus? Camus? Camus?

Younger Debra: Camus, I think.

Sherry: There is but one truly
serious philosophical problem,

and that is suicide. Ain't that
the truth?

Younger Debra: Like I said,

a tad dark, but worth the read.

Sherry: I mean, yeah. This does
sound interesting.

Younger Debra: I can't wait to
hear your thoughts.

Sherry: You never have to worry
about a shortage of thoughts

with me, Deb.

Younger Debra: This is why we
get on so well. Oh, hey. When

the semester is over, would you
have any interest in going on a

girls trip? Well, you know,
girls plus babies trip, but

somewhere within driving
distance maybe.

Sherry: Sure.

If if I can swing in.

Younger Debra: Nothing
expensive. I just want a change

of scenery for a few days. Maybe
a cheap motel in Palm Springs.

We could sit by

the pool or something.

That's if John doesn't ruin my
life between now and then.

Sherry: John will do no such
thing.

Younger Debra: He might.

Sherry: He might try. And if he
does, we'll move to plan b:

murdering him.

Younger Debra: Fucking men.

Sherry: Fucking men. Deb, you
will get through this.

Younger Debra: Yeah.

So will you.

Drunk Customer: See? This. That.
Communist. These Chinese kids.

Even they want freedom. Miss,
look at them. Everyone wants

freedom, even Chinese. Ain't
that right, miss? Miss?

Miss?

Sherry: Yes?

Drunk Customer: You see this?
Look up there on the news.

Thousands of student protesters
take the streets of Beijing.

Ain't that something?

Sherry: Sure is.

Drunk Customer: This is why
there's so many of you people

here because you don't want to
live commie. But now these

Chinese are taking back their
country. Hell yes.

Angela: Who the hell is this
moron?

Sherry: Do you think I know?

Angela: Is it me or is there a
bunch of newbies in tonight?

Sherry: Yeah. You're right.
Maybe we finally got raided by

Zagats.

Angela: As if. Are there a lot

of ties and polo shirts here?

Sherry: Yeah. I guess so.

Angela: Maybe this crowd will
actually tip.

Sherry: A girl can dream.

Drunk Customer: Everyone wants
freedom.

Sherry: I'm gonna have to cut
him off soon.

Drunk Customer: Miss, another.

Sherry: Wanna trade?

Angela: No. But I will for you.

Sherry: My angel.

Angela: Yeah. Yeah. Another
Coors?

Sherry: You doing alright? All
done?

Sherry: Rick, we need more
glasses. We need more clean

glasses.

Rick: Really?

Sherry: Yeah. You actually have
customers tonight.

Rick: Well, shit.

Drunk Customer: Imagine you
couldn't buy the car you wanted,

the house you wanted, the beer
you wanted.

Sherry: Still doing okay?

Sherry: Yeah? Good.

Lee: Excuse me. Miller Lite,
please?

Sherry: You got it.

Customer: Excuse me, miss.

Sherry: I'll be right with you.

Customer: Okay. But don't keep
me waiting.

Sherry: Ugh... bitch.

Customer: Hey. Is the service
normally this slow at what's

this place? Rick's Hideaway.
Sheesh. Can a girl get a drink

around here

or what?

Sherry: I said I'd be right with

Sam?

Sam: Took you long enough,
Sherry darling.

Sherry: Sorry. I didn't
recognize your... sorry, sir.

Are you all set?

Sam: Yeah. He's all set. I got
it, Lee.

Lee: You sure?

Sam: Yeah. I'll come find you
guys. So how the hell are you?

Sherry: I'm, you know, good.

Sam: I can't believe you're
here.

Sherry: I can't believe you're
here.

Sam: This is so crazy because I
was just thinking about you the

other day.

Sherry: Really?

Sam: Yes. I've missed you.

Sherry: I've missed you too.

Sam: What have you been up to
the last ten years? Has it

really been

that long? How's your sister?
Your dad? Sorry. You're working.

Sherry: No. No. It's okay. I'm
actually due for my break in a

few minutes. If you wanna catch
up.

Sam: I'd love that.

Sherry: Okay. Great.

Sam: Great.

