Before I Disappear

Richie is engulfed in a whirlwind of stress as he battles lingering feelings for his girlfriend, Vista, and experiences the bitterness of joblessness. His mental state is further compromised by his relentless drug use, leading him to confront the grim reality of potentially facing his last day due to financial despair.

In the midst of his turmoil, Richie's estranged sister, Maggie, reaches out to him for the first time in five years. She urgently requests him to pick up her daughter, Sophia, from school, forcing Richie to reluctantly agree to help despite their fractured relationship.

Upon arriving at the school, Richie is met with Sophia's detached demeanor, which does not bode well for their reconnection. Their brief and awkward exchange highlights the emotional distance between them, leaving Richie uneasy as they leave together.

After leaving the school, Richie discovers that instead of his usual drugs, his friend mistakenly provided him with menopausal medication. This shocking turn of events poses another layer of distress, compounding his already precarious situation.

Maggie calls Richie back, furious that he left Sophia unattended. Confronted by his poor choices, Richie feels compelled to return to Maggie's apartment to collect Sophia, who is now distressed over her mother's emotional breakdown.

Richie attempts to bond with Sophia by reminiscing about his creative past, sharing tales of how he once drew cartoons for flip books, particularly a character named Sophia that Maggie loved. However, his drug-induced haze hampers his ability to connect authentically.

Instead of taking Sophia home, Richie chooses a detour to a bowling alley, where he hopes to create a fun experience. However, he soon realizes that Sophia would rather focus on her homework than join in their games, showcasing the disconnect between them.

While at the bowling alley, Richie meets Gideon, the alley’s owner, who asks about his own daughter. This interaction prompts Richie to reflect on his own failures as a family member, highlighting his struggle to articulate the truth.

Seeking familiarity, Richie takes Sophia to his old apartment to retrieve his flip books. The visit, however, results in distress for Sophia, though she is calmed by the sight of the flip book, revealing a shared nostalgia and connection.

As the day progresses, Richie's drug issues lead to a health crisis when he unexpectedly begins to bleed. This alarming incident prompts Sophia to instinctively rush to his side, showcasing her growing concern and deepening bond with her uncle.

Richie takes the opportunity to explain the strained relationship he has with Sophia's mother, Maggie. He shares his feelings of regret and the emotional burdens he carries, helping Sophia gain insight into their family complexities.

As they try to return to Maggie's place, they are stopped by security due to Richie's previous disruption. This added obstacle serves as a poignant reminder of the turmoil affecting their day and the underlying chaos in Richie's life.

Ultimately, Richie decides to confront Gideon to confess the truth about his chaotic day and the challenges he faced with Sophia. This moment of honesty reveals Richie's struggle to cope with reality amidst the shadows of his past.

As Richie processes his tumultuous experiences, he is haunted by visions of Vista, illustrating his longing and unresolved feelings. This inner turmoil complicates his attempts to move forward and reconcile his relationships.

The chaotic day concludes with Richie and Sophia both trying to navigate through a maze of family complications and emotional turmoil. Together, they face the realities of their relationship and the challenges of their lives, searching for understanding and connection.