Scene: Luis and Miley talking
Miley: (strumming softly, humming the opening chords) “Just Breathe…” God, that Pearl Jam song hits different every time I cover it. The fragility of it, you know? Life is so damn short.
Luis: Exactly. That’s why I wanted to talk to you about it. The way you sing it… it’s raw. Joe heard your version and it wrecked him, Miley. He’s been in love with my cousin Nelly since they were kids. Like, proper childhood-sweetheart, never-got-over-it love.
Miley: (softly) Oh no… what happened?
Luis: Nelly has Cystic Fibrosis. She’s facing a lung transplant. The doctors have been straight with the family — it’s serious. Joe broke down crying in the Fatima church, just praying she wouldn’t die young. He’s terrified. The whole “Just Breathe” thing… it became their thing in his head. Every breath counts.
Miley: (eyes welling up) Jesus… that’s heartbreaking. No one should have to watch someone they love fight like that.
Luis: Yeah. And get this — back when they were younger and dumber, Joe used to smoke cigarettes with Nelly’s cousin Miguel Neves. They thought if they messed up their lungs too, they could “join her” in whatever she was facing. Stupid kid stuff, but it shows how deep it goes. He just wanted to share her pain any way he could.
Miley: (quiet for a moment) In the words of Bill Clinton… I feel your pain.
Luis: (nodding) Exactly. That song is perfect for moments like this. When breathing itself feels like a fight and a miracle at the same time.