Sherry: Do you want anything to
drink?

Sam: Oh, yes. A beer? Whatever
you've got.

Sherry: Coming right up.

Sam: They have these trade shows
all over.

Sherry: Trade shows just for
electronics?

Sam: Oh, it's a booming
business.

Sherry: And you go to these
trade shows

and show off your what?

Sam: Teleconferencing hardware.

Sherry: Teleconferencing
hardware.

Sam: These big name companies,
you know, they have these

offices all over the world. And
these offices have to

communicate with each other, but
it's expensive to fly around the

world. So instead, these
companies can host a

teleconference that lets
multiple locations meet via one

shared conference call that also
has a video. So people can see

their colleagues, like, in real
time.

Sherry: Astounding.

Sam: It's the future, baby.

Sherry: And your company pays
you to fly all over the world to

go to these trade shows?

Sam: Yep.

Sherry: How do I get into the
teleconferencing business?

Sam: Give up on any other hopes
and dreams you may have?

Sherry: Trust me. I know all
there is to know about giving up

on hopes and dreams.

Sam: Stop. You've had a rough
few years. Taking care of a

parent is no walk in the park,
and having to do that when

you're so young?

Sherry: Yeah.

Sam: I'm sorry.

Sherry: It's okay.

Sam: No. I I really am sorry.
Your dad was such a kind dude.

I'm sorry that I wasn't. I wish
I could have been there for you.

Sherry: Sam, you went off

to college on the other side of
the country, and of course, it

was gonna be hard for us to stay
in touch.

Sam: I did try though. Just stay
in touch.

Sherry: Sam, it's okay. I get
it. Life happens.

Sam: Yeah.

Sherry: So how was it going to
school in New York City?

Sam: Not gonna lie. Pretty
fucking great.

Sherry: Ugh.

Sherry: I knew you were gonna
say that.

Sam: I wish you could have been
out there too.

Sherry: Me too. Remember how you
were obsessed with Billy Joel?

Sam: Still am. Remember how you
were obsessed with Pink Floyd?

Sherry: No. No. I dug Pink
Floyd. You, my friend, were

obsessed with Billy Joel. I'm
pretty sure the only reason you

wanted to go to school in New
York was because of Billy Joel.

But there was this one album
that you played over and over.

Sherry: What was it called?

Sam: Oh, Turnstiles.

Sherry: Oh my god. Yes.

Sam: Man, whatever happened to
that eight track?

Sherry: I don't know, but it
took everything in me to not

toss it out of the car window.
Do you remember how obsessed you

were? For like two months when
you came to pick me up, I swear

every single morning you had New
York state of mind blaring from

the speakers.

Sam: Did I?

Sherry: Yes.

Sam: Well, I

guess I was in a New York state
of mind.

Sherry: So how's life in the Big
Apple? Fucking amazing?

Sam: It's whatever. I mean, yes.
It's New York. It's lively and

vibrant and diverse and
unpredictable, but it's also

expensive and dirty and smelly
and cramped and unpredictable.

Honestly, being back in town
these past few days got me

thinking just how much I miss it
here.

My family moved back to
Massachusetts a few years ago.

It's been a while since I've
been back here. I've gotten so

used to traveling for work that
it's become a bit boring for me,

you know. I mean, not boring per
se. When I first took this job,

I was so excited by the idea of
traveling for work, oh, look at

me.

I'm traveling for work like some
bigwig. But then, after a few

years, the shine just started to
wear off. So when my boss told

me that we had a trade show in
Pasadena of all places, I I

don't know. I was excited again.
But, yes, New York is fucking

amazing.

But there is something special
about LA. The sun hits

differently here.

Sherry: If you say so.

Sam: I'm serious.

Sherry: I'm sure you'll go back
and tell all your friends about

the exhilarating time you had in
Pasadena, California.

Sam: Correction. The
exhilarating time I had at

Rick's Hideaway in Pasadena,
California. Wait. Is that

Sherry: Who?

Sam: That guy in the red shirt.

Is that... do remember you that
dickwad in our English lit class

with Ms. Wright?

Sherry: Oh.

Sam: What's his name? DJ?

