- Eric Matthews: Boy, you sure like to get a lot of information before you let somebody take a kid, huh?
- Mrs. Gallagher: Well, normally we just pull names out of a hat. But we really like Tommy. This is the background on the other couple interested in him.
- Eric Matthews: You're allowed to show me that?
- Mrs. Gallagher: No, I'm not. But in this case, you being the big brother and wanting what's best for Tommy, I think it'll be okay. Tommy's been here a long time, and we really care about him as much as you do. We wouldn't place him with just anybody.
- Eric Matthews: I know, but, I mean, come on, why do they have to live in California?
- Mrs. Gallagher: They used to live here in Philadelphia. That's when they adopted their first child from us. A little girl three years ago, Sara.
- Eric Matthews: Well, I mean, they can keep Sara. I don't have a problem with that.
- Mrs. Gallagher: We used to get lots of letters from Sara telling us how happy she was. Then we got fewer letters, and then they stopped coming.
- Eric Matthews: 'Cause she wasn't happy anymore.
- Mrs. Gallagher: 'Cause we weren't her family anymore, they are. As much as it hurts, we love it when the letters stop. Here's a note from her mother.
- Eric Matthews: [reading aloud] "Dear Mrs. Gallagher, here is Sara's third-grade picture. As you can see, she's growing into a beautiful young lady, and we never realized it was possible to love someone so much. The one thing that could make our family more complete would be a brother for Sara and a son for us. We can't stop thinking about Tommy and how happy we would all be together. Thank you so much for considering us."
- [to Mrs. Gallagher]
- Eric Matthews: I love Tommy, too.
- Mrs. Gallagher: I know. Now you just have to decide how much.
- Tommy: [Eric gets up and goes into another room where Tommy is waiting with his arms full of toys] Look, Dad, I packed all my stuff. I'm all ready to go. Isn't it cool the way I call you Dad?
- Eric Matthews: Yeah, Tommy. It's way cool.
- Tommy: Let's get out of here. Let's go. Come on. What?
- Eric Matthews: I can't be your dad, Tommy.
- Tommy: Why not?
- Eric Matthews: Come here. These people in California, they sound really nice.
- Tommy: But I want to be here with you.
- Eric Matthews: You're going to have a mom and a dad and a house with a big pool and a big sister and a dog... named Waldo.
- Tommy: I don't need a dog. I have you. Eric, I'm never going with anybody except you.
- Eric Matthews: I'm not going to adopt you, Tommy.
- Tommy: Why not?
- Eric Matthews: Because I'm not.
- Tommy: Yes, you are.
- Eric Matthews: Tommy. I'm not going to adopt you.
- Tommy: I don't like you anymore.
- Eric Matthews: [clearly hurt but holding his composure] I'm sorry to hear that, Tom.
- Tommy: And now I'm going to California to be with people who care about me.
- Eric Matthews: Good for you, Tommy. Good for you, man.
- [Eric leaves Tommy in his room and closes the door behind him. He looks at Mrs. Gallagher on the couch]
- Mrs. Gallagher: Good for you.