As Adult Sheldon (Jim Parsons) writes his memoir, he reflects on his last few days in Medford. While his family grapples with the loss of George, Sheldon prepares to move to California.
Quote from Adult Sheldon
[Adult Sheldon walks through his childhood home:]
Adult Sheldon: Eventually, my mom sold the house. My dad's chair was gone. My spot was gone. [sits down on couch] Where we ate together. But I can still remember it exactly the way it was the day I left for Caltech.
Missy: Hey.
[Young Sheldon turns around to face Missy]
Missy: What are you doing?
Sheldon: Taking it all in one last time, so I remember it when I'm older.
Missy: You gonna remember me?
Sheldon: I have an eidetic memory. I have no choice.
Missy: Ha.
Quote from Sheldon
Mary: Are you gonna go, too? I know you don't believe.
Sheldon: I don't. But I believe in you.
Mary: Thank you.
Quote from Pastor Jeff
Pastor Jeff: Okay, now our next baptism is for Sheldon Lee Cooper, our soon-to-be brother in Christ. And, personally, this is a big get for me.
Quote from Sheldon
Caltech Professor: You lost?
Sheldon: No. I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.
["Walk of Life" by Dire Straits plays]
Quote from Sheldon
Pastor Jeff: Sheldon, what you got there?
Sheldon: An IBM ThinkPad.
Pastor Jeff: Does that seem appropriate for church?
Sheldon: It's a miracle of technology. [stands up] Luddites, this is a portable computer. 50 megahertz of processing power, four megabytes of RAM. Behold and worship.
Adult Sheldon: What a mischievous imp I was.
Rubberband Man
The Spinners
Plays as Sheldon walks out dressed head-to-toe in protective gear for his baptism.
Walk of Life
Dire Straits
Plays as Sheldon walks across the Caltech campus after telling a professor, "I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be".
Adult Sheldon explains that it had been 27 days since his father’s funeral, and everybody was still out of sorts. As Sheldon and Missy eat breakfast at the table, Meemaw hovers in the kitchen. A smartly-dressed Mary comes in to tell the kids to finish up so they can head to church. Sheldon points out that they went to church on Wednesday and Thursday. “Isn’t that enough?”, Missy asks. Mary points out Jesus died for them, he didn’t ask if that was enough. As Mary walks away, Missy begs Meemaw to let them live with her. Meemaw assures them Mary will settle down over time. After Sheldon asks if they really have to go, Meemaw says yeah. “Ugh”, Sheldon complains. Adult Sheldon narrates, “Even as a child, I was always doing things to make other people happy.”
Some time in the future, Sheldon’s wife, Amy Farrah Fowler, interrupts him. “Doing things to make other people happy? You've got to be kidding me.”, she remarks. Sheldon tells her not to read over his shoulder. “Well, are you writing your memoir or a fantasy novel?”, Amy teases. Sheldon takes the opportunity to lecture Amy on the origin of the word “memoir”: “For your information, the word "memoir" comes from "memory," and these memories are mine.” Amy wants to know when he goes out of his way to make other people happy. “How about once a year on your birthday?”, Sheldon responds, with a nod to their annual coitus. Amy points out that when she was in labor, Sheldon Zoomed into a seminar. Sheldon retorts that he had already made his contribution to that project… on her birthday. Amy quips that she wants to dissect his brain to see what’s missing. “Or you'll find an all-new structure no one's ever seen before, an evolutionary leap forward.”, Sheldon suggests. Amy warns him not to push her, casually mentioning she has a bone saw. As she leaves, Sheldon remarks that, “All these years, and the passion is still there.”