Sherry: Yeah. DJ.

Sam: Yes. Dickwad DJ. Is that
him?

Sherry: Oh, no.

That's not. I don't think that's
him.

Sam: No? Doesn't he look just
like him?

Sherry: Yeah. Actually. But no,
that's not him.

Sam: And I wonder what happened
to that jackass.

Sherry: I've actually seen him
around.

Sam: No way. Really?

Sherry: Yeah. We've run into
each other here and there.

Sam: No shit. What's he been up
to these days?

Sherry: Oh, he's still a dick,
but a rich dick. He took over

his dad's plumbing business.

Sam: Ugh. Asshole.

Sherry: Yeah. If you hang around
long enough, you'll see him.

Sam: What?

Sherry: His face is plastered
all over the vans for the

plumbing business.

Sam: You're kidding.

Sherry: Nope. It's like him and
his dad standing next to each

other, smiling like dopes, and
giving two thumbs up.

Sam: This is, like, the best
news I've ever heard.

Sherry: You're welcome.

Sam: Is he married? Yeah. I
think so.

Ugh. Who on earth would do such
a thing?

Sherry: Right.

Sam: I guess people can change.
Do they have kids?

Sherry: No. I I don't think so.

Sam: There is a god. Sorry. I
hated that guy.

Sherry: I remember.

Sam: Did I

ever tell you why?

Sherry: Something about a
basketball game.

Sam: Well, that's how it
started. I beat his ass in a

pickup game, and everyone in gym
class witnessed it and gave him

shit. So then he told everyone
that I was a dyke.

Sherry: Oh.

Sam: But everyone thought he was

a dickwad, so no one took him
seriously.

Sherry: Still, fucking dickwad
DJ.

Sam: It's fine. He was right. I
just wish he hadn't stolen my

thunder. I mean, to think I've
probably been with more women

than he has. Oh, god.

Sorry. I forgot that we haven't
talked in a decade. So I'm gay.

Sherry: I see. That's good. I I
mean, right? That's... you're

happy?

Sam: Wholeheartedly.

Sherry: Then I'm happy.

Sam: Be honest. You knew, didn't
you? Back in high school?

Sherry: I didn't know.

Did you?

Sam: Yeah. I knew. Didn't quite
accept it, but I knew. I hope

this news doesn't make you feel

Sherry: Oh, god. No. Please. I'm
just, I'm genuinely happy for

you. Really.

Not just for that. I mean, for
everything. You're inspiring,

Sam. You've always been.

Sam: Even though I was obsessed
with Billy Joel?

Sherry: Even though you were
obsessed with Billy Joel.

Sam: Sherry, I really did try to
keep in touch. I called and left

messages. I even mailed you a
few letters. I never heard back.

Sounds like you were going
through a lot then, so I don't

wanna make this about me, but
was it me?

Did I do something to make you

Sherry: No.

Not at all. I'm just not good at
you didn't do anything. Okay? I

really was going through a lot,
and you were always such a good

friend to me. And I hate that I
let things fall apart.

So I'm the one who's sorry, Sam.
I really have missed you.

Sam: Me too.

Woah.

Sherry: What?

Sam: Do you feel that too?

Sherry: What?

Sam: Like we've been here before
in this exact spot, speaking

these exact words to each other.

Do you believe in deja vu?

Angela: Hey, Sher. Sorry to
interrupt, but it's time

for my break.

Sherry: Oh, yes. I'll be right
there, Angela.

I guess I better get back to it.

Sam: Sherry, I I mean it. I
really have been thinking about

you.

I've

Sherry: been thinking about you
too, Sam. This is crazy. I was

literally just talking about you
to a friend.

Sam: Oh, about how fantastic I
am, of course?

Sherry: Yeah.

Something like that.

Sam: Sorry. I know you have to
get back, but I'm in town one

more night, and I'd love to see
you again.

Sherry: Me too. It's just I have
a kid, a baby girl.

Sam: Oh my god. Sherry, you're a
mom? Congrats.

Sherry: I know. Weird. Right?

Sam: No. Not at all. I'm just
surprised. Delightfully

surprised.

What's her name?

