GUEST: Scott “Jim Hickam” Thomas

Elsie puts down her coffee cup, takes a breath, then talks to her sons.

“The doctor says there’s a chance your dad could lose his eye,” says Elsie. “He has to go to the hospital in Charleston, and Olga won’t pay for all of it.”

“I’m gonna go to the mine and ask Jake Mosby to sign me on,” says Jim Hickam.

“You can’t do that, Jim. You’ve got school!” says Elsie.

“Olga owns this house and half the furniture in it,” replies Jim.

“If you drop out, you’ll lose your scholarship,” says Homer.

“Homer, I’m the oldest. It’s my responsibility,” says Jim.

“I’ll work in the mine,” says Homer.

The company phone buzzes, and buzzes again. Elsie stands up, walks to the phone, and rips the phone cord out of the wall.

In This Episode

• Jake Gyllenhall as Homer Hickam
• Scott Thomas as Jim Hickam
• Natalie Canerday as Elsie Hickam