At the church, Pastor Jeff asks his congregation to bow their heads in prayer. As Mary and the congregation bow their heads, Sheldon pulls something out of a bag. “What is that?”, Mary inquires. Sheldon explains it’s his new laptop - a graduation gift from Dr. Sturgis and Dr. Linkletter. Mary wonders what it’s doing in church. Sheldon points out this is where his lap is. Mary tells him to put it away. “Uh, Coopers? Is there an issue?”, Pastor Jeff asks of the commotion. An awkward Mary says, “No, no. Keep praying. We'll, uh, catch up.” Pastor Jeff asks Sheldon what he’s got there. An IBM Thinkpad, Sheldon explains. “Does that seem appropriate for church?”, Pastor Jeff asks. “It's a miracle of technology”, Sheldon says as he stands up to address the congregation. Sheldon holds the laptop in the air, exclaiming, “Luddites, this is a portable computer. 50 megahertz of processing power, four megabytes of RAM. Behold and worship.” “What a mischievous imp I was”, Adult Sheldon narrates.
Back in the future, Amy tells Sheldon it’s time to start getting ready. “Oh, hold on”, Sheldon replies, “Want to see something neat?” Amy quips that starting to get ready for his son's hockey game would be “neat”. Sheldon casually says he’s not going, before showing off his first laptop from 1994. “Terrific”, an unimpressed Amy responds sarcastically. Amy asks why he’s not going. Sheldon questions why he would want to see “children on skates hitting a rubber puck with a stick.” Amy reminds him that his son Leonard is one of those children. “This is why I wanted to wait until cloning was possible”, Sheldon argues. “Because the old-fashioned way got us a hockey player.” Amy orders Sheldon to get dressed. Sheldon insists he’s busy writing about his last few days in Texas before he went to Caltech. “It’s very emotional”, he claims. “I can see that.”, Amy says, unmoved. “Hit the showers”, she tells him sternly. “I'm right in the middle. Mom's going off the rails, I'm holding the whole family together. This is riveting stuff.”, Sheldon replies. Amy tells him she is leaving in an hour and he is coming with her. As she heads out of the room, Sheldon starts to cough. “Stop it. You are not sick.”, Amy tells him. Sheldon argues she can’t know that since she’s not that type of doctor.
When Meemaw returns to Dale’s house after visiting Mary, she finds Dale sitting on his couch in his underwear and strumming his guitar. “Is this what you do when I'm not here?”, she asks. Dale jokes that she could have walked in on a lot worse. When Dale asks how things are going “over there”, Meemaw responds that it’s about as good as you can hope. She admits she is worried about Mary, though. “Is she hitting the bottle?”, Dale asks. “Hitting the Bible. Hard.”, Meemaw replies. Dale doesn’t think that’s too bad, but Meemaw explains Mary is pushing away her children just when they need her most. Dale questions what Meemaw can do other than be there for them. Meemaw throws her arms up in exasperation, not knowing the answer. Dale mentions that when he was young and lost and mad at the world, picking up a guitar “kept me from going down a bad road.” Meemaw wonders if he’s suggesting that Sheldon and Missy form a band. “Worked for the Carpenters”, Dale retorts. Meemaw tells him to put some pants on. Dale plays his guitar and sings, ♪ I got no pants ♪ ♪ On my legs. ♪
As the Coopers, along with Mandy, eat dinner, Sheldon asks why there is still a placemat at the head of the table. “That's your father's seat”, Mary explains. Sheldon insensitively points out that their father isn’t here. “He's here in spirit”, Mary argues. As Sheldon refutes that with, “No, he’s not”, Missy tells him to shut up. Mandy tries to change the subject by complimenting Mary on the chicken. Mary admits they have the Colonel to thank for that, as she didn’t feel like cooking. “11 herbs and spices. It's a delicious mystery”, Georgie says. Sheldon asks Mandy if she changed the subject to fried chicken because his topic was awkward. “I did”, Mandy admits. “And is it awkward that I'm bringing it up again?”, Sheldon asks. “It’s getting there”, Mandy agrees. Sheldon doesn’t take the hint and continues, “It's not a magic chair, anyone can sit there, and even if spirits existed, which they don't, they can't call dibs on furniture.” Georgie asks his brother if he were to sit in their dad’s seat, would he stop talking about it? Sheldon supposes so. Georgie stands up, picks up his plate and drink, and walks up to the head of the table. After he places his plate down, he goes to grab the chair. “No”, Mary exclaims. “Don't do it”, Missy tells her brother. “Stop!”, Mandy says to her husband. Georgie breathes a sigh of relief, thanks them for intervening, and returns to his own seat.