Sherry: Luisa.

Sam: Luisa. Oh, how sweet. And
are you, like, married?

Sherry: Oh, no. No. Me and

her dad don't. We're not
together. I'm I'm not seeing

anyone. Anyway, I just need to
ask my sister if she can watch

her.

Sam: Is that okay? I I don't
mind going over to your place

and just hanging.

Sherry: No. It should be fine. I
could probably use a night out

anyway.

Sam: Okay. Then it's a date.

Sherry: Yes. It's a date.

Rick, you don't have to keep
doing this.

Rick: Yes. I do. I should have
been doing this all along.

Sherry: I carry a pocket knife
on me now.

Rick: Oh, yeah? Quick. Show me.

Sherry: It's somewhere in here.

Rick: I'm gonna

go close-up the bar, drive home,
and be in bed by the time you

find that thing.

Sherry: Rick, I'm fine.

Rick: I'm fine too, Sher. Just
let me do this. Okay? Good day?

Sherry: Yeah. I think so.

Rick: You seem to be walking on
air tonight. Never seen you like

that before. You know the drill.
I'll wait.

Sherry: Thank you, Rick.

Rick: Good night, Sher.

Sherry: Good night, Rick.

Sherry: Knock knock. Look at
these sleepy pandas. Patti, it's

me.

Younger Patti: Oh, look at that
sleeping panda.

Sherry: How was she?

A little fussy, but I gave her
some stinky tofu, and that made

everything all better.

Auntie Patti fed you stinky
tofu? Lucky girl.

Younger Patti: I'll teach you
how to make it.

Sherry: Or you could just keep
making it for me.

Younger Patti: You hungry?

Sherry: No. I'm okay.

Younger Patti: Come eat. How was
your exam? I think it went well.

Yeah.

Sherry: So far so good. I'm
looking forward to picking out

classes for next semester. It's
nice being able to think and use

my brain for once.

Younger Patti: Are you thinking
about work? What kind of career

you could have?

Sherry: Patti, I haven't even
finished my first semester.

Younger Patti: That's why you're
in school, to get a better job.

You have a daughter to take care
of.

Sherry: I know that.

Younger Patti: There's no future
working at a bar, Sherry.

Sherry: I'm aware.

Younger Patti: Working so late
into the night. You know, it's

not safe.

Sherry: Trust me.

I know.

Younger Patti: Jim's friend,
Dmitry. You remember him?

Sherry: Vaguely.

Younger Patti: Dmitry work at
insurance company and makes good

money.

Maybe they're hiring.

Sherry: Sure.

Younger Patti: I'll ask Jim to
ask Dmitry. Eat.

Sherry: Hey, Patti.

Do you believe in deja vu?
What's that? It's like a feeling

you get when you're doing
something and suddenly it's as

if you've done this exact thing
before. Like, you've lived this

moment before, so it feels like
a memory, but it can't be a

memory because you're
experiencing it now for the

first time.

Younger Patti: What?

Sherry: No. It's just a... don't
worry about it. Hey. Tomorrow,

would you mind taking Babalu for
the night?

Rick asked if I could close,
I've got a lot of homework I

need to finish. So

Younger Patti: This is exactly
why you need a better job. But,

yes, that's okay. We love having
Lulu.

Sherry: Thanks.

Goodnight, Babalu.

DJ: Hey. I'm not a monster, you
know. I just of course, I wanna

see her. I want to see you too.
It's never a question about

want.

Okay? Are you are you just never
gonna pick up my calls ever

again? I'd really like to figure
this out. Can you call me

tomorrow around noon at work?
I'll be sure to be by the phone.

I'll pick up, unlike you.

Sherry: Figure this out? What is
there to figure out? Dickwad.

Shit. Not again.

Sherry: Are you fucking kidding
me? Leaking? Again? God.

Sherry: This place is a fucking
shithole.

Sherry: Sweet Babalu, sleeping
peacefully through mama's

conniptions. Whatever. I'll
clean that up tomorrow.

This is the stuff.

Distorted Voice: Go to sleep.

Sherry: Hello?

Hello? I think I'm losing my
marbles, baby girl.