As dinner continues, Mary tells the twins she’s been thinking about something important: she would like them to get baptized. Sheldon clears his throat and comments on the chicken, admitting to Mandy how he was switching the subject. Mary insists this is important; it’s about saving their souls. Sheldon says he’s not doing it. “Me either”, adds Missy. Georgie points out he did, saying it’s not a big deal. Mandy is surprised to hear that. Missy mentions Georgie got punched in the face after kissing a girl in the baptismal pool.. Georgie tries in vain to steer the conversation back to the chicken. Mary has had enough of changing the subject and is adamant the two of them are getting baptized. Mandy asks about the girl Georgie kissed, but Georgie is desperate to change the topic. Sheldon, unable to let a moment to share information go to waste, blurts out that her name was Veronica Duncan and Georgie was madly in love with her for years. “End of discussion”, Georgie insists. Missy says Veronica kind of looked like Mandy. “Except taller and younger”, a tactless Sheldon adds to agreement from Missy.
Later that night, Mandy finds Missy alone in the den with the TV on. When Mandy asks what she’s watching, Missy simply replies “nothing”. Mandy asks where Mary is. “Probably church, again”, Missy complains. Mandy realizes Mary has been a little extra… “Nutty?”, Missy offers. “Religious”, Mandy says. Missy explains how her mom dragged her to church three times this week. You know who goes to church on a Thursday? “Losers”, Missy claims. Mandy suggests they get out of the house and do something. Like what? “I don't know, something fun”, Mandy says. Missy perks up. “Can we go to a bar?” No. “Tattoo parlor?” No. Missy asks Mandy if she even knows what fun is anymore? “No”, Mandy concedes.
As Georgie takes a bag out to the trash can, he sees his mother crying in her prayer garden. Georgie asks if she’s all right. Mary, sniffling and wiping her eyes, explains that she’s just talking to God. “He say something to upset you? 'Cause I'll give him what for”, Georgie jokes. Mary snaps at him for being disrespectful. Georgie apologizes, saying he was just trying to cheer her up. Mary tells him that if he really wants to cheer her up, he could talk his brother and sister into getting baptized. Georgie reminds her he already told them he did it, but Mary argues he treated it like it was a joke. Growing more emotional,l Mary says, “Everyone in this family is treating it like it's a joke and it's not.” Georgie apologizes for interrupting and heads back inside, where he phones Meemaw and tells her he’s really worried about Mom.
As Mandy drives around the block with Missy, she tells her she’s really sorry for what Missy’s going through. “People keep saying they're sorry. It's so stupid.”, Missy complains. Mandy apologizes, then apologizes again for being another person saying they’re sorry. Mandy assures Missy she’s there for her if she needs anything. After all, they are sisters… in-law. “Anything? Like a dad who's not dead and a mom who's not crazy?”, Missy questions. Mandy insists that dealing with a crazy mom is something she’s familiar with. “I actually have the Girl Scout badge”, Mandy says with a laugh. Missy scoffs and explains she can’t talk to her mom about anything. “It's all about Jesus and God, and now, she wants me to get baptized”, Missy says. Mandy points out that Mary is going through a difficult time herself. Missy is unimpressed, so Mandy apologizes again. “Okay, that’s the last one, I promise,” she says, adding, “I’m sorry”, and a final “Sorry.” Missy just shakes her head.