Yep. The pipe's broken, again.
I'm home right now if he can

come over and look at it.

Sherry: I'll see. Guys, Luisa,
shh. Okay, but

Sherry: I can't use my sink
until it's fixed.

Landlord: I'll see when when he
can come by. You're free the

rest of the day?

Sherry: No. I'm not free the
rest of the day. I have plans.

Landlord: Then it'll probably be
tomorrow.

Sherry: Harry, I have a kid. I
need my sink fixed.

Landlord: I'll see what he can
come by.

Sherry: Shit head.

I know.

Mama said a bad word. So sorry.
Okay. What do we what do we got

on the docket?

Read chapter eight, answer
questions on page two thirty

nine. Chapter eight, chapter
eight. Alright. What would my

Babalu rather do?

Playground Mom: Kyle?

Kyle, get down from there. Get
get down. Get down from get

down. Get down from here.

Sherry: You like walking through
the park, Babalu?

Yeah? So much happening. One
day, you'll be big enough to

play here.

Playground Mom: Kyle? Kyle?

Sherry: You gonna be a little
terror like Kyle?

Playground Mom: Kyle, you

Sherry: Yeah? Well, I appreciate
your honesty. Wanna sit and

watch the kiddos play for a bit?
Babalu?

Yeah.

Sherry: You're mesmerized. This
is nice, baby girl. Yeah.

Sherry: Oh,

what do we have here? Madonna,
Milli Vanilli. You're not

getting me in trouble today. Oh,
New Order. Yes.

Shall we go inside and have a
closer look, Babalu? Yes. We

shall.

Music Store Clerk: Need help
finding anything?

Sherry: No.

I found what I came in for.

Music Store Clerk: Technique.
Solid choice. Definitely New

Order's most underrated album,
but still a fantastic one.

Screaming trees.

Music Store Clerk: Delightful.
Oh, you like Screaming Trees?

Sherry: No. I never heard of
them, but I like the name.

Music Store Clerk: You strike me
as the

Uneasy Tiger: kind of woman who
has great taste in music.

Sherry: I am.

Music Store Clerk: Then check
them out. I think you like their

sound.

Sherry: Alright.

Screaming trees it is.

Music Store Clerk: Let me know
if I

can find anything else for you.

Sherry: Thanks. Actually, yes.
Could you help me find an older

album?

Music Store Clerk: Sure thing.
What you're looking for?

Sherry: Billy Joel, turnstiles.
I don't know about this outfit.

What do you think? You love it?
You hate it?

I know mama looks weird all
pristine up. God. What am I

doing? Crap. We gotta go.

Mama's taking you over to auntie
and uncle's. Okay? Because

mama's gonna hang out with her
friend. Okay? Okay.

Uh-oh. Babalu, where did mama
put the Billy Joel tape? Yes.

It's already in my purse. I
know.

You're the brains of this
operation.

Younger Jim: Hey, you two.

Sherry: Hey, Jim. Did Patti tell
you that

Younger Jim: Yep.

Yep. Yep.

Sherry: Is she here?

Younger Jim: Nope. She's out
running errands. You look nice.

Are you going out?

Sherry: I don't

always dress like a slob, Jim.

Younger Jim: I know. I'm just
pointing out how nice you look

today.

Sherry: Thank you.

Younger Jim: Here, can I?

Sherry: Oh, sure.

Younger Jim: Hi, girl.

I like that hat. Yes, it looks
good on you.

Sherry: She keeps taking it off
and tossing it into the air.

Don't you, Luisa.

Younger Jim: Oh, is that right,
Luisa?

Sherry: A real Mary Tyler Moore
over here.

Younger Jim: Well, that ain't so
bad. Right.

Sherry: At least one of us is a
career woman. You're gonna make

it after all. Huh, Babalu?

Younger Jim: So Patti tells me
that you're interested in a job

at my buddy's insurance company?

Sherry: Oh, no. I'm not
interested in that at all, but

but thank you.

Younger Jim: Well, if you need
anything, you just let me know.

Yeah?

Sherry: Yeah. Thanks, Jim.

Younger Jim: Well well, I don't
wanna keep you and

Sherry: Yeah.