Sheldon is taking down the posters from his bedroom wall and carefully packing them, along with his model trains. Mary comes to see him and asks what he’s doing. “Packing my things for California”, Sheldon replies. Mary is surprised he’s taking his “toy trains”. Sheldon insists, “They're not toys. They're historically accurate facsimiles.” Mary retorts that they go "woo woo" when you press the button. Sheldon concedes that they’re not joyless facsimiles. After Mary says she’ll see him later, Sheldon asks where she’s going. Mary replies that she’s going to the cemetery to visit his dad. She doesn’t suppose Sheldon would want to come with her. “He's not there”, Sheldon states bluntly. Mary knows he’s not there; he’s in heaven because he got baptized. “Hmm”, Sheldon considers, “Kudos on the rhetorical ambush.” He then questions why Mary’s going to the cemetery if George is in heaven. “Ha, gotcha”, he adds. Mary asks Sheldon what the harm is in getting baptized if he doesn’t believe. Sheldon doesn’t want to get in a big tub of un-chlorinated human filth, but Mary assures him that Peg washes it. And if that’s what’s holding him back, she will scrub it clean herself. “Mother, I can't be a hypocrite. This ritual is just superstitious nonsense to make you feel better.”, Sheldon declares. Mary then questions whether Sheldon packing all his belongings to take to California isn’t an act to make himself feel better. Sheldon is impressed. He scoffs and adds, “You are on your game today.” Mary asks if that means he’ll get baptized…
In the future, Adult Sheldon recounts, “I gazed lovingly at her. I thought about how much she had been through and how much this would mean to her and then I said... ‘Not a chance, lady.’” Sheldon presses enter on his keyboard and sits back, admiring his work. “Pulitzer”, he declares confidently. Amy enters the room wearing a hockey jersey and remarks that she thought he was taking a shower. “I thought I was, too, but the muse had other plans”, Sheldon replies. After he asks what she’s wearing, Amy explains it’s a hockey jersey and mentions she got one for him. Sheldon refuses to wear this “silly thing”. Amy reminds him that when they first met, all his clothes came from the comic book store. “And I'd still be wearing them if they hadn't mysteriously disappeared”, a clueless Sheldon responds. “Sheldon, I know you're not a fan of sports, but it would mean so much to Leonard to have his father in the stands supporting him.”, Amy argues. Sheldon insists Leonard knows he loves him, “despite his stupid hobby”. Amy corrects him, saying it’s not a hobby. “End of discussion”, Sheldon asserts, using his mother’s tactics. “Do not tell…” “End!”, Sheldon insists. Amy firmly tells Sheldon to go take a shower, “March your cute behind upstairs and get in that shower.” Sheldon agrees, but only because he’s a fan of hygiene.
At the cemetery, Meemaw finds Mary sitting by George’s grave. She has brought a bottle of beer for George, but Mary insists they don’t drink in heaven. Meemaw decides not to let it go to waste then and opens the beer for herself. Mary wonders how Meemaw knew she’d be there. Meemaw explains that Sheldon told her. “Oh”, Mary says, “I’m worried about him.” Meemaw tells Mary that Sheldon is worried about her, and admits she’s worried about her too. Mary insists she’s doing fine, adding, “Jesus is helping me through.” Meemaw doesn’t question that, but she does wonder why Mary’s not spending more time with her son, who’s leaving in a few days, or her daughter, who might be leaving now. Mary claims Missy’s doing okay. Meemaw disagrees, saying Missy isn’t, but Mary can’t see it because she’s spending all her time praying. “I'm praying for them”, Mary points out. Meemaw tells Mary the kids don’t need her prayers; they need their mother. “And I need to know that their souls are saved”, Mary replies. “I know that I'm not winning any popularity contests, but I'm gonna do whatever it takes to make sure that my kids are safe. In this life and the next.”, Mary argues. Meemaw really thought she was gonna turn Mary around. Mary says she’s on her game today; even Sheldon said so.
Sheldon is nearly finished packing up his room when Missy walks in. “It’s so empty”, she says. “I know you're eager to turn it into a ballet studio or... a gossip parlor or whatever it is girls your age enjoy”, Sheldon replies. Missy complains that everything is just so different lately. “Change is terrible. I've been saying it since I no longer fit in my high chair”, Sheldon responds. After Missy mentions they spent a lot of time in here, Sheldon agrees, “We did”.