I should head out.

Bye, sweet thing.

Younger Jim: Say bye, mama. Bye,
mama.

Sherry: Bye.

Is this it?

Everything's fine. Everything's
fine.

Valet: Good evening, ma'am.
Dropping off?

Sherry: No. Picking up. My
friend, I'm early.

Valet: Quite alright. You can
pull your car off to the right

there, and I'll have the front
desk let your friend know that

you're here.

Sherry: Oh, sure.

Valet: What's the guest's name?

Sherry: It's... Patti... Patti
Hillman.

Valet: Patti Hillman. Got it.
Now I'll go alert the front

desk.

Sam: Sherry, it's Sam. Did we
say 07:00? I thought we did.

Anyway, I'm here in the lobby.
You're probably stuck in traffic

or something.

I'll see you soon. Hey, it's me
again. Not sure if maybe you

went to the wrong hotel. I'm at
the Hilton on Las Robles. If you

get this, call me at the hotel.

It's 577-1000. It's Sherry.
Leave a message. So now I'm

worried. When you get this, can
you just please call me and let

me know that you're Did I do
something?

I'm sorry if I Okay, listen.
It's okay, Sherry. Whatever this

is, it's okay. If you're not
feeling like it's okay, I'll

understand, but all I ask is
that you just like tell me

you're not in a ditch somewhere
and that you're okay. I don't

care, just like call the hotel,
leave a message with the front

desk, whatever.

Please let me know. Bye, Sherry.

Sherry: What is wrong with me?

Sherry: The simplest of things
are very hard for me, I'm

learning. Things that come so
naturally to others, I really

struggle with, like having a
conversation with a friend,

having a friend, being a friend,
being honest. I called the hotel

and actually spoke to Sam. Told
her some sob story that I broke

down on the side of the road and
couldn't get anyone to help me.

I don't think she believed it.
I've never been good at lying.

She said she'd call me if she's
ever back in town, but she's not

a good liar either. DJ once told
me that I wasn't equipped to

love anyone, but I don't think
that's it. I know that I have a

tendency to mess things up, but
I don't want to.

I don't want to be this person.
That must mean something. Right?

Shit. Who is it?

Derrick: Derrick. Maintenance.

Sherry: Oh, right.

Derrick: Same pipe leaking
again?

Sherry: Yep.

Credits: Alright.

Derrick: Let's have a look.

Sherry: Sorry for the mess.

Derrick: Oh, it's fine. It's
fine. I've seen much worse.

Sherry: Oh, shit.

Derrick: What?

Sherry: Nothing. I just forgot
something.

Derrick: Babalu was created,
written, and produced by me,

Kimberly Truong. Directed by
Katharine Chen Lerner. Sound

design, editing, and mixing by
Charles Moody. With performances

by Christine Liao, Molly Ragen,
Eileen Hsi, Heather Woodward,

Adam Bozarth, Amber Steigelfest,
Joseph Lopez, Matthew Kimbrough,

Jackie Aubel, Julianne Kolb,
Mark Morante, Preston Geer, PJ

McCormick, Vee Kumari, Katharine
Chen Lerner, James Donahower,

and Kimberly Truong.

Credits: Theme music by Edith
Mudge.

Additional music by Manish
Ayachit, James Donahower, and

Molly Gunner. Studio recording
by Parker Silzer and David

Stern. Artwork by Gabi Hawkins.
Logo by Alex Bruno. A very

special thank you to Liesl
Lafferty an the Firecracker

Department.

Mari Meyer, Peter Byrnes,
Victoria LaVilla, Brandon

Beardsley, Hillary and the boys,
Katie McCuen, and our incredible

Kickstarter backers. Babalu is a
production of Uneasy Tiger.

Thank you so much for being a
part of our journey for season

one. If you enjoyed Babalu,
please consider leaving us a

rating and review, sharing our
show with someone you think will

love it too, or by visiting
uneasytiger.com/support to shop

our merch or to make a donation.
All contributions will go

towards the production of season
two.

If you or someone you know is
struggling with suicidal

thoughts, please dial 988 or
visit 988lifeline.org for

resources and support.