When Meemaw stops by, she is pleased to see they’re both there. After she asks them to sit down, they both question why. “Sit!”, Meemaw orders. Once they sit down, Meemaw explains, “Listen, I talked to your mom about this baptism thing.” Missy wonders whether their grandmother got them out of it? “No, you need to do it”, Meemaw responds. “But it's against my well-established atheism”, Sheldon argues. Meemaw tells them it’s not about them; their mom needs this. “You can't make me”, Missy insists. Meemaw knows she can’t, but she gets emotional as she says, “I'm watching my daughter fall apart right now. So... I'm- I'm just asking for twenty minutes of your time. Please.” “Fine”, Missy relents. “Okay”, Sheldon agrees. Meemaw thanks them and makes her way out of the room. Missy says it’s weird when they cry. “I do not care for it”, Sheldon adds.
At the church, Meemaw, Dale, Mandy and Georgie sit in the front pew. In a back room, Pastor Jeff tells Sheldon and Missy this is where they can get changed. “Let’s just get this over with”, Missy says. Pastor Jeff mentions how sorry he is for their loss. “I know your dad is real proud of you right now”, he adds. “Our dad’s gone”, an emotional Missy responds, upset that yet another person is bringing it up. Missy scoffs, “Screw this”, and heads for the door. Mary reminds her she agreed to do this. “Yeah, well, I changed my mind. I'm going home”, Missy declares before leaving. An upset Mary stands in the doorway and turns back to Sheldon and Pastor Jeff. Jeff says he’ll give them a minute and leaves. Mary walks over to Sheldon. “Are you gonna go, too? I know you don't believe.”, Mary asks. “I don't. But I believe in you”, Sheldon tells his mother. Mary hugs him and says thank you.
In the church, Pastor Jeff announces that their next baptism is for Sheldon Lee Cooper. “And, personally, this is a big get for me”, Pastor Jeff boasts. “Sheldon, we're ready for you.” Sheldon emerges, covered head-to-toe in protective gear. He’s wearing yellow rubber boots, a full body suit, yellow rubber gloves, a life jacket, and a snorkel with goggles. As the family stares at Sheldon in horror, Dale puts his hand over his face. Sheldon gives his mother a thumbs up as he passes by. Mary simply smiles back. Georgie shares a puzzled look with Mandy. “What’s important is, he’s here”, Mary says to Meemaw.
As Amy sits at Sheldon’s desk, looking at his laptop, she exclaims, “Oh my.” Sheldon, now dressed, comes to the doorway and asks what she’s doing. Amy mentions that he never told her about his baptism. “Yes. And I got a pretty nasty ear infection for my troubles”, Sheldon replies. “And you went through with it just to please your mother”, she observes. “Well... she may not have understood me or the things I cared about...but she did everything she could for me”, Sheldon admits. He then adds, “My dad did, too,” as he glances at a photo on his desk of a younger him with his father. “That must've been great, having parents who supported you despite all your differences”, Amy reflects. “Oh. Yes. Looking back, that was... that was the ultimate gift”, Sheldon confirms. Amy closes Sheldon’s laptop and stands up to say, “Hey. Smartest man in the world. I brought you to the water. Take a freakin' sip.” Sheldon realizes she’s drawing a parallel between his childhood and their son Leonard’s. Sheldon acknowledges her point, but insists he’s not wearing a hockey jersey. Amy says that’s fine, but she points out it is cold there. “Fine. I'll wear it.”, Sheldon agrees. As they head out, Amy tells Sheldon that their daughter wants to take acting lessons. Sheldon groans, “I told you we never should've let Penny babysit.”
As he narrates, Adult Sheldon walks through his childhood home, which is empty of people but remains unchanged. “Eventually, my mom sold the house. My dad's chair was gone. My spot was gone. Where we ate together. But I can still remember it exactly the way it was the day I left for Caltech.” When Missy says “Hey”, it’s young Sheldon who turns to face her. “What are you doing?”, she asks. “Taking it all in one last time, so I remember it when I'm older”, Sheldon answers. “You gonna remember me?”, she wonders. “I have an eidetic memory. I have no choice”, Sheldon tells his sister. “Ha”, Missy responds and walks off.
At Caltech, Sheldon stands in front of the “California Institute oTechnology” sign. He is carrying a luggage case and has a messenger bag slung across his chest. A male professor stops and asks him if he’s lost. “No. I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be”, Sheldon replies confidently. As the professor continues on his way, Sheldon begins walking in the opposite direction